Friday before the race Beckett headed up to the city to check out the Nike Woman's Half Marathon Expotique in Union Square. I had already gotten my packet, so we didn't technically have to go, but I am so glad we did!

The tent took over all of Union Square. It was so cool to see so many women ready to race!

 Niketown prints all the runners names on their store window, so I was so excited to see my name up there. Something about seeing my name up there with 25,000 other runners made it so real and exciting!

SO. MANY. NAMES.

 The expotique was so fun. It was smaller then I imagined, but then again it was Nike event, so there wasn't any other sports vendors there. 

I got an airbrush tattoo, and my BMI checked. And no i'm not sharing the results ;)

 Snacked on a YUMMY cupcake from Whole Foods.

Played in the photo book with Beckett.

Made fun cheer posters.

Signed the inspiration wall.. which was later on the course!

 I'm so glad I went.I left totally inspired and fired up. Nike does a hell of a job getting everyone excited. The positive energy was contagious!

Stay tuned for my race recap!

Why I'm Running a Half Marathon

There is always a reason behind every decision, and the decision to run a half marathon was no different. Especially when you choose to run one 8 months after you have a baby. And, no, I haven't lost my mind!
I remember sitting on the couch looking at races when I signed up for the 10K talking to CL about how it would be a great way to get back in shape post baby. He agreed. He also liked that it wasn't a monthly gym membership, yoga, spin, or barre classes. (Although for the record, I love my yoga classes!)
When I started training for the 10K (that sounds so lame now, but yes, you have to train for 1 mile, 2 miles, a 5K and beyond) I was looking at my training app and it had me running 10 miles for conditioning. I was like, "Well if I have to run 10 miles, what is 3.1 more on top of that? I should just run a half marathon". And that's how it started.
I was literally in the movie theater with my friend Ashley when registration opened for the lottery for the Nike Women's Half Marathon. I called CL and had him register me, like it was no big deal. People try for YEARS to get into this race. I was safe, there was no way my number was going to get picked! 
Time went on, and I honestly didn't think about it. Then I got the email. My heart sank, my palms started sweating, and my bank account was $187 lighter. CRAP. I was running a half marathon.

So that's the how, but why did I choose running as my way to get back in shape? It's free. It's a mood booster. It gives you energy. It helps with self esteem. It burns a lot of calories AND boosts creativity. Plus I had a lot of motivation!

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My Son. I want to show him that you can set any goal and reach it. My journey hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it. I also want to show him that a healthy lifestyle is attainable at any stage of life. 

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To prove to myself that I was strong enough to do it. After running 10 miles (continuously) I never felt stronger, weaker, prouder and more tired then I had in my entire life (giving birth included!)

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To prove to everyone else that I could do it. All the girls in junior high that bullied me. All the girls that never included me in high school. All the girls that I wasn't accepted by in college. And all the girls that think i'm invisible post college, you are all my motivation. I am a woman of worth, and I don't have to prove it to anyone anymore. I have a wonderful man that loves me, a beautiful baby boy, and a wonderful family. That's enough for me! 

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To get healthy. Mentally and physically. Yeah losing weight is great (i've lost 4 pant sizes to date), but being mentally healthy is also a great perk of running. For the physical I had a huge motivator- I had gestational diabetes (surprise!) while I was pregnant with Beckett (For all you out there, being overweight is a factor, but skinny bitches get it too! But it was caught early, early, early in my pregnancy so we were able to be very proactive about it! My fasting was high, but everything else was normal. I did have to take insulin shots, though. IT WAS NOT THAT BAD.) Getting my health under control was top priority, so this was a great way to help lessen any later risks! As for mental health, dealing with the stresses of being a new mom, life, finances, being away from family, and having a very small circle of friends is very rough. But my runs everyday (well almost every day) allow me to clear my head. Postpartum depression is no joke, and exercise is a great way to run those demons away! (For the record, I was never diagnosed with PPD, but i'm pretty sure every new mom deals with some depression/ anxiety and I was no different)

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To say I did it. Yeah, I know, not the greatest of motivators, but in a couple days i'll forever be able to say I ran a half marathon. And to me that's pretty impressive.

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So, today Beckett and I are off the the Nike Women's Marathon Expotique to get pumped up for the race on Sunday I doubt he's as excited to go as I am, but he's coming anyways! He's part of my 'why' I run-what's yours? 

#WeRunSF Training Weeks 7-12

Wow, I literally cannot believe it's finally race week! It seems like yesterday I registered for the race, and now it's here! I'm anxious, excited, nervous, doubtful, positive, and every other emotion in between!
Here's how the last of my training went!
8 Miles became easy. I've run a few 8 mile runs and they seem to be my sweet spot as far as mileage goes. Not too long, but just right! Nike even featured one of my photos on their facebook! So cool!

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 I finally conquered 10 miles. It was long, and hard, but I did it. I had a really bad recovery that really threw me for a loop. I mean it was BAD. It completely broke my spirit and I didn't run after that for almost a week. CL convinced me that I had worked too hard and come too far to give up and to just go out and run a 5k, alone with no music just to get back in it. So I did. And I ran my fastest 5K time to date. 

 I also ran 100+ miles since my training started. I know that seems like nothing for someone training for a half marathon, but for me, it was big time.. 100 miles over a few months?! CRAZY!

I've been keeping up with my training runs as best I could, but taking it easy. Being a full time Mom and still breast feeding is hard enough, but training for something like this on top of that is really hard. 

 I ran my first 10K race (recap here!) and set personal records for my mile, 5K and 10K times!

I also joined in on 2 runs with the Nike Stanford store, and I am SO thankful I did! Not only was I able to run out my nerves that have completely paralyzed me (no joke, i'm waking up in the middle of the night in cold sweats!) I also met some really great, inspiring women (and men!)! Nike really goes above and beyond when it comes to group runs. There's lots of pacers, water, and breakfast after! Plus, everyone is so positive and encouraging! 

me, on the Stanford Track reppin' my Baylor gear. Sic 'Em! 

 I was lucky to befriend Lauren of Lauren Lives Healthy. She is running her 2nd Nike Women's Half. She was really sweet and had a lot of tips and insight to the race! Hopefully we bump into each other again either at the race or out and about! You should check her blog out too! Lots of good, healthy tips! (It's linked above!)

Me, Rachel and Lauren!
Thanks Lauren for the pic!

I also met and befriended the Banarang Runners. Yes. Like in Hook. All I kept saying in my head was 'Rufiooooooo' haha! I actually got lost with one girl (Yo Edronda!) during our run (uh Pacers where ya at?!). They were SO nice and even invited me to come run with them! It was so nice to be welcomed into such a supportive running community! I hope I run into them at the race Sunday! If not good luck!!
Rachel from Nike (check out her blog here!) also gave me lots of tips and was so nice and inspirational! She's a baller and is competing in an iron man next month! She paced us on Saturday and on Sunday and totally helped get me into the mindset I've so badly needed to get into! We literally hugged it out before I left on Sunday! 
Since we did a run with Nike on Sunday, we gained access to early, early packet pickup, so I was able to get my packet before the masses did on early pick up at Stanford Nike on Sunday.. a 4.9 mile run, and skip the line? Sounds good to me! And it was totally worth it.. the line was SO long by 9:25am. I literally walked to the front and got my packet within minutes and got early access to the store to pick up my shirt and buy any other race merch that I wanted (I got a hat!).

I've got a few short runs the rest of this week, then it's game time! I can't believe its time to run the half already! Ahh!

My Favorite Run Essentials

Like any girl, the goodies you need for anything, even running, is the best part! Here are some of my running essentials!

1. Nike LunarGlide+5 running shoes. These aren't the latest LunarGlides, but you can still get them at Macys Finish Line here. After my initial running mishap (you know this one), these are the shoes that changed my life. They're light, comfortable and give me the support I needed. I've already purchased a back up pair I love them so much. PS Nike people, feel free to send me the old San Fran Tiffany blue LunarGlide5s if you are reading this! I can't wear this years shoe :( 
2. Fila Sport Running tights. Im super picky about what kind of gear I use, and I LOVE Fila's tights. They have a wide band so they stay put, and most of them have little pockets for your keys, phone, ID, etc. Plus, Kohls always has great deals on them! I got these for the half and I can't wait to wear them! I also have a grey pair, a black on black cheetah print, and a geometric print pair! They last forever and don't show wear and tear!
3. 'Incredible' by Victoria's Secret Sport. I received one of these bras from Influenster (read about it here!) and loved it so much I went and bought a 2nd one.. and now a 3rd, but in a smaller (!) size. This bra is extremely supportive, comfortable, it breathes well, and it holds the girls up! I also got a 'Knockout' bra and it is just as great, it just doesn't have the padded cup like the 'Incredible'.
4. Lululemon Fly Away Tamer Headband. As much as I loathe Lululemon, this is by far the best headband i've found. I have 2 (both I got on sale) and they are great. They stay put and keep my hair back, which after 8+miles is quite a feat! It's made of a wicking fabric which keeps the sweat and moisture off your face, which is a plus!
5.  Belkin Ease-Fit Armband for iPhone 5/5S/5C. I used to run with my phone in my pants pocket, but recently upgraded to this arm band, and honestly, I don't know why I waited so long! Easy to wear, easy to use, and easy to clean, this slim fit arm band is the perfect addition to my runs! Plus it's a lot easier to change songs on your arm then it is to dig your phone out of your pocket! And plus? The grey one that I have is on sale for $9.99 right now! 
6. Sony Fashion Earbuds (in pink!) CL got these for me as part of my Christmas stocking gifts last year and for the first time, ever, we found a pair of earbuds that not only stay in my ears, but work great! I've had zero problems with them, and the sound is quality- I mean, they're Sony afterall! I do take care of them (clean them off after a run!) and they have lasted for almost a year! Plus they come in fun colors, and they're $10! Just proof that you don't have to spend a ton on ear buds for a great pair!
What are some of your favorite run essentials?!

My Top 10 Run Mix

Having been training for a 10K and half marathon simultaneously, a great playlist is my new best friend. No joke. Good music can literally boost your spirit and kick you into gear with just a few seconds of a good beat. There have been many a days where I felt like I just couldn't go on, and BAM! A good song comes on and it's like I own the world!
Here are my top 10 favorite songs to run to!
Matt & Kim - 'Don't Slow Down' After a little research, Kim is actually a runner (and a drummer), so it's no surprise that all their music has killer beats! It really helps pace me, which is awesome!
The Downtown Fiction -  'I Just Wanna Run' This little gem comes on periodically on my Pandora Sketchers 5k channel, and it is surprisingly motivational. we all run for a reason, and this one always reminds me why Im out there hitting the pavement!
Eminem - 'Lose Yourself' I know, so 9 mile of me, but man, does this get me pumped. Another reminder of why I'm out there. Sometimes clearing your mind really helps you lose yourself in your runs. 
House of Pain - 'Jump Around' Any Baylor Football fan gets totally pumped when they hear this, and it brings back such great memories, so it helps pass the time!
LCD Soundsystem - 'Daft Punk is Playing at My House' This song has a killer beat, and makes you want to dance a little.. which comes in handy after mile 8 when the last thing you want to do is keep running ;)
David Guetta Feat. Akon - 'Sexy Bitch' or 'Sexy Chick' There's some discrepancy on the actual name of the song lol Yeah Yeah I know, Im not into EDM, but this is one of those songs that puts a little pep in your step!
Foster the People - 'Don't Stop (Color on The Walls) A little slower, more mellow, but has a great beat to pace yourself to! Good for hills too!
Havana Brown - 'We Run The Night (Feat. Pitbull) There isn't much to say about this song, other than I really like it and makes me dance a little when Im running! Im not one that usually likes this club music, but something about this song gets me in a good groove!
Carrie Underwood - 'Good Girl' I just love Carrie Underwood and this song makes you feel like such a hard ass, that it's no big deal that its a country song. Who says you can't work out to country?!
Cascada - 'Evacuate the Dancefloor' Ya'll. This is my absolute favorite song, ever, to run to. I have no idea why, but when it comes on, it energizes me every. single. time. I literally lose myself in the music and have a little dance party in my head. ha!
Those are my 10 favorite songs to run to- what are some of yours? I'd love to add some new tunes to the mix!