{Friday Fab 5-La Crosse Edition}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

Since La Crosse was recently names the number two best small town (70,000ish) to live in, and the fact that we are there all the time it is the focus this week. Over the past six days we have drove there and back 3 times. Why? Because La Crosse is just that awesome. What makes it so great? Well… Not in any special order. This week we…

{#1-planned to go to 4 Sisters}

But they were closed for a holiday party. So instead of our annual tradition of wine, amazing tapas, and views if Riverside Park decked out in millions of holiday lights…

{#2-Good Eats at Buzzard Billy’s}

We headed over to a yummy Cajun restaurant. Ever since going to New Orleans his summer I can’t get enough of the Cajun spice.

{#3-Jambalaya}

I had delicious jambalaya. Buzzard Billy’s is located right beneath the amazing retro martini bar, The Starlite Lounge. Martinis and I are best matched for a weekend night, so we had to pass on those.

{#4-Rotary Lights}

Then it was time to get bundles up and head over to the millions of lights, now LED, to round our our holiday tradition.

{#5-Never get sick of these light}

Each year they add in some changes. With all LED lights the colors are so vivid now. They also collect food and monetary donations for local food pantries. Other than your donation, the lights are no cost to viewers.

Oh, I did run this week continuing my Runner's World streak. Check out my Instagram feed for more run streak photos!

Happy Weekend!

16Dec2013

{Motivation Monday}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

With the stress of the holidays all around us, don’t forget the power of a workout. Even a short workout or knocking out a few miles can deliver a needed endorphin punch to your holiday stress. With so much to do it can be easy to say you don’t have time, but taking roughly ten minutes to run at least a mile or do that mini-circuit workout could not only give you more holiday cheer, but also help you accomplish more. Going to my happy pace has been my saving grace these days.

Oh, and thinking about planning running routes with him, too. Sorry guys, but I had to.

Happy Monday!

I’m working on the Ugly Sweater 5k race report now!

15Dec2013

{Ugly Sweater 5k-Updated!}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

Sunday was the Ugly Sweater 5k held in La Crosse each year. In past years the race has been referred to as the Rotary Lights 5k. This year they changed things up a bit adding some festive fun with ugly sweaters. Let’s just say my sweater was UG-ly!

Since it was cold outside with a windchill of -8 degrees, we put on our warm layers including my super warm base layer from Target that I bought that very day. Once again, I have not put laundry away in a while and I could not find a lot of my layers. This shirt stays in place, is fleecy warm on the inside, wind resistant, and so cozy all for $19.99. Keep in mind it is snug and tight like a base layer should be. I did go up a size and could have went up two sizes for a bit of a looser fit. You can find it online here.

After some quick photos at my mom and stepdad’s house we were off to the race. We got to packet pick up, picked up our race numbers, and waited inside the warm lobby of the Radisson. With the race start just steps out the door, we enjoyed the warmth until we absolutely had to head outdoors.

The sun was setting and we were jumping up and down like most runners were doing our best to stay warm. Lucky for us ugly sweaters are surprisingly warm. Garland, too. My holiday Pro Compression socks offered some added warmth and fun to the outfit. I love these socks, and if you are hoping to also make sure to use coupon code BLG13 to get 40% off and free shipping on your order.

Santa started the race-gun and all. Sort of a disturbing sight to see Santa shooting a gun in the air, but I get he isn’t the real Santa. The real Santa is obviously far too busy to be at the starting line of the Ugly Sweater 5k.

The gun went off and we were off. The race started in Riverside Park, took us onto the pathway along the frozen Mississippi, and then lead us onto the La Crosse River Trails. We clicked off our first mile on the snow covered sidewalks and trails in 8:06. At the halfway turn around we ran around a North Pole sign with the sounds of holiday music nearby. We kept up the pace and ran back along the trails finishing under the Rotary Lights lighted canopy. Then it was time to enjoy the lights and our new Ugly Sweater mugs.

Race perks included a mug with free hot chocolate after the race and a chip for a free Pearl Street Brewery beer later at your choice of local bars. Love me some Down Town Brown-Double yum!! Can’t wait to drink out of my festive mug this holiday season!

Ugly Sweater 5k
Time-24:38
Pace-7:55
Overall-52/412
Gender-19/293
Age Group-9/112

Festive Running to All and to All a Good Night!

12Dec2013

{Friday Fab 5-taco chicken chili, ugly sweater 5k, pay it forward…}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Chili}

Friends liked this chili at our Friendsgiving get together that proved interesting!

{#2-Holiday Flowers}

Seeing these flowers on our island every time I walk through the kitchen makes me smile. I love the textures, colors, and smells. Such an easy holiday decoration.

{#3-Gingerbread Beer}

Leave it up to Blue Moon to brew up this hint of spice brew. Delicious!

{#4-Ugly Sweater 5k this weekend}

You can register even right before the race. Plus, with highs in the 20’s in our area it will nearly be a heat wave this weekend!

{#5-Kits for the Homeless}

For pay it forward day in the #elf4health challenge, one of the things I did was create these bags for future homeless Ryan and I drive by. We are each keeping two in our car to be ready at any given time.

Happy Weekend!

9Dec2013

{Motivation Monday-Winter Cold And Yuck!}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

So this post is much later than normal, but that is with good reason. Yesterday was sort of crazy! We were supposed to host Friendsgiving, and we did but it was not as expected. One friend and her husband got in an car accident on the way to our house, so they didn’t make it. Another friend’s husband ended up taking his brother to the airport and with slippery, snowy roads wouldn’t make it back in time. Instead of eight of us there were five. On top of that I wasn’t feeling well, but thought I knew why.

Fast forward an hour or two after our guests left. I was feeling terrible, but had fallen asleep on the couch (it was 8:00 p.m.-I never do that). All of a sudden I hear Ryan yelling and racing off the couch because…our Christmas tree had fallen over! How that happened we haven’t a clue…Elf??!! Elf claims no involvement in the incident.

He caught it before it hit the table with a candle burning on it. I shot up off the couch to help. Ornaments were everywhere, although only a few shattered on the floor. Now picture this, Ryan is trying to screw the tree back in the stand while I’m standing and holding the tree. I realized the sudden movement had made me feel extra queasy. That’s right the taco chicken chili our guests enjoyed would be coming back up! I ran to the bathroom leaving Ryan to hold the tree from the bottom until I came back. This process happened about four more times before we got the tree up. Poor Ryan was stuck under that tree for awhile, poor me and my repeated up chucking! I’d like to say the grossness was over, but it was a long night.

Needless to say I’ve broken my #rwrunstreak (bah humbug) and missed my #elf4health circuit workout today. Hopefully I’m feeling healthy enough to workout tomorrow. Today was a day spent in the couch feeling like crap. I’m hoping to eat something tonight. Days like yesterday and today are good reminders of how great it feels when we are healthy. I’m far too often guilty of taking my health for granted. Being sick and an accident are all reminders that someday we might not be healthy or able to do what we want to do.

This week and in the future don’t put off what you could do today. Take that challenge and go for it. You never know when that opportunity might be taken from you. Run in that cold weather. Do the thing you’ve always wanted to do, but seem to always put off.

Oh, and make sure your trees are secure people!

Happy Monday!

6Dec2013

{Friday Fab 5-Christmas Decor Special}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

If you know me, then you know me and Christmas go together like a couple who are nauseatingly in love. Despite the rare fact that we don’t have a tree yet, we have lots of other holiday decor in the house right now. I posted most of my running photos to Instagram this week because I am participating in Runner’s World Holiday Run Streak (run everyday from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day), so here are some of my favorites from decorating this week!

{#1-My advent calendar}

I made this last year out of a mini-muffin tin after never finding one I liked. In each muffin spot is either a holiday activity or tradition to do such as watch a Christmas movie, get peppermint hot cocoa and walk to look at holiday lights, or build a snowman. It’s a fun way to celebrate the season and get excited each morning.

{#2-Holiday Garland and Mistletoe}

Keepin’ the romance alive one kiss at a time. I recently read somewhere that some married people kiss only once a week. The average is 11 to 40 times per week, but those kisses last only a few seconds. Regardless of the number, kisses happen way less frequently in married couples than dating couples (or so this article said). Why not try to change this?!

{#3-Lottery Advent Calendar}

I’m not for sure if you can call this decor, but I do. It decorates our refrigerator, and it gives us hope that one day we will have both of our student loans paid off. One can dream right? Oh, and we take turns lifting a flap and scratching that days ornament. I have the odd days this year. I secretly picked odds because you get to go first, last, and have an extra day. 😉

{#4-My advent tree}

I know, what is with me and advent decor. This little tree is in our bedroom, and I hold it near and dear. My grandma gave this to me for Christmas when I was in elementary school. The lights have since stopped working, but the joy it brings me to wind it up and hear it play music everyday after opening a drawer and adding an ornament to the tree hasn’t. This was always a favorite of mine growing up, and it still is. I always think of her when I add an ornament.

{#5-Our Christmas village}

This village once belonged to my mom. She passed it on to me several years ago. It is time consuming to put up, but so pretty when it is done. And a couple more photos because it is just that festive and lovely.

Happy Weekend!

2Dec2013

{Motivation Monday-Holiday Running Mix}

Posted in Motivation Monday by sneaksandstilettos

My RunKeeper was acting weird last night, AND I know I DID NOT run or swim across the lake last night!

I love the holidays-the lights, the movies, the music, the everything! One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to run to Christmas music while enjoying the lights in people’s yards, the festive parks, and to de-stress from the holidays. The first snow usually occurs during the holiday season and provides a change in scenery for the same routes.

To brighten your next run, I’ve created a holiday run mix to put some festive energy into your upcoming miles. The first and last couple of songs are just a bit slower beat than the others to let your properly warm up and cool down between the main part of your run. If you are participating in Runner’s World run streak (Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day), then this mix will likely help you complete a run everyday between now and New Year’s Day. If you hate holiday music, then bah humbug to you! Remember even a mile a day can help relieve holiday stress and put some extra spirit in your holiday cheer!

Happy Monday!

29Nov2013

{Black Friday-Running Gifts}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

Need a gift for a runner? Any runner would love these ten things!
1. Pro Compression Socks-One of my favorite brands to run in. ($50-usually can find coupon codes online for 30-40% off)
2. Randies by Oiselle-These look so fun! ($48)
3. Stainless Steele Water Bottle-Great way to encourage and remind you to drink enough water. ($18)
4. Sweaty Bands-My go to running headbands ($18)
5. GU-My only fueling strategy for long runs (Box of 8/$11.60 or Box of 24/$31.50-again look for deals on certain sites)
6. Running iPhone Case-So cute, love! ($25)
7. Garmin 220-Seriously want! Why doesn’t Ryan read this blog. ($250)
8. Brooks Winter Running Jacket-Best way to get winter runs in is have the right clothes. You get what you pay for. ($150)
9. Yak Traks-A must for winter running in the midwest. ($30-40)
10. Nuun-Best way to rehydrate on runs. ($20 for 4 pack)

Happy Running and Shopping!

28Nov2013

{Festival Foods Turkey Trot-5 Mile}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

Thanksgiving morning is the perfect time to get a little fitness in before you put a lot of calories in AND have fun! The race was low key, very organized, and a great value. With packet pickup at the La Crosse Center there were plenty of bathrooms, a warm place to wait, and plenty of parking.

It was a chilly morning, and I had just got new shoes in the mail. I couldn’t not wear them!

The La Crosse location started right behind the La Crosse Center along the mighty Mississippi. I got there just in time to get my stuff, visit the bathroom, and get in the wave before the national anthem. Since I didn’t have a ton of time I chose to run with only music and no watch or Runkeeper to give me my time or pace. That was great until a bit in when I really wanted to know how far I had ran.

I won’t lie, my body was hurting this am. I felt so stiff and tight. My lower back and hips were so tight I felt like I could hardly lift my legs. My pace felt hard and I felt dead legs. I slowed my pace a bit and began to feel a bit more relaxed as my body slowly warmed up.

By mile 3 I felt ok. I still felt like I was barely moving and dragging the whole race. If I needed a sign to do more stretching and cross training, then I got it. I need to take the next month to properly recover from my November races and get ready for proper marathon training in a month.

I crossed the finish line with no idea my time or pace; I estimated maybe 9:00/mile pace. I did some light stretching and headed over to get my pumpkin pie.

Even though I didn’t feel great this race, I would love to make it a turkey day tradition. Cute shirts, pumpkin pie, turkey day, and great race logistics all for $18. I’ll take it!

Oh, and I was surprised to see my time and pace online later in the afternoon. Maybe that’s why I felt blah. Maybe running without a watch or running app is a good thing.

Festival Foods Turkey Trot 5 Mile
Time: 39:15
Pace: 7:51
Overall: 179/991
Gender: 59/570
Age Group: 2/20

Happy Thanksgiving!!

27Nov2013

{UW-L Turkey Trot Race Report}

Posted in Race Reports by sneaksandstilettos

Completing the UW-L Turkey Trot 5k has become a widow’s weekend tradition for my mom, my friend, and her mom. We always walk the event as our moms are not runners. The course is scenic, the shirts cute, and the time together fun. This year in honor of no shave November, my friend bought us all mustaches. It was the coldest Turkey Trot yet with temperatures of only 13 degrees (windchill -4) during out walk.

Staying warm pre-race.

I love the marsh area the course takes us through.

After our chilly walk, we headed out to brunch at a local breakfast joint with awesome food.

Then we used some of the great coupons that came in our race packet to get buy 1, get 1 free coffee from Cabin Coffee.

Next, we headed to the Elmaro Vineyard near La Crosse where we enjoyed tasting wine, looking at fun stuff to buy, and more tasting of wine.

Well, wine for most of us. I guess people frown upon women drinking wine when they’re growing a human inside their uterus. 7 Up would have to do.

It was the perfect widow’s weekend, and I left with my wine wall stocked.

UW-L Turkey Trot
Pace: Walking
Time: It was so cold I swear the clock must have froze.
Overall: Something out of 2000 something
Gender: 2nd in our group of 4
Age Group: 2nd between my friend and I. Although she’ll be in a different age group than me in a month and a half. 😉