Simple Goals for May

I set a few small goals for March, some I was sucessful with, some not. 
But I love the idea of goal setting, so here it goes for May:

Plan my Australia vacation
Continue sticking to the training plan for my marathon on June 22nd!
I have been told that I may be holding on to my weight for unhealthy reasons... think about that and focus on what I want long term when making food choices.
Drink a lemonade on the balcony.

Camelbak Dart 50oz.

 

 

After yesterday's 16 mile run, I can honestly give the Camelbak Dart 50oz two thumbs up - it covers everything on my ‘must do’ list, so I thought I would share!  :)

My favorite features:
Left side front pocket - let’s be honest, the twin front pocket styles of hydration packs are not designed for or flatering on girls with my shape. This pack has just one pocket, which is spacious (yesterday I kept a GU, my cell phone and a tissue in there) secure (nothing fell out, even while I was stretching), and placed to the side.
Easy access pocket at the bottom of the pack - I stored my back up gels here and was able to reach them while running/walking without taking off the pack.
Separate pocket and clip for my keys - there is a key clip and two mesh pockets on the top pocket. Perfect for my ID, credit card, a little cash, my bus pass and keys.
Adjustable while running - I have found it easy to tighten or adjust straps while running, and really have found this pack to fit well. It stays in place and doesn’t swish back and forth on my back while running. I also haven’t had any problems with it causing my shirt to move around.

The cons - the only bad thing I could say about this pack is that the guy at the running store said that anytime you carry water on your back or hips you are changing your gate.  I have noticed this a little bit, and to me it just feels a little like using new muscles which is something that I will get used to, but I would not recommend adding a hydration pack just before race day for this reason.

And I have to say that it is still cool here, I haven’t tested the chaffing issue with a tank top yet. :)

Week 17

Bad week, bad long run.
But you know what?  I got through it.
Lots of biking this week, read books on Australia which encouraged dreams of vacation.
Next week the condo goes on the market - eek!

Week 16

Let's see....
This week I bought my airline tickets to Australia,  finally found a hydration pack that I like (love!), ran some miles in my favorite race shirt for Boston, and  hung out with a very good friend and her family for some R&R.
This week I tried to work on refueling/rehydrating - after last weeks long run I felt nauseous, and as the guy at the running store said 'after 10 miles you start to FEEL things'.  Some good, some bad, but I will get through them all.

Week 15

Week 7 of marathon training,  was all about running, weight lifting, and getting fit!
Bring it on week 8, I am ready!

Week 14

It is a weird thing, coming home from another country.  Wanting to sleep, needing to catch up with work and home, but just really wanting to sleep.

I also made a video of our trip to Ireland - check it out here:

Hillwalk">http://vimeo.com/63493601">Hillwalk Ireland trip 2013

from coffeeintherainhttp://vimeo.com/user12130362">coffeeintherain> on Vimeo.https://vimeo.com">Vimeo.>

Week 13 - IRELAND!

I am a wee bit late in posting week 13!

Seattle to Paris to Dublin, found Heather and our hotel.  Lights that require the room key to turn on, outlets that have a switch, and an extra button for hot water.  Bland fish and chips (the best in the world needs a lesson from my Mom), guinness and music in a pub to celebrate Heather's birthday.  Freezing winds and SNOW!  Train to Belfast, Ballymoney, bus to Ballycastle.  We made it!    Fairhead in the snow and mud, what an adventure!  Rathlin Island, seeing the Guillimots two days after they landed and before the visitor center even opened,  an unofficial tour of an upside down red lighthouse,  and discovering a closed cafe open!  Dinner three nights in the same place (they lured us in with the fireplace), learning that a full Irish breakfast includes baked beans and mushrooms,  missing salads and fruit. 
Friday hiking through the woods to Ballintoy and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.  Biting winds, and beautiful coastline, fun Irish couples, and B&B that was once the police station!  Every B&B owner in northern Ireland seems to be a grandmother - they are all so sweet!