Tag Archives: Vacations

Boston Marathon Training – Week 5 (& Vacation Pics!)

18 Feb

WHEW another week of training is COMPLETE!

This week was a little tricky, because I went on vacation. I love to travel, and hate it when training gets in the way of enjoying my time. Therefore my policy is always to put fun first, and training second. I run when I can, and when I feel like it. And if it doesn’t happen, I don’t freak out.

That being said, I am shocked by how well I did!

  • 28 miles
  • 04:25 time
  • 3187 calories
  • 6 workouts

I started my week off Monday morning with spin and 4 miles on the treadmill. Tuesday was a 5 mile run with my friends.

Then vacation began. Oh happy day.

St. Petersburg beaches

St. Petersburg beaches

I started Wednesday morning with a 6 mile run along the palm tree lined roads, wearing a tank top. Wow, it was amazing.

I forgot what it felt like to run in the warm air, and I forgot how much I enjoy it (I say this now, but will surely be complaining come June, hehe)!

Selfie in the elevator.

Selfie in the elevator.

Thursday was an off day, and Friday was an easy run with Ramsey. Saturday was another off day.

Post run smiles.

Post run smiles.

By Sunday, I was SO ready for a longer run. I walked out the door, and decided I would run until I didn’t feel like it anymore or until I ran out of time.

I made it 10 miles before I had to get back to reality. It was a glorious, head clearing 10 miles. The perfect way to spend the last few hours of vacation.

My week was awesome, but this week I need to get serious and step up my mileage. I can’t wait to share my great week with you next Monday!

Below are some photos from my amazing trip. Enjoy!

Post massage relaxation.

Post massage relaxation.

After an incredible dinner in St. Pete's.

After an incredible dinner in St. Pete’s.

Valentine's Day breakfast

Valentine’s Day breakfast

mmmmmm

mmmmmm

Valentine dinner

Valentine dinner

Drinks at the Postcard Inn

Drinks at the Postcard Inn

We always find a photobooth.

We always find a photobooth.

Lounging. (A big thank you to my boyfriend for making me feel like a model in this photo!)

Lounging. (A big thank you to my boyfriend for making me feel like a model in this photo!)

Jump!

Jump!

He is so cute.

He is so cute.

I swear we have clothes on!

I swear we have clothes on!

Cheers!

Cheers!

Siesta Key.

Siesta Key.

Have a fabulous week, friends!!

xo,

Ali

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Marvelous Mondays – February 13th

13 Feb

Happy Monday!!!

How are ya? How was your weekend? Mine was super busy, but pretty darn good! I love starting my Monday’s by coming off a great weekend. It really helps me to set the tone for the week, and I have a feeling it is going to be a great week.

Here’s why:

Snow

Kansas City finally got its first real snow of the season. You would think we were experiencing the apocolypse by the way our newscasters were covering this 2 inch storm.

Most people around here hate snow, but I happen to really love it. I think it is pretty, and so relaxing to look at. It is not very conducive to outdoor running, but I was prepared and ran a rockin’ 5 miles yesterday.

The Bachelor

Tonight on the Bachelor, The other girls help Ben to see what’s up with Courtney. And from the previews it looks like he is semi-perceptive to the conversations.

Dear Ben, "Butt cuts" are not stylish or flattering. Why would ABC allow this 'do?

But let’s get real. Ben is a guy and will continue to think like a guy. Which means Courtney will stay. I am saying it right now…this B is going to win the show.

Valentines Day

I love love. And I have always been a fan of Valentines Day. Even though I won’t be with my special someone on Valentines Day, I still get to reflect on our love! (awwwww, so freaking cheesy).

It would be really awesome if someone bought me some candy hearts, because I won't buy them for myself, but I really want some.

VACATION

The most exciting thing happening this week is a little vacation! I finally get to see Zack (It’s been since Christmas) this weekend, and we are taking a little road trip from his home in Texas to Santa Fe.

In Santa Fe we plan to ski. I think it sounds like a blast, and I am trying not to remind myself (or my boyfriend) that I have not skied since the 7th Grade.

This should be interesting…but I was a pretty stellar skier in the 7th grade. I went down a green slope fast. Surely skiing is like riding bike and I will pick up those pizza stops in no time.

Runsploration

In Santa Fe, I plan to take a little Runsploration. I haven’t been on one of these since my marathon in Dallas, and I pray I don’t get lost (that happened in Chicago once).

I also pray that I can convince my boyfriend to come with me…but I doubt this will happen because he is not a “distance runner”. Whatever. He just thinks I will beat him.

 

What are you excited about this week? Have any ski tips for me, or need my address to send me some candy hearts?

Have a great week, friends!!

Ali

 

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A Fabulous Chicago Weekend!

21 Nov

First of all, I apologize for being away so long! Last week was quite busy at work, with running, and with life in general. But hey, I would much rather be busy than bored!

I just had a fabulous weekend in Chicago, and would love to tell you about it.

Saturday morning, my mom and I headed to Chicago from KC. My Aunt Holly was driving up from Louisville to meet us. We all arrived and got settled in around 11am. First stop would be eating (with a drink as well) at Frontera Grill.

Nothin like a little Mexican food! (And margs)

Following an amazing lunch, we hit Michigan Avenue and shopped. We shopped and shopped, and then it was time to get ready for dinner. Saturday night we had dinner at MK (my pick) and stuffed ourselves with some amazing food. If you are ever in Chicago, go to MK for dinner. And do the tasting menu with wine pairing, it made the dinner. Following dinner, it was time for bed!

How many wine glasses can you count?

 

Stuffed and happy

Sunday morning kicked off with a 5 mile run (for me). The weather was perfect and I was feeling great. I am pretty sure the Garmin was being funky though..because it read that I ran a 7:30 first mile. I mean, maybe I did – but after 5 glasses of wine the night before I wasn’t quite sure how the run would go! Halfway through the run I stopped and took some pics. They don’t do the city justice to how beautiful of a day it was.

Not sunny, but still lovely!

Following the run, we got ready and went to the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues. It was the best Church service I have ever been to – what an experience!!

Amen! They could sing.

The rest of Sunday was reserved for shopping. And boy did we shop. Most exciting purchases of the day included a Christmas outfit from Ann Taylor, two pairs of Tory flats from Bloomie’s and some great steals at Banana. Let’s just say that by the end of the day, my shopping high was through the roof. Seriously, it was hard to contain my excitement from the purchses!

Shopped till we dropped!

After a LONG day of shopping, we needed some Chicago style pizza at Giordano’s. And it was good.

Who wants to guess the calorie count?

Monday morning, it was time to leave. We had breakfast at Corner Bakery and made a last minute trip Nordstrom. I got quite the amazing Christmas gift there, but I can’t really talk about right now since it isn’t Christmas yet! I will give you hint though – PETA would not be happy with me. 

A 6 hour car ride, and we were back to Louisville. We have a full week ahead, full of Thanksgiving preparations. Running a marathon the weekend after Thanksgiving might not have been the best idea….But I will make it work!

I hope that everyone reading also had a fabulous weekend. I promise to be a much better blogger this week.

Until next time, xo!

Ali

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