{Friday Fab 5-Best Burgers Ever, Trail Running Shoes, Grilled Veggies, …}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

{#1-Peppercorn-Crusted BBQ-Ranch Burgers with Chili-Lime Crunchies}

Shocker alert! I have another recipe from Iowa Girl Eats to recommend. Memorial Day is one of those days that conjures up thoughts of sunshine, American pride and grilling. I came across this recipe last week and knew we HAD to make it Monday. These burgers were amazing. Since I’m the only person in the world who hates ranch dressing I did not mix mine with BBQ. For those ranch lovers out there i.e. everyone else on the planet, you’ll love the BBQ-Ranch combo. Add this recipe to your next grill out plans.

{#2-Grilled Veggies}

Since the focus of our meal was these burgers, and they seemed super filling, I wanted something light and yummy to go with. I love roasting veggies on the grill during the summer and peppers in four colors seemed like the best choice. It was.

{#3-Must complete this mile!}

This was me Wednesday night. I got back to my house from my hilly run and was not quite to seven miles yet. I did what any number/Garmin obsessed runner does and ran around little loops by my house until I heard the comfort of the familiar chirp and felt the mile vibration on my wrist. Now I could be done. Does anyone else do this? I tend to waiver back and forth between obsessed and run free.

{#4-Trail Running Shoes…err not!}

The other day I sort of just realized I don’t own trail running shoes and my first 50k is oh, next week! I think it is a little too late for that, but I don’t even know where to begin. I will be wearing my trusty old Mizuno Wave Riders, but am a bit nervous about this. I know the trails I’m going to be running are not too technical so they should work. Anyone have recommendations on trail running shoes? I read reviews in Trail Runner magazine last weekend, but feel overwhelmed. Where to start?

{#5-I’ll take the running gear}

For a sport that really requires so little gear, how can I need so much running gear? I do mean need, too! My birthday wish lists sure have changed over the past few years since running my first marathon. Forget the romantic stuff, I want Body Glide and tech material gear. I can’t be alone on this can I?

Happy Friday!

9Mar2014

{Wisconsin Marathon Training-Week 10}

Posted in Wisconsin Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

This week presented several opportunities for cross training and enjoying winter outside. Overall mileage was disappointing, but we moved our long run to tomorrow so we both felt more like running. Ryan has a cold and we both stayed up WAY too late on Saturday night. Staying up until 3:30 in the morning does not make you want to run your long run. Oops!

Monday-5 miles (Sarah)

Easy miles outside

Tuesday-8 miles (both I us)

Wednesday-Ice Skating for 1 hour

Thursday-4 miles

Friday-New Sneaks for both of us

Ryan needed new shoes and I forgot mine, so we stopped at a sporting goods store. Ryan tried on three pairs of shoes-Asics Gel Nimbus (too cushioned), Mizuno Wave Riders (not enough cushion/support), and the Brooks Glycerine (a perfect balance of cushion and support). I bought the latest version of the same shoe I have earlier versions of and love-Mizuno Wave Rider 17’s.

Saturday-6 mile snow trek to Apostle Island Sea Caves

After over four hours hiking through the snow and ice we were wiped. We decided to count those miles as our run.

A full post with lots of pictures coming later this week!

Sunday-Hour long yoga class
Moved our long run to Monday.

Ryan’s Tip of the Week-See Sarah’s tip

Sarah’s Tip of the Week-When training for your first marathon one of the most important purchases you will make is your running shoes. It is extremely important that you purchase shoes that fit your feet and your body. Initially I purchased shoes based on trial and error. Most shoes I’ve purchased, I’ve been very happy with minus a few exceptions. Over the years my shoe styles have changed slightly.

Training for my first few marathons I felt I needed the extra cushioning of the Asics Gel Nimbus for my joints. I also got lots of miles out of this style of shoe, usually around 450-500 miles, which did wonders for my wallet. I stuck with this style of for a long time. Once you find a shoe you love, buy multiple pairs. I often buy the same older style of shoe in multiple colors when the newer model comes out to save money.

It usually only takes buying the wrong shoe one time to make you realize how significant the right shoe is. Training for my second marathon I thought I needed a more expensive shoe since I was a more serious runner. I bought a “better” pair of shoes, or so I thought. Eight miles out on a sixteen mile out and back run and I was in significant pain. When I got home I had a blister on each arch, both two and a half inches in diameter. I had to drain the blisters multiple times a day, and the foolish act on my part left me sidelined from running for more than a week. Once you find a shoe you love, don’t think buying a more expensive pair is better. The best shoe it the one that fits you well.

As my training has progressed over the past years I wanted a less bulky and lighter shoe, but that would still provide comfort for long training runs. I found that perfect combination in the Mizuno Wave Rider’s. Every year they’ve updated the shoe I find they only get better.

When deciding on what shoes are right for you I’d recommend going to your local running store and having them perform a gait analysis while watching you run on a treadmill. With the right fitting shoe you can enjoy more pain-free miles, decrease your chance of injury, and perform even better on your runs. I also like to keep two pairs of running shoes in the rotation so the first pair can bounce back after a long run. This is also a benefit when the roads are wet and sloppy. Dry shoes make happy feet!

Total Weekly Miles-23 miles + ice skating + yoga class

Happy Training!

9May2013

{Friday Fab 5}

Posted in Friday Fab 5 by sneaksandstilettos

Amen, it is the weekend!

{#1-Beautiful Sunsets}

With three track meets and working one night at GR, it was all about the little things this week.

{#2-Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich}

And what better way to relax for a few minutes after getting home and before going to bed during a crazy week where you can’t workout, than a guilt free treat.

{#3-Tulips are blooming!}

This week our tulips bloomed and the peonies are coming along. Love spring!

{#4-Green Grass and New Shoes}

For a few weeks now I’ve been needing a new pair of running shoes so I can alternate shoes between runs. I liked my old Mizuno Wave Riders and decided to get the same ones, but an updated version. I love them. Not sure what I like most about them though-how comfortable they are or how happy the colors make me when I look down at my feet? Either way they are awesome!

Also awesome is this green grass! I just can’t get enough of all this green everywhere. Doesn’t it just put a pep in your step!

{#5-Thank you nurses and teachers!}

Source: passionpinkandpearls.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I had some wonderful teachers that inspired me over the years and still do. I work with amazing teachers who inspire me everyday! My coworkers are the best! I’ve been lucky to be treated by very kind nurses. There are some special nurses near and dear to me whom I see their kindness and compassion in all they do. When I was little I used to want to be a nurse because my aunt’s a nurse. Then I realized I don’t love blood. Fellow teachers and nurses, YOU make the world a better place. Thanks for all you do.