{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

What a week! Weather ups and downs aside (pretty much like my unprocessed eating and running this week), it is May and that is awesome!

{#1-Hiking}

While the weather was amazing this past weekend, Ry and I took advantage of this and hit the trails. We were shocked to see snow on the ground yet in quite a few spots while hiking in Black River State Forest. We got in a sunny and hilly eight mile hike. Ah-Perfection! What state parks are must hike in Wisconsin? We’re always looking for new trails!

{#2-Nathan Fuel Belt}

With warmer temperatures the need for water on our hikes and runs is (or was) back. We took my fuel belt for the hike and I was reminded just how much I love it. There is a pocket for your phone or a snack. Most importantly, it stays put with the weight on my back side and doesn’t make my back sweat like my Camelbak. I despise carrying water on any run or hike!

{#3-Grilling}

We fired up the awesome grill I got last summer for a master’s graduation gift from my mom and stepdad this past weekend. Grilled chicken, veggies, and potatoes were yummy! Try this recipe for healthy potato fries-they were delish!

{#4-Runner’s World Magazine}

I finished my Runner’s World magazine and love everything about this magazine. Even though I don’t consider myself a newbie runner anymore, I still enjoy Marc Parent’s monthly column-The Newbie Chronicles. I especially loved the end of this month’s column which discussed his son running cross country and how runners are just different than other sports participants. Check out his column newbie or not! The link above takes you to a few years worth of columns. You’ll laugh, be inspired, and relate!

{#5-The Color Run}

I’ve wanted to run “the happiest 5k on the planet” for a while and guess what the husband bought me for my birthday? You guessed it-entries into the The Color Run. What is better than running a race? Running it with your other love! Can’t wait! Anyone else done a color run? What did you think of it?

Happy Weekend!

29Apr2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

After the hilly hike Ry and I took yesterday, I’d say this is appropriate. This week go after whatever challenges you are facing. Believe in yourself! You can do it!

Happy Monday!

26Apr2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Awesome weather coming up!}

Fond memories of being at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Go visit a favorite park, walk around town, or head somewhere to hike and run like Ry and I plan to do this weekend. Last weekend we visited this park; I spent many childhood hours here while visiting my Grandma and Grandpa. The park always reminds me of flying an eagle kite on a windy afternoon. Anyone have any must hike spots in Wisconsin?

{#2-Wheat Tortilla Quesadillas}

I can’t write or say the word quesadilla without thinking about how Grandma says it in Napolean Dynomite. So go make yourself a dang quesadilla, with wheat tortillas and jalapenos, unless you are too busy training to be a cage fighter! Wheat tortillas are sooo good!

{#3-Go Brewers}

Thumbs up to the Brewers on sweeping the Cubs and Giants and 2/3 with the Padres. I have even more faith in you now. Oh, and I’m really looking forward to getting these stitches out next week. Running with them isn’t my favorite.

{#4-Goals In Your Shoes}

Love this!

Kara Goucher, an Olympic marathoner, posted this photo on Facebook of her and Shalane Flanagan’s and Joan Benoit Samuelson’s shoes before the Boston Marathon. I love how they have their goals printed on the insides of their racing shoes. I’m so doing this before my next race. What will you be writing in your workout shoes?

{#5-Weather!!}

Sorry! I’m just so excited to get out there and hike and run and hike and run!

Happy Weekend!

22Apr2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Source: sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net via Sarah on Pinterest

Sometimes life and working out are just that simple! Now go workout! After all, no one ever says, “I wish I wouldn’t have worked out.”

Happy Monday!

22Apr2013

{Vet Fest Half Marathon}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

I ran the Vet Fest Half Marathon in Reedsburg a couple of weekends ago. I originally signed up because several of my coworkers were going to be running. I wasn’t particularly excited for the race especially when I woke up to snow on the ground, temperatures in the twenties, and a sore left quadricep. The course ended up being beautiful and the wind and temperatures were actually not too bad once we got the race going. I even enjoyed the hills! I have always ran well on hills, but have never liked running them. The change up in terrain was great on the muscles-my quad never even bothered me.

Ryan drove us to the start and we made it in plenty of time. I grabbed my race packet, pinned my number, and sat in the car until it was time to line up for the race.

Trying to stay warm before the starting gun. I’m closed eye in this photo, a trait that runs in my family!

It was great being able to sit in the car until a few minutes before the start. I stayed much warmer. Before I knew it we were off.

and were off!

My purple Lululemon jacket was perfect for this race. I’m obsessed with running gear that allows you to transition from cold, to warm, to hot! I started with my hands covered and jacket zipped. As the race went on, I put hands through the thumb holes and unzipped the jacket collar. Later I had the sleeves up and the jacket half way unzipped. I stayed comfortable the entire time!

Do any of you have workout gear you just LOVE and would recommend. Comment if you do! I’m always looking for new gear that combines comfort, fit, functionality, and cuteness.

The first mile was in town and took us out into the country. The course was a giant loop that headed out into the country and then back into town. The first miles were relatively flat and quick.

mile 1-8:31

mile 2-8:31

Around this point of the course some of the hills began. The hills were the largest I’ve ran in a race. Again, I was pleasantly surprised at how good they felt.

mile 3-8:37

mile 4-8:32

mile 5-8:29

mile 6-8:42

Childhood memories!

Around mile 5 or 6 I saw the remains of a barn on the side of the road. Growing up behind our backyard there was a similar sight. My sister and I used to play back there and imagine it was still there. We would pretend in the “rooms” and imagine our afternoons away. Seeing this on the course brought back a flood of childhood memories of playing with my sister. Sometimes we played nice singing loudly on our swing set. Other times we didn’t. Like the time our red wagon was jump rope tied to the back of my bike and she was sitting on something in the wagon. She said something that made me mad, so I purposely took the next corner way too fast and tight so she would go flying out of the wagon. Oh, sisterly love!

mile 7-8:19

mile 8-8:54

Small races and GU-very unexpected, but welcomed surprise. I love me some GU!

mile 9-8:38

mile 10-8:21

Support miles out in the country! Awesome!

mile 11-8:21

mile 12-7:55

At mile 10 I realized I had a good chance of running in the late 1:40’s. I made that my mission over the last three miles.

mile 13-7:31

mile 13.1-7:04

Overall, I really enjoyed this course. I would do it again. Despite the hills it is a fast course and the price is great! Plus the race benefits veterans and the community. My time qualified me for 2nd in my age group. Coming off a half marathon the week before-I’ll take it!

Reedsburg Vet Fest Half Marathon
Time: 1:49:58 (Garmin 1:49:44)
Pace: 8:24
Overall: 33/140
Age Group: 2/8
Gender: 11/75

{Vet Fest April 13, 2013}

Love this photo!

19Apr2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Tragedy and Gratefulness}

This week more than ever we need to hug those we love, say those kind thoughts we might hold back, and appreciate the life we’ve got. In the wake of tragedy, we must turn to those we love and support those who are grieving. It is sad, but often true how bad events can put everything into perspective. This week I had so many people say kind thoughts about being glad I was ok and not in Boston. Family, friends, coworkers, students (even the kid that sometimes gets on my nerves) all had kind thoughts to say to me this week. It made me think about why we don’t just say those things on a regular basis. Why do we wait for tragedy to strike before telling people in our lives they matter. That they are important. That they inspire us. That we can’t imagine our world without them. How often do we take those people for granted. My husband and I had an extra scare this week with me being clutzy with a beer glass at my other job and a miscommunication, and we realized we don’t tell each other enough how much we mean to each other. So don’t hold back this weekend. Who would you regret passing kind thoughts onto-tell them tonight. Many prayers go out to those in Boston and Texas and everywhere.

{#2-Moving Forward}

Vet Fest benefits Reedsburg Area Veteran organizations, the Reedsburg Area United Fund (which helps fund over 25 local non-profit agencies), and will also be used towards local high school scholarship awards.

For me running has always been about running through my triumphs and tragedies. Good days are even better with endorphins. Bad days lead to problems being resolved on a five mile route. Stress flies away as the miles do. Running races helps me to see the generosity and genuineness of the human spirit. Even more so when the race benefits a charity or group of people. Whether it is the cowardness of some individuals or the weather that has you down, do something this weekend that helps you stay positive .

{#3-Explore new places}

So excited to have been introduced to this place.

This past weekend after running in Reedsburg we swung by the in-laws for lunch. My mother-in-law mentioned this neat little market; I just loved it. Who would have thought a small town would have awesome local organic produce and products, grass fed beef, and so much more. AND the prices were so reasonable-half of what we usually pay at our regular grocery stores. I was so impressed. Check this place out if you are ever near by! What a find! My coworker said they have an email list they send out to let customers know when new produce, etc. is coming in. Does anyone else know of other local stores that carry organic products?

{#4-New Running Tights}

Road Runner Sports-$29

I wore these tights from Road Runner Sports in my half marathon last weekend-they ROCKED. Totally flattering, comfortable, and they have mesh behind the knees/calves for ventilation. The best part-they were on clearance for $29!

{#5-Spring is coming…it has to be!}

A summer sunset over Lake Onalaska!

Even though it was snowing during our tornado drill at school today, we had two track meets this week…so in my book spring is on its way!

Happy Weekend!

16Apr2013

{My Heart is in Boston}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

My heart is heavy for all those in Boston or supporting runners there. Charlotte’s Thunder Road Marathon posted the below image and words that really described how I am feeling today. Of all things to cancel the first Boston Marathon in 117 years.

heart is in boston

Tomorrow I will do this to show my support. I first saw it on Tough Mudder’s facebook page. Thoughts and prayers to all those impacted by today’s horrific events in Boston and runners everywhere.

race shirt

15Apr2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Source: baa.org via Sarah on Pinterest

Today is the Boston Marathon! My dream running goal is to be on the starting line in Hopkinton one day. Since that is obviously not happening today, use the 65 second tour of the race to motivate you in whatever goals you have for the week. Whether you are running your first Boston or your first half marathon this week, good luck and congratulations in advance.

Know that some of the miles will feel good, some of the miles will feel bad, perhaps even terrible, but some miles will feel awesome. The sense of pride as you cross the finish line whether it is race number one or number 31 will never stop! Bask in your hard work and sense of accomplishment, and enjoy the feeling as it carries over into all that you do! Running is rarely ever just physical work; the impact on the spirit is far greater.

Good luck to runners in Boston today!

Happy Monday!

Reedsburg Half Marathon post to come.

12Apr2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1} Chicken Bruschetta

Yum! Fast and easy, too!

This one is first on the list this week because it was awesome. The husband loved it! Easy to make and healthy, too.

{#2} Run Happy

This week was another terrible, unspring-like week in the Badger state. I put on my fun colored, blue run happy hat in the sleet for my run last night and repeated that mantra in my head. Run happy. Run happy. I thought of Team Hoyt that I posted about on Monday’s Motivation and realized I had a lot to run happy about.

{#3} Unspring Spring

As I’d hinted about in the previous, this is the scene around the state. I’m standing on ice by the way.

{#4} Coping Mechanisms

These are a few of the coping tools used to deal with the weather this week. I took a hot shower with my Beach in Hawaii Pandora station playing after my cold-to-the-bone run last night. I used this shower gel and lotion to enhance the beach experience. The only thing missing was my Bahama Mama or margarita sitting on the side of the tub. I thought that might be taking this whole thing a bit far. I mean I’m not losing it or anything…yet! We’re jammin’!

{#5} Pet Love

Elf!

And if all else falls, happy or sad, we always have our pets. I love our cat to the moon and back. I know, I am that person. And by our cat, I mean my cat. He is the best cat ever. Like a dog he greets you at the door, loves to snuggle, talk, and watch out the window. He knows just what to say when you’ve had a bad day and is there to cheer when you have something to celebrate. I can’t imagine our world without pets. Give some love to your pets!

Happy Weekend and Run Happy! We’re Jammin’!