Have you ever started a run convinced that it’s not going to go well? Ever had a body that is sending signals that it may not be up for the mileage you want? Have you ever just wished you’d taken up macrame instead of running? Have you ever wondered in January if you’ll be too warm in compression socks?
That’s where my head was yesterday before I ran. Thanks to my treadmill run, an hour long yoga class, and an extra “just for fun” run, my body was feeling all kinds of tired and creaky on Wednesday before my run. I honestly couldn’t tell if I was just tired and sore or if I was truly risking an injury. I decided to go ahead and give it a shot. I used KT Tape on my foot, put on my compression socks (4 pairs is not enough! I run out before laundry!), and met up with my friend.
8 miles of hills, a wicked headwind (seriously at one point I was almost running in place) and 1:20:30 later, I’d had one of the stronger runs I’ve had in a while. Somehow, despite being sore and tweaky, I ran steady and I ran strong.
It’s amazing what a run like that does for your confidence! Fingers crossed that today’s longer run goes as well (it will definitely go slower LOL).
And a Foodie Pen Pal Reveal…
Once again, I got the most amazing set of items. I guess one of the good things about putting my life front and center on my blog is that you can learn a lot about me in a very short amount of time. And, as you might guess, my penpal (a reader who does not blog) sent me beer and coffee. She could have stopped there and I would have been thrilled, but wait! There’s more!
From top left, moving clockwise:
- Vidalia Onion Relish – I haven’t opened this yet, but I love sweet onions, so I know I’ll enjoy this.
- Coffee and waffle cookies – umm, the cookies were gone right away (so good!) and I’ll use the coffee soon.
- Sundried tomato and basil quinoa – I love quinoa, but Beer Geek doesn’t. I’m hoping that this flavor combo will bring him over to my way of thinking.
- Tangy pineapple chips – The bag is empty. It was empty before I even finished unpacking the rest of the box. They were that good.
- Blackstone Brewing Nut Brown Ale – I love this style of beer and can’t wait to try this!
- Yazoo Brewing Sly Rye Porter – I’m a dark beer girl, so I have a feeling I’ll love this. (I haven’t tried it only because I kept forgetting to take a picture LOL)
A huge thank you to Raina for creating an awesome box and to Lindsey at the Lean Green Bean for organizing.
-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
– Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!
***If you’re in the UK, please contact Carol Anne from This Is Rock Salt at rocksalt@thisisrocksalt.com to get involved!
Somehow the runs when you feel really bad before the start always turns out good. I always wonder why. You are certainly rocking the training, well done!
Sounds like you’re doing great with your training despite all those miles! Nice job!
Fun fact–when we lived in Statesboro, GA, the Braswell’s plant was just down the road on our way into town. You easily tell when it was Vidalia Sweet Onion Relish Making Day from the smell.
The wife has been doing Foodie Penpals for quite awhile (and makes the random stuff in her box into one Chopped-style Challenge meal).
Anyway, I’m always privileged to sample, but we’ve NEVER gotten beer! Now I feel cheated!
We’ve all had those kind of runs.
You got some nice things from your foodie penpal! 🙂
Way to push on and just get it done!
Thanks for the Foodie Pen Pal info. That sounds great! I might just do it!
All that tough training is really starting to pay dividends. You’re getting stronger and stronger. You’re inspiring!
Heh. I was feeling cheated on the beer front too, but that sweet onion relish is just calling my name!