{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Local Beer}

Ryan and I love sampling local beer. I saw this brew a month ago and have been waiting for the perfect time to try them out. Tonight is my second night not working and at home in the past two weeks, so there was no time like tonight. We liked both Capital Brewery’s Lake House and Island Wheat. I added a flower from our backyard! Perfect.

{#2-Bumper Sticker Truth}

Saw this in the parking lot of Walgreens. Truth!

{#3-Caprese Pasta Salad}

The flavor of this pasta salad was awesome! It was so unique; the fresh garlic and basil along with pine nuts gave this pasta dish a flavor all its own. Ry and I decided we might add some chicken next time for some extra summtin’ summtin’…;)

{#4-All Trails App}

So the picture above is how I spent more time than I care to admit (hours) planning my runs for while we are on vacation for two weeks. While for some this might be a waste of time, it is the best guarantee I have for completing some high mileage weeks in deathly hot conditions, and increases the chances of running in some awesome locations. Plus, I LOVE running in new places, exploring new trails, and seeing new things. I’m giddy just thinking about it. Knowing where I’m completing each run, what the terrain will be like, and how to get there takes all of the guess work out of running while on vacation. Definitely worth it if you want to get your runs in. Check the All Trails app out for your phone which will find your location and tell you about nearby trails. You can also use their website after becoming a member. It is my go to for finding trails at home and on vacation.

{#5-Popsicles}

Summertime and warm weather mean popsicles. I mean who doesn’t like them; even the cast on Mad Men said so! I’d been looking for the perfect popsicles containers and I believe I’ve found them. I will be posting all about popsicles in a separate post because I try to keep Friday’s short. Today’s flavor, we will call Lime Berry, included blended strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries (3.5 cups), greek strawberry yogurt (1.5 cups), and fresh squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime). Cheaper than buying them in the store and way healthier, too.

What do you do in the summer to stay cool?

Happy Weekend!

19Jun2013

{Glow in the Deke 5k}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

So last week I got this postcard pictured above in the mail. I had sort of forgotten all about this 5k race I did last October with some of my best friends. This 5k is not about competition, rather it is about having fun. The race is at night hence the the Glow in the Deke title. The race had been going on for several year, but last year they changed it up completely. Last year we got really cool technical tees with a big star on it that glowed in the dark just for registering. The star on the front glowed surprisingly very bright. Add glow sticks and jewelry and you’ve got yourself a good time.

But wait, there is more! The race started and finished at UW-La Crosse. From there the course took runners and walkers through the scenic marsh trails of La Crosse which were lit up with glowing lights to illuminate the way. If you did the race then you too got a peak at my favorite tree all decked out in lights and paper lanterns.

Us by my favorite tree!

After the race there was a band, food, and beer for those interested in celebrating after their hard work. The best part of this race though is the money raised goes towards the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse. The race had both runners and walkers and is perfect for people of all ages. Kids love the glow stuff; adults like the chance to ~~exercise~~ have a beer (responsibly of course). What a perfect way to be a role model for your children in how to lead a healthy active life and support your community by getting out there with them. The race was well ran, organized, and very family friendly. It was a win-win race.

We didn’t want to be rude and let the beer go to waste.

Next years date per the postcard is Saturday, October 12. Mark your calendars. It sounds like race organizers are going to make this years Glow in the Deke even more fun. Check out www.glowinthedeke.com for more information.

18Jun2013

{Race for the Heart Half Marathon}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

Lately I’ve been working on eating local and unprocessed foods. I decided to translate that to running races this year, too. After traveling around to races over the past few months, most of my races will be close by this year. I’m running local!

By racing local I don’t always have to stay in a hotel, which is easier for my schedule right now and my wallet. I also get bored by the monotony of running the same paths for long runs and am really trying to run at least two long runs a month somewhere new and unexplored. This keeps running fresh and exciting. By signing up for races I also ensure I get all of my long runs done. I don’t have the I-want-to-sleep-in opportunity and then it gets too hot to finish every mile. It also prevents last minute plans from interfering. Races hold me accountable. They also stop me from having too many beers the night before. Been there, done that, learned that lesson.

Whenever I run a new race in Wisconsin I always get excited to explore new parts of the state, see new trails, and experience the diverse beauty of our state. On Saturday, I raced in Wisconsin Rapids. I had been to Wisconsin Rapids once before when I was in middle school, and drove through it a few years ago. So basically I knew nothing about this city. When looking at the race overview a few things attracted me to this race: 1-distance from my house, 2-the course (all bike path trails), 3-SHADE, the course was mostly shaded (amen in the summer), 4-it supported the Boys and Girls Clubs, 5-price (it was only $35) which included a t-shirt. When I picked up my packet I was surprised to see some other great swag for such a small race. Often small town races don’t offer anything which I understand. The juice, chapstick, granola bar were all unexpected, but awesome additions.

Great race swag for a very small race.

I worked the night before getting home around 11:45. I was in bed an hour later and you guessed it-didn’t get much sleep. Five hours later the alarm went off and I was up to get ready. Same old story, just a different race it seems. BUT the totally new thing! Wait for it, wait for it…I was not running late for the race. I go to the race 30 minutes before the start. While this may not even be close to enough time before a big city race, it is LOTS of time before a small race.

Speaking of small, I knew the racing field would be small, but I had no idea just how small. There were 41 of us a the start. No I didn’t count as the national anthem was being sung, I looked at the race results. The 5k which started an hour later had many more runners and walkers. Don’t get the small size thing wrong; the race was very well organized and had many features of a larger race such as an official start and finish, well marked course, very well aided water stations, and medical people always nearby.

My goal for the race was to treat it like a long run and run smart. I was not running this race to race, but rather as a training run. By running smart I mean, not start too fast like I’ve started doing recently. I needed to remember when I got the urge to go faster that when I crossed the finish line, I was not finished. I would have three more miles to go. The last five miles I had planned to run at goal marathon pace or faster as my training schedule dictated. I wanted to run comfortably fast.

The race started outside the Rapids mall along the Wisconsin River. Mile one took us along the Wisconsin River and then mile two led us out onto the shaded bike paths. The bike paths are part of a larger system of trails along the Wisconsin River.

It had been raining until about an hour before the race, but the clouds stuck around for about 3/4 of the race. Mother nature must have been on my side that day. Mile 3 continued on the bike path leading closer to the city of Port Edwards.

mile 1-8:20

mile 2-8:41

mile 3-8:47

Miles four and five we passed through Port Edwards via the bike path. At one point there was a family standing on the bike path cheering runners on. Their young daughter said as I passed, “She’s running really, really, really, fast.” I smiled and thought to myself, thank you small child! Your view of the world is so awesome because in truth I am not running really, really, really fast.

mile 4-8:41

mile 5-8:47

Mile six and then the turnaround at mile 6.5 were in Nekoosa with a turnaround in Riverside Park. One thing I love about out and back courses is you can see the competition as it is coming back after they’ve turned around. Around mile six I started counting ladies to see what place I was in. At the half way point I was the sixth female in the race. I had stuck to my race plan of running this like a long run. I was feeling great.

While the course didn’t take us into Nekoosa the Swiftwater Mural is a unique work of art in the city.

mile 6-8:27

mile 7-8:36

Mile 8 marked the last six miles of the race, so it was time to pick up the pace to my goal marathon pace or faster for the rest of the half marathon. This is when I began passing other girls.

mile 8-8:21

mile 9-8:20

mile 10-8:15

Mile ten I was in third place for females, and I could not see the first two women. I was running just barely comfortably fast. It was warm enough out that I didn’t have a dry spot on my body. Mile ten I passed a man in his sixties who was movin’ butt. I love how the sport of running can be so humbling. Here I am 30 some years younger than this man and he has been ahead of me for ten miles. He was awesome.

I started to get a bit tired around mile 11. By mile 12 I didn’t have a lot of gas to go much faster. I had stuck to my plan, maybe a bit quicker. I didn’t need to go faster, but the inner competitor just makes me. It’s like it takes over your brain and body and you CANNOT stop it. Your legs just go faster, your arms pump harder, your brain focuses harder. Even if you’re tired, you still find a way to go faster.

mile 11-8:10

mile 12-8:00

mile 13-7:51

I crossed the finish line as the 3rd female. I had hoped to be under 1:50, but just missed it. Overall I was super excited about how I ran, where I am at in my training, and how I handled the very humid and warmer day. Normally I really struggle when it gets in the 70’s and/or is humid. Today I didn’t. In a race that I kept the pace comfortable during most of the race ended up being my third fastest half marathon. I feel my speed coming back. Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf.

Either way I wasn’t done with my run. I was pretty sure one of the first two runners was in my age group and they only gave awards to the winner of each age group, so I had a small bottle of water which they handed out at the finish and continued on for my last three cool down miles in the opposite direction of the race.

I ran along the Wisconsin River, past the “wisconsin” rapids, and turned around. It was a gorgeous day with great trails. How lucky these people are to have shade available all summer long. Experiencing a new city was just what I’d hoped it would be. It adds a bit of adventure to the everyday. And Cran-Grape never tasted so good after a warm long run.

Race for the Heart Half Marathon
Time: 1:50:17
Pace: 8:25
Overall: 9/41
Gender: 3/22
Age Group: 1/6*

*As I wrote this post and looked up my results, it turns out I did win my age group. I need to enjoy this last year in this age group all year. Next year it will be a different ball game.

17Jun2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Run for whatever reasons you have…

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Run from people chasing you. As in one of my favorite Nike commercials starring a former Olympic runner from Wisconsin, a role model of mine growing up, and someone I got to meet with my cross country athletes a few years ago-Suzy Favor Hamilton.

While she has had a rough year, to those who are quick to pass judgement, remember the saying that you can’t really understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Unless you’ve “run” a mile in her shoes, remember she still earned more records in high school and in the NCAA while at UW-Madison than anyone else from Wisconsin to date. Even elite runners are entitled to run from something. What do you run from?

I run from _________________. You fill in the blank.

Happy Monday!

13Jun2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

With summer started I have a few extra hours each day now that I work shorter shifts at night rather than teaching and commuting all day. What does a girl do with her free time while her hubby is teaching summer school-so far more cooking, cleaning, running, and more cooking. With so much fresh produce we bought last Sunday I want none of it to go to waste.

{#1-Homeade Ceasar Dressing}
I made my own version following this recipe. Yes, I grilled the French bread and the lettuce. Ry thought I ruined the grill by putting lettuce on it. I told him the grill would be just fine. It was awesome because I left out the anchovies and we used grilled chicken for protein instead.

{#2-Pinto Bean Salsa}
I already blogged about this, but it really is so amazing it deserves a second mention. I used olive oil instead of veggie oil and used half the sugar in the recipe and it was still one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Make some now! You will be so glad you did.

{#3-Summer Runnin’}
Summer runnin’ had me a blast. Summer runnin’ happened so fast…and now that song is in your head! Over the past week I ran 40 miles and have been embracing summer heat- a feat unheard of in my house before. I’ve been running late morning to noon when the sun is high in the sky. It has been rough at times, but I haven’t quit like summers past. Maybe it is because summer runnin’ had me a blast or the fact that I have an important race in September?

{#4-Honey Lime Fruit Salad}
Of course more food! Now don’t get me wrong fruit salad rocks all on its own, but if you want to step it up and take it to the next level, then this is where it’s at. The added lime zest and honey (I used half the amount) really add something to regular fruit salad. I added blueberries because something just didn’t look right and a squeeze (okay like 4) of fresh lime juice. All I can say is awesome! It is what I thought about at the end of my hot runs!

{#5-Good Guide}
I came across this website when reading about Johnson and Johnson having formaldehyde in their no more tears wash. This site is AMAZING. Search for products you and your family use everyday to find out how they rank in terms of health, environment, and the companies social issues/treatment of others. You can look up anything; from toothpaste to sunscreen, to pet food to baby food, and electronics to cars, you can become more aware of how that product stacks up against others in order to make smart and healthy choices for you and your family. I learned so much after spending just a little bit of time on this site. Go ahead and make your own lists and save them. You’ll love this site- www.goodguide.com

Happy Weekend!

10Jun2013

{Monday Motivation}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

So, I don’t know many people who don’t like bacon. That’s the reason you can get bacon inspired almost anything these days. From candles to vodka, bacon is everywhere. Now this post isn’t about bacon rather the idea of working out in order to eat whatever food it is you love. Awww…sad i know! One of the reasons I love running is you can enjoy those foods you love without going up a pant size the next day. I’ve NEVER been one to black list foods or not allow myself to eat the things I really enjoy, however there are too many times when one treat becomes two or three.

Lately as life got busy and stressful I found it hard to eat well. And now I can FEEL it in everything I do. I feel tired, I feel weak, and I feel lazy. My runs feel like crap. My face looks like I should have just turned 13. Today’s motivation is really about the balance between what we eat and how we feel.

Since we really are what we eat, yesterday we went grocery shopping to bring back the healthy foods we like and need to eat. I Pinterested my way through a bunch of new recipes which I’ll share the best ones. Getting organized is what I find to be the key to eating healthy and living a fast paced life.

Step 1-Plan meals out and make lists of what you need to buy. Next to produce rank food with a 1-4. Ones are foods that spoil in one week, twos spoil in two weeks or less, etc. I got this idea from this blog where you can read more about how she sticks to a budget while buying healthy food.
Step 2-Eat before you go to the grocery store. Empty stomachs do not equal good food choices or friendly wives. 😉
Step 3-Buy groceries.
Step 4-Unpack groceries and cut up produce. Yes this takes time, 1.5 hours for me last night, but you are much more likely to snack healthy and prepare meals at home when busy if you’ve taken a bit of time to do this in advance.
Step 5-Put food in refrigerator based on the number you gave it. Shelf 1=eat during week 1.

These steps make healthy eating more convenient and you won’t waste any of the precious produce you bought. This week commit to eating well and making healthy food choices. Make your choices livable, ones you can continue with for life. Sure you can still have your bacon…or whatever your favorite food, but remember to balance it out with some good for you stuff too. Your mind and body will thank you!

Happy Monday!

7Jun2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-GU Chomps}
Last week on my long run I brought these along to try because I knew I wouldn’t need much fuel for the run. If I didn’t like them, then I’d survive. I liked them and they did their job of providing energy to my muscles to keep powering my run. If you feel like you need to chew something in order to feel energy, then the GU Chomps would work well for you. I am so used to the GU gels that chewing while running felt like extra work. I find sometimes it is the little things that annoy me when running most, so I try to avoid them at all costs. They were tasty, handy, and effective for those interested.

{#2-Sweaty Bands}
In honor of Memorial Day, my favorite headband company was offering 20% off last week. I took advantage of this deal ~~knowing~~ hoping summer running is upon us. These bands hold hair back, stay in place, and are super cute.

{#3-State Track}
Last weekend was state track at UW-L and several runners from our high school ran. It was fun to watch them perform and think about how far they’ve come since being in middle school track and cross country. Watching high school races always reminds me of how and why I fell in love with the sport of running in the first place. Such amazing memories!

{#4-More Trees}
As I mentioned last week, I love trees. This is my favorite tree-yes, you read that right! I used to run, walk,and sit by this tree in college often. I first saw it at a high school cross country meet and keep coming back to it.

{#5-Goodbyes}
Yesterday was my last day as a teacher at the school I’ve been teaching at for the past six years. I got a job at a new school starting in the fall. Even though I am looking forward to the opportunities at the new job, I never anticipated how hard it would be to leave my old job. I made some great friends and memories while teaching and coaching there. Lets just say there were some tears. Ok, quite a few. I pretty much skipped my run last night to cry, talk to my husband about the change, and cry some more. I know running would have made me feel better, but even I don’t always follow the advice I give. I’m going to miss everyone so much!

Happy Weekend!

5Jun2013

{National Running Day}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

Today is National Running Day! Even if you are not a runner yet…below are some of the best reasons to start-TODAY! If you’ve already been running, then today is your day to celebrate your accomplishments. How will you celebrate? Perhaps you might celebrate by registering for a race!? Running in the USA is my favorite place to search for races. I’ve also always loved Rock n’ Roll races (half or full marathons) for their fun and destination races (just my opinion). Today only they have a $20 off coupon good for any Rock n’ Roll registration. Arizona, Las Vegas, Chicago, Dallas, Virginia Beach and so many more places to race with 27 destinations to choose from.

Source: theruniverse.com via Peter on Pinterest

What are you waiting for?

Happy National Running Day!

3Jun2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Source: ernestnulists.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

After struggling to stick to my training plan this week and having a rough time with what should have been an easy run on Friday, I need to realize that while my legs and heart want me to be further in my fitness-the reality is…I’m not. I need to adjust my plan while keeping my goals! No matter where you are in your fitness making adjustments is sometimes necessary. It doesn’t mean we’ve failed or that we should give up. Sometimes we simply need to adjust out timelines. Other times we need to add elements that are missing. Or it might be we haven’t put the necessary time or effort into meeting our goal. Instead of getting upset or frustrated remember why YOU made the goal in the first place and adjust. I’m not giving up on my goals, rather just modifying how I will get there. What will you do when you have a setback?

Happy Monday!

31May2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

This rainy weather is making me mad! Here is what made me happy this week!

{#1-Lake Love}

Ry and I drove along Lake Michigan while in Racine for The Color Run and stopped to see a lighthouse on the drive.

{#2-Devil’s Lake}

Speaking of lakes, Ry and I will be running the Dances With Dirt Half Trail Marathon in July at Devil’s Lake. Our first trail race for both of us!

{#3-Tree Love}

I’m obsessed with taking pics of trees! This was one I stopped to take while on a run!

{#4-Historic Third Ward}

The third ward is one of my favorite places to walk around in Milwaukee. We spent part of Saturday here after eating lunch at my loves place…duh-Ryan Braun’s Graffito.

{#5-Mexican}

For my birthday we went out for a simple dinner at our favorite Mexican place in the area. You know you’re a runner when one of the first things you think of on your birthday is how it will change your age groups when running races. I have one more year in my current age division!

Happy Weekend!