Simply Nicole

| a lifestyle blog by Nicole Raudonis, focused on healthy living, home decor, travel and more

Runner’s World Half Festival (Part 1)

| 26 Comments Categories: Events, Fitfluential, Races, Weekend Recap

The Runner’s World Half Festival technically started on Thursday night for the Fitfluential bloggers, but I couldn’t make it out to Bethlehem until Saturday morning.  I’m going to be doing a recap of the Runner’s World festival in three parts, because it’s just way too much amazing-ness to put into one post.  First up – Running my first … [Read more...]

Gearing up for Runner’s World

| 5 Comments Categories: Gear, Races, Running

Yesterday after work I went to Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods for shopping a a little shopping trip.  It wasn’t a large shopping trip, but I had a blast anyway.  First I had to stop by Target and return a bridesmaid dress that didn’t fit me for my friend Lauren’s wedding.  I purchased two sizes online and had to return the one that … [Read more...]

Running Pop Quiz

| 8 Comments Categories: Running

Good morning!  Today I wanted to do a survey that I saw recently on Janae’s (Hungry Runner Girl) and Ashley’s (Running Bun) blogs called the “Running Pop Quiz.”  Let’s get started! 1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other? I’ve only tried Shot Bloks and they upset my stomach.  I was a big fan of Sharkies a few months … [Read more...]

Weekend Recap (9/29 - 9/30)

| 10 Comments Categories: Half Marathon Training, Running, Weekend Recap

Saturday On Saturday morning, I had to wake up normal time for work at 5:30 to start making media calls.  There was an event on Saturday afternoon that I’d been pitching to reporters for almost two weeks and I had to get up early to try and finalize TV coverage. At around 3 or so, Bry and I went to the gym in hopes that I’d get my long run … [Read more...]

Falafel Goat Cheese Salad

| 13 Comments Categories: Dinner, Food, Half Marathon Training, Recipe, Running

Yesterday after work I made my way over to the gym with Bry for a short run.  On the schedule for yesterday was 3 miles, and surprisingly I didn’t back out of this one.  I categorized the run as “great” on DailyMile! *Note: I did not do this run 2 minutes ago.  It was done last night.  Not sure why that time is wrong… Let me … [Read more...]

Lessons from a Terrible Run

| 12 Comments Categories: Advice, Half Marathon Training, Running

First off, I want to apologize if any of you follow me on Twitter and saw the crazy amount of tweets last night about Big Brother.  I tweeted 13 times about Big Brother last night in a very short time period.  For those of you who watched it last night and follow me on Twitter, you know I was super excited that Ian won!  I was Team … [Read more...]

Fewer Miles, More Speed

| 11 Comments Categories: Advice, Running

Good morning!  After work yesterday, I brought Bryan along with me to the mall for an important shopping trip.  We didn’t get home until around 8 pm, and I was showered and in bed by 9:30.  Exhaustion at its finest! Today I have to get 3 miles completed after work, because I took Monday and Tuesday off this week.  I’m actually … [Read more...]