Happy St. Patty's Day! + Race Recap

Happy St. Patrick's Day to my fellow Irishmen + everyone who adopts being Irish today.  I am technically 1/2 Irish, 1/4 Italian and 1/4 English, though I definitely look more Italian (dark hair/eyes/tan easily) than my Irish looking brothers (fair skin, one has a red beard, both blondies as babies.)  Today I will be celebrating St. Patty's Day at school with a bunch of green kiddos!  I'm going to bring some Lucky Charms for a special snack :) Here's my green-inspired outfit of the day:

I'm wearing this Lilly Pulitzer tunic that has a hint of green in it.  I'm not really much of a green person -- like I have very little green in my closet -- but I do have plenty of pink + green or blue + green!

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A couple weekends ago I went up to Washington D.C. for my second race of 2015.  It was the Pacer's St. Pat's 5K, 10K and Double.  I chose to run the double because I am always up for a challenge!  Of course when race day came I thought that I was CRAZY, but nevertheless I laced up my shoes and headed to the start...in the snow/sleet/freezing rain.

Freezing! Pacers is awesome and they had warm coffee for runners (although I didn't have any) and were very considerate about how cold it was.  They lightened up the mood with funny jokes and good music.  I give two thumbs up to whoever the MC was!

I also give two thumbs up to my amazing boyfriend who was there to support me even in the terrible weather!

Running in D.C. is amazing and I feel so lucky to live so close.  If you are thinking or dreaming of running in our nation's capital, I highly recommend make it a reality!  Even in the winter weather I had so much fun.

Plus you get to run with famous people, like Woodrow Wilson...

The way my race worked was the 5K started at 8:15 and the 10K followed at 9:00.  So, essentially, you had 45 minutes to run the 5K and depending on when you finished determined how long of a break you had.  I ran the 5K as a "warm up" and finished in around 31 minutes.  I had a little under 15 minutes to grab some water and stretch before the 10K started.

I ran the 10K in 1 hour and they posted the results as "double" results, so my final time was around 1:32, give or take.  I had not done much training up to this point since we have been bombarded with snow and I have been stuck on the treadmill.  I think my longest training run, if you can really call it that, was about 5 miles on the treadmill. I wasn't proud of that and honestly when race day came I considered dropping to just running one of the races, but the energy of the day got to me and I just went for it!  I'm so glad that I did.

I had a great St. Patty's day outfit on and then the weather hit and I stayed in my Patagonia the whole time! I never do that, but this time it was different.  Thanks to my trusty spectator for the pictures :)

A week or so later I received my medal in the mail.  Here it is along with the shirt that we got in our packets:

I have to give kudos to Pacer's Running for putting on a fantastic race in such dreary conditions! They did a wonderful job of keeping people informed of the race status, keeping everyone safe and happy and EVERYONE who was working the race (especially the marshalls out on the course) were cheerful and encouraging.  That really makes a difference to us runners! Thank you!!
My next unofficial race on the horizon is a local race called the Huckleberry 15K.  It's on the local running/walking/biking trail and features part of the new extension.  I'm excited to be a part of a brand new race!

Hope y'all have a happy, green-filled St. Patty's Day! Cheers!

Yuengling Shamrock Anthem 1/2 Marathon

My second 1/2 marathon is in the books! Last Saturday we headed down to the 757 for race weekend. This was pretty much the best weekend ever...finishing out Spring break with a race & St. Patty's Day!   This was my brother James' first half-marathon which also made this very exciting. We picked a great race for his first! So flat. It was a nice relief from my hilly Blacksburg training runs.    For anyone looking to run their first half-marathon, or even just looking for a fun, fast race...this is it!   Our first green drinks of the weekend...and mimosas! When on vacation...

At the expo!

I can't see these things and not get a picture!

Haha this one cracks me up!

CAN YOU BELIEVE they had this shirt? Apparently I was the first Hokie fan to walk through! Of course I had to buy it.

Arriving at our hotel!

Didn't mind having this view from our room. Just wish it were warmer!

"Woohoo we're here!"

My outfit for the race. It was in the 40s, and yes the beginning was freezing, but I felt great while running! The headband is from bondiband (got it at the expo) and I loved it! Great no-slip, wide headband that you can use to cover your ears as well as keep your hair back.

6:45, ready to start!

I moved up to Corral 3 because...well, I do what I want. I tried to get up with my brother to find the 1:52 pacer but couldn't find him.

And, WE'RE DONE!

Reached our goals!

Official chip timing - was impressed to receive this in an email! This race was so organized.

With our sweet finishers blankets at the sand castle - those blankets were the PERFECT thing to receive...it was so windy/cold when we finished!

The perks of having Yuengling sponsor...4 free beers. Holla.

Very crowded beach tent! And this is only a fraction of the half-marathoners.

 Peeking down at the marathoners from our hotel!

Post race lunch at Beach Pub

More green drinks!

Went to the Virginia Aquarium!

So fun!

The river otters! My absolute favorite.

Last green drinks of the weekend at our hotel! These were so delish.

Overall I had an amazing weekend. I am so glad that I signed up for this race and pushed myself through the cold, sometimes snowy, training runs. It all paid off to reach my goal of running under 2 hours.   I'm already looking for my next race to sign up for in the upcoming months. Any suggestions? Also trying to decide whether I should take the leap into full marathon training. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated :) Have a great Tuesday!

irun. idrink. irish.

I am so proud to be Irish today! Celebrated with 13.1 miles of pain & happiness.

Another post on that to come later!!! :) Off to get some grub & green beer!

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL St. Patrick's Day and may the luck o' the Irish be with you!

Friday Five: Fun in March!

Happy March! Boy am I ready for some spring weather, green beer and March FUN! To me, March has me thinking spring spring spring...I am sick of this winter business. Unfortunately, I think Mother Nature doesn't agree. We shall see!
At least I have these 5 things to look forward to!
1. Spring Break

This spring break isn't too out of the ordinary like my last two were, but nonetheless I am SO excited for  a week off from school.  Yes I would love to be heading to the beach, but at the same time I have a lot here to take care of and prepare for! I have two big tests to knock out before break begins which is nice because I won't have to do any studying! I'm going to spend the majority of it at home, but will spend two days in Greensboro where Steven's team will be playing! I'll finish off Spring Break by celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Norfolk with my family after the race! So pumped!
2. Shamrock 1/2 Marathon

I've been training for this race for a while and I am so excited to get it done! I have a personal goal set in my mind that I hope to reach. I will let y'all know afterwards if I do :) My older brother is running the race as well, but I doubt we'll run together. I like to run with music in & am bad at talking! Can't wait to come barreling down the boardwalk and drink some green beer later with my fam!
3. Carrie Underwood

On March 23, Momma and I are headed to see CARRIE! I haven't been to a real concert since probably sophomore year when I saw Zac Brown Band...I am SO pumped to see her in concert! Anyone else seen her? What did you think?
4. Substituting

I'm now an official substitute! I've already arranged a half-day sub job with my cooperating teacher in kindergarten for the end of March. I'm so excited for this new opportunity! I'm also hoping to get in some days subbing for my mom in the library :) I think the kids will think it's funny they don't have to learn a new name -- going from Ms. Ryan #1 to Ms. Ryan #2! Ha!
5. Easter

I love Easter! It's such a fun, relaxing, beautiful holiday. I love going to mass and seeing everyone in their Easter dresses and suits. I love the springtime flowers that sit in the middle of the table. I love having an Easter meal with my family. And, of course, I love the Easter chocolates!
Happy March, y'all! Have a wonderful weekend!

An Irish Blessing & Love for the Underdog

I hope you ALL have the luck 'o the Irish on your side today!

I'm writing my post in green, just to be safe.

Anyone doing anything fun?

I'm headed out for a run, a green treat somewhere and finishing the day babysitting!

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Now, I just have to add this in...who saw the Duke v. Lehigh game last night?

Can you talk about miracles?!

Lehigh is where Steven goes to school, so I was obviously watching and rooting for them. While I thought a win would be amazing, I didn't think it would actually happen!

It just goes to show...anything can happen and it ain't over, til it's over!

Congrats, Lehigh!

Lastly, don't forget about Sweet Tea Paperie's Fabulous Friday deal! Going on until tomorrow! Click on the picture to head on over :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

xoxo,

Friday's Fancies: Luck of the Irish! + Sweet Tea Paperie Fab Friday!

I am happy to say that I'm a quarter Irish and I love St. Patty's Day!

My favorite thing to do is go to Macado's! They go all-out for St. Patrick's Day with traditional Irish snacks, green beer, and they have neat t-shirts and pint glasses you can buy.

Hopefully I'll get to go sometime on Saturday (even though I agreed to babysit that night)...maybe for lunch?

Anyway, if I were to be going out, here is what I'd wear:

St. Patty's Day by slryan3

When I think of green, I think of gold, especially at this time of year!

I think this simple yet flirty outfit would be so fun to wear downtown...and it would leave you enough room to add some festive green beads!

What are my fellow Irish girls planning to wear out on Saturday?

Even if you aren't headed to a party - you better be wearing green so you don't get pinched!

I'm going to be honest - I do NOT wear a lot of green. For some reason it's just not a color that I think looks great on me. If I do wear it, I usually have another color on too -- like pink ;)


Lastly, to put a little pep in your T.G.I.F. step, go shop Sweet Tea Paperie for their Fabulous Friday deal!
 25% off Boatman Geller Lucite Trays
with code FABFRITRAY

SO cute! Don't miss out!


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

It's Ok Thursday!

Hiiiiiii y'alllllllll!

 

I have been so exhausted this week and I just can't wait for the weekend! I'm going to {finally} sleep in, do some babysitting and just plain RELAX for a little bit. Oh yeah, and clean my HUGE mess of a room. 

In the mean time I am linking up for It's Ok Thursday!

 

It's Ok...

...that I was "that girl' who listened to the meteorologist today who was WRONG about the temperature. Shorts in the rain isn't fun.

  

...that I'm not afraid to admit I am still scared of lightning. You will never see me run so fast than when I have to get from point A to point B outside when there is lightning. (At least I've gotten past the point of just sitting in the car like I did when my mom would go in the house fine and dandy and leave me to make a break for it.)

 

...that I gave my borderline anorexic roommate the water bill amount on piece of my "Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake" note pad. Just trying to offer some nonchalant advice.

...that my March Madness involvement goes as far as filling out a mascot bracket. Who would win in a battle? I have the Grizzlies as 2012 champs. No idea what team that is...

...that in all seriousness, I will watch (and cheer on) Lehigh tomorrow when they play against Duke. Hey...anything could happen!

 

...to take study breaks every now and again, and by study breaks I mean "search for proposal/wedding entrance/surprise solider homecoming/cute baby youtube videos" breaks.

...to want EVERYTHING from Sweet Tea Paperie. That is the truth.

...that I'm just now getting back into a workout routine. Mom and I have planned a weekly her walk/I run evening on the Huckleberry. Now I just need to choose a race to plan for :)

...to be so confused yet so intrigued by the 35 tons of snow they are plopping on our drillfield today for a ski and snowboard competition. I'm going to try and sneak a peek.

...to feel so out of the loop because I haven't read The Hunger Games yet :( I own the first two, I just need to find time to read!

...that I'm still unpacking from Spring Break...it's a lengthy process.

...to already have summer plans on my mind :) only 8 more weeks of school!

Time to go fight through the rain and head to work!

Speaking of which, I am so glad to be back at work - going a whole week without seeing the kids was weird!

However, the little welcome back hugs made it worth it.

 

Yesterday I planned some St. Patrick's Day crafts and games to do with them, including this one that was so much fun:

I got a little teary-eyed when I read what some of the kids put! 

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,