A new year and fresh start!

"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. Just focus and keep aiming...."

This year, I'm aiming for progress not perfection. Run by feel and not pressure myself by numbers on a watch. I think it's taken a couple months to feel "normal" again after my God awful marathon in November, but for the first time since then, I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me this year as far as running is concerned. I'm not going to pressure myself with those two, bold letters...BQ.

I believe it will happen when the time is right. I know I have it in me, but I think last year I just put way too much pressure on myself to achieve it. Running has always been something I looked forward to and enjoyed. Training as hard as I did last summer and obsessing over numbers on a training plan really kind of made me dread the thought of it. This time, I'm running by feel. I'll write my own training plan, but the only things that will be in concrete are my long runs and ONE speed word session a week. Every other run will be whatever my legs feel like doing that day. Whether they want to run a 9 min mile or a 7 min mile. I'm going to log my runs and thoughts into my Believe Journal every day and really just get in touch with myself instead of ignoring how I feel. I'm not treating myself like a robot anymore.

I'm already starting to look for races to do this year. I definitely want to run another marathon and 50K ultra. I'm hoping to do Chicago again and get in the lottery that will hopefully open up in February or March.  I want to get out and explore new running routes and places. Maybe run with other people more often. Spring can not come quick enough for me!

I'm totally excited to be a part of the 2015 Nuun Ambassador Team. I'm a nutrition and hydration geek and anything that is going to enhance my running and allow me to connect with like-minded people, I'm there!  I'm also looking forward to continuing to represent the Oiselle Team, which is a HUGE honor. Being on a team of such inspiring women means the world to me and not mention, the super cute clothes are just an added bonus :) I can't wait for my next race so I can sport that singlet again.

I'd like to extend a shout-out to my mother, who just joined the blogging community. Along with my 2015 goals that I mentioned here, I'm going to also try to establish a closer relationship with God(another reason I love running, because that's when I feel closest to Him)
If you're interested in a more spiritual blog, check out hers and send her some love ----   http://kathyayers.wordpress.com/

Here's to 2015 and some amazing miles ahead. Thanks to everyone that takes the time to read my blog or follow me on Instagram. Looking forward to following everyone's journey!

A few of my favorite running things

One of the things that make running so much fun is all the awesome and cute gear that comes with it(at least for me anyway) Here are a few things I'm obsessed with and use on my runs often.

Oiselle is my favorite running brand for clothing, period!  Their clothes are so freakin cute and the message the company sends with empowering women and supporting runners everywhere is one that I want to associate with. The Oiselle distance shorts have stolen my heart.  Super comfy, stylish, and way functional for "running the distance".  They do not ride up like a lot of other shorts I've ran in the past and they come with 3 pockets, two of them having zippers, so you can securely carry gels, cell phone, or car keys.  

I'm also in love with the Winona tank and the strappy bra from Oiselle. The tank is amazingly soft and wicks sweat like no other...and the bra, well is just as amazing.  Supportive and gives a colorful burst that goes great with any tank top.  

Of course I love my Cocogo hydration packs.  Check out the review I posted before this post to see what it's all about.  I plan on hydrating all summer long with this stuff.  Tastes amazing and goes down easy to keep me going on my long, sweaty runs.  Don't forget if you're wanting to buy some, use my code BLONDEBUNRUNNER at the Cocogo website and save 40% off your entire order! You won't regret it.

Which leads into my next favorite piece of running gear.  My Nathan hand-held water bottle. I'm a pretty picky person when it comes to carrying things while I'm running, but with this bottle, it makes it easy.  It has a thumb hole, so you can carry it without it sliding around in your hand and a functional zip pocket in the front to store gels, keys, cell phone, or whatever you want!

I'm a huge fan of the Vega line.  After a run lasting longer than 90 minutes, I use the accelerator within 30 minutes of my run.  The nutritional shake I use almost every day, especially when I don't have time for breakfast.  And then the performance protein after every single run.  It's packed with protein and BCAA's which help me recover in between workouts.  All this stuff keeps me going and helps me stay injury free and healthy.

Ah, my Brooks Glycerins.  These shoes have been SO good to me over the years.  They are the perfect neutral running shoe for me.  I've tried so many different brands and styles and these are my "sole mate".  The new Glycerin 12's are coming in July and I will be first in line to buy them.  

What are some of your running faves?