Moody Girl Runs: Running a 15k

On Saturday, March 12th I plan to travel to Jacksonville, FL to participate in the 34th Annual Gate River Run .  I have been running a couple of days a week for the past month now.  And I’m hopeful that I will be ready for the big day.  I have three weeks left to prepare and I really need to increase my stamina.  So, how do I plan to do this?

To prepare for this 15k (9.3 miles)race, I looked up training schedules for 15k races and found Hal Higdon’s training program.  Check out the details of the program here: http://www.halhigdon.com/.  I still have to create a schedule for myself with Mr. Higdon’s tips, but in the meantime I plan on running 5 – 6 miles tomorrow with my running buddy.  I also plan to go to the gym a couple of days this week to lift some weights to help strengthen my body and my core.   My goal in the next 3 weeks is to increase my running pace and to buy a new pair of sneakers. 

The Gate River Run is Jacksonville’s largest participatory sporting event and is the site of the USA 15K Championship, attracting a top field of world-class American runners racing for more than $85,000 in prize money, the largest prize money purse of any major U.S. non-marathon event.  On-line registration and information is available at www.gate-riverrun.com or by calling 904.731.1900.  Check out this article from Rachel Leitao, First Coast News, for more race details.  

Kirklees Swinging Low

I found my Kirklees Sweater Coat over the holidays and wanted to wear it one time before the warm spring weather took over.  I also found the Swing Low Tee on the same day and figured that it would be a perfect match with the Kirklees sweater.  I wore this outfit to work yesterday in lieu of a suit.  I was happy that I was able to show a little of my personality...this outfit was a lot more feminine and colorful than my normal black, grey or navy suits.   Enjoy the rest of your Saturday and the rest of the holiday weekend!     

Sweater: Anthropologie Kirklees Sweater Coat

Shirt: Anthropologie Swing Low Tee

Skirt: JCPenney East 5th Belted Pencil Skirt

Shoes: Ann Taylor Dark Brown Pumps (really old)

Fresh Picks to Follow: Trench Coats

The classic trench coat is back for spring this year and this is one item that every woman should have in their closet. If you don’t already own this wardrobe staple, now is the time to invest. I bought my classic trench coat from Banana Republic almost two years ago and it was the best investment that I have made…in clothing of course.  While a trench coat may be pricey, it’s a fashionable piece that’ll last forever.  Even Audrey Hepburn wore a khaki trench coat in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”  The trench coat goes well with anything and it makes you feel glamorous and mysterious. You can wear it with jeans, skirts or dresses for different occasions.  And the trench is available in a variety of styles, colors and prints and it is always flattering. Looking to invest in this classic closet staple? Look below and let me know which one is your favorite. 

1. Banana Republic – Madras Trench…$198.00

2. Coach – Alexis Short Trench…$498.00

3. White House Black Market – Tipped Mini-Dot Trench Coat…$188.00

4. Burberry – Double Breasted Packaway Trench Coat…$650.00

5. Kohl’s – Lauren Conrad Trench Coat…$57.99 (was $84.00)

6. Ann Taylor – Allison Anorak…$198.00

7. Anthropologie – Subtle Survival Trench…$99.95 (was $188.00)

8. Banana Republic – Classic Trench…$198.00

9. J.Crew – Mackintosh® Dollar Trench Coat…$1,175.00

10.  Anthropologie – Femme Trench Jacket…$188.00

Fitting Room Reviews: Signs of Spring

I stopped by Anthropologie tonight to check out the sales and some of the store’s new spring arrivals.  Plus I had my birthday discount burning a hole in my pocket.    Here are a few of my fitting room reviews and some of my purchases.  What do you ladies have your eye on this spring?  Let me know!  I'll have to post the sale items tomorrow...stayed tuned!

 

Anthropologie – Draw The Line Cowlneck…$278.00

I love the look of this kimono like sweater.  My store didn't

get these in but there was an extra small (xs) returned to the

store.  The back of the sweater has a beautiful cut out too.

Anthropologie – Study Of Shapes Dress…$158.00

I love the cut of this dress, but I wasn't in love with

this pattern.   Also, the each dress has different pattern

placements that caused it to be unflattering.  I tried on the

size (4) and it was a little snug.  I didn’t go up a size because

it would have been too big on the top.  I also thought that

the colors were striking online and in person.  However,

this dress was not for me…I’ll have to pass on this one.

Anthropologie – Eastpointe Garden Top…$58.00

This top is true to size and I tried on the size (4).  It comes in

two colors: the blue motif and a mustard color.  The mustard is

sold out online and there is only one size left in the blue motif. I

don’t know if Anthro plans on getting more colors or more sizes. 

The flowers in this top are perfect spring colors and they are

muted colors.  I love the ruffled sleeve and neckline.

Anthropologie – On The Agenda Shell…$88.00

The polka dot pattern is fun and the neck tie detail is adorable. 

I originally tried on this top in a size (S) and felt that the top

was too baggy and not very flattering.  I later tried on the (XS)

and I was happy that I did.  The fit was much better. 

It wasn’t oversized and the armpit hold fit just right.

 

Anthropologie – Resonance Cowlneck…$88.00

I initially wanted this top in the orange/tamale color, but when

I saw this striped one in person I decided to pick it up.  I tried

on the small (S) and fell in love.  The cowl neck was very

flattering and this top fits beautifully.  I felt like it made my waist

 look smaller.  The length is long, but I think it’s great for tall women like me.

Anthropologie – A-Bit-Unruly Top…$48.00

I tried this top in the small (S) and found that it fit true to size. 

The material was very soft and I loved the stripes.  However, I

thought that the asymmetrical neckline and the twist was

a little off.  I didn’t really love it.