In search of new running clothes!

It's official. I registered for the Chicago Half Marathon. I am a runner.

The good news about this is it means I get to buy real running clothes!! I'm on a serious hunt for shorts right now, as I only have one pair I like. I'm trying out a new pair of Nike shorts, but they feel a little bulky, so I also ordered the Oiselle Distance Short. Originally I ordered the Oiselle Roga, but these were just awful for me - I am a pear shape and the Roga short is cut pretty narrow through the leg. The Distance short is a little wider, so looking forward to trying them on a run.

I'm also in search of new sports bras. I've been using the C9 sports bra for Pilates - they are inexpensive and easy to obtain, both positives when you dislike shopping as much as I do. I ordered the Montiel Tear Drop bra and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. Montiel also has some adorable tops, so I bought one to try as well.

Now I need to research some new music and hydration solutions - I haven't had to worry much about either for short three mile runs. And just as important, I'm starting to look into fuel - pre, during and post long runs!

I'm hoping some of these new items will come in handy on our upcoming trip to Seattle. I've already started scouting running routes in the city!

PMA Certified!

I passed the PMA exam!! Woohoo! Okay, it was an insanely long but not too tough exam but still, I am happier than I thought I would be about it. I am now a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher. Yea me.

It's been a while since I posted about teaching, so what's been going on? Teaching has had its ups and downs the last couple of weeks, so the PMA exam is welcome news. My available schedule is finally what I want it to be: I'll be working mostly mornings, and just one night per week, allowing me to spend more evening time with Andrew and Zoey. Now I just need my mornings to fill up! 

An interesting thing has happened with the one night per week I am working. I started a new quartet late in the evening, recruiting a couple of my current clients as well as a friend's private client. Turns out, I love this class. It's my favorite hour to teach, and it's the last time in the world I would have chosen! The girls are so curious and so eager to move. They listen to instruction, they listen to my teaching moments and they even laugh at my dumb jokes and stories. More importantly, they challenge my teaching abilities with their strengths and weaknesses. Finally I feel like I have my class! I feel comfortable and confident teaching them, and I know that they are coming to take class from me. Who knew it would take this long, but I am thankful to finally have it. 

This week I'm also rediscovering - and remembering the joy of - self practice. For various reasons I have not been able to do my normal private sessions and have not taken class as much. Since I've been doing a lot of running lately, my body has been tight and tired! I finally motivated myself to do some Towel and Mat work, and it felt amazing! I've been trying to get more out of my body in movement and I felt strong despite the recent break. Z was very confused by the 100s though! 

Zoey does Pilates!