Some Crewlade and Random Thoughts

Guess what? Three days this week, I got dressed in clothes that were not scrubs or workout clothes! That must be a record for me this year. I've been so proud of myself lately- I've held out on purchasing all of my J.Crew items until they went on sale. And I mean sale, plus 25% off!

For example, this skirt- I got for about $60. 

And this bag, about $70. I treated myself to it because I knew the large size would come in handy once I start my new job. Which- good news- is next week! 

That's been my "excuse" for my MANY J.Crew sale purchases recently. I get to wear fancy clothes at my new job when I want!

In running news---

My post-funk success has continued! I'm still not running as much as I'd like, but I'm trying to take it slow and still have fun with it. I think May 1st will be my official day to start training for San Francisco.  I'm still really, really enjoying riding my bike. So much so that I want a real cycling bike so that I can go super fast. I figure if I can't be super fast while running, I can be super fast while cycling. 

Also, I own these beauties now.

Source: store.nike.com via Judith on Pinterest

Problem is, they are so beautiful I've been scared to wear them because I don't want to get them messed up!

I took pictures of a beautiful 2 year old last week. She was a little shy and nervous, but I somehow managed to pull out a few (IMO) good ones.

When I'm not working, exercising, or spending time with family, I'm online. Lately I've been shopping way too much, but the majority of that time I'm stalking other photographers and reading anything I can about photography.  

Really that's what's going on with me in a nutshell. I work. I shop. I run. I bike. I take pictures. 

In a Funk

I tried to pretend like it wasn't happening for a while, but eventually I had to admit it to myself. I have been in a running "funk" for almost three weeks now. 

It started one Sunday morning, when Kelly and I went for an early morning job in Chickasaw. Brandon had made me a very yummy breakfast, but it was a lot heavier than my normal cereal. Well, I could feel that "heavy" in my stomach the entire time. I made it about a mile, then had to stop and take walk breaks.

Walk breaks?!?

I don't take walk breaks on a 3 mile run! Especially when I'm running with Kelly. Once she got back in her groove after having Anniston, Kelly and I always do well when we are running together. 

After that, each time I tried to run there was another excuse for why I was doing so terrible. It was suddenly hot and humid, I didn't have time to go to Chickasaw and was forced to be bored while running in my neighborhood, I simply didn't feel motivated, etc. etc.  It was so frustrating. 

Luckily, Brandon and I decided to buy new bikes, so I've still been able to get a fair amount of exercise. 

But this morning... this morning everything came together perfectly. It was beautiful weather, I started early enough to have time to go to Chickasaw, I stuck to my normal cereal for breakfast, and...... just for good luck..... I wore my beloved, never-fail-me, I-will-now-be-faithful-to-you-until-I-die Nike Free's. 

I don't know why I even try other shoes....

Ok, I do know.

 It's because on longer distance runs, (6+ miles) my feet start to hurt from the lack of support in the Free's. But from now on, if it's 5 miles or less, I'll be in my Free's. 

Let's hope my good fortune continues tomorrow, and maybe even the rest of the week! I'm trying to not worry about my "funk", but a few dramatic thoughts about not being a runner anymore and being forced to try to get into serious cycling did cross my mind. (But being a runner AND a semi-serious cycler does sound appealing and fun.) As much as I like to have fun running, I do have a half-marathon with the most brutal hills in the U.S. in 3.5 months.... It's about time to start getting serious and get my butt in gear. 

I just feel so much better after a good run. For like, the rest of the day. I love endorphins. I might still be high on them. 

I also love this commercial. And Nike Free's. I might need that pink pair...

Happy Easter, Anniston!

Kelly and I had been planning our "Easter Photo Shoot" for Anniston for a while... I'm so glad the weather was nice, and most of the pictures turned out pretty well. They are such good practice for me, but the results have shown me that I still have so much to learn. 

I think Kelly is happy to have Anniston's first Easter documented in photos, and Anniston looks adorable, as always. She makes my job as her personal photographer look easy. 

Dixon Gardens, Memphis TN