So it's been a while since I have posted, I know!

The end of 2017 has been insane and I have been spending as much time as possible with my family and focusing on things of that nature.

However, 2018 is upon us and I have HUGE plans for the new year!

These plans include MANY more races, including my FIRST ultra-marathon!

I'm going to be 30 in 2018 SO in honor of turning 30 I figured what better way than to run a 30 miler... If you're interested and want to check it out, it's the DOUBLE CHUBB -- Check it out and if you choose to race, PLEASE let me know because I'd love to meet you!

ALSO, I have some big news you guys!

A few months back I applied to be a BibRave Pro, what is a BibRave Pro you ask?? Well basically a BibRave Pro races in incredible races, gets to try out awesome running products and in turn gets to share with their followers experiences and reviews on everything running related!!

AND I GOT CHOSEN TO BE A BIBRAVE PRO FOR 2018!!!

I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for this opportunity. I am already connecting with fellow pro's and am already scheduled for my first BibRave 2018 race... the Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City, MO (USE CODE “BIBHHR18” to save 15% on any event distance!)

I am also about to receive my first product to review, stay tuned for more information on that!

I'm just beyond excited for what 2018 has in store for me, this blog and just everything else!

As I said, please please stay tuned for more product reviews, training updates and SO MUCH MORE!

One more thing, I have added a new page up at the top of this blog called BIBRAVE DISCOUNT CODES... Be sure to check it out, frequently, as it will update with RACE and GEAR discount codes exclusively for me as a BIBRAVE PRO to share with all of you!

Here's to a wonderful 2018!!!

*CHEERS*

I seriously can't believe it's already October! Last Monday we took the boys to pick out their Halloween costumes and it just doesn't seem like it should be that time of year! **Oliver has decided to be a trash truck/driver & Charlie is going to be Mickey Roadster Racer**

ANYWAY, so I'm really excited to share with you all Sworkit's October 30 Day Workout Challenge, which starts today, October 2nd and ends on Halloween!

Not only is this just a challenge that I am encouraging you to take on, I'm also encouraging you to head on over to Facebook and reach out to me on my page and ask to join our fun 30 Day Challenge Group page! This is a place where everyone taking on this challenge can share, safely and secretly, their struggles and successes all month long. On top of that, the person who is the most involved and engaged will win one year of Sworkit Premium for FREE!

I am so looking forward to seeing all of the participants rally behind one another, myself included, and lift each other up on our bad days and cheer us on on our good. October also happens to be National Bullying Prevention Month so we are going to take this opportunity to dedicate each workout in honor of the #nationalbullyingpreventionmonth ... All around this entire challenge is about creating a community full of positivity and acceptance of each other and ourselves on our journey to living the best lives that we can.

Here is a break down of the challenge, whether you complete one minute, ten minutes or more of each workout, it doesn't matter! Every workout counts & matters!

So what are you waiting for?! Head on over to FACEBOOK now and get yourself involved in this workout challenge... Let's do this together!!

With 2017 swiftly coming to an end, really where has the year gone, I have been signing up for races left and right it seems like.

I wanted to take a post to share with you all what races I'll be running in over the next couple months! I will also encourage those in this area to join up and let me know if you'll be there, I love making new runner friends!!!

Here we go:

Race #1: The Blue Note 5k on October 7th.

Starting at the Muny in Forest Park we are going to be running through Forest Park and back to the Muny lot. This race is taking place on the St. Louis Blues home opener and it's also the inaugural Blue Note 5k! I'm looking forward to taking part in this race, which I will be doing with my Mom!

Race #2: The Quivering Quads II 13k Trail Race on Octover 28th.

Taking place at Cuivre River State Park, we will be running roughly 8 miles of trails. This race is limited to 500 participants and we will be taking off in waves to avoid clustering of runners. This will be my first ever trail race and I couldn't be more excited. I will also be running this one with my Mom as well... She is where I get my love for running from!

Race #3: Arnold Turkey Trot on November 23rd.

I have to say this is probably the race I am most excited about. I have always wanted to participate in the Turkey Trot, okay maybe not always, but the past couple years I've been jealous of those who were able to swing it. Our Thanksgivings don't start until later in the afternoon so time in that manner was never an issue. However, the past couple years our boys have been young enough to where getting them together and packing up for an entire day of family would take hours and I would be so exhausted trying to get everything done. This year the boys are not only going to be cheering me on they will also be able to run in the children's dash after the 5k! Both my boys love running, I mean what kid doesn't?! But I have been really wanting to cultivate this love and can't wait to see them go with all the other kids on Thanksgiving morning! I will also be accompanied by my Mom and also a couple of my friends as well! Definitely going to be such a great way to start Thanksgiving!

On top of these three races my Mom and I are going to be volunteering at the Ozark Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run on November 4th/5th

I am planning on running this race next year so I figured it would be a good idea to support the race this year and volunteer my time. On top of that I also thought it would be a good idea to get an idea of how this particular race runs. I am looking forward to helping out the runners and cheering them on while working at an aid station. I am really excited to learn from these runners and their crews and also to be able to help support a race with my time!

So if you're going to be around during any of these races I would love for you to sign up and run!!!

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So it's been a while since I have written here. I honestly just felt a little overwhelmed with some stuff going on and just didn't have the drive to keep up with intriguing and quality content, instead of writing just to put something out I figured taking a break would be the best thing to do.

So much has happened the past couple months and I can't wait to catch everyone up and rekindle my love for writing in this space at the same time!

The last time we checked in I was in training for a half marathon, the Vine to Wine Half on September 9th! I originally was planning on a Full Marathon, however an injury occurred so I decided it best to take it a little slower and only go for the 13.1 this year!

The Vine to Wine has come and gone and I wanted to share my experience with everyone here!

My husband and I decided that we were going to stay overnight the night before in the town that the race was being held, Greenville IL (we are in the St. Louis, MO area). It was a little over an hour away and I was afraid of being super stiff the morning of had we chosen to drive in race day.

The race offered a 10% discount at a local hotel for all race runners, it was a very reasonably priced hotel and with the discount it was even better. I was quite happy with where we stayed, however I wish they had had a little bit of a nicer workout room (I had planned to run a mile or two when we showed up to the hotel before going to pick up our packets, however only one of two treadmills was working and a lady was already occupying the one, so I wasn't able to get in any run).

We checked in and hung out at the hotel for a little while. My husband attempted to nap and I went down to the pool, put on the BibRave podcast and just sat with my feet in the pool and listening to that weeks podcast!

A little before dinner time we headed over to the winery (The Family Vine), where the race was going to be held, to pick up our packets. We also sat outside, indulged in a couple beverages and ate dinner. My husbands brother and his wife were also running in the 5k and chose to join us that evening to stay the night and met us for dinner and drinks as well!

We headed back to the hotel and settled in for the night. I sat out all of my gear and took the obligatory #flatmelissa photo for Instagram.

I slept pretty well that night and was ready to get up and get going when my alarm went off on race day. I woke up, got dressed, made some coffee and headed down to the continental breakfast. I grabbed half a bagel with some cream cheese. I was struggling in the bathroom department and had hopes that I would be able to go before the race at the winery, this did not happen and had some major effects on my running.

We met up with a couple of our other friends, who were also running the half, who drove in that morning, at the winery. I will say this race was super nice because it was probably one of the smallest races I've ever run in. I liked how the starting line wasn't crowded and we were able to get right up front and not feel crowded.

Countdown commenced and we were off. The first few miles went quite well, the course was gorgeous and we were under nice shade. I was feeling quite strong at the beginning and had every intention of PRing that day.

Around mile 6 everything sort of fell apart. My bathroom issues came back to haunt me, the heat started setting in and we were no longer running under any shade. To top it off the course was quite hilly and I just hate hills and have always stunk at running them, I'm attempting to work on this so courses like this don't defeat me.

Either way I clocked in at 2:44:27 which was in no way close to my goal or my half PR.

I felt defeated about mile 10 and knew I wasn't going to be back by my predicted time so I shot a text to my husband just letting him know that other than feeling poopy everything was fine, it was just going to take me a while longer. He was extremely supportive and sweet, bringing me to tears on the course. I was sure to thank him for being so supportive and caring in that moment, because it was what helped me finish the race!

Crossing that finish line has never felt better, I was so glad it was over and also so proud of myself for completing the race!

After the race we got our wine glasses and wine tasting and hung out for a bit. We all decided to go and get some lunch at a local Mexican restaurant and then headed on back home.

All in all I would say the weekend was successful and the race was very well organized and the course was gorgeous. The only problem was with myself and my inability to get past certain elements of the race and my own body. I am very proud to have finished and to have also stuck with a training plan, hitting all of my long runs and making it a priority instead of pushing it off like I have always done in the past!

I have many more races coming up this Fall and have already began planning out my 2018 races. I'll be getting into all of that in another post!

Well I think that about sums up my Vine to Wine experience and I would highly suggest checking it out if you're in the Midwest and looking for a nicely ran and lower key half marathon to run!

(All photos credited to my husband and brother-in-law)

I hope everyone has a great Monday and hope to see you back here next time!

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So, if you're anything like me you absolutely love online shopping (I have to stop myself on many occasions from buying all the things)

Well, today I'm going to share with you all an amazing online clothing store that I feel is absolutely worth your time and money to check out and buy from!

Tobi is an LA based clothing company that showcases incredible styles and unique items. I can honestly say I want just about everything they sell!!

I was recently asked to try out a few of their items and jumped at the chance, I was not disappointed at all! I will definitely be wearing these items (along with the many others I will be purchasing) for a long time!

So this tank is probably a style tank that I have been oogling over for a long time now! When I saw it on the list of items I could choose from I jumped on it. Such a cute and versatile tank it's simple and understated but feminine and makes me feel very pretty when I wear it.

I styled it two ways to show how it can easily go from a daytime outfit seamlessly to an evening outfit with a simple change of bottoms!

Daytime - Simple with shorts and sandals! So fresh and easy!

TANK (c/o Tobi) | Jeans (similar) | Purse (Similar) | Shoes (Similar)

This next dress is probably one of the most "out of my comfort zone" items I chose. I also happen to think it's my absolute favorite item I received. This dress was perfect for a day at the winery with some of our best friends. The day was hot and humid so this airy and light dress (which is NOT AT ALL SEE THROUGH, trust me it's hard to find a dress LIGHT and has such great material!) was beyond perfect!

Dress (c/o Tobi) | Shoes | Sunglasses

This last dress I can't wait to wear to our annual 4th of July / Shrimp-a-Palooza celebration (Basically our group of friends has made up this holiday that we celebrate on the 4th to add to the festivities of the 4th, we eat so much shrimp it isn't funny and this year we celebrate 10 years of this holiday!) a week from today! I added this dress to the list SPECIFICALLY for this occasion! It's the perfect dress to celebrate the 4th in, and to be honest I will be wearing it to a few other occasions coming up!

\Dress (c/o Tobi) | Shoes (Similar)

Be sure to follow the links in this post to grab your own items like mine! Also be sure to check out their website TOBI and snag some awesome new clothes and for your very first order you'll receive 50% off!

Come on back later this week and I'll be sharing with you all my past week of training for the Half Marathon this Fall... it does include a crazy story about how I severely bruised my toe. I'm extremely clumsy and it's all around a wonder I can put one foot in front of the other sometimes!

So I talk a lot about training, about fitness and about running.

What I don't talk a lot about is they why behind it all.

Today I want to share that with you, honestly I apologize that it has taken this long.

I run for many reasons.

One being it gets me out of the house, gets me that much needed alone time.

I stay at home with my boys all day, every day. 

I love this job, I love being with them every step of the way when they're this little.

However this doesn't mean that I don't need some me time squeezed in between all the hugs, cuddles and tantrums that ensue throughout the day.

I love that I have a husband that understands this, a husband who gets it and who is encouraging.

He is really great at saying, "Go, take some time, just run." When he can tell I'm about to lose my mind.

There are times where I feel extremely guilty for going out on a run, leaving my family to fend for themselves during that time I am away.

Then I step back and have to realize that what I am doing is benefiting them in ways beyond measure. Keeping myself grounded, stress free and happy is going to help me to be a better Mother and Wife to those who depend on me to be so.

Two being health.

This may seem obvious but I wasn't always a runner.

In fact I was the furthest thing from being a runner just about two years ago.

Sure I ran a couple races years ago, and did a handful of 5k's and bootcamps but nothing ever really stuck.

It wasn't until my second son was born that I really got into this lifestyle.

I knew that I needed to be healthy and that I needed to do something to get myself into shape, not only for myself but for my family as well.

Let's face it, I want to be around as long as I possible can for them.

I never planned on running, it just sort of happened and I became enthralled with the lifestyle.

I love knowing that what I am doing is not only giving me an outlet for my stress but it is also helping me stay fit and healthy at the same time.

Three being the community of runners.

This community is one that I would have never even thought of being there, however they are ever present, ever encouraging and ever helpful.

I love interacting on all social media platforms with every runner I can find.

I love listening to all the running podcasts, in particular BibRave right now.

It's incredible the resources for any question I may have, and I have never once been made to feel inadequate with anything I have inquired about.

This community supports one another so incredibly, in a sport where you may think is a one person game.

Bottom line, I love to run.

I love that this sport has taken me in and swept me up in it.

I love that it doesn't matter how old I was when I fell in love with it, running doesn't care the way many other sports do.

I love the simplicity of it, the pure raw nature of it.

The beauty of it.

This is why I run.

My posts about training have been few and far between lately, due to an injury to my left knee that has left me extremely discouraged and aggravated. I went to see a physical therapist and she said my knee cap was just not tracking right but rather slipping over to the right when it wasn't supposed to be. She gave me some exercises to help strengthen the muscles that will hopefully pull it back in track, which I have been doing and it has definitely been helping and I've been able to run but I just haven't been pushing myself too hard or sticking to my full marathon training plan. I really don't want to push myself too far and end up hurting myself worse.

Running, ironically, doesn't hurt my knee at all. The only time I feel pain is going up and down stairs, even squats don't hurt. It's by far the weirdest knee pain I've ever experienced. I just don't want to push my knee and end up hurting it from running too long of distances.

My initial goal was to complete my first full marathon late September. However I have made the difficult decision to put that goal off until next April and run the Go! St. Louis full. I do have the Vine to Wine Half Marathon early in September so I am going to focus on speed work and getting a faster half time. The race is 14 weeks away and I have found a 12 week plan (well actually I found 3 and am going to be creating one that makes sense for me). I am going to give myself these next two weeks to run at my leisure, take care of myself and just hope that my knee recovers fully in that period of time.

I am going to continue to do my exercises, twice a day and make sure to avoid activities that cause my knee to flare up, by recommendation of my physical therapist, since the paid is caused my weak muscles I just need to focus on strengthening them for the time being!

To say that this was a hard decision would be an understatement. Since beginning my serious journey in running a year ago I feel as though every time I get really serious about a plan something happens and side lines me for weeks at a time. Last year it was my foot and earlier in this training cycle my IT Band was causing issues (this has fully gone away as I have done way more stretching to help that). I know injuries are a part of the game, I know it's just my bodies way of telling me to pay attention to what I am doing and what it needs, but it's just really frustrating to not be able to do the one thing that I want to do more than anything. Running is a release for me, it's a way to just shut everything else out and be with myself for an hour or so.

If anyone has had this same issue I would love to hear your story and if you have any suggestions on exercises you think I should try out, I'm all ears!! The more recommendations the better!!

So for now my training is halted, hopefully to be picked back up fully in a couple weeks and once that happens I'll share updates and my journey through a completely different type of training plan, way more based on speed work than distance!

Once I get my plan nailed down I'll share it here for anyone who wants to jump on board with me and train *virtually* together!

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Nothing says Monday like a new Sworkit workout in the Spring into Summer Series!

I'm having so much fun creating and completing these workouts! It's so  nice to be able to squeeze in a quick 20 minute workout in the middle of a hectic day. Seriously, this app has just been a life saver, bottom line. We are all busy but there's no more excuses as to why you aren't getting in those workouts, make some time in the comfort of your own home and get at it!

This workout is very upper body and core intense. I wanted a workout that would give my legs and knees a little break, as I am running and training at the moment. I also wanted a workout that wouldn't be too loud so I could complete it once the boys were all asleep!

I have to say, out of all the workouts I've created, this one is one of the more intense for me. I did 20 minutes with a 30 second break every 5 exercises and I was exhausted afterwards!

To top it off I took the leap and created a Spotify account and listened to the "Throwback Jams - Sworkit Workout Playlist" while doing this workout. This kept me super motivated and took my mind off of the intensity of the workout while I sang some of my favorite songs! :)

I also got an email that I could get 3 months of premium Spotify for 99c so I am totally going to jump on that and have way more control of what I listen to while I'm working out! I am thinking that once you sign up for a free account they will send you that email? I hope so because it's such a great deal and I want you all to be able to have that opportunity as well!

So, what are you waiting for?!

Go grab the WORKOUT and the SPOTIFY App and get your Summer body started!

Be sure to share your progress, thoughts, before and after pics using the hashtags...

#nogymnoexcuse #SworknScribbleSummerSpring

Make sure you are following Sworkit on all social media (IG, FB, TW)

Cheers!

Please Follow Along with Scribble & Dash...

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It's that time of year! Time for us to kick it into high gear and get working on our Summer bodies! I don't know about you, but I for one slacked a bit over the Winter and even a bit during this early Spring. Who doesn't have a hectic life, right?! It was too easy to make excuses and to say "I'll just do it tomorrow."

So, I'm getting my act together and jumping on the Summer body bandwagon with a new Sworkit Workout Series I've started up! This Spring into Summer Series' goal is to get everyone motivated no matter where you are at in your fitness journey! The workouts will be intense but the great thing about Sworkit is that you can adjust your timing and your breaks, taking it at the level that you feel comfortable and confident at!

Tried out the first workout yesterday while the kiddos played int he pool

Without further ado here is the FIRST WORKOUT of the series!

Head on over to the ALL NEW website or App and download the workout and get yourself started!

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and hope that you all will take this journey with me each week, checking back and sharing your own progress!

Be sure to share your progress, thoughts, before and after pics using the hashtags...

#nogymnoexcuse #SworknScribbleSummerSpring

Make sure you are following Sworkit on all social media (IG, FB, TW)

Cheers!

Please Follow Along

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If you caught my Instagram takeover at Sworkit's IG page last week I shared with you all a day in our life as well as what I eat on a daily basis! My dinner recipe I said I would share in detail here on the blog as it was way too much to put in an IG story snap!

So this is one of my fave dinner recipes, not only is it healthy it's also great for leftovers and my entire family eats it in their own way! I eat it as is or with slices of fresh avocado! My husband likes to eat it adding in some Hot Salsa! My boys like parts of it, the chicken, the rice and of course there are times where they just need ketchup for the chicken.

What You'll Need:

-2 Chicken Breast cut into cubes

-Taco seasoning (1 tbspn)... I like to make my own but you can use a package!

-Olive Oil

-About 1 cup diced tomato

-Handful fresh cilantro chopped up

-3 or 4 green onions chopped

-1/2 of a green pepper diced

-1 can black beans drained and rinsed

-About 1 cup frozen corn

-1 cup cooked rice of choice (I use white rice most frequently, most family friendly)

-Juice from 1 lemon and 1 lime

OPTIONAL:

-Salsa

-1 sliced avocado

-1/2 red onion diced

-1/2 red pepper diced

What You'll Do:

1. Dice up all of the veggies, greens & drain the black beans, add all of these ingredients along with your cooked rice into a large mixing bowl

2. Mix the chicken and taco seasoning together

3. Heat up some oil in a cast iron or non stick skillet

4. Add the chicken mixed with the seasoning to the skillet and heat until cooked thoroughly

5. Remove the chicken from skillet but don't turn the heat off

6. Add the frozen corn to the heated skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until nice and tender

7. Add all ingredients into a large bowl and toss to combine

8. Serve however you please, with salsa or avocado! The options are really endless!

This recipe is so simple and I absolutely love it!

Please let me know if you give it a try and tag me on IG with pictures of your completed meal!!!

XOXO

Melissa

Monday - Recovery day was spent catching up on things around the house and spending time with the family. I got in a quick Sworkit workout just to keep things going!

Tuesday - Was a really busy day! Oliver's last day full day of school was Thursday the 11th and it was supposed to rain that day. He had been asking to go to the Zoo for a while so I figured once he got out of school, I would take him and Charlie (I love that we live in a city where the Zoo is free admission, the kiddos just love it so much!). I packed up a lunch and we picked up Oliver and off we went! It was such a fun *but tiring* day, pushing both boys in the double stroller is no easy feat and we lasted close to 3 hours!

Later that evening I went to another Yoga Buzz event with my friend, Jess and mt Mom down at Ball Park Village. This was part of their FREE SUMMER YOGA SERIES, sponsored by Club Fitness. I've recently become a huge fan of yoga and Yoga Buzz has been my go to, not only are these events always SO WELL put together and absolutely worth the price of admissions, but this series all summer long is FREE, you just have to go register!

Wednesday - Was super hectic, I mean, what day isn't?!? So once the boys went to sleep I got in a quick 3 miles JUST before the sun set completely! Nothing like beating the sunset to get you going!!

SHOES

Thursday - This was supposed to be my Fartlek Day, however last week was insane trying to get things done for Mother's Day. I wasn't able to make it to the gym, but I DID get in a Sworkit workout while the boys took a bath!

Friday - As if Mother's Day wasn't enough, Friday was my families company BBQ that they hold every year. So I traveled all the way down to that with the boys all afternoon which completely pooped us out!

Saturday - My husband's cousin had her graduation party on Saturday which we were so happy to attend! The boys had a blast playing with their cousins *& cousin's kitten!*

Sunday - Mother's Day. We woke up and went out to my parent's house in the morning to spend the day with my Mom. My mom and I took the boys on a little walk/jog while my Dad cooked us breakfast. We hit 3 miles (I needed to get in 7). We spent the day out there and then came home in the mid afternoon. Once Andrew got home from work we cooked dinner, well HE cooked dinner and we ate together as a family. Once my food settled I went out and got in my last 4 miles. So they weren't all 7 together, but spending time with the family was most important on Sunday!

XOXO

Melissa