KeyportFest 5K (Keyport, NJ)

It's been two weeks since #Keyport2Rook ended and I have been so busy with work that I never had time to recap what was a crazy race that had an awesome ending!

The KeyportFest 5K on September 24 was the first leg of the #Keyport2Rook adventure. 

There were mixed weather forecasts throughout the week and guess what Saturday brought?

Rain. And cold.

As you probably guessed, I was NOT prepared for either when I planned out my race outfit. Oh well. I didn't need to stay warm for too long, right?

I left my house around 7:30 that morning. Right after I stepped off my porch, I felt rain, so I went back in the house and grabbed a poncho. I knew that I didn't need to worry about staying warm so much as staying dry. If I let myself get too wet, then I would never warm up at all. 

After a 20ish minute drive, I got into Keyport, and was able to park only a short walk from the race area. I stayed in my car and in my Yankees pullover for as long as I could, because once I left the car, I would be down to the tank and poncho. This was not getting off to a great start at all. Still, I had the PR mentality running through my mind, hoping that the cool weather would work to my advantage.

The upside to this race was that it is a small one. There were only about 250 registered participants, so crowding would not be an issue as much as it would be the next day at the Rook Run. I also heard that the course was flat and the finish was along the water. Uh, we'll get to that in a bit...

Soon enough, it was time to head up to the start area on West Front Street. Since this was one of the main roads in town, it's kind of weird to see it shut down like that. Anyway, there was no start line or timing mat of any kind, so it would be "Clock time is my time" deal. I wasn't sure how this would go, but I was ready.

I was going to attempt to run in the poncho, since it was still raining a little bit when the race started. Worst case, I would take it off if it dried up or I just couldn't tolerate it anymore.

 

Well, here goes nothing!

After some last minute instructions and the national anthem, the air horn sounded and we were off!

The course is a 3.1 mile loop that started on West Front, and went up a bridge a little bit later. So much for totally flat. Still, I started strong and hit my first mile at 10:33! I knew that I would end up slowing down (of course), but this was the start I needed to boost my confidence and push for the PR!

I wasn't taking too many pictures as this was a PR attempt, so I knew I needed to focus on the running versus the picture taking. Still, I knew I had to snap a pic of the cemetery we went past. Hey, you can't say you run past too many of those, right? I hope?

As for the poncho? I made it just past the first mile with it. It was starting to stick, and I was literally ripping it off me. At that point, the rain was starting to break, and I knew I would be fine for the rest of the race. 

The halfway mark is on a section of the Henry Hudson Trail that lasts for about a half mile. The pavement was rough at that. I ended up pulling back because I knew I needed to stay smart too, since I had another race the next morning. 

Pulling back on the trail, along with another bridge, resulted in 11:49 for the second mile. Still on PR pace, but I knew I needed to negative split miles two and three, which I've only done once in a race (last year's Rook Run, which was a PR). 

Sure enough, I gave it everything I had, and my third mile was 11:35. I knew it would be cutting it close for the PR, so I sprinted all the way to the finish. I saw the clock at 34:15 or so, so I just BOLTED, and crossed the finish knowing I had the PR! I cut it super close (with my last glance of the clock saying 34:26), and had to wait for official results, but I knew I had it! I was feeling all the emotions, and all the cold...lol. My Garmin had me at 34:39 for 3.08, so I would just wait for the official results and see what happened. No matter what, this would be my fastest race of the year, and I gave it all I had, so I was happy with that.

There was an awesome surprise at the finish: medallions! There was no mention of them on the event page, just the shirts, so that made it even more awesome. I love when a 5K gives medals. Just another way to make the racers feel like cool kids...haha. ;-)

At the finish area, I met up with some of the Old Bridge Road Runners (one of the local running clubs I'm part of on Facebook). One of the best things about the running community is that no matter how fast or slow you are, we all celebrate just doing it! This group made me feel that, even if they cleaned house with the awards. =)

After a few minutes, I got to see my official time. I came in at 34:31 (11:07/mile)! It was only by TWO FREAKIN' SECONDS, but I got the PR! I was feeling everything at that point. I went into this race with the goal of the PR, and it was close, but I got it! Leg one of #Keyport2Rook was in the books with the ending I wanted! 

I hung out for the awards and raffles, which I got nothing in either, then headed to Dunkin' Donuts with some of the OBRR people for a much needed coffee. I went with hot since I wanted to get warm. I got a pic of my coffee and my medallion, which I shared on Monday for Medal Monday.

Eventually, we all parted, since some of them were running the Bronx Ten-Miler on Sunday while I had the second leg of #Keyport2Rook the next day: The Rook Run!

Before I left, I got a picture by the water with my medallion. It clearly shows that I was feeling all the emotion at that point.

 

The KeyportFest 5K is definitely a small town, no-frills race. The shirt was basic, the crowd is small, and the post-race is nothing fancy (just some light refreshments on folding tables by the water). Still for $20, with a finisher medallion, it was a nice race! I would love to come back, and just might if I am looking to PR again next fall. Just hope that the weather is a tad bit better!

#Keyport2Rook

After I finished #AP2TheLights back on August 13, the question that crossed my mind was "Would I do this again?"

The answer, "HELL YEAH!" I pushed myself and broke through big time that day. Of course, I didn't break any type of records, but I finished two races on the hottest day of the year. I enjoyed myself and it was awesome to do something that I never would have thought to do in the past. Plus, I had my friend Carol, one of my gym besties, with me for both too.

Since there aren't too many night races around here, a multi-race day will have to wait until next summer. But I am doing something ALMOST as cool next weekend: #Keyport2Rook!

I registered for The Rook Run 5K in Long Branch back in April. That race is on Sunday, September 25. My current PR is on that course, so I wanted to focus my energy on that race and another PR.

Until Keyport announced that the KeyportFest 5K would be on Saturday, September 24. I figured that I already did two races in ONE day, so I can totally do two races in TWO days, right? ;-)

Of course I can! I paid my $22 to enter KeyportFest, and now have my second multi-race weekend not just for the year, but EVER!

I know, nothing about this is normal, but when do I do anything by the book? Almost never. So I decided to make this another awesome race weekend! Hopefully, there will be MUCH lower temps that weekend. Racing with a triple digit heat index is not fun. Although I get bragging rights for finishing both...haha.

Here's the game plan:

KeyportFest 5K
This will be my FIFTH first-time race in 2016! CRAZY! I heard that this course is flat and shaded, with about half a mile on the Henry Hudson Trail and a waterfront finish. If conditions are near perfect, and a near perfect me shows up on race day, a PR is potential. The plan is for this to be the race where I actually race, and it will be a PR attempt.

Keyport to Long Branch
After some time to hang out at Keyport's post-race, it's time to hop in my car, cruise down 36 (since all the bennies will be gone) and hit up the Rook Coffee roastery in Long Branch to pick up my swag for Sunday. I already have the bib, but want to save time on Sunday. Plus, from past experience, race day pickup can be a little, um, insane.

Rook Run 5K
Ain't no party like a Rook Coffee party! Sunday will be the fun run. It will be all about soaking in the ocean views, high-fiving volunteers and spectators, and of course, enjoying some good coffee. I ran this last year and PR'd it, but this year, it will be about my time on the course, not just on the clock.

I can not wait for next weekend! I'm looking forward to an awesome weekend of running and making memories for the books (and the blog...lol). Hopefully, I can get a PR out of it, but either way, it is going to rock! 

Follow me on the socials (@Tradledee85 on Twitter and Instagram) and the hashtag #Keyport2Rook to check out the fun! 

Have YOU done a multi-race weekend?  

Eatontown 5K (Eatontown, NJ)

September is just FLYING by! Next weekend is another epic race weekend (#Keyport2Rook), and I'll post about that tomorrow, but I just wanted to give a quick recap of my last race on Labor Day in Eatontown.

After I finished #AP2TheLights on August 13, I decided I wanted to do another race before The Rook Run (and this was a bit before Keyport was thrown into the mix). Iron Girl was out, due to the $40 price tag this year. I searched the Jersey Shore Running Club's race calendar, and found the Eatontown 5K on Labor Day. $25, including a shirt and a pre and post-race in the Sheraton, which meant "real" bathrooms? Plus my first race on a holiday? Sold!

I realized that this was actually my TWENTIETH race ever. I never thought that I would race ONE 5K, and I was at 20 after four years! CRAZY!

As for my outfit, since we all know that's what matters most at these things (haha), I totally stole Carlee's Rock 'n Roll San Diego half marathon theme: pink and white. This was probably the easiest to put together, since I had everything already, except for the tank. Thanks to the interwebs, that was an easy and fast order.

I HAD to rep the crew while being my awesome sparkly self! ;-)

The race had a decent start time of 9:15, but I still wanted to get to the Sheraton early since check-in was only on race morning. Day of check in is not my fav, but whatever. I got not only the shirt, but a pint glass as well. Throw it with the Little Silver and Iron Girl ones: on my bookshelf never to be touched again. Anyway, after check in, I just tried to stay loose and hope that the wind wouldn't pick up at all. Hurricane Hermine was making somewhat of an impact on the Jersey Shore that weekend, and who knew what would happen on race day. I decided that I wouldn't go for the PR unless I was SUPER close to it, but thought that as long as I finished faster than I did in August, it would be a success. Temps were in the 60's and it was slightly overcast. Oh, and NO WIND! PERFECT running weather!

The 5K walkers went out first, at 8:45, followed by the one mile run at 9. Soon enough, it was go time for the 5K run!

The course was a partial out-and-back going along a main road and some residential areas. I don't have pics of the course this time, since there was really nothing interesting to take pics of. Well, not every race can be in Asbury Park. Haha.

For the billionth time, I went out too fast, and hit my first mile at about 10:40. I pulled it back, and just listened to my body. The goal for this race was not a PR, and I didn't want to make myself miserable the whole time.

My second mile was just over a minute slower, and I decided the goal was to negative split miles two and three. I did that, by about five seconds. Whatever. It's something, right?

One of the awesome perks of this race was hitting the water stop twice, since the course is a partial loop. The water was not in little Dixie cups, but mini Poland Spring bottles. First time I've ever had that at a race!

Next thing I knew, we were making our way back to the hotel and the finish! I sprinted at the end, and crossed the finish with a smile on my face. #20 was done!

My Garmin had me at 35:14 for exactly 3.1 miles, which was the first time I ever had exactly 3.1 for a race. The official time had me only a second slower. So I was off the PR by about 45 seconds. Not too shabby. I felt okay after the whole thing was said and done, and I had a good time, so I call it a win.

 I think I was happy with how I did. ;-)

As I mentioned earlier, the post-race was in the hotel as well. There was a full continental breakfast, and I took a mini bagel and orange juice, since I only need something small after a run. No chocolate milk, which made me a little sad, but it was fine. The spread was nice enough as is, so I couldn't complain. I hung out a little but for the awards and raffles, and didn't win anything, but it was still a nice morning.

Overall, I enjoyed this race. You can't beat the swag or atmosphere for the price! The course was a little quiet and boring at some parts, but not every race can be totally exciting. It was flat though, which is a huge plus. You bet I will be running this one again!

Twin Lights Twilight Run (Highlands, NJ)

The Twin Lights Twilight Run in Highlands was the second leg of the #AP2TheLights adventure. 

If you didn't read about our super hot morning in Asbury Park, then go and read that first here. I'll wait. *attempting to whistle*

Are you all caught up now? Okay, good. ;-)

Carol dropped me off at home around 10 that morning, and with just over eight hours until the second race, I had plenty of time to get bagels and coffee, rest, hydrate like it was going out of style, and watch the Yankees honor the 1996 World Series team. 

Time seemed to DRAG that afternoon! I'm not a huge fan of afternoon and evening races as is (The New Jersey Marathon 5K proved that), but given that I ran one 5K that day, my adrenaline was high already. Eventually, it was time to get changed into my outfit for race #2 and go!

I decided on this shirt since I knew a lot of heart would be carrying me to the finish of this race. 

This race was WAY WAY smaller than that morning. There were only about 50 runners that night. Can we say "Group run?" Carol, who teaches spin (That's actually how we met last year) actually said it would be like a big spin class. Sure, let's go with that...

There was no advance packet pick-up for this race, so I made my way down to Highlands early to get my shirt and bib. I got my stuff, went back to my car, and got a pic with both bibs from that day. 

The proof that I actually was in for two races in the same day. ;-)

The other way that this race would NOT be like this morning was that the elevation was totally different. Asbury Park was flat and the Twin Lights is actually on the highest point on the East Coast. Well, glad I wasn't planning on breaking any kind of records that night...

Carol came down a little while later, and had her husband and son with her. We went through the Twin Lights Museum, since we had time to kill before the race. Soon enough, we were back outside, got a run down of the course, and it was race time...again!

 

Ready as I'll ever be...again!

Honestly, I was in disbelief that I was actually crazy enough to do this again on the hottest day of the year. I was in disbelief that I was doing it period. Still, I knew that I had no real time goals for this race either. Just get out there, enjoy it, and cross the finish in one piece. Simple, right? ;-)

The course starts on a downhill with very uneven pavement, with the terrain eventually flattening out before climbing back up. Still, I knew that I needed to take advantage of the downhill (200+ foot drop within the first half mile) and work speed in when I could...because we would be going back up this same hill at the end of the race.

I worked speed alright. A little too much, actually. My first mile was the fastest of the day, at 10:17. Then it all went down from there. 

The course was a direct out and back, so I knew the turn around would be coming up soon, but it was at that point I realized that this was NOT a full 5K. My Garmin had me at the turn around at 1.48 or so. Great...

The heat was kicking my butt again and then some. It was actually hotter in the evening than it was that morning, if that is even possible. The heat index was still in the triple digits, and I was really glad I took my Nathan with me that night too. I needed it!

I decided to pull back and take pictures again. I mean, this may never happen again, so I decided to enjoy it, at least a little. 

 

Yeah, it was a little hot...

 Leftover decor from the Clamfest the previous weekend.

 How can you NOT love a view of the Atlantic Ocean during a race?

While crowd support was smaller than in Asbury Park, it was still awesome! The residents of Highlands were great for sitting out in the heat to cheer us on, have hoses, and there was even one house where they were giving out water bottles! I love when residents get into a race too. It meant so much that day!

The uphills killed me. I trained in the hills quite a bit, but I think coupled with the heat, it was almost too much. I kept trucking along, and soon enough, we were back at the the Twin Lights, and the finish line was near. 

I saw Carol and her family (She is just too fast for me!), and they cheered me as I came in. I sprinted for it, leaped over the finish, and was so happy! I ACTUALLY DID IT! TWO RACES IN ONE DAY! On the hottest day of the year too! 

After crossing the finish, I stopped my Garmin and saw that the actual distance was 2.95 miles. So the course was short. By a lot. But I finished and that's what counts. My unofficial time was 37:50 for the 2.95. Pace was in the 12:50's, but I didn't care. I was so happy and proud of myself for finishing what was the toughest race day of my life. I finished what I started. What could be better than that?

Carol and I met back up and hugged as we congratulated each other. This day was amazing and I probably couldn't have done it without her. I just met her last year, and she has become one of my best friends. Runners and spinners make the best friends! =)

We did it! Two races on the hottest day of the year! I was feeling ALL the emotions at this point. (Thanks Carol for the photo!)

Before I left, I got a picture jumping in front of the lighthouse. I was jumping for joy at how amazing this day was! 

This needs no caption. ;-) 

After I left, I made my way to my favorite restaurant for a pulled pork sandwich, grabbed a six pack of Sam Adams Porch Rocker, and went home to eat and enjoy a beer. I went to bed at 11:00 that night feeling super happy and proud of what I did that day. I never thought something like this was possible, and I made it reality! Thank you everyone for your love, thoughts, likes, comments on all my posts leading up to and on that day! It made it that much more awesome!

Asbury Park Sheehan Classic (Asbury Park, NJ)

It's been almost two weeks since #AP2TheLights, and I finally have time to recap it all! Well, that, and it took me over a week to process all the emotions. 

The Asbury Park Sheehan Classic was the first leg of this crazy adventure on August 13.

The race theme is tye-dye, but we all know I don't do anything by the book. ;-)

My friend Carol was awesome and let me ride down to Asbury with her that morning. Well, she's awesome for doing this with me anyway, but this made her double awesome. ;-) We left my house at 7:30, and got to Asbury about a half hour later. We picked up our shirts (Tye-dye for the win!), put them back in her car, went to the restroom in a hotel (Yay for a "real" bathroom), and made it to the start line pretty much right after the gun went off.

Oh yeah, did I mention that this was the hottest day of the year? Well, it was. Temps were well into the 80's, with heat index in the 90's. The forecast was high in the low to mid 90's, with heat index well into the triple digits. At that point, I decided all time goals were going out the window. The focus was to enjoy the race, take pics, and have enough left in the tank for the Twin Lights Run that night.

Carol and I split up at the start. She's a MUCH faster runner than me, and I didn't want to hold her back. I wasn't going for speed, but endurance, especially with the heat. I got a pre-race selfie, but had no time to post it that day, so you get a blog-sclusive. ;-)

It was hot already. This was going to be a rough 3.1, but that's what you get for running in August...

The course is a double loop, with a boardwalk finish. If it's one thing I did NOT focus on it was loop training. Can we say "Ugh?" Anyway, after I hit the start mat (which was almost 2:00 after the gun went off), I started my Garmin and it was go time at last!

My plan was to run as I felt comfortable, take pictures, enjoy the course, and finish in the upright position. I still went out a little too fast, with a first mile of 11:02. I should have paced it a little better, especially with the heat, but oh well. Live and (maybe) learn.

I did not negative split this race at all, as I was taking pictures and soaking it all in. Literally and figuratively. There were more people with hoses out than I've ever seen at a race, and there were water stops about every half mile. I took advantage of all of them, plus I was running with my Nathan handheld. I trained with it in the heat, so I learned my lesson from Union Beach, and raced with it. 

The first loop was done, and I saw chalk drawings from Lululemon in Shrewsbury, along with a "WTF? Where's the finish?" On the hottest day of the year, along with the double loop, I'm pretty sure this was the consensus. (Unfortunately, I did not get a pic of this. Fail.)

I hit my second mile in 12:28. This was where I started to pull back, partially because of the heat, but also because I knew I had another race to run in nine-ish hours. I just kept moving, knowing it would be over soon.

After a few more pics on the second loop, it was time to give it all I had to finish, Third mile was done in 13:14, which wasn't too bad given the picture stops and the heat kicking my butt. I still managed to pull out a sprint to the finish, and had the last tenth and change at 1:12. Race #1 of the day was done! My Garmin had me at 37:55 for 3.14 miles, but that had a lot to do with weaving in and out for the first half mile or so. Still, I was happy with that. I was WAY off a PR, but I wasn't in this to break any land records or anything. I had a good race given the conditions, and enjoyed the course. Loops aren't as bad as you think they are at first, plus the scenery was awesome!

Some of the musicians on the course. I was running at different points with one earbud so I could soak it all in!

 I tried to get a selfie with The Stone Pony Summer Stage, but it didn't happen. Next race, I guess. ;-)

After I got my medal and some water, I found Carol, who killed it and finished about 10 minutes ahead of me (I told you she was fast!), got a picture together (not the best), and made our way back to her car so we could head home and get ready for race #2: the Twin Lights Twilight Run!

One down, one to go! =)

The most awesome race shirt and bib ever! 

 

 Closeup of the finisher's medal!

I got my official time a few hours later. It was actually two seconds faster than my Garmin. I came in at 37:53 (12:12/mile). Not too bad given how hot it was and how many times I slowed down or stopped for pics. It's not always about MAKING good time, it's about HAVING a good time. It may have been hot, but I actually enjoyed this race!

Overall, I would give this race a 10 out of 10. It was super organized, awesome shirts, finisher's medals, and some of the best course support I've ever seen, both with volunteers and spectators. Plus, the course is flat, which is a plus! I will be back in 2017 for sure! 

Fitbloggin' 2016: Lessons Learned...and Relearned

Hey, everybody! I can't believe Fitbloggin' was already a month ago, and I'm JUST writing about it now! Since the conference was small, and others have done better about recapping it than I possibly could, I'll just leave you all with a few lessons I learned during the conference.

It's okay to NOT do everything.

This was a lesson I learned during my first Fitbloggin', and I kept to it this year. I went to a lot of the "big" events (keynote, morning panel, receptions), but as far as the sessions, I kept them to what I wanted the most. I took some time for myself too, and skipped one session for some downtime in the pool, and another to go to the NCAA Hall of Champions. Oh yeah, and skipping boot camp for a run on a too fancy for me treadmill. For my third conference, I did the least, but got the most out of it (except for being a consistent blogger apparently; that's still a work in progress).

Branching out is cool!

There were a lot of first-time attendees as well as vets to the conference. I decided to keep to my old friends for the first part, and spent the second half of the weekend with new peeps. I got the best of both worlds, and had a blast with people I may not have met or chatted with otherwise! Plus, I may not have had the best chicken Caesar salad ever! ;-)

Love myself where I'm at right now.

My journey has had a lot of ups and downs. I've struggled with self-love a lot, and one of the biggest takeaways was that I need to love myself as I am right now. I may not be perfect, but that's okay. At this point, I don't care what anyone else thinks (although there are some whose thoughts I need to take into consideration). I am the best version of ME, and as long as I love myself as I am, then that's all that matters.


I am NOT a dancer.

I do Zumba every year at Fitbloggin', and that meets my dance quota for the year. I have zero rhythm or coordination. I think I'll stick to running and spinning. They require none of the above. ;-)


Climbing ALL the stairs does not suck that much.  

After a 20+ minute wait for the elevator on Thursday night, David and I took the stairs back to our floors. I did 12 flights and he did 18. He's a stair racer, but I held my own with him! ;-) It was fine, and I got to my room faster than waiting for the elevator!  

Thanks David for letting me use the pic! ;-)

 
This year's conference may not have been the biggest, but I still loved every moment of it! It was awesome being among my tribe, and some of the best moments happened outside of the scheduled activities! I can not wait to do it all over again next year, whenever and wherever it may be! 

Playlist Thursday: Go For It

Hello, world! This month is already flying by! We're already halfway through August! CRAZY!

My split 10K, better known as #AP2TheLights is only TWO days away! So, I decided to throw together this awesome playlist of tunes that keep scream "Go for it!" All three will be on the iPod for Saturday, and I will be letting the iPod decide my race music since I got sick of putting together playlists. ;-) 

For those who are unfamiliar with Playlist Thursday (either through Pavey or myself), here's the format:

Something Old: Songs that are at least 5 years old. (I know that isn’t too long to be considered old, but music turnover happens quickly.) Something Current: Songs that have been released within the past year. Something to Consider: This is the wild card category. Feel free to list any song: old, current, guilty pleasure, underground, whatever.


Here's what I came up with:

Something Old

Song: We Weren't Born to Follow
Artist: Bon Jovi
Side Note: This song was on the album "The Circle," and was actually the 2009 World Series promo song. It has recently become one of my favorite songs to run to. The song is pretty much about doing what you think is right, no matter what anyone else thinks or what life seems to throw at you. I have recently started to come into my own, and plan on staying on that path. I was NOT born to be a follower! 
Quotable: When life is a bitter pill to swallow, you gotta hold on to what you believe. 

Something Current

Song: Iconic
Artist: Madonna feat. Chance the Rapper and Mike Tyson
Side Note: If you can get past the intro by Mike Tyson (which doesn't really bother me), this song is really awesome. This has a good electronic beat, and great lyrics. For me, I believe that this song is about showing the world what you're made of and being your own version of an icon. Otherwise, what's the point of life? 
Quotable: Just shine your light like a beautiful star.

Something to Consider

Song: Warrior
Artist: Havana Brown
Side Note: This song is amazing. It is one of my favorites, and I listen to it at least once a day. This song just screams " Fight on and kick ass!" Personally, I feel that one can never listen to too many songs about being your own version of awesome, and this is one of them.
Quotable: Gonna dance, dance, dance to the beat of my drum, like a warrior.

There you have it! I plan on making Saturday rock, and hope that these songs will be part of my races! No matter what, these songs have been awesome motivation for me!

August Goals!

Hi, everyone! I can't believe we're at AUGUST already! Where is 2016 going?! 

I decided that since the last few months have been going in a direction that has been less than stellar (nothing terrible, but not my best), I decided to get back to making monthly goals!

1) Read one book. I love reading and have found several self-help books that I want to read. This month, I decided on You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. Because who doesn't want that from life? 

2) Limit coffee out to three times a week. This has started to get out of control. Again. All those stops to Dunks and Rook (now that there's one so close), plus my Friday Starbucks run really add up. So it's time to rein it in! I'm not counting freebies into this total, since I have a few coming for my birthday, but it's time to limit the amount of coffee I drink out, which will help me drink less overall.

3) Eat more fruits and vegetables. This has been a downfall of mine forever. I haven't been eating the best, and it's time to eat more colorful again! I plan on making fruit my sweet treat, plus more veggies at dinner time. Hopefully, I'll start to feel better as a result.

4) Blog twice a week. One of the sessions I went to at Fitbloggin' was how to be a consistent blogger. I don't see myself as one of those people who blogs every day, as I simply don't have the time or a consistent schedule. I decided twice a week is a good start. I can come up with lots of stuff to write, especially with two races coming up!

5) Write down a daily positive. This is more for me than anything. I won't post this, but keep it in a journal and look back on it on the 31st and see that life isn't as bad as it seems.

As for a reward? A new Alex and Ani bracelet! I haven't bought any since Christmas. I'm due for a new piece. ;-) I was going to make it a Momentum bracelet, but decided on one as my reward for completing #AP2TheLights, which is the big goal for the month.

Have a happy August, everyone!