Weekend Highlights

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It was a very good weekend for me: productive and relaxing. The best of both worlds.

Craig and I helped a couple of friends move on Friday night. Saturday morning I did my long run of 20 miles. I did the first 10 miles by myself, and then Craig joined me on his bike for the last 10. I love the uninterrupted time we have to talk and hang out. I never thought I’d say this, but that was definitely the easiest 20 miles I’ve ever ran! I averaged 8:31 minutes/mile, which is not far off my marathon goal pace of 8:12 minutes/mile. (That would get me a 3:35 and qualify me for Boston!) I hope this is a good indication of how the marathon will go! Saturday afternoon Craig and I went to Bear’s Tooth for a late lunch. Saturday evening was spent cleaning and preping food for the week.

Sunday morning I woke up at 5 a.m. (not by choice), so I got up did a few things around the apartment, and then went out for a 6 mile run. As soon as I got back, I ate a quick breakfast and then went to yoga. I like going to yoga after running because it forces to get some quality stretching in. After church, Craig and I went to Middle Way Cafe because I was craving a salad and as hard as I try, the salads I make at home never turn out that well. The last one I made was so awful that I ended up throwing some of it out—something I never do. This afternoon/evening I’ve been busy prepping more food and trying to get everything in order for the week. Having everything ready to go for Monday morning makes the transition a little bit easier into the start of the work-week.

The Wait is Over

Bear with me because this post is quite random. . .nothing like a little randomness for a Monday.
The wait is finally over. . . .

I have waited ages to try Chobani’s pineapple Greek yogurt, and I finally found it at the Target in Anchorage!! I was stoked and pretty sure I was doing a happy dance in the store when I saw this. :)

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I loved the flavor! I have grown tired of the standard blueberry, strawberry, and peach, so this was a welcomed new taste!

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I just had to share with you the super cute and fun new water bottle I got while in Minnesota. (Craig thinks it looks like a kid’s cup, but I don’t care.)

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I always have a water bottle on me. It helps me drink more water because if it is there, I will drink it. Plus with a new water bottle, I always find myself drinking more. Never a bad thing.

I am honestly convinced I drink more through a straw than when I just sip/drink something.


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I love all the sayings on this bottle.

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A while back, Swanson Health Products contacted me and asked me if I was interested in ordering $25 worth of products from their website with a coupon code from them.

I happily agreed and instantly picked out this container of Vita Coco because I have been wanting to try this for ages!

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I don’t like drinking sports drinks because they are laden with high fructose corn syrup, so I like that Vita Coco used natural sugars to sweeten their beverages.

I really liked the flavor of this—especially the added pineapple. I’ve had plain coconut water before and wasn’t a fan, but the pineapple juice in this beverage made it way better!

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I also purchased this container of Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with pomegranate oil.

I do use a fair amount of chapstick/lip balm, but I didn’t love this.

I liked it because it had a fun fruity flavor and it was smooth going on, but I guess it just didn’t blow me out of the water. Next time I would probably just stick with the regular flavor of Burt’s Bees chapstick.


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I was very happy with my services through Swanson Health Products. I was also really excited to see that this company is based out of Fargo, ND, which is right across the river from where I went to college!!

And if you interested in getting some free Swanson Health Products goodies to review on your own blog? Then check out the Swanson Health Blog for all the details.

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An update on my running. . . . . .


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This morning I ran 6 miles at a comfortable pace of 50 minutes. I tried to throw in some fartleks (surges) every so often and really power up the hills in the neighborhood I ran in.

I also was very glad to complete 50 miles this last week. I think I’m on the road to recovery from my marathon!

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Craig and I were finally able to enjoy a coffee date this morning!! :D

It has been ages since we last got coffee before work with my travels to Minnesota.


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As always, we brought our breakfast along with us.

decaf drip coffee + overnight oats


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overnight oats with banana slices + Trader Joe’s Almond Butter with Roasted Flaxseed + a reused Yogurtland spoon ;)


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Afterwards I rode my bike home and got busy doing things around the apartment: catching up on e-mails, cleaning/organizing, and getting ready for the day.

For lunch, my aunt (who is here visiting for a couple of weeks) and I ate at Middle Way Cafe. This is my favorite place to grab lunch as evident by all this love.


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I love the combo plates: 1/2 sandwich + salad or soup. I’d rather have several different things on my plate vs. one or two things.

Today’s combo plate:

Southwestern Turkey Sandwich + Squash Soup


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The sandwich contained: turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, sprouts, and the southwestern spread on whole wheat sourdough bread.

I liked the sandwich, but I didn’t love it. I probably wouldn’t order it again, but I had no problem finishing it all.


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I don’t remember what the name of the soup was, but let’s just call it awesome!

I know it primarily contained squash, but I don’t remember beyond that what else was in it.

I usually get a side salad, but I was feeling adventurous today, so I chose a side of soup instead, and I’m glad I did!


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My aunt got a 1/2 Turkey Cranberry Sandwich and the Southwest Turkey Soup. She said both were very good.


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This afternoon, my aunt and I have been busy running errands, getting ready for another Alaskan adventure tomorrow!! I am excited because I have never been to this place before. . . stay tuned to find out about it all!

Date Day

I had two dates today!!

My first date was a weekly coffee date with my husband! :)

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This time instead of driving to the Kaladi Brothers Coffee shop, we rode our bikes! :)

(That is supposed to be a happy smile, despite what it may look like.)


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The bike ride took us about 30 minutes. I love riding my road bike–it is so speedy!

When we arrived at the coffee shop, we were warm, so hot coffee did not sound all that appealing. We opted for iced Americanos instead.

I also had half of a bagel with Laughing Cow Cheese + raspberry jam. (I think raspberry jam is my favorite, and I can’t wait to pick fresh raspberries later this summer and make my own jam!)


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After our date, Craig went to work, and I biked back home.

I had laundry and packing to do for my trip to Minnesota tomorrow!!

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My second date of the day was with my friend Katie at Middle Way Cafe–one of my favorite cafes in Anchorage!


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I love the bright, vibrant colors inside and the clean, organic feel the place has!


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I will never forget the time Craig and I saw Drew Barrymore here!

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I have been craving a huge salad lately, so that is exactly what I ordered.


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It also came with a couple pieces of bread.


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Sadly, I wasn’t all that impressed with the salad. I thought it would have more than just veggies on. (I don’t know why–obviously I didn’t read the menu very closely.)

It was good and the Lemon Ranch dressing was excellent, but it just needed something more. Oh well, I definitely got my fill of veggies in for the day!


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I’m off to do some more packing!

I fly out tomorrow morning, and I can’t wait to see my family and friends! I am sad that Craig won’t be able to go with me though. :( We won’t see each other for 3 weeks!

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Question

What is the longest you have been away from your significant other?

Long periods of separation is the story of our relationship. We dated long distance for 10 months, which was not fun. And now when I fly back to Minnesota (twice a year), Craig usually isn’t able to go with me and those 2 – 3 weeks feel a lot longer. I’m gonna miss that guy!