The BEST Audiobooks for Runners

Hello! How are you? I’m over here just running and eating and listening to audiobooks while doing both. Okay, not while eating because I like to hear myself chew.

Kidding.

Anyway… today I’m sharing my favorite Audiobooks for Runners. I started using Audible over a year ago – it’s an audio library that works on your phone or laptop. I’m completely obsessed with it. This is the PERFECT option for runners or walkers who want to get lost in a book, be entertained, learn something or just switch it up while exercising.

These are my favorite running books. Some of them I read before I discovered Audible, some of them are the reason I fell in love with audiobooks!

The BEST Audiobooks on Running

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (this was made into a movie!)

Run to Overcome by Meb Keflezighi and Dick Patrick

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

How Bad Do You Want It by Matt Fitzgerald (I just started listening to this one!)

Chi Running  by Danny Dreyer

My Life on the Run by Bart Yasso is my next book to listen to – I am a huge fan of Yasso and think he has super helpful and ‘real’ advice

Fast Girl by Suzy Favor Hamilton –  not a running book but a book about a runner that was a Las Vegas escort after her professional running career. I think I mentioned this one when I was listening to it last year.

If you aren’t into running books I have to give an honorable mention to the following books that have been super fun to listen to while running…

Non-Running Book Suggestions:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed (made into a great movie with Reese Witherspoon!)

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Amy Schumer’s first book that I just finished and both of Andy Cohen’s books. I am a huge fan of Amy Schumer and really liked her audiobook since she read it.

Right now I’m listening to Adnan’s Story. Anyone else??!

 

FREE 30 Day Trial of Audible for RER Readers

When Audible contacted me to share this free trial with my readers I jumped on it. They offered me a free trial too but I said “I don’t need it! I’ve been a subscriber for over a year!”

I’m really excited  because I am already a fan and now you can check it out and see if it’s your jam too.

Use this link and get a 30 Day Trial of Audible for FREE.

Tell me if you sign up and what book you choose. I’m always looking for audiobook suggestions – running or non-running. I also like true crime stuff, so suggestions along those lines work too!

Right now Audible is offering Run Eat Repeat readers a FREE 30 Day Trial! Check it out here.

Question: What was the last book you read or listened to?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Audible. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post The BEST Audiobooks for Runners appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

Fighting against the current.

It’s a rainy day here in Milwaukee.

As I was driving to work this morning, I started thinking about my struggles with healthiness. I feel like I’ve done better with my eating this week and while it’s not squeaky clean, whole30, rabbit food, it’s been significantly better than in recent months. Almost all week, I did not give in to excuses around my eating. I did not justify poor eating because I was running from meeting to meeting, was too tired, or other reasons that again would have been just plain excuses.

But I also think it’s going to take a lot more to get back to a healthy life, which includes a healthy weight. So then, the question popped into my head…

How bad do I want it?

How important is it to me to be healthy. Is being healthy more important than the choices I’m making now? What am I willing to do different? Am I willing to make what I may currently perceive as sacrifices now because I know once I get the healthiness ball rolling, it will be more of a norm, and won’t feel like a sacrifice. Right now, all my decisions have a snowball effect into one negative consequence. Being unhealthy. These decisions may seem individually small and unimportant (a poor choice here, a poor choice there) but they all add up to one big huge result. Unhealthiness. It feels like I’m trying to move a mountain, but probably because right now, I am fighting against the current. Each small decision I make, each decision that is better than what I would have previously make, each decision that fights against the current, is what makes a difference. Because together, the collective whole, will get me to where I want to be.

So the question I need to continue to ask myself, every time I think this one choice may not be a big deal, I just have to ask myself how important is being healthy to me.

 

 

 

 

Original article: Fighting against the current.

©2016 Prior Fat Girl. All Rights Reserved.

New C9 Target Leggings + Dancing with the Rockettes!

I’ve done some pretty damn amazing things in the eight years I’ve lived in NYC, but what I’m about to tell you about is definitely up there in the top five. 

One of my coworkers got invited to an event at Radio City Music Hall to dance with the Rockettes. She had another event that night. “You…wouldn’t want to do this, would you?” she asked. UM HELL YES. 

My inability to dance has been exceptionally well-documented on this little site, but, hey, I’m always down for an adventure.

The event was sponsored by Target to celebrate the launch of their new C9 Champion leggings, which come in three styles: Freedom, which are built for comfort when running/spinning and have anti-chafe seams; Embrace, which have compression and are designed for HIIT/Rockette dancing; and Flawless, to smooth and shape. We were sent all three but I’ve so far only tried the Embrace for this dance workout. I would, without a doubt, buy more of these leggings. At a ~$25-30 price point? HELL YES.

 

My dance skills have not improved even a lick since that last photo I posted, but @target still let me #trainlikearockette in these sweet mesh leggings. Top 5 coolest NYC experiences ever. Also, is it Christmas yet???

A video posted by Theodora Blanchfield (@theodorable) onSep 27, 2016 at 6:35pm PDT

Super natural, right?!

To be honest, I was super nervous. Would I be the worst one? But I let all that go when I walked in because, yes, I was the worst one, but omg did I have SO MUCH FUN. 

We started with learning parts of Baby It’s Cold Outside. Dancing like a (total, complete, utter) fool at a crazy special experience? TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC? With a friend to the front and to the side? I was giggling like an idiot.

The Rockettes were total champs, though, at teaching a bunch of fitness editors how to do their jobs. They rehearse six days a week, six hours a day. GOOD GOD!

The kick line is actually so much harder than you’d think!

But, I got to have fun with my sweet friend Christine.

We followed the class with a tour (open to the public, but still probably not something I ever would have done) and then we were treated to a cocktail party (in leggings, natch) in the super fancy Roxy Suite.

I believe I floated home in happiness. 

ALSO, I looked out of curiosity, you can take a class with the Rockettes if you want! 10/10, would dance again.

Outfit Details:

Leggings: Embrace Must-Have Tights

Tank: Long Tank Top (I don’t usually wear long shirts but I really liked this one!)

Sports bra: Strappy Cami Sports Bra (Super cute, but hello, I have boobs. Did not really work.)

Related posts:

1. On Dancing
2. Finding Endorphins in an Unlikely Place: New Balance Girls Night Out
3. Club Target

Healthy Toenails – Tips for Runners

Hi! How’s it going? Today is a rest day for me so I’m a little antsy. Isn’t that the worst? I just want to run! (and eat)

At least I can write about running to keep me busy today. And we’re talking about a great question I get from readers all the time – “How do you keep all your toenails while training for a race?!”

Well, the short answer is – sometimes I don’t. But after 50+ half marathons and 20+ full marathons I have come to learn a thing or two about keeping my feet healthy.

I live in Southern California, which means it is always chancla sandal weather here. So keeping my feet and toes looking decent is a little important. Plus, if my feet look tragic my friends talk crap and tell me to get my life together. That’s just added incentive, right?!

Anyway. Here are some tips to keep your toenails and feet looking like non-runner feet even when you’re racking up major miles…

How To Keep Your Toenails and Feet Healthy When You Run

1. Keep your toenails short.

This is a very easy, but important tip. If your toenails are too long they will hit against the front or top of your running shoes – over and over and over. That repetitive tapping might not hurt – you probably won’t even notice it. But after a while your toenails may bruise, turn black and/or fall off.

Keep your toenails short and neat. This is also helpful to prevent ingrown toenails.

2. Get sized for your running shoes.

Wearing running shoes in the wrong size can lead to blisters, slipping, rubbing and other issues. Shoes that are too small add to the probably of pounding on your nails mentioned above.

Go to a running shoe store to get professionally fitted for your size. If you have wide or narrow feet ask for suggestions on shoes that will work for your foot type. And if you ever decide to change running shoe brands research how different brands fit. Some shoes just fit tighter or run smaller/larger than others.

I size up in a few running shoes like Brooks and Under Armour.

 

3. Give them some love.

Get a pedicure or give yourself a pedicure at home every now and then. If your feet tend to be dry put lotion on them before you go to sleep.

But – don’t be too aggressive with your feet. I know exfoliators and other gadgets are super popular right now. I think they’re cool too and recently bought the PedEgg Power to try out myself. But I realize that scrubbing to hard or exfoliating the skin on your feet down too much might lead to blisters.

Pay attention to your feet and tend to any trouble spots, but keep in mind that poking and scrubbing and trimming can irritate the skin too. It’s all about balance.

 

4. Prevent blisters.

If you have the right size and type shoes but are still getting blisters consider changing up your socks. Invest in a pair of fancy socks made for running.

If that doesn’t work add Body Glide or vaseline to your trouble spots.

My favorite socks are:

Asics Low Socks

ProCompression low socks

 

5. Love your feet!

Even if you do everything ‘right’ you may still get black toenails, lose toenails or get blisters. It happens. This is part of the price you pay for being awesome and running so much.

Love your feet for all the miles they carry you. Love your feet for being strong and being able to run.

Here’s a pic of Vegas’ patas because they are so cute…

Question: What days are your rest days? Do you keep them the same each week or switch it up?

The post Healthy Toenails – Tips for Runners appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

Game Day Meals & Appetizer Ideas

 

Game Day is a big deal at my house. Matthew screams at the players on TV and constantly checks his Fantasy Football score, while I get to make good food. Making tasty food on game day is important to me because I know it makes Matthew happy. Sunday is his day to kick back, sit in his man-chair and enjoy football. I have zero problems with that.

Whether we have friends over, or are chowing down by ourselves, it’s got be delicious. I put together my Game Day Meals and Appetizers Board on Pinterest so I can maximize on recipe ideas that will make our bellies happy. I don’t worry about clean eating on game day. All I want is delectable goodness.

There are currently over 130 game day recipe and appetizer ideas on my board, including slider ideas, chicken wings, dips, and even some stuff you haven’t thought of yet. I’m always adding new stuff to the board. Here’s a peek into the deliciousness.

1. Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings from Buzzfeed

2. Bourbon Maple Glazed Chicken Wings from Simply Recipes

3. Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Bread from Wonky Wonderful

4. Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs from Real Housemoms

5. Homemade Pizza Bites from The Comfort of Cooking

6. Italian Pesto Sliders from Wine and Glue

 

Doesn’t it all look so tasty? Go get those recipes right now! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Follow my Game Day Meals and Appetizers Board on Pinterest for even more good stuff. And please…invite me over. You know darn well I stay hungry.

The post Game Day Meals & Appetizer Ideas appeared first on Yum Yucky.

Why Eating While Watching TV Is a Problem For Me

Happy National Coffee Day! Are you celebrating with hot or iced??

Ben was out of town for a little bit and since he’s back I decided to try and buy his love by making him steak. I’m not really a red meat person and I never cook it unless it’s for someone else. But it’s his favorite  so I bought a fancy cut of meat and looked up how to cook it properly. It is surprisingly easy and pretty fast to cook steak. Why didn’t anyone tell me before?!

I cooked up onions, asparagus and mushrooms and a baked potato to go along with it. He was super impressed and said that it was amazing, which I’m pretty excited about.

I made myself a big sweet potatoes veggies and eggs.

But because I eat so enthusiastically I somehow managed to BREAK MY FORK  in the middle of the meal!! You might love food, but I love food so much I break utensils trying to get at it.

Usually the biggest disaster that results from me eating is food on my shirt but this is a new low. Wow.

He brought me Manatee Poop from Florida for dessert so the meal ended on a high note.

 

This morning I did a longer mid-week run. I ran 12 miles on my normal path, which is slightly uphill the entire way out. But that also means it’s downhill on the way back.

I was super slow for the first six miles but felt super fast for the last six! I’ve decided to move to the top of the hill and just run down it all the time and take an Uber back to the top so I always feel fast. That’s a little running tip for ya – live at the top of a hill and run down.

It’s super hot here today so I rehydrated like it was my job with Spark, lemon water, seltzer and more.

 

On Eating While Watching TV

I used to be a big advocate for eating at the kitchen table without distractions. I tried to make an effort not to read or look at my phone or watch TV while eating. I know it’s important – especially for intuitive eating – to pay attention to your food and enjoy it.

But I’ve fallen into some bad habits lately. I started watching TV during lunch.

In my defense, it’s hard to work from home all day and not have any outside stimulation or interaction with people. I think I first did it to break up the day and have a little entertainment during my break. I don’t listen to music or anything while I work (I can’t concentrate) so this is the only time there is any noise going on all day.

I don’t think it’s that big of a deal because I’m not super addicted to it and I still pay attention to what I’m eating. I almost see it as an act of self-care because I was lonely and this helps break up the day. I started doing this when there was trouble in my relationship and my one friend was busy or out of town and couldn’t hang out. It’s okay.

So my dilemma isn’t really about the fact that I’m watching TV, but more about what I’m watching.

Grey’s Anatomy re-runs are on around lunchtime and I now find myself super into the show.

The problem is – this is the most depressing show of all time. Seriously. Someone awesome is always dying or getting their heartbroken or dying because their heart is broken.

I cannot handle watching or listening to sad stuff. (Have I ever shared this here before?) But now I’m super into the show and want to watch it every time I see it on the guide. I even record episodes now.

What the hell is my problem?! I know it’s sad. I actually cried during one of the episodes with Denny. Why am I choosing to continue to watch?! I ams ridiculous.

So I guess the biggest health lesson I can learn is: You’re not supposed to watch TV while you eat because you might end up watching some tragic soap opera or old episode of Grey’s Anatomy where Denny dies and then cry onto your food and make your sandwich soggy. The end.

I’d consider quitting Grey’s but I’m not a quitter. I can’t move on yet…

 

Other notes:

1. Advocare’s Fall favorites are available now! They have gingerbread protein bars and pumpkin spice protein powder. Their seasonal stuff and limited-time flavors always go really fast so if you want them get them now. (I missed out on the Pina Colada Spark flavor but luckily SR had extra and give me a few.)

2.  Prices increase for the Revel City Marathon tonight so if you’re interested in registering use this link for $5 off and you’ll be signed up under team Run Eat Repeat. If you like their Facebook page it’s an additional $5 off too!

Question: Where do you eat your meals at home?

The post Why Eating While Watching TV Is a Problem For Me appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

Huge news!

You know how when someone tells you a secret, and then they say not to tell anyone, and it nearly kills you because you're dying to spill the beans? Yeah, that's how I've been feeling for two months now.

I have been SO SO SO excited to share this on my blog ever since I found out about it in July (on Noah's birthday, actually). I had to wait until I had permission to share it on my blog, and it's been killing me ;)
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