I have kept to running anywhere from 3-5 miles the past month and the shorter distances have been great. A while back I mentioned I am no longer watching my Garmin like a hawk while I run, instead I will look at it when the run is complete. Every single run has been getting faster..and faster..and faster. I’m naturally a slower runner..think 10m/mile range, so you can understand my excitement when I ran my fastest run everrrr this week.
BOOM 9:18 pace! This convinces me that in time I will be able to run my 3-5 milers within an 8:XX range. It’s the little things..finding excitement in something simple! I want to run another half marathon in the near future, but for now I am happy focusing on the shorter/quicker runs. These quicker runs have been consistent, so I hope this isn’t a fluke.
The past week I have been living in the 90’s while doing a series of “8 minute ___” workouts. From arms, to buns, to legs, to abs. I’ve been doing them everyday and I am still sore. These YouTube videos from the 90’s are no joke. I find myself looking forward to them. I may have busted out my leotard from when I did ballet. I was 4 when I did ballet.
8 Minute buns makes me want to die. I just love it.
I’ve been obsessed with soy lattes since discovering them a few weeks ago. I just can’t get enough. I’ve also been obsessed with breakfast for dinner. Lots of cereal with LOTS of fruit. I do eat things other than cookies and cake, but they just aren’t worth sharing usually
My cat peed on my laid out workout clothes for today, so I think I’ll call it a rest day. On that note I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Eat your greens and drink your water!
Q: Favorite coffee beverage when at a coffee shop? NORMALLY just a basic drip, but these lattes are making my mouth foam..haha oh coffee humor..get it..foam..?
Blissfulbritt 
92 thoughts on “BOOM!”
Nicole Marie Story
Love! You are a doll! xo
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because
Yay for running! zoom zoom!
Cats pick the most RANDOM places to pee. it amazes me. I think it was the Universe telling you to take a rest day 🙂
Bahahaha the 90s are so funny. Love that video!
Lucy @ Lucy On The Lookout
Haha at your cat! Amazeballs with the times – I too am unsure if I want to even invest in a garmin/timing watch – whilst I’m sure I’d love all the stats I wonder if it’ll make me all serious and take the fun out of running… Any thoughts? I’m guessing it is super useful though in terms of how far you’re running cause half the time I have no clue! Just read your other post – glad I wasn’t the only one going through a running hiatus 😉
Brittany
I love love LOVE my Garmin, and I never run without it!! I found that as long as I don’t obsess about the numbers while I am running things go just fine!! I do like knowing how far I have gone and watching my pace get speedier! I would say as long as you don’t worry about obsessing over the stats that the Garmin’s are very useful for running! I also use mine as a regular everyday watch too..so it’s a win win! HA!
Life After Swimming
Pictures of the leotard or it’s not real. love that your pace is awesome. and cat pee definitely requires a rest day.
Brittany
Smart lady, pics or it didn’t happen..which means that it didn’t happen. I can daydream though right!? HAHA.
olivetorun
NICE WORK on the pacing! You’re rocking it! 🙂
I’m more of a tea drinker myself but if I get something of the coffee variety it is always iced coffee with a little skim and a lot of cinnamon!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
Look at you go speedy lady! You’ll be in the 8 range before you know it 🙂 That is very exciting news to read! My favorite coffee shop drink is a pumpkin spice latte, but since you can’t get those year around (what’s wrong with people and not having pumpkin stuff ALL the time?!) I’ll go with anything caramel-y.
Angela @ Health's Angel
Hahaha. Obviously your cat is calling the shots today.
I used to do those videos in college every now and then! 8 minute abs heck yes.
pickyrunner
Lolz at the cat pee. I’d call it a rest day too. I know you’ll get faster too. I think I run faster without a garmin anyways! Since I won’t be running for awhile, maybe I should pick up the 90s videos. Beach workout anyone?
Hannah
That is so fast! I’ve never *actually* timed myself, but I’m usually one of the slowest people in my group (I do bootcamp). I have noticed myself getting better though. Less winded, more comfortable, better pacing (though not faster). It only took 7 months of continueis bootcamping, but whatever. I’m strong if not fast!
Brittany
Amen!!! That is awesome that you’re making such great improvement!! I have been running for over a year now and JUST starting to work on speed..it definitely doesn’t happen overnight!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile
I think the cat pee was a sign for a rest day. hahahaa too funny. YAY for awesome runs! That is the best. You are speeedy 😀 I usually just get the plain old coffee and add cream/stevia. Perfect to me!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
Speedy speedy runner! I’m crazy happy with a 10 min mile! I prefer regular coffee with coconut milk at home but at coffee shops I like hazelnut latte with soy.
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani)
Check you out…you are killing your runs lately- what a huge improvement in your overall pace :)! I haven’t tried the soy lattes at Starbucks but I love their soy chai tea lattes! I usually go for americanos (iced is subject to the weather outside) or soy cappucinos!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Rofl that’s probably the best reason for a rest day that I’ve ever heard. Love you, lady. And you know just by the music in those videos that they’re going to be good 😉 Ohhh how I miss the cheesy 90’s.
Dry cappuccinos are my jam when I’m ordering at Starbucks… the foam is where it’s at. And it’s even better with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
spectacuLAUR
I’m so sorry to hear the cat peed on your workout clothes but obviously she wanted to spend quality time with you today lol!
I am definitely a breakfast for dinner lover. Muffins count for breakfast, so you can count them for dinner too! And I mean, cupcakes are close to muffins so technically cupcakes for dinner is TOTALLY acceptable.
I normally get just a cup of coffee or a latte with NO syrup. I still have to try your suggestion of a soy milk latte though! Just enough sweetness!
Brittany
I’m with you..NO NO NO sweeteners!! That is why I love the soy milk..it’s already vanilla flavored and MUCH less sugar than the syrups.
foods for the soul
I just discovered frappuccinos for the first time this week. I had a half-price coupon for Starbucks; how could I pass that up?? But… Yeah, I’m kind of addicted already. My guy recommended the caramel frappuccino (he worked at Starbucks for a while and it was his favorite), and I already want to make my own at home! Can’t exactly afford to buy one every day. But I don’t have a coffee maker… Slight issue!
Brittany
The fraps sure are good, I haven’t had one in years though. The amount of sugar that goes into them BLOWS MY MIND! SO..please perfect your at home recipe and share!!
foods for the soul
Still working on that homemade copycat! I think the coffee might be giving me tummyaches (does that ever happen to you??), so I stopped making them for a week. Sad day!
Brittany
Ohh no!! I usually just drink half a cup of basic black coffee so I have never noticed any tummy aches thankfully! At Starbucks the frap coffee is a liquid syrup base so maybe it’s not as strong as regular coffee? I’ll have to find out! Or maybe your guy knows!
Courtney
Frappuccinos are my favorite Starbucks drink… I kept ordering them this week, and I knew when the barista said “Welcome back!” that it was time to cut back a bit 😛
Brittany
Hahaha oh this made me laugh, Starbucks is great at remembering their customers. 😉
EverdayLivingPNW
Oh my god
Becky, look at his butt
Its so big
He looks like one of those crossfit girls boyfriends…
Brittany
Bahahaha you so funnnnaayyy.
Kim hoeltje
I like any kind of flavored coffee. Not with the added flavored syrups though, just brewed flavored.
Erin
Haha your cat peeing was a sign!! And I really hope you actually did bust out a leotard!
sugarcoatedsheridan
Yay for running! I am a 10 minute/mile girl and I swear it doesn’t matter if I feel like I’m running in molasses or I have turned into leopard woman, I will still have a +/- 10 minute mile by about 15 seconds either way. It’s crazy really…And I totally agree that the cat peeing was a rest day sign 🙂
Tara@PNWRunner
Awesome job!! I am sorry about the kitty situation!
My coffee of choice would definitely be a skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks. Just got a giftcard to Starbucks from work today. Apparently its a sign that I need my fix!
jessiebearwhat
Congrats on the run! I’m such a slow runner too so I would be ecstatic about that ;). And hahahah omg your cat is such an a hole but it cracks me up!
kaityscooking
hahahah that is the best excuse ever for a rest day lol. I am a slow runner to so i no that excitement getting in the 9 minute range, thats awesome good job! I have been having breakfast for dinner so much lately I don’t remember the last time actually making a real dinner lol
Amalia
The end to this post made me laugh out loud. Good thing I’m at home on my computer.
If I had a cat, I can guarantee my rest days would be way more frequent!
Luv What You Do
I just discovered the soy macciato and it is amazing!!!
Way to go on your run! I used ot have 8 minute abs on vhs. I think I did it once…prob explains my current lack of abs : )
kepotts
Oh geez, the “8 Minute” videos take me BACK! We used to do 8- minute Abs in college all the time, even when we were drunk…that’s productive right?!? I’m a tried & true plain coffee lady (I like to think it’s hard-core rather than lame!) Happy Friday!
Brittany
I’m with you…I like my coffee BLACK..that makes me feel even more hard-core. Definitely not lame. The latte is DELICIOUS, but definitely a once in a while thing..too foofy for me to have on a regular basis.
P
I’ve noticed I’m getting a bit faster too! I’ve also noticed that my time is 10 seconds faster or so when I run in cooler weather.
Hayley
Three-five mile runs are my jam lately. You’re killin it girl – I am a relatively slow runner too so we should do a race together. Just don’t bring your cat because I prefer to wear non-pee-covered running attire.
Brittany
UHHH YES PLEASE?!?! I would most definitely run a race with you hahaha. VACATION excuse!?
Elizabeth
lol- your foam pun had me rolling. 🙂
YAY for a faster pace on your runs! I have been slowly seeing some improvement in my speed the past 6 weeks and I am out of my mind thrilled. I am a slow runner, so seeing the number drop from 10:XX to 09:XX has been thrilling!
Britta
Wooohoooo!!! Congrats on the faster time. I am a slow runner as well.. but hey, there is something to be said about that – we can appreciate the view a little longer than others 😉 mmmmm soy lattes. I have been loving iced almond milk lattes for a local place here, they are amazing although my wallet doesnt really love the $5 price tag. Cue cringe.
Brittany
Pppshh girl you run in the 8:xx range for HALF marathons..you are not slow! HAHA. But I do like your theory about enjoying the view!! YES! I so wish that Starbucks had almond milk..the soy had more protein..but I don’t like having a lot of soyyyyy.
Alex @ therunwithin
Congrats! I don’t think you give yourself enough credit, you are a good runner, a fast runner. Most can’t pull those times out like you did!
Brittany
Dawww this is my favorite comment, thank you. You make my heart smile.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
I totally used to own the 8-minutes abs video on VHS. Awesome. I’m excited to hear I can hunt them down on YouTube if I want! 🙂
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
I don’t drink coffee but I love my chai lattes! They are my favourite 🙂
Well done on increasing your pace. Sometimes it’s easier to do when you aren’t even focussing on it. I’m thinking of doing my first half Marathon later this year.
Ellie
oh my goodness that is the 90’s??!! Please tell me it ain’t so~I feel SO ancient now, hahaha. And I usually love regular coffee with 2% milk or soy, and I LOVE cappuccinos but don’t get them that often because they’re pricier and the foamy bliss disappears so quickly all together! I’d get it way more often if it lasted longer. 😀
Tiff
Leotard, eh? That helps you feel the burn, or so I hear. 😉 Way to go on the run speedy!
An Unrefined Vegan
Nice moves (both running and bun work-outing)!
Soy latte, no foam. Don’t waste my time with any other nonsense.
Sarah @ Feeeding the Brain and Body
Soy and I are not the best of friends, so it is not what I would choose at a coffee shop. I am a pretty simple girl when it comes to coffee. As long as it is strong and bold than I am happy.
Brittany
I so wish Starbucks had almond milk!! While soy has more protein, I do try to stay away from it and only have it in minimal moderation!! I’m simple with you most of the time though..black coffee is ideal!
allieksmith
Oh cat pee! I set out my shoes the night before my second half marathon and MY CAT PEED ON THEM. I was so mad at her! Now she’s dead, so I look back on the memory with a little less anger 😉
I’m glad you’re loving soy lattes! My favorite flavors are vanilla and coconut. And I love breakfast for dinner! Pumpkin waffles for the win!
Katherine
You were going fast girl! So funny (and kinda not funny) that your cat peed on your workout clothes. Maybe it’s just making sure you take a rest day every now and then!
DSTPRL
Good for you! Keep it up. The more you run the faster you will get if you are working to improve it. Congratulations on your sub 10 minutes mile. 🙂
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Yay for your fast run!! That is awesome.
Also, I’m totally gonna try some of those 8 Minute ____ vids. Great recommendation!
pjsassifras
Awesome run time! I’m nuts for iced coffee this time of year.
Cardiogirl82
90’s exercise videos are No Joke. They are hi-larious, but the actual work-out content is legit. I remember when I was in h.s., I used to do this ridiculous aerobics v.h.s. that my mom had from back in the day. The music was OUTSTANDING. I am still not clear on why thong leotards were necessary…
Brittany
Oh how I miss VHS tapes hahaha. Classics for sure. The thong leotard is one thing I am glad died with the 90’s. Although I would for sure wear one if I had one haha.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Your posts are always filled with random little tips of awesome. Seriously, you crack me up. Maybe I can borrow your leotard when you’re done with it, although I’ll pass on the workout clothes. Rest day, indeed.
ahellams
Im a drip coffee girl too but if you like soy, you absolutely have to try a Soy Chai latte. I don’t even really care for soy milk (I’m an almond milk girl) but the chai and the soy need to run off together and elope in Vegas because they are a combo to freaking die for!!
Brittany
Yes yes YES! The chai is amazing. It tastes like NOVEMBER! I am an almond milk girl too, but unfortunately Starbucks (my go to coffee shop) doesn’t have any..BOOO! I love your idea of the chai and soy eloping..bahaha.
Christina Does It All
Yay for faster runs!!!! It’s such a good feeling 🙂
And: My cat peed on my laid out workout clothes for today, so I think I’ll call it a rest day.
Bahaha, that’s a sign if I’ve ever heard one 😉
Christina Does It All
Oh, I also LOVE soy lattes. And to the above comment, soy and chai….YES! Match made in coffee heaven. Definitely need to elope.
Brittany @ FreckledNettles
Keep up the great work, Brittany! Ugh, pets- what are we going to do with them? My dog can be a little rascal too. My favorite coffee beverage when at a coffee shop is definitely a simple coffee. If I’m living on the edge that day, I’ll go for a latte! Have a great day!
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I was excited to open your blog today.. because I just came from the gym so now I won’t feel at all guilty reading about your amazing runs:D Congrats on going faster and faster! I love those old Videos.. and the shiny spandex (did I tell you I’m old enough to have worn those, lol?)
Change of Pace
Way to go on the faster runs! I think not focussing on pace can make us so much faster in the long run!
Brutal that your cat peed on your laid out clothes! Hope you enjoyed your rest day!
Kristina at damntenpounds
LOL your kitty was giving you a sign. One more rest day and you’ll be faster tomorrow. I like that plan. That’s a smart cat 😉
Rachel
haha oh no! Bad kitty lol hope you got the smell out, but that is def a sign for a rest day lol… I also have shortened my runs and find that my body likes it better… the faster pace is also awesome 🙂 yay for your time!
Melissa @ Mouthwatering Morsel
you have the best shoe/watch pics ever. so bright and colorful. as for coffee I like to try everything!
megbek
That is so wonderful about your run time! 🙂 Such a cute pic with your sneakers, too! I have found the same thing – not watching like a hawk makes running so much easier and enjoyable – and faster to boot! I’ll be doing that from now on.
The Healthy Flavor
Wow, that’s a wonderful time! You go girl! I laughed out loud that your cat peed on your clothes….oh no!! I definitely think that’s a good reason to skip a workout! Haha! 🙂
Megan
Aren’t the 8 minutes videos amazing, god I love them, I do the abs one 4 – 5 times a week easy. Also, way to go on your running!! I remember a few months ago when I was logging some faster short mileage runs I felt like I was on cloud nine!
sincerelylily
you are getting fasterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! you should just run all the way to MI for my wedding, you’d make it. I CANT BELIEVER YOUR CAT PEED ON YOUR CLOTHES. That would just crush me and I don’t know if I could wear them ever again. Id probably throw them out.
I always getting skinny vanilla latte no FOAM. If there is foam, it is dead to me and I don’t drink it.
YAYYYY FOR BRITT’S FAST RUNNING BUTTTTT!
Brittany
I LOVE THE FOAMMMMM! It’s so delicious. The more foam the BETTER. I should probably just get a cappuccino, but I like the milk too. So..I get torn. HAHA.
YEAH I’M running to you, I’m on my way! YAYAYA!
Rach @ This Italian Family
Yikes! Sorry your cat peed on your workout clothes.
Also your foam pun… funny stuff! You crack me up, Britt! I usually get a decaf soy mocha light frap if I’m looking for a cold drink or a decaf soy skinny mocha if I want a hot drink. Either way it has to be decaffeinated, soy, and sugar free. I really love the places that offer almond milk as an option. 🙂
And hey congrats on your fastest run ever!!!
katalysthealth
Congrats on the run!! Your a speedy beast my dear.
As for your cat…well I think he needs a swift kick in the behind! My pup always gets her hair all over my workout clothes, but that’s easily brushed off lol
Alyssa @ Road to RD
That’s an awesome pace! Good for you!
Meredith
wooohooo go girl! That is an awesome run 🙂
have you done any Denise Austin videos? My Mom has sooo many of those and I always use them when I head home. 8-10 minute videos are no joke, 8 minute buns=legit!
As for favorite coffee at a coffee shop, lately for me it’s been skim cappucinos. Can’t get enough!
Sophie Juliette
Well done on the faster runs! It just shows that if you’re having fun and distracting yourself then your performance will improve 🙂 I want to try one of those videos! Lately I’ve been loving iced lattes, I always go through a period of liking them at this time of year!
Alex (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen)
Great job with your running girl!! You’ll get in the 8 range in no time!
Breakfast for dinner is the BEST! Honestly, I think I could eat breakfast for all three meals and be one happy clam 🙂
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do enjoy decaf mochas every now and then. And when Starbucks peppermint mochas come into season? Oh boy, Starbucks becomes my second come 😉
di @ life of di.
My favorite beverage is a Venti Blonde Coffee from Starbucks. If I am going to get fancy, I enjoy a Soy Misto 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Fun Fact For You: That woman in the 8 minute BUNS video is my MOM…….
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HA HA HA HA AH HA HA HA HA HA! Just Kidding!
Sarah
First off I’m drooling over your waffles for dinner right there. 🙂 Mmm. I’ve never in my life had a latte. WHAT?! All about straight up coffee and all for americano’s but never a latte. Great work with your running, it’s always such a wonderful feeling to be progressing and also be very aware of how AWESOME you are doing.
rebecca @ blueberry smiles
I’ve been big on breakfast for dinner lately too– smoothies for breakfast and dinner! I guess it’s because it’s summer and warm out and there’s so many fresh berries. YUM
RunToTheFinish
OMG those videos are so funny, I love finding one and just taking in their workout gear!
Allie
Mmm, lattes are my favorite to order when out at a coffee shop! Whole Foods sells really good almond milk ones. Yummm. And way to go with your speedy running!
Thomas
Born to run with a soy latte in my hand 🙂 love running too. Well done and yes the garmin really is an awesome why to train 🙂
Brittany
YES! I still need to read Born to Run. I read Eat and Run by Scott Jurek and was enthralled and in love with his book. Add a soy latte to that and it would be ideal!
kathy @ vodka and soda
hey man, those vids are no joke! my friend once busted out that tae bo workout (billy blanks) and it was pretty challenging!
do you remember the 20min workout on tv? how hilarious were those?
Brittany
I hated Tae Bo in junior high PE class, but these days I WOULD GET DOWN with some Billy Blanks! HAHAH!
Emma @ Life's A Runner
I had the exact same experience yesterday morning! Normally I obsessively check my RunKeeper app every few minutes, but once I put it away, I literally ran 1 minute/mile faster. I think when we see ourselves going a faster pace than we’re used to, we imagine that we are more tired than we are and slow down! Craziness. I get a latte 100% of the time at 100% of the coffee shops I go to. I’m a creature of habit I suppose? 🙂
cottercrunch
you’re getting speedy woman! must be the soy lattes. hehe. SO GOOD! can’t believe you just now discovered them. Wish i could drink more soy… sigh