Happy Friday everyone!
Let’s ignore the obvious fact that I said I was going to be a better blogger and then completely neglected my blog😉
I’m currently in the process of updating my blog, so bare with me if there are any issues.
On to the Friday 5!
1. Coconut Oil
I keep a tub of coconut oil in my shower as a gentle and natural makeup removal. Since I wear makeup (other than BB cream) maybe 1x/month, it is obviously necessary to have yet another bottle in the shower.
Anyways, I have recently been adding a blob (if you want to be all scientific, ~1 tbsp) of coconut oil to my conditioner and it has made my hair so much softer! I simply scoop out the coconut oil and kind of warm it up in my hand, add the conditioner, mix it with my fingers, apply it to my hair, and then comb it through.
Keep in mind I have very thick, wavy hair that tends to look dry and frizzy. You may need to change the amount you use. And if you have naturally oily hair, I’m not sure this will work well for you.
2. Paper cranes
If you didn’t know, I’m getting married next year! As a Japanese-American, one of the traditions is that you have to make 1001 paper cranes for your wedding. My family is very non-traditional, but of course the one tradition they decided to keep was also the most labor intensive…
Last weekend, Kyle and I invited my mom and his parents over for dinner and crane making.
3. Pumpkin everything
I LOVE fall. As soon as Labor Day weekend passed, for some reason I switched into full-on fall mode (even though temps were still in the high 90’s). Right now I am craving pumpkin everything- I made these delicious pumpkin overnight oats (minus the cashew cream) and some healthy pumpkin muffins. I also kind of want to make pumpkin ravioli and maybe some pumpkin cookies. Who wants to take bets on when Kyle will hide all of our pumpkin puree?
4. Kitty Cat
I’m risking looking like a crazy cat lady here, but the last time I posted about our newest family member (Jax), he was still just a baby. So, here is an up-to-date photo of Skyler (our white cat) and Jax.
5. Half marathon training
Since this is partially a fitness blog, I should probably talk about my fitnessing😉
In my last post, I said I would put running on hold- but that was another lie😉 I’ve decided to TRY to balance running and weightlifting. I really miss the half marathon distance, and I think the benefits that training had on my body are worth it. I am getting married next year so those runners legs would be nice😉
For you runners out there- who have ever taken a break (voluntary or otherwise) from running- y’all know my current struggles as I try to get back into running shape! I am slowly trying to build that base again, but it is incredibly frustrating comparing myself to previous Amy.
Boo you whore
I used to stay in half marathon shape year round, meaning I could run a half marathon if I wanted to at any point (it wouldn’t necessarily be my fastest, but I could do it easily and without injury). Enter work, grad school, wedding planned, and heavy weight lifting with Kyle. I had to pick something to give up, and since Kyle would likely kill me if I quit my job😉 I put running on hold.
To avoid injury, I am basically starting to train from the beginning. I do some sort form non-running exercise 3 days, plus 3 weekly runs. Right now the running is 2, 3 mile runs during the week, and a 4 mile run on the weekend. These runs will slowly increase in length each week.
To avoid anger, I am also not paying attention to pace yet. It’s so easy to get defeated when you look at those mile splits and compare them to your previous self. I know the speed will eventually come back, but slow and steady wins the race stays un-injured.
The plan is to run the Kaiser Half Marathon in February with Kyle’s mom (and hopefully some other family members)! I’m hoping to keep this tradition going with his mom (we’ve run it 2 times I think?)! If all goes according to plan, that weekend will be amazing: my bridal shower on Saturday, followed by a Sunday race🙂
Have a great weekend everyone!
Who else is ready for fall?
Anyone take a break from running and have a hard time getting back into it?