Seen on Team Green

Rarely a day goes by without a text/email/whatever from a friend saying, "OMG this is so Jerbear!" Usually this friend is Jenn, ha, but she's not the only offender. If I had all of the monies in the world, I would dress in green 98% of the time instead of my standard 90%. I thought I'd share some of the green (not the money, sorry I'm poor!) goods on here in a somewhat regular manner so at least someone can enjoy the green beauty!

$19.95 via Piperlime

I need another green bag like I need a hole in my head, but I don't have a green beach bag persay, sooooooo.......

$98 via Piperlime

I've been coveting this dress for months, but haven't had a special enough occasion to spend $100 on a dress. It also hasn't come down in price in all those months I've been watching. It will be mine someday, mark my words.

$95 via Modcloth

I'm currently obsessed with all things skirts and dresses and I adore this skirt.

$35 via Modcloth

BRB hiding my monies....

Speedy Two a Day + Weekly Wishlist

This week has been a struggle for me.  I just staretd my taper, but my mileage isn't really cut all that much, which I'm ok with since training has lasted approximately 6 seconds.  Unfortunately, almost all of my miles come this weekend, so I FEEL like I'm tapering like crazy.  Three miles on Monday, tempo run turned 4 mile pause to dry heave on the side of the bike trail.  And when I don't run I don't sleep.  GAH.

Finally Thursday night I set out to make up some of my missed miles from being sicky.  Since 6 of the missed miles were supposed to be at tempo, I decided to do a fast 3 for run #1.  Ok, technically I was going to do a one mile warm up and then 2 miles fast.  But I failed at a warm up mile.
8:19
7:41
7:43

Someone remind me of this workout when I'm whining about mile repeats at a slighter faster speed but with JOG BREAKS IN BETWEEN THEM.  Geez Louise, I'm a wussy sometimes.

I sat through class, letting my muscles get all sorts of cold and tight, and then when we were dismissed I hit the streets for another 3 miles.  It got me thinking.  What if you could go run every time you had a few minutes to spare.  How many miles could you get in during the day?  (assuming you could sit in your own sweat/stench throughout the day, obvs.)  I bet a lot.  I'm not going to try, that's for sure.

I did another 3 miles in 27:39 for a pace of 9:12.  A bit faster than my normal easy pace, but my legs were lovin' it.

This weekend I have a poop ton of miles to run, and then the taper really gets going next week.  Rumor has it, Jenn, Megan, and my Philly marathon race day shirts are in, and spoiler alert:  you won't be able to miss us on the course.  YAYZIES!

Buy it here.
I think beanies are just a little bit useless around these parts.  I mean, if I'm wearing something on my head, it will be covering my ears, my ginormo forehead, and 3/4 of my face, because sweet Jesus it's cold.  But if I lived somewhere it was "pretend" cold, I'd totally rock this.

Buy it here.
I sure hope someone was able to take advantage of the Kate Spade sale yesterday.  Because I sure didn't.  Love this yellow bag.  Pretty safe to assume that if I can stash away enough $$$ that a yellow Kate handbag will be mine this spring.

Buy it here.

If this delightly little 'arry Pottah mug showed up in my Christmas stocking (yes I have a Christmas stocking, quit judging my Holiday CHEER AND WONDERMENT!) I wouldn't be upset.

Weekly Wishlist: All That Glitters is Gold

When I woke up yesterday I could not drag myself out of bed.  It was 22 degrees with wind chill, and the winds were a-blowin'.  Plus I had already convinced myself that my tempo run was hard/scary.  I rolled back over, vowing that I would hit the gym after work to do it.  As you've witnessed by my spill running with Susan, I'm a klutz.  And I will not allow myself to run fast at night when it's dark.  Much too high of chance of falling and breaking a hip. 

After work I hit the gym in tempo workout appropriate gear.

What is that?  You might ask.

Black tank top, and green shorts with various shades of green.  Meaning:  I can have the worst swass and swoob, and NO ONE WILL KNOW IT.

Definitely necessary, as I could've wrung out my top and bottom when I was done.

Anyway, I scoured the magazine rack for trashy mags, as I like to read them during my warm up and cool down miles and there WERE NONE.  Ugh, this run is going to suck.

I had 8 miles to do, with the middle 4 at tempo/15k pace.

The start of the warm up....sucked.  I haven't ran on a treadmill for awhile, and I was reminded that I don't really like it.  My knees felt creaky and I was annoyed I didn't have any trashy gossip mags!

But then it got better.  When I started my tempo miles, I started on the low end of the goal pace (8:08-8:29).  And then kept bumping up the speed every 1/2 mile or so.  I was shocked when I had a mile and a half left and wasn't dying, and my HR was only a couple of beats higher than it was during the warm up miles.  YIPPEE!  During the last mile I bumped up the speed faster than pace, just to get my HR up to where it should be for tempo runs.  I had Jason's voice in my ear, "Your tempo runs should only be about 4 miles, but FASTER!"  Ok fine.  Faster it is.

I finished and I was grinning ear to ear.  Usually I'm hunched over trying to get my breath back after struggling to hit the slow end of my tempo pace.  I felt like I could've run a few more miles at that pace (which duh, if I can run a 10k at a faster pace than that, I don't know WHY tempo runs freak me out so much.  D-u-m-b.)

Then I had a leisurely 2 mile cool down.  And continued to shower the treadmill with sweat.

I did 8 miles in 1:10:54 for a pace of 8:51.
My tempo miles were:  8:24, 8:17, 8:09, 7:55.  For an average of 8:11.
And my average HR was 160!

Cloud 9?  I iz a-ridin' on it.
_________________________________
I would not consider myself much of a "girly girl" but my goodness, do I love a good sparkleWith that being said, I was the little girl who would put on every single broach and clip-on earring of my gradnma's and wear it around the house.  Hmmm... I wonder if those broaches are still around somewhere.  They were kind of fab.  Anywho.....I thought I'd do a fun "themed" weekly wishlist to show off some cute sparkley/glittery goodness.

Buy it here.

Not full on sparkle, but just enough to make it cute.

Buy it here.

I think this is just the perfect amount of sparkle to wear over a cardi or sweater....

 Buy it here.

If I wasn't still carrying around a coin purse that I got as a birthday party favor in 2nd grade, this would be an instant buy.  Ok, jk, I wouldn't pay $55 for a coin purse.  The thought is nice though.

Buy it here.

Ignore the price tag, this is obviously something I'll never get. ($8k!)  But the designer's name is JERI, which is so uncommon, that I think it's a sign that I need a pug asap  I may have taken this as a "sign from the universe."  More on that later...perhaps.

Buy it here.

Not sure in what world this would be a good accent pillow, maybe a super glitzy little girls room, but it totally has my attention.

Buy it here.

While an "all over" glitter handbag would be a BIT much for me.  I like that this has just the hint of awesomeness and pizazz.

Buy it Here.

I originally had a sequin mini from Express on this list, but it sold out, and made me sad.  So this one is way out of my price range, but equally as cute.  P.S.  Where was all this cute gold stuff when I was desperately searching for my golden birthday?!?!?  Harumph.

Weekly Wishlist + Scarves for PRs

Last night I knocked out some mile repeats for the first time in a long time.  I seriously can't remember the last time I did mile repeats, and I'm too lazy to check my running log for proof.  So just go with it.  I usually loathe mile repeats aka the devil's workout, which probably means that they're the best training run for me, because they suckkkkkkkkkkkk.

Anywho.  I had 3x1600m repeats at 7:41 pace and I was a little concerned as to how my legs would hold up.  I did a "test run"  (bahahahah punny) with the slower tempo run, but had yet to run FAST (for me) since the half.  I was pretty surprised/impressed! 

7:34
7:35
7:36

I did a mile warm up and half mile jogs in between the repeats, and a mile cool down.  It's always nice to "run" your workout instead of having it run you, ya know?  And I was so stoked about how well the run went and was bragging to KK about it, the enthusiasm must've wore off, because I think he agreed to accompany me on part of my run tonight.  Finger's crossed he wasn't just talking in his sleep.  :/  (likely, sadly).

And now on to the fun stuff.  The weekly wishlist:

I need this like I need to breathe.

Often?  Heavily?  I don't even know what that means, but yeah.

Buy it here.

I'm mildly (grave understatement) obsessed with Yoda. This is awesome.

Buy it here.

These are just too cute.  I love them stacked like this too.

Buy it here.

Buy it here.

This is a kid's scarf, but I don't imagine my neck is much bigger than it was at 14, so I think that's ok, right?  Polka dot love.

Buy it here.

This matches my bedroom.... I want it in a print.  So pretty.

Clearly I'm on a scarf kick.

Speaking of scarves, if you're new around these parts, I crochet super soft infinity scarves to help fund my running/racing addiction.  I started last fall, and it was a great way to supplement some crazy race fees and travel costs.  Plus I think the scarves are super pretty, and can't justify making myself one in every color, so this is the enxt best thing.  I don't have nearly as much time to devote to crocheting as I did last fall, but wanted to let you know that I am taking some orders, and it would be best to get your order in early as it's first come first served.

The scarves are $30, and the shipping and handling in the U.S. is $3.  There are a ton of colors to choose from, and each scarf is custom crocheted.  I'm also working on a super pretty cowl, so stay tuned for that unveiling.  Take a look here for some completed scarves and color options.  If you're interested, leave a note in the comments with an email to reach you a, or shoot me at email at jerbearshares [at] gmail [dot] com

Insomnia + Weekly Wishlist

When I was in college, I randomly incurred bouts of insomnia.  I say random because that's what I referred to them as at that time.  However, I now realize that I have some "issues" with anxiety and when I'm extremely anxious/nervous/etc. I can't sleep at all.  It's impossible to shut off my brain.  In college these bouts would coincide with the start of the semester (fear of the unknown), midterms (holy anxiety), and finals stress (double anxiety). 

After graduation, I still had issues with insomnia likely because I was so stressed and concerned about my current lack of employment, and student loan payments looming on the horizon.  Luckily, I also learned around this time that running is really great medicine for insomnia (for me).  I'm sure the endorphins calm down my crazy worrying brain and help me relax, but really running just knocks me out so I can turn my brain off and just sleep.

Well.....

It's back.

I started classes last week, and even leading up to classes starting I couldn't sleep.  There have been several times in the last week that I've laid down for the night, and then apologized to Kyle 30-45 minutes later when I'm flipping on the light to do some reading for class.  [thank God that kid can sleep through anything.... :/  ZOMG HE NEEDS A SLEEPMASK!!!]

Currently I haven't slept soundly since..... Saturday, and I'm a bit of a crabapple when I don't get my sleep.  I'm hoping the insomnia will peace out once I get more "in the groove" with school.  If not.... yikes. 

Any suggestions?

(lol cat image from icanhascheezburger.com)

And on to more lighthearted things.... weekly wishlist!

Buy it here.

I dont' think I could wear this jacket and not sing Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club band all.day.long.

It's amazing.

Buy it here.

As a kid I was obsessed with old skeleton keys.  I loooove this ring because of that.

Buy it here.

A golden snitch... for a necklace... are you for real???

Sign this 'arry Pottah nerd UP.

P.S.  I've yet to see the final movie.  Someone come to SoDak and be my date, puhlease?

Buy it here.

I feel like this is a must have for any future librarians out there.  Oh wait... that's me. :):)

Back to School + Weekly Wistlist: Apartment/Home Edition

I will be the first to admit that I am terrible at decorating my casa.  I'd like to think that I have good taste, but since I rarely entertain it seems silly to spend the $$ on my apartment.  I mean... hello.... running shoes are expensive!  Anyway, I've been compiling this list for awhile now, and it's pretty much my dream place.  Hopefully the links are all still good!

My current bedroom is green (shocker!) but I love the soft whimsicalness of this pale yellow.  I had a yellow room growing up, but this is so much more chic.
Buy it here.

Buy it here. Painfully out of my price range, but I love the retro look, and obviously the color tones. #greenandyellow

Buy it here. I'm obsessed with book shelves (yet another shocker).  I love that this one doubles as shelves for books/nicknacks/ktochkes/whatevs.

Buy it here. In my world, these curtains totally "go" with the yellow bedding.  So we'll leave it at that, I guess.  Ignoring the fact that the window I have in my bedroom is ginormous and wouldn't fit this at all.

I am a faithful "fan on to block out the noise of life, all night long" sort of gal.  Have been since college and living in the loud ass dorms.  Eventually my beloved wind machine will die, and I would like one of these pretty lovelies.

Buy it here.

Speaking of home decorating, I actually got a chance to hang up some items in my apartment that I've had leaning against the walls for 2 years now.  Meh... good enough for me!  Kyle brought me over a desk to use for my online classes (rolltide!) and decided to bust out the hammer and help me out.  I was able to set up my little desk area, for the most part.  I have a few book-nerd-esque prints that I need to frame and hang.

He also hung up my sweet bib board that I've had done forever.  Seriously it's been done so long I have enough bibs to make #2.  I love seeing all the race bling hanging below it.

And finally, my gorgeous back to school bag gift from Jenn.  I heart her.  And this gorg bag.

I start classes tonight!  Good bye sanity and free time for the next 24 months.  ROLLTIDE!

Nerdy library shirt and librarian cardi...check!

Transportation on Foot + Weekly Wishlist

Tuesday night I had a bit of a conundrum to attend to. After work I needed to run 6-7 miles and I wanted to hang out with Kyle, and also see his softball game.  I thought about running right after work but the heat was in the 90s, and then I wouldn't get to hang out with Kyle.  I thought about skipping the softball game to run during his game, but if they lost they wouldn't make it in to the tourney, and I wouldn't want to miss his final game of the season.

Lightbulb!

I could run to his game!

I ran near the fields this winter/spring on an 18 and 20 miler and realized that it would easily be a bikeable distance (if the g.d. bike trails ever got fixed) and was even a runnable distance.  Since they usually have 2 games an hour apart, I haven't felt the need to sit around in my sweat for 3+ hours.  However, they only had 1 game tonight.  A quick mapquest revealed I was correct, and it was 7.1 miles from my doorstep.  YAYZIES!

Kyle came over after work and I unloaded a bag of stuff for him to schlep to the field for me, including my keys, phone, and a change of clothes.  I set out for my run about 80 minutes before their game was to start, and it was a much cooler 80 degrees with a side breeze.  Heaven.  And I could BREATHE so I knew the humidity had dropped.

The route is extremely hilly so I just tried to focus on my form on both the uphill and downhills since Mankato will have its fair share of rollers.  I got to enjoy several sets of sprinklers along the way, and probably grinned for the entire run. IT'S SO NICE TO RUN WHEN IT'S NOT A SAUNA OUTSIDE, FYI.

During the last mile I did my 4x100 m. strides on a slight incline, but still managed a pretty okay pace 7:24, 7:11, 7:09, 7:42.

I ended up with 7.28 miles in 1:09:20 for a pace of 9:32.  And the boys won!

And I forgot to show this, but this was during the game last Monday when I thought the end of the world was on the horizon and the boys continued to play softball.  This was taken from the truck because I haz a scurred.

And now for some fun online shopping!

Buy it here.

(found via outblush)

I'm not a huge jewelery girl, so I like pieces that make a bit of a statement.  And I'm obsessed with this gem.

Buy it here.

Love this simple long sleeve top.  Actually even like it with the colored pants. That's almost fashion forward of me.  YIKES!

Buy it here.

This is a shirt that I need, along with Susan, Sam, and Sam (although it might look weird on a dude).

Buy it here.

I almost pulled the trigger on this adorable bag.  I contacted the website to request the dimensions of the bag, because I want to use it for a school bag, meaning it needs to fit my books+laptop.  They never got back to me.  Sad day.

Buy it here.

I need this. Not want, need.  If Kyle doesn't buy it for me, I'm getting it myself.  I'm obsessed with the infinity sign.  And I feel like a girl needs something from Tiffany's, right?

Occasionally I think I'm a Sports Doc + Weekly Wishlist

So I totally forget to tell you the best part of the 10k race on Monday (which is surprising because there were very few "highlights").  I waited until the morning of to register (and will continue to do so all summer long so I can monitor the painfully hot race-morning weather).  When I got to the front of the registration line, I whipped out my checkbook and asked whether it was $10 or $15 (I'd seen both).  To which the lady replied, "oh hun, it's $10 for 17 year olds and under!"  I had to chuckle a little bit when I filled out 27 on my race bib and handed her the $15 check.  She was a smidge surprised.

________________

Since I wasn't planning on racing on Monday, I did my long run with Rachel on Friday morning.  Can I say how much I love vacation days from work?  Because I do....  We set out for 10 miles which is my longest run since Fargo.  It was also her pup's PDR!  The run seriously flew by with her as company.  Except the last 3 miles.  Ugh.  Our bike path is under construction, so I had to add on an extra 2 miles to get us to 10 miles for the day.  Of course that mile out and back was completely in the sun approaching 10am.... and the majority of the final mile was directly in the sun too.  Uff.  I went through 2 1/2 refills of water on my handheld, and could wring out my clothes and hair when we got done.  :/

We did 10 miles in 1:38:07 for a pace of 9:49.  Average HR:  162.  Uff.

And then we went and got delicious frozen juices.  Mmmmmmmm.  I could get used to long runs with a buddy!

During the last two miles of the race on Monday I started having some weird and often times intense pain in my lower shin.  After the race I couldn't even walk on it normally.  Being the good runner that I am, I went home, changed in to my swimming suit and headed to the swim up bar at the waterpark.  (almost the same as icing, no?)  Walking around the park was BRUTAL. 

Ouch, step, ouch, step, ouch, step.

Even Tuesday walking around work just...hurt.  So of course I diagnosed myself with a stress fracture immediately and started hating the 10k race even more so.  Wednesday it wasn't as bad so I went for a run after work.  The pain seemed to subside after I was running for a bit.  After a stretch break it hurt a lot.  Towards the last mile I realized that if I picked up the pace a bit it almost didn't hurt at all.  Soooo naturally I did that. 

I did 4 miles in 38:21 for a pace of 9:39.  My heart rate was crazy low for the run... averaging 144.  See what a smidge of cooler weather can do for you, ol' heart?

Today it seems to feel almost completely normal (just walking around, mind you), so I'm sure it was just a little muscle strain from attempting to run on gravel.  Apparently not my strength in life.  I've also been icing like a crazy person which seems to have helped.  Phew.  No amputation necessary (that's what they do for stress fractures... right?  :)

And for your enjoyment:  My Weekly Wishlist!

Buy it here.

Who doesn't love a good bicycle inspired jewelery gem?  Not crazy about the nails... I must admit.

Buy it here.

Since my other yellow handbag I HAD TO HAVE from Piperlime finally went on sale, I decided I didn't love it as much anymore.  Go figure.  But I think it's because I spied this lil guy with my lil eye.  Swoon.

Buy it here.

Cute and on sale?  Yes please. I was mad that I didn't have a wedding to go to this summer to use as an excuse to buy it.  Now I think I do.  WIN!

 

Super cute super cheap version of the lusty lellow bag.

Buy it here.

Oh nooooooooooos, another Kate Spade sale.  :/

Buy it here.

I will never buy a designer wallet.  But if I did... it would probably look like this. :)

Who else thinks I just need to break down and buy *A* yellow handbag so I can start having some variety in these posts?

**raises hand high**

Buy it here.

A (Wo)Man with a Fall Race Plan + Sometimes Weekly Wishlist

Thanks so much for all your excellent advice on the fall marathon debate.  I've decided to not run a fall marathon.  Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, I know.  I decided that if I did attempt to train for it, and suddenly became way too busy (definitely a possibility) it would be the least of my priorities.  I can't even bring myself to run a 10k or 5k half-assed, so I would be kicking myself if I had to line up for 26.2 miles feeling un-prepared or worse, dropping out entirely.

To calm my sadness over this decision, I went in to race planning OVERDRIVE this weekend.  Next on the agenda is a local 10k on July 4th.  I did the 5k last year, and it was a blast.  There are also local (free!) Monday night 3k and 5k races for the month of June.  Depending on the weather on June 20th and 27th, I may hop in for those as well.

After the 4th of July 10k, my 10 week training will start up for the Sioux Falls half marathon, my goal race for the fall.  This'll be my 7th consecutive year running this race, yayzies!  I hope to run at least one 5k in July and possibly pace the Minnesota Half Marathon in St. Paul in August.  I absolutely loved pacing the Mankato half last year, and really want to do it again.

If all goes as planned, I may have another shot at PR busting in October in Fargo for the Fargo FM half marathon.  Flat course..... chilly weather.... 13.1 miles..... Fargo redemption?  Yes please!

There's a small chance I could be pacing the Mankato half again in lieu of or in addition to the Minnesota half, depending on what happens.  Let me know if you'll be doing any of these races.  Don't you just love a full race schedule?!?!? :D

Buy it here.

omgenius.

omgorgeous

omiwantone.

omwhydidn'tithinkofthis?

I saw this on Aron's blog and need.to.have.it.  Seriously.  KK, half birthday gift?  K sweet.
Naturally after I drafted this blogpost, I saw Megan tweet that she had got a new hoodie in the mail.  And then saw another tweet from Jenn about the same hoodie.  Hoodie TWINSIES.
Sidenote:  Anyone at first glance think this chick looks like me?  Creeps me out whenever I scroll through this post quick.....

Buy it here.

Buy it here.

I'm always on the look out for a great green dress. 

Holy mother of cuteness.  I've had a mini Hello Kitty lovefest lately.  Still debating getting the HK sleep mask from a past post (my current sleep mask is in a dire state).

Buy it here.

I have this weird obsession with hot air balloons. This is so freaking beautiful.

Buy it here.