Waiting on April Showers

Let's take a 180 degree turn and get in tune with my preppier side. As in prep-for-rain side :).

In preparation for the rainy season, I gave up a pair of barely worn rain boots to someone that truly needed them.

Let me explain by starting at the beginning.

A few weeks ago I was sorting through my boots and realized I've worn my rain boots twice since 2015. TWICE. Because fashion moves so quickly this particular style of rain boot couldn't be sold and honestly I've worn them in the mud - wouldn't be right to sell them after a muddy experience. 

Instead I listed them on Craigslist for free and found someone who was super gracious for the freebies. It felt so good to give someone something they couldn't afford but needed. So, I listed a few more free items on there.

Rain Jacket: J. Crew  Shirt: Madewell  Jeans: Lucky Brand  Necklace: baublebar (old similar here)  Rings: Zoetik  Watch: RumbaTime  Purse: c/o Patricia Nash  Shoes: c/o Bearpaw  Lipgloss: c/o NARS - Priscilla

And with the additional space (and sticking with my one-out one-in rule) I went ahead and got something I will genuinely use. Like this gorgeous mint rain coat

You're probably wondering, what about rain boots or keeping your feet dry? Luckily a few of my boots are already weather-proof so until I desperately need a pair I'm probably going to pass for now.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop the look:

Let's Chat

Hope some of you were inspired by yesterday's post and hit the ground running!

If not, that's cool too :).

This post isn't about pretty clothes or what's new in NYC - instead it's more of a life update about two things. 

First, I got a new job that I actually really like! How awesome is that. Same role, just a better work atmosphere and more positivity floating around. At my last place I felt overwhelmed and burnt out nearly everyday. Carrying around all that stress was bad for my soul and really bad for my neck. So you can only imagine how thankful my body is for this change of pace. Sayonara negativity and stressful days!

With this new job I'm taking on brand new clients so I may have to cut back on posting. Instead of four there will be three posts each week until I get situated. While I initially get settled in for the month of April - I'll be offline to really focus on my clients (#girlboss tactics) and that second thing.

Second thing being a redesign of my blog on an entirely new platform (Squarespace). Might as well give up ALL of my April brunches now, right?

So please, pardon my absence during April or peruse my archives (although don't go to far back) until I'm back on May 1st! And trust the days will fly by during April. 

P.s. Did I mention we can always connect on social?

Find me at @thestyleboro on InstagramTwitter, or Snapchat (username: thestyleboro)

Photos via Pinterest.

Training for the BK Half

In less than ten weeks, I'll be running my first Brooklyn Half! I've heard such great things about this fun (yes, fun) and flat race - I seriously can not wait.

What's getting me so pumped is training in decent weather, compared to those brutal wintery months (during the polar vortex no less) the NYC Half calls for. It's going to be a walk run in the park.

Being that this isn't my first rodeo and a few of you have asked about my training, I decided to lay-out my entire plan. I've already started back on the 8th of March and have a few hundred more miles ahead until race day.

As with any training or start of a new exercise routine, make sure you get the go ahead from your physician. AND, listen to your body throughout this or any training plan you decide to go through with. Running is tough on every part of your body, so if you need to slow it down - slow it down.

 Shoes are also an important part of this equation; make sure they cushion your feet all the way to your knees. Any runner's store can help you select the perfect pair. For me, I never run in anything else but my Saucony's Guide 7 - they just complement my stride.

Last but not least, this is my running plan adjusted to fit my lifestyle and endurance. If you need to make modifications, by all means do it and power through!

Here are a few handy articles to help you understand a few key training measures:

- Learn more about cross training here. My cross training involves a spin, pilates, or yoga class.

- This video explains what and how to do a fartlek and shows an example.

- Read about tempo runs and how to do them here.

- If you rather do a regular run instead of fartleks or tempo runs, go for it but try and include some hilly terrain to help with training.

Not running the BK Half? This plan can pretty much work with any Half as long as you start ten weeks out. I always refer to it when gearing for any Half actually :).

If you're an ultimate beginner backtrack a little bit: go for 30 minute jogs until you can progress to 30 minute runs, when you're able to do a solid three miles then proceed with a version of my running plan. Remember small  steps make for big strides later on.

Until race day gets here catch me on the run at @thestyleboro or search for me with this hashtag #aileenrunsnyc.

Feel free to email me with any questions and don't forget to stretch after running!!

All photos via @NikeWomen.