So, I know just yesterday I posted about finally believing that I am a runner. Even still, I sometimes have runs where the fact that my body can carry me through miles and continues to adapt and grow stronger seems surreal. I felt that way during my run yesterday afternoon. It was hot. My legs felt a little heavy. Did I say it was hot?

My plan called for a three miler. I usually take this run at no set pace and just run in a way that feels good and care-free. Well, I felt on fire yesterday…and not only from the heat. The times I would quickly check my pace, it always fell in the eights and I thought “that can’t be right”, “this can’t be happening considering everything going into this run”. But I finished up three miles in an average 8:48 pace and it felt strangely…easy. Despite the hills. Despite the heat. Despite the last day in my training week since Fridays are my rest days. I ended feeling pretty dang good.

I also ended up making my super cute 4all by jofit top not quite as cute by rocking it with running shorts and a Bondi Band. Leave it to me. I would say “this can’t be happening” but we all know that would be a lie. What’s not a lie? I love this top! The Pretty Tennis Tank is yet another great piece from the team. I couldn’t get over how supportive and comfortable the top was…which I shouldn’t expect any less since every piece I have received fits that description. Plus I gotta say I think the cut is quite flattering and I love the different, classy coloring. Two thumbs up!

And now for the kicker. The true #thiscan’tbehappening moment. I took Makenzie to meet her preschool teachers today. She starts preschool on Monday.

This. Can’t. Be. Happening!

I thought I was sooooo ready. A couple extra hours during the week when she is in school and Braedon has his morning nap? A change for her that she has desperately wanted for months? (kid has talked about school since March) A break from the toddler mood swings which can only help me appreciate her even more? Yes, yes, yes! Or so I thought when her leaving me for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week loomed weeks into the future. Now, just a few short days away and I kind of want to cry. Okay, I will cry. I know it. You know it. No point in hiding it.

I have made sure to cherish every little moment with her this week. Not a single complaint about reading the insane number of books the kid will listen to repeatedly…

I took her to get her very first haircut.

She badly needed one. Plus, it was like negative $20. Yes. Negative. She got a $25 gift from being referred by me to my hairdresser. Kids cut = way less than that. My “referral” still earned me $25 on my next appointment too. Hey – they told me to do it! All I had to pay was a $5 tip. Score. Well, I also had that $4 in ATM fees because I didn’t realize you can’t tip on your card there and had no cash on me at the time. Lame.

But, back to my little M. It isn’t sinking in that she is growing up little by little. I still think of her as a baby bobbling around and barely able to communicate. But, no. She is full fledged little human who will carry on conversations with me, make jokes, and be the most excellent mommy I have ever seen to her beloved “Teddy”.

I’m going to miss my goober.

Even if she won’t make a crazy face with me.

• Last time you thought “this can’t be happening”?
• What is a ridiculous fee you hate? I think TicketMaster charges some pretty outrageous fees too. Oh! And the parking fees at many hospitals in our area. “Hi. We’re sorry you’re mother is sick, but pay us $10 to see her”. Ick.

**Gotta do that disclaimer thang: I was sent the 4all top free for review as part of their ambassador program. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.

Guess what. It’s Friday, y’all! Wow. I felt like the biggest redneck typing that. Even living in the South my entire life, I have never been a big “y’all”-er. But it’s Friday and Friday deserves a little crazy. So – Happy Friday, y’all!

Just like the past couple of weeks, Friday now means a rest day for me. Though, it still a little odd resting on Friday instead of Sundays (my standard rest day of choice for years). I feel like on a weekday I should get up and do something just like all my other weekdays. Then, I remind myself the rest prepares me for my Saturday long runs and gives me the chance to have a less stressful and crazy morning one day of the week. Much needed and both good for the health.

Besides, just because I’m not getting my workout groove on doesn’t mean I don’t do things to better my health in other ways. I think we too easily forget about all the many, many, many ways we affect our health beyond our eating and fitness habits. Like flossing, sleeping, taking care of our money, hydrating, taking the stairs, or saying “I love you”. But you know what? Those DO count!

You know what else? Those can also count and add up to moolah in your pocket. You heard me. Cash. Money. Bills. Well, more aptly…Starbucks. iTunes. Amazon. Fandango. SpaFinder.

Yes. I’m for real.

Earlier this week, I received some information about a new site called DailyFeats.

At first, I thought “whatever…another product pitch”. Then, I took a closer look. You sign up. You check in daily or throughout the day (they even have an app!) to mark off certain feats you accomplished. You earn points for every little thing you do to better your health. Your points add up. You cash in your points for prizes – like gift cards to iTunes, Amazon, Fandango, and Starbucks. Ummm…why the heck not?!?!

I have received nothing for this. Nothing. I simply had to share it with you all. I love that DailyFeats offers a site to focus and reward a broad spectrum of healthy behaviors and positive actions.

 
I can finally get something for the incessant laundry and dishes!!!

There are so many things to earn points with. Not just workouts or meal choices, although those are there too. Just like I enjoy checking in with my budget to remain aware of my spending, this is a cool way to check in with my habits to look at my lifestyle and how I care for myself. AND earn some free new running music down the line…helping me rack up even more points.

Sure, it’s another thing to keep up with online. Sure, there are some ways they could make the site more user friendly – such as allowing you to check in more than one feat with one click instead of individual clicks for each. Sure, it can take a bit of time to rack up 2000 points for some of the better gift cards (although I have racked up over 200 in just a few days). Even with all that, I still think its a pretty cool site. I’m signed up. I have the app. And I’m working towards a free movie night with the husband. We don’t have a huge entertainment budget, remember? 😉

• What are some ways you take care of your health beyond the standard eating and fitness habits?
• Want to sign up for DailyFeats? Earn 50 points to get you started by entering the code faithfitnessrun50 when signing up. 🙂

**I cannot express enough that I received nothing for this post. I was simply made aware of this site and decided to give it a try out of my own personal will. The opinions are 100% my own, honest thoughts.