Tag: Asics

• All the Single Ladies…

  Posted at 7:11 AM by Brittany, on May 14, 2014

  This post will not contain images of me shaking my thang like Beyonce, instead I want to share something else that will burn your eyes out…literally.

  

  I hate this phrase, but this one legit makes sense.

  Way back in the day I had a consistent running partner, and this made for carefree running in any area of town. These days all my runs are solo which I LOVE, but I’d be lying if I said my mind didn’t wander to episodes of CSI whenever a sketchy car drove by.

  

  

  One of my favorite regular customers at Starbucks used to be a police officer, and is one of those “protective fatherly” like people. Anytime we talk running (because 90% of my conversations with a lot of customers are about running) he asks me about running alone. For weeks he pestered me (in a loving way that fathers do) to get some mace, so I did.

  Up until recently I only carried a few things with me when I ran, sometimes some water, once in a while some food, but other than that only two items were constant run items.

  

  Gary my Garmin, because I am a numbers freak.

  

  My RoadID in case I am attacked by radioactive bears, or trip and pass out in a ditch.

  This all changed when I was sent a Mace Pepper Spray, Jogger Model. This Mace is perfect for runners (or hikers, and walkers!) because it fits nicely in your hand for easy access. I usually hate carrying things when I run, but I found no annoyances with this.

  

  

  Boom – thumb pushes button, prepare for total domination. Naturally I had to see how it worked. Nothing worse than needing to actually use this and having no idea what to do.

  

  

  POW. Right in the kisser.

  I chose black over pink because here are my thoughts on color: If someone is coming to attack you and notices a bright pink something in your hand, they are going to know to potentially avoid that, or even try to knock it out of your hand. The black is a bit more discrete and in my mind this means a better chance of going unnoticed.

  Also, the pink is just obnoxious..sorry.

  

  Sleek and black…like my soul.

  If you are a woman, and you run alone (esp early mornings or late nights when it’s dark) I highly recommend this Mace, it’s better than carrying nothing! I will be taking this on all my runs until I perfect the art of teleportation. Until then, eyeballs beware!

  

  Miles by Mace.

  Oh, this is totally cool for men to carry too! Lions, tigers, and flesh melting laser eyed bears OH MY! My Mace makes me feel better in case any savage animals cross my path too!

  Q: Do you take any precautions when running/hiking/walking alone? 

  

  | 38 Comments Tagged Asics, Garmin, Mace, Review, Run

• Tacoma City Half Marathon

  Posted at 9:19 AM by Brittany, on May 5, 2014

  Yesterday I ran my 5th half marathon.

  

  It wasn’t my best race, in fact it was quite the struggle, but I am proud of my finish and even learned a few things throughout the run. Despite my desires to be a natural born cage fighter runner, I’m not. If I want an “easier” race I have to prep myself by training. My training for this half was sub-par, and not a single long run was successful for me.

  

  I fell off the running bandwagon that last week and did whatever I wanted for workouts.

  I made a plan for one month. My weekday runs were decent (always 9:30-9:40 pace range), but when I got to my 8,9,10 mile runs I had to walk..too much. Mentally I just couldn’t focus and I caved when my mind told me to walk. I didn’t complete the month.

  

  A midweek run. Proud of that pace, but I had to push it.

  Fast forward to race week. After a pathetic excuse for a 10 miler, I went in to the race yesterday with the hopes that adrenaline and fellow runners would carry me to the finish.

  

  My race partner!

  

  I had at least six new (unbeknownst to them) best friends that were twinning with me and my Seattle Marathon shirt.

  Pre race we had to wait for two hours inside a building built for small planes. My one and only complaint about this race. Everything else along the course was beautiful, and while the hills kicked my under trained ass, it was lovely and I would definitely do it again.

  They won my heart when they provided us with food and coffee.

  

  A giant plate of PB. I hadn’t had PB in months and I welcomed this plate onto my face.

  

  Brittany’s plate on the left, everyone else on the right.

  Here’s what I learned while running this race:

  1. When they tell you to never buy brand new shoes the day before a race…listen to them. Blisters on blisters on blisters.
  2. When your body says, “I HAVE to go!” You stop..even when it adds 6 minutes to your official time. Trot, trot, TROT.
  3. When your legs, knees, back, and joints start to physically hurt..it’s OK to walk.
  4. When you puke while running…you’re officially a bad ass.
  5. Sometimes listening to your body outweighs finishing with a certain time.
  6. A finish, is a finish, is a finish.
  7. I am not a super hero. I can run a half marathon (as can YOU) on minimal training and dead legs, but it won’t be pretty, and my ego will be bruised when I walk.
  8. It is possible to buy vegan treats and not want a single one of them.
  9. Not every race will go as planned, but every finish is something to be proud of.
  10. Running can always relate back to life. If you want something you have to work for it. If I want a new PR, or to run (mostly) pain free, I have to train. Simple as that.

  I bought new running shoes much too late, and although they were the newer model of what I ran in before, they hadn’t been broken in and gave me blisters.

  

  I had stomach issues for nearly the entire run (I’ll spare the details) and my legs were dead by mile 3 (this was ridiculous.) I walked…a LOT, and stopped to use the Randy Can which took literally 6 entire minutes (I def stopped my Garmin).

  While waiting in line I decided (mile 6) that this was a race I just wanted to complete regardless of my time. Stopping made my “official time” and my Garmin time different, but I’m going with Garmin. I also ran another .2 mi after I stopped my watch. Longer course.

  

  I may sound like I’m complaining, but really I am quite humbled and I’m not at all upset about my performance. Overall I had a good time! I embraced the slower pace, I was able to run across the bridge I have been wanting to run for years, and I finished strong when I wanted to crawl. That’s what I call success. I’m a slower runner, and I finally accept that!

  While I am most proud of my first solo half marathon (which holds my current PR), this race I’m proud of myself for not being too critical and embracing another finish!

  

  OH, and did anyone catch what I said about the treats? You know your stomach is in shambles when you buy FOUR treats from your favorite bakery and don’t want ANY!

  

  Not to worry though, I ate the bottom right hours later after destroying a giant salad.

  Q: How do you handle humbling experiences like this?

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Asics, Bearded Lady, Cupcake, Half Marathon, Run, Vegan

• Variety is the Spice of Life

  Posted at 4:52 AM by Brittany, on November 11, 2013

  When I first started increasing my running mileage I was all about long runs and slow paces. I was not a fan of the short sprint style runs, and swore I would always rather run 10 miles at a slower pace than run 2 miles at a quick pace. Well, that’s changed. Lately I dread longer runs, and have been avoiding them at all costs. What I am loving are shorter speedier runs (speedy for me..think 8:35min/mi) and LOTS of spin classes.

  

  May 2013 – 9 slooww miles.

  After my half marathon in October I was going to take a running break. By this I mean a scheduled running break, running only when I felt like it. Then I thought about running another half on December 1st, so I started training again a week ago. I’ve found myself skipping mid week runs for spin classes and cutting my long runs short. I just don’t have the desire to train for this race…at all. I need a break from the schedule, I need variety.

  

  Fast forward 4 months, and I chopped an entire minute off my 9mi pace. September 2013

  I am still going to run the half (as long as I can get the day off) but I am going to just have fun with it. I don’t really feel like “training” so I’m not going to. Forcing a run is NOT a good idea, so instead I have been switching up daily workouts and it’s been a blast! I hope that by continuing to do cardio and shorter, speedier mid week runs that I’ll be OK during the half..if I don’t post for a week after Dec 1st come looking for me.

  

  Ok, deal.

  Call me crazy, but I am really excited to run a half without much training. I think my foundation is solid enough that I wont hit the wall…I hope. As for speed, I’ve been running 2-4 milers and pushing myself to break into the 8min/mile range. I don’t know why I stayed in my comfort zone of 10min/miles for so long. About 6 months ago I pushed into the 9min/mile range..and then that got comfortable too. Short speed runs are fun!

  

  PLEASE, NO!

  In completely unrelated news I baked the most epic dessert the other day, but cannot show you until November 16th. The Virtual Vegan Potluck is back and I’m so jazzed for my addition to the party. The entire “thing” was gone in one night (I shared with my coworkers haha.) Also, I’ve been working A LOT lately and haven’t had much time to read blogs, my lack of comments on posts is simply due to being busy! I still love you.

  

  Mad love for you all. Hawaii 2009

  Q: Do you ever feel the need to take a break from certain workouts? I still love my short runs, and love all things running, but just don’t want to force the “long” runs right now! I’m A OK WITH THAT! Besides, I’m planning to run another half in March.

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Asics, Garmin, Random, Running, Vegan, Virtual Vegan Potluck

• What Goes Up…

  Posted at 6:39 AM by Brittany, on September 12, 2013

  …must come down. That’s what I kept telling myself yesterday morning while I was dying running like a gazelle up a hill for over half my run. I recently bought myself a brand spankin’ new pair of running shoes and I was so jazzed to take them out for a run!

  

  This was the first time I was able to somewhat choose what my shoes looked like. Don’t get me wrong, I will run in shoes that look like your grandmas curtains as long as they are good for my legs, but this time I decided to try something  flashy.

  

  My knees were starting to bother me on my runs which let me know it was time for a new pair of shoes. For some reason I get a slight twinge of sadness when it’s time to retire a pair of running shoes. Those shoes are with me for miles upon miles, and shoving them in the closet just doesn’t seem fair. Sadly the style of shoe I had been running in for over a year is no longer manufactured. After a quick e-mail to Asics, I decided on the Gel-Cumulus 15.

  

  Of all the color schemes I had to choose from, this one was my favorite. I was a bit nervous because I ordered these online without trying them on first. Thankfully after taking them out for a run I love them! Despite the HILLY run, I felt like I was running on clouds.

  

  Obligatory post run Garmin/shoe photo.

  And just like that, I wrote an entire post about shoes. I guess I was excited! Long story short, I bought new kicks and they rock my world. I think my favorite thing about these shoes is that they deceive you from the front. Just like a mullet.

  

  Business in the front, party in the back.

  Q: Do you ever buy your workout gear online before trying it out??

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Asics, New Digs, Running

• Who’da Thunk

  Posted at 7:30 AM by Brittany, on July 17, 2013

  I’ve been running now for about two years. I started running solo, then I started to run with a buddy, now I am back to running solo and I am thriving more than ever before. The moment I let go of looking at my watch and obsessing over my pace, it was as if a brand new runner was born, a runner that I am starting to love!

  I’ve been working on my speed lately, and my goal is to get a sub 9:00/mile for at least      3 mi or more. I went for a 3 mi run last week and my pace was EXACTLY 9:00/mile! SO CLOSE! This is still the fastest 3mi I have run, so that is a success in itself. I hadn’t run over 5 miles in almost two months, and decided to see if I still had what it took to run 8 mi.

  

  NOT only did I still have the endurance, this was my fastest 8 miler ever. SUB 10:00/miles! My longer runs are naturally slower than my short runs, but not this one! Not only did I move quicker than normal, but this run FELT GOOD! I didn’t feel tired at all! Well my legs did, but that’s for many reasons. MY endurance is what I was focused on. The small speed work I have done is PAYING OFF for my longer runs!

  

   

  I’ve always loved running AFTER I am done, but lately I have been loving the run WHILE I am running. I still struggle getting out the door at times, but once I am moving I love it. I am finally starting to consider myself  “a runner” and it feels damn good. You know what else feels good? When big companies like your photos on Instagram….

  

  Bahaha to be fair they “liked” quite a few peoples photos, but I still felt special. Anyway, running is rocking my world right now and I am so thankful for my body’s performance.

  In non running related news, today is Disneyland’s 58th birthday! To infinity & beyond!

  

  I want to gooooo…

  Q: Have you had any amazing workouts lately that rocked your world??

  

  | 73 Comments Tagged Asics, Disneyland, Running

• Stick With What You Know

  Posted at 8:56 AM by Brittany, on February 8, 2013

  Confession: I have been running in the same shoes for a year now. Any running expert will tell you shoes need to be retired anywhere around 500miles of usage (I’m looking at you dad..shoes from the 1990’s!.) Oops..I think I exceeded that. I can’t help it..I’m as frugal as they come! I finally..FINALLY went last week to buy some new shoes, but it didn’t go so smoothly..

  I had no specific shoe in mind, I just wanted a new pair. I have to admit I was partial to Brooks for a few reasons. Number one being I reverted back to my high school days of being a brand snob, and Brooks are just “cool.” They also make vegan shoes..double cool. Oh and my boyfriend runs in Brooks, and so does Scott Jurek..triple cool. I’m telling you now..what an awful way to base your shoe choice. You can possibly guess by now I ended up buying a pair of Brooks.

  

  Brooks Ghost 5..what a GORGEOUS shoe.

  Gorgeous as this shoe may be, after a 4mile test run something wasn’t right. Just my luck that with a prettier running shoe would come problems. Any shoe I’ve ever worn that was “pretty” (heels, fancy flats, studded flippy floppys) ended up causing PAIN! NO PRETTY SHOES! So despite Brooks awesome reputation, pretty shoes, and catchy slogan..I had to take these vegan shoes back.

  

  I decided to buy another pair of my old shoes, but no one had them in store so I had to wait a WEEK and order them online. I ate a lot of cookies to pass the time and drown my sorrows.

  

  I also had to put 11more miles on my old shoes, which really ended up hurting my knees. My left knee still hurts. Ugh..never waiting a year again! I did have a good run with my running partner despite the knee pain, and the views were awesome too..but nothing is worth hurting your body!

  

  1896 Olympia Brewery. I need a beer to sooth my funky knees!

  I am now coming to the falling action of this story. Yesterday I received my new shoes. There is something magical about seeing the UPS or FEDEX truck outside your door. Oh so magical.

  

  Aesthetically these shoes are awful. Absolutely AWFUL. They look like they were colored by a 5yr old, funny that they have similar colors to the Brooks. Physically..these shoes were like running on CLOUDS! I AM SO HAPPY with these shoes! I took them out for a run IMMEDIATELY and could have cried I was so happy. It was such a good run I even found some chachachaangge.

  

  That’s a whopping $0.11 cents, and I sure did STOP running to pick those coins up!! I can’t get to Disneyland without money people!

  The moral of this long story is: STICK with what you know!! The tread difference on the bottom of these two shoes was embarrassingly pathetic. I was LONG overdue for a new pair, and I am stoked to have my beloved Asics. I am now partial to Asics because they WORK FOR ME, this is how you should choose a running shoe! Maybe one day I will run in some Brooks, but until this shoe is discontinued I will stick with what I know!

  Q: What do you run in and whyyy!?

  

  | 68 Comments Tagged Asics, Brooks, Disneyland, Free Money, Half Marathon, New Digs, Run Happy, Running, Vegan

• 

• 

• Search for:
• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long bike rides, deep connections, exploration, and lots of cucumbers.

• If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

• ¿Quieres Más?

  Like my witty attitude and delightful charm? Enter your
  e-mail below for the party to come straight to your inbox!

  Email Address:

  Chyea DO it!

  Join 4,445 other subscribers
• 
• 

•