Half way through the year! And I am having fun!

It is official!  I have made it half way through the year (26 weeks) running at least three days a week!  So far my minimum distance has been 2 miles (yes, I know I originally said I would not have a minimum distance).  I think I am going to try and up that distance for the second half of the year.  My first run this week has been a distance of 4 miles, so it will be either 4 or 3 miles.  We shall see.

I have not been blogging, because I have been working like crazy on my candidacy.  I FINALLY came up with a new idea that my adviser approved.  Now I really am trying to get as much work done on it as possible.  While that has caused my blogging to take a back seat, that does not mean I am not working out.  I am still keeping up with the 30 day yoga challenge, with a minimum of 10 minutes of yoga a day.  I am loving how yoga is transforming my body.  It makes me feel wonderful!

In fact, I started today off with a hot power yoga class with Ashley.  Then we went for a 4 mile run (in 43:39) followed by an AMAZING vegan lunch at Infusion Tea.  I decided to order what Ashley was having, because she said it was great, and boy was she right!  I had the pesto panini and Milton special salad along with the passion tea.  Then I ordered a hot soy chai tea to go.  I am in love with Infusion Tea.  I have seen so many bloggers post about it, but I did not know where it was until last week when I ran with Ashley through the downtown area.  We ran past it, and I said, "Oh, that's where that place is!"  That run took place last Monday (28th), and we did 4 miles in 44:10 (right after Ashley came from a yoga class).  She is really awesome to run with.  I'm always having so much fun that I forget I'm running.  The yoga class I went to this morning was at Orlando Power Yoga.  I left the class feeling wonderful, but in a different way than I did from the Guruv yoga class.  In the Guruv class I feel like my head is more clear, but in the OPY class I feel more at ease about being a beginner.  I will have to continue trying them both, because they both left me feeling wonderful.

I did not need it, but the tea timer was just adorable.

 

I also had a two mile run with Caitlin on the 29th (21:11), which was actually cut short by me because my foot was really hurting.  I had been fighting a horrible pain in my left foot in the arch and ball of my foot.  That night I called one of my uncles who is a podiatrist.  I described my foot pain, and he didn't seem to think it was anything to be too concerned about.  He told me to take an Aleve twice a day and get more arch support for my shoes.  The next morning I purchased Aleve and some arch support for my work shoes, and I immediately felt a difference.  That night I went to my second hot yoga class at Guruv.  I LOVE THAT PLACE!  While I was not able to do every pose, because of my foot, I still left completely sweaty and feeling 100% refreshed.  I wanted to take it easy on my foot, since my marathon training will be starting very soon.  I decided not to run again until the end of the week.  That resulted in my waking up at 5:30 am on Saturday to get in a quick 2 miles (20:36) before going to help Caitlin move.  The move went well, and Caitlin's parents were so kind and bought us all lunch and pizza for dinner.  The pizza was 30" in diameter!  I have never seen a pizza so large!  I had to take a picture to show you all.

My old roommate and original running partner was in town for the 4th of July weekend.  We got together for dinner on Thursday and again met up with her over the weekend.  I was super jealous when I heard she was taking ballroom dancing classes.  How cool is that?!  She is doing wonderful, and it was really great to see her again.  I miss her.

And finally, last weekend Chris and I went to check out a local restaurant called CRAVE.  The following is listed right on their menu:

We support locally owned, independently operated farms and businesses. All of our meat is either 100% natural or free range raised. We strive to source all natural or organic produce, dairy and coffee. Our dressings and sauces are made from scratch on premises. We use only the highest quality and freshest ingredients available.

I had a delicious burger, and we both tried one of their shot glass desserts (mine was chocolate and Chris's was keylime).  We also shared a drink.  I definitely enjoyed the food and the ambiance, and I look forward to trying something else on the menu next time.

Me and Chris <3

The new haircut.  It's shorter.  Not sure I like it.

I apologize for such a jumbled blog, and I hope that you all are doing well.  Have a wonderful week, and Happy Late 4th of July!

P.S.  Happy Birthday Grandma (4th), Uncle Dennis (5th) and Mom (6th)!