Let's be honest

Not to be confused with lesbehonest...

 

(If you haven't seen Pitch Perfect, RUN, don't walk to a RedBox or Blockbuster or Walmart or WHATEVER and watch it right now! And then we can resume our friendship.)

Hi everybody! First things first - it is FLIPPIN HOT.

(Proof just in case you thought I was kidding.)

 I kindove hate August because it seems like every year around this time I start to go crazy and feel like there is no end in sight for this ridiculous heat that has me sweating around the clock. Not only is it super attractive, it also makes running approximately 17 times more difficult. 

Speaking of running, this is where the "let's be honest" part comes into play. Running this summer has been HARD. Hard because of the heat, hard because of my lack of motivation, and lately, hard because of a minor injury. 

A couple weekends ago, I headed out for a ten miler with the running club group. About two miles in, I began having a sharp/stabbing/shooting pain on the outside of my left knee. I fought it for eight miles until it got to the point where I almost fell over. I had to walk the last two miles. As I limped back, with about a million thoughts racing through my mind, I had an emotional breakdown. I cried and cried and cried. Not necessarily because it hurt (oh, but it did) but because for the first time EVER, I wasn't physically able to run. The drama queen in me came out, and as I cried I started panicking at the thought of having to stop marathon training, or worse having to stop running altogether. My favorite thing in the entire world. My pace group was super sweet, helpful, and sympathetic. After I described to them what I was feeling, the general consensus was that it sounded like something they were all pretty familiar with - IT band issues. 

So I came home, cried a little bit more, googled, iced, stretched, foam rolled, and didn't run for five days. Then Taylor and I went on a run date (those are a weekly thing now!). I took it easy, and my knee felt a little sore, but nothing like the pain I'd felt before.

I still decided to go to the doctor, who gave me an x-ray and confirmed there were no fractures (hallelujah) but that I did have IT band issues and just a whole mess of little problems with my left leg, and also figured out that I underpronate. Which means my outer knee pain, and the fact that I've previously had issues with inner shin splints make perfect sense. After hearing all that, I decided not to push it, and that it would probably be best to skip out on the eleven mile training run, and rest up. I think that was the best decision I could've made. This week, I was able to get in a really good, solid six mile treadmill run that had me feeling like things were finally getting back to normal.

But still, I was a little nervous for this weekend's long run. It was a pull back run, so we only went 9 miles, but I was secretly terrified that I'd start feeling the same pain. But luckily, I didn't. I had a pain-free 9 mile run, and I really feel like I am back in the marathon training game!

So here are my thoughts: I can't believe how ridiculously useless I felt not being able to run like I normally do. I read all the time about people having injuries, but I would've never imagined it would affect me in the way that it did. 

Running has changed my life. I knew that before, but I can honestly say it has never felt more true. Running is the constant that makes everything else seem a little easier. I feel so blessed to have found something that makes me feel so alive.

But enough of that. Let's move onto lighter subjects. How about some non-running related tidbits?

I can't get enough guacamole. Good news is neither can Taylor. 

I have officially developed strong strong feelings for Macklemore. Like lyrics playing in my head all day long and also creeping their way into my dreams type of strong.

Almonds. Almonds. Almonds. All day every day.

Want to know how to kick-start an awesome weekend? Jet out of work at 4:59 on Friday and head straight for a "I totally deserve this" pedicure and glass of wine with your awesome co-workers!

Is it sort of creepy that I took a picture of  man rubbing my legs? Mmm...probably. But it was AWESOME.

New YORK!

We are just a little bit excited. Every time Empire State of Mind comes on the radio I have send her videos like this...(please don't laugh at my "sing while simultaneously popping donut holes into my mouth" dance.)

Luckily she does pretty much the exact same thing. Minus the dancing.

Another honest moment - I have no idea what I'm going to do with my Mondays now that the Bachelorette is over! Except maybe count down the days until I get to watch Juan Pablo as the new Bachelor. 

Um, yes. Just YES. 

I'm racking my brain really hard to try and come up with a good way to convince Taylor that I should  probably audition. I'm thinking my opening line will be, "So I think what would be best for our relationship right now would be for me to take off a few months of work and travel to various tropical locations with an exotic Latino man." Thoughts? Yeah...it's still a work in progress. 

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

I've found my true calling

Hello. Where did we last leave off? Ohh right, I was super pissed at you all for lying to me and not bringing me ice cream in bed during the whole wisdom teeth debacle. Don't worry, I'm over it. Just don't let it happen again, k? Good good. Let's move on.

Remember when I was supposed to wake up and do my first run since my week off? Well, I slept approximately three hours that night, so the run didn't happen until Friday morning. But only after an awesome Thursday night dinner/happyhour with my very favorite person. When your best friend is busy as HELL, you have to get organized and compile a list of discussion topics for your hangouts. It's just good sense people. 

It's obvious that I know how to party. 

After severely mocking me for bringing an "agenda" to our dinner, she realized my list was awesome and was totally on board. 

 In my awful week recap, I completely forgot to tell you about the something good that happened-I finally booked my ticket to New York! It's OFFICIAL! So the majority of our dinner was spent planning ways to pack the most into our weekend in NYC! It's going to be awesome with a side of fantastic.

Friday morning I was up bright and freaking early for my first run in TEN days. 

Please ignore my still swollen and puffy face and numb chin and lips that are causing a creepily crooked smile, and focus your attention on the cute new Brooks sports bra that I got at the local running store during our trip to Colorado. I completely forgot I even bought that thing so I busted it out for my Friday morning run and LOVED it! And the blue matches my Mizunos perfectly. 

I didn't wear my Garmin, I have no clue what my pace was, and to be honest I am surprised that my legs even remembered how to run, but I enjoyed it and shook my legs out just enough to get the day started. 

Friday night after work, I did a little Hobby Lobby shopping with my friend and coworker Bryn. We both agreed that shopping makes us really hungry so we headed over to BJ's for what may be the most incredible meal of all time EVER. 

We appetized (Is that a word? It should be) on Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps that were so delicious that they almost had Bryn in tears. I am not exaggerating. 

They were so fantastic! Mango salsa, cabbage, shrimp and spicy thai sauce = I will never be satisfied by a boring chicken lettuce wrap again. Consider the standards RAISED. 

For my meal I had the mahi-mahi tacos and they were SO good. I'm kindove obsessed with mahi-mahi, because it makes for SUCH a good fish taco. Add the salsa and avocado sauce? I was one happy girl. 

Because I am the most exciting person in the entire world, I topped off my night with some Trader Joe's dark chocolate and the Katy Perry movie and was asleep by 11. Don't be jealous. 

Saturday morning I was up by 5:15 for my weekend group training run with Fort Worth Running Company. Y'all. I can not say enough how amazing it has been to run with these people. My pace group is AWESOME and just make these longer training runs SO much fun! Makes getting up before the sun on a Saturday totally worth it. 

We had 9 miles on the training plan, so after we finished the run, I had some chocolate milk, and decided to keep running for a little bit on my own. I set out thinking it'd be nice to just run another mile and call it an even 10 for the day, but once I started running I felt so good that I wound up doing 5. Oops. And I am feeling it today.

After 14 miles, I was pretty hungry, so I came back and ate all the food. 

Kidding. I had a smoothie, eggs, and turkey bacon. 

 This weekend was AWESOME because we celebrated my sweet roomie's birthday! Her actual birthday was last Saturday, but she was in a wedding, so we used this weekend to celebrate. Our friend Sarah drove into town, and my friend Alli met up with us from Dallas for the ULTIMATE girl's day!

We started off with lunch at the local Food Truck Park, and then headed over to Times Ten Cellar for an afternoon of wine tasting. 

After approximately two sips of wine, I realized something was missing in my life. 

Then I realized what it was.

 

Oh yeah, CAKE.

We had SO much fun, the wine was delicious, the staff was so fun, and this place is ADORABLE.

Birthday Girl!

It was after our afternoon at Times Ten Cellars that I decided I missed my calling. 

I was meant to work at a winery. Sipping wine and talking to strangers about tannins all day? 

YES. 

There may be a career change in my future.   

 Afterwards, we headed to Target to pickup a few things for Sydney's party later that evening. In case you forgot, Target is always fun, but especially after a pitcher of sangria. 

That evening we headed to the birthday party!

 

So happy birthday shoutout to my lovely roomie! This weekend was SUCH a blast!

Now to top it off with an afternoon by the pool!

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

(PS: I have a little secret, but I'm not sure if the blog is ready for it, so if you want to be in on the secret, follow me on Instagram @nataliehickson for a hint later today :)

Watch out New York! (and pictures of running and food)

Sunday afternoons are my favorite because they are my designated time to catch up on cleaning, laundry, and oh yeah my favorite thing - TV. In between the folding, windex-ing, and Netflix marathons, I managed to throw together a photo dump of what's been going on since Tuesday's post. In short, pictures of what I've eaten intermixed with some super attractive selfies.

Like I said, you're welcome.

Wednesday was a rest day from running, so after working a long day, I came home, planked, sweated through 8 minute arms, and then rewarded myself with an hour of reading by the pool where my only physical activity was turning the page. 

Perfection.

Thursday morning I threw together the last of my TJ's steel cut oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon which was the most delightful combination yet. Seriously y'all that's some good stuff.

Thursday nights are evening training runs with the FW Running Company Group. 

In case anyone was wondering, running at 6:30pm in Texas is really effin' hot. 

I really don't know if I've ever sweated more in my entire life. It was an easy run (well as easy as running in 100 degree weather can be) and I made it a point not to push myself because killing over from a heat stroke was not on my to do list for the day. I'm really glad I survived the run because when I got home I was met by my boyfriend and my awesome wife/roommate with an INCREDIBLE chicken fajita dinner. Spoiled? 

Yes, yes I am. 

(PS the perks of living approximately a half a mile away from Chipotle is that every single home cooked Mexican meal is majorly enhanced by their delicious guacamole. Seriously I don't even bother making my own guac anymore-just take me to Chipotle.)

Friday was another day of work insanity (I'm starting to forget what a normal work day is like...) but after work I met up with my sweet friend Madysen (aka awesome pink sign friend) to celebrate her birthday! She texted me with the awesome idea of trying out a Blow Dry Bar before heading to her birthday dinner. Lucky for me Friday was pay day, so I was totally game!

Before: normal hair, but larger than normal smiles because MIMOSAS!

And champagne.

And more champagne because, well, do I need a reason?

We left feeling like rockstars (the champagne may have had something to do with that) and headed off to Don Pablo's for a delicious birthday dinner where my favorite baby in the entire world made an appearance.

The cuteness is ridiculous.

Peyten says hi and that she would like to stick her hands in all of your salsa.

Good hair is a terrible thing to waste. I was a little bummed out that in approximately 8 hours my Saturday morning run would have destroyed my just paid for hair, so I took a picture for you. 

Don't get used to that. It will never happen again.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early at and out the door by 6am to meet up for my first weekend marathon training run with the awesome FW Running Company people. In all the excitement I completely forgot to charge my Garmin and so this was my attempt at charging during the 15 minute drive. It almost worked, my watch died somewhere between mile 4 and 5. Oh well. 

I have never run with a group before. Let me clarify. I have never run with a group of people who are so equally obsessed with running that for the entire duration of the run all they talk about is running.

IT. WAS. AWESOME.

After reading and listening to the coaches talk about how your long  weekend runs (they aren't long yet but as marathon training progresses they will be) are supposed to be done at an aerobically easy pace, I decided I should probably take the expert's advice and chill the heck out and slow the heck down. I stuck with the 9:30 pace group for the full 6 miles and I would definitely categorize it as an easy run. I know that as the weather gets a little cooler into the fall and the  runs build up to 20 miles I will be so grateful that I decided to stick with the 9:30 pace, but it is a little tough right now since I feel like I have all this extra energy and am used to a little bit quicker pace. Luckily the pace group I am with is awesome and super fun. Seriously. I have no idea how I will ever run alone again. Marathon training is going to be SO FREAKING FUN. Also there was chocolate milk. Which was delicious.

After the run, I headed to run a super fun errand!

NOT. I had to buy new tires. Which was boring and expensive and their reading material is dull.

Question. Does anyone else feel like running entitles them to multiple breakfasts? Because I do. On my way out the door I had a pre-run brownie Cliff Bar, and then afterwards I had a post-run bagel and schmear from Einsteins...

And then approximately 2.5 hours later I had eggs, bacon, toast, and hash browns. I have no picture but I promise it actually happened. You can ask Taylor. My appetite is ridiculous. 

Anyways, mid-bagel I remembered that I need to do my 8 minute arms and #plankaday so I did and my word of advice to you is that if you want to hit a personal #plankaday best you should listen to Beyonce because damn that girl is empowering.

Y'all I will absolutely flip shit if I make it to the 3 minute mark. Up until about a week ago the longest plank I'd ever done was 45 seconds. I am nowhere near as hardcore as this awesome planker. 

After planking and eating (I get the feeling that this is not the conventional way of working out but I was never really given a formal training so OH well) I hopped in the shower and got ready to head out to Tater Tot's house where we planned on going to see a movie... 

Compromise. It's what's for dinner. 

Buuut decided to take a nap instead. No, we aren't very exciting but the nap was free. And free is always good, right?

After napping (napping is just so amazing) Taylor and I headed downtown to meet up with my BFFs Alli and Allison to celebrate Alli's birthday! We met up at Chuy's (in case you can't tell we are kindove obsessed with that place) for Fajita's and friend time.

Favorites favorites. 

Alli left for vacation this morning, so after our early dinner, they headed back to Dallas. Taylor and I were then forced to entertain ourselves and luckily we are really good at that. 

Taylor's roommate and his girlfriend have been trying to get us to try Sweet Sammie's for approximately 1 million years and last night we finally did. Ruling? AMAZE-BALLS.

The rest of the evening consisted of drinking wine out of a pint glass (cause I'm classy) and watching HIMYM and falling asleep embarrassingly early for a Saturday night. 

I felt slightly guilty about passing out before 11pm, so when we woke up this morning I asked Taylor if he wanted to go to Cabela's (Cabela's is to Taylor as Target is to Natalie) and if I remember correctly his response consisted of an overly excited hop, skip, and a jump out of bed. So off to Cabela's we went. Where I entertained my self with instavideo.

Instagram @nataliehickson

Taylor is 104% sure that while in New York City I will be attacked in the dark alley way that I will most certainly be spending the majority of my time. Paranoid much? It's really my fault, I forced him to watch countless season of Law and Order SVU with me, so I should've expected this. 

Apparently this is what I will be carrying around New York to ward off all the bad guys. 

Yes, I definitely see that happening. 

A great weekend! I'd apologize for this post being really long but that's totally out of character and also I don't mean it. Now I'm off to my two favorite places, Trader Joe's and Target. Sundays are the bomb.com!

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat