I’ve been really loving blogging lately. I feel like I have finally hit my style – shorter, more specific posts that allow me to cover the many things I love to discuss. I can go from serious posts like my “Stuffed With Emptiness” series to workouts to stuff with the kids to laughing at myself.

Everyone may not love it all, but I hope sharing more of myself allows us each to connect in our own way. I literally always have something to say (and I like a variety), so I appreciate the chance to come here and do so. Yet sometimes, things get put aside and I don’t want them to miss out on the blogging fun. So here you have some random parts of the day that I don’t want to get lost in the vortex of my “to blog” list.

I sat in my car for 30 minutes before starting my run this morning.

The past few weeks it started getting light enough to run by 6:30. Not so this morning. I tried three times to go out, but then the heeby-jeebies of running in the dark got to me, so I turned around. I finally gave up and chilled in the car until shortly after 7.

I always hard core crave beer the day of my long runs.

I crave it so badly, in fact, that I went to the store specifically for beer this afternoon. It was the star of my afternoon snack.

An afternoon snack that featured a scrambled egg with pepperjack cheese sandwich, a bottle of Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale, and a Reese’s peanut butter cup. That may just be the most random combination I have ever had. I don’t care. I adored every bite/sip.

I hate that I look younger than I actually am.

I got carded at the store when buying the beer. That didn’t bother me. The fact that the cashier said he didn’t think I looked like my license picture and made me show him my credit card as another form of ID annoyed me. Apparently I still look like I’m in high school. I may appreciate it when I’m 50…but I don’t right now.

I’m contemplating spending $65 on a cake for Makenzie’s birthday party.

I fell in love with the cake at one of her friend’s parties. A fellow mom friend makes cakes on the side. I decided to reach out to her about making Makenzie’s cake because I could once again have the best cake ever and also support a friend. $65 is steep for something to eat. But I can’t get the dang cake out of my head. I’m waiting to make a decision when my food head is more clear – aka not the day of a long run.

We’re about to head out for a family night at a location about an hour away. I will likely fall asleep within 5 minutes of Peter driving. And I can’t wait.

Have a good night friends!

• What do you usually crave the day of a long run or tough workout?
• Do people tend to think you’re older/younger than you are? 

A few days ago, I came across a fun post from my good pal Lindsey over at the blog Cardio Pizza.

Her post went through a bunch of light-hearted questions related to her personal fitness preferences and goals. I immediately thought “I want to play!”.

Since Friday means fun and light-hearted around here, why not break it out today? I can’t wait to hear some of your answers in the comments! Or read them on your own blog.

FUN FITNESS SURVEY

Five Fitness Things I Can’t Live Without:

• running shoes
• Bosu or stability ball – love the extra challenge from them!
• someone to watch the kids – yes it’s a fitness thing because it often makes the difference between a workout or not
• Cathe or Turbo Jam/Kick/Fire DVDs – I need the extra variety
• dumbbells – most versatile piece of strength equipment

Favorite Pre-Workout Snack or Meal:

I usually have to grab something as I’m rushing to get the kids ready in the morning. This means I need something quick, easy to eat one-handed, and that digests quickly so I don’t feel sick while working out. My favorite options are:

• a larabar
• a banana
• a few handfuls of cereal/granola (Love Grown!!!)

Then, I always eat a big ole breakfast post workout. Oats for the win!

On My Fitness Bucket List:

Hmmm…you know. I don’t really have anything on a bucket list. I guess my biggest thing is to continue having fun with fitness and working on challenging myself in fun, new ways. That changes all the time, so I can’t definitively say what I would put on my fitness bucket list.

Must-Have Tech Tools:

• Garmin – mainly so I don’t have to pre-plan my running path!!
• iPhone – for music

Top Exercise Gear:

I love working out in a good sports bra, a tee (preferably wicking material), and either running shorts or capris. I’m still fully in love with all my Champion gear.

Motivational Mantra:

“The finish is worth it” is probably the biggest mantra I use. However, nothing gets me going like my crazy Hammer flash-mob mental game.

Next Big Exercise Goal:

Crossing the finish line of my first half-marathon. Rest assured – I will cry.

Favorite Cardio Exercise:

I never thought this day would come, but running has truly become my favorite form of cardio. I love that I can either push myself for a workout that makes me feel amazed at what my body can handle or simply keep it low and have it recharge me mentally and physically. It’s so versatile and I love that! Cycle classes will always be up there too as a close second.

Favorite Strength Move:

I would have to say the push-up. They never get easier!!! And they work.

• What’s your next fitness goal?
• What are some of your fitness must-haves?