I want all of the things!

Instagram has a downfall, it is constantly showing me items that I want to own, but do not have the means to purchase. (One day, when I win the lottery) Here is a list of my current favorites:

• I have always wanted to be a mermaid, and would definitely be one in these gorgeous INKnBURN capris.  ($84.95) http://www.inknburn.com/womens-mermaid-capris/

• I need this super cute shirt to show everyone of my accomplishment, of completing a marathon this year. ($24.99) http://milesandpace.com/products/marathon-finisher-tank?variant=17658878084

• "Embrace the Hill" tank, a nice reminder to get out there and run those hills. ($20.00) http://www.runfargear.com/

• Owl be Sweatin' is a great line of non-slip headbands, that are adjustable. ($14.00-$16.00). Multiple sizes and styles available. Use discount code: aleverette15 and save 15% off your entire purchase. http://www.owlbesweatin.com/shop-2/

• Runningluv, this amazing product is one of those item, once you find it, you wonder how you lived without it. It's perfect for running and the gym. Use discount code: funrungirl20 and save 20% off your entire purchase. http://www.runningluv.com/

BUFFBOXX Review - February 2016

http://www.buffboxx.com/#intro

Buffboxx is a monthly subscription box available in the United States and Canada, and it also has individual boxes available for both men and women. The cost is $49.95 and each box comes with a piece of Reebok apparel, gym accessories, healthy snacks, premium supplements, meal plan, work out plan and other various samples. Also, with each box purchased, a portion of the proceeds go to a charity or foundation of your choice:

• Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation - blackjaguarwhitetiger.org/
• Animal Welfare Institute - awionline.org/
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation - bcrfcure.org/
• Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - fallenheroesfund.org/

What I received in my box:

Reebok tank top - $22.00 -- reebok.com/

• The tank is super soft and long. It also has a built-in shelf bra and venting in the back. I think this item would be perfect for a studio class.

Cellucor Vortex Portable Blender - $19.99 value

2 Quest Protein Bar - $2.39 each ($4.78) -- questnutrition.com/

• I have never really been a fan of Quest bars, but maybe it's because I have never found a flavor that I liked. The two bars I received were mint chocolate chip and it reminded me a lot the thin mint Girl Scout cookies, delicious. I will be buying these in the future.

2 Packs of Grizzly Protein (Vanilla & Chocolate Peanut Butter) - $2.49 each ($4.99) -- tbfit.com/protein/

• I tried the chocolate peanut butter flavor and it was better than expected. The protein was smooth, not gritty and went well with my almond milk.

Suja coupon - $4.98 value -- sujajuice.com/

• I love Suja juices and always super happy to get a free one, now to decide what flavor to get!

2 WheyClean - $0.75 ($1.50) -- wheycleanusa.com/

• Worked great to clean out my shaker bottle after a protein shake, not nasty whey after smell.

Koozie - ?

Not pictured: a workout plan for the month and also a meal plan


Total Value - $58.24


Final Though: The items in the box run about the same amount as what you pay for, but it is always fun to try new products.

Even you worst day can be one of your best runs

I haven't ran in over a week and was determined to get out and get some miles under my feet. I began to get ready this morning and could not find my shoes; only then did I remember that I had left them at my parents house when I had visited them a few days ago. The only shoes I had were an old pair of Nike Pegasus and I do mean old. I have been wearing Brooks for the last 4 years, so that tells you how old the Pegasus are, but I was more than determined to go run. I get in my car to drive to the park and my car in on empty. My day is just going downtown and it has barely begun. I make it to the gas station, fill up my car, and it is beginning to snow. I live in the south and we are very unprepared snow (AKA Atlanta). I then get in my car and begin to drive to the park and at this point I am thinking, I can just go home and run on the treadmill. No, I said to myself, you have pushed this off for too long and need to hit the road, plus I have a half marathon coming up in two weeks and I am way behind on my miles. I finally make it to the park and park my car and grab my cell phone, to hook up my headphones and listen to music while I run and my phone is about to die. My day could not get any worse. So I put on a brave face, zip up my heavy North Face jacket and begin my run. It's only 36 degrees, so I am not having to worry about ice or the snow sticking to the road. More than a mile in the snow begins to come down heavy, that wet snow where it seems like multiple flakes stuck together, and a smiles come across my face and it seems to be getting bigger and bigger. I even stick out my tongue and try to catch snowflakes in my mouth. Being from the south, we don't get snow very often and every once in awhile you have to step back and enjoy the little things in life. My day that start off rough, had a wonderful ending and I had a wonderful time running in the snow.

My Favorite Running Songs of 2013

Nothing goes better with a great run than some motivational music. Here are my favorite running/workout songs of 2013...

• "Can't Hold Us Down" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring: Ray Dalton
• "Suit & Tie" - Justin Timberlake Featuring: Jay Z
• "Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons
• "I love it" - Icona Pop Featuring: Charli XCX
• "Get Lucky" - Daft Punk Featuring: Pharrell Williams
• "Treasure" - Bruno Mars
• "Safe & Sound" - Capital Cities
• "Roar" - Katy Perry
• "Wake Me UP" - Avicii
• "Counting Stars" - One Republic
• "Brave" - Sara Bareilles
• "On Top of the World" - Imagine Dragons
• "Burn" - Ellie Goulding
• "Alive" - Krewella
• "Lose Yourself to Dance" - Daft Punk Featuring: Pharrell Williams
• "Take Back the Night" - Justin Timberlake
• "Clarity" - Zedd Featuring: Foxes
• "Sweater Weather" - The Neighbourhood
• "The Monster" - Eminem Featuring: Rihanna
• "Demons" - Imagine Dragons
• "Love Somebody" - Maroon 5
• "Berzerk" - Eminem
• "White Walls" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring: Schoolboy Q and Hollis
• "Stay the Night" Zedd Featuring: Hayley Willams
• "I Wish" - Cher Lloyd Featuring: T.I
• "American Girl" - Bonnie McKee
• "Summertime Sadness" Remix - Lana Del Rey Vs. Cedric Gervais
• "Still Into You" - Paramore

These songs were also top charters in 2013 but our not officially on my favorite list, but you may want to add them to your playlist:

• "Heart Attach" - Demi Lovato
• "Harlem Shake" - Baauer
• "Applause" - Lady Gaga
• "Timber" - Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha
• "Holy Grail" - Jay Z Featuring: Justin Timberlake
• "The Fox" - Ylvis
• "Blurred Line" - Robin Thicke Featuring: T.I. and Pharrell
• "We Can't Stop" - Miley Cyrus
• "Best Song Ever" - One Direction
• "Come and Get it" - Selena Gomez
• "Feel this Moment" - Pitbull Featuring: Christina Aguilera
• "I Knew You Were Trouble" - Taylor Swift
• "Scream & Shout" - Will.I.Am Featuring: Britney Spears
• "Heart Attack" - Enrique lglesias
• "Do Want You Want" - Lady Gaga Featuring: R. Kelly
• "Here's to Never Growing Up" - Avril Lavigne
• "TKO" - Justin Timberlake F
• "Give it 2 You" - Robin Thicke Featuring: Kendrick Lamar
• "Work B!tch" - Britney Spears
• "Sail" - Awolnation
• "Gorilla" - Bruno Mars
• "Slow Down" - Selena Gomez

Let me know what your favorite songs are; if I don't include your favorites, please list them in the comments below.

My Running Christmas List

The holidays are just around the corner and it is the perfect time to begin your holiday shopping. Here are the items on my list for this year.

Gifts Under $30

• 13.1 Half Marathon Race Decal - $4.00
  

Add a bit of race flare to your car with this colorful decal and it is available at Etsy through AnchorAvenueDesigns: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/155407227

• Smartpace Band - 3 for $7.50
  

Keep yourself on pace for an upcoming half or full marathon. Learn to pace yourself with a Smartpace band, it will help you create a mile-by mile plan for race day. Available at: http://www.races2remember.com/PaceBands.php

• A subscription to Stride Box - $15.00
  

Stride box is a monthly subscription box service that deliveries an assortment of running accessories, gear and nutritional products directly to your door each month. The subscription service is $15.00 per month and will continue until you suspend or cancel your service. You can sign up or get more information at:http://stridebox.com/

• Road ID Bracelet - $17.99 and up
  
  
  

The Road ID bracelets are worn by some top athletes, but this great ID is also perfect for kids. With its stylish and comfortable silicone band, you will be tempted to make a lifestyle statement and wear it 24/7. Like all our ID products, they are laser engraved with your emergency contact information and is available in both Original and Interactive versions. There are ten different colors to choose from. Available at: http://www.roadid.com 

• KT Tape - $19.99
  

KT TAPE is applied along muscles, ligaments, and tendons (soft tissue) to provide a lightweight, external support that helps you remain active while recovering from injuries. KT Tape creates neuromuscular feedback (called proprioception) that inhibits (relaxes) or facilitates stronger firing of muscles and tendons. This feedback creates support elements without the bulk and restriction commonly associated with wraps and heavy bracing. KT Tape gives you confidence to perform your best. Available at: http://www.kttape.com/ and other major retailers.

• Original Buff Headband - $20.00
  
  This is one of the most versatile and effective article of technical clothing you will ever own. This headgear keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is made from seamless 100% microfiber, the breathable fabric wicks away moisture and dries quickly too. Available at: 
  http://buffusa.com/sports/

• The Stick Travel Roller Massager - $27.99
  

The Stick can be used before, during and after a workouts to get rid of knots and soreness in your muscles. The price start at $27.99 for the travel size and $42.99 for the original and can be found at http://www.roadrunnersports.com/, 
 http://www.rei.com/ or your local running store.

• Yurbuds -$29.99 and up
  

Designed specifically to fit smaller ears, the FlexSoft™ and TwistLock™ technologies guarantee they will never hurt or fall out. These sweat & water-resistant yurbuds allow for ambient noise awareness and deliver consistent, premium sound. Available in six colors, yurbuds Inspire for Women are the perfect training partner for any female athlete. ~ I personally owns these and love them, but it is time for a new pair. I have never had an issue with them falling out of my ears and they fit great and are super comfortable. Available at: http://yurbuds.com and major retailer.



What is on your holiday list? Please leave your comment below.

November is National Running Safety Month

Tips to keep you safe while out for a run on the road...

• Run against traffic, try to remain visible at all times and observe approaching vehicles.
• Don't wear headphones, loud music makes it hard for you to hear your surroundings.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Look both ways before crossing traffic, try to do so in a cross walk and be aware of the traffic laws.
• Alter or vary your running route.
• Run with a partner and/or dog.
• Let someone know where you are going and what direction you are heading.
• Wear reflective material when running at dusk or dawn.
• Trust you intuition about an area or person, it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets and unlighted areas.
• Carry a noise maker, whistle, etc...
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. 
• Contact the police IMMEDIATELY

When traveling out of town on business or vacation, contact a local running store and ask if there are any local running clubs having meet ups, in the area or the best place to go for a run.

Do you have an additional safety tips, please leave them in the comments below.


Have fun and stay safe.

12 Week Half Marathon Training Plan

I am gearing up for my second half marathon and about to sign up for the Scenic City Half Marathon, taking place on February 22, 2014. I am taking the month of November to work on my speed and will begin the 12 week training program on December on 1st. For my last half marathon, I used the Nike Women's Half Marathon training program. I combined running along with strength training, if you use this program you will need to download the Nike Training Club app - http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/womens-training/apps/nike-training-club - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike-training-club/id301521403

Here is the training program I used:

Good luck!