After learning that happy hour coupled with not drinking enough water the day before a long run is a recipe for disaster, I made sure to hydrate properly yesterday and – wouldn’t you know – it made a huge difference!
This morning Sadie and I tackled the 6 mile run we were supposed to complete on Saturday as part of my half marathon training plan. Today’s run was five bazillion times better than Saturday’s cramp-fest.
I felt strong and gave myself a little pep talk as I was running.
Truth be told, I signed up for the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon (which takes place on August 1) with some of my friends because it seemed like a neat way to conclude my bachelorette party.
Unlike my last half, I signed up for this race on a whim. Last time, I really thought about it and committed myself to training. Plus, I was curious to see whether or not I physically could complete a half marathon. Each long run was like a mini-milestone.
Now that I know that I can run 13.1 miles, I don’t have the same drive to run and follow a training plan like I did before. I’ve been having a bit of a mental struggle because I don’t like feeling like I have to run. I prefer working out for fun and doing whatever form of exercise calls to me on a particular day.
This morning, my pep talk with myself addressed this issue.
I am determined to re-commit myself to this training. It’s only two months of training with runs scheduled three times a week. No big deal! I feel so blessed to be able to run.
When I think back on the time that I injured my hip and couldn’t run for months, I feel grateful for the opportunity to run in this upcoming half marathon.
My mini-pep talk was filled with tough love and served as the kick-in-the-butt that I needed. Half marathon here I come! 😀
Post Run
One of the great things about running at 5:30 in the morning is being done before 6:30 a.m.!
I had some extra time on my hands this morning and I put it to good use by doing some dishes, vacuuming and straightening up our apartment.
During my quick clean, I placed six of Sadie’s toys back in her toy bin.
Last night Ryan and I were talking about how ridiculous it is that Sadie has so many toys. We’d throw some away, but she honestly plays with every single one. She’s an equal-opportunity player. 😉
After my super-fast clean, my tummy started to get angry at me.
“Feed me, you little jerk,” it said.
I’m never hungry immediately following a run, but 25 minutes later my stomach wants some food!
Breakfast
Breakfast this morning featured my favorite little grain.
Barley was the highlight of my yogurt bowl, which also included freshly sliced strawberries.
So good!
Barley breakfast bowls are one of my all-time favorite breakfasts (French toast still holds the number one spot).
Bridesmaid Dress Update
Check out the text message I received from Ryan this morning:
You know what that means!!! Full speed ahead with the bridesmaid dress orders!!!
I’m glad Ryan seems to have changed his mind about the champagne/cashmere color of the bridesmaid dress.
We really haven’t discussed it too much since looking at the dresses on Sunday, but I did show him some pictures of other weddings where the bridesmaids wore champagne dresses which I think helped him see how elegant and classy they can look. We’ll discuss it a little more tonight, but I’m hoping to place an order soon! 😀
If you are married, what colors did you feature in your wedding? If you’re not married, what colors do you see yourself selecting for your big day?
Kelly says
GREAT run Julie! That is awesome!!! And Ryan is too cute!!! YAY for the cashmere color! Mine were sage green with a cream sash..I loved them! They were short and summery…
Amy @ Second City Randomness says
Every time I’m slacking on a run for my Chicago RnR training, I do the same thing- and think about how lucky I am to be able to run even just a mile whereas just six months ago I wasn’t allowed to run at all!
It always works! Even if I struggle with a few bad miles/runs here and there. 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Your place is so cute! I love getting cleaning stuff done in the morning – makes that much more free time for after work. 😉
My colors were champagne and hot pink.
peanutbutterfingers says
hooray for champagne! 🙂
Naomi (onefitfoodie) says
i totally agree that working out in the AM is the BEST! i worked out at 630 this morning done by 730! it was aaaamazing and now don’t have to think about squeezing it in!!! the morning is the perfect time to have ‘me’ time!
thats great abotu the dresses!! I cant wait to see them!!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says
Aw, that second part of the text was so cute! My colors were white and light green
Marla says
Hi Julie!
I’m a new reader and I love, love, love your blog! You remind me so much of myself (sorry if that sounds stalkerish). But you seem to have so much energy! haha Anyway, I just wanted to comment and say how much I enjoy reading every day! Also, I really lik your bridesmaids’ dresses – classy! And after reading this post, you have an amazing stomach – so jealous! Do you do anything special or has your tummy always been pretty slim?
Again, thanks!
peanutbutterfingers says
thanks so much! 🙂 i actually address this question on my Q&A page which you may see here: http://peanutbutterfingers.wordpress.com/q-a/ (it’s a lot to copy & paste, otherwise i would! 😉 )
thewhatkateateblog says
Congrats on an awesome run! I feel ya with the cabinets! One day we will all have a gorious house of our own, until then we will suffer with sub-par kitchens & bathrooms!
peanutbutterfingers says
ooooh i can’t WAIT for that day. those cabinets haunt my dreams.
Ashley says
Hi Julie…
I am a new reader…and I love your blog! You are too cute for words & you’re in GREAT shape! I’m all about the champagne colors…go for it!
Kat says
I wish I could run 6 miles straight….maybe one day though!! I had a dark purple (called Lapis), white, and the accent color was orange. The orange was only used in flower arrangements though. I think Champagne sounds great!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
We were a winter wedding, so I decided to go with an eggplant & silver color theme, along with LOTS of snowflakes 🙂
I hear ya on the cabinets…not only are my cabinets awful, but my countertops are hidious! I’m talkin’, metal rimmed edge allll the way around! It’s definitely the first remodel project of the house. 😉
wecookwhenwecan says
I wish I could make myself work out in the a.m. I just have such a hard time getting to sleep before 11 or 12.
I’m getting married in September. My bridesmaids are wearing eggplant dresses. Our colors are eggplant and burnt orange with gold accents.
Skinny Sushi says
Even though we got married in the spring (April) I’d always wanted rich, autumny colors… so our flowers were burgundy and royal purple and the bridesmaid dresses were burgundy with white sashes. It worked well, looked beautiful, and I was much happier than I would have been if I’d chosen a “seasonally appropriate” color palette. So just pick what makes you and your fiance happy!
Susan says
Only runners would think a half marathon would be a good way to end a bachelorette party…haha. 🙂
Trish DiSandro says
How do you prepare the barley before it goes in the bowl?
For my wedding, the girls wore black and white dresses. My sisters wore one style, and my SILs wore another style. The guys wore light pink vests.
Everything was black, white and pink.
julie says
it always feels SO good to get a workout in that early in the morning 🙂 just think some people are still sleeping and you already cleaned your entire apt haha 🙂
i had a pb finger this morning and totally thought of you! pb&co smoooth operator style girl!
Marissa says
Congrats on the run! And I know what you mean about hunger after a workout. When I first finish, I usually can’t stomach the idea of eating food. But within a half hour I’m ravenous!
peanutbutterfingers says
isn’t that crazy! w/in 30 min. i want to eat everything but immediately after working out i’m not hungry in the least. so bizarre.
Joey says
I got married in late fall and had fall colors for the wedding… The guys wore dark brown tuxes and the girls wore a champagne-ish/light brown color. The flowers were “fire colors” – red, orange, yellow… it was all really pretty together. i love the link that showed your colors together… gorgeous! 🙂
Andrea says
Good job on the run. Sometimes I have to force myself out the door on those long runs but I never regret it when I’m done.
My bridesmaid’s wore black. It’s plain but I love black and knew it was a color I wouldn’t regret years later when I looked at the pics.
Sara says
Congrats on the run and hydrating! 🙂 Ryan’s text was so cute. My colors were hot pink and brown. I’m a pink-a-holic, so there was no doubt that would be a color…and since we got married in October, I wanted a rich fall color with the brown.
lisaou11 says
I sort of feel the same way about any sort of plan now–whether its running or lifting or anything! It’s like I automatically want to rebel against it bc I dont want to be told what to do exercise wise. Haha!
but yes, 2 months is totally do-able! plus, youll have tons of fun with your friends! And Sadie will be a happy camper with all your runs!
peanutbutterfingers says
exactly… apparently we’re work out rebels. 😉
Melissa says
You are Ryan are the most darling couple! I hope I find someone who is as crazy about me as Ryan is about you someday!
Congrats on the run & giving yourself a kick in the butt–sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered! I want to sign up for a half marathon, but I am a big fat chicken! Maybe reading about your training will boost my confidence!
peanutbutterfingers says
you can DEFINITELY do it. i honestly believe it’s something anyone (who isn’t injured) can do w/ proper training. 🙂
Adra says
I’m getting married in September and my bridesmaids are wearing chocolate brown dresses. They are strapless, tea length and super cute!
Amber K says
Yay! You look so excited about your great run. =)
Our colors were blue and green. Blue for me, green for him. My flowers were blue, the groomsmen had blue ties, my bridesmaid’s blouses were green, and our cake had both. They were absolutely beautiful together. I just wish I hadn’t weighed 90+ more pounds then than I do now!
Tabitha says
Hi!
I’ve just started reading your blog and i love it!
I just got married 2 1/2 months ago. Our wedding colors were chocolate brown and lavendar. I had always either wanted lavendar and when I saw it in the brides magazine with the chocolate brown I just fell in love! I think the colors you have picked are going to look awesome!
Holly at Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices says
Breakfast looks good! I need to pick up some barly- maybe I can actually find that, since I can’t find quinoa:( Love the combos that you create 🙂
And Ryan’s text…one BIG “awwwwwwwwwwww”- love the last part, where I’m guessing it says ” you will be the most beautiful bride.” you two are perfect!! 😀
Jamie says
1. I want your abs. Stat. (Is that stalkerish?)
2. I’m getting married next April and our colors are going to be clover green and sunshine yellow… 🙂 I’m so excited!
peanutbutterfingers says
yay for yellow! such a happy color.
Lisa says
My bridesmaids wore a Charcoal grey and carries pale pink tulips.
The groomsmens wore black with Ivory shirts and black ties…. They didn’t have flowers but has a boutineer made of seeded eucalyptus.
I wore Ivory.
My tables were ivory with a black lace overlay…. And black chair covers. The entire night was candle lit…..
peanutbutterfingers says
that sounds like such a classy wedding.
Tracy says
I think the champagne color is beautiful, very regal and elegant especially for a fall wedding. I had a summer wedding and my colors were dark purple and hot pink. No matter what colors you end up with your wedding is going to beautiful!
Lisa says
One more thing….. For the girls I bought the fabric and they had their dress made to fit their style and body type.
Meg says
Hooraaahhh for an awesome run with Sadie 😀
My dogs have a wide arrangement of toys too – and I’d just feel so bad throwing one out! 😉 Too cute!
Enjoy your day!
p.s. I LOVE the word heinous!
jqlee says
good work on the run!
Kait says
Congrats on the successful run! I’m looking into doing my 1st half marathon and I’m a little worried I won’t be able to finish…I’ll definitely be a meticulous trainer the first time around.
ps-that text from ryan is too cute! Good luck with the dresses/wedding plans!
cardiopizza says
Nice job on the run! 🙂
Your place is adorable!
My dogs also like to take ALL of their toys out of their toy bin…even right after I put them all back! haha! They also have a bazillion toys…it may be due to the fact that I can’t help myself when I see something cute at the store that I know they’ll love! 😉
Heather says
love the idea of barley in a sweet dish…sounds DELICIOUS!!! our colors were deep red and hints of white…but if i could re-do it i would have done a really deep navy with silver highlights (our wedding was in january though…)
ellaroo88 says
I was looking at the wedding web page you posted and I saw a wedding that used soft blues and greens. I loved the colors together
pinkypunks says
You’ve inspired me to sign up for a half marathon. Looking to do the boston one in October! You’re apartment is awesome (minus the cabinets) 🙂
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Congrats on the great run! I signed up for another half immediately following my first one, which backfired because I needed a break and hated having to jump right back into training. Remember that you’re running this for YOU, and while some runs will require more motivation and effort for others, if you dread a run then you don’t have to do it!
That text from Ryan is adorable…glad he’s full speed ahead on the dress you love!! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Shelley (findinghappinessandhealth) says
congrats on your run!!! you are amaazing 🙂 haha
great breakfast too- gotta love breakfast bowlss
xoxoxox
http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
Mellissa says
I had the non traditional wedding, so no bridesmaids and no colors. But my flowers were all vibrant 🙂
I have to pick up Clifford’s toys every day, they are always all over the house.
Heather says
We had a fall wedding and used chocolate and moss green!
Linda says
Our colors were brown, green and white. I asked my bridemaids to choose between brown and navy. They both liked brown better so brown it was!
constantlyunwinding says
Congrats on the run! I did 4 miles this morning and Iike you I’m happy that its over:) I’m getting married in Sept. and our colors are a deep red and black we’re going for a 1940’s vintage look:) Love ur blog:)
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says
Congratulations on your run!
I got married July 2008, and our colors were green (clover-shade) and yellow. They were very fresh and fitting for a summer wedding.
Hillary says
I love post-run endorphin cleaning! You apartment is way cute. I hate my apartment kitchen, but it’s only temporary. That text from Ryan was too cute. Have a good day!
louisianagrown says
Congratulations on your successful run. I think the champagne colored dresses sound very pretty and classy, but I actually don’t want a big wedding with bridesmaids and all of the fuss. The thought of having to pick all of that out makes my head swim!
MLT says
That text is so cute. Does it say “I think you will be the most beautiful bride ever”? Aw.
By the way, your blog just gets better every day- you are a very talented writer! “Feed me you little jerk” made me lol.
Have a good one!
Kelly says
Awesome six mile run! Glad you were able to make a decision about the dresses!
Robin says
I was in a wedding where all the bridesmaids wore champagne dresses, and everybody looked amazing. There were eight bridesmaids with multiple nationalities, body shapes, height, you name it, represented, and I couldn’t believe how much that color was universally flattering.
coffeeismycarrot says
Guys are so funny! I never thought my husband would care at all about the actual wedding plans, so it always suprised me when he had an opinion 🙂 Of course, I was always happy for him to be involved.
Our colors were yellow, white and black. The bridesmaids dresses were yellow with a black lace overlay and the flowers were mostly white and yellow with some little black berries thrown in. I loved it!
angela1508 says
i think i’ll have champagne and pinks at my wedding… haven’t given it much thought though to be honest!
your barley bowl looks really good! do you just use plain yogurt, or is it flavoured?
ooh, and i think we may be kitchen-table-and-chair twins lol! nice cleaning job! 🙂