Runner's Paradise

The Perfect Race 

Today was one of those days runner's dream about. I had the perfect race. At one point, one of the volunteers at a water stop said " you are enjoying this way too much". I was smiling and singing along to an AWOLNATION song. And I was having fun! It's difficult to explain to non-runners, but sometimes everything clicks and running is just perfection. It makes me happy to be alive and to be just enjoying life. Today was that day for me.


2nd place in my age group

I came in at exactly 52 minutes. I didn't use runkeeper or a garmin. I ran by feel for the first time for a race in over 4 years. Shocking! So yes, I did place without a stellar time. Let me preface this with the fact 1,500 runners participated, and over 1,300 of them were in the 5K (not the 10). So my competition was scarce. But, compared to my last 10K I dropped over a minute off my time. So I am OK with this today. I had a really good run and I cannot wait for the 10 mile trail run next Saturday!!

Post Race

A couple of girl friends invited me to Spa World today after my race. I stayed too late at the event to go (waiting on my medal and the raffle, which they gave away a 55' inch TV - I didn't win that). But, being completely honest, I am also very modest. Spa World is a completely nude spa (when you are with your gender, co-ed they make you wear some smock/romper thing). I don't know how I feel about being naked in front of my girlfriends like that... They told me I would be over it in minutes, and I really do want to experience this fancy place. Who doesn't love pampering? I missed my chance tho. Oh well... I had my own spa day at home! 

Personal Spa Day

I tried a bunch of new products today that I am very excited to discuss. I'm pretty low-maintenance when it comes to a beauty routine, (I once bleached my own hair to avoid a salon - huge mistake) but I bought several beauty products I hadn't had a chance to use. 

Pearl Bath Bombs

So, one of my good friends recommended this savvy little product to me. It's big colored ball (think tennis ball sized) that dissolves in the tub and leaves you with a beautiful ring. 

I got the strawberries and champagne bath bomb. It turned my bath water pink and left me with a small and classy costume jewelry ring.

When Face Mask

 

I am in love. This mask went on and I could feel it working! My skin felt cool and tingly. Now my face is super soft and looks brighter. Ladies this is a life saver, I am buying more today.

Garnier Grow Strong Hair Mask

 I am on a mission to get to waist-length hair again. Hopefully this product is gonna help me get there. It made my hair easy to untangle (great post run) and it smells nice. I am going to use it weekly and see if it makes a difference.

I enjoyed some champagne, listened to some good music, and just rewarded myself for an all around awesome run. Maybe next time I will leave modesty at the door and check out the Spa World. If nothing else it will make for a good blog entry :)

Friends in High Places

If you've made it this far (and want some more inspiration) then please check out my friend Natassha Halverson's blog - http://www.averageawesomegirl.com/

She is also recounting her fitness journey and accomplishments as she runs, cross fit's, and leads an all around  healthy lifestyle. Swing by and say hello!

Happy Running! I will recap the Deep Creek 10 mile trail run next week!

India