Christmas swag swap

Happy Wednesday people!

It's super crazy over here, I've got a week left of classes and about 10 big assignments due within that time so I'm tired and feeling stretched for time. I am super excited today though because I am participating in the December swag swap hosted by Keyona at skinny and delicious! (Hoping to link this later) the theme is Christmas and you get to fill a box for a fellow blogger assigned to you and do a secret Santa swap! I LOVE finding new bloggers and can't wait to get to know some of them from this awesome exchange! If your new to the blogging world like me this is a great way to branch out! Along with this Christmas theme, my boring/ simple decorations are up! I posted a picture of my tree but don't have much more besides that. We live in a small apartment but the location is worth the lack of space plus we don't want to commit to a house. I love my simple tree it makes the place homey!

The awesome top I ordered from shop Kiki la'rue came in this weekend! It is so comfy! It's called the mama Laughlin top and it has a super cute cutout in the back. I love tops that have fun backs on them. Pictures below!

In other news, I went shopping yesterday before work and got an amazing owl sweater! I am OBSESSED with cute owl stuff! Pictures coming soon! I apologize for the lack of photos but I will get on it soon along with hopefully a new layout. Yay!

How is your week going? What are you looking forward to?

Taber Turner

Why I run

Hey all,
So I started thinking about this blog and realized that at the point I started writing this I was already starting to enjoy running. I didn't tell you about why I started or how crappy it was for a long time. I started running because I saw all of these women whose blogs I read going from couch to half marathons. Regular people. I have about 30 lbs to lose,nothing compared to what some of these gals have done- but I'm not in shape or healthy. I got a blood test taken and the results scared me. I decided I could be a runner to. I needed to save my heart. My husband and I signed up for a half marathon to motivate me and he was able to not train at all coming from his army background. I worked my ass off. I will always remember my first run, I wanted to do 4 miles. I know kind of a big goal for the first time. I couldn't get there, I ran 3 miles in 1 hour! I knew I had my work cut out so I started running, 3-6 miles 4 days a week no matter how slow. I pushed through the slowness and the pain and pictured my goals. I wanted to love running so I can be the 70 year old kicking ass at half marathons. I've been running about 3 months now. I'm up to a 11 min mile average on longer runs and am enjoying running. I'm getting healthy and while I REALLY want to lose weight, I want to be healthy and strong first. I graduate college in 2 weeks and I'm going to kick it up in the working out schedule. For anyone considering running and doubting yourself- you can do it. I completed a half marathon after running 6 weeks. I'm a normal, semi unhealthy girl who wants a fitness lifestyle. I run because I want to inspire. I want to be a role model to my future kids and I want to be running when I'm old but have a healthy body. I am a runner.

What motivates you to run? What made you start?


Taber turner

Turkey day run and Black Friday

Hey all,

This week was SO busy! Wednesday I had to hit express for their 50% off sale to get an interview outfit for my job search. I also got the new iPhone because the button on my old one died. I got to hit the gym for an arms and abs workout but didn't run on Wednesday because I had the turkey day 5k the next day and really wanted to PR. Thursday morning the alarm went off at 630 am for the turkey day run. There was so many people there! Wow. It was tough to pass people to keep at a running pace. This was my best run EVER! I tried not to look at my pace on my Garmin but finally at .85 miles I looked and was running a 9:07 mile pace. My goal was a 10-12 minute mile. I was actually about to keep pace with that and fluctuated between 9:00-9:40 pace the entire time. I ended up finishing in 35 min and walked minimally. My shin splints are still rocking so it was slightly painful but I pushed through. I met my goal of finishing in under 40 minutes AND set a new pace record for myself. Yay. I can't wait to do some more races/ fun runs. The next run we are doing is a 10k mid December and I hope to PR for that as well. I also registered for my second half marathon. It isn't until June but its a big seller and the price increases after January. It's called the "see Jane run women's half marathon" and they serve champagne, chocolates and brunch after the run. I am super excited and hope I can fit in a few more halves before then.
Now onto Black Friday. On Thursday the hubs and I had 2 thanksgivings after the run- one with his family and one with mine. I don't like thanksgiving food much so lucky for me I think I lost more weight this week. We left my families thanksgiving around 1030 to try to hit target. Big mistake- the lines were so long to check out and we only had 4 items so we changed our mind and headed to the mall. My husband found some sweet deals for me for Christmas gifts, I got our parents gifts and I also am pretty much done shopping for my husband. I didn't pay full price fore anything. We also bought some DVDs and such online and are looking for a few more items on our list marked down for cyber Monday. It was exhausting and after being on my feet so much my legs and ankle are killing me. It's a bed and movies day for us. Since I got the new phone and haven't uploaded thanksgiving pictures, this post is picture free :( sorry but I will try to add some tomorrow.

How did your thanksgivings go? Did you go Black Friday shopping? Anyone else do some awesome runs?

Taber Turner

Weekly run recap

Hi everyone!
Another Monday in the books. I had classes today and then took my niece to her gymnastics class. For dinner I had pesto whole wheat pasta it was delicious. I was able to hit my goal for miles last week, 14 total. I got in a nice 4 miler before dinner at the in-laws on Saturday. I'm planning on some weight training and running tomorrow and am really looking forward to the turkey day 5k on thanksgiving morning! I haven't weighed yet this week but I did last week at the doctor and I am down 10 lbs. I did REALLY well on my eating last week and plan to do so again this week. Working out, healthy eating and homework are my priorities this week since I don't have classes. Only 2 weeks left of the semester! Yay then I am done for good. Hmm what to do next? The Hubs and I will be heading out for a little Black Friday Christmas shopping and getting and interview outfit for me. Looking forward to some good deals since I am not near my goal weight yet.
I got an amazing new running headband from BondiBands that is so soft and comfy. Go look and find some fun new bands for yourself!
Finally, if you haven't checked out this website, go to Kiki la' rue and look at their clothing items. I got a sick top from them that I stole from my favorite blogger ever Mama Laughlin. In fact, while your at it read her blog it will make your life better.

What are your plans for thanksgiving? Any runs planned? Where are your favorite places to buy running gear online?

Taber Turner

Weekly run re-cap

Hi everyone!
So normally I would be posting about my weekly runs on Monday's, but I didn't post yesterday because I had too much to do. Since my half marathon was last week, I had to heal up from it. I did get in 6 miles last week and am planning on 15 miles this week. I also did a super intense arm workout a few days ago and finally have a full range of motion back. I did OK on my eating this past week- not great, the Hubs and I were both run down from the half and having to go back to school all week so we ate a lot of "convenient food"like wheat noodles with pesto. I didn't gain any weight though, but I am hoping to lose more this week and next. Last night the Hubs made me a delicious dinner of grilled teriyaki chicken with brown rice. I am SO looking forward to next week with some time off from school. Yay! I could do without the holiday stress though. We are participating in a Turkey Trot run on Thanksgiving morning, and the time off will give me time to focus on my eating and running. In other news, I officially have shin splints- OUCH! I am hoping they don't last too long, and I am still pushing through them for shorter runs. Wish me luck!
Something I LOVE that other bloggers do is when the post their running playlists, because I am always in need of new workout music. So I will share with you my playlist from the half marathon.

Playlist:
1. Ghosts n Stuff- Deadmaus
2. Locked out of heaven- Bruno Mars
3. I Cry- Flo Rida
4. Dirty talk - Wynter Gordon
5. Without me - Eminem
6. My name is - eminem
7. Lose Yourself- Eminem
8. Sing for the moment- Eminem
9. Elenor Rigby- The beatles
10. I am the Walrus- The Beatles
11. We can work it out- The beatles
12. Carry on my wayward son - Kansas
13. Cashin' out- cash out
14. Lemme see- Usher
15. Va Va Voom- Nicki Minaj
16. scream my name- LMFAO
17. Sorry for party rocking - LMFAO
18. Champagne Showers - LMFAO
19. Hot thing- Usher
20. The Way I are- Timbaland
21. Carryout- Timbaland
22. Roses - Outkast
23. I want you Back- N'sync
24. Tearin up my heart- N'sync
25. Remember the name- Fort Minor
26. Twisted- usher
27. This Kiss- Carly Rae Jepson
28. Black Sheep- Gin wigmore

The entire Sons of Anarchy soundtrack is also on my playlist. It's great for outdoor running. I am always getting new music, so I will try to add my new playlists every month or so.

Any advice on shin splints? What worked for you? How is everyone's running going?

Taber Turner

Week recap

This week has been crazy busy! I have had work every day plus classes and assignments. On Wednesday, I wasn't going to be home until 9. My husband was texting me that he was playing video games but when I got home I saw that he had really cleaned our entire apartment and made me a bath with candles and wine. It was awesome. I love it when he cleans for me I always want to cry. He is amazing. I was able toget in some gym time though not as much as I would have liked but I have had no time this week. Also, I have had a lot of pain still healing from the half marathon. I injured my ankle a long while ago and it is acting up again after putting that length of stress on it so I haven't done a leg workout this week. I will hopefully get more workouts in tomorrow and Sunday and I will update you on my runs for this week on Monday! I am actually at work right now, so we have no big plans for the weekend other than some running and gym time for me. I cannot wait to sleep in tomorrow! I felt like I got hit by a truck when my alarm sounded this am. Boo. So sleep catch up this weekend! Happy Friday everyone!



Anyone have any fun weekend plans?
Advice for an ankle injury?

Taber turner

Mindless Monday

After running the half marathon this weekend, I was NOT looking forward to my 7:30 am wake up this morning. I survived the day though, and when I got home around 5 pm today my husband was waiting with some surprises. He had gotten me a new running belt to hold water bottles and snacks, and a running magazine, plus a 13.1 sticker. I was dying around mile 8 since I thought the race provided bananas at least and it turned out they didn't, so since I am already planning my next half marathon he bought me this to prepare me. I hate living in Idaho there are no long runs until March! I am going to look into maybe traveling somewhere. I didn't run today because I am still pretty sore and don't want to prolong the pain so I have a 3 miler scheduled for tomorrow along with some weight training. I am already excited to get back to training! How was everyone's Monday?

The 13.1 Sticker! Can't wait to earn more!

 My new running belt with water bottles, snacks and magazine!

Taber Turner

Half marathon and week update

Hi everyone!
So this week was very busy for me, Wednesday (halloween) I came home to a very sick puppy my chihuahua fenix wouldn't hold his eyes open and just wasn't himself. We rushed him to the only vet open past 5 pm on Halloween to find he had a fever. 105 bucks later we had antibiotics and he is now doing much better. Then I really wanted to see my niece and nephew trick or treat and we made it there just in time to see them on their last couple houses. They were adorable and hilarious.
Friday was my nephew James' birthday party so we went to his party and it was super cute and fun. My brother is a chef and made his famous Mac n cheese. It was amazing because I could actually eat it since I needed carbs for the half in the am. I got to meet a lot of fun people and spend time with my family but we headed home early to prep for our morning.

Now for the long part of this post- my first half marathon! I got to the race around 9 am armed with my homemade protein bars and a killer playlist. I had been prepping for it for about 6 weeks as much as I had time for. Usually running 5 days a week for an hour or hour and a half. The race started and I killed it up until mile 6-7 Ish. When I chose this one, the map didn't seem horrible but once we got going it was obvious there were TONS of hills. Another reason I chose this run was because it benefitted kidney disease, which is what my grandfather passed away from earlier this year. I started to feel the pain around mile 7 and that's when my mind started playing with me. I kept talking to my grandfather saying "please help me find the strength to continue this". He would have been so happy for me I just kept picturing what he would have told me during those harder moments. Mile 7-10 I was going pretty slow. I cried like 4 times. Partially because I couldn't believe I was actually going to finish and partially because when my body was at its limit I worried if I could push it past that to the end. I picked up my pace again after that and was able to do those last 3 miles in decent time. Those hills sucked a lot of energy from me. I finally had a breakthrough about how mental running really is, there were points when my body felt like it was going to completely fail but my mind allowed me to carry on. I'm really glad I did it, and feeling pretty badass that I finished it. Now my plan is to continue doing half training until spring and hopefully do a few more. The month of November I have a goal of running a total of 70 miles. I've already got 13 down!
Happy first week of November!

Taber Turner

The hubs and I pre- half marathon

 The hubs and I at my nephews birthday

 The hubs and I post-half marathon

 Me and my grandpa (Papo) at my wedding in June

   Me and my nephew James