{Trailbreaker Half Marathon}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

On Saturday my husband and I had a surprise party to attend in Milwaukee. After RSVPing yes to the party a few weeks ago, I checked http://www.runningintheusa.com to see if there were any races to run on the way and there was!

The Trailbreaker Half Marathon was Saturday morning in Waukesha. The weather was not supposed to be so great. When I went to bed the night before the forecast said there was an 80% chance of rain and 20 mph winds on the docket for race time. Lets just say I had about ten outfit combinations ready to go!

Ryan and I got up early and headed east. The weather was cloudy and windy, but luckily rain was no longer in the forecast. I wore my only wind repellent jacket which was great for blocking the wind that morning. Per the usual, we arrived at packet pickup and the race three minutes before the start of the race. Ryan dropped me off and headed to find a place to park and nap. With windy, cool weather and no great places to view me running by, we had decided he might as well catch up on some sleep while I ran. I hurried to get my race bib and shirt, and was still pinning on my bib when the race began. I took the shirt with me and hid it behind a column of a restroom in the nearby park when we ran by. I was disappointed to risk losing the shirt, but did not want to run with it for 13.1 miles. I hoped it would be there after the race.

The first mile of the race I was crabby about running behind, having to hide my shirt, and not having time to get ready before the race. It was also hard to get around people because I didn’t arrive early enough to move ahead. I felt frazzled!

All that thinking and talking in my head, made the first mile fly by. The first mile took us through a park in town on some bike trails and then headed to the Glacial Drumlin Trail. A couple miles in a light rain began. I was not too disappointed by the rain because it wasn’t raining hard and it enhanced the experience by making it smell like SPRING! I’ve been soooooo looking forward to winter ending, and I’d really missed that smell. This brightened my spirits and made me forget all about being late.

mile 1-9:34

mile 2-9:10

Miles 1-2 on course.

mile 3-8:50

mile 4-8:48

Glacial Drumlin Trail

The bike trail was fun to run on. I love being out in nature and enjoy both big city races and runs on trails away from it all. This race was perfect for letting the mind wander and enjoying outside after months of being trapped indoors (except for running). The course was an out and back route with a turnaround at mile 7. This threw me off and made me scared thinking that the race might end up being 14 miles. I pictured the course map in my head and thought I might have remembered seeing this longer out part, but it was concerning.

mile 5-8:33

mile 6-8:34

mile 7-8:32

On the Glacial Drumlin Trail

Once I’d reached the turn around point, I decided to pick up the pace a bit. I couldn’t believe how good my legs felt considering I’d felt terrible on all of my runs last week. My legs wanted to go faster which was an awesome feeling. I love how once the weather warms up it seems the legs want to go faster.

mile 8-8:19

mile 9-8:06

mile 10-8:23

I hadn’t been doing much running this past six weeks, and the runs I did go on were not long. I ran just short of 7 miles a week ago, which was my longest run since my double weekend in mid-February. I felt good considering this. I had some major muscle memory action going on. Despite this, I did start feeling tired during the last three miles. By the finish line, I was glad to be done.

mile 11-8:17

mile 12-7:59

mile 13-8:07

mile 13.1-7:24

I loved this race. The city and trails were beautiful. The packet pickup, race, aid stations, and finish were so organized and easy for runners. Running near the river and the parks were great with spring finally here.* I’d highly recommend adding this race to your spring calendar. It is always hard to find races early in spring and this one was great. They also have a full marathon which goes off the paved paths. I’d love to try that one someday. Visit http://www.runthetrailbreaker.com/ for more information!

Trailbreaker Half Marathon
Time: 1:52:27
Pace: 8:35
Overall: 158/588
Gender: 40/329
Age Group: 18/91

The supportive husband and I.

*I wrote this post on Sunday after grilling out. I thought spring was here. The Weather Channel forecast has made me rescind my previous comment about spring being here. I guess the word is still out on that.

8Apr2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Sometimes I think the best motivation and inspiration is running a race. I had an amazing time running the Trailbreaker Half Marathon (race report to come) this weekend and am really looking forward to my other upcoming half marathons this spring. Today’s motivation is brought to you by a father and his son who also run races to be an inspiration to others. Maybe Team Hoyt can inspire you on this Monday morning as they did me.*

Happy Monday
*Tear warning!

5Apr2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1} La Croix Sparkling Water

Lots of flavors, too!

Over the past few weeks I’ve started gearing up to slowly give up something I love almost as much as running and my husband-caffeine! I really like this sparking water. The fizz makes me think I’m drinking soda, but the all natural, no caffeine, no sodium, no calories, and many flavors are all things I love. It took me a few cans to get used to, but now I’m hooked.

{#2} Whole Wheat Oatmeal and Berry Pancakes

Ryan and I made pancakes Easter morning as a special treat. These were yummy and not heavy feeling like pancakes can be. We left the nuts out! Recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fruit-and-Nut-Pancakes-386529

{#3} Baseball has started!

Go Brewers!

To celebrate opening day we clinked cupcakes and watched Moneyball; the Brewers played their game during the day. I substituted Chobani non-fat plain greek yogurt for vegetable oil-tasted awesome!

{#4} Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich

I started reading this book on the way to Alabama in February. I finally got to read a few more pages over spring break. So far he is just starting his run across the United States; very interesting and motivating. I want to run an ultra race someday, but not across the U.S.

{#5} Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Source: familyfreshcooking.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Ingredients
1 Onion, chopped
6 cloves of fresh chopped Garlic, adjust to taste
1 large Bell Pepper (I like yellow or orange in this sauce)
Olive Oil
28 ounce can of chopped Tomatoes (I used fresh, organic tomatoes instead)
a few pinches of Sea Salt
a few pinches of Cracked Black Pepper
a few pinches of Smoked Paprika
optional: a handful of chopped fresh Basil or Italian Parsley
Method
In a large saute pan heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and onions. Cook stirring frequently until soft, fragrant and slightly browned about 5 minutes. Some pieces will char a bit, but that will add more flavor to the finished sauce. Reduce heat to medium, add bell pepper and cook a few minutes longer. Add tomatoes. Increase heat and bring sauce to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Let the sauce cool a bit and purée with an immersion blender or food processor.
Notes
This recipe is more a method than anything else. Feel free to toss in some spinach, mushrooms, fresh herbs, finely diced carrots, celery, etc.
Adjust salt and seasonings to taste. You can also make it spicy with red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Source: familyfreshcooking.com

Happy Weekend!
Trailbreaker Half Marathon Race report to come!

1Apr2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Source: committed-to-be-fit.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The above sums up my week last week. I literally didn’t make it out the door a few times. So this Monday I think I need to actually take my own motivation advice. I don’t know what happened last week. I had the best of intentions all week, but I just had so much to do despite not having school. I had some major setbacks in the eating clean and running departments. Lets just say (after a half dozen Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, 2 and a half bags of jelly beans, an entire bag of white chocolate M & M’s, pizza multiple days, eating out one night, only running 25 of the 35 miles I was supposed to while also skipping spinning because who can make themselves get up that early if they don’t have to) I wasn’t feeling too good about myself. To make matters more challenging (cue dramatic music) I’m running a half marathon in 5 DAYS! Why do I do this!

Don’t get me wrong, I sort of knew what I was doing. Even if I wasn’t fully aware of my actions, there were plenty of warning signs. Despite all warning signs from my body (the post-sugar shakes, feeling exhausted, feeling moody-ask my husband about my Real Housewives of Tomah-esque meltdown after a day of cleaning and eating M & M’s, lack of interest in things I love-aka running, feeling the size of a house, interrupted sleep, sugar cravings, runs that feel like I’m carrying military gear on my legs, butt, and back while my heart is squeezed into a vice, etc) I did NOT listen to what my body was trying to tell me.

Over the past day I’ve realized I must just except the fact that I made a bad choice (repeatedly, over and over, as in doesn’t catch on too quick) and move on. I can’t put those sweet, yummy, hi-I’m-high-on-sugar-treats back. I can’t reverse time and run those miles, so I guess I will just have to get back on the wagon this week. Maybe you feel derailed by Easter treats and greets with family and friends. If so, no biggie, simply make it a priority to get back (or start) in the swing of things. You only have forever in front of you to make one change at a time, or two, or however many you can manage. When you feel yourself getting derailed in the future (and you WILL), listen to your body and allow yourself to mess up a few times.

To get back on the wagon I made homemade spaghetti sauce using fresh garlic, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. The sauce was poured on veggie noodles and eaten with a side of roasted carrots and zucchini. My body thanked me by making me feel better than I had all week. My run the next morning still didn’t feel so good, but it all takes time! Don’t be so hard on yourself!

As you will see in this week’s motivation video, you could make the choice to be sad and stay on the couch after a setback or you could make a choice that will make you feel happy, accomplished, and proud! I know you can-so get back on that wagon.

Major props to you if your wagon never crashed, imploded, or led you to nearly die from dysentery over the weeks leading up to Easter! I was close. My tombstone would have read-Here lies Sarah; chocolatey and jelly beans. If you didn’t grow up playing Oregon Trail on an apple II computer with floppy disks, then you won’t get this last part!

Happy Monday!

29Mar2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

So this week I had spring break, hence the later than normal post…but here it is!

{#1-Enjoying the simple things}

One of my goals 2013 was to enjoy the simple things in life more. This week I took the time to sit and watch the sunset in my backyard from my family room. It was worth it.

{#2-More simple things*}

As I was driving home from watching my niece in Winona on Monday, I saw a gorgeous sunset over the lake and Mississippi River. Ahead of me was night and behind me was the sunsetting. The picture does not do the view justice, but it was amazing. Again, the simple things. *Note-Probably not a safe thing.

{#3-Picfx}

I came across this cool photo editing app this weekend. It is simple to use and has lots of unique and fun options to edit your photos such as the hearts in the above photo…awwww!

{#4-Chevron}

I don’t know what it is about this pattern, but I’ve always loved it. I bought a scarf a few weeks back, and I just bought the same print in a dress. Seeing the print just makes me happy!

{#5-Organized my closet-FINALLY!}
I started with these supplies below all from my beloved Target.

I also used a paper towel holder, a magazine holder and some cork board covered in pattern scrapbook paper.

First, I installed another shelf in my closet to gain extra storage space. It was a white shelf.

Then I organized all my earrings and rings by color (gold, silver, black, and colored) and put them in containers or on the wall.

Next, I hung Command hooks and added my necklaces to the hooks and purple containers (I already had these). These were also organized by color, of course!

Then I added clutches to my magazine holder and bracelets to my paper towel holder.

With the organization part done, it was time to add some inspiration and chic-something to always remind you to put on your best.

My style icon!

The finished product!

I also organized my shoes and sweaters, too!

This little project might have taken me most the day (and I only organized half of it-the other side was good to go), but I am so happy to have an organized closet and extra space in my dresser. I also “found” jewelry and clothes I’d forgotten I owned. Yeah, for shopping my closet and now being able to see all my stuff! Being organized always puts me in a happy, jump-up-and-down mood, well, that and Captain and Diet Cokes, but those don’t lead to organization!

What spring cleaning projects do you have planned?

Happy Spring Cleaning and Easter to you all!

25Mar2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

With the weather (finally) starting to warm up in the midwest, perhaps that is motivation enough. If not, check out the extra inspiration below to kick off your work(out) week…

or draw from Steve Bell’s motivation-he runs because someday he might not be able to!

22Mar2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

This week was super busy and crazy, so I will let the photos do the talking! Sorry no new recipes to share this Friday!

{#1} I love this time of year, spring weather or not, because of March Madness! My husband and I always wager a bet on our brackets against each other. Last year I won; this year we will see! Who do you have winning the championship this year?

Go Louisville!

{#2} I did catch a great sunset on my way home from a run this week. Who would have guessed it was 20 degrees with 20 mph winds making it feel like 7 degreees?

Running around Lake Tomah.

{#3} I finally got caught up grading by staying late at school one night this week. Notebooks are graded! Don’t you love the feeling of being caught up at work! Amen!

Almost 120 science notebooks!

{#4} I love trying new flavors of coffee from different coffee shops-especially on cold days! Mom and I grabbed coffee at Grounded on Main Street in La Crosse before watching the St. Patrick’s parade. Yum! Any places you’d recommend?

{#5} I signed up for another spring half marathon in April. What races are you doing this spring?

Enjoy your weekend!

Sarah

18Mar2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

Source: pinkinmylife72.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I often see people expect too much of themselves when starting new exercise endeavors. People try to run a mile or two, and feel terrible and never want to run again-and don’t. Instead start with shorter distances, sets, weights. Don’t increase the chance you’ll hate something that is already new and challenging. Once you are committed, it is much easier to continue to push yourself.

As I made goals for myself this year, I’ve really focused on the above quote-making small changes at a time. Sudden changes can feel difficult and increase the chance of not continuing the positive change(s). Small steps at a time seem so much more manageable. Whatever you might be working towards, remember small things can add up to big things over time. Doing something a few times a week can quickly become a daily habit and a way of life!

Happy Monday!

15Mar2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

To recap running, all the photos I like to take, and all the in betweens-I’m starting the Friday Fab 5. The fab 5 will review the past week and share new recipes, ideas (running and not), and anything else on my mind or phone!

{#1} We are starting a quest to eat clean 85% of the time. By clean I mean unprocessed, fresh, and organic when possible. I tried three new recipes this week to go along with our new eats plan. They are in order of our favorites!

http://maggiesbites.tumblr.com/post/26365768602/balsamic-chicken-asparagus

We used homemade jam that Ryan’s grandma had made as our “sauce.”

http://www.familyfreshcooking.com/2011/05/18/berries-and-goat-cheese-mini-pizza-recipe/

Our least favorite. I need to work on adding some more flavor to the quinao.

Our least favorite. I need to work on adding some more flavor to the quinoa.

http://www.familyfreshcooking.com/2011/07/18/bacon-lettuce-tomato-avocado-quinoa-salad-recipe/

{#2} Comic Life
At tech camp for school two Saturdays ago, I learned about a cool app called Comic Life. I finally finished a personal comic about the Mercedes Marathon. I love this app and plan to use it in my classroom, and have some fun at home with it, too! The app is $4.99, but has so many cool layouts and fun uses.

{#3} Embracing winter weather for another week

Thank goodness I have some great running jackets to keep me comfy and motivated on my cold runs!

{#4} Registered for the Trailbreaker Half Marathon on April 6th

This means it is back to a training plan again!

{#5} Finished week six of spinning in the mornings…and I finally don’t hate it! I, dare I say, actually enjoyed it the last two times. I do not enjoy the 4:57 a.m. wake up call with my spinning buddy picking me up at 5:15. I have definitely learned the need for workout partners. I would so easily reset the alarm if I didn’t have someone to hold me accountable.

Spinning class punch card! 10 spins for $20 and how can you not go?

Have a great weekend!

11Mar2013

{Motivation Monday} Ben Does Life

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

So if you are at all like me, then you sometimes struggle with motivating yourself to workout. I’m struggling right now because I am sooooo sick of winter weather! These photos are what western Wisconsin woke up to on this beautiful March morning. It really was beautiful, but by March 11 the allure of winter is gone. GONE! The couch and the fourth season of Breaking Bad on Netflix sound so much better than running outside.

I’ve decided a little extra motivation on Monday might help me throughout the week. So each Monday look for a weekly dose of motivation here! Feel free to comment on what motivates, inspires, and helps you to get your workouts done.

Today’s motivation comes from a clip I’ve shared on Facebook before, my 120 pound journey. No matter how many times I watch this I get emotional and motivated. I hope you do to! Read about how Ben Does Life on his blog to learn more about his journey past and present. He just came out with a book I have yet to read, but added to my book list-do life.

Click below for your Monday Motivation and get out there!

Sarah