52 Hike Challenge {Part 2}

Posted in hiking by sneaksandstilettos

I finish this post with all of us on the cusp of what normally is a joyous season filled with friends and family. This year our world looks different. I can only imagine that you too have struggled to find meaning and joy during this hard time. That you have also had to stretch yourself in ways you never have before. With all this change and growing and hard, life can seem just so heavy and challenging. You know me though. Always one to also look for the lesson. As annoying as it is to hear that voice at times, it always shows up eventually.

If you are here for some hiking location ideas and not the personal post I’m sharing with my hikes today, then scroll down. I am so excited for you to get out there. Happy hiking!

I should be honest. I wasn’t always a focus on the positive kind of person more than not. It has taken YEARS of learning and unlearning to find myself in my current headspace. Of course I still complain. I still vent (just ask my husband), but largely I am growing into this practice of gratitude and finding joy in every season. I am proud to say I have worked hard to seek the lesson life is teaching in whatever unfair, hard or frustrating way the lesson is being taught. Perhaps this year the lens through which I view my life has been focused a bit more because of my experiences.

This year has brought more ups and downs than any rollercoaster I have been on before or at least it is a tie. For those that know me well, you know this year carries a lot more weight than just the obvious COVID. 2020 has really been a year for those unexpected things that would make any year really hard and overwhelming and challenging… and then life also said, “let’s do those things AND a pandemic.” I know of SO many others also experiencing crazy hard, heart wrenching and challenging times this year that are in addition to this little virus that has forever changed us.

Yet somehow I remain stronger than I have in other hard seasons. I gravitated at times to my unhealthy habits of my past as a means to control and when I felt out of control. It’s normal to do that in times of hard. I also sought out exercise to boost the natural chemicals in my brain. I found peace in stillness and pause. I deepened my yoga practice. I began meditating. I worked on my relationship with myself. I practiced creating boundaries that helped me to thrive.

Perhaps the most meaningful and transformative thing I did though was continue the goal I set at the start of this year before I knew much of COVID. A goal I set before I knew that I would spend 4 months of this year and counting not running due to an injury during perhaps one of the hardest seasons of our lives. Little did I know when making this goal during the last days of December 2019 just what this goal would do for me. It ended up being one of my only goals that wasn’t canceled. It kept me pushing myself to get outside and get up. It motivated me to create meaningful experiences for my family. It was my solace on my broken days when it seemed 2020 would re-expose every break I’ve ever had.

There is something about the power of nature to open its branches to you and take on your burdens. The leaves seem to nod in encouragement while the empathizing sky absorbs the sorrows of your past and present. There is trust in those tree trunks. When you leave the woods behind, you just know they will hold that information and turn it into something beautiful…a peaceful stillness, a spring blooming flower, a forest bursting with autumn colors, a green canopy of cool on a hot summer day or a magical sunset to inspire hope in the darkest of times. And all without saying a word. A silent conversation. A healing release. A secret between you and the trees and the Earth. The only clues of your presence the fading footprints in the dirt and the ones forever in your heart and soul.

As you close out the year and head into a new year, a blank calendar of opportunities, I urge you to take some steps outdoors amongst the trees. There is so much healing power waiting there. It might feel silly at first. Unnatural. Un-you. Give it time. Embrace a new experience.

Here is the second half of my journey this year (52 Hike Challenge-Part 1). With snacks and a portable potty seat safely traveling to our destinations was never an issue.

#27-Harrington Beach State Park (Whitetail Trail, Quarry Trail Loop and South Lakeshore Trail)

#28-Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve

#29-Morgan Falls

#30-Copper Falls State Park (Doughboy Trail)

#31-Potato River Falls (Upper and Lower Falls Trail)

#32-Superior Falls (MI)

#33-Interstate Falls (MI)

#34-Dells of the Eau Claire (North River Trail + Ice Age Trail)

#35-Hixon Forest

#36-Buena Vista Trail

#37-Willow River State Park

#38-Kinnickinic State Park

#39-Presque Isle River Scenic Area (Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Area-MI)

#40-Escarpement Trail (Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Area-MI)

#41-Jay Cooke State Park (Wild Valley Rd–>Jay Cooke State Park-Superior Hiking Trail-MN)

#42-Ely’s Peak (Jay Cooke State Park–>Spirit Mountain Campground-Superior Hiking Trail-MN)

#43-Hartley Nature Center (Chester Woods Trail–>Martin Road-Superior Hiking Trail-MN)

#44-Hixon Forest

#45-Perrot State Park (White Pine Run)

#46-Levis Trow Mounds Recreational Area

#47-Mt. Simon Area (Eau Claire)

#48-Perrot State Park (Brady’s Bluff)

#49-Perrot State Park (Walnut Nature Trail and Riverview Trail)

#50-Tettegouche State Park (MN-High Falls)

#51-Tettegouche State Park (MN-Shovel Point)

#52-Miller Bluff, Hixon Forest

It made sense to me to end my 52 Hike Challenge on the same trail I began it on in mid-January of this year. I retraced my footsteps a different version of myself. I climbed that bluff more aware of myself than when this challenge began, yet also in a world I could never have imagined living in.

#53-Mill Bluff State Park

Bonus “Hikes”: Two really short walks, so I did not count either in my 52 Hike Challenge, but are in my top 5 places visited this year: Palisade Head and Black Beach.

On hike #52 I made sure to pause and just listen and feel it all. With a hand on my heart and a hand on the Earth, I was filled with so much gratitude for the moments, healing and perspective this challenge brought me. In a year that has been so crazy, hard and heavy, these hiking boots (and shoes) have kept me more than grounded. I know this challenge isn’t over yet.

Where are your feet taking you next?

Sarah

27Jul2020

52 Hike Challenge {Part 1}

Posted in hiking by sneaksandstilettos

I should be writing my State 22 marathon recap post, but alas that did not happen this past weekend. State #21-Nebraska was cancelled in June. While I could have ran the Maah Daah Hey Trail Marathon in North Dakota, I had my Theodore Roosevelt National Park camping reservations cancelled and just didn’t feel right taking the family that far given our current scenario. I also did not want to be running a trail race through the Badlands in summer heat without any support person to help me. Lucky for me, I do have a goal I set for myself in January that I have been working on.

While running will always hold a special place in my heart, hiking is a near second. Hiking has been something that I’ve always loved. My first (and only) real hiking memory as a kid was hiking at Devil’s Lake. In college my now husband and I hiked the trails in La Crosse near our campus and ventured out to other hiking places during the summer time. We got engaged on a rainy spring day hike on the West Bluff at Devil’s Lake. We announced our pregnancy with photos from Devil’s Lake, and both Pierce and Aria had their first hikes on those very bluffs before they were even born.

There is something about the near silent sound of my feet as they take each step on the Earth. The grounding smell of pine needles, the hope in the scent of leaves coming to life and the joyful surprise of the scent of wildflowers blooming nearby. Wildlife is never far away. The effort to climb to a beautiful view is always rewarded. The change in seasons is always more appreciated when it is experienced outdoors. While I experience many of these things on the run, there is also beauty in slowing down to enjoy nature. More time to contemplate, reflect and spend time thinking. Again, so fitting for the current time we find ourselves in.

As I’ve gotten older and life more stressful, I find hiking has become a bigger and bigger part of how I recharge, but still not something I did as much as I wanted. I realized hiking really should be part of my regular life, not just something reserved for when we have time or our next vacation. I wanted hiking to be something that was a part of our regular daily lives. I wanted my kids to grow up experiencing the many physical, mental and relational benefits linked to walking in nature. I also wanted my kids to love something involving the outdoors before they could love technology. It is my hope that once they experience nature it can always be a resource and recharge to return to whenever they need to as they get older.

It was with this in mind that I decided to make hiking a focus back in January. One of my goals for 2020 is to complete the 52 Hike Challenge. The goal is pretty simple-hike 52 hikes in a year, one for each week. How interesting that I made a goal I CAN still do this year! As the halfway point of the year passed at the end of June, I can say I’m only loving hiking more and more. While I always planned to include my family in this goal, I did expect more of the hikes to be individual. Given the circumstances of the year, the goal has evolved into a family goal of sorts. We all need that outside time. I have only grown to love my time on the trail even more.

Now there are the not so fun parts too like ticks, mosquitoes and kids who all the sudden cannot. walk. another. step. and must be carried on your back. But those same kids, who sometimes complain at the start, always end up loving their time on the trail and in the woods. It is here that their imaginations come alive and the entire landscape from rocks to plants to footprints to clouds in the sky provide a litany of questions for their curious minds along the way to say why? How come? When? Nature is the ultimate teacher. It’s where somedays we parents are bears and the kids are running from us (we need to teach them some better bear safety 🙂 while other days the eldest is a plethora of dinosaur types and the youngest is a cheetah both roaring through the woods.

In a time where many of us are looking to get outdoors more because there are fewer options with which to spend our time, I’m sharing my list of hikes I completed during the first half of the year. I only ask that you please follow social distancing guidelines and be good stewards of the outdoors. My family has made sure to practice good safety practices while visiting these locations. As always, leave no trace (pack in, pack out). Do not make stops along the way. Avoid touching of public places. Social distance on the trail. Avoid locations when they are busy or choose somewhere different to visit if the parking area is full. We have intentionally hiked a few of these spots when rain is in the forecast in hopes of fewer people and often go during the week to reduce the chance of crowds. Many of these times we ended up being the only ones at these sometimes busier locations. Get creative with bathroom use (we have our kids potty seat along). Get gas before you leave and where you normally would. Plan ahead. Being prepared leads to a better experience-snacks, water, insect repellant, sunscreen and appropriate attire.

I know many others are looking for places to get outdoors, so I’m sharing my list to help you decide where to go next. No matter your experience with hiking, with the right trails and clothes anyone can do this. Below is a list of the first 26 hikes I/we’ve done so far this year. All hikes are in Wisconsin unless otherwise noted.

#1-Miller Bluff, Hixon Forest, La Crosse

#2-Black River State Forest, Millston

#3-Great River Bluffs State Park, Minnesota

#4-Castle Mound Pine Forest State Natural Area, Black River Falls

#5-Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Brice Praire

#6-Miller Bluff, Hixon Forest, La Crosse

#7-Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge

#8-Halfway Creek Trail, Holmen

#9-Perrot State Park, Trempealeau

#10-Great River Bluffs State Park, Minnesota

#11-Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Brice Praire

#12-Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge

#13-Merrick State Park, Fountain City

#14-Maiden Rock Bluff, Stockholm

#15-Little Bluff Mounds Trail, Trempealeau

#16-Husband’s Family Farm 🙂

#17-Battle Bluff Prairie State Natural Area

#18-Wazee Lake, Black River Falls

#19-Perry Creek Recreational Area, Black River Falls

#20-Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario

#21-Pier Natural Bridge Park, Rockport

Don’t forget to walk the top of this rock bridge.

#22-Wyalusing State Park

#23-Devil’s Lake State Park, Baraboo (East Bluff)

#24-Devil’s Lake State Park (East and West Bluffs Loop)

#25-Hixon Forest, La Crosse

#26-Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Caledonia, Minnesota

Bonus “Hike”: McGilvray “Seven Bridges” Road, Holmen

This is a beautiful walk or running route, but since it wasn’t really a hike, I did not count it in my 52 Hike Challenge. Also, I do NOT recommend this trail once mosquitoes are out and about. In early spring flooding will make some of this trail impassable.

What is a favorite hiking place (or two or three) you would recommend?

Happy Hiking!

Sarah

8Feb2019

{Hard Days}

Posted in Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

With a heavy heart and a discouraged soul, I logged a few miles less than my training plan called for this morning. I walked away from a daughter saying, “I don’t want Mommy to run in the basement” despite not being more than two meters from her at any point during the 14 hours the day before. While I pushed “go” on the treadmill a Gigantosaurus (who is really enormous 🦖) roared his displeasure with me taking a few miles to myself.

Truthfully it’s been a hard week. Perhaps the most frustrating part of my life currently is that despite my Type A tendencies and all my planning and organizing it’s accepting that I actually have little control of my own life. It’s something I fight and tell myself isn’t true, but weeks like this remind me that I am under the control of two tiny people.

Their early wake ups and the winter weather causing my husband to leave even earlier than usual in the morning are making working out in the A.M. impossible. I live a life where if it doesn’t happen in the tiny window of planned time, then it won’t happen because there is no later or move it to here or adjusting.

When the husband also surprised me on my midweek long run night with an unplanned late meeting and daycare calls work to pick up a sick child early, along with all the early, early wake ups (why do they have to wake up between 5:00 and 5:15???) and leave times, I’m not so gently reminded I have no control over these things.

I said I wouldn’t let these things weigh on me or get me down, but I did and I have been. It’s hard to want something, but literally feel like you can’t make it happen. Some days are so challenging, but I know I’m a better mom for making a bit of time for me. I know I have to let things go in this season of life, but some days are just hard. The important thing is I keep moving forward.

Unlike some, getting to the starting line of any marathon for me is filled with missed runs and training plans that didn’t go as planned. I do the best I can with the supports and resources I have. As I reflect and stretch myself to find some learning from this hard week, I acknowledge that perhaps the beauty in the hard days is appreciating the good days more.

The marathon journey isn’t in the 26.2 miles ran on race day. It’s the hours of training, obstacles and focus that come from committing to training and accomplishing that training as best as we can. My training is never as planned, perfect or easy. I’d hate for anyone to think it’s all easy for me. It’s not. Ever.

But it’s worth it.

So I keep going. I shake off a hard week. It doesn’t have to be perfect or as planned. I move forward knowing this because it IS worth it. With fresh eyes I see my kids as the amazing little people they are. Sometimes they just need their mom, and that won’t always be the way it is.

Sarah

4Dec2018

{26.2…again}

Posted in 50 States, I run because..., Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

I have this silly dream of running 26.2 in every state that I just can’t let go of.

There is just something about 26.2 that pulls you back in. Runner’s World recently featured a collection of stories, 26.2 Reasons We Love the Marathon, about what makes this distance just so special. I thought about making my own list, but they just got so many of them spot on that I can’t dictate the difference between their ideas and my own.

Some of my favorites from their list: it’s a reason to travel, post-race beer, the good its runners do for worthy causes, it’s an excuse to get a new wardrobe, the signs (on the course), because it takes over your life-and it’s awesome, the unique thousands of fans cheering on runners, the post-race feast, the swag, it makes the world a better place-really!, playlists, finding your own **** yeah moment (if you don’t know Shalane Flanagan then this means nothing to you), running the same course as the professionals, the best shower of your life afterwards, the runner’s high and the final .2. People joke about the last 1,155 feet, but the final .2 moment is different for every race. It is truly a moment that is unique and rewarding and special every time.

This goal has never been about accomplishing the list as fast as I could. I never wanted the goal to interfere in an overall negative way with life in other ways. I like the slow process of building on this goal every year. I like getting to really see a place when I run a new state whenever possible. Each year it is fun to plan where the next race(s) will be.

So it is, I find myself training again. Spring marathon training officially began last Monday for me. Even though the snow and cold are just taking hold for good, I know that in a few months (ok, more than that perhaps) warmer weather and greener sights will be back. To help me tackle my ultimate goal, stay on track all winter and feed my need to explore, I’m signed up to check Indiana (Carmel Marathon) and South Dakota (Brookings Marathon) off the 50 State list this coming spring. While I’m excited to get back to following a training plan, I was kind of enjoying running when I could and focusing on the BeachBody LIIFT4 program.

This training cycle I will be running 4 days a week and lifting 3 days a week. I’m going to continue another round of LIIFT4, but I will follow the workouts consecutively by doing 3 each week. My weeks will not match up with the program weeks because of this. The eight week program will become 10.5 weeks long. I know yoga is going to need to be a regular part of my training along with a focus on core and hip work.

Due to running these upcoming races six weeks apart, my mileage will be a little higher than training for San Francisco. That was a pretty low mileage training plan to begin with as I eased my way back into training for my first post-babies marathon. I’m thinking my body can handle this now.

If I’m being honest though, I do have some serious concerns about how I’m going to make all this happen, but having a goal race on the calendar is usually the best way for me to stick to something. I feel my best self when I’m active and training for a race. To accomplish this, I HAVE to get better about getting to bed earlier. I HAVE to get better about leaving work right away a couple of days a week. All of these things will enhance my overall health, but actually doing them is a challenge. My new Fitbit will be reminding me everyday of what my goals are. And like I mentioned before, 26.2 sort of just pulls you back in. It can make you irrational in a wonderful way.

As with any new training plan I try to focus on my week ahead only. Dwelling, stressing or worrying about future week plans does not build confidence. When I see some of the miles on my training plan in two or three months, I can start to feel intimidated. Even though these upcoming races will be my 16th and 17th marathons they never get easier really. Running 26.2 miles is always going to require hard work, perseverance and overcoming unexpected obstacles. While my body knows what to expect and can complete the distance, it doesn’t mean it’s a cake walk for me.

I can’t wait to explore two new states on foot. Half the fun of my goal is getting to see a new city/state, taste yummy food and local beer, and feed my exploring needs. I will be posting training updates to help me stay accountable and to serve as my training log since these are helpful to look back on.

26.2. Here we go…again.

Sarah

20Mar2017

{More Mother, Less Runner}

Posted in diastasis recti, running after baby by sneaksandstilettos

Lately I’ve definitely been more mother and less runner. It wasn’t what I had planned or hoped for. I thought maintaining a healthy, active pregnancy would have me back at it sooner than later. And I was initially, but it turns out that wouldn’t even be close to the plan.

On a 2.5 mile run at 35 weeks pregnant followed by a 3 mile walk and feeling great!

Since about a month postpartum I knew my body didn’t feel “right.” I felt amazing those first few weeks. I was back in my skinny jeans with seven pounds to lose. I felt eager to get back to exercising. Baby girl was sleeping pretty well. Life was just crazy enough I felt like I needed some time to take care of me. It was the perfect post-baby storm to get back to running. I walked when I could, did my pelvic tilts and kegels, and started easing into running very cautiously.

At my six week postpartum appointment I learned I had a significant abdominal separation (diastasis recti). I was super disappointed, but kind of knew it was probably the case. My back had been hurting. My core felt off and not just the I just had a baby weak. Still I kept running. I wasn’t peeing myself running or having those types of issues. I wasn’t having pain per say while running. Everything I read along with my midwife said it was ok to keep running since I wasn’t having those issues.

I bought and read Katy Bowman’s book about DR. Everything she said made so much sense. I’ve never been a quick fix person. I’ve always believed to get to the true root of the problem is key or else everything else is just a bandaid. I’ve always had a huge issue with the number of prescriptions people are given for things without first trying to make lifestyle changes. To have abdominal surgery or do PT for a set number of weeks would only fix the problem temporarily. Once I returned to my old ways I would potentially be back in the same spot I am in now.

So I focused on my alignment and active sitting and standing. Wearing flat shoes as not to throw my alignment off. Core engagement as much as possible even when lifting kids and things and when sitting. I focused on reconnecting my body. After a month of this, my gap closed by almost a finger (to just over 3 fingers), but it was still deep. I still was feeling so much weakness and my hip had started to hurt on every run and after.

I knew and know that it will take much more than a month to undo a lifetime of poor alignment, pelvic tilting and ribs out. It will take more than a month to undo over a decade of heel wearing, a lifetime of not dropping my ribs and walking, running and everything else in a non-neutral body. I love Katy Bowman’s exercises, but it was hard to create a consistent program to go along with the lifestyle changes while taking care of two young kids.

After much research and consideration to my current life situation (two kids under two), I also purchased the MuTu System. MuTu focuses heavily on alignment while also giving you set exercises to do in a 12 week program. I don’t have time or money for PT appointments. Any time I take off from work is unpaid. With young kids and sickness, I can’t justify taking time off for PT, and outside of work hours are not an option either with daycare pickup and other demands of children.

I needed a program that told me what to do and could be done at home when I had time. I started following the exercises and life was good. I felt stronger and better after just the first week. Then I went back to work and things kind of fell apart. The exercises have to be done every single day. Every. Single. Day. With young kids and going back to work it is just so, so, so hard.

The week I went back to work I ran my longest run. Maybe it was all the emotions of going back to work and not feeling ready. Maybe it had been a hard day at home. Maybe it was all the nerves of being away from my baby girl for the first time. It might have been the discontent of not being where I’d hoped to be physically. Perhaps it was the stress I knew I’d soon be under as a full time working and breastfeeding mama (i.e. prep and lunches pumping and scrambling) responsible for getting kids ready and daycare drop off and pick up every day on my own. I honestly don’t remember.

What I do remember is my longest postpartum with baby #2 run was also my fastest postpartum with baby #2 run. I pushed the pace and just wanted to run fast. Feet turning over with quickness, pounding the stress and emotions into the ground with each step. My body let me know for the first time it didn’t agree with this as I leaked urine for the first time.

As embarrassing as that is to say, I’ve heard from many ladies who’ve messaged me and talked with me about similar issues. This is a common issue post-baby, but it is not normal…meaning you’re body is trying to tell you something. It likely won’t improve without specific work either. Most women choose to live with it. I will not.

Then my hip started to hurt. It wasn’t just a little hurt either. It was an I’m walking funny two days later hurt. Two months later and no running and it still hurts anytime I’ve been sitting for a bit and stand up. I feel it when I walk on occasion still. Clearly my core was not ready for running like that or perhaps running at all.

I’m anxious to get back to running, but have not been successful at all in making time to do my MuTu exercises while being a full time working and breastfeeding mommy to my kids. Some weeks I manage a few days and think ok, I’m finally going to make this happen only to be met with a setback (sickness, kids waking early, life demands, etc.) soon after that stops me for days or even a couple weeks.

I won’t try running again until I’ve seen improvement with my ab separation and my hip is no longer causing me issues. I know to get to running I need to regain my core strength, improve my body alignment and connections, and work on strength and flexibility in various places (like my hip).

A lifetime of poor alignment and only running (very little cross training and core work) along with two pregnancies close together and a two finger ab separation after baby number one that I did nothing to fix and here I am. Right where I should be I guess.

Lately I’ve been focusing on that idea. That no matter how crazy stressful and hard life is right now, I’m trusting that I’m right where I should be. As fate would have it, I began to finish this post yesterday morning while my daughter napped in the car. I took an Instagram “break” and came across a fitness blogger I follow had posted this to her account:

I just have to believe there is a lesson for me to learn from all this and that the struggle will teach me something I may not even be considering right now.

Had I even known what diastasis recti was before maybe I’d have done things differently. Maybe someone can learn from my experiences. Cross train. Stretch. Strengthen. Save heels for special occasions not daily wear. Work to have neutral body alignment and core engagement. Fix your small ab separation after you have a baby instead of ignoring it and then having another (and much bigger) baby.

I hope and plan to begin MuTu again later this spring or at the latest in June when the end of the school year will allow me some time to refocus, reconnect and rebuild my body. I continue to work on alignment and core engagement as I want to change my body for the better for good. Walking is what I do when I can.

After two months of mourning, misery and wallowing in the fact that I don’t know when my next run will be, I finally felt ready to share what’s kept me silent for so long.

Some might wonder why is this so hard to deal with? It’s complicated, but running is so intertwined with who I see myself as a person and an essential to my well being way I cope with everything and maintain my mental health, it’s no wonder I felt so many negative emotions over it for a while.

If you’re struggling with any of these post-baby issues, hang in there mama!! With time we will be ourselves again. Our bodies will feel like our own again. They have to. I refuse to believe I’m stuck this way forever. No matter how often I feel like maybe I should just quit this whole goal and blog, I just can’t. I keep returning to it. I still hold hope in my heart.

And that’s where I am now. Broken. Grateful. Struggling. Surviving on coffee, the smiles of my babes and that glimmer of hope. Right where I’m supposed to be even if I’m not sure for how long.

Sarah

27Dec2016

{Back to the Basics}

Posted in running after baby by sneaksandstilettos

I never planned to go over three years without running a marathon. I didn’t know in 2014 that crossing the Missoula Marathon finish line, my second marathon in nine days, would be my last for a while. Two kids later and that’s my story. With plans to cross another state off of my goal to run a marathon in every state coming in September, I’ve decided to use 2017 as a year of regaining fitness and strength. 2017 will be a year to return to the basics.

Since it’s been a while since I’ve trained for and ran 26.2 miles, I’m going to start small, build strength and endurance, and work up from there. I’m going to train for a 10k first, something I’ve never done before (the training part). I know I could run this distance without following a plan, but I want to slowly increase my mileage while letting myself recover from having a baby even more. I wanted a plan that would slowly add in miles and balance cross training. After completing my 10k plan (8 weeks), I will reevaluate and select a half marathon training plan (12 weeks) and then a marathon plan (18 week).

The 10k plan has me running three days a week, which seems perfect for right now. I will add in more days as it seems to be appropriate. Hal’s plans are so customizable and adjustable for every runner’s ability level. I’ve used many different plans in the past, but often come back to his. His plans make it possible to adjust midway through to a tougher or easier plan if needed.

I’ve always liked the way a training plan simplifies the process of reaching a distance goal and have used many different versions. I like being able to look at my plan and know what to run and how without having to put too much into organizing these details. There are so many training plans out there that I don’t need to create my own. The plan I’m following lets me choose my cross training, which gives me plenty of personalizing (and I’m so excited to mix it up with some fun workouts). Right now my life is chaotic to say the least so looking at a piece of paper and seeing what my workout is for that day is what I need. Being able to rearrange days is also essential as my days don’t always go as planned.

My 10k plan started last week and will last 8 weeks. Because gaining strength all over and remaining injury free is my goal, I’m following a novice plan with cross training days being essential. On cross training days I will continue my workout DVD’s (Knocked Up Fitness and Katy Bowman are a couple I use) and DR exercises from Katy Bowman’s book Diastasis Recti and several I’ve found online. Cross training will remain a key part of my marathon training. As I progress in strength and fitness, I will add more running and speed. I also plan to change-up my cross training as my DR closes.

It’s been nearly 4 years since I trained hard for a marathon. I missed qualifying for the Boston Marathon by 1:36 at the RnR Arizona Marathon in 2013. Since then I’ve had two babies, which has made it difficult for me to remain committed to my training. I plan to revisit this goal when I’m in better shape and have more time to devote to it.

Three years is a pretty large gap in marathons and my body is in no shape to be chasing after a PR. My training will reflect that. There will not be many speed workouts or tempo days. You won’t see multiple high mileage weeks in a row. I won’t be doing several 20 milers or more. There will not be two runs in a day.

You will see rest days and a gradual increase in miles. My training plan will in a way follow my baby getting older. I like that this should prevent me from becoming too overwhelmed and make my small goals lead to accomplishing my big goal. It really takes the pressure off and lets me enjoy being a mom while letting me do what I love. It should also set the stage for advancing my training the next marathon cycle. Why I thought jumping into a marathon training plan after my last baby was the only way to go I don’t know.

This time I feel so much more confidant in my ability to do this largely in part to the progressing plans plan I have. When choosing a training plan the most important aspect to consider is how it will fit into your life and your current fitness level. If the miles and workouts don’t match your current life (fitness level, demands outside of running, etc.), then you will have a really hard time succeeding. Even with the perfect plan will it still be hard? Yes! Will balancing training, working, being a mom and breastfeeding still be overwhelming? I have no doubt! Will some difficult choices and sacrifices have to happen? You bet! Will it be worth it? Of course!!

If you’re returning to running in any capacity (new, former, had a baby, kind of been slacking) this is a perfect goal for 2017. Join me in reaching your fitness goals by starting small and working your way to your big goal for 2017. I will be documenting my training here and on Instagram (sneaksandstilettos) to help myself stay accountable and hopefully get some of you to go after your 2017 goals.

We have to start somewhere; let’s start small. Baby steps!

Sarah

20Dec2016

{Conquering the Midwest-50 States Plan Update}

Posted in Uncategorized, Upcoming Races by sneaksandstilettos

A few days ago baby girl demanded to be held while she napped. Of course I didn’t mind too much. As the end of the year approaches and people start setting their goals for 2017 it had me thinking about mine. Her napping in my arms and thinking about goals at the same time was the perfect combination to do some race researching and planning.

I learned the hard way about setting goals that were too lofty for me post-baby the first time around. I both underestimated the attachment I would have for that boy and overestimated the amount of training I would be able to handle while sleep deprived and exclusively breastfeeding. While I wanted and even craved to run, I experienced a high level of separation anxiety when it came to leaving him. This made long runs a challenge. On top of that he didn’t sleep through the night until he was 9 months old and breastfeeding and pumping was like a part time job on top of working full time. I’m not saying you can’t make it work and manage it all, but I couldn’t and stay sane and not feel immense mom guilt.

I had planned to run the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon last fall as my come back from baby #1 marathon (I even documented my training in several blog posts), but as I mentioned above it didn’t happen. This time around I didn’t make any definite goals while pregnant, but now that she is here I’m ready to do so. Instead of planning to run a marathon at six months postpartum like last time I’m looking more at around a year. This gives me much more time to get in shape and get strong, increases the chance for sleep and nears the end of my breastfeeding goal of one year for each child.

When deciding what race would be my first marathon since having kids I assumed I would pick the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon as originally planned. It turns out it won’t be “the one.” My husband has his masters class that weekend and it is almost a seven hour drive. That’s also a lot of travel for our season of life right now, which means the kids would need to be at a grandparents for longer.

So what’s my plan? My first marathon after baby is going to be not too far of a drive and on the way to a grandparents where the kids can be watched for one overnight. The kids will be almost 1 and 2 and a half so I’m sure that’s all we will all be ready to leave them for. A race happened to meet this criteria perfectly and, according to marathonguide.com (I love to use this site for learning about specific races), has really good reviews for 50 state seekers like me. For these reasons the Sioux Falls Marathon in South Dakota will be “the one.”

The race is September 10 which is a bit earlier than the late fall target time I had planned to race, but a doable adjustment to my training. Training for this marathon will begin in May hopefully right after a local half marathon. This gives me 4.5 months before I begin marathon training.

Looking ahead to other races I know my plans must follow a similar criteria. During this season of life I must find a way to balance my goals and the needs and demands of my family. Two kids under two and a husband working on his masters means I will not be able to just race whenever, wherever.

I’ve outlined my “Conquering the Midwest” game plan below. I’ve already completed at least one marathon in the following states: Wisconsin (Madison Marathon and Wisconsin Marathon), Minnesota (Grandma’s Marathon and Twin Cities Marathon) , Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Kansas. I have race reports linked to each state for those interested in reading or new to the blog. Some are more detailed than others as I didn’t really blog in the beginning of this goal.

2017-South Dakota (Fall-Sioux Falls Marathon)

2018-North Dakota (Fargo Marathon-Spring). I ran the half a few years ago, but want to run a full in every state. My Fargo Half Marathon race experience was a good one.

Indiana or Nebraska (Fall-Depends on the husbands master classes, but lots of options for races.

2019-Missouri or Nebraska (Spring-It’s a little far out to say for sure on this one. St. Louis Go Marathon would mean taking the whole family. If it’s the Lincoln Marathon in Nebraska probably just the husband and I will go.

Ohio-TBD ??

While my kids are young, the nights interrupted, the budget tight and the demands of me great, this is my plan. I love this phase of life and know how quickly it will pass, so I want my priority to be family. As my kids get a bit older and more independent I will feel better about leaving for a bit longer and my wallet will be able to afford flights and weekends away. My training will also be able to target some back to back races. Until then, I will be conquering the Midwest.

Stay tuned!

Sarah

13Dec2016

{To run or not to run…with diastasis recti?}

Posted in Pregnancy Journal, Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

That’s my big question that only I can answer. I knew something was going on before I headed to my six week postpartum appointment with my midwife a week ago. I suspected DR, but didn’t want to check it myself and really face reality that I was going to have some real work ahead of me. Work I would not enjoy, look forward to or likely ever really want to do.

Why the suspicions? I felt so weak in my core when doing everyday things, but a different weak than last time postbaby. My lower abdomen easily became sore, but different from last time also. Sneezing was very painful. My posture was terrible. I’d consciously sit tall and seconds later I’d find myself so slouched. My belly looked so different from last time-loose skin, dimply and pregnant by the end of the day despite me having just six pounds to lose from pregnancy versus the 15 pounds last time around. My running form felt off, too. My feet were barely lifting off the ground and my paces were so slow despite any effort I expelled.

Last Tuesday my midwife confirmed or answered my concerns with a significant diastasis recti diagnosis as measured by me having a four finger gap between my abdominal muscles. After my previous pregnancy my gap was a 1-2 finger gap. Upon arriving home I was neither upset or discouraged by my appointment. It didn’t seem to be that significant. That would come later.

After doing some reading on the topic, I realized that my fitness goals and plans really are on hold or need to be modified. I can’t jump into any real training for a longer distance race without addressing this issue or I will end up injuring something else or making the separation worse. My plans to head back to yoga class and use 21 Day Fix to get back in shape and cross train will have to wait as they both use too many core exercises that not only do nothing to improve DR, but can make the DR worse.

Now that this post baby issue was jeopardizing my running and my related goals it became personal. I was mad. I don’t have time to do extra exercises. I don’t have time to read books and research what exercises are safe and which ones are not. I don’t need something else to worry about. I know in the scheme of life and real problems this is not important, but we all can be dramatic at times.

The next day I had some negative thoughts running through my head. Since I don’t have time to fix this problem, I was going to become one of those mothers who HAD a goal. Who WAS a runner. Who HAD abs-the least of my concerns. Who HAD dreams…before she had kids. It was kind of a dark few hours thinking about throwing away a goal.

Then I remembered how insane I become when I can’t run and how much happiness I feel when running and chasing down a goal. I remembered how much better a person I am when I’m focused on improving myself. I remembered how much more patient I am as a mother when I’m being active and running. I thought about the places this goal would take me and my kids and the experiences I hoped to share with them. This goal is not just a selfish goal, and even if it were, a mother can dream and have goals and still be a good mom.

Elle Woods was totally spot on about this!

After thinking about all of this, how could I not make, find, steal and create the time to fix my DR and get back to my goals and what I love. Going forward I am taking the advice of my midwife and a physical therapist relative. You should always take advice from your own doctor and not from an online blogger with no medical training (that’s me!) Of course other’s experiences are valuable to me and after reading other bloggers and websites, most said running with DR is ok, but I would likely have issues if I didn’t work to fix it. I also read many online experiences that suggest less running is more especially early on.

My midwife cleared me to run, but explained some issues I might experience such as leaking urine when I run (not currently an issue for me (yeah!!), but common with DR and pelvic floor issues) if I don’t do anything about it. She said she could refer me to physical therapy right away or she recommended Katy Bowman’s online videos and her book on DR as a more lifelong approach to strengthening a weakness. If after giving my DR some more time to heal and close along with following Katy Bowman’s work, I still don’t see improvements she can refer me to physical therapy.

Check out the time on this…up with baby!

I’ve purchased the Nutritious Movement for Pelvic Health in the digital download version and Katy Bowman’s book Diastasis Recti. Her message is all about “you are how you move.” We create most of our body aches and pains by how we move. Her exercises encourage not a six week program or do these five exercises and your fixed forever, rather change how you move on a regular basis to get stronger and aligned. Her exercises are based on the idea that by changing how we move and doing more moving in general we can make many of our issues go away.

I have to admit that so far what she blogs about and says in her book make a lot of sense to me. Let’s just say if her work were candy, I’d be the kid in the candy store. This is also so encouraging because it means I may not have to find so much extra time in my day, rather I could change how I move and see improvements that I will work to maintain as I continue through life.

This week I’m also starting to do exercises a physical therapist in the family recommends to patients she sees with DR. She recommended the following websites for fixing diastasis recti and this website for more information on DR.

I am hoping that a combination of the above will help me return to my old goals (running long distance races, and someday faster) and achieve my new goal (closing the gap.) As a teacher, I can’t believe the irony of my problem and one of the bigger educational achievement issues in our country. Sometimes you really can’t get away from work! Again, consult your own doctor, please.

As for running, I’ve decided to not make an official plan. My unofficial plan is to not run back to back days to make sure I have time to listen to my body. I will run only 2-3 times a week and cut back if needed. I will keep my runs to 3 miles and under for the next month. I will run all easy pace runs (as if I could run faster now.) I will reevaluate in a month. My sights are set on a half marathon in the spring (roughly six months postpartum) and a late fall marathon (roughly one year postpartum.)

Here’s to closing the gap!

Sarah

7Jul2016

{Why you should consider streaking!} #rwrunstreak 2016

Posted in Running Pregnant, Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

I can’t say enough about my #rwrunstreak experience this summer. In the past streaks have been hit or miss, and I’d never been as successful with streaking as I was with this streak. I’m super proud of running 34 out of 36 days during the streak.

What was unexpected about this streak is all the benefits I gained from maintaining my streak. I share them with you in hopes that you might try your own streak or join in the fall/winter streak from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day later this year and benefit, too.

{Benefit #1-Build on or maintain your fitness level.}

Even more rewarding than the number of days I ran was the way streaking helped me maintain and even build my fitness. I attribute streaking with being the main reason why my recent 5 mile race at 24 weeks pregnant felt so great. Running a mile feels like nothing most days now. I also feel much stronger during runs of several miles than when I started out even though I’ve gained more weight and bump as my pregnancy has progressed.

This makes streaking a perfect way for runners to get back into running and to build fitness without overwhelming the body. Because you get to pick the distance you run each day (as long as it is at least one mile) you can listen to your body. Legs tired from your run the day before? Run one easy active recovery mile. Legs feeling great and strong? Go for a longer run. You can always run just one mile tomorrow. Maybe you just ran a marathon? A streak where you determine the miles not a training plan can be a perfect way to recover and find joy in running again.

{Benefit #2-Find you love of running.}

I know, I know streaking requires running everyday. How can this make you love running? You get to control your run everyday. You get to pick where, how far, how long, etc. You can get creative with your route or run the same route each day. You can determine your miles before you leave or run by feel and turn around whenever you want. There is no training plan telling you what you must do. Just you and your running shoes out for a run. Whether a newbie runner or an experienced runner getting back into running, you can find enjoyment in pounding the pavement. Starting is always hard, but it will get easier! Just don’t expect to love it right away.

I found that being able to run what I want, when I want made me find a lot more joy in running. Yes, some days I dreaded getting out there, but I got to have that I-just-ran accomplished and awesomeness feeling, you guessed it, EVERY SINGLE DAY (well, except two.) Talk about loving your run!

{Benefit #3-Lose the I’m busy excuse.}

I get it. We are all busy. I find myself using this word so much that I actually annoy myself. But, guess what? We all have time for streaking. One of my biggest barriers to working out is feeling busy and like I don’t have time. Make time for at least that mile and you will find making time for running gets easier and more important. What is important to us we do. I started planning ahead and over the course of the streak have gotten much better about making time in my life for running than I was prior to starting the streak.

Because you get to run what you choose each day it allows for the craziness of life to happen. Have an unexpected event come up? Run just one mile when you get home. Have a crazy day ahead? Run just one mile in the morning before your day begins. Find yourself with some extra time? I know me neither, but go longer. It is the perfect plan for the busy person.

{Benefit #4-Lose the other excuses, too}

It is so easy to make excuses. I’m pregnant so don’t even get me started on this. If I wanted I could come up with an excuse every SINGLE day. I’m tired. My bump feels heavy. I’m nauseous. I didn’t have a chance to eat yet. I’m dehydrated. My feet hurt. My arches hurt. It’s too late. It’s too hot. We have somewhere to be soon. My back hurts. I have a headache. It’s raining. I have heartburn. I’m bored with my running route. My Garmin is dead. My phone is dead. I’m sick of my running playlist. The list goes on. I’m pretty sure all of these excuses crossed my mind at least once during my streak time. We all make them at times, but overcoming them can be so good for us.

Streaking helped me realize that I do have time to run that one mile before my packed day. It helped me see that running a mile at 9:30 p.m. is both doable and rewarding. Streaking helped me see that no matter how hot, wet or dreadful the conditions a mile or two is definitely possible. Overcoming excuses everyday has helped me make less of them.

{Benefit #5-Find your me time again.}

We all have demands in life. Some days we feel like someone always needs us for something. Our to do list is longer than the time in our schedule. We just want some time for ourselves once and while. Even just 10-15 minutes would have a rejuvenating impact.

Hello, #rwrunstreak! Without intending for streaking to give me time to myself, it ended up giving me time to myself multiple days a week. Some days were stroller runs. Some days were family runs. A lot of days though were just me and my music and my running shoes hitting the pavement. It became a chance for me to clear my head, breathe the fresh air or catch up on some guilty pleasure TV while running on the treadmill. It was time I would have struggled to give myself otherwise and I felt happier all around because of it.

{Benefit #6-Make running a habit.}

On the last day of my streak I mentioned to my husband feeling a sense of loss that the streak was ending. What would I do when I didn’t have to run? How would I organize my day if a run wasn’t in it? Without forcing it to or trying to running had become a need and something I wanted to be a part of each day. Not running seemed, well, weird.

A few days post-streak with a few days off and I’m itching to run. I feel grouchy having missed a couple of days. I like that I have a need and desire to run each day again. It makes it so much easier to keep at it and enjoy all these benefits when I want to run.

{Benefit #7-Get over a distance requirement.}

In the past if I didn’t “have time” to run more than two miles I wasn’t going. I always thought what was the point? I wouldn’t feel like I worked out. It would be a waste of time when I could get something else done. There is no fitness benefit to such a short distance.

Post-streak I know this is absolutely not true. If you are not training for a long distance race, then running even just a mile a day can feel like a workout and build fitness. It can relieve stress and make you feel more relaxed. A mile IS enough to change a bad mood or negative attitude. A mile can make you feel accomplished. And all those one mile runs add up over 36 days. Even running one mile each day is 36 miles at the end of this streak.

Of the 66.6 miles I ran during my streak, 21.5 of those miles were from runs of less than two miles. 21.5 miles I would have skipped in the past because they wouldn’t have been enough or really counted for an experienced runner like me.* I’ve had a change of heart and now see the benefit in running “just one mile.” There is no mileage requirement to be a runner after all and this helped remind me of this.

*Keep in mind for a beginner or someone getting back into running this is great mileage.

{Benefit #8-Run further.}

Some days your run a mile and you are ready or have to be done. On occasion though everything clicks and a planned one mile run turns into two and then three miles or more. You got yourself out the door, the hardest part, by saying “just one mile.” Then running took over and you ran further than you thought you would. Streaking allows you this opportunity everyday. If you give yourself a chance, you might surprise yourself. I know I did on a multiple occasions.

Before you think streaking is not your thing or say you can’t, consider the benefits! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Now go run just that one mile!

Sarah

30Apr2016

{No 26.2 miles or bourbon for me today}

Posted in Pregnancy Journal, Running Pregnant by sneaksandstilettos

Today I was going to run the Kentucky Derby Marathon. I signed up in February after starting a training plan and successfully running three long runs on weekends in a row. I finished 13 miles mid-February and felt amazing. I registered and booked my flight and hotel. I pinterest planned my weekend…hot air balloons Friday night, race Saturday, Opening Night at the Kentucky Derby and mint juleps Saturday night. Maybe check out Louisville Slugger or a bourbon sampling.

Later in February I started not feeling great. I was so tired all the time. I was feeling nauseous off and on throughout the day. I was gagging on green vegetables. Alcohol hadn’t sounded good in a while. In early March my milk supply started dropping. What was going on?

I said I swear I felt pregnant several times, but that couldn’t be. I knew there was a chance I could be since we were on the not trying, but not not trying plan. EXCEPT I had taken two pregnancy tests the month before and both were negative and I had my period. It wasn’t until this happened that I registered for 26.2.

Except…I was pregnant. The tests taken slightly early for my long cycle. The period actually a hemorrhage that showed up in an ultrasound in mid-March after two positive tests the week before. Everything is ok now!

I could have never said a word about my plan to run 26.2 today, but I was following my dream and still getting after my goals. Even though I have not been frequent in blogging or instagraming as of late, I’m still working hard on my dream to run a marathon in every state. I am just once again experiencing a delay.

I’m not upset about the delay at all. How can you be when it means another bundle of joy. I’m sure this will temporarily make my goal and dream a little more put off and for sure even more of a challenge, but babies are only little for a while. Having one has taught me that the first year goes by so fast. There will be challenges, but it is only for a blink of an eye in a lifetime that these unique challenges exist.

My favorite running shirt already!

I’m working hard to balance being a full time working, pregnant mom of a one-year-old who is also a baseball coaches wife. Fitting in runs and workouts now is near impossible with the husband gone so much. Caring for my son, home and everything else some days feels like a workout by itself.

I’m still planning on some spring and summer races depending on how things are going. I already feel so much better running this time around. So much less pressure and discomfort. Time will tell. I’m sure I will again be documenting the journey to a family of four. Sometimes I still can’t believe it!

Currently I’m recovering from a nasty cold and my first experience with pink eye. Wash those hands people!

Stay tuned!!

Sarah