I continue to fall in love with running! Last night, I completed my next Couch to 5K workout and finished 2.57 miles in about 28 minutes.

I even oopsied and did one running interval over twice as long because I couldn’t see the time on my screen and was just in a groove. Amazing how time flies on a run when you’re into a song and into a groove!

I have also been loving the weather recently!

It’s been like that all this week and the forecast shows weather similar to this for the foreseeable future. I’m in love! Can it last pretty please?

The weather has certainly warranted getting outside as often as possible. I have enjoyed daily walks with the kiddos – Makenzie in her stroller and Baby B in his little carrier pouch with a blanket. 

Walking along and playing “I Spy” with Makenzie and glancing down to baby B’s cute face always puts me in such a good mood. Wouldn’t it make you smile?

For one of our walks we went up to the local Greenway path and it actually got me craving a Couch to 5K session outdoors. I think once I get to longer run intervals, and if the weather stays this nice, I may just do that. I know I want to get used to running outdoors some before that 5K race I’m working towards in April.

Although there is certainly a lot about running I will have to learn. Fortunately, I have you all to turn to for suggestions! So, today I will start with one of the simple ones – gear!

What is your favorite gear for running outdoors? Here are some things I have picked up from you all so far as useful and I could see myself using if I continue falling in love with running and do decide to continue:

Garmin 205

Peter actually found a deal for one for about $100 and I think he wants to get it. He is all about finding deals for electronic trinkets. I definitely think I would use this to help with pacing myself! I don’t know if it would be necessary but I wouldn’t mind having that extra tool that’s for sure.

Arm Band or Pouch?

Running = music. I have learned quickly how much that helps. I use an iPhone for my music and have no clue how I would keep up with it. Holding it on outdoor runs seems…annoying. So which is more comfortable to running? The arm bands? Or I’ve heard of little pouches where you can also store a key, fuel, ID, money, or phone. Another question – what’s good to even take on runs?! [Please note: The iPhone is not my phone. We’re cheap and I have an old school phone with no data plan. The iPhone is a disconnected one Peter took from a friend to fiddle around with and that I can use for music. I’m not even kidding.]

Camelbak

If I DO get into running and end up doing any longer distances, I have a feeling I will want one of these babies. Yet again, the thought of carrying water sounds…annoying. Added bonus? We could use it when we hike!

Running Fuel

Gus, Shot Blocks, SportsBeans, Gatorade, dried fruit, and even candy. So. Many. Options. I’ve got a long way to go before I need to worry about that though.

These are obviously all things I would not need to worry about until more solidly into running – although, let’s face it, that love affair has already begun. I mainly want to stay on top of the game with my running (ha! pun intended!) mental lists. Plus, its fun! I already get excited thinking about my next Couch to 5K session, trying outdoor runs, and learning more about it all.

So, you tell me…what gear do you find helpful? And if not a runner, any gear you must have for your workouts like a HR monitor? I must have my spin shoes when taking spin classes!

As many of you likely figured out from my earlier post, we had a family game night last night. My brother had to travel home to Arizona today so we planned a low-key and fun evening all together before he left.

After getting in my Legs & Glutes workout, my mom, sister, and brother showed up for dinner. I had prepared my favorite White Chicken Chili for dinner and my mom brought some Mexican cornbread to go with it.

I need to get the recipe for that cornbread. It is so good!

Once our taste buds became adequately spiced from dinner and the kids were in bed, we started up a round of Cranium.

Like I mentioned before, my sister and I usually kill at this game. Did you see her go from guessing “Elton John” to  “puppet show” in 2 seconds flat?

Due to our creepy knack for guessing each other’s clues, we went for a random division of teams by pulling numbers. Guess who ended up together??? You can tell Heather is looking at my camera (the fun one) and I’m looking at my mom’s (the JUST SMILE WILL YOU one).

That’s more like it. Goofy is way more fun.

On to the game! Things started off rougher than anticipated for the victory team. We actually trailed most of the game. Apparently, my mother’s phallic space shuttles made a connection with the guys?

Or me trying to act out “nutcracker” steered us off course? 

No. It must have been Peter’s intensity that got them ahead at the start.

Let’s take a closer look shall we? I cannot for the life of me get over this face…

Don’t worry. I warned him I was posting that picture. Although, he may have thought I was kidding. Oh no, my dear man. Oh no.

Somehow, at the end, knowing that dogs sniff out truffles and a charading of “triathalon” brought us back. Then the epic “puppet show” won it all. The champions continue to reign!

My dear brother Tommy, you will be missed until we meet again. Then, we will yet again get another chance to defeat you. And of course have little M call you that nickname you so hate love. Tata for now Uncle Tookypucket.

Question of the Evening – Which would you rather do: Act, Draw, Hum, Answer Trivia, or Spell?