{Liebster Award-Part 1}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

I was nominated for a Liebster Blog Award which is super exciting. Thank you to JanaBananaRD for nominating me.

If you haven’t heard of this award, it’s an award for bloggers given by bloggers. When you are nominated for the award, you answer a set of questions asked by the blogger who nominated you and then nominate 11 other bloggers, and give those bloggers a set of questions to answer.

Below are the Q and A.

1. Why did you start blogging?
At first I started blogging to share my journey of training and running 50 marathons in 50 states. After catching up with the states I’d run, I found I really liked writing and sharing information about the sport I love with others. Writing has become a great creative outlet for me and place to not annoy my family and friends (most non-runners) with too many running conversations. I’ve also been reminded of how great and supportive the running community is. Running is like a secret club where everybody gets in by simply running some miles. It’s the best.

2. What is your favorite way to stay fit?

Based on the previous question it is probably obvious that running is my favorite. I’ve always loved the freedom, problem solving, stress relieving, and energizing properties of the sport. I do love to watch any sports Wisconsin, and love to do outdoor sports, too. Hiking and biking are other favorites of mine. I’m also falling in love with yoga and how it makes me feel better as a runner.

3. Where do you live?
I live in the great state of Wisconsin. The state of cheese, beer, and extreme winter running conditions. I live where it can be 60 one day and snowing the next. I live where summer humidity can be just as brutal as winter windchills. I live where nature’s beauty is always steps away and the biggest freeway is only two lanes wide. I live where people are kind, passionate about their Wisco teams, and we have amazing seasons to run, hike, and bike through.

4. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Source

Hmmm… This is a challenge for me. I get inspired by people everyday-my students, husband, other bloggers, quotes on pinterest…I guess I’m easily inspired. Perhaps the most inspiring people throughout a consistent period of my life was/is Suzy Favor Hamilton. As a young runner growing up in Wisconsin, Suzy Favor was the running hero. She won the state championship four years in a row and ran in multiple summer Olympic games. Despite her recent activities I still consider her an inspiration. We all have imperfections and challenges that we work to overcome. When I met her for the first time with the cross country kids I coached, she was nothing but sweet, patient, and kind. Today I consider Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan both inspirations, too.

5. What is your favorite food?
Do coffee and Diet Mountain Dew count? If not, then pizza. There are so many ways to change it up, make it healthier, or vary the flavor.

6. What’s the farthest that you’ve run (for fun or a race)?
26.2 miles plus some small negligible amount that is totally not negligible when you are in that position. That is until June 2014 when I attempt my first 50k.

7. What’s your favorite recipe to share?

Cowboy Caviar. I simply love the stuff. It is delicious, healthy, and brings back fond memories of summer grilling, no snow, and warmer temperatures. Plus, I haven’t met someone who doesn’t love it. I usually follow the above recipe and use half the sugar.

8. Who’s your favorite team to cheer for (any sport)?

Any Wisco teams. Right now…the Badgers. Final Four, Baby!

9. What’s the best group fitness class you’ve tried out?
Where I live fitness classes are very limited, but I’ve loved both the spinning and yoga classes I’ve taken. Both are great forms of cross training and make me feel stronger and healthier as a runner.

10. What’s your favorite thing about blogging?
Having a written record of the challenges and successes of the my journey and “meeting” other who love the sport as much as I do-that is not something I find often in my group of in person friends. Being able to gain ideas and insights as well as share them is invaluable. In a way we are all our own coach, so we help coach each other.

11. Are you going to pass on the torch and nominate 11 other bloggers?
Yes, but give me a few days. I’ve been really busy and like to make careful decisions. I will nominate 11 other bloggers in the next few days.

Thanks again to JanabananaRD for the nomination!

THE RULES:

1. Thank the blogger who has nominated you
2. Answer the questions given to you
3. Nominate 11 other blogs with less than 500 followers
4. Post 11 questions for your nominees to answer
5. Tag your nominees & post a comment on their blog to let them know that you have nominated them.

Sneaks & Stilettos

28Mar2014

{Friday Fab 5-Juicing, Bear Trax 20k, Go Badgers, Oiselle, Trampled by Turtles}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

Another crazy week, another day closer to spring weather. Or so we better be! Those of you living in the midwest and northeast I know you know exactly what I’m talking about.

{#1-Bear Trax 20k}

Even though I’ve been resting my foot for this past week I desperately felt the need to get a race on the calendar this spring. Last year at this point in the year I had already ran two marathons, a half marathon, and was about to run a couple more half marathons. This year I had a much more consistent training throughout the winter, but have had the nagging foot issue and have ran no races yet. I guess the positive is I bought more shoes that are flat. 🙂 Shoes make things better! Since I will be running my first 50k in early summer, I wanted to make sure I have several trail races on my training calendar. This will be the first one! Oh, and I’m scheduled to go skydiving the day before. AHHH…so excited!

{#2-Juicing}

I have been busy eating Easter candy in place of fruits and vegetable this week, so I had an overwhelming craving for fruits and veggies later in the week. Juicing is a great way to get a fast dose of lots of the good stuff. The recipes in this book are great, and I felt better immediately after…almost as if I had eaten a few less chocolate eggs. And we had been doing so well with keeping candy out of the house.

{#3-Trampled by Turtles…I know again}

Last Friday we went to our first Trampled by Turtles concert. Now I know I posted about this band last week, but they blew my mind. This is a band who is great on a recording, but phenomenal live. Ryan couldn’t believe how great they were live, too. Check them out!

{#4-Oiselle}

Through other bloggers I was introduced to this brand. I love the brands spirit, message and their running gear. This postcard came with an order from earlier this winter and its message (head up, wings out) has been following me around in my work planner. This year has been filled with so many new opportunities, challenges, and rewards. I’ve been carrying the postcard around to remind myself to keep my head up through the rough parts and keep my wings out to embrace the opportunities. I need the reminder sometimes (ok, who am I kidding…very often. I might as well tape the damn postcard to my shirt!) that even though new things can be scary and challenging, they can be so rewarding afterwards. BUT in order to get to the rewards, we have to have our wings out and head up and accept the challenges, not shy away. Being comfortable doesn’t usually take you as far as you could go with those wings! Trust me! Get those wings out.

{#5-Go Badgers}

Love my Badgers! Elite Eight baby! After last nights win we are moving on for the first time since 2005. Oh, and all my final four teams are still in the running! I probably just jinxed myself, but I’m excited (and Ryan only has two left). Go BuckY!

Happy Weekend!

I do plan to do some running this weekend…especially in the 60 degree weather on Sunday.

24Mar2014

{Motivation Monday-100 Happy Days}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Life always seems to fly by at such a crazy pace. The days pass by in a blur, moments go unnoticed, and often it feels like I didn’t take time to enjoy what the day had to offer. Moments of happiness, joy, contentment, and laughter can be found in each day, but we have to make time for them-something I fail to do too often.

Starting today I’m making a point to set aside a few moments each day to celebrate something to be happy about for the next 100 days. The 100 Happy Days Challenge will not always be easy. Some days are filled with happy moments while others can be overlooked. Some days it is easy to forget all the good things we have in our lives. The advantages to taking on this challenge are numerous, and we could all use a little slowing down and smelling the roses.

Running also has many mental facets and challenges. Training the mind to see things in a more positive way can benefit you on your next difficult run, speed session, or bonked race. Join me in my 100 day happy challenge! You can follow my 100 days of happy on Instagram (#100happydays), too. What do you have to lose?

And a little something to get your Monday started in a happy direction…

Happy Monday!

23Mar2014

{Wisconsin Marathon Training-Week 12}

Posted in Wisconsin Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

This week I only ran once. If I had to pick a week to be injured, I guess this would have been it. With lots of responsibilities, life events, and unexpected things popping up, running took a back seat this week. After sitting out most the week, I am so anxious to go for a run. My foot is feeling better, but where I go from here is on a day-by-day basis. I’d love to resume the training plan Monday, but we will see. The most important thing is giving my foot time off to heal so I can show up to the starting line healthy. Even more unexpected than missing my running time this week was how much I missed the fresh air and being outside. Having ran outside all winter this week has been the most I’ve been indoors and it was challenging.

Looking at Ryan’s training this week, I’d say my foot held not only me back, but Ryan too. Granted we had some unexpected family things happen this week.

Tuesday-5 miles (both of us)

Wednesday-Ryan lifted

Thursday-5 miles (Ryan)

Tip of the Week: Just because we didn’t do so well sticking to the training plan this week doesn’t mean you have to have the same experience. If you are injured or something feels painful, then by all means skip your run until you feel better or see a doctor. If you are healthy, then here are some tips to stay committed to your training plan.

1) Plan Your Workouts-Yes, your training plan tells you what to run and when. What I mean is look at your obligations and work load for the week. Are there days you need to move around? Will you need to move a p.m. run to the a.m? What might be going on this week that could negatively impact your training runs being completed. Be proactive and adjust your training plan to accommodate your week in advance to ensure all training runs have a time and a place. Sunday nights work great for this!

2) Run with Friends-Schedule a run or two for the week with a friend. Having someone to meet up with will increase the chance you don’t bail on your miles.

3) Log Your Miles-I log every run in RunKeeper. I get excited to enter my miles and see my progress towards my goal. Other apps or social media to try include Daily Mile, Strava, or even Instagram.

4) Spread the Word-Tell family and friends about your race or long runs. Knowing they might ask you about them and how they went will help you stay committed to your training.

5) Reward Your Hard Work-I almost always think of a personal incentive for after a long run or difficult speed session. Rewards could be food, but might also be a massage, new pair of running socks, a pedicure, or whatever interests you.

6) Move that Butt-Once you get home from work or out of bed in the morning, get your run on right away. Don’t make excuses or procrastinate because you only increase the chance you won’t make it out the door or have time for all your miles.

7) Cross It Off Your List-I love lists and crossing things off them. I have a paper copy of my training plan on the refrigerator so I can cross a workout off after I complete it. Something is so satisfying about the action of checking off a list.

8) Race for Your Race-Schedule a few tune up races to get some speed training in or a half marathon race as part of your long runs for marathon training. I love racing; the change in scenery is refreshing to your training, you get the opportunity to have a dress rehearsal for your big day, and it can rejuvenate and remind you of your training goals.

Total Miles-5 (Sarah) and 10 Ryan

Happy Training!

21Mar2014

{Friday Fab 5…March Madness, Spirit of the Marathon II, Trampled by Turtles, Bloody Mary…}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Unspool the Tangles}

Hearing another blogger mention how she might enjoy some alone time reminded me of how much I love running alone to unspool the tangles. I like training with Ryan, but I do miss my alone time on my runs when I was running just for me. I don’t feel like the tangles get unspooled as much when I’m running with someone. Anyone else feel this way?

{#2-Bloody Mary}

We enjoyed a Bloody Mary with a green beer chaser on Saturday. Oh, how I love a good, spicy Bloody!

{#3-Spirit of the Marathon II}

When I first heard Spirit of the Marathon II was coming out I might have peed a little I was so excited. I loved, LOVED the first one and still rewatch it anytime I want to be inspired and humbled by the sport I love again. While I’m super excited to watch it there is no way that is happening in the next week because…

{#4-March Madness is here!}

Once again Ry and I have a bracket contest going. I have won the last couple of years and am looking to keep the streak going. The mind blowing weird part this year: without even seeing each others brackets or hearing about what either had chosen, we’ve chosen the same two teams to make it to the final championship round. We each picked a different team to win it all. Could be interesting this year!

{#5-Trampled by Turtles}

I was recently introduced to this band by a coworker and his wife and all I can say is WOW. I love them. I’ve basically been listening to them on repeat for a month and a half. As luck would have it the sort-of-local, Duluth band is playing near us tonight. Can’t wait to hear them perform live tonight.
Check them out in the video below.

and one more of their songs I love (it’s a cell phone recording, but still good)…

17Mar2014

{Motivation Monday-Yoga Poses for Runners}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Going into this week I find myself needing some extra stretching and zen. Start your week off in a relaxed and positive way with yoga. One of my goals this year was to get more into yoga, and benefit from the injury prevention it can offer runners. The added plus has been that the more I do it, the more I love it. I’m really finding running and yoga go together so well. The last time I went to yoga all the nagging, aching muscles I often have were gone for the entire week following. Add in the foam roll like a pro tips (scroll down to bottom) from yesterday’s Wisconsin Marathon Training post, and you’ll be relaxed and like new in no time. Try these simple moves this week anytime you need a break, some stretching, or to enhance the other sports you do.

Namaste!

16Mar2014

{Wisconsin Marathon Training-Week 11}

Posted in Wisconsin Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

Thanks to a solid run on Monday, this was a good mileage week for both Ryan and I. This week brought out some emotional aspects of training that I wasn’t necessarily expecting. We all have our ups and downs when preparing for demanding physical feats. When I signed up for my first marathon my only fear was could I really run 26.2 miles? Would I be physically strong enough? Would my body hold up to the miles and the pavement pounding? What if my muscles tired too fast? Little did I know physical challenges are often the least of my worries when it comes to training, or they had been until this training cycle. My mind was often the biggest thing to overcome in past years. This year it seems to be both a physical and a mental battle I’m fighting. If it’s not one, then it’s the other. On some days it’s both.

Monday-17 miles, long run (both of us)

Monday’s long run was supposed to happen the day before (Sunday), but social choices got in the way. Monday’s weather was absolutely, freaking gorgeous, so I’d say it worked out in the end. At lunch it was 52 degrees and the sun was shining. I went for a drive with the windows down, sun roof open, radio blasting, and a large fountain drink in hand. It was a great fifteen minutes.

Post-work Ryan and I got down to business to get this 17 mile long run completed. We busted out the shorts and had an awesome run in the 59 degree weather. The bare leg feeling made us both feel like we had just started for the first 13 miles. We finished our run in 2:25, which was speedier than I’d expected for a long run. Bare legs just felt that good. Ryan tested taking GU’s earlier in this run so he is prepared on race day, and because when you start a long run at 5:15 after work and have not had dinner yet fueling is super important. The GU’s went fairly well and held our hunger over until dinner. We were both starving post-run. Remember to make sure to fuel with protein and carbs within 30 minutes of your long run to start the recovery process in a positive way.

Wednesday-easy 5 miles (Sarah)/8 miles (Ryan)

I was still sore as I did not drink hardly any water on either Tuesday or Wednesday. I did not do my body any recovery favors…oops! Sometimes I need the reminder though that being sore doesn’t always mean you need to skip a workout. My legs felt better than before the run after knocking out this easy pace recovery run. I contemplated skipping this run for about 20 minutes, but thought better of it. I was so glad I came to my senses even though it was back to running in the teens outside. As for my foot, that is another story. Damn that foot.

Saturday-8 miles (Sarah)

Sunday-18 miles (Ryan)/10 miles (Sarah)

Pre-long run stretching in our house!

Sunday’s run started off on the right foot, that is until my right foot started hurting again. The pain is hard to describe, but it is constant when running and walking. At mile six I was questioning if I should continue. I decided to head out for one more loop, but at mile eight I tearfully admitted to myself that it was stupid to push through the pain I was feeling. I handed Ryan the Garmin, and turned back for home defeated, upset, and feeling sorry for myself. How could the marathon runner be having worse training weeks than the first-time marathon trainer? I still feel frustrated by this, but have had an hour to mentally come to terms with today’s disappointing run. Monday’s run was awesome; no pain. Today-Grrr.

Sometimes training is great and other times it’s a bitch. But, I guess that is what training is for. It prepares you for the mental and physical rollercoaster you might have on marathon race day. I’ve ran marathons that have felt easy and effortless. I’ve ran marathons that felt difficult and challenging from mile 11 on. I’ve ran marathons where I ranged from jubilant to wanting to quit to ecstatic in a matter of miles. Sometimes the highs are high and the lows are really low. We come out stronger and prouder for taking on and overcoming the challenge. That is what the marathon is about.

No matter how many marathons I train for and run, I feel like I learn something new about myself, my body, and my spirit. It is a journey that is not always rainbows and sunshine, but what great things are always great? I need to focus on the quote above in the coming weeks. It is so frustrating to want to do something and have your body not want to. I know my mind wants to run the distance. My body just has to come along. For now I am busy scrunching a towel with my toes, stretching the foot, rolling arches with a soup can, foam rolling, and doing yoga stretches.

Tip of the Week-When aches and pains start (and they will!) foam rolling will be your new favorite love-hate relationship. The pain it brings is worth the pleasure in the end. I use my Trigger Point Foam Roller, which I bought on Amazon. I love the different spaced pressure points that allow you to vary your foam rolling experience. No idea how to foam roll? See the graphic below to get started.

Ryan’s Total Miles-43 miles

Sarah’s Total Miles-40 miles

Happy Training!

13Mar2014

{Friday Fab 5-The Simple Things}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Coffee}

Nothing makes any time of the day better like coffee!!

{#2-Thin Mint Puppy Chow}

Two of the best things on earth put together!

{#3-Log Off. Shutdown. Run.}

Sometimes it is this simple. You are one run away from happier and calmer.

{#4-Run and Laughter}

{#5-Snuggling Babies}

Little toes. Peaceful sleeps. Not on 3 am feeding duty!

Anyone running a St. Patrick’s/Shamrock themed race this weekend?

Happy weekend!

12Mar2014

{Apostle Island Ice Caves}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

Our cave adventure began after a half day at work on Friday. First order of business once on the road-caffeine! Caribou Coffee is one of my favorite’s after Starbucks.

After checking into our hotel, it was time for dinner at the Pier Plaza Restaurant, which was recommended to us from some locals.

The apple vinaigrette was amazing, and keeping in faith with my list of 30 things to do leading up to and during my 30th year, I had to sample some local beer. The South Shore Nut Brown Ale hit the spot with the fresh Lake Superior Trout and Whitefish fish fry. Yum!

The next morning we were up by 6:00 a.m. as friends of ours had told us to get to Meyer’s Beach early (where the hike to the cave begins.) With the ice caves being completely frozen for only the second time in over a decade and the polar vortex weather adding to the awe-inspiring frozen beauty, the ice caves are attracting people by the thousands. I hate crowds when enjoying nature, so it was time to haul butt to the lake.

Three dollars pays for your parking at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The rest of nature’s display is free! The distance to the first cave is just over a mile. From there you can trek across frozen Lake Superior another .6 miles and see cave after cave. The total out distance you can travel is three miles, which is what we did. We of course stopped along the way to take photos, play in the caves, and enjoy the best beauty you can find-nature’s!

If you live in the area and are thinking about visiting the Apostle Island Ice Caves, then be sure to call their ice line found on the link for current conditions. The ice was between 16-18 inches thick when we visited making it likely they will remain open through March 17 (according to their website as of today). This is obviously highly dependent on Mother Nature herself, so check in advance.

Apostle Island Ice Cave Tips:

1) Arrive early in the morning; no later than 7:00 a.m. to beat the crowds.

2) Where Yak Traks or something of the like. Boots are not enough if you really want to get out on the ice and climb, crawl, and explore.

3) Pack a snack and some water if you plan to spend hours enjoying the sights like we did. Bring your own breakfast, too.

4) Bring something to put your wrappers in. I saw people leaving their dog’s business behind and tossing their cigarette butts on the “ground”, which means this will all be in Lake Superior when it melts. Stupid people!

5) Dress warm! Nothing ruins winter fun like not dressing for the weather.

6) Bring ski poles if you want extra support or might have difficulties walking in snow and ice.

7) Bring a camera! I keep looking at my photos over and over reliving the morning.

After enjoying the ice caves we were starving so we headed to The Pickled Herring for some lunch, also inside the Pier Plaza Restaurant. After lunch we enjoyed a bit of sunshine in Bayfield before heading home on the 4.5 hour drive. The drive was so worth the beauty, and I am so glad we made these last-minute late winter plans. To not see the ice caves as they are this winter would be a shameful thing to pass up.

Nature always leaves me feeling rejuvenated, humbled, and grateful for the things I have.

Thank you nature!

10Mar2014

{Motivation Monday-Make it happen!}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Found on hungryrunner.tumblr.com

This is the week I get back on track. Back to meal planning. Back to running all my scheduled miles. I can’t keep doing what I’ve been doing and expect to have success during my intense racing season in late spring/early summer. I will make it happen!

What will you make happen this week?

Happy Monday!