This is What You Came For by Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna. I thought this was a no brainer because of the people. After listening to it about fifty times, I don’t think it’s my all time favorite, but it’s a good addition to the workout playlist.
Last weekend I ran the Richmond half marathon, which was my third half marathon ever. It was a lot of fun! I got to spend some time with great friends, and had a great run! Turns out I just keep getting faster! My first half marathon was the 2012 Richmond half and I finished in 2:04. Then in February of 2013 I finished the Colonial half marathon in Williamsburg, VA in 2:02. Last weekend my goal was to break the 2 hour barrier, but my expectations were low because I really only ran once, maybe twice a week this fall. I did a lot of cross training, but I didn’t think it was enough to improve my time.
My brother and me posing with the Governor pre race!
On Saturday it only took me 1 hour and 57 minutes to run 13.1 miles! I was so excited!
I had a terrible night’s sleep the night before, and I wasn’t feeling particularly well. But I took a few tylenol and suited up with the expectation to try my best. Once I started running I actually felt great! I was running pretty fast (for me) and I just kept pushing because it felt good. Here’s how the race played out in terms of splits and some of the songs I remember that came up on my shuffle.
1: 9:20- Weaving through the crowd at the start. Lips are Movin by Meghan Trainor- I got this at the beginning and towards the last couple miles.
2: 9:01- Found my pace. Irreplaceable by Beyonce- This was a short uphill. Beyonce=motivation.
3: 8:58- Gold Digger by Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx- This one got me through mile 3, and reminded me of senior year of college!
4: 8:55- So Emotional (David Morales mix) by Whitney Houston kept me moving.
5: 8:57- Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson came on- It’s a classic.
6: 9:06- I think this was a little uphill. Stutter by Marianas Trench got me through.
7: 8:56- I’m surprised my splits were that consistent for 6 miles straight. If I Could Change Your Mind by HAIM.
8: 9:14- This is a rough mile (for me at least) because you’ve run 8 and you still have 5 more. You need to refresh that motivation! Rich Girls by Down With Webster definitely made me laugh on the inside at this point.
9: 8:50 This was when I really decided I could push it and make sure the tank was completely empty at 13. Amazing by Kanye West feat. Young Jeezy came on, I think I listened to this 3 times in a row in mile 9.
10: 8:37- Killing it. Shake it Off by Taylor Swift- Obvi.
11: 8:36- Killing it. Bailando by Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul, Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, because Enrique is the pinnacle of inspiration.
12: 8:42- Killing it. Dancing On My Own by Robyn, because Robyn is awesome running music.
13: 8:23- full disclosure: the last half mile of the race is downhill. I have no idea what songs finished the race for me. I was just so happy to be finishing!
This unflattering look says I’m freezing, tired, and ready to take a shower asap. My brother is just happy he’s still in one piece. My dad is clearly elated with our accomplishment.
Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity of checking out the Revel in Atlantic City. Here’s a tip if you plan on checking out this new destination…plan on staying at another casino and take advantage of the cheaper room rates. I happened to have a comped room at Harrah’s which allowed me to save money on the room and gamble it away instead. I took a taxi over to Revel so I could take advantage of the complimentary drinks while playing the slots and table games.
When walking in the door of the Revel, here’s what you see.
This crazy escalator is only the first set of three escalators spanning the floors of entertainment that await you. The first floor is the casino floor as seen in the picture below.
There are extravagant light fixtures and furniture everywhere. This is the preview to the grand opening over Memorial Day weekend so not everything is open and fully functioning. There is a band that performs every night off to the side of the casino in what I’d like to call a mini auditorium. I am looking forward to going to the burlesque club in the fall. It was not open when I was there last week but the sign said that it was opening over Easter weekend. If it is anything like what I’ve seen so far, I’m sure it is every bit as extravagant as the lounge in the movie Burlesque. Who knows? Maybe Christina will perform there some day.
Those are the bathrooms! It’s so pretty I had to take a picture.
Beyonce is performing three nights over Memorial Day weekend for the grand opening. The tickets start at $95 and go up to $500. Better save up if you plan on attending that concert. I think I’ll just wait until September and take advantage of the off-season…Sorry Sasha Fierce!
Sadie Dishes 