Vacation – thedancingrunner

Fitness, Friday, Fun, Marathon Maniacs, Marathons, Running, TGIFriday Faves, Vacation

TGIFriday Faves.

June 3, 2016June 3, 2016 thedancingrunner

HELLO Friday!!! I am so excited today because tomorrow early morning I will be off on a jet plane headed to run Rock n Roll San Diego! I am more than ready for this RACE-cation. Especially after all of this Texas rain. Bring on the beach, palm trees and 26.2 miles of sunshine!

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The race is on Sunday but I will be staying there for a few days after, doing a little sightseeing and vacationing. Woohoo!

Let’s get to this week’s faves!

–Bath and Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut. Seriously this is the most perfect scent for summer. Plus I love the lotion because it has shea butter in it so it feels awesome on my skin.

-Pink hydrangeas popping up on my run by the lake. Best flower hands down.

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-My Soul Cycle tote bag…and really just tote bags in general. I have been carrying this one everywhere.

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-VitaCoco…yes I am one of those people that actually likes the taste of coconut water. I think it just reminds me of the beach or something. YUM.

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–12 reasons marathon training is like being in a long term relationship. Especially 1, 2, 8 & 9. Gotta love those endorphins.

That’s all for me! I’ll see you on the other side of 26.2.

What’s on tap for your weekend? Will anyone else be in San Diego? Any restaurant/hot spot recommendations?

Friday, Fun, Running, TGIFriday Faves, Vacation, yoga

TGIFriday Faves.

April 24, 2015April 24, 2015 thedancingrunner

Hey hey happy Friday! I am headed to East Texas today for a 3 day yoga retreat in the pines!! It should be some much needed rest and relaxation.

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Of course…I’ll also be doing a little running too…maybe even some trail running at that!

Let’s get to this week’s faves!

–The Expert Guide to Marathon Success…such good tips to keep in your back pocket…including some from yours truly.

-Moondance kombucha….talk about a sip of paradise. Plus it’s local so I’ve gotta show love.

–This song…just cuz it’s awesome for running. And spin class.

-Bluebonnets on the run…they do not last long so I enjoy seeing the Texas flower even for a short while.

–15 signs you’re in love with running. YES to them all honestly. I told you I am obsessed with lists.

-The fact that I just signed up to run 26.2 in VEGAS baby! Bring on November. I’m ready to go now.

-And this…because this is exactly how I look during the work week vs. the weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Do you know the name of your state flower?

birthday, Puerto Rico, Running, Vacation, Weekend

Birthday Vacay Recap.

April 29, 2014April 30, 2014 thedancingrunner

Hello hello! I have missed you all. Lots of blog catching up to do this week. I got in from Puerto Rico last night but still got up to get a run in before work. 6 miles enjoying the cool spring breeze. It’s starting to heat up in Texas by the end of this week with highs almost hitting the 90s! Summer will be here before you know it.

So my birthday vacay was nothing short of amazing! I spent a lot of it sipping rum punch, feet up in a hammock and bouncing around the colorful city of San Juan. I also got to see my best friend Nicole from college who I have not seen in 2 years! She is my favorite travel buddy.

We both got in Friday afternoon and went straight over to the Pina Colada club for dinner. I had this pina colada martini with toasted coconut on top. So marvelous. I need to recreate this at home.

Since we had been flying all afternoon that day was pretty chill. Then Saturday morning we were up for a workout at the fitness center. I ran 4 miles and threw some weights and medicine balls around.

Then we showered and had brunch at one of the many restaurants at the hotel. Egg white omelet, sweet tater fries and lots of tropical fruits. I could have eaten my weight in those sweet potato fries.

The rest of the weekend was mostly dedicated to hanging out at the hotel’s poolside bar and amazing private beach. I wish I could fold this place up and put it in my pocket. Then I would take it out whenever I was having a hectic day. Ahh…relaxation at its finest.

Sunday we worked out in the morning, had brunch then hit up the Bacardi rum factory. We got a little history lesson on how the rum was made and distributed. It was super fun and we sipped on mojitos and shopped at the gift shop afterwards.

Overall I had a lovely, relaxing vacation with my bestie! It was probably one of the most relaxing vacations I’ve had in a loonnnng time. Both Nicole and I agreed we are going to schedule some time to come back next year and explore more sights in sunny San Juan. The people, the culture, water…love everything about this place. Thank you Puerto Rico for showing us an amazing time!

How was your weekend? Looking forward to anything this week?

When’s the last time you’ve been on a relaxing vacation?

birthday, Fitness, Running, Vacation, Workout clothes

Sweet Miles and Sweet Deals.

April 24, 2014April 24, 2014 thedancingrunner

Today is going to be a little cray cray. I finally got around to packing last night for my birthday trip to Puerto Rico! I also bought a cute new swimmy suit, beachy looking dress and a pair of white shorts for about $40. All from Ross. This girl loves a bargain.

Wal-Mart had some sweet deals too – I got this one the other day for like 9 bucks. Who knew Wal-Mart had some good deals on workout clothes? I loved it for teaching spin class last night. I was nice and airy with the dri-fit material. They have them in all kinds of fun neon colors too. I think I might have to go back and get neon green.

This morning I did a quick NTC workout then ran 8 sweet miles in the ‘hood. I figured I will probably be too busy sipping cocktails to get any real mileage in while I’m in PR. It felt good to bust it out and the weather was cool and cloudy.

And now I have a busy workday and will be off on a jet plane earrrrly tomorrow morning. I will catch you guys on the flip side! Enjoy the rest of your week. And do a lil Friday eve Beyonce dance for me while you’re at it.

Scored any sweet deals lately? Have you ever gone on vacation for your birthday?

Random, Running, Vacation

Tuesday Things.

January 21, 2014January 21, 2014 thedancingrunner

-Last night I indulged in a 90 minute massage…and I caught myself snoring a couple of times while the massuese worked on my back. Good gracious that was wonderful.

-I stayed in probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in when I was down in Houston, the Hotel Icon. They were one of the hosting hotels for the race and they gave us room keys with the race logo on it…we even got to keep them as memorabilia after the race. How fun is that?

-Post race cucumber salad from Russo’s…so delicious. I must recreate this dish in my kitchen. Oh and I also had a NY style slice of pizza bigger than my head…sorry it didn’t make the photo. It was gone in a flash.

-Did anyone see Drake on SNL this past weekend? I caught a couple of clips on youtube. He’s so corny but in a cute way. Takes me back to the days when he was on Degrassi.

-I’m balling a little bit out of control lately and decided to purchase a plane ticket to Puerto Rico for my 30th birthday…on a whim. Hey…you can’t beat those Southwest deals! My best friend from D.C. Is going with me too for a girls weekend getaway. I can’t wait to go explore Old San Juan.

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-I am slightly in love with the double chocolate chunk Quest bars. Don’t tell anyone. I just bought a whole box of those bad boys.

-As much as I love running and I will probably do it until I’m 99 I miss my dance days just a bit. Blast from the past…this was about 5 years ago…too funny. Can you find me?

I taught this dance format for about a year before I taught spin and loved it so so much. It’s time to hit up the salsa club or maybe take a dance class or two.

-Football wine glasses? How cute are these.

Have you ever gone to a hip hop class…or been salsa dancing? Who has been to P.R.? Give me all of the hot spots I need to check out!

Food, Fun, Marathon Training, Marathons, Running, Vacation, Weekend

12 Miles in H.town, Grillin’ and Chillin’…Wknd Recap.

September 4, 2013September 4, 2013 thedancingrunner

So I feel like I have been gone from this bloggity blog forever ever. I had a nice long vacation though and hopefully you did too! Lots of grillin’, chillin’, runnin’ and gunnin’.

I was in Houston over the holiday visiting fam and the boyfriend. It was so good to see this guy. I flew in Friday and we immediately went out on the town to catch up.

Friday night fun at Fedora Lounge followed by pizza at Pink’s next door. It was the perfect carb load for my Saturday morning run.

I was up pretty early the next morning for a 12 mile run! 2nd to last long run before my marathon which is now less than 2 weeks away. I ventured over to Memorial Park since I heard that’s where all of the runners go in the H.town area. Boyfriend dropped me off there before heading over to the gym next door. There were tons of runners out and about. The park has beautiful tennis courts, water, even a smoothie place in the area to cool off. I set off for my run around 8 am and explored the area.

Temps were in the 80s when I got started. Houston humidity is SO different from what we have here in Dallas! Since it’s so close to the water 84 degrees feels more like 184. By the end of this run I was SPENT! Good gracious…hats off to all of you H.town runners that brave training in that insanity.

I kept in touch with E and let him know when I was about a mile out from the finish so he was back right on time which was perfect. We went home, took showers and relaxed out a bit. Later on we went to the PVAMU vs TSU football game. My favorite part of watching Black college games is ALWAYS the halftime show. They always bring it with the entertainment. It reminds me of when I was back in school. Ahh memories.

I actually got him to smile in all photos…it’s a miracle.

Sunday we took a road trip to Galveston! Pleasure Pier is gorgeous at night with all the lights a glow.

We checked out a few bars on the seawall and had a few drinks on the rooftop overlooking the beach. How cute is this melon drink? We named him Juan Valdez.

Monday was my last full day there. I got up early for a speedy 5 miles on the treadmill, then we did some grocery shopping and went over to my dad’s for a cookout on his BBQ pit. He made steaks the size of my head and I made sure to have the grilled asparagus on deck.

I even made this delicious shrimp avocado salad! It was so yummy it even made a repeat appearance for dinner last night when I returned home. Thanks Pinterest.

How was your Labor Day weekend? Did you go anywhere or do a staycation? What’s your favorite thing to bring to a BBQ?