Wrapping up April!

I cannot believe April is nearly over!  I thought I would wrap up the week and the month in one post.  I feel like April FINALLY got me back in the swing of things.  I was in a huge funk after the Princess Half, even though I had tried to prepare myself for it.  I think it was actually more weather than anything and now that spring is really here consistently and I'm able to run outside and enjoy the sunshine, I feel like myself again.  

This week was full of activity.  My toe is pretty much better, I'll lose the nail eventually but it doesn't hurt anymore, so that's good.  I ran three times, 4 miles each time and then spent some time looking into strength training.  I've been waffling about this for a while now and trying to find a way to work something into my schedule and found a book that really helped. 

I downloaded The New Rules of Lifting for Women and devoured it pretty quickly.  I have been wanting to work on my strength training but in the past I have used the machines or done programs with lots of repetitions and wanted to try some heavy lifting this time. Heavier weight, less reps.

I liked it and it looks like I will be able to incorporate 2 days a week of this plan in between my running.  They suggest 3 days but say 2 is ok as well. I have to be honest with myself, I want to RUN first and foremost and I just don't see adding three days of lifting in as well, so 2 it is. I did day 1 already and feel pretty good about it, it's been a while since I've done squats! 

A few springy shots of everything starting to bloom, from one of my runs this week.  The Redbuds and Dogwoods are blooming all over the place:

On top of the running, I pulled out and oiled up the chain on my bike and went for a ride yesterday!  It was awesome, I headed back to a trail in my town that I love riding on.  I haven't been back there since the last ride I took because it's a bit isolated and I don't feel comfortable running back there...I figure I'm faster on a bike. ;) 

 THEN, this morning Dallas wanted to ride, so I went for another!  I have such skillz, I even took a selfie while riding!  I think Dallas realized what I was doing though, HAHA, he looks unamused! 

Such a great way to finish off the week!  I'm surprised I'm not more sore after all the activity this week, but I feel fantastic.  

Lastly, after coming home, I tried out a protein powder.  I have never had PP, mostly because I just didn't think I would like it and never wanted to bother spending the money.  I decided that if I was going to try and build some muscle, I should at least give it a try. I'm a vegetarian, so it's probably even more important that I make sure I get extra protein...although, my Fage Greek yogurt has TONS of protein and I think I get a decent amount daily.  

 I mixed 2 scoops of EAS Lean 15 with a cup of almond milk and a small handful of frozen strawberries and blended it up.  

 Uh...YUM!!???!!!  I'm impressed!  This was really yummy.  BTW, I have not been paid, compensated, or contacted by EAS, this was just something I picked up and tried on my own.  As you can see, I could barely stop drinking it to take the shot.  ;)  If you are looking for a protein drink, this one is good. 

So how did your April shape up?  Are you excited for May? Do you use protein powder ever?