ZUMBA TONIGHT!

Don't forget - Zumba classes at Chicago Dance start TONIGHT at 6:00pm!  Classes are $15 for drop-ins, I'd love to see your smiling faces dancing with me!

I'm doing a playlist of Zumba classics and favorites tonight, there's a little something for everybody, so bring and friend and come on down!

Goodbye humidity!

Tonight's little run was my first in what could officially be considered "fall weather" and I loved every step.  It was cool, breezy, and completely lacking humidity.  I haven't run in weather like that since, well, maybe ever!

I used to think summer was my favorite season: it was always warm, I could be outside all the time, and I loved wearing tank tops and shorts!  But the last couple summers have been HOT, not warm, and the humidity has been beyond belief.  Perhaps it was like that when I was younger too, and I just never noticed, but I'm definitely noticing these days!  After tonight's run, and thinking about last Friday's five things list, I'm beginning to believe fall is actually my favorite season.  Certainly as a runner it will be better than slogging through the heat and moisture of the summer.  And pretty soon the leaves will start to turn, and I'll get to run through arches of color everywhere!

Photo from xtri.com

I'm excited for fall running season.  I'm hoping to nab myself a 5k PR before the snow hits.  Also, I'll be participating in my first virtual race, volunteering at a couple high-profile races, starting a new Zumba class, and launching into a new cross-training plan!  The next couple months promise to be very busy and full of unique experiences - and I can't wait to tackle every challenge that comes my way!

See you on the (not so humid) road!

My first bruised toenail!

On that path to "officially" becoming a runner, one hears many stories about losing toenails.  I never thought I'd run far enough to have to worry about that - but, surprise surprise, I caught the racing bug and just can't stop!  Last week's half marathon gave me my first black and blue piggy, and I wouldn't be too surprised if it gives up in another day or two and falls.

Lovely, innit?

I can't believe years of having cleats dug into my toes during soccer games didn't knock a nail off sooner...

Zumba STEP Practice

Next week I'll be attempting my first audition for a Zumba STEP class, and I am woefully unprepared!  I haven't had much time to practice the new specialty since taking the licensing class, but now I have the perfect excuse!  Plus, practicing any Zumba routine is a great way to get in a thorough cardio workout with a little strengthening work tucked neatly into the moves.  I worked up a good sweat with an hour and a half of shakin' it today - sweet!

I guarantee I don't look nearly so glamorous...

On a related note, my new Zumba classes at Chicago Dance start on Monday at 6pm!  The class roster is looking a little thin, so if you've got some time to head on down, I'd LOVE to have you join me and boost the class energy!  It's more of a party when there are more people dancing!

Yumvelope: All-Natural Snacks!

Hey there healthy eaters!  I've been seeing a lot of buzz about the Yumvelope subscription service, that delivers a monthly package full of all-natural goodies direct to you.  Though I've never tried it myself, I do hear a lot of great reviews.

For $21/month, you receive a big envelope with at least six full size products.  You might get snack bars, popcorn, coconut water, desserts, coffee - who knows?!  It's great for sampling a wide range of all-natural products without having to commit to any particular brand or flavor.  Plus, we're talking full-size products here, which if you've ever shopped in the "health foods" aisle, you know cost a pretty penny when you buy them separately.  Seems to me like you're getting a pretty good deal - but again to be clear, I have not tried this service myself and cannot speak from my own experience about quality or quantity.  You can check out Erica Finds for some more information: Erica originally reviewed the service over a year ago, and is still using the service, plus she posts an unboxing each month upon receiving her Yumvelope!

While I'm not entirely sure I can afford it just yet, I'm trying to win myself a sample box from the Yumvelope Double-Stuffed Giveaway this month!  Hopefully I'll get lucky so I can give y'all a proper review of some of the products and companies with which Yumvelope partners.

Of course, YOU could always win too!  Enter here and give it a whirl!

Five Things Friday: FALL

Looks like this "Five Things Friday" is a pretty popular type of post, so I'm going to give it a try.  I'm also going to draw some inspiration from Laura over at Fit Running Mama, and will base this first Five Things post on the upcoming fall season.

SO, without further ado, five things I'm looking forward to in the coming season!

5. Cooler running weather!

Never thought I'd be "that girl", but I just can't wait to run in the crisp fall weather.  Not cold enough to be freezing, not hot enough to be muggy, but juuuuuust right!  I also hear most runners hit better times and are more likely to PR in the spring and fall, because the awful heat is no longer a limitation - definitely looking forward to seeing the fruits of my summer labors.

4. Apple cider and caramel apples!

I'm pretty sure I don't really have to elaborate on this one.  Is there anything better than the feel of your teeth sliding through a gooey layer of caramel before biting deep in to a crisp, fresh apple?  Is there any sweet nectar more satisfying than the chilled taste of cider dribbling down your throat (and probably your chin if you guzzle the stuff like I do)?  Pumpkin spice, stand aside: these are the TRUE flavors of fall!

3. Craft fairs!

I AM a crafter, but before I dove into making things of my own, I used to visit all the fall and holiday craft fairs with my mom and her sisters.  Shopping at fairs was a tradition, and even though we rarely made any purchases, it was always fun to see the incredible lengths to which people took their creativity.  Now that I actually participate in fall craft fairs myself, I still like to visit as a consumer to admire other peoples' work and snag a few tips and ideas for my own projects!  The crafting community is as vibrant as I'm discovering the running community to be

2. Halloween and Thanksgiving!

I'm fitting a lot of favorites into this part: everything from the food (pumpkin rolls, pecan pie, candied yams), to the movies (Hocus Pocus, anyone?), to the decorations, candy, and costumes...  Fall's major holidays are my absolute favorites!  As much as I hate having the weather turn cold, I still love the festivities, and these holidays make the temperature descent far more palatable by keeping me excitably distracted and well-stuffed!

Annnnnnnnnd, my number one favorite thing about fall:

ZOMBIE PAINTBALL!

Yes, this is a real thing.  I got my first taste of The Coolest Fall Activity Ever last year, when I took my old team on a trip to the Siegel's Pumpkin Farm fall festival.  They had all the typical trappings: hay rides, petting zoos, tons of fall foods, a giant corn maze, and of course a massive pumpkin patch.  But the main attraction (for us, at least) was the paintball experience.  Load up on a converted military truck, grab a gun station, and get ready to blast the undead!  We rode through the woods, unloading paintballs on zombie actors at various stations along the way.  It was exhilarating, despite being a little less competitive than typical paintball, and it made for a perfect team outing.  I've already mentioned zombie paintball around the new office, and I'm almost certain we'll be heading out that way again this year!

So, what do YOU love about fall?

FitNyx hits Bloglovin AND Facebook!

Hey fans!  I'm adding Adventures with FitNyx to Bloglovin  - so, show me some lovin'!

I'm also starting a Facebook page for the blog, stop on over and throw me a "like"!