Prepping for a Race

I made it a goal in January to focus on a healthier version on me for this year. I picked up running back in October of 2018 and completed my first 5K. After that I did a couple more and signed up for a 10k, and then my first half in April. It was challenging but I did it! I felt so accomplished and proud of myself for running 13.1 miles of rolling hills along the beautiful Mystic coastline. Soon after this, one of my best friends and running buddy, said we should sign up for a full marathon. A full marathon is 26.2 miles to be exact and I thought she was crazy for thinking I could do that. After months of debating I decided to take action and sign up; your girl has either lost her mind or turned extremely confident overnight. I’ve been training for about a month now and have been loving how running is starting to come with ease. I have so much more running stamina than I did last fall and I am anxious and excited to see how the marathon goes in November! 

Before you leave this post because you’re thinking I could never do this, I can barely run a mile! Let me tell you that a little over a year ago I was in that same spot. I signed up for a 5k with my friend and immediately regretted the decision after I started training for my three mile race. Running a mile around my neighborhood was actually torture. I couldn’t even run the entire mile, I had to stop and walk at least half of it. I kept at it, and each time it got a little bit better. I could run an entire mile and then walk/run the next mile. By race time I had run 3 miles and yes it was hard but I did it! The same happened when I did the 10k. Each mile got a little bit easier but my body was also getting stronger and stronger. So go find a 5k, 10k, half or full marathon and sign up right now! YOU can do it just like I did! You’ll need a few things to help you along the way that I will share with you, but I’m guessing that’s why you’re here reading this :) 

First of all, I have to say I am at quite the advantage when it comes to training because I have an excellent motivational partner; which in my opinion is the first thing you’ll need. By no means is this a make it or break it need BUT it is so helpful to have an accountability partner. I am pretty strong minded when I set my mind to do something but it is always easier for me to run with someone than without. I recommend going a day or two without chatting so when you’re running together for 1+ hours you have a lot to say :) 

Another thing you’ll need is good sneakers. This seems like an obvious one but it actually wasn’t to me. I have plenty of sneakers but most were chosen based on how they looked and not how supportive they were for my feet. It was fine for 3-5 mile runs but beyond that I noticed my knees and shins were hurting so badly. I went to Fleet Feet and did the Outfitting Process. It really was so cool! They take all of these measurements and ask lots of questions and then bring out a few pairs of different brands that would be a good fit for your feet. I ended up getting these and they are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn! I highly recommend getting there if you’re experiencing any pain while running.

Now that you have your buddy and your sneakers you’re going to need a plan. How many miles will you be running each week? How many days? What about cross training? What is cross training?? Don’t fret, all you need to do know is here. I’m following the Hal Higdon method for training. I can’t take the credit for finding this method as my running partner, Anna, is the one who introduced me to it; see I told you having her was to my advantage! The runs gradually increase and consist of short runs during the week and a long run on the weekend. On the days that I rest I try to get in a long walk or a hike since that’s more manageable in the summer with dogs! I also love to go to spin classes which are great for cross training. It will get your heart rate up and strengthen those leg muscles!

You may want a few other things I will categorize as: running accessories. 

Something to measure your distance and pace. There are so many different tools you can use for this. If you’re going to use your phone I think the Runkeeper app is great for tracking mileage and pace. You can use it while listening to music or talking on the phone! If using your phone and training in the summer or warm weather you’ll want an arm band or belt to keep your phone safe. I have this one and like it but I don’t love having my phone on me. I have an Apple watch which I’ve found has been amazing for running because I don’t need to keep my phone on me to track how far I’ve gone or the pace that I’m running. 

Something to re-energize. I love these honey stinger chews. They give me a little boost of energy when I’m feeling like I can’t go on anymore. I also have been bringing these teeny water bottles along on my runs. It’s really good to use them for training if you will be using them during a race. I do not recommend trying something new the day of your race because you won’t know how it will affect your stomach! 

Something to listen to. I have been loving audible and podcast apps for running. Generally most podcasts are anywhere from 45-80 mins and can occupy your mind so you don’t get bored after a few miles of running. I have been listening to the Rise podcast by Rachel Hollis and I have been LIVING for it! She’s so motivational and inspiring! When I’m feeling confident in my running surroundings I listen to audible. I love a good thriller or mystery so I need to be in a place where I can’t get freaked out too easily. I highly suggest Stillhouse Lake. It was so good! I have so many other good thriller books that I’ve read - let me know if you want them.

I could probably write a few paragraphs about the clothing you should get for hot and cold weather training but I’ll save that for another post. I hope this was helpful and informative if you’re taking the next step to train for a race. Let me know if you sign up for one - maybe I’ll see you there :) Stay healthy! xoxo

Five Minute Makeup Routine

How is it already August?! I can’t believe the summer has gone by so fast!! I wish it would last longer but I have to say, I am beginning to be over this heat! While I love to bask in the sun by the beach, it isn’t as fun sweating it out in my backyard. Personally wearing makeup this summer hasn’t been my top priority. It’s been nice letting my skin breath and soak up the sun; safely of course! However, when I have been wearing makeup I’ve found a quick five minute routine that even the busiest woman can handle. You don’t need to be a skilled makeup artist to do this and most of it can be applied with your fingers, if you choose. It can be so fun to watch makeup artists on youtube but also quite intimidating with all of their steps, tools, and products. I use just nine products and honestly you could cut it down to six if you’re not as high maintenance as me :) 

Step 1: Prime. I always always ALWAYS recommend you prime your face. A primer helps your makeup go on smoother, last longer, and depending on the type of primer it can make your face more matte, dewy, or poreless. There are so many primers and I’ve tried a lot but I’ve taken all the work out of looking for you because I’ve found the best one. I did a whole blog post about it here. Since writing that post I have repurchased the full size bottle twice. I love it because it really hydrates my skin and adds a nice dewy finish to my look! I apply this to my face with clean hands and really make sure to cover my entire face. You only need one pump to get the job done. If you’re looking for something more matte I would recommend this. I liked it, but I really wanted something with better ingredients and a more dew finish!

Step 2: Tinted Moisturizer. I used to be a full coverage kind of girl. I loved a good foundation to cover EVERYTHING, until I realized I didn’t really need to cover everything. I started to feel like I was putting way too much on my skin and needed a bit of a change. I love this tinted moisturizer from Beautycounter. It has SPF 20, a light scent, and is super creamy. It definitely gives more of a glow so if you’re not into that, I would try this one. It’s similar but without the SPF. I put a few drops on my face and either rub it in with my hands or a damp beauty sponge. I wear it in the shade number 2. 

Step 3: Concealer. Let me preface this by saying I didn’t have high hopes for this concealer. I love a full coverage concealer, such as the Tarte shape tape, that brightens the under eye and gives the impression that you’ve slept for 12 hours. This Beautycounter concealer is in a pen form and has a small brush at the top where the product comes out. I thought that something so creamy and light could never match up to my full coverage shape tape - but I was wrong. I actually like this one so much better!! While it feels thinner, I actually need less product and it’s much easier to blend out because it’s not as thick. I use about two clicks of the pen and blend it in with a damp beauty sponge. It can also easily be blended with your finger, but I think it looks much more even when using a sponge. I have repurchased this twice and will continue to! I wear the shade light. 

Step 4: Bronze, Blush & Highlight. I put these three together because I do these almost simultaneously. I love them because they are all in stick form so it’s super easy to apply them. This is also where you can cut out a few steps if you’re not into looking like a bronzed and glowing goddess. Although reading that I am not sure why you would want to turn that down! I start with the bronze glow stick and do a couple of swipes under my cheek bones and the top of my forehead near my hair line. I use a damp beauty sponge to blend it in. Next I will go in with the cream blush and swipe it right on the apples of my cheeks and blend it with the beauty sponge again. Lastly, I take the pearl glow highlighter and swipe it right on top of my cheek bones, cupids bow, and nose. Then I blend it with, you guessed it, the damp beauty sponge! These three steps probably only take 1-2 minutes. It adds such a nice dimension to the face! 

Step 5: Brows. Do not be intimidated by a brow product- especially this one! I wear the shade medium but it also comes in four other colors, one of them being clear if you’re feeling unsure! I used a pencil to fill in my brows for years, and now that I’ve switched to a gel I can’t go back. It is so much easier and much faster than a pencil. The gel just sticks to your hairs so you can swipe it on without worrying about overdrawing. I love the tiny applicator tip because it’s much more precise! Beautycounter also has a pencil, which some people like to put on prior to gel. The gel will ultimately help to keep your hairs in place all day!

Step 6: Lash Primer & Mascara. I swear by a lash primer. It makes your lashes look much more full and helps the mascara to stick to your lashes. I’ve been all about safer beauty products so I switched to this lash primer by LashFood. I really like it and how it compares to the one I was using previously. I coat my lashes with this and wait a minute to let it get a little tacky before putting on my mascara. I will usually use this and do my brows while I wait. I coat my lashes two to three times with mascara to give it some extra volume! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a nontoxic mascara that gives me the same results as my It Cosmetics mascara. Luckily there are no parabens and it rates fair on the environmental working group scale of safety. I LOVE a full lash look and I can’t give it up just yet. Anyone have a recommendation??  

That’s it, six steps to a healthy natural looking glow! Have you tried any Beautycounter makeup yet? Be sure to shop it here :) Stay beautiful and healthy!! xoxo