Seen in Pittsburgh

Now that we’re back from the weekend, we can talk about where we went. Josh and I made quick trip to Pittsburgh for a surprise birthday party for his aunt.

IMG_2648As seen on our way to Pittsburgh, it looks like LGA is getting the upgrade. The last time we flew out of there was to Chicago and the terminal looked like it was falling apart. Terminal C for Delta is quite the scene. You can order food from an iPad on your table and even put in what flight you’re on so they can plan accordingly. We didn’t end up doing this since they took away breakfast while we were browsing and we didn’t prefer the lunch options. It did look like the breakfast was pretty good and if you were ready to spend $20 per person, then this would be a decent choice.

IMG_2649Now, in Pittsburgh, well technically Monroeville to be exact, I saw this sign at the ice cream sundae station at Max & Erma’s. “Unattended children will be given espresso and a free kitten.” Now had the sign said puppy, I would have found a way to claim unattended children.

IMG_2650I ran on the treadmill with Josh’s parents two straight days! It was because of them that I ran 5 more miles than I wanted to on Saturday. I felt pretty bad for the first 60 minutes of my long run (was supposed to be 12 miles) and was ready to stop but when they came in, I was motivated enough to run another 5 to finish up with 11 miles. They’re not my best 11 miles, but I’m glad I got them in.

IMG_2653After an afternoon of errands that avoided the birthday girl, we were ready for the party. It’s surprising but I do own non-running clothes and I don’t always wear my hair in a ponytail.

IMG_2655The next morning, I was feeling so inspired by all the United NYC Half Marathon runners that I ran a fartlek on the treadmill while obsessively refreshing the race app (I had some very VIP runners that I needed to track!). I don’t typically do a speed workout the day after a long run but since my legs felt pretty fresh after the bad long run, I was looking for something speedier to focus on form and heart rate. On the race front, it was a great day in NYC, all of my VIP friends ran great races and some with amazing PRs. Even though I wasn’t live cheering, I was anxious and excited for everyone.

IMG_2654And then there were high winds in NYC which caused cancellations and delays into the NYC-area airports (luckily that didn’t seem to affect too many of the half runners). Fortunately for us, our flight was just delayed and we made it home in time for our FreshDirect delivery. However, when delayed at the Pittsburgh airport, it is important to treat yourself. And in our case, we had some Pinkberry. When we’re at home, we’re loyal to 16 Handles due to their location but I think I am a bigger Pinkberry fan. I have absolutely no self-control so it works out better for me when someone else has to scoop me my toppings.

And that about sums up our weekend.

How was your weekend? Did you do any running?

Friday Favorites #2

It’s that time of week again. At the rate I blog, you’ll only be reading Friday Favorites from me. I’m sorry and hopefully I will be over this busy hump soon.

Like the blanket and the yoga blocks on the lower shelf?

Like the blanket and the yoga blocks on the lower shelf?

My nook – that’s what I call it. It’s my little corner of the apartment (well, I have a lot of corners) but the one I designed to intentionally look intellectual. I’m supposed to sit there and read in my free time. Haha, what free time? Anyway, I don’t have a desk at home, so when my small piles of clutter started taking up room on the kitchen counter and Josh started nagging (it takes him a while to get to that point), I knew I had to find a way to organize. Enter this new rolling shelf from CB2 which will hopefully be versatile piece and cool new containers from The Container Store. I love my little corner even more now.

I really should have included a picture of me wearing them, huh?

I really should have included a picture of me wearing them, huh?

Cole Haan Oxford Shoes – I’m so excited that the weather warming up means I can wear these shoes more. I’m having one of those weeks and just wearing these shoes to work one day changed my attitude. They feel like I’m wearing running sneakers so I can’t help but feel peppy!

If you look here: https://cindyruns.com/2015/03/a-20-mile-photo-tour/, you'll see pictures of me wearing this!

If you look here: https://cindyruns.com/2015/03/a-20-mile-photo-tour/, you’ll see pictures of me wearing this!

CamelBak Circuit Hydration Vest – I survived my 20-miler on Sunday because of this vest. I really hate running with water in my hand and in the winter with all the layers, I’m not a fan of the belts either. This vest is perfect. It fits snug and I was able to carry more water than I would normally with a fuel belt. I barely feel the weight on my back as it is equally distributed. Also, I don’t need to stop to drink water. The only problem is what I will do during the actual race, but supposedly running with extra weight on your back for long runs = feeling lighter during the race and makes you go faster. Hey, whatever it takes for me to run faster right?

Apple and Christy Turlington Burns – Okay, so I’m in love with basically everything Apple announced on Monday but I guess that was to be expected, they just have that effect on me. But the biggest announcement that excited me was that Christy Turlington Burns was running the London Marathon with her Apple watch and her goal time is my goal time! I’m trying to convince Josh that in order for me to run sub-4 in London, I’ll need an Apple watch, though I’m not sure he’s convinced and rightfully so because I’m not convinced that the new watch is a better substitute for my Garmin. Regardless, I’m just excited the London Marathon was a part of the big announcement at the event.

"The lights will inspire you Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York"

“The lights will inspire you Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York”

Central Park – the weather has been warming up in the New York / New Jersey area. I haven’t run on a treadmill in over a week (well I lied, until last night when I was scared of the wind, the warmer weather really spoils you) and it’s helping me fall in love with Central Park all over again. After work is a perfect time in the park, there are no cars and lots of runners everywhere. When it gets dark, you can see all the bright lights. Also, I can run in just one layer. Man, I feel so free.

Cheering for friends during the NYC Half – I’m bummed that I won’t be able to cheer for everyone live from the race but excited to have the app ready to go for Sunday morning. This is one of the first years that the weather for the half won’t be freezing (crossing my fingers for everyone). I loved every minute of the race when I ran it and looking forward to hearing all about everyone’s experiences.

#TBT (though it's not Thursday) to the 2013 NYC Half

#TBT (though it’s not Thursday) to the 2013 NYC Half

Interesting reads from the weekNew models are challenging the traditional structure of a pyramid training plan and 12 Signs You’re Sick of Winter (I’m guilty of 10 of the 12)

Happy Friday everyone! Have a wonderful weekend and good luck to everyone racing this weekend!