holy HEAT

y'all. it is so hot here. I went for my run at 9 o'clock PM and this was the temp:

I mean, can we get some fall please?

Other than the heat, I had a great run. I went ahead and bumped myself up to week 3, day 1. That looks like this:

5 minute warm-up walk

90 seconds running
90 seconds walking
3 minutes running
3 minutes walking
      repeat

5 minute cool down walk

Now, for anyone who is an actual runner, that probably seems a little silly. But for me, 3 minutes of full on running is an accomplishment, and I am proud of myself! I'm also extremely motivated to continue and grow that number. Less than 2 months until the 5k, so I really have to keep my butt in gear and get prepared.

Official stats:

Distance: 2.09 miles
Walk pace: 16:08/mile (slower than yesterday)
Run pace: 13:39/mile (faster than yesterday!)

I felt: Great! I did all my runs, and kept a good pace.
The weather was: Hot.
Best song(s) from playlist: Emerge by Fischer Spooner & Hey Mama by Mat Kearney

I'm getting excited as the race gets closer. Tomorrow is a day of rest, but I'll be doing some yoga for sure, and maybe even some 30-day shreddin'! 

favorite summer salad

I love salads. Especially in the summertime. One that I have been eating a lot lately is this spinach and strawberry salad with fresh strawberry vinaigrette.

I originally found this recipe on Annie's Eats here. I just did a little tweaking to bring down the calories in the dressing, and added some avocado. It is cool, crisp and so refreshing on a hot summer day!

Summer Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette

For the dressing:
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or to taste)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or to taste)
1 teaspoon white sugar
pinch of salt

Blend until smooth in blender or food processer. This makes about a cup and a half. It usually lasts me a week in the refrigerator.

For the salad:
(You can really add anything you like to the salad. This is how I like to eat mine.)
2 cups baby spinach
2-3 strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 of an avocado, diced

Layer your salad and top with dressing.

For anyone counting Weight Watchers points, the dressing is 0 points plus per serving. Any salad toppings are additional points.

Enjoy!