Motivate Me Monday

I know it is a little late for anything "Monday," but I have been wanting to participate with Amanda at For Love of a Cupcake's Motivate Me Monday's link up which talks all about getting motivated to work out.

I know I have to stay motivated to work out regularly and lately the best motivator for me has been internal and my own routine.
I love the "high" I get when I work out, and strength I feel to press on! And that is what motivates me to do more!

I am giving you all my work-out because it is what gets me going to the gym.
I know that accomplishing all of it is empowering and motivating.
So may if you try a little of it you will feel the same!

And go ahead! Flex in mirror! It's ok! Its motivational!

I feel like I can do anything when I am working out, and I LOVE IT!

I hope that you will find what I do helpful and you can Integrate it into your daily work out.

Emil me with questions and Happy Exercising!

Stay Fit and Stay Active!

Why I Run

Why do you run?

That is always a good question.

One I ask myself on some days.

But, trust me, I have some good reasons. 

Reason {One}

It gives me an hour to spend with God. 

I love running because I take the opportunity to listen to my favorite and most encouraging music.

God seems to speak to me when I am running. 

There are no distractions.

If I am outside I see his creation and if I am on the treadmill I think about what he wants for me.

I need this hour at least 3 - 4 times a week. 

Not for my physical heart buy my spiritual heart.

Reason {Two}

Duh, Physical Fitness!

It gives you a feeling that you are strong and physically able to do anything. 

Knowing you can go run 6 miles {any time} is empowering

Reason {Three}

I have to be ready to escape the bad guys!

Ok so thats a little silly, but somedays when I am running I think about how if I were being chased, my running plus adrenaline would certainly carry me through. 

Reason {Four}

It gives you something to accomplish all on you own.

{except for the help of you trainer, thanks Zach!}

When you finish a half marathon for the first time you get a feeling like no other.

And I am not talking about the feeling to drop dead haha

Finally I'll share my Running favorites and must haves!

My Favorite Shoes:

They have ultimate cushion 

{which I must have}

source

Gap Running Leggings!

Must have these, no questions asked!

source

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

Happy Monday!!

Live Local Saturday

I have been wanting to go to Raleigh's Farmers Market for a while now.

This morning, Ryan and I woke up kind of early and headed out to see all the vendors.

It was awesome!

We really enjoyed just walking around taking in all the sights.

Here are some pics from our little outing!

After we got done perusing the local vendors we headed to 5 points in North Raleigh to try out a new restaurant called Nofo at the Pig . 

We both at a delicious breakfast/brunch and then looked around their specialty shop afterward!

Here is the bounty!

Strawberries, a mini cheese grater (World Market $.99), apples, sweet potatoes, country ham, and local honey from Be Blessed Honey. 

I hope you have been able to enjoy this Saturday!

Half Marathon

 Right now I am trying to make the final decision on whether or not to do another 1/2 marathon in April.

They are a lot of work and really tough but sooooo rewarding. 

I wanted to share some pictures from my first half marathon that my brother helped me do.

I had such a good time and was proud to finish in 2 hours and 12 minutes

{Zach and I before the race}

{Coming to the finish line}

{Yay We did it}

by the way, it was no sweat for him because he runs 6-10 miles every day!

{Ryan ate some breakfast and read while I did the running and he met me at the finish line. haha}

I am trying to start back my training to see if I will be ready again in April! 

I hope I will!

Do you have any good training tips? 

I am always looking for new protein smoothie recipes or training schedule and techniques!