I like to tell people that I don’t like to shop. I lie. I actually love to shop, but have such a hard time with that pesky little requirement that goes along with shopping – spending dough. I spend money more readily on some things, but clothes shopping poses the biggest challenge. I always want new, cute outfits…but rarely purchase any because I have a hard time justifying something I don’t need need.

This past weekend we had some uncommon down time with no plans. We heard the outlets not too far from us had some great summer sales going on. Peter suggested we hit up the outlets for a fun way to kill some time together as a family and see what the stores had to offer. I didn’t plan on purchasing anything for myself. I have a trip to Philly to save for after all. 😉

But then….

I saw a couple of cute dresses in Gap. Oh. I could use a new dress after the meltdown I almost had trying to find a dress a couple months ago.

And they looked pretty good. Then, a visit into one of my favorite stores, LOFT, left me eyeing some mannequins up and down wanting to nab their apparel for myself.

And did I mention the sales? Yea…I pulled out my wallet.

40% off the black dress from Gap (same as the green one pictured above), 30% off the white skirt, and 50% off the green tank (both from LOFT). Two outfits for $55 doesn’t sound so bad! Besides, it fits in the “blow money” portion of my budget. I left the outlets with a little pep in my step and can’t wait to rock the new looks. 🙂

Tina = 100 points. Money = 0 points.

Sadly my victory over money’s hold didn’t last forever. I had to say no to an opportunity I would have loved to pursue…because of money. The opportunity related to sharing my story and experiences overcoming binge eating – something which I feel incredibly passionate. I wanted to sign up in a heartbeat. But it included a travel commitment that I felt I couldn’t fund in good conscience.

Much of the income from my blog we have budgeted towards travel and other fun splurges for myself and my family. I would have enough to fund this trip and opportunity, but at the price of not putting that money into the savings for a special trip Peter & I hope to take next year to celebrate 5 years of marriage. I wanted so badly to say yes and follow through on a great chance to learn and network with others over one of my passions, but couldn’t give up a good chunk of change that could go towards my family.

Tina = 100 points / Money = 17984279808143 points.

Dang money getting in the way! Do you think the rest of the world could get on board with God’s desire for the world to revolve around love instead of money? I have plenty of love I can pay with!

• Do you have a hard time justifying shopping for certain things like clothes?
• What’s something you would do if money didn’t have to be involved?

When laying out my workout plan for my half marathon training, I knew the workouts I wanted to include in my training. I needed things I enjoy and that will provide the variety of workouts my body needs for optimal function. I planned to include:

• the four runs my training plan calls for (two short, one speed/tempo, one long)
• two to three strength training sessions
• a cycle class (an absolute must since I love them)
• 1-2 cross training elliptical or DVD workouts if time/my body allows
• additional stretching, foam rolling, etc added in after workouts.

I typically shoot for around an hour workout six days per week, with one full day of rest. I knew I could make that work, but did have a slight challenge. When to fit in cycle? Remember – it is a MUST for me!

Knowing Makenzie starts preschool mid-August, I wanted to get a routine established now that will coincide with that schedule change. I don’t want to get in a training groove only to have to rearrange it all six weeks later. I started laying out my plan by spacing out my runs adequately. I didn’t want to end up with three runs back to back or my speed work and long runs too close together. Then, I looked at the class schedule for my gym. The only cycle classes I could attend that wouldn’t interfere with my running and personal schedule were either Mondays at 5;30 am or 5:30 pm – a day I need to do one of my light runs to spread out my runs adequately.

Soooo….it looks like Mondays have become two-a-days! I end up doing just shy of 1.5 hours of workouts on Monday, but compensate by getting shorter, lighter workouts Thursday and Friday in exchange. My schedule ends up looking something like this -

I followed this plan last week and it worked out well. I know my body and one two-a-day a week will certainly be manageable since I’m not adding extra volume overall. I think the toughest adjustment will be running in the afternoon for 20-30 minutes that one day. Sheesh it’s hot out there! Yesterday was my first go at the afternoon summer run. I got in my two miles and poured out 6897098 gallons of sweat. Oh, water, how I love you!

I took on the run with a safety plan of attack. Water. Water. Water. Slow and steady paces. And I would change my plan to hit up the treadmill if it was too unreasonable. At first I thought, “well I could also always do the PM cycle class and run in the morning to avoid the heat”, but that would put me running in the dark by myself. Call me a wuss, but it just doesn’t sit right with me for some reason. Better safe hot than sorry, right? Right!

• Is there a workout you simply HAVE to include in your weekly rotation?
• If you’re a runner, do you feel safe going out in the dark?