Long Weekend Necessities: Bikini + Running Shoes

I finally made it to my family’s beach house in Belmar, NJ for the FIRST time this summer. I took a long weekend (Monday off, YES!) filled with perfecting my tan, running along the boardwalk, wearing a bikini for about 10 hours each day and not stressing about anything (well until I made the mistake of looking at my work email on Monday afternoon, ugh).

Commence, weekend perfection, pictorial style. 

Shark River Sunsets

Relaxing on the dock with a book + coffee = evening wind down

Back drop for morning workouts 

Views from a lounge chair 

Fully embracing wearing a bikini for the day. No pants FTW

Evening walks along the boardwalk

Super moon!

Our guests who seem to have taken up residence on our dock

Simple salads, and The Good Wife

Mulit colored sun rises. Leaving was so hard.

Treat Yourself Tuesday #4

In an effort to post something OTHER than just training updates...I thought I would link up with Becky yet again for another TYT!!! 

I have been making a VERY serious effort to put a lot more money in savings a lot less money into ME. I have two of my best friends weddings this fall, one of which I am a bridesmaid and practically every weekend have a baby shower, baptism, wedding shower, engagement...you get the picture. So a lot of money has been being spent (obviously all for good!) but still am managing to treat myself :) 

I think one of the best was heading back home to my parents. They are back from Florida for the summer (hello #snowbirds...) and have a house on the Jersey shore where we spent our summers and then one in Warren, NJ. I went back to Warren for some R&R and it was so needed! And seriously...I hadn't been there in almost 2 years (usually at the beach house when they are home) and isn't this just GORGEOUS!

Obviously there has also been some major World Cup fever going on - and I spent as much time as possible enjoying it! With some adult beverages to go along #obviously. I love the game (former soccer player) and also love getting behind the USA! Soccer was big at my college (University of Maryland) and we have a great representation on the national level so a lot of pride all around. 

I also had the UNFORTUNATE necessity of having to spend another impromptu evening away from home...which resulted in needing to purchase some workout gear. I must say I am really a fan of Old Navy for their active gear. Especially their tanks with built in bras! Love the back of the gray tank - yes that is a bra attached (and yes I get that only flies for us ladies with not huge chests). 

But the prize this week has to be my new pair of Nike shorts (this short is my favorite I think I own 5-6 pairs). Umm that pattern. Swoon. I went to pick up my 5K race bib and couldn't help myself! These are everything. And here's hoping they make me run fast.

And since it is hotter than hot and humid outside, I have heard watermelon juice is fantastic for recover (oh and DELICIOUS) so I have been guzzling this stuff - and its not too much of a burden that Juice Press delivers for free. #willrunforjuice

Overall a great week! Cheers to treating yourself!!!!

Treat Yourself Tuesday #3

It's about that time folks! Thanks to Becky for hosting each week, I have so much fun thinking back on all the ways big or small I have treated myself. 

Lately I have been trying ALL the classes due to the beauty of ClassPass! They had a special going on that if you purchased prior to Memorial Day then instead of the 10 classes per month - during summer it was unlimited classes per month! Best investment ever. And with the typical class anywhere from $25-35 in NYC - even going to a few a month is 100% worth the investment. So I have been trying to sign up for classes at all the studios I hear about. I will definitely share my thoughts on that in a later post. 

I then went on a little bit of a shopping spree. Loft kind of reeled me in at a week moment. Between upping my CC limit and having a zero balance on that card...I decided it was time to do some damage with the major sales going on. I made out like a bandit getting about $800 worth of clothing for a little over $200. Victory, right?

Then I realized my regular "commuting" black ballet flats were getting a bit rugged looking so I had to replace them...and unfortunately another pair of wedges found it's way to the cash register. Don't you hate when that happens?

My youngest sister who I was just visiting in Miami was up for the weekend so we had a really lovely sisters night (other sis lives in the city). She brought her pup up with her so HE got the pleasure of walking around NYC (and the luck of getting in to the city and off the train from Jersey a couple hours prior to the Rangers game...oh the craziness at MSG he was shell shocked!). So her pup met my sisters new pup and we had a great night of catching up, ordering tapas, drinking beers and obviously selfies for my Mom!

And finally with all these gorgeous days happening I've been treating myself to some ice cold brews. There are SO MANY new ones to try that I just can't help myself. And so refreshing especially after a hot hot run. Luckily this girls tolerance is pretty much zero so I am good with just indulging in one MAYBE a second but honestly I rarely finish it because the first one has me buzzed #cheapdate

And there we have it! I love TYT! Although mine are HOPEFULLY going to be a little bit less shopping heavy. I am in savings mode at the moment as I am planning a move and want some money in the bank! So I shall be getting a bit more creative in the treats which is also fun to remember it doesn't have to cost a lot to be a treat or special. 

Treat Yourself Tuesday #2

It's about that time folks! Thanks to Becky for hosting each week, I have so much fun thinking back on all the ways big or small I have treated myself. 

I was in Miami for vacation part of last week, so one of the biggest ways I treated myself was by slowing down and enjoying my time. I gave myself some very much deserved (if I do say so myself) R&R and while I was definitely active a lot I also indulged in the lounge chair poolside living life quite a bit ;)

I gave up coffee for the duration of the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge so I would be lying if I didn't say one of the first things I looked forward to was a trip to Starbucks - and the laughs at their attempt at my name. Never let's me down. 

I also spent some quality time with my Kindle and FINALLY had the time to read the last two books in the Hunger Games Trilogy. I was so sad to finish and it was nice to not have a movie to refer to for the final book! 

Something I have been eyeing FOREVER!!! OMG. I am obsessed with this now, and this blog. Do yourself a favor and get one, like, immediately. Veggie noodles for life.

And, last but not least. I am not one to shun a sale - my new shoe obsession the Saucony Kinvara 4 is a steal on amazon so I splurged for another pair. This shoe is fantastic. Light weight and breathable yet definitely has a lot of spring to it. I might just have to stockpile one more pair. There are SO many colors! #wantthemall 

I am planning on a post from my Miami trip - the best part may have been the food. All the seafood and all the deliciousness - was definitely some treating worthy of it's own post :) 

Weekend Perfection

Sometimes you need a weekend devoid of plans to recharge and regroup and feel refreshed once again.

There was a lot going on but I was pretty wiped out so played the non commital card to everything and glad that I didn't commit to any one plan.

Friday night I went out for an early dinner which was perfect because I was able to get back home and do some grocery shopping and still have plenty of time to unwind before going to bed.

I made a decision to not set any alarms for Saturday or Sunday and just let myself sleep and wake up when my body was ready.

This meant Saturday I "slept in" until the beautiful time of 9am.

In Hoboken it was the St. Patty's Day celebration. I had fully intended on participating but when I woke up I had absolutely no desire to rush myself to workout just so I could go out and day drink. I'm getting too old for those shenanigans and to go around and be a drunken mess is not exactly high on my list of priorities at this age.

Instead I enjoyed a relaxing morning of coffee and reading in bed and watching movies before heading to the gym to go get in 5 miles. (there was no way I was navigating the drunk crowds outside - which was sad because it was a really great day!)

For those 5 miles I eased in with 3 miles @ 9:30 and the final 2 miles @ 8:50. I was happy because the 8:50 felt comfortable. I am still concerned with where my speed will be at for the half on the 23rd but I'm chugging away at speed work and upping my easy pace slowly but surely. I'm just trying to be smart about my training and avoid injuries by over doing it. 

Saturday night included one of my favorite easy dinners to whip up:

Sauteed peppers and onions, fajita ground turkey, chobani and salsa over baby spinach. Delicious.

It seriously takes no time at all to make, and I just love it.

Saturday night also included me watching Breaking Dawn: Part 2. Yes I somehow got hooked on the Twilight Series and paid to watch this. Only somewhat ashamed in my choice of movies.

Sunday morning I woke up on my own early so hit the road for my long run right away before I had the time to talk myself out of running outside.

The verdict was 12 miles @ 9:45 pace. I was pretty happy with it. I have a lot on my mind these days and I definitely just zoned out during this run. The miles flew by and I wasn't in tune with my body like I usually am. It was just what I needed though, therapeutic miles, without trying to hit any sort of splits.

I was happy to have the run out of the way and then able to just sit back and relax for the remainder of Sunday.

I should also mention my new obsession:

Yes my name is Gianna and I am addicted to All Bran.

I randomly picked up All Bran the other day and well can't get enough. Although warning the fiber content on there is crazy so ummm proceed with caution if you know what I mean!

Overall this weekend played out perfectly. I am energized and have renewed mental focus. I was so drained after the past couple of crazy weeks and was getting too stressed out so completely changing the pace was just what the doctor ordered.

Here is to a great week!