Happy May Day! I’m not sure if this is a nationally recognized day but my mom grew up celebrating it in her small Rhode Island hometown so I’ve always acknowledged it. Regardless, it’s the start of a new month…one of my favorite month’s of the year for no reason other than it’s almost summer. That’s a good enough reason, right?
I do have good reasons for loving a few other things lately…
1. Jen’s Ultimate Plank Fitness book
Jen’s blog, Peanut Butter Runner, was one of the first blogs I started reading more than two years ago. Not only is she my yoga idol (seriously check out this video!) but she has an inspiring approach to healthy living that includes a variety of workouts, green smoothies and chocolate :) I was thrilled to receive a copy of her new book featuring more than 100 variations of planks, using both bodyweight and minimal equipment. As someone who gets really bored with core work I’ve enjoyed stepping up my plank game and after two weeks, while I don’t have her abs, I can tell my core is getting stronger. Jen just announced that’s she hosting a 31 day plank challenge for the month of May and I will be joining in and posting a weekly recap on Instagram. Check out this post for more info! I could use some accountability for core work. Stronger core = stronger runner, right?!
2. This Instagram from Cassandra Bodzak. Seriously, everything she posts gets me thinking. I want to write more about this topic eventually, but for now, this sums up what I believe.
After writing yesterday's newsletter on how I thrive with a jam-packed schedule, I spent some time reflecting on being "busy". I feel like busy has become a disease of sorts in our culture, especially in NYC, and I'm certainly guilty of being infected time to time. We ask each other how everything is going and the standard answer is something like "crazy busy" or "great just insanely busy". Well I learned a long time ago that not all busy is created equal. These days I carefully curate my schedule and there isn't anything on there that I don't find of high value. It's people and clients I want to see, projects I'm excited to be creating and other things I'm grateful for in my life. So I've decided to trade in busy for abundant because that's a much more accurate description of my life! Take a check on your "busy" – what's it filled with? Is there excess that you can eliminate in order to make space for truly enriching activities? Is it all wonderful, exciting things you're grateful for in your life? Let's trade busy in for abundant. Xo, C ✨#LightMaker
3. Hoka One One’s
After seeing so many bloggers post about their positive experience with Hoka One One’s, I wanted to give them a try. I want to run in them for at least 10 runs before I review them but they are so light! I’ve run in Brooks Ghost for four years (I have an embarrassing number of pairs that I rotate) and I think it’s about time I found another shoe to join the club.
4. The Draft. No not THE draft, the NFL Draft. If you’re a new reader (hello!) you should know that I L.O.V.E. football. I try to keep my obsession to a minimum on the blog but it pops through once in a while. As I’m typing this I’m watching the draft and I will be staying up to see my Eagles pick. The draft lasts four days but I only sit down and watch the first round, I’m not that crazy ;)
5. The Marathon Bug.
After watching the Boston Marathon and seeing so many social media posts about the Chicago Marathon (congrats to those who got in) I diagnosed myself with a case of the marathon bug. To cure my sickness, I signed up for my 3rd marathon. Just laugh at my joke, please. I guess this is kind of important and I will write more about it but I will be running the Fort Myers Marathon on November 8. This race fits all of my “requirements” that I mentioned earlier this year…small, cheap and close to home. Plus, I can do some training runs in the city this summer. So much to look forward to the next few months :)
That’s it for me. Have a fabulous weekend!
Thanks to Clare and Heather for hosting the link-up!
So exciting for your next marathon! I definitely have that race bugging after all the recent running buzz lately, no marathon for me yet though! Right now I am running in Mizuno Wave Riders and I have a pair of Reeboks that I use for the treadmill.
Have a great weekend!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…{Friday Favorites} 5/1
I haven’t tried Mizuno’s but I’ve only heard a million great things. I haven’t run on the treadmill in the Hokas yet but they feel so comfortable.
Congrats on a new marathon! Woooo!
Omg, haha! You sound like my brother. Yesterday was like the biggest day for him. You can’t get a bigger sports FANATIC then my brother!
(But…..I’m totally wearing my Jets shirt today…unintentionally!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 5/1/15
Haha I wore my Eagles shirt on Thursday to my exam :) :)
I run in Zoot’s and I have for a few years. I just love them…a light and neutral shoe. I am planning on doing the San Diego half marathon in August. Another excuse to travel to someplace beautiful and be with friends! :) Congrats on signing up for another marathon…you ROCK!
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…Simply 7 GIVEAWAY + WIAW
I wear a neutral shoe and prefer a lighter weight too. Omg I want to run that race just so I can have a race-cation! That’s the best way to travel :)
I love that thing about being busy…it’s so true and I know I am guilty of it a lot. I try to fill my days with intention rather than just busy doing random tasks, but in our society it’s almost frowned upon to not be busy every second. I think America would benefit from being more like Italy or other European countries who take a few hours during the day to close shop and nap haha
Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…Confidence
I one million percent agree. Siestas/naps rock and I wish they were encouraged in the real working world.
YAY so exciting you signed up for your 3RD half marathon! You rock! And I love the trading in busy for abundant philosophy :) Kind of like quality over quantity…but just more beautifully put ;)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…5-Minute Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
Thank you! Everything Cassandra writes is so much more eloquent than I could ever articulate.
I love the post about being busy, it’s so very true. And I’m also a big NFL fan! Though I was working while the draft was on unfortunately.
I couldn’t fall asleep after the Eagles picked so I ended up staying up closer to midnight. The price you pay ;)
Congrats for signing up for your third marathon!! How exciting! :)
Melanie recently posted…Friday Five: Races
Thanks, Melanie! I hope to keep the excitement going until I start training
My boss is from India, and he was so disappointed none of us cared about May Day! I know it’s big in Europe, so at least I was finally able to figure out what holiday he was talking about. I’m not a huge pro football fan, but I like to track where MSU (and Big Ten) players get drafted. I was really excited we had someone go in the first round!
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Fitness Trends
I didn’t know it was popular in Europe! I honestly thought it was just a Rhode Island thing :)