The Friday Five - Favorite Race Signs

One of the really fun things about any race is the signs...most of them make me laugh, some are kind of weird and others are some of them are just plain heart felt.  Over the years I've seen a few!  So here are some of my favorites.

#1

Because , cats.

Because, cats, guns & unicorns.

source: Pinterest

#2

These lovely ladies were out at the 2011 Twin Cities Marathon.  

#3

Ryan Gosling.  No explanation required.  Thanks Alicia!  I still have this one up in my office.

2013 New Years Eve Marathon

#4

My personal mantra.

2011 NYC Marathon

#5

The best.  Always. 

2014 NYC Marathon

Thanks again to the ladies in DC for the Friday Five Linkup!  Check out more awesome race signage at Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar at Mar on the Run and Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?!

What has been your favorite sign during a race?

The Friday Five - Five Things I'm Loving

It's a nice, rainy (monsoonish) day where I am...one of those days where it'd be great to 

just nap and watch Lifetime movies all day!

I liked up with the DC trifecta again for the Friday Five - the things I'm loving right now (besides the givens: my family, pets and friends!).

1.  Ultramarathoning/Trail Running

Having come from Minnesota, where my outdoor quality of life was pretty much a 10 out of 10, Texas always seemed very low in that area.  Having discovered that there are some really amazing trails, hidden gems really, has increased my outdoor quality of life in Texas quotient A LOT.

One of my favorite trails, pretty much right outside my door!

This is in Texas!

I can't seem to get enough of trail running/races right now.  I've spent the last two months dreaming about all of the trail races I'd like to do someday.  The Rough Creek race gave me the added confidence boost I needed to consider some significantly more challenging races.  I can't wait to see what pans out.

Someday!

2. Fridays Off (for now)

I magically worked out a schedule with UHC that allows me to work 10 hour days, 4 days a week.  I kept that schedule this summer (except with no days off really), but was fortunate enough to continue it so I could catch up on some things before I start my clinical rotation again in December.  It's a day off to do all of the things that I won't have time to do for the next 9 months.

3. 34 days until Thanksgiving

ok...maybe not quite yet, but SOON!

I adore the fall holidays, but the one that takes that cake (or turkey!) is Thanksgiving. I love me some Christmas, but I love that Thanksgiving is, for the most part, stress free.  There are no presents, no elf on the shelf antics, no over the top lights to put on the tree (guilty)...just really amazing food and family.  It's no secret in my circle that I LOVE cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  It's the best meal I make all year and I am very proud of that.  My mom taught me how to make my turkey extra tasty and I can give Martha Stewart a run for her money with my pie making skills.

Pumpkin Pie - for reals.

4. Audio Books and Podcast

Once someone who only listened to music while I was working out/running, I have become a big fan of someone else doing the talking.  I've been listening to audio books during my ultras and I love that I can actually finish the entire book at one time.  So far my favorites have been A Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson - I wanted to "read" the book before I saw the movie) and Mindy Kaling's Why Not Me.  I LOVE 'Another Mother Runner' podcast.

At this point, I have listened to them ALL and have to wait each week for the new one to come out.  I feel like I'm having a chat with my girlfriends.  There is a lot of random laughing!

5. Cats

I guess the cat (pun intended) is pretty much getting out of the bag.  We are officially crazy cat people.  What started out as getting a pal for Khleo (our girl cat) led to the tragedy this summer, then to us collecting cats.  Apparently, it took many cats to fill Tyrion's place.  We started with Batman (aka Fatman, Bear) who we got after we got back from Mexico this summer and added Charlie Brown to the mix in early September.  Historically a "dog" person, I never thought I could be swayed to have cats.  Especially a small herd of them, but here we are!  Four cats later...

Kitties in a basket!

Charlie to the left, Batman to the right.  These two are rarely far from each other.

What are you loving right now?

Thanks to Courtney @Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar @ Mar on the Run and Cynthia @You Signed Up For What? for the Friday Five Link-Up!

The Friday Five - Favorite Fall Things

It's no question, this is my absolute favorite time of year.  I love everything about the last third of the year, but here are a few of my most favorite things!

Cool Weather

I looooove the fall weather.  Even though it was a balmy 83 degrees when I went out for my evening run, by all measure, that is a major cool down in Texas.  Beautiful mornings with low humidity and comfortable, if not a little chilly evenings are on their way.  I don't even mind when the days get shorter.  In fact, I kind of like it!

Pumpkins!

I am not a fan of pumpkin spice everything, but I do love me some pumpkins.

I usually have a big display near my front door in October and November and Louis and I tend to hit up as many pumpkin patches as possible.  We will make our tenth visit to one of them this year! Even though (sadly) the Big Orange Pumpkin Patch changed locations, it still appears to be the same premise and you can bet we will be there.

Fall Holidays

It's no secret that Halloween and Thanksgiving are my number one holidays!  I love that they are stress free...no worries about gifts or extravagant decor (although I do decorate one crazy lit Christmas tree!).  They are all about the good things.  Family.  Friends.  Food.  There is always so much to be thankful for.

So much turkey....and well, because stuffing.

I love Thanksgiving Eve...cooking up a storm in my kitchen.  Making homemade pumpkin and apple pie.  Roasting a delish turkey.

It's just my favorite.

The Fall Colors

While the fall colors in Texas are by no means even close to what they are in Minnesota, we still get some color here.

Ok...this is not Texas, but that is one cute kid!

More Free Time!

While there is often too little of it, I took a quarter off from grad school and have more than I have had in the last 3 years.  It makes me excited to be done with school next fall.  I am enjoying some extra time to paint the garage full of furniture I have accumulated (there will be no graphic to show this hot mess) and do some organization around my house (although little of that has been done).  I've had so much more time to run and that gets high praise in my book! Most of all, I love the extra time I've had with family.

What do you love about fall?

Big thanks as always to Courtney @Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar @ Mar on the Run and Cynthia @You Signed Up For What? for the Friday Five Link-Up!

The Friday Five - Five Fall Races

Isn't it hard to believe it has been 14 years since 9/11/2002?  In my mind it seems like last year or just a few months ago, yet years have passed and it still remains so fresh in our minds.  Most of us remember the exact time and place we were when the planes hit the WTC, the moment they fell.  I've had the honor of visiting the WTC site several times and it still seems so raw.  It relieves me that my son never had to witness such horror, hopefully none of us will have to again. Somewhere I came across this amazing blogging project; one I hope to contribute to over the coming year.  I highly recommend taking a few minutes just to read about some of these amazing people who lost their lives that day.  They are just a name in granite to some, but to others, they were fantastic human beings.

A photo I took on a trip in 2012.  I've always found the rainbow kind of comforting and eerie all at the same time.

Not meaning to make this post so somber, but wanting to remember the day.

On to the...

I got a little mixed up on the Friday Five themes, apparently last week was "Fall Races".  So this week?

My Five Fall Races

It may be pumpkin spice everything season for everyone else, but for me, it is not only my favorite time of year (Thanksgiving is getting so close!), it is my most favorite time of the year to run races!

The cool(ish), crisp weather makes me so happy!  I can't wait until Saturday morning.  It will be 67 degrees when I plan to start my last longish run before race season!

#1

40 miles.  In 9 days.  It's happening.

In my mind, I've already ran 36 (a 34 miler with a really wrong turn), so what's 4 more?! (I need to keep telling myself next Saturday around mile 30).

This is part of the Endurance Buzz Adventure's 5 series challenge.  It will likely be the most difficult I've done.  The pictures are terrifying, yet I can't wait to get out there!  I think this will be my biggest challenge yet.  I feel ready, yet I still worry about finishing within the allotted time. Being a very technical trail with some pretty massive climbs, I know it is going to be slow going with a great deal of sun exposure.  The time cut off is what scares me the most, but it is what will push me the hardest.

Apparently there are some hills or something like that.  Rusty crown?  You mean, tiara?  Sign me up!

photo cred: EBA

#2

Palo Duro 50k

Can you believe this is in Texas?!

This race takes place in October and is in a part of Texas I've never really been to. The geography looks *amazing*.  I have a lot of friends who are also doing this race and I know it will be so fun!!

#3

Big Cedar Endurance Run

This is on a gorgeous trail in the heart of Dallas/Ft. Worth.  I ran a timed, 3 hour,  race in the dark here earlier this summer, but have yet to actually see it in the day time.  This was supposed to have been my first ultra last year, but it was rainy and gross.  I wasn't a very experienced trail runner last year (I still have a lot to learn, really!) and I just didn't feel comfortable going on and running on a slick, technical trail in the ran.  I was really disappointed that this didn't happen and it was the second time I had signed up for an ultra where things didn't line up for one reason or another.  Distance is still an unknown (with the exception of the fact that I will NOT be doing the 100 miler).  The 50 mile (which I really want to do!) starts at 3:30 in the morning, which is no bueno for someone who goes to be around midnight.  I am torn.  This race is still a *tentative* on my schedule.

#4

Brazos Bend

With a variety of distances (again, NOT doing the 100) and in the heart of Texas gator country, this one should be interesting and a lot of fun!

seems legit!

#5

Isle du Bois

The last of the EBA high five series, this one is still up in the air as well.  Not due to my decision making, but due to the fact that the park where it happens was underwater for so long this spring and summer from all of the rain we received in Texas this year.  Repairs are starting to be made to the trail and the park has opened up a few routes, so hopefully it'll happen!  What I'm really looking forward to is getting my bell!  Because isn't that a good enough reason to run 130+ miles over 5 events for?  Makes perfect sense to me!

So these are the races that I'm looking forward to this fall, what's on tap for you?

Big thanks to Courtney @Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar @ Mar on the Run and Cynthia @You Signed Up For What? for the Friday Five Link-Up!

The Friday Five - Healthy Snacks For Runners

I'm getting back on track with the Friday Five!

This week I am teaming up with Nuts.com to take a look at some super healthy snacks that are not only good, but good for you.

Since I've started knocking out 50+ mile weeks, snacks throughout the day, as well as those before and after I work out have become essential.  I find myself so hungry throughout the day and so frequently reach for the sweet stuff first, that I've found it much easier to stock my pantry with a larger variety of things that will benefit me both health and fitness wise.  

The dietitian at nuts.com suggest this rule of thumb for snacks...ideally a snack should be 160 calories of less, provide fiber and protein and contain less than 2 grams of saturated fat. 

Here are some of my faves:

#1

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are considered a super food.  They are also really great at keeping us hydrated (super important for runners - especially in the Texas heat).  They are also loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber as well as omega-3 fatty acids.  I like to throw chia seeds in my morning smoothies and often take a flavored chia packet along with me on long runs instead of using gels.  You can also add them into baked goods - they add a really nice crunch!  I really like using them in my pumpkin muffins.

#2

Quinoa Puffs

Another superfood that can easily be added to yogurt or baked deliciousness.  You can even make quinoa krispies (similar to rice krispies!) with these.  Add in some peanut butter and honey - and YUM!  A healthy alternative to rice krispies without all of the sugar and that packs a punch protein wise.

#3

I've carried dried apricots in my fuel belt/vest during marathons for years. They are sweet and chewy and taste heavenly in comparison to gels and sports chews, which are commonly used by long distance runners to help maintain energy during the run.

Dried apricots provide a healthy amount of potassium and magnesium, electrolytes commonly lost during endurance running.  They also have a fair share of fiber and iron per serving, making them great every day snacks.

#4

Dark Chocolate - yes, I said chocolate!

In a recent study, small amounts of dark chocolate were found to increase leg strength and cardiovascular endurance.  The key here is small amounts (such as one small square a day).  I often keep a dark chocolate bar (similar to this) in my gym bag and have a square before a run.  The higher the percentage of cacao, the better it is for you.  One serving of dark chocolate (such as a Godiva square), also boast 10% of your daily iron needs.

#5

Pumpkin Seeds

Since fall is upon us, one of my favorite snacks of the season is pumpkin seeds.  I've never actually seen them in the grocery stores that I shop in, so I was happy to find that they sold them on Nuts.com (mostly because I don't necessarily want to carve more pumpkins than I have to).  I LOVE them roasted.  (You can also purchase them already roasted, salted/unsalted or spiced for you).  Pumpkin seeds provide 10g of protein per serving and 15% of daily iron requirements.

When making my own, I typically wash or boil them to get all of the stringy stuff off of the seeds and let them air dry over night.  Prior to roasting, we put them in a bag with a very small amount of EVOO and salt and shake them up (you can add more salt/seasoning after you get them on the pan) . Then we pop them in the oven on a piece of parchment paper for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. You can really top them with any seasoning you like for a variety.

What are you favorite healthy snacks?

Big thanks to Courtney @Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar @ Mar on the Run and Cynthia @You Signed Up For What? for the Friday Five Link-Up!

The Friday Five - Favorite Race Memories

I'm linking up with Courtney @Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar @ Mar on the Run and Cynthia @You Signed Up For What?! for the Friday Five - Favorite Race Memories.

My favorite race memories?  Only 5?!  That’s like asking me to tell you what my five favorite flavors of cupcakes are.  There are just so many….

I’m sure after I write this I’ll think of 5 more that may be in the running, but let’s go with these!

My first “big”race.

The Dallas Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  It wasn’t anything super spectacular, but that race will always be in that special place.  In fact, I’ve done it every year since it’s started here.  It’s just the race I do every year.  I was a legacy runner after 5 years and I plan to be in 10 as well.  I set a goal and I met it.  Spot on.

My first 5k. 

An untimed 5k for the love of the SPCA of Texas.  It included a small amount of fundraising for my favorite cause.  Animals.  Dogs particularly.  It seemed like I trained forever for this race.  In fact, it probably took me 4-6 months to build my endurance in order to actually run the 3 miles.  What makes this one so special is that I did it with my very first pet, Kirby T. Ferguson, bad dog extraordinaire.  

In fact, we kind of smoked it.  Even though it was untimed, my watch said 26 something, making it unofficially, the fastest 5k I’ve ever raced.  It helps, of course, when you are bring pulled by a 80lb black lab. 

Love Marathon

I’m noticing a lot of “first” on this list, this one being no exception.  Earlier this year I did my first trail race (it was the first time I’d even run on a trail) in Huntsville, with a giant circle of friends from MRTT.  

Not only was the race really cool, the trip was *so* fun. It involved a lot of laughing, a lot of really good food and some seriously legit ladies.  It was a small race, but gorgeous and peaceful.  I not only placed (for the first time), I became a Marathon Maniac (#8766) with a BRF Luisa (#8759)!  I will move mountains to make sure I do that race again in 2015.

Chicago Marathon 2012

This wasn’t because of an epic run, or a cool t-shirt or medal, it was because of something really sweet I saw on the course.  Around mile 7/8, maybe earlier?  All I remember is that I was still in a great mood.  The race went by a second story assisted living/nursing home facility.  The residents were eating breakfast by the windows and they were all waving at the runners, smiling ear to ear.  It was so touching that it made me tear up a bit.  For the majority of my nursing career, I have worked with that population so it made it definitely put a little spring in my step.

sorry, no picture of adorable seniors waving out the windows, just this

New York City Marathon 2011

I had to break away from the “firsts” and go with a second (it was my second NYCM – the first didn’t really go so well).  Because I had actually trained well and didn’t have a million other things on my mind, I was able to just take it all in, the craziness of it all.  BUT, the best part was, my parents were able to see my finish (a PR at the time), making marathon fans out of them (I think!).  My now fiancée (then kind of new boyfriend) and dear friends Jodi and Shirley were also at the finish.  It was something unforgettable.  To me, it’s all about the people at the finish.  They see you through all of the ups and downs of training, the 5am get ups to beat the heat and the frequent absenteeism because “I have to get my miles in”.  The people at the finish are likely just as much a part of running a race as I am. This year, it will be my son who gets to see me finish a HUGE race. I can’t wait. 

So that’s my list!

What is your favorite race memory?

Friday Five - Hawaiian style

Today we have to leave paradise...as always, our trip went way to fast and I can't believe after all the waiting we did for it to "get here" it is almost over.

I'm linking up again with the DC trifecta, Courtney @ Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar @ Mar on the Run, and Cynthia @ at You Signed Up For What?!, for the Friday Five.  So here are 5 of the best parts of our trip (of course there were hundreds of awesome parts, but that would be one long post) to Maui.

#1

Of course my top pick would have to be our second stop on the road to Hana (a more detailed post will follow next week).

We hiked through the rain forest and came upon a gorgeous, very secluded waterfall.

When I was looking around & taking pictures, Ryan pulled a little black box out of this back pack, got on his knee, and asked me to marry him! I was taken completely by surprise, but it explained why he kept carrying his back pack with him, when everything we needed was in my bag!

This guy has *great* taste in rings!

Of course I said yes and now I have a sparkly souvenir to show for it!

#2

The sunsets.

The sunset here takes your breath away, it is so beautiful.  Every night is has been so different. Different colors and cloud patterns.

#3

The dolphins.

We went on a snorkeling excursion early in the week specifically to see the dolphins.  The company we went through boasted a 95% sighting rate.  The ride out to the snorkel site - no dolphins.  The rough ride back which included 5 ft high waves - no dolphins.  Then out of nowhere, where we came into calmer waters, there they were....a pod of 200+ spinners, putting on a show for us, despite the fact that they were "sleeping" (they are nocturnal).  I didn't catch a photo of the spinning, but believe me, it was pretty spectacular to see them in their own environment and to see so many.  Again, breathtaking.

#4

Nakalele Blowhole and Heart Rock

We drove up to the north west coast of Maui on Wednesday because I wanted to see these two sights.  I think we were both pretty blown away by what we saw.  The blowhole was in magnificent form; spouting 20-30 feet (a guesstimate) at a time as we had hit high tide.

It was a windy and precarious hike down to see it close up and there were many warning signs that this was no waterpark.

Indeed.

In the interesting lava formations lie multiple tide pools that housed some fish. barnacles and lots of crabs.

Heart Rock was just as impressive.

#5

Our adventure on the road back from Hana.

We took the "back" way so we wouldn't have to backtrack on the 600+ turns in the road.  The south side of the island is much, much different than any other part.  The roads were pretty treacherous in places.  We asked several locals about the safety of going this way, and were assured we'd be fine.  Luckily, we were.  It was over and hour before we saw another car!  The road was bumpy, gravel in some spots, and one lane around a lot of the turns which was really nerve racking.  Yet, we got to see a side of the island that few see.  It was pretty barren in spots as it was basically the back of the dormant volcano, but there were stunning cliffs and the cloud pattern over the crater was pretty amazing.  One the way back, the sunset was even a lot different.  It was definitely an adventure we won't soon forget.

Have you ever been to Hawaii??  What was your favorite part?