Workout Wednesday: Running

I am focusing on adding more miles to my cardio in preparation for hopefully running a few long races this spring. This week my goal is to reach 26 miles. I will gradually work up to 30-35 miles a week. The rule I follow is not to increase your mileage more than 10% per week. I also make sure my weekend long run  accounts for around 30% of my mileage for the week. 

The biggest struggle for me right now is getting in a workout routine in the mornings. The thought of getting out of my warm bed and driving 20 minutes to the gym does not have me jumping for joy. Once I get there I am good to go. I am also going to try and add this core routine to my morning workouts.
  

 Workout 

Monday: HIIT and Upper Body Strength

Tuesday: 5 mile run & Abs

Wednesday:  4 mile run & Legs

Thursday: 5 mile run 

Friday: Rest day 

Saturday: 9 mile run

Sunday:  Rest Day

These are a Few of my Favorite Things : Stocking Stuffers

Favorite Things- Stocking Stuffers by sweetcarolinabelle 

1.  Stainless Steel Hammered Tumbler Rose Gold - This cup is adorable and it keeps the coffee warm through my long commute  to work. I love making my own Starbucks copycat drinks at home.
2. C. Wonder knot earrings- The C.Wonder store just opened up in Southpoint and I am obsessed. These beauties would look great with all the holiday outfits.

3. Fresh lip treatment - I have started hoarding lipbalm lately. The cold weather has really taken a toll on my lips and skin. This lip balm has gotten amazing reviews by lots of bloggers lately. 
4. Emi-Jay Hair-ties- I love these hair ties. I have them stored in my purse, gym bag and desk. They are great for when I just want to throw my hair up quick. You don't have to worry about your hair snagging or having creases.
5. Philosophy gift sets kit- This is my favorite scent of the Philosophy brand. The body wash smells amazing and will not dry your skin out.
6. Brush Kit- These brushes are great quality and for a great price! I love that it comes with it's own carrying case.
7. J.Crew socks- I am always cold especially at work. So I have been collecting cute socks to keep me warm. You can never go wrong with JCrew. 

Weekly Wishes

There are so many things that are going to make this week great. I am thankful to be headed home to see my family after a 3 day workweek. Visiting my family will also mean decorating for Christmas on Friday which always feels like the start of the Christmas season. Also, we have a much needed date night scheduled for tonight. We are going to see Gravity. I have heard so many great reviews about this movie. I truly hopes it lives up to all the hype. For this week, I created several mini goals for myself that I hope to accomplish. I am linking up with Melyssa at the Nectar Collective for my Weekly Wishes.

1.  Morning workouts four days this week. - I am increasing my mileage running to have a "solid base" mileage. I have not been off the running train for awhile and not running consistently. These past three weeks I have been trying to focus on mileage per week. This week my goal is 26 miles total. Getting in my runs early in the morning would really help with freeing up my evenings.
2. Clean the apartment and put up Christmas decorations. At least apartment vs house there will be a lot less to clean, right? Let's hope so!
3. Make an delicious a side and dessert to bring to our (multiple) Thanksgiving dinners. I am thinking I will bring some fresh vegetables like this salad balanced out with these easy pretzel kisses.
4. Style my hair down four days this week. I have become the queen of  side buns and simple updos. When pressed for time, my hairstyle is the first thing to be overlooked. This week is only a two days with students so I have no excuse.  I spent some time Sunday on my favorite beauty blog watching tutorials.
5. Nightly walks with Charlie before dinner. With the light lingering at night and the temperature dropping Charlie's walks have gotten shorter and shorter. He loves welcoming the neighbors home for work and it is way to get in a little (more) exercise.