Cruisin’
Great workout this morning! I was cruisin’ on the treadmill! 
I ran 3 miles in 25:51, which is an 8:37 pace and fairly speedy for me, especially on a treadmill. For some reason, I’m slower on the treadmill than outside, but isn’t it the opposite for most people?
Anyway, in addition to feelin’ good on the treadmill, I got to test out my new Endure Elite Shortswear Short Sleeve shirt that I was asked to review by the company. (I had Mal snap some photos yesterday when we were snowed in.) Here’s my review…
LIKES:
- Super lightweight and comfy
- Convenient side pocket for an iPod, keys or ID
- Efficient sweat “wicking,” which kept me dry
- Affordable – cost is $15.95, which is pretty good for “performance” gear.
I also liked that the pocket had a zipper.
DISLIKES:
- Size – the small was HUGE on me! I guess these babies run big?
- Sweat wicking worked great, but the shirt remained damp for quite awhile after my workout
- Dry clean* only? Hmmm. I don’t think I’ll dry clean this shirt
The shirt was great for pug curls! 
*Even though the label says “dry clean,” the folks at Endure said they throw their shirts in the regular wash and dryer, which doesn’t impact the quality of the shirt. Good to know!
If you’d like your own Endure shirt (or a last-minute Xmas gift), you can use a special coupon code for 15% off: ENDURE101. It’s good through January 31st, 2010. Maybe buy one to kick-off the New Year?
Speaking of the New Year and fitness…
5K Training
I’ve decided to train for an upcoming 5K this March. My hip is getting better, so now I want to increase my speed. My 5K PR is 25:33 (8:14 pace) from last year’s Ras na hEireann 5K, which is a decent time, but I want to improve it.
I’ve decided to use a Beginner’s 5K Program from Cool Running to train for the race. I don’t really consider myself a “beginner” runner, but with my bum hip, I don’t want to overdo it with training. I’m sure that I’ll make some modifications to the training program, but hopefully, it’ll keep me on track and motivated me through the cold, dark winter months.
If anyone else is training (or thinking about training) for a 5K this spring, please let me know. Maybe we can get a virtual training group together. It’d be great motivation for the New Year!
Lunch
I needed some veggies in my life, so I threw together a big salad for lunch.
In the mix: salad greens, broccoli, tomato, cucumber, and balsamic vinegar.
On the side, I had a serving for pistachios. So good!
With H20…
After lunch, I enjoyed some homemade white chocolate-covered raisins. I had quite a bit of melted white chocolate leftover from the Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, so I stirred in some raisins.
Then, I spread the chocolate-coated raisins on wax paper and let them chill in the fridge for about an hour.
Viola! A delicious treat! 
I haven’t done any writing today. Blah. Better get to it!
Tags: 5K training, chocolate-covered raisins, Endure Elite Shortswear Short Sleeve shirt, pug curls
Allyson — December 21, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
A shirt for working out that is dry clean only?! That is so dumb!
Danielle (Coffee Run) — December 21, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
I like when athletic shirts have pockets but that is sort of rediculous to be “dry clean only.” Good luck on training for the 5K!
Estela @ Weekly Bite — December 21, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Love the chocolate covered raisins! One of my favorite treats!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — December 21, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
dry clean only?! HA!
yummm
LOVE THOSE CHOC. COVERED RAISINS
BethT — December 21, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
If the company washes theirs, I wonder why they still include the dry clean only tag in their shirts. Yay for pug curls! The only way buddy contributes to my workout is my licking my face while I’m trying to do pushups. Helpful.
Kerry — December 21, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
Tina – I run that race every year. I am up for some virtual accountability although it looks like I am training for Boston! so my training program might be a but much….Good luck.
Missy — December 21, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Oh, I’ve been looking for some affordable work-out gear! Thanks for the review!!
I am training for a 5k – I’m currently on week 6 of the C25K program and am lovin’ it. I’ve done 3 5ks previously but am just not a great runner so I’ve always had to walk for periods. I feel like I may have finally gotten the hang of it (and my body to cooperate) so I’m going to shoot for RUNNING a 5k in the spring (when it warms up a bit here in MN!).
Maria — December 21, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
I had to tone down my running because of my hip and “Dr.’s orders” to gain weight, but I would love to do a few 5 ks in the spring! My dad loves chocolate raisins, I will have to make him some:)
Kelly B. — December 21, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Goodluck on the 5K training! Should be fun!
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion — December 21, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Great job on your run!!! You salad looks great! I am having veggie envy! We are completely out of vegggies!!!!
brandi — December 21, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
the pug curls look like a great workout!
and great job on your run!
Sam (Merit to the Carrot) — December 21, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
Dry clean workout clothes are kind of sketchy to me.
Beautiful salads & pistachios, however, not so much. They make perfect sense
Rose — December 21, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
I don’t understand why that shirt would be dry clean only. Strange! Good luck with the writing
Bree(beeskneeslife) — December 21, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
I am also slower on the treadmill then outside! I always have been, no idea why. Good luck with the 5k training.
Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run — December 21, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
I run better outside – maybe not faster, but definitely better and I feel like I get more of a workout. That shirt looks huge!
Goodluck with the 5k training. I’m training for a few races (all different distances) this winter – I decided it was the only way to force myself to run outside. I’m usually good at coming up with excuses to avoid a winter run, but having races lined up Jan-April will make me want to train outside.
Happy running!
KellyB — December 21, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
I’m starting the Cool Runnings C25K training January 4th! I’ll be training on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. My 5K is March 27th. It would be cool to have a virtual group to train with!!
Chelsea — December 21, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
I think the people at Endure need to get that label changed…
I also run faster outside. You were SPEEDY today-great job!
April — December 21, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Another faster runner outside here!
Good luck with your 5k training!!
Kelly — December 21, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
I’m considering starting one of the structured running programs as well. I ran for 2 years, then had terrible piriformis syndrome problems. I haven’t run in almost 6 months. I did PT, but am still having troubles
I do a lot of hip strengthening workouts, but alas…still some popping/out of place hips and piriformis pain.
Anyway, I thought about doing one of the programs to prevent me from jumping in too fast on my way back up to running distance
Kristen @ Change of Pace — December 21, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
I run faster outside normally. I think it’s because I get so bored on the treadmill. Having a virtual training group is a good idea! I think even someone that you don’t know to talk to about running is nice.
Megan M. (Bites of the Apple) — December 21, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
I alwyas run slower on the treadmill!! I feel like I’m dying!!! Good luck w/ the 5K! Having a plan is the best in terms of motivation. I write it on a calendar and I’m 93426082904 times more likely to actually do it!!
Jenna — December 21, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
glad you decided to train for the 5K!
chocolate covered raisins look great
jenna
Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) — December 21, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
They should really change the label — no one is going to dry clean a workout shirt! Any savings on the initial price of the shirt would go out the window after a few trips to the gym…
I’m running a half-marathon in late March, and my training program starts today! Good luck with the 5K
Kacie — December 21, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
I’d love to join a 5k virtual training group! I am also recovering from a hip/groin injury- they never diagnosed me with more than a “severe muscle strain/sprain” which I didn’t find so helpful but after about 8 months of no running I finally was able to start again this summer. I ran a 5k in october but SO SLOW. I am not a huge treadmill fan so I definitely need some extra motivation to keep at it until I can get back outside again!
Tara — December 21, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
If you start a virtual running group, I’d love to hop on board as well.
I haven’t ran a race since high school, but there is a 5k in April that I have thought about signing up for.
Madeline @ greensandjeans — December 21, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
I am definitely slower on the treadmill! I think I think I am slower than I actually am! I try to do speedwork on the treadmill to push myself a little more!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — December 21, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
Great run!
Jessica @ How Sweet — December 21, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
Ooooh I like those raisins!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — December 21, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
no. do not dry clean that shirt.
Erin — December 21, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
Yum, those raisins look great!
Brynne — December 21, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
I feel like I’m slower on the treadmill than outside too! Maybe because of the lack of scenery?
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) — December 21, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
I’m the same way on a treadmill v. outside running!
Harriet — December 21, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
I’m slower on the treadmill too, i’m always scared i’m about to fall off after an incident on one before.
Good luck with the 5k, i’m hoping to do some races in spring and hopefully a 5k will be one of them.
Your PB is one second faster than mine!
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen — December 21, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
I’m glad to know that the shirt stays damp for a long time…otherwise, it looks great! Good luck with the training, you’ll do great in that 5K!
eatingRD — December 21, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
I’d say your already ready for the 5K! that’s an awesome time to me. I just recently started running and did a 5k turkey trot in 28:36, but I’d like to continue the training & increase mileage
Have a good holiday!
Tasha — December 21, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
I did a 5K on Thanksgiving Day last year, but I couldn’t really run the whole thing. I’d like to train with that program you mentioned for a spring 5K, but first all of this darn snow needs to melt!
K — December 21, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
Oh my gosh! The pug curls are so cute!! Good luck with your training! I’ve been contemplating running a 5k in 2010 so I may take part.
Naomi — December 21, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
i made some peppermint bark on sunday too! a bit different than yours but they all taste amazing, right?
love the pug curls!! good luck with your training! where is the 5k in March? I am local and would LOVE to do it as well!
Jeannie — December 21, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
I want to do a 5k in a few months and need to get training. Would love some motivation if you start up a virtual training group. Might be the kick in the butt I need!
Emily Eats and Exercises — December 21, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
I’m also faster outside than the treadmill. I always thought it was the opposite, but I always feel like I’m dying when I try to increase my treadmill speed to my outdoor pace.
I’ve just done a 5K and 4 miler but I’d like to train for a 10K – if you set up a virtual training group, let me know.
Marisa (Loser for Life) — December 21, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
I’m so glad you said that you are slower on the treadmill than outdoors; I thought it was just me!
I was using that same training schedule for 5K, but considering my bum hip, running 5 days a week was a little much. I cut back to 3 days and I do the hip strengthening workout you posted on my weight training days. My hip seems to be cooperating!
Dry clean workout clothes? What were they thinking!
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad — December 21, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
I totally agree! My treadmill running is much slower than my outside running. I think it is the opposite for most people though.
Julie @ Pickley Pear — December 21, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
How do you get all these products to review? I’d LOVE to do that.
My running on the treadmill is definitely slower than outside. I feel like I am sprinting to nowhere land on the treadmill, where outside I keep a steady pace around 9 min/mile pace. Treadmill I can’t go faster than 6.5mph for any duration of time.
I ran a 5k on Saturday in the snow! Talk about using different muscles. Time = 30:13. I ran a half marathon in October at 9:27 pace, but have taken some time off due to an IT band issue. I’ll be back at it soon though…or when the snow clears off the sidewalk!
Ali — December 21, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
I definitely run slower on a treadmill…Your iced coffee always looks so delectable, but I just can’t drink coffee…
And I hate to be “that girl” but I do consider your blog to be professional- I think you would agree- so I have to tell you that you misspelled the word cruisin wrong. You accidently forgot the first ‘i’….I hope you don’t take this offensively- just trying to help!
Anne @ the doctor takes a wife — December 21, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
I’m training for my first 5k in the spring
I haven’t found a race to sign up for yet, but I know there are about a million in my area. I’m a god-awful runner and trying to spin it around!!
I’m using Cool Running’s Couch 2 5k
(recaps on the bloggy) I’m still pretty slow at week four, but I”m getting there!!
Karla — December 21, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
I’m kind of weird, I really like running on the treadmill! Running outside, not so much…
Jerilynne — December 21, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
I definitely run slower on the treadmill than I do outside! I don’t know if it’s because I get bored? Or I have it in my head that x-mph is “sooo fast” and therefore so much harder but outside I have no idea how fast I’m going so I just go?
Whatever the reasons.. it sounds like you had a fantastic run, I’m glad your hip is feeling better!
erica — December 21, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
I’m on week 7 of the Cool Running 5K training. I wouldn’t say I ‘needed’ training per se but it’s kept my running more structured and me more disciplined. I really like it and think it’s prepared my body better!
emily — December 21, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
im training for the same race =D I think it will be so much fun!!
ANNE — December 21, 2009 @ 5:46 pm
I’m slower on the treadmill than outside too! I wonder why that is…
Tamzin — December 21, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
Those raisins look so good! I have a sore hip too but my spin classes and yoga are definitely making it stronger hopefully I’ll be back running soon I love it! x x
Leah — December 21, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
I find that Im WAY slower on a treadmill than outside. I get bored on the treadmill, plus Ive noticed if Im outside and there are people that can see me I go a little faster just so I dont look lazy.
Samantha — December 21, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
I am training for a 5K, but mine is at the end of January (the 23rd!!)…its so close!! I would love to run another in the spring though, when there is nicer weather!
Jenny — December 21, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
Tina, you are a machine girl! Great workout and you looked fly doing it
alison — December 21, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
i hope those homemade yogurt raisins fuel your writing this evening. they look great!
Nicole — December 21, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
I was currently training of a half in April and then I broke my big toe. I am pretty much starting from scratch so I would love to get a group together. I am thinking of doing a 5k in the spring then I have a 7 miler in August on the Cape and then hopefully a dualathon in Oct. in MD.
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) — December 21, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
Hey Tina, I just got an email about the March 5K and I’d definitely be willing to run it. Let me know if the whole virtual training group comes to fruition. That could certainly be a motivator.
tami — December 21, 2009 @ 10:49 pm
Tina,
The virtual training program sounds great! Im signing up for a half marathon in the summer. So if anyone needs wants to buddy up for a half im game.
Megan — December 21, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
Hi Tina,
I just started running and would love to train for a 5K. I can finally run 3 miles, but I am super slow. The race in Somerville looks like fun! I live very close, so I might try and sign up for that one. Please let me know if you start up some kind of virtual training group. It would be great motivation for the new year. I am getting married in 2010, so the more things to motivate me the better.
Jessica — December 21, 2009 @ 11:31 pm
I am going to start training for a 1/2 marathon at the end of December. Would love to join your virtual group if you start one! I’ve just gotten over a hip stress fracture so this is HUGE for me. It’s the ING in Atlanta at the end of March. I’m super excited about it!!
Kayla — December 21, 2009 @ 11:38 pm
Hi Tina!
Good luck on the training, my new years res is to run a marathon, so I’ve got a lot of work to do. I just ran a 5k on saturday it was a benefit for 4 police officers that were shot and killed earlier this month close to where I live. It was great, but I only found out about it the night before so I had no training for it, but I actually did great. I’m happy you are recovering so well, keep up the good work!
Good Taste. Healthy Me. — December 21, 2009 @ 11:50 pm
I’m a beginner and I really want to run a 5K this season. Definitely let me know if you put anything together. I’ll be really interested!
Haley — December 22, 2009 @ 10:12 am
It looks like it is a MEN’s shirt. The sleeve length, the cut, and the website all hint that it could be cut for a male… I bet if they made one for women it would fit better. Good luck with the 5k training I’m going to check out the program too.
Amanda — December 22, 2009 @ 10:20 am
I would definitely be in for a virtual 5k training group! I’ve started the C25K program a few times but always lose motivation around week 4… it would be GREAT to have some people to be training with!
diana(mymarblerye) — December 22, 2009 @ 10:41 am
OMG. your pr is SO good! I can’t believe you are such a perfectionist that you would wanna do better than that!
If I could run that fast I would be doing all sorts of crimes around my neighborhood!
Cole — December 22, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
Wow! You are the second person today I’ve read that has reviewed that same shirt…you guys had pretty much all the same points too, small world? Ha!
Elina — December 22, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
I’ll run a 5K with you! I haven’t done a 5K in a few years and I’m sure (ok I hope) I’ve gotten speedier. It would be fun to get that confirmed