Hooray! One more thing to check off my bucket list of things to complete before Beckett turns 1!

Yesterday, I ran in my first 10K race!  Even though i've run much longer distances in my training runs, this was the first time in a 'race' environment. I've done 5Ks but the last one was kind of a fun run thing, so there weren't any nerves, plus my Mom was there with me, so I wasn't nervous. This time, it was just me and 1,000s of other people.

Unfortunately due to life I hadn't run in a few days (or a week) so I was a  little apprehensive about completing the race in a good time, but boy was I wrong!
We got up bright and early and headed downtown. CL, Beckett and my MIL dropped me off so I had some time to walk out my nerves and get to my corral.. (side note.. I screwed up my registration and got out in corral 1 with the elite/ olympic runners! haha. So yeah, I decided to scoot back a few and ended up in corral 4)

The run started and I got to see CL, Beckett and my MIL right after crossing the start line! They were cheering me on, and off I went. The route lead us all through downtown, which was cool, but there was no breeze and it was 'hot' for San Jose. 
I was keeping pace with the runners around me, which was cool because I ran a 10:49 mile for the first two miles, but it came to bite me in the ass because by mile 4 I was exhausted! I'm not that fast  normally and it was really hard to slow down!
The bands along the course were actually pretty good and it broke up all the running, so that was nice!

I finished and was able to see everyone again right before crossing the finish line! I ended up setting a new personal record for my mile (10:49), 5K (36:19) and 10K (1:15:23)! I was really happy with my run and felt good after!

I'm actually waving even if it doesn't look like it!

  After hanging out at the post-race festival, we headed to Los Gatos Cafe for brunch and I ate every bit of my cinnamon roll treat!

jake and kasey if you're reading this, I ate this in your honor too!

I've got 2 weeks until the half marathon now, and Im getting super excited and nervous and anxious all at the same time! Im hoping the momentum I built at this race carries over to the half!

Fruttare Review

Target teamed up with Influenster for a #IceCreamStockUp this summer, and I was able to taste test a Fruttare product of my choice!

I headed to Target with my coupon for a box of free Fruttare, and decided on the Strawberry bars. They have fruit and milk bars, as well as just fruit bars, but since I was going to use these as post run treats, I decided on just fruit!
Their other flavors include Mango, Lime, Pineapple, Black Cherry, Strawberry + Milk, Peach + Milk, Coconut + Milk, Banana + Milk, and Strawberry & Milk + Mixed Berry & Milk.

Im not sure what I was expecting, but damn, these are good! They aren't super hard fruit pops.. they are frozen, but soft. The strawberry pops are sweet, but not over sweet, and the real fruit bits are a plus! I found that most of the time I was eating big chunks of actual frozen strawberry! 
You can actually pronounce all the ingredients too, which is always a plus when it comes to ingredients that you are eating! (From the Fruttare Wesbite : STRAWBERRY: 'WATER, SUGAR, STRAWBERRIES, STRAWBERRY PUREE, FRUCTOSE, MALTODEXTRIN, CORN SYRUP, STRAWBERRY JUICE CONCENTRATE, GUAR GUM, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, BEET JUICE CONCENTRATE AND TURMERIC OLEORESIN (FOR COLOR), PECTIN, LOCUST BEAN GUM, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, ASCORBIC ACID'). 

via

A serving size is one full bar for 60 calories, and there are 6 bars to a box. So yes, you could actually eat the whole box and not feel guilty! (only 360 cals for an entire box!) 

thanks husband for the 2,000 pics you took of me.

  They are super refreshing after a training run, so to say i've enjoyed every last one is no lie! I'd definitely buy these again, and want to try some of the other flavors too! YUM!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Fall 2014 Must Haves

I know it's technically not fall just yet, but that hasn't stopped the pumpkin spice latte lover in me from getting ready for my most favorite time of the year! College football, crisp cool weather, pumpkin flavored everything, and cozy evenings in! Here are a few of my favorite fall must haves!

1- An over-sized, vintage feel collegiate sweatshirt. Nothing says comfy Saturday football watching attire like a worn in sweatshirt with your Alma Mater's logo on it. I have a Baylor one that I just adore, and this one from State Vintage is just perfect with its cut neck. Pair it with some skinny jeans, a tank and some converse or boots and you're all set! 
2- A great pair of boots (or two). Now, if you're like me, you're always on the lookout for a tried and true, budget friendly pair of boots and these Steve Madden Intyce are my faves. My first pair lasted 2+ years and CL literally made me trash them because they were falling apart. I was lucky to pick up both the cognac and black pairs last year while I was pregnant and I LIVED in them. They have a small wedge so they give you a little lift without being uncomfy. And for $129 you can get both colors for under $300, which is coincidentally the starting cost of one pair of Frye's or Tory Burch's. Just sayin'. 
3- An infinity scarf. If you live in the Bay Area, you know that layering is key, so you are never without a good scarf. And if you're a breast feeding mom, you know a good infinity scarf doubles as a good hooter hider. I have a few, but I really love my Popcorn Space Dyed Lurex Infinity Scarf by Simply Vera Vera Wang from Kohl's. Mine is cornflower blue and it matches just about everything. It's full of texture, is light & breathable, and super cozy. Bonus? I picked it up on clearance for less than $10 a while back!
4- Crabtree & Evelyn's Hand Therapy in Pear and Magnolia. I walked in the store randomly a few months back, and tried this, and was hooked almost immediately. With cooler temps, your skin begins to dry out, and if you wash your hands as much as I do (#momproblems), you really need a good moisturizer. This hand cream smells yummy, but not overpowering, is super luxurious feeling, doesn't dry greasy, and keeps your hands super soft. I use it every night before bed and my hands feel amazing. I only purchased the .9oz tube and it's lasted for at least 3 months. Totally worth the $8 if you ask me!
5- Animal Print is going to be huge this fall. Whether you like cheetah, leopard or zebra, adding some print to your wardobe is key! Im loving these Tory Burch Reva Printed Ballet Flats, and this Old Navy Cardigan. You can add a lot (cardigan) if you love wearing bold prints, or a little (shoes, scarf, etc.) if you're more conservative. The cardigan with a fun graphic tee (like this one from Forever21) would be super chic!
6- Clutches are on trend for the fall, and this adorable Kate Spade indigo Denim Clutch is just perfect. Oversized, durable, and a bow detail, this clutch can go from work, errands, and playgroup to cocktails and dinner without ever skipping a beat! And for $78 you can't go wrong!

Vitality Vox Box Review

A few weeks ago, I received my latest Vox Box from Influenster. This one was full of all sorts of goodies! Instead of reviewing them in separate posts, i'm doing this one all in one!

Without further adieu, The Vitality Vox Box!

Let's start with the Softlips Cube. I was most excited about this product because, well, who doesn't love a good lip balm? I was really impressed with this balm! It tasted yummy (I got Fresh Mint. There is also Pomegranate Blueberry and Vanilla Bean). The product design is pretty cute too.. a small square that locks tight. This will deter any pets from eating the packaging unlike the EOS eggs! The balm is smooth, and lasting. It doesn't leave any residue, and gives your lips a nice shine. It's super hydrating and even has SPF so go ahead and wear it out in the sun! 
Being a southerner, I love sweet tea, and Pure Leaf Sweet Tea brought me back home! It was sweet, but not too sweet. It almost tastes like Bush's sweet tea if you've ever had that! Great chilled or over ice! Definitely refreshing on a warm, late summer day!
Being a bit clumsy, the First Degree Burn Cream will definitely come in handy some day! Its thick and creamy so it will help soothe any minor burns- from kitchen mishaps to straightening iron burns. It even has a scar reducing element, so if you are prone to scaring, this is definitely a great product to try! Be sure to check the drug facts label before trying for all warnings, as you should with any over the counter drug or cream.
The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Serum was a definite perk in this box because it runs about $60 for a 1oz bottle! From the Elizabeth Arden Site.. "This unique liquid serum with caplet mini-beads activates when dispensed, providing a refreshing burst that initially clings to skin then dries to a smooth weightless finish. Use to help reinforce skin’s essential moisture barrier, even skin tone, retexturize, and reduce the appearance of early signs of wrinkles. Rejuvenates the look of tired skin for a more energized complexion."  I couldn't agree more. I've used it a handful of times after washing my face. It dries light and weightless- you wouldn't even know you are wearing it, although it does take some time for it to fully dry. It smells nice- kind of like what expensive foundation smells like.You can wear your moisturizer and/ or sunscreen over it too! I have pretty dry skin, and with 30 on the horizon, this is a great first defense from aging and wrinkles!
I have not been able to test the Bikini Ready Energy Gummies because the packaging does not recommend breast feeding mothers to use these and I'm still breast feeding.
I have also not tested the Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons because, well, I still haven't gotten my period post baby. And NO im not pregnant. I'm still breastfeeding, and getting my flow back can take up to a year! I have used Playtex tampons in the past, so when the time arrives, i'm excited to try these!
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

#WeRunSF Training Week 5, 6

I know I said i'd keep everyone up to date weekly with my half marathon training, but yeah, thats a lot, so you'll be able to keep up with me in real time on instagram (@angelicalouis) and here every 2 weeks! Things are going really well since I last checked in. Im feeling good, and very motivated since we are now half way through training! As of today (9-10-14) there are 38 days until race day! AH!

 Nike released the actual course map, so its been good to see when and where the hills will smack me in the face. We are headed into the city this weekend to check it out, so hopefully the hills i've been running have been kind of beneficial! I'm going to try and get some training runs in the city before race day, but who knows!

I've been able to keep up with my current training schedule pretty well considering I had to take off and rest for a couple weeks. It's amazing how quickly your body remembers what it needs to do!

CL and Beckett even came with me on a short run! They went for a walk while I (literally) ran circles around them. Apparently I'm a little faster than I thought!

the cutest water boys there ever was!

OK, so milestones.. finally ran 8 miles! And lived to tell about it! 

yeah yeah. slow and steady. we are JUST trying to finish!

 I can't believe i'm saying this, but it wasn't that bad! Honestly the first two miles of any run are the worst, then I kind of hit cruise control and just go. It's actually therapeutic. (And yes, i'm rolling my eyes at myself for actually saying that...!) CL and Beckett had a frozen snickers bar waiting for me when I got home, and CL helped me stretch out and gave me 30 minutes of baby free hot tub time to relax the morning after! It was blissful!

Week 7 is going well so far and i'll hit 100+ miles by the end of the week! OH YEAH! It's been great having the support of CL and Beckett but it's getting increasingly hard doing my training runs after being a Momma all day. I wish we had a BOB running stroller so I could get my runs out of the way in the morning instead of the evenings. Im so dead by the time I get done that by the time Beckett goes to sleep, I go to sleep too! Poor CL. He's getting the short end of the stick, but at least I don't fight him when he wants to watch Sports Center all night! 

Is anyone else training for anything? A 5K? 10K? Half or Full Marathon? I'd love to hear your training stories too! (side note.. I just realized in all 3 screen shots that my phone is never above 50% battery. True Life my iPhone battery sucks. The struggle is REAL.)