Life is sweet

Hey everyone!

Well...it happened.

I ran my last race of the 2015 season and let me tell you, it was sweet.

My race was the Hot Chocolate 5k and while it was cold, it was really cool to end the season with the race that started my racing here in Chicago.

I love this race for the simple reason that it is fun and also there is a legit expo attached to it.  Running and shopping? Yes please.

It was a cooler start today but I'd prefer that over humidity any day!  Mike was kind enough to come down with me to be there when I was done, which was sweet but I was in a panic this morning because while I set the alarm, I forgot to turn it on *forehead slap*.  We made it down there with plenty of time but for everyone who knows me...being late is not how I do things.

It has been a while since I ran this race but it was as fun as I remember it being! Halfway through the race they were handing out chocolate for an energy boost; and while that is not super great for my diet I had not eaten yet that morning so I munched it down.  All I can hope is that I have no chocolate in my teeth or on my mouth for any of the photos!

And I did it in 30 minutes! 30 minutes 10 seconds to be exact but I am super happy about that time!

I should do a race wrap up about all my races, but I think that is going to wait until closer to the end of the year...

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday- I'm just gonna chill and warm up for a bit :)

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

Rainy night contemplations

Hey everyone!

So...how many of you thought I was done writing?  Because I was right there with you.

It has been, to say the least, a very busy month and a half.


I costume designed a show and realized freaking hard it is to do that and have now realized that costume designing is probably not in my future.  I love making costumes and designing them but I just don't think I am cut out for large productions; maybe I'll just stick with Halloween and cons.

I'm settling into married life, which has been great!  But...also rather undramatic?  I mean, we've talked and had the usual 'getting to know how to live with another person' moments but I guess I thought when one got married there was suppose to be some seismic shift in the relationship and you.  I haven't noticed that; maybe that is a good thing!  But it's still strange...but I will say that I could not have gotten through the last month without him...he's my goofy solid rock always down for beer and Netflix.  Okay-semi- mushy part over.

I started a documentary! Well, I started fundraising and contacting people about a documentary I'm producing!  It's called Today I Feel and it explores how media affects women in all of the aspects of our lives.  The tagline is:

"In a world that preaches Love Yourself but shows you everything but, how are you suppose to become the person you're meant to be?"

This idea has been in my head for a long time.  I'm talking junior year of college long time.  And I'm finally brave enough to do it!  Or...so sick of not getting work that I've decided to create my own.  Both are valid reasons.

Running has been...challenging.  I haven't been running nearly enough to be truly competitive in my upcoming 5k and I just feel lazy.  Stuck. Gross.  I've gained some weight since the wedding and while it's not a huge amount, it's starting to bother me.  But I'm not trying to do anything about it which also pisses me off because I can't figure out a way to get myself motivated again.  Part of me thinks it's so two faced of me to be making a documentary about loving yourself and then wishing I could lose some weight.  And truly it is not a lot, 5-10 lbs at most.  But I just don't feel fit anymore; but I don't exert any energy to try to get fit.  I wish I could grab myself by my own shoulders and yank me out of this circle...but I can't.  Maybe one day..but not yet.

I'm trying to not get discouraged with my lack of acting gigs right now...but I'm facing the horrendous face that I may not be that good of any actress...or that there are some really talented girls out there (and I've met quite a few of you so no DENYING THIS FACT). And that's a scary thought because I really can't see myself but this.  I know patience is a huge thing and I'm trying but...this is my blog and I'll vent if I want to I guess.

So...that's it I guess.  My rundown.  I really want to get back to Minnesota.  I want to do right by people with my documentary.  I've been busy and my husband is amazing.  I bet most of you were wishing I just wrote that instead of all this.

Oh well.

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run 

Well hey there!

Hey everybody!

Did you miss me? Probably not but I'm going to pretend you did anyways for the sake of my ego ( :) ).  It's been a LONG time since my last post so this one might get a bit lengthy...so buckle up y'all!

First things first (except not really first in the timeline of things) I got married!  Yep, Mr. Michael and I tied the knot on August 22nd and it turned out to be a beautiful day; it had been raining all week and I was mentally preparing myself for having the wedding indoors (no big deal you say...hahahaha...you're funny) but the weather finally cleared and it was a glorious day.  The sky stayed grey for photos which helped her out and the sun came out just for the ceremony! And I'm not lying; it started raining while Mike and I were dismissing people!  I had a blast, Mike had a blast, and I think everyone invited had a blast as well.  To all of the people reading this blog who were there, helped in any sort of way, or thought positive thoughts to us that day I would like to thank you again; it is a day to remember.

Second thing; I survived the Rock The Night 5k!  It was SO HOT AND HUMID OH MY GOODNESS!  I made a video about it on my YouTube channel and while I do suggest you watch it because I did day of recording, the basic break down of that video is I WOULD RATHER RUN A HALF MARATHON THEN A 5K IN 90 DEGREE HEAT WITH HUMIDITY ANY DAY.  

It.

Was.

Miserable.

I got to run with one of my friends (and bridesmaid!) Abi and her uncle which was fun, but that was the only thing that was fun about it.  I did it in okay time (33 minutes? Something like that...no more than 35) but it felt like I was running in slow motion, ugh!  I am definitely a fall/winter runner...but now I know that.


I'm costume designing a show at the moment which is great and a little scary; I haven't worked on such a big show before.  I have a wonderful assistant (thank goodness) and the company I'm working for is great ( Cult Camp Productions what what!), but that doesn't mean I'm not nervous about it; I want it to look good and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with everything at the moment (yay transitions!).

I have a race tomorrow that I'm probably not in the best shape for, but let's see how it goes!  It's the We Run Bucktown 5k and it should be fun, but I'm getting a little tired of racing.  Or maybe I'm just a little burnt out from the last few months.  I just know that spacing will be taken more into consideration the next time I plan races.

I'm coming to a crossroads with my job(s) and I'm so unsure of which way to go, I'm not just thinking about me anymore, I have to consider what I do and how it will affect Mike as well.  I'm such an anxious person that the ideas of change freak me out a bit; yet I always yearn for new things.  Mike has been such an anchor in this and it is nice to know that someone always has my back; I'm lucky enough that my parents are like that too but there is something different about that.  That last sentence was constructed horribly but y'all have to deal with it.

I'm sure there are other things I should be writing about, but right now this is all you're getting.  Hopefully I'll become a better (aka consistent) blogger and vlogger, who knows.  But thanks for reading!

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

This is my body

 Hey everyone!
This is not a running update; even though I have a race on Thursday.

It's not about Letters To Antonio (which went really well).

This isn't about the wedding (which is getting closer).

This is about my body.

These are pictures I took today; this is my body.

This is the body that has run one half marathon and three 5k's with three more this year alone.

This is the body that gets on stage and performs and helps me become different characters.

This is the body that I've worked for but can work on more.

This is the body that has been under scrutinty.

This is the body that I go from loving to disliking in any given day.

This is the body that when I go shopping that I'll have a "good body day" and not get discouraged when things don't fit or the number isn't the one I want.

This is the body that has trouble accepting compliments because I can't compliment it.

This is the body that knows how to love people.

This body knows how to laugh.

This body is not afraid of emotions.

This body has seen a lot and will continue to see a lot.

This is the body I'm trying to accept when society tells me that I don't fit the mold.

This is the body that I'm trying to love even on days I feel unlovable.

This is my body; good or bad, it's mine until I die.

I know it's hard for people to truly be confident in their body; I struggle with it a lot.  And I know it's hard to compare yourself to others.  Don't.  Be yourself and love yourself but also remember that it will take time too.  One day you'll be able to look at your body and go "Damn, I look good!" And I hope that you start to believe people when they say your beautiful, because you are.  And maybe you're already confident in yourself and love your body- to you I say congratulations! You've done it!  But I do ask that you be patient for the rest of us.  

As long as you're "healthy", happy, and feel content...you're the right size.  If God wanted us all to look and be the same he would've made it so.  So even if you don't believe it now, I believe in you.  And maybe one day we'll all be super confident and completely change the world.  I'm looking forward to it.

Your 'pin-spiration'

Thanks for reading this train of thought post.

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run
 

Thinking, thinking

Hey everyone!

Long time, no blog...and I've chosen a sunny day to stay inside and blog on my lunch break instead of run.

What?

I feel like I need to do something to spark up running again; in the past I've had to take a couple months off for recovery and for mental well-being.  I know how I get and with certain things when I don't want to do them and I make myself do them...I get hurt instead of improving.  So I try to listen to my body and my brain and decide when that break is needed.  Is that now? I don't know.  I've never ran this many races before in one year and I think because I have no pre-assigned game plan I'm feeling a little bit lost.  Maybe I need to start working on strength training.  Maybe I need yoga.  Maybe I just need to buck up and do it but for today...I'm taking a break.  I have my next race in 21 days and when I ran my mile yesterday I did it in 9 minutes and 48 seconds-not to shabby for someone who has fallen of the running horse.  But I'll get back to it...I always seem too.

But this post isn't suppose to be just about my fitness crisis, no.  I want to talk about my show!  We open in 11 days guys and you should come!  This show has been a blast to work on (I may be slightly biased though...because I love Shakespeare so much.  The Bard might make me want to tear my hair out but it's always SO GOOD) and the cast is amazing.  And I got to do some movement work in it which is exciting! Whaaaa- acting and extra stuff? I'm really lucky that the director trusts me enough to let me do that...it's nice.  But if you want to come, you should check out the link below:

 https://www.facebook.com/events/792259290887661/

That will give you details and fun updates!

Is there anything else I can talk about...or want to talk about...

I'm not sure everybody.

I'm not sure about a lot of stuff.

I'm not sure that anyone but family reads this.

I'm not sure that I'm cut out to be an actress.

I'm not sure that I want to become an actress by the "traditional" way.

I'm not sure that I want to stay in a box.

But what I am sure of is that I'm very lucky to, at this moment, be doing what I love to do and have a safety net of people who care about me.  That might not be deemed "living the dream" for some...but I'll take every success that I get.

Okay, hopefully more activity and acting notes next time!

Until then, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

Something that you 'knee'd to know

Hey everyone!

I think I've figured out what my knee problem is (because I'm a doctor y'all) and it's called 'runner's knee' in common man terms.  Medically; it's Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome which sounds way more crazy and difficult.  Wanna know the treatment?

Ice and rest.

Yep, the knee thing that has bothered me throughout this running experience just needs me to take a break sometimes and ice my knees...so what I've been doing.
 

This crazy thing? That was actually appropriate...

I wish I could figure out a way to help it at work since that's when it acts up the most...but it's amazing how having a name for an annoying problem.

Letters to Antonio is going great! It's a lot of tablework right now but it's helping a lot and will make getting on our feet that much easier.

I can't believe it's almost July...I got a reminder that the wedding is 2 months away (cue panic noises).  Everything is going to be fine but it's still weird.

Your 'pin-spiration'

Okay, I should get ready for work...and maybe think about coffee.

Until next time, keep running strong!
Actress on the Run

Rainy day reflections

Hey everyone!

It is storming like CRAZY here! Which gives me time to reflect on the fact that I have 9 weeks until my wedding and a show to rehearse for plus another race! Aaaah!

I will not lie that I'm not stressing out a bit...but people keep reminding me to be calm.  That's why I'm enjoying moments of "serenity" when I can. This thunderstorm is a great example; I love them and can just relax to them.  Most people don't think that...but I do.  So I'm going to relax to it.

We start The Sonnet Project tonight! Assuming that the weather doesn't change things....I'm currently hearing a siren. Freaky.  The show sounds cool and I'm excited to work on such a cool project and to update you all on this exciting project!

I got pictures from my past races!  It's so weird to actually see myself as a runner...and I mean like in the running state.  I always say I'm a "sorta" runner with that air of a not really one but when I see these photos so me in the race I look so...runner like.  There is no posing, I'm really a runner.  I'm really doing it...and it was something that I never thought I would be. That's a fun thing to think about, the fact that I am doing the thing I dreaded most.

Run Gabby Run!

Anyways...sirens are off but I'm still weird about the weather so I'm just gonna sign off and get ready for rehearsal?

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

P.S.
Be safe y'all

Hey ho! Catch up time!

Hey everyone!

Woof, it's been a while since I've posted...did ya miss me?

Where to even begin?  The last few weeks have been a little nuts and I can't decide if this post is going to end up super long or not.  Here goes nothing.

The graduate and I- like the theme?

My brother Brennen graduated high school! I feel old now...sorry family on Facebook who are laughing at me at that statement.  It was just very cool to see him in the slideshow and with his friends; he and I were never in the same school building so I feel like I've missed a lot of things.  I also feel like I don't do enough stuff with him- but I hope he really knows how proud I am of him and how cool I think he is.  The kid is living in a log one room cabin by a lake during school! I mean- if only I was partially that cool!

Mamrie and I- I was just following her expressions...basically BFFs

I met the YouTuber Mamrie Hart and SHE.IS.DELIGHTFUL.  Oh my goodness, not only is she sweet and funny on stage, she is nice one on one.  She was taking selfies with us (her preferred method) and while we were taking mine she asked about my knee, which I had KT Tape on for my race this week.  I told her why and she was actually interested.  And even if she wasn't she made me feel like she was damit and THAT'S A TRULY COOL PERSON.

My car got it's cadillac convertor stolen from it so I know sound like I drive a homemade motorcycle (hi dad!) which is not nearly as exciting as it should be.

Mike and I are looking for apartments which is exciting but also a little stressful because I feel like I'm being picky and he just wants to know he has a place to move into July 1st (we thought we had until July 30th...oops).  I think the first true test of a relationship/marriage is picking a place to live.  Hope we do okay!

I ran the North Shore Classic 5K this Sunday and did it in 29:01!  WHAT.   I was super tired that morning, mainly because Mike and I went to one of our favorite comedians, John Mulaney, the night before and it was a late show. But I was in Corral A and Ally was there (because I was afraid of falling asleep driving home and the fact my car is a jet, as stated before) so I was going to hopefully not die.  You want to know what is one of the most discouraging things ever? Seeing kids speed past you....when you started in front.  But I kept my pace and was surprised when I got to Mile 1 and the time was under 9 minutes.  Wait, what?  The race was cool (I mean literally it was 47 degrees and WINDY...it's June now Chicago! FIX THIS!) but the course had two BIG hills in it that I was not aware of and those suckers can take the wind right out of ya.  But I did it! And now I have to change my goal for the Hot Chocolate 5k because I've already completed a 5k in under 30 minutes.  Hmmm...goals.

My times

We don't do mornings well

Sooo....sleepy

 Alright, enough chattering...I have a vlog to update and a book to read.

Your 'pin-spiration'

Until next time, keep running strong!
Actress on the Run

Ups and downs

Hey everyone!

So...I survived my first equity callback!  The Lyric Opera here in Chicago is doing The Merry Widow and were looking for tall Grisette like dancers.  So, I of course, auditioned and was reminded that this girl needs to get herself into a technique class like a month ago.  I mean, I kept up but when you're going against dancers who can actually kick as high as their nose there are obviously better choices.  I got through on the fact that I can sing...but I had to impress the director/choreographer to get their and I didn't.  But that's okay! The last time I auditioned there I didn't even keep up with them! And it's a gentle reminder of 'get-thyself-to-dance-class"....or at least start stretching more.

I will say that I have been struggling with the number on the scale these last few weeks, I just can't seem to get it to go down.  It's hard because I'm lower than I was at Disney so I'm hoping that my body mass is still within the athlete bracket but unless I go to a sports medicine doctor I don't think I'll find out that fact for a while yet.  And while I preach don't worry about the number, I'm a little sick of the number.  We'll see if I'll actually do anything to change it...I'm a great planner but not always the best follow through-er. (And yes, now through-er is a word...).

I get to go home and see my little brother graduate! Ah! I feel old!  And also that makes the wedding even closer.  Which is great! But I just need to make my list and check it twice to make sure I have everything.

Okay, enough venting.  Time to get ready to go to work.
 

'Pin-spiration' for the week

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

Race Prep!

Hey everyone!

This will be quick post.

I just picked up my gear for the race Saturday. 

And

I 

Am

In

Corral

C!

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

 Sorry- this is a dorky post but from going from the last corral to the third in one year is like...mind blowing to me!

We'll see how it goes on Saturday, I'll be super brightly colored.

More post later!

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

P.S.
Best of Tedx Talks on Netflix? Watch it! Now!  I mean like NOW!

Can I eat my feelings? I want to eat my feelings...

Hey everyone!

Uugghhh .....

I just want to eat my feelings today.

The arch of my foot is aching today.

Like, it feels my muscle has a tight stretched feeling.

And I'm so pissed (sorry about the language) and IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY.

See! So frustrating!

It makes me so angry that I can't run, it's slightly painful to walk, and I have a race IN A WEEK.

UGH!!!!

My mom says that I should maybe consider not running but even though I don't do it as often as much as I should...it's become something I look forward too.  I like being "the running girl" at work, I like the shocked face on my friend's faces when I say what races I'm running, I'm proud of what I've done with running and it's become more of who I am than I thought it would.  And I think I feel like it's something that I can do that is helping my career (I hope to maybe break into fitness modeling...we'll see).  I don't know...maybe I'll have to stop...but I guess it's like if I had to stop acting...I'm not sure I could. Cut back? Sure.  Quit entirely? Not possible...at least now. I'm a bit selfish yet.

Sorry about the rant...I'll probably go talk to some ice cream about my feelings.

Your (and mine) 'pin-spiration' of the week

Until next time, keep running strong

Actress on the Run

Good morning!

Hey everyone!

So, I am running a 5 mile race in two weeks...and my desire to run is kinda nonexistent.

Ugh.

I could make a lot of excuses and there are legit reasons (okay, one legit reason my knees are doing that weird achy thing...I'm held together by KT Tape y'all...no lie) but when do we stop making excuses and just work?

Running isn't even the only area I feel this, auditioning is feeling like that as well.  I feel like I'm not preparing as much as I should be because "I have so much to do".  Which may be true, but I should be able to balance.  Balancing has always been the hardest thing for me.

On a different note, I have a couple auditions coming up!  And I had some great auditions lately (haven't heard back but regardless I felt good about it so that's what matters).  And I have gotten more wedding stuff done! Yay! And I get to go home and see some friends (which will be such a quick trip...but people are worth it).

So maybe I'm doing better than I give myself credit for.  Maybe I need to learn to breathe and just enjoy a little more.  My goal is to finish the race in under a hour.  I think that will be plausible.  I'm probably gonna hurt afterwards...but it'll be worth it.

Okay, better pack some warmer running gear (CHITOWN WHY MUST YOU BE SO COLD) and figure out what to eat for lunch...and check for some auditions.  Have a productive Thursday!

Your 'pin-spiration' for the week

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

P.S.- If you follow my vlog I will have a video up within a week; I'm trying to figure out my subject matter better (see video entitled Focus)

P.P.S- I FINALLY figured out the title change....yay for finally having and appropriate blog title! I'm so tech friendly!

When and where

Hey Everyone!

Long time no blog.


So...running has been hard this week because of weather.  It's been SO RAINY here that I haven't gone out because I'm afraid of getting sick! Which made me wonder....

When is it okay to stop running?

I know that Runner's World would say as long as you feel okay and there's no lighting or weather hazards that you should be out running.  But as an actor, I need to make sure all of me is up to snuff for auditions- so should you run when it's chilly out and risk being stuffed up?  Is there a combo one can do? Like "it's okay to run outside as long as you have two hours to warm up" or something like that.  Does that even make sense?

I'm beginning to realize that the pull of being an actor and an athlete is going to be much harder than it was in high school.  When I was in high school and college, I had my schedule LOCKED DOWN. I was so organized!  And now being a real adult I feel like I'm floundering.  I can't even put out YouTube videos and blog posts weekly!  AND I'm trying to plan a wedding AND trying to have a social life? WHO AM I KIDDING- I'M NOT AN ADULT I JUST WANT ICE CREAM.

Slight weirdness besides, life is busy and good right now.  I'm feeling a little bit less "thick" so that is an improvement.  I'm trying to aim for healthy but that definition is fleeting and ever changing.  I guess I have to take it just a day at a time...but that's kinda hard when you're impatient like me.

I went home this weekend and got to wear my first ever running shirt and it was a bit of nostalgia and gave me a bit of a spark to start running again (which is convenient since my next race is in like 3 weeks!). It was nice to have a reminder of why I do what I'm doing...I only hope that everyone gets that moment at least once.

Look! It's me!

Alright- enough rambling.

Your 'pin-spiration' for the week

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run 

Sunday inspiration

Hey everyone!

So, this isn't going to be a long post (probably).

I have running to do.

I have auditions to get ready for.

I have a wedding to plan.

I have a life to live.

And I just want to take a moment and say that Justin Timberlake had an amazing speech at the iHeart radio award show.  He ended it with a quote from Teddy Roosevelt that I have below.  Read it.

Excuse me, I now have a fire under my ass and shit that needs to get done.  It won't get done in one day, but it's nice to get a kick in the ass every once in a while.

Until next time, keep running strong!
 Actress on the Run

Getting the groove back

Hey everyone!

So...it's still really cold in Chicago...but I'm getting my groove back.  I FINALLY have started running at lunch again (which shouldn't seem like such a big deal...but it is) and getting my health a little bit more under control.  I still feel a little doughy, still think there is more I can do but I am at least getting off my rear and doing something about it.

Theatre stuff is going well- auditions are still happening and I'm attempting to see more theatre (Book of Mormon with a bunch of USD alumni to watch a fellow classmate kill it as Cunningham on Tuesday has been the highlight so far for theatre this month). So I'm getting that area filled.

Wedding stuff is going okay, it's getting to the point where there isn't much to do until about two months before, which is frightening but also really exciting.  It's five months away...oh my goodness.

I hope that everyone who feels in a funk can find whatever they need to get out of it; luckily for me it was running (first run of spring and on it I got an email about an audition...truly good things come to those who run).  But it can be anything! Knitting! Cooking! Reading!  Just find the thing that helps you feel more like you than embrace it and protect it.  I'm not saying that you won't stumble; you will.  But remember that it has made you happy and can again.

Your 'pin-spriation' for the day

Morning ramblings over.

Until next time, keep running strong!
Actress on the Run

Spring...cleaning? Waking Up?

Hey everyone!

I feel sluggish.  Like really sluggish.  I have only gone running twice since the half marathon.

Let me first state that I really didn't think I'd ever be a person who complained about not running, but I digress.


I haven't been writing, I haven't been posting and all of these things would be okay if I was doing stuff for the wedding or auditioning a ton but I really haven't been.  I've been auditioning...but now a lot of the shows auditioning are now too close to the wedding to be considered...which is fine! But then I should be getting other work done!

I have a plethora of excuses but it boils down to Netflix and my couch are very comfortable.  And while that is good...it's not as well.  I want to stay healthy.  I want to stay in good shape, hell,  I want to get into better shape.  So I need to get off my butt and do it! After work....

On a completely un-related note...Bo Burnham is amazing live.  Mike bought me a ticket to his show for Christmas and we saw him and we were FRONT ROW.  And it was magic.  And I love that I have listened to many of his bits and they're not just consistently funny but he (to my mind) has been staying true to himself and that's cool as an artist to see.

But I guess I hope that if you get anything out of this...I hope that you realize (and that through the process of writing this I will realize it) that it's not to late to start and no matter how long it's been you can get going and get started.  It's all within us...we just need to do it.  But also- we need to be nice to ourselves and not completely beat ourselves up when it happens.

Your 'pin-spiration' for the week

Until next time, keep running strong!
Actress on the Run

The Disney Princess Half Marathon: A recap...thing?

Hey Everyone!

So...it happened. I did it! I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon! AHHHHH!!!!!  I mean it really happened!  It's day two of recovery (I mean I may be in shape but that is my longest run. Ever.) and I'm still feeling it in my legs...but it's a good hurt? It's crazy...I never thought I'd be that runner. The runner who is contemplating running a long race like this again.

Skating with Elsa and Anna

I could go on and on about how awesome the race was but I don't have the vocabulary to articulate it.  I'll try to make a highlight video.  I was so enthralled with the whole race experience it seems unreal.  I'm so happy that my aunt Kate could come down and support me- I hope she had fun! I am excited that I ran as Elsa. I'm so happy that I got to experience that type of sisterhood this race. I am so happy that I did it.  I'm so happy that I'm starting to run more. I've found out that my BMI is 22.6 and that means for my height I fall into the athlete bracket of the body mass index.  I am so appreciative of Mike supporting me from afar and picking me up from the airport.  There is just so much that was great about this weekend...it's weird being back in the "real" world.  I think that I may try to attempt the Glass Slipper Challenge sometime (19.3 miles...woof...) but I'm in no hurry; I have plenty of races and things happening this year that I'll be busy. 

Warming up!

I highly recommend doing this race weekend and if anyone wants me to join them I'm willing to go! It's very walker friendly and there are so many volunteers that make you feel supported and cared for.  There were 25,000 runners this year and I placed 9,156 out of them all.  I finished in 2 hours and 55 minutes.  I did that.  And if I, the girl who hated running, can do it...you can too.  I believe in you.  I hope you do as well.

Magic Kingdom!

Okay, so much rambling.  There will be a video eventually.  I will continue resting this week and then it's off to training for the Cinco De Miler and auditioning and planning the wedding. What a year 2015 is turning out to be :)

The most magical place on earth

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

It's so close!

Hey everyone!

OMGIMGOINGTODISNEYWORLDANDRUNNINGAHALFMARATHONINLIKE5DAYS!!!

(Breath)

Sorry...had to get it out of my system.  But it's so weird that it's real.  Like ACTUALLY real.  I fly out on Thursday and get back late Monday...and it's just so strange that it's actually happening!

I really don't know what to say...I'll probably blog about it while I'm there because I'm being cool and bringing my laptop...or whatever that equates.  I hope to get some videos up while I'm down there too... and lots of photos.  So. Many. Photos.

My family came into town this last weekend and so that was delightful- lots of stuff for the wedding got done and a lot of knee advice happened as well. 

I wish I could be more eloquent about my feelings right now...but I can't.  It also doesn't help that I'm on my lunch break at work writing this (Yay! A fun working lunch!).  I can't wait to get sparkly, I can't wait to do the race, I can't wait to have my aunt come down, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

 Your 'pin-spirations' for the week!

Here goes nothing everyone!

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

Listen to your...knees?

Hey Everyone!

So I was so excited to go on my run today, I brought my wig, was super psyched...and then my knee started to twinge.  I "messed" my knee up in college...and by messed up I mean one day during dance it started to swell up and now I've been paranoid about it ever since. 

Like my improvisation for a knee brace?

 I'm usually good about listening to my body and giving it support when it needs it; I mean I've been doing damage to my knees since I was in 4th grade and I need to keep them healthy.  But this week I didn't and now I'm sitting with my knee elevated with an ice pack and hoping that the swelling goes down so my running isn't interrupted.  So I wish I would've listened to my body before.  But I'm sure it'll be okay but it is a nice reminder to listen to my body.  And I encourage you all to listen to your own body.  

The race is so close! I fly out next week! The costume is basically done! AHHHH!!!!

So because I'm running more races the blog will continue but I now have a YouTube channel as well!  Just search Actress on the Run and look for my face! Subscribe! Like! We'll have fun!
 

Your 'pin-spiration' for the week

AHHHH!  It's actually happening!

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the Run

Days until the Princess 1/2 Marathon: 6 days 

Well this seems strange...

Hey everyone!

So...I've done something I never thought I'd do.

I've...I've....(sigh)...I've signed up for a race series.


Yep! This semi-motivated woman is going to be running 6 races in 2015 (this counting my upcoming 1/2 marathon...which is in less than a month...yikes!).  These ones will all be in Chicago and will be 5 miles or less...but still for a girl who truly hated running (wanna know how I started my running journey? See my first post!) this is a huge step for me. I think I can officially say that I'm a runner now and being part of that kind of a community is really kinda cool.  I run because I enjoy it but I really hope that I'm inspiring people to be more healthy, or at least to take steps to be more healthy.

 This is going to keep 2015 moving (because I don't have enough going on the way it is...) but it's also kind of nice to know that I'm going to have some personal time carved out for myself. And that I'm taking steps to stay healthy.

Talking about health- do you think it is better to have a goal weight or to go for a feeling of fitness? I've been in both camps and I'm not sure which is best so I thought I'd ask you.  I personally feel that the BMI system is a bit messed up; for most of my college career I was .6 from being considered obese for my body type.  This is hard for me to wrap my brain around since I worked out and danced for most of those 4 years...I just don't understand how and while muscle does not get considered in those measurements.  And why do we focus on a number when 5 pounds of fat is different than 5 pounds of muscle? But truly, that is another project...but please tell me your ideas and thoughts!

The race is so close now and I have been surviving the treadmill runs, whoo!  Details on my costume are not done yet...but I have a fun weekend planned with friends and crafting might have to happen with them :)

Please feel free to leave a comment here or on Facebook or don't...it's your prerogative...

Your pin-spiration

Until next time, keep running strong!
Actress on the Run

Days until the Princess 1/2 Marathon: 17 days

Everything is 'gym-tastic'!

Hey everyone!

It's been a bit...but honestly nothing has changed dramatically except for the fact that I'm running on a treadmill.

Again- I am running on a treadmill.

Ugh.

I really don't like treadmills...the fact that I'm truly NOT moving drives me INSANE!!

But I'm doing it.

Today was a dreaded nine mile run...which is not fun to think about when you're running outside but it DEFINITELY is not fun when you're in place. And you forgot your headphones. Erggh.  But I did it! Under two hours as well! Yay!

Which brings up the fact that my race is in just over a month. Ah! And I'm planning on dressing all the way up...the costume isn't done yet and I need to buy a wig but I'm excited for it! AAAHH! It's so close!!!

Before Run

After Run

Running on a treadmill has taught me that pacing is important; when I'm outside I can change my pace depending on the fellow runners, the weather conditions, my feeling etc.  When you're on the treadmill its just you and your head...and my head wanted to walk more today.  And that stinks but is also okay.  We're suppose to listen to our body and it's hard for me to do that...but I'm learning.

So, I'm going to sit and watch Netflix, research running make-up techniques, and planning Mike and I's wedding (which is in 7 months...yay!)

Your 'pin-spiration' for the week, appropriate no?

Until next time, keep running strong!

Actress on the RunA

Princess Half Marathon- 30 Days!

2015 and things

Hey everyone!

So...it's been a while.  I mean...it's 2015 now.  Whoa.

So a quick update on what's been going with me.

I got to go home to Minnesota; which was delightful and a welcomed break from city life. I love the bustle of the city but the country is needed so I can recharge.  I hardly ran over that time which is probably a horrible idea since the race is SUPER CLOSE NOW. AHHH!

I have discovered that with the craziness that is my life I am unable to get in my long runs outside.  Which stinks.  But guess what doesn't? Gym memberships.  Yes dear friends, I know am a gym member and I get to fight people for the treadmills etc.  I have found though that if you can't get a treadmill, elipticals are fun and I just feel that a seven mile run is a seven mile run whether its on a treadmill or not.

So here's hoping that I don't die in February! I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures and I'm hoping that I'll start writing more. And that I'll get into better shape...when you're sore from carrying groceries you might need to lift more.

So that's the really boring catch up on me.  Life is busy-like always. 2015 is going to be super busy...but totally worth it :) And if you want to donate to my charity-donate here!
http://connect.uwhealth.org/site/TR/Events/General?pxfid=5700&fr_id=1072&pg=fund

Pin-spiration for you and me :)

Until next time, keep running strong!
Actress on the Run

Days until the race-43 days