I Love the Cowtown

Happy Saturday (and hello, mom)! I can't get over the fact that we have not had any winter weather in Texas. It's been so mild, and there are still wasps flying around in my yard. WASPS. And they've been growing since summer, so they're enormous. I also had to mow the lawn this morning, because it never did the whole "winter dying" thing. I can't complain though; that means better running weather, and more outside playtime for Ella!

This morning I ran the Cowtown 10K in Fort Worth. It is one of the only races I will run repeatedly, and it's kind of become a little tradition in my life. I ran my first 10K EVER in 2014 at the Cowtown, so it's a bit sentimental (that's about as sentimental as I get). I was supposed to run it last year, but there was an ice storm so the 10K was cancelled. I still got my shirt though, of course! Last year was also supposed to be the first time I did a race with my friend, Celeste. We should have done 3 races together up to this point, but this year's Cowtown was our first! Technology is great, but it was so good to finally meet her in person!

The weather this morning was about 50 degrees, which is my ideal running temperature. There was a light breeze, and the sun was rising over downtown during the race, one of the prettiest sights to see. 

Going into the 10K, my goal was to run the whole thing and not have to take any walk breaks. However, upon starting this morning, I was unsure if that would happen or not, because the longest "training run" I'd done to this point was about 4.2 miles, when I run/walked the 10K in Waco at the end of January. 

At about mile 3, I was ready to take a little walk break, but I overcame the mental weakness and pushed through. I felt like I wanted to stop a couple more times, so I slowed my pace a little but decided to just suck it up and RUN. I achieved my goal of no walking, which was great for my mental and physical strength, especially since this week marks week 1 of half marathon training for San Diego.

Literally thousands of people participate in the race weekend

Overall, it was a slow and steady race. I've always said I'm the tortoise, and that'll likely never change. :) I can't wait to do the Cowtown again in 2017; running in Ft. Worth has become one of my favorite hobbies. I'd recommend it to anyone living in or traveling through the metroplex!

Sweaty, Sleepy, Success.

Just a short Whole30 update: it's going really well. I've told a few people what I'm doing and they're incredulous, wondering if it's extremely hard. It honestly hasn't been hard at all yet. Today marks day 12 and it's been smooth sailing, thank goodness. I have wanted a few paleo chocolate chips, and I miss stevia in my coffee terribly, but as for actual food, it's not that bad. I do feel much better, and I hope to mostly continue this style of food consumption after the 30 days are over. Of course, I'll have to spring for Dunkin on occasion, but all the added sugar just isn't really worth it (somebody remind me I said that in a couple of months).

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch KU wrap up their 12th straight Big XII conference title! RCJH.

PS: Who is going to win the NCAA national championship in basketball?
PPS: What's your favorite race you've ever run?

Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen

Ella Meets World

Happy end of February (hey, mom)! As some of you have already seen or already know, Club Mockingbird welcomed a new addition last Saturday, Ella Jay. I'm officially a puppy mom. 

Last Saturday after my 5K in McKinney, I went to McKinney trade days with  a couple of friends, just to look around. I bought a set of sheets (a great purchase, because they're seriously the softest sheets ever) for like $22; and a cute cardigan for $10. As we kept walking, we started to pass by a bunch of people selling dogs. I'm really not much of an animal person, but I'd been thinking about getting a dog for awhile. Last year I had a dog for a day but because of sensitivities to her dander, I was unable to keep her.

I had been looking around online for different doodle mixes, because they're hypoallergenic. They are  also SUPER expensive, so I held off. It just so happens that there was a woman there with a litter of 3 male and 2 female Spinoni doodles. We walked by and I looked at them a little but decided I'd need to think about it, because I'm a impulse buyer and am trying to work on that.

We kept walking around and I just couldn't stop thinking that one of those puppies might be a good fit for me. So we went back to the booth and I bargained with the lady and got her to come down in price a little, and went home with Ella! 

I debated on the name for a little while, but finally decided on Ella Jay. My favorite Disney princess is Cinderella and in case you hadn't heard, my favorite team is the KU Jayhawks. Thus, Ella Jay was born.

This first week has been quite interesting. My family never had puppies or inside dogs while I was growing up, so potty training and figuring out what to do has been a little tricky at times. Thankfully she's pretty smart, so it hasn't been the worst thing ever. Plus, she's so stinking cute and awkward right now, it's hard to stay mad at her for too long for the little things.

I don't know what her full size will turn out to be, but I'm hopeful she'll get big enough to take running. I also can't wait to go on different, fun adventures with my new little partner in crime! :)

This is how we feel about me not knowing what I'm doing

PS Do you have any house training tips or tricks for puppies?
PPS What are some tricks I should teach her?

Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen 

A 5K, Whole30, and a Sister

Happy Valentine's Day, readers (hi Mom)! I'm currently blogging from my back stoop because in Texas there's no such thing as winter and it's currently 66 degrees with a comfortable breeze; I guess every now and then you get days like these. Yes, those were KJ-52 lyrics, circa 2002ish, for all of you old Christian "hip-hop" listeners.

I feel like I should probably write about Saturday's race first before I get to the more exciting news! I ran the "It Takes Two" 5K in McKinney this morning. I'm about as far southwest in the DFW metroplex as you can get, and McKinney is far northeast, so I was up bright and early. I got my Stridebox this week and in it were these gluten-free organic energy waffles, so I had that pre-race for breakfast. I was leery of trying, but it was actually super delicious! Leslie Knope would approve.

Once I got to the race, I went straight to packet pickup. I always do race day pickup because I work late and the races aren't super close to me; I usually get there early to get my shirt and bib then go hang out in my car or walk around till race time. Today when I checked in I was told I could just get my shirt after finishing.

It was about 39 degrees with some sun and quite a bit of wind, so there was a definite bit of chill in the air! The course was fairly "hilly" as far as DFW 5Ks go, so my legs definitely got a nice little workout. We ran in a pretty affluent area, so seeing the big houses and all the nice pavement was pretty wonderful. My time was nothing special, but I did end up with 2nd place in the females 25-29 age division. I love smaller races on the weekends, because I do fairly well in them since not a whole lot of people participate! A nice little ego boost, which I probably don't need, but fully enjoy. After I crossed the finish line, I went to pick up my shirt and was informed that they were out and they would be reordering. I had to give them my name and size and was told I would have to pick it up when they come in. Super inconvenient and frustrating. I pretty much only run races to add to my enormous t-shirt collection, so to pay money, wake up before the sun, drive 70 miles, and not get a shirt was such a bummer. I'm hoping I can find someone to pick it up. My medal, however, is pretty cute!

The race was for couples/groups of 2, but my friend couldn't make it so I got the single girl medal

Just a short little tidbit about Whole30 here. Those of you who read my 2016 post might remember one of my goals for this year is to complete two rounds of Whole30. My first round is set to begin this Tuesday! I would love partners for some accountability and sharing in the difficulty of these 30 days, so please let me know if you want to do it with me; there are 3 of us so far!

I saved the best item of this blog post for last. Ready? Drum roll please...... My best friend found his best friend/love of his life & is engaged, you guys! My brother flew to NYC to surprise his girlfriend last weekend, popped the question and they're engaged now! I'm getting the sister I never knew I wanted! Our family is pretty blessed to get to welcome Andreia in as the newest Moore in a few months. She loves Jesus and people as much, if not more, than most people I've met in my life. I can't wait to see what their future holds! I can't get too mushy though...gotta save the good stuff for my speech at the wedding.

That's all the excitement I'm sharing this week. There was another addition to Club Mockingbird, but you'll have to wait until next week's Jen Being Jen for that one. :) Are you hooked yet? Wait, don't answer that.

PS What is with the attitudes in Dallas/Collin county? I've met only a select handful of people who live there and are nice. And three of them are originally from KS!
PPS What do you think Club Mockingbird's newest addition is? :)

Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen 

Miracle Match 10K. Race #1 of 2016.

Happy February ya'll (hey, madre)! Currently multi-tasking while watching the Bachelor. Let's face it, that show does not require many, if any, brain cells to watch. But it's so entertaining, and I think I may even love Ben (kind of kidding). Anyway, I'm SO excited to finally get to write my first race recap of 2016! I ran the Miracle Match 10K in Waco on Sunday morning. The race benefited the Be The Match registry for bone marrow. Side note: if you're not registered, you should. I am. You could save a life. Keep reading for the best and worst parts of the race. 

To drive from my house to Waco is about 80 miles, an awkward distance because I didn't know whether to get a hotel Saturday night, or just wake up early and head south. I opted for the money-saving route, and just got up at 4:30 on Sunday morning to hit the road! With coffee, loud music, and race day adrenaline, I didn't even feel sleepy in the least bit.

Bibs with my name are my fave

The race started at 7:30, so I was about an hour early and got my packet picked up. I hung out in my car getting my bib ready and just enjoying the balmy Texas morning. Last year, I was part of an online running challenge group and met a super sweet fellow Texan named Marian. She was the one who invited me to run this race in Waco, so I got together with her right before the race. It was so good to see a familiar face!

Once we were at the start line, I started to get a little nervous, but was mostly just thrilled to have a bib on and get to run another race! The crowd was a really small, friendly group, which made the race atmosphere all the more fun. I had not run more than 3 miles since my half marathon in October, so my plan was to try to run 4, then run/walk the rest. 

The course started on an older street right near downtown Waco. We ran down that road for about half a mile or so, then ran around Baylor's campus for about 3 miles. I've been on the Baylor campus once or twice before, but had never actually been through all of the buildings. Holy moly, guys, that is one of the most gorgeous campuses I've ever been on! The route went through several of the academic buildings, and also around the football stadium. As we rounded the stadium, there were several US Army soldiers handing out water and collecting water cups. I've run a few races with military personnel on the "sideline" and I get emotional every single time. There's just something humbling, and doesn't feel quite right about these people who have committed to sacrificing their time and possibly even lives, serving people out on a fun Sunday morning run. So, to anyone serving in the military reading this, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You're true heroes.

After running through Baylor, the last couple of miles were along Waco's riverwalk. I can't even tell you how perfect it was! The weather was about 60 degrees or so, with a light breeze, and running along the Brazos River was seriously the run of my dreams. I ended up running four and a quarter miles before taking a short rest break, but then "powered through" and ran more than walked the last 2 miles, which was such a victory for me.

After I finished, I waited for Marian to finish. She had to walk the race because of some pretty brutal injuries, so I knew I had a little bit of time. I am a huge fan of HGTV's Fixer Upper, so I googled the address to Magnolia Market. Lo and behold, I was a 15-minute walk from there! I decided to walk down and check it out, even though I knew they're closed Sundays. I hope to actually go shop there at some point!

Magnolia on a Sunday

I walked back to the finish line and got there just after Marian finished. She got 2nd in her age group, super awesome! Her husband ran the half marathon, so she and I went to hang out at the finish line and cheer on the runners finishing the half. There were several mother runners with little kids waiting for them at the finish line. Several of the kiddos grabbed their moms'  hand and pulled her across the finish line, and oh my goodness, it was so adorable. I'm so hopeful and excited for the day I get to be a mom that gets to do that, because it was seriously the cutest sight.

Neat firefighter medal for finishing!

After saying goodbye to everyone after the races, I headed back north to DFW. It was mid-morning and I didn't eat the fajitas at the finish line because I saved room for Czech Stop in West, TX on the drive home. I'd heard rave reviews about how they have the "best kolaches in the world", and as a breakfast food aficionado, I of course had to test this out! Turns out, I absolutely agree! I had a sausage, egg, and cheese kolache along with a pumpkin cream cheese roll and both were amazing (to those of you judging, I DID just run 6.2 miles and walk more after that). 

Stop. Here. 

While I was on my way home, I realized the disadvantage to driving more than an hour for a race: I have to smell myself the entire ride home. TMI? Maybe. Do I care? Nah. Everyone sweats, and most people smell funny. Thankfully I had my podcasts and music to distract me.

Some of you might remember I just started running again at the beginning of January after taking the month of December off after getting a steroid injection in my foot. My foot felt great the whole month with running and other workouts, but unfortunately it was pretty stinking sore after the race on Sunday. Alas, as many people say "if you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough"; so I'm going with that I guess, because not running is just not an option right now. You will not hear about foot pain again (I hope)! 

PS If you watch the Bachelor, who are you loving? Because obvs we all can't stand Olivia.
PPS What's the prettiest college campus you've ever been on?
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen