tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40977537197543697292024-03-13T23:47:01.479-07:00Marathon LarMarathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-46576595604821225592015-01-26T02:42:00.001-08:002015-02-02T15:47:11.017-08:00A Restaurant, a Run, and a MuseumMy mom visited me for the long weekend last week! It was so
great to see her, I do miss getting to spend weekends with my parents every
month or so…adding a whole day of flying sure makes that more difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great 4 days filled with
sightseeing, eating, shopping and walking…lots of walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I thought to showcase a bit of what DC has to offer plus recap my visit from Mom I would do a restaurant, a run, and a museum review:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">metro selfie!</td></tr>
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<h3>
The Restaurant<o:p></o:p></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I picked up a groupon for a 3 course Italian dinner with a
glass of wine for a Dupont Circle Italian joint, </span><a href="http://iricchidc.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: inherit;">i
Ricci</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to use when my momma came so we did that first thing when she flew in
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say right off the bat
there is no way this place is worth the price without the groupon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The caprese salad appetizer is usually $17…for
tomatoes and mozzarella!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
groupon was a great deal and we enjoyed a delicious dinner!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus it’s always fun to treat mom when she
treats me all the time.</span><br />
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The appetizers: Caprese salad and polenta with balsamic mushrooms. I need to find a recipe for the mushrooms...they were the best part!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH21gDkq61eBNnmCxSUIN8ErRxDjQ7LTgSSCOkuTBPsmgrt97lFz0JQwQDGlBVUdqO8i1ShdyvpUKsWbh_-E1Sne3OX6O30uWPz1ySQJUNoG2yVWOIVch9eCS9oLzO1RBjPCDUeH6T9eI/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH21gDkq61eBNnmCxSUIN8ErRxDjQ7LTgSSCOkuTBPsmgrt97lFz0JQwQDGlBVUdqO8i1ShdyvpUKsWbh_-E1Sne3OX6O30uWPz1ySQJUNoG2yVWOIVch9eCS9oLzO1RBjPCDUeH6T9eI/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrsflFoVutP35X08tOoO5SL3zfQKkp_0GU-jnqnhnk2kEKYmuAtIQ3A2szNTSO4p2ZwdD0C9u3a4RkgBYQZvSBkg5maj8VrJVQXzPUB4O8mIPXwAMDKUeJT9QifwjYlFcO-sovk9Fe5U/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrsflFoVutP35X08tOoO5SL3zfQKkp_0GU-jnqnhnk2kEKYmuAtIQ3A2szNTSO4p2ZwdD0C9u3a4RkgBYQZvSBkg5maj8VrJVQXzPUB4O8mIPXwAMDKUeJT9QifwjYlFcO-sovk9Fe5U/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumbo lump crab cakes with toasted fennel, basil puree & roasted corn salsa for dinner for me!</td></tr>
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It was a fun experience trying a new restaurant in a new city with my mom and we left full and satisfied! Would I go back here and pay regular prices...probably not, but maybe a glass of wine and happy hour would be fun!</div>
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The Run<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While my mom slept in Saturday I got up for my group run
with my <a href="http://www.fleetfeetdc.com/">Fleet Feet</a> group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
weather was MUCH more bearable compared to <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2015/01/getting-in-my-groove.html">last week’s long run</a> and we enjoyed
a balmy ;) 30 degrees for the whole run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kept with a fun group of ladies as we ran south through Rock
Creek Park to meet Abe and turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our couch, Jo, likes to give “extra credit” so we ran the Lincoln stairs
and then had to do again to get a photo…it was worth the photo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 8 miles felt pretty effortless and I’m
starting to feel like a strong runner again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#seenonmyrun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up the Lincoln stairs to the theme of Rocky!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I then added another 6 miles of walking with my mom around
the monuments and visiting Lincoln again to make it a 15+ mile day…hello tired legs for a couple days!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to teach mom how to pose for a selfie</td></tr>
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The Museum<o:p></o:p></h3>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, nerd alert…I’m kind of obsessed with Abraham Lincoln.
It all started with the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Lincoln-Shocking-Assassination-Changed/dp/0805093079/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422237813&sr=8-1&keywords=killing+lincoln&pebp=1422237830560&peasin=805093079">Killing Lincoln</a>, then the movie Lincoln and just
learning about his presidency fascinated me…especially since I moved here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know during his presidency people
just walked into the White House, lined up and told him their problems? Could
you imagine that in this day and age? So when I mentioned wanting to see <a href="http://www.fordstheatre.org/">Ford's Theater</a> and museum to my mom and she was all in I was pumped! We upgraded
our tickets (about $7.50 a piece) and got the headsets so we could learn even
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the museum does go into
great detail on Lincoln’s assignation and hunt for all the conspirators it also
goes into detail on his presidency…all the way from choosing his cabinet, all
the generals he went through and the Civil War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theater box, gun used to kill Lincoln, and Petersen House where he died</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">FUN FACT: Lincoln was the president who instituted
Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the museum you get to go into Ford's Theater and see the
box where he was shot…you can still see <a href="http://www.fordstheatre.org/home/performances-events">plays</a> there, but not from that box! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the box where Lincoln was shot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You then travel over to the <a href="http://www.fordstheatre.org/home/plan-your-visit/daytime-visits-fords-theatre/petersen-house">Petersen House</a>, otherwise known as the house where Lincoln died, which is directly
across the street from Ford’s Theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though he was shot pretty much point
blank in the back of the head he actually lived through the night and didn’t
die until early the next morning which kind of fascinated me considering the
level of medical care available during that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would 100% recommend this stop if you ever visit DC, especially if you are looking for something a bit smaller and less all encompassing than the Smithsonian's.</span><br />
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Hope you enjoyed a little piece of DC along with me! Have a great week.<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-70327546372172346172015-01-12T17:45:00.001-08:002015-02-02T15:48:00.010-08:00Getting in My GrooveSettling into living in a brand new city has taken a bit longer than I expected. Of course I really had nothing to judge it on...the only other times I've moved it was to college or to Seattle where I moved in with friends and already had tons of friends! It took me a couple of months to realize that staying active is what makes me happy and that is how I want to meet people...big fat duh I know considering that is exactly how I've made some of my great Seattle friends over the past few years...I'll just blame the stress of moving ok?<br />
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This week I am most definitely learned what a legit winter looks like living here on the East Coast and how Washington DC actually freaks out of snow MORE than Seattle…I thought that was literally impossible but it’s true. We had our first snow/super freezing temps last week and I think kids didn’t go to school for like three days with about 2 inches of snow on the ground. Add the threat of freezing rain this morning and add another snow day. Of course the weather was not great motivation for my first week of <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/usa">Rock and Roll DC</a> half marathon training but I managed to get outside for two runs and I’m certain I won’t go out in temps like that again! </div>
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I did one 4 mile loop around the National Zoo Tuesday evening that left my toes numb and my face burning. I attended my first Fleet Feet group run Saturday morning and the only thing that motivated me to go was meeting new runner friends. The temps were a “feels like” under 10 degrees for our whole run and I realized I need to invest in a pair of fleece lined leggings if I want to survive that again. BUT, I did meet a pretty nice girl and we share running goals so I think she will be a great buddy to have along during this training. We completed a little over 7.5 miles winding our way around downtown DC. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen on my run outside the National Geographic Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbeskmlPp410SpgsKXeCLmfy6YfV8R5Ma6nwM42l_IzWIFXXvnznlO6yFiVi37hu9KcxOmpOZ2mYHKoJ06dp-bHR4paHFT6C4KWjhvwJ7lX_pfxpH6zz1HzhXQ9TvwTmx3yBB3oLWC84/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbeskmlPp410SpgsKXeCLmfy6YfV8R5Ma6nwM42l_IzWIFXXvnznlO6yFiVi37hu9KcxOmpOZ2mYHKoJ06dp-bHR4paHFT6C4KWjhvwJ7lX_pfxpH6zz1HzhXQ9TvwTmx3yBB3oLWC84/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not enough layers on...</td></tr>
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My goal this week is to get outside 3 times to run which should be doable since temps are supposed to come back up into the 40’s by the end of the week…downright balmy if you ask me ;). </div>
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Other than running I’ve been enjoying yoga and strength classes at my neighborhood fitness studio, <a href="http://www.stroga.com/">Stroga</a> (Strength+Yoga…get it!). The yoga is pretty darn fantastic and I can’t remember that last time I was as flexible as I am right now since I’ve been going at least 2x a week for the past month or so. Add a couple strength boot camp classes and I feel like I’ll be one strong runner this year!</div>
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Along with all this physical fun I’ve been making an effort to eat cleaner, especially during the week. Moving to a new city and walking by amazing restaurants every single day made my first couple months here a bit more indulgent than I was aiming for so I’m trying to get back into a routine. Meals each day have been almost identical, making it easy to prep and just heat up each day. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglScaUNt0aHBk5n_3rHKpYdj5ZveTYsmfPAxoGMq4z73WoDuLxrKeHiSHv4du1-jMZENUvU1qKJLm5E7u7fhqUun2JWASdRnDOzS2JVkLklMmokRUJc0mi77EOvTQutry076WK6gHafMc/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglScaUNt0aHBk5n_3rHKpYdj5ZveTYsmfPAxoGMq4z73WoDuLxrKeHiSHv4du1-jMZENUvU1qKJLm5E7u7fhqUun2JWASdRnDOzS2JVkLklMmokRUJc0mi77EOvTQutry076WK6gHafMc/s1600/IMG_2500.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast...every.single.day (egg cups with ham)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqsgdnfRENGzRoqQ1wrIaiqQTW_XsIMfgSqdswhFytAkJbI_YmCMdgHcYxk64g5CazkRzLJ1g13v7bfMJ24PTqkez5a1L5go2VGB4mKRmqzk4OrGyMkT6Dj6AxWGnFza9KydeahKlZeM/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqsgdnfRENGzRoqQ1wrIaiqQTW_XsIMfgSqdswhFytAkJbI_YmCMdgHcYxk64g5CazkRzLJ1g13v7bfMJ24PTqkez5a1L5go2VGB4mKRmqzk4OrGyMkT6Dj6AxWGnFza9KydeahKlZeM/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch...every.single.day (tuna salad)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAOnocCx4B0zGUjS0UgiAkRuO8a5O2r59voCX-N3cXerz_j9ohGjcon0_PANAXd0DIzUYPz-AWbRR7Z1AFi1sO6JlYo9yvrGwDqUb0GsBT9PIJmVuq0Vln_ePcFFg73oj7GX2liItKs/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAOnocCx4B0zGUjS0UgiAkRuO8a5O2r59voCX-N3cXerz_j9ohGjcon0_PANAXd0DIzUYPz-AWbRR7Z1AFi1sO6JlYo9yvrGwDqUb0GsBT9PIJmVuq0Vln_ePcFFg73oj7GX2liItKs/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner...almost ever.single.day</td></tr>
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A reminder that the next 8-week <a href="https://iquitsugar.com/">I Quit Sugar</a> program starts January 22 and I’ll be sharing some food pics along the way! If you want access to the yummy recipes you’ll have to join before January 22…totally worth it. </div>
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My goal for this week is running 3 times which shouldn’t be hard since I have a hills run with my Fleet Feet group Tuesday, hashing Thursday (will do a blog post on this once I fully understand it…google if you don’t know what I mean) and then Fleet Feet long run on Saturday. My mom is visiting for a long weekend so I’m doubtful much more running than that will occur. </div>
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Have a great week all!</div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-57584031159451405582015-01-04T14:48:00.003-08:002015-02-02T15:48:10.735-08:00Welcome to 2015 - I'm Baaaccckkkk!!Has it really been since August since I last posted? HOLY SMOKES! The time feel like it literally flew by. I went back and forth with myself towards the end of 2014 on whether to keep blogging or not but now that my life has settled down a bit I think I’m going to give it another go…if I even have any readers left that is…if not oh well, I’ll write for myself.<br />
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So, what did the end of 2014 bring for me? One big life change…I moved to Washington DC (shocking information to you all I’m sure since I blasted it all over social media). I took a one year detail with my current employer in the “other Washington” <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ß</span>a friend of mine made me promise I would never call DC that…sorry, I’ll only do it this time. Anyways, I’m living and working in the District (as the locals call it) and so far really loving it. The HISTORY, the POLITICS, the DIVERSITY…I’m pretty much on sensory overload every time I step out my door and I love it! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmJrR3er60LbnOLKrWKZI1tduFcJRtDAj_XoZ2jUmnNul207plteskfoVv5vVC_xdKrxrup3ZxVDmAiq3sWhuJcENWeLVaSatV5QtXdn_Qbl4nYYoOSU6uzR5NOnbB7O4u5W0YTwY69o/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmJrR3er60LbnOLKrWKZI1tduFcJRtDAj_XoZ2jUmnNul207plteskfoVv5vVC_xdKrxrup3ZxVDmAiq3sWhuJcENWeLVaSatV5QtXdn_Qbl4nYYoOSU6uzR5NOnbB7O4u5W0YTwY69o/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kicking off 2015 in DC...my new city! </td></tr>
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I’m still running…like a teeny tiny bit and still eating sugar free (with some cheats around the holidays) but looking to kick off 2015 with some new running goals and just getting to know my new city through running and new friends! I hope to use this blog to not only talk about running and eating but to give my friends and family a glimpse into life in DC through museum visits, running around the monuments and more. Plus, I made such awesome friends in Seattle through this blog so hoping it will do the same for me in my new city so if I happen to ever get any DC readers please don't be shy...say HI!</div>
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For now here are a few photo highlights of my first couple months in Washington DC! </div>
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I ran one race...the Ugly Sweater 5K, which was really just an excuse to buy a shark with xmas lights on it sweater.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiE0p8VO_skHKqXbmE3fyenNgamVNWnZQKAsOiCvKvECGw98VruRP5JIg1vRr9OFfLuf3CSRiuBJmYaAqR_LcacWAv0ti_CmGInjw6NzfnimECwVkullgwOn3RVUHNS_UF2O-2otkXJQ/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiE0p8VO_skHKqXbmE3fyenNgamVNWnZQKAsOiCvKvECGw98VruRP5JIg1vRr9OFfLuf3CSRiuBJmYaAqR_LcacWAv0ti_CmGInjw6NzfnimECwVkullgwOn3RVUHNS_UF2O-2otkXJQ/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDp5VhsgH84xBn4IyPV1cZ9pwX3I89B153NCdmUjbahZ_ImrHtnH5Eiv2Kl3EnZOWrYeS53-qvsMmHsCBZumEHy4R9TIDo_c_9TbN8Z38IW4C9_n0O2Q80nfhuzzGqfMUlqdbiImYWow/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDp5VhsgH84xBn4IyPV1cZ9pwX3I89B153NCdmUjbahZ_ImrHtnH5Eiv2Kl3EnZOWrYeS53-qvsMmHsCBZumEHy4R9TIDo_c_9TbN8Z38IW4C9_n0O2Q80nfhuzzGqfMUlqdbiImYWow/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Taking long walks to see the DC sights has become one of my favorite activities. The first glance of the White House and Washington Monument on every walk still overwhelms me...I can't believe I live HERE!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmmMlPCR_DfA0j1LwLIIDJBqQlXQtHKZhkM5FLpHDO4C0j-gp66kCDKtsV3vhO6SIRPHUgkqs0F1DTVdroGrnTrj7vcu-mCjopZ4HO5DBzHkCYJTVrox9nKTvrwdSUse4MF-yQPAo2mg/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmmMlPCR_DfA0j1LwLIIDJBqQlXQtHKZhkM5FLpHDO4C0j-gp66kCDKtsV3vhO6SIRPHUgkqs0F1DTVdroGrnTrj7vcu-mCjopZ4HO5DBzHkCYJTVrox9nKTvrwdSUse4MF-yQPAo2mg/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjRWjBo8DrIpljySlTvHjWrCA5tc5Pi-P8xp1o1jTA1YcTGHV2tzOytLtz4nOva3heM5Nr6tlMtTLriqCsZpKPZUKoJ-5C8g0WjwWHV86wqXp297LDj6xNS93qL7u_WTJ09ubrpKVzsg/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjRWjBo8DrIpljySlTvHjWrCA5tc5Pi-P8xp1o1jTA1YcTGHV2tzOytLtz4nOva3heM5Nr6tlMtTLriqCsZpKPZUKoJ-5C8g0WjwWHV86wqXp297LDj6xNS93qL7u_WTJ09ubrpKVzsg/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had my first visitors for New Years Eve. My cousin Kristin and her friend Angela came to visit me and we walked over 11 miles in just one day walking around the Mall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrJ7RvwqGX02j0U9s6mI8f18wY9PaTFcJMdtC4PJMlGP7aZ6GErwbJqRPMDtndn3fujOk3odQBEgFvtlNKNeZ4CiAVbfhslfD-sokEUA3VR5_GhbbemC0_PNOPMOVGLupY4MlIv_eOAI/s1600/IMG_2419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrJ7RvwqGX02j0U9s6mI8f18wY9PaTFcJMdtC4PJMlGP7aZ6GErwbJqRPMDtndn3fujOk3odQBEgFvtlNKNeZ4CiAVbfhslfD-sokEUA3VR5_GhbbemC0_PNOPMOVGLupY4MlIv_eOAI/s1600/IMG_2419.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZHpQBNFREoCkCIzJ_M11KcMjDcezN4z3hCyDt84uugBrBcgLQ3upzWZD0ipricqjw9Wyd9aKVRAr5zJfKcYQYxEPNNdBT8HcmDJvChomLG_tKoRr7ToK-nGi31TNCzRA_kBjP6O-cyY/s1600/IMG_2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZHpQBNFREoCkCIzJ_M11KcMjDcezN4z3hCyDt84uugBrBcgLQ3upzWZD0ipricqjw9Wyd9aKVRAr5zJfKcYQYxEPNNdBT8HcmDJvChomLG_tKoRr7ToK-nGi31TNCzRA_kBjP6O-cyY/s1600/IMG_2420.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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What’s new for 2015…</h4>
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Besides just settling into this new city and trying to make new friends I'm planning on getting back to running and just today I signed up for 10-week half marathon training group with <a href="http://www.fleetfeetdc.com/">Fleet Feet Wash DC</a> and registered for the <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/usa">Rock and Roll DC</a> half marathon in March. I'm hoping the structured training will lead to a possible half mary PR, but more importantly I hope to meet some runner friends!</div>
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Also happening in 2015:</div>
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I’m continuing on as a <a href="https://www.ragnarrelay.com/">Ragnar</a> Ambassador for 2015! This time I’ll be marketing the DC relay and I am sooo excited to run it. There are already talks about a mini re-Nuunion of some of my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/09/2013-hood-to-coast-relay-part-3.html">Hood to Coast ladies</a> that live on the East Coast.</div>
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I got into the infamous <a href="http://www.cherryblossom.org/">Cherry Blossom 10-miler race</a>. I entered the lottery on a whim and got in so I’ll be participating in my first 10 mile race ever…automatic PR!</div>
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The next round of the<a href="https://iquitsugar.com/"> I Quit Sugar 12-week program</a> kicks off January 20 and I’m staying on board as an ambassador to help people in the forums through the program. Let’s be honest, after the holidays I’ll need the program as much as anyone. I can’t say enough good things about this program and I promise it will be the best $$ you spend on yourself in the new year. </div>
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Now that I'm partially settled in DC and trying to get back into running, I hope to keep this blog a little more updated than I have been. Between the running, new restaurant eating, museum seeing, and more I have no excuse for not having anything to blog about! </div>
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<b>Question: What have you all been up to the past 5 months?</b> Besides not blogging I haven't really been reading any blogs so fill me in...I promise I'll catch up soon, I miss all my blog buddies!</div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-44733446814936440072014-08-18T10:52:00.001-07:002015-02-02T15:48:19.843-08:00I Quit Sugar - 8 Week Wrap UpI'm embarrassed to say how long this post has taken me to write. I pretty much went off the blog grid post Ragnar…life has been super busy with some changes (cryptic I know…I will share eventually) ahead so blogging just didn't enter my mind. BUT, I really wanted to get this recap up before I forgot about it all!<br />
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<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar.html" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar</a> <br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-2-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/reading-food-labels-sugar.html" target="_blank">Reading Food Labels - SUGAR </a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-3-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 3</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-4-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 4 </a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-5-recap.html">Week 5</a><br />
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Yeah yeah I know I didn't do a week 6, 7 or even 8 week recap, but they would have all been the same and really it was about slowly adding back in low sugar fruits and adjusting to a new normal way of eating for me and it went really well! <br />
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In our week 8 weekend read we got a little recap of the program so I thought I would summarize that and my thoughts on each week to bring everything together:<br />
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<b><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-recap.html">Week One</a></b> - This was all about identifying fructose and why it is bad for us. I had a pretty good handle on this before starting this program but it was good to hear everything again and be given more resources to read when I wanted. I summarized why fructose is bad in my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar.html">I Quit Sugar post</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGQPWaTuQehuN5Nd-kw4v_VgR4DF8kjYrjqdRZzl8h3nRmnMBRQ3dZam6S1A3VlWRlIVeGv29g06qCo4pGoXFiexPLMB5UEMjUieo-Lg75teb_OsyPFSFKP_6fWKEKqTVlK8dC913Wmw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGQPWaTuQehuN5Nd-kw4v_VgR4DF8kjYrjqdRZzl8h3nRmnMBRQ3dZam6S1A3VlWRlIVeGv29g06qCo4pGoXFiexPLMB5UEMjUieo-Lg75teb_OsyPFSFKP_6fWKEKqTVlK8dC913Wmw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Favorite recipe:</i> Paleo veggie bread (still make this ALL the time) with avocado-feta smash<br />
<i>Not so favorite recipe:</i> Berry omelet…eggs and fruit…didn't work for me :)<br />
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<b><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-2-recap.html">Week Two</a></b> - The beginning of quitting ALL sugar for a few weeks to reset our bodies and remove the addictive nature of sugar from the brain essentially. The message for week two was to eat more FAT. I have no problem doing this and instead of dessert after dinner now I usually have a few pieces of cheese. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZmcnyNlzH-acXYnA3mcCFMMn_xg5CKNRw10HW9p-uqEa76uPCAWhkXihq7UzaNBa0_FZSVJettl6yKGaoEA_KNxrjvjQLy6d-VyRG1fsx1KbIYXOOoCwehavkDsrsMU8xvm2L91jgUo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZmcnyNlzH-acXYnA3mcCFMMn_xg5CKNRw10HW9p-uqEa76uPCAWhkXihq7UzaNBa0_FZSVJettl6yKGaoEA_KNxrjvjQLy6d-VyRG1fsx1KbIYXOOoCwehavkDsrsMU8xvm2L91jgUo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Favorite recipe:</i> Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie<br />
<i>Not so favorite recipe: </i>The cauliflower fried rice, EWW and unfortunately most of this went in the trash.<br />
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<b><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-3-recap.html">Week Three</a> </b>- Still no sugar of any kind and we learned how to <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/reading-food-labels-sugar.html">read labels</a>. What ever you got out of this process was really up to you and I really used this time to educate myself on the effects of sugar and how quitting for life would be a new lifestyle for me. Seeing the amount of sugar in products I used to consume on a daily basis (uh…Luna Bars and Picky Bars) was pretty eye opening, but now I just no longer eat them, simple!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS56dD3mHh4nEPv1Zgyd4RPXMdQaCfTaHyOIBpZrhtmJpw_Fljml3J8nVR7z_yn0NTktGvxvVsCT-pTEpWRyUskIYZSy_KWbQkuRJ2EOZFGQyfp0FEU9lTMbrHhugW41DbOYnmB4JfBk/s1600/quinoa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDS56dD3mHh4nEPv1Zgyd4RPXMdQaCfTaHyOIBpZrhtmJpw_Fljml3J8nVR7z_yn0NTktGvxvVsCT-pTEpWRyUskIYZSy_KWbQkuRJ2EOZFGQyfp0FEU9lTMbrHhugW41DbOYnmB4JfBk/s1600/quinoa.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Favorite recipe:</i> Quinoa porridge<br />
<i>Not so favorite recipe:</i> NONE really, I really enjoyed everything I ate in week 3.<br />
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<b><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-4-recap.html">Week Four</a></b> - This was clean week meaning no alcohol, caffeine or gluten for just 5 days. Since I knew quitting caffeine would just make me a crazy person I decided to not cut that out, especially since it was just 5 days. I did pretty well this week and didn't think it was too different from the other weeks since the program is pretty gluten-free as it is and I'm not a big drinker anyways.<br />
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<i>Favorite recipe:</i> Sweet potato salmon cakes<br />
<i>Not so favorite recipe:</i> I can't remember anything I didn't like this week either!<br />
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<b><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-5-recap.html">Week Five</a> -</b> The last week of absolutely no sweeteners or sugar! During week 5 we were given some tactics to deal with the skeptics we may come along when describing the program. Really I don't have a problem saying it's pure science people…your body cannot and does not process fructose in a way that is healthy. If you want to eat mass quantities of it be my guest, but it's not for me anymore. If you want to discuss more happy to do so, just no judging please :).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yumm yumm granola!</td></tr>
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<i>Favorite recipe: </i>My take on <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-5-recap.html">Cocco-nutty granola</a> that takes out the nuts and adds oats. I still make this every other week…sooo delicious!<br />
<i>Not so favorite recipe:</i> Not a recipe but stuffing my face with fried food and beer while on a mini vaca…it was my first taste of what my body does when it doesn't like what I put it into it after being on this program, lesson learned!<br />
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<b>Week's 6-8</b> - The last three weeks of the program were about introducing small amounts of sugar and non-fructose sweeteners (brown rice syrup and stevia) into our diets. The goal is to ALWAYS stay under about 25 grams of sugar per day and this is something I plan on continuing for life. I used these weeks try making my own meal plans, eating out, and just finding the right balance.<br />
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Recent eats have included the best birthday lunch ever of kale salad with garbanzo beans and parmesan cheese with a side of kombucha, sweet potato post with chicken and green beans, and mac and cheese with chicken jalapeño sausage and sautéed mushrooms and spinach (grown up mac as I like to call it).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHS_CHlSBv1gi5NBVZSjm-Ors_UkZBnnDgS1un8p96jwNWUTbu1hFOGBYqghFryz0JDvl-VM3eOFQstq2K3o5wjshLnXDC99PgSdY0zK71Oo2zZxNhoUOeL8WSYDhWCGZbDn1AUC6N0k/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHS_CHlSBv1gi5NBVZSjm-Ors_UkZBnnDgS1un8p96jwNWUTbu1hFOGBYqghFryz0JDvl-VM3eOFQstq2K3o5wjshLnXDC99PgSdY0zK71Oo2zZxNhoUOeL8WSYDhWCGZbDn1AUC6N0k/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwA1ns9R3M9vfQScsOXD-RAbTw4DQfiN9QLwtYYbips9sfMTEQaJEXNjUE7hR0-hSsRViqb85K5RDEV7vxvvY-ar-mmNPx-eyQWWx3nusJr5EG7ofHpHReONTmYY6Ad-0E4vk01mdTZc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwA1ns9R3M9vfQScsOXD-RAbTw4DQfiN9QLwtYYbips9sfMTEQaJEXNjUE7hR0-hSsRViqb85K5RDEV7vxvvY-ar-mmNPx-eyQWWx3nusJr5EG7ofHpHReONTmYY6Ad-0E4vk01mdTZc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>So what sugar do I eat? </b>I have to admit, happily, my sweet tooth is literally gone so I don't crave it much anymore. However, low fructose fruits like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries have been making a regular occurrence in yogurt or just as a snack. A co-worker has been bringing in bags of blueberries from his garden and my work campus is overloaded with blackberries! Aside from berries I've been enjoying a few squares of dark (85% cacao or higher) chocolate on occasion and not stressing as much about the sugar content of bread or other condiments with I'm out to eat. <br />
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<b>How to I feel after all of this? </b>In a nutshell I feel NORMAL again. I don't think I even remembered what normal felt like as I've been dealing with stomach issues since I was literally a small kid…just ask my parents…they have stories :). I didn't loose any weight, but my weight remained CONSTANT, I never felt bloated or run down, and things just moved through my system in a normal way…if you know what I'm saying ;).<br />
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The <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/">I Quit Sugar</a> program has truly opened my eyes to how much sugar we eat, where sugar is hiding and how great you can feel if you just don't eat it. I've been able to eat as much gluten and dairy as I want (something I didn't think I could do before) without feeling sick and can still enjoy a glass of wine (or 2 or 3) and chocolate when I want as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LaZnCn15fU7su9qttPAXIfxYf_idvbcfcDVnsQVpEVwPf3Zqw4VCISFxIHvpMWopOvQRklBVCiYq9XDWzaUNZZ-qMVx01zaNXGDVRCSAAq2AtIgxHFMOOJivELvvIAl1-ggxWyLzLps/s1600/banner-8wp4-sept25-homepage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LaZnCn15fU7su9qttPAXIfxYf_idvbcfcDVnsQVpEVwPf3Zqw4VCISFxIHvpMWopOvQRklBVCiYq9XDWzaUNZZ-qMVx01zaNXGDVRCSAAq2AtIgxHFMOOJivELvvIAl1-ggxWyLzLps/s1600/banner-8wp4-sept25-homepage.png" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/">Join me for the next 8- week program!</a></td></tr>
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I CANNOT recommend this program enough. For the roughly $150 bucks you get amazing meal plans, amazing support on the forums and access to experts and information in a very easy to digest and understand format. I was lucky enough to be asked back to be an ambassador for their next 8-week program beginning on <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/">September 25</a> so if you sign up I'll be in the forums to help you out. <br />
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<b>If you have any questions about the program just ask! If you sign up be sure to let me know…it's always more fun to go through programs like these with someone.</b>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-65391306129435895982014-07-24T15:18:00.000-07:002015-02-02T15:48:27.012-08:00Race Recap: 2014 Ragnar Relay Northwest PassageSo after recovering and thinking about this past weekend for a few days I decided I don't want to draw out a 3 or 4 part recap and I'm just going to shove it all in one super long blog post…so get ready! Plus, you really only need to hear MY recap, you can go read my teammates blogs for their recaps:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://runbirdierun.com/" target="_blank">Robyn</a> - recap not posted yet</li>
<li><a href="http://runningforcannolis.com/2014/07/26/ragnar-relay-recap/" target="_blank">Bethany</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.ricoleruns.com/2014/07/ragnar-northwest-passage-ultra-style.html" target="_blank">Nicole</a></li>
<li><a href="http://travisandmarilynkeys.blogspot.com/2014/07/six-pack-rack-ragnar-recap.html" target="_blank">Marilyn</a></li>
<li>Jordanne doesn't blog, but I promise she ran and had fun :)</li>
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This was my second year doing <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/p/i-run-alot.html" target="_blank">Ragnar ultra style</a> and my 6th year running the <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage" target="_blank">Northwest Passage</a> race. This course NEVER gets old and I got to run on some new ground this year due to our kind of complicated running schedule. Nicole manipulated an excel spreadsheet so each of us ran 4 times and that we all got our longest run over with in the beginning of the relay. I ended up covering 35.1 miles over the course which included long gradual uphills on major roads that oil tankers speed by on, long flat river winding roads, running over deception pass, and one super duper long downhill to finish off the 35.1 miles <---you could think that would be glorious but after that many miles the pounding on the road from the downhill did not feel pleasant! #runnerproblems I know ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzv4ceSzfw5WfQzpztJUwhC-LBpr8p2boBfMkBUAK-Ildg6zxnhAE3y2H1L5cZt-Z6i51YkzkEGOrj-NfRjl_GpAn0X-3MoPn3-rI4oey2Xru55X0k6N4GA4g7s8FFaeBpiCCHt_vgqg/s1600/startline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzv4ceSzfw5WfQzpztJUwhC-LBpr8p2boBfMkBUAK-Ildg6zxnhAE3y2H1L5cZt-Z6i51YkzkEGOrj-NfRjl_GpAn0X-3MoPn3-rI4oey2Xru55X0k6N4GA4g7s8FFaeBpiCCHt_vgqg/s1600/startline.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start line jump pic! </td></tr>
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<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/meet-team-six-pack-with-racks-take-2.html" target="_blank">Team Six Pack With Racks</a> (#199) started at 9AM Friday morning and began the long journey towards Langley on Whidbey Island full of excitement, some nerves, and a van FULL of food, water, and <a href="http://www.nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a>!</div>
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<b>Run #1 - 12.1 miles (started at 11AM Friday) - 2:01:13 - 10:00 pace</b><br />
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My first run was<a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage/legs" target="_blank"> leg 3 and 4</a> of the course and while the elevation chart may look intimidating it's pretty gradual and rolling really not as hard as it looks. It was HOT and a bit humid during this run and for most of it you are running on the shoulder of a major road that oil tankers drive down…meaning you get all kinds of road dirt on you. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS58qbDoHA3DLVx4ymILpF0VhAl49muO-BNe9_dyHx48xf5v1FTDstDgsLMmmwwaHcCl8uZwpjkUqxCQ61P1LnVzFjZN6LwVBelIJ5fdnVROaSg0BaRzmq759jikOfFtnih78RIXfnPCg/s1600/IMG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS58qbDoHA3DLVx4ymILpF0VhAl49muO-BNe9_dyHx48xf5v1FTDstDgsLMmmwwaHcCl8uZwpjkUqxCQ61P1LnVzFjZN6LwVBelIJ5fdnVROaSg0BaRzmq759jikOfFtnih78RIXfnPCg/s1600/IMG_7908.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off I go!</td></tr>
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I consistently ran about 10:00 miles (my goal!) and ran through the first exchange a little after 8 miles in and received a quick water refill from my teammates. I felt strong the whole way and the last few miles were slightly downhill so that was nice. I handed off to Marilyn just outside of Bellingham, chugged some coconut water, ate a sandwich and wiped all the road dirt off of me...I felt like a new woman after all of that :).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_njCDjUydGDo2ezXD3k6V6-8NsNAJCWpRoBnl7cvOJel1CWWDxUxW-moRlS7FEqmwqYeJjQFeh95PVUD0qkOKACPJ18bGkMqP8oaGHfHpeuOjFfDyNSn55Pc2f4mDE7z16KspgZEli7o/s1600/run1pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_njCDjUydGDo2ezXD3k6V6-8NsNAJCWpRoBnl7cvOJel1CWWDxUxW-moRlS7FEqmwqYeJjQFeh95PVUD0qkOKACPJ18bGkMqP8oaGHfHpeuOjFfDyNSn55Pc2f4mDE7z16KspgZEli7o/s1600/run1pro.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming in to handoff to Marilyn. Ragnar has FREE race photos BTW, just one more reason they are awesome!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, my body did not recover property and I started to get a headache after this run that kind of ruined the rest of Friday. I managed to still cheer for my teammates, but the small headache turned into a light migraine and I got increasingly nervous I would be miserable running my next run. I stayed super hydrated, caffeinated, and made sure to eat properly but nothing was really working :(.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvvHsAklEBWjAZs8jOjJqOJMkxWD5PhWY9fy-Ljf4yA2zwjxm8qLmg0d7jYHC-o1Q7GNGtgp4qvSEtyqqpZPFO7B-anS0fDtJzSCYfvXEI1bDjFhr_ItTe_WuPWFK7DcvQC0hPcYOVIs/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvvHsAklEBWjAZs8jOjJqOJMkxWD5PhWY9fy-Ljf4yA2zwjxm8qLmg0d7jYHC-o1Q7GNGtgp4qvSEtyqqpZPFO7B-anS0fDtJzSCYfvXEI1bDjFhr_ItTe_WuPWFK7DcvQC0hPcYOVIs/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, Robyn, Travis, Nicole and Jordanne at the Bellingham High exchange</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYRuLmgDAfVAtJXzoBczGIc8QqxS1EeC9YdBG1FeD5I_4DSx5OPuP6Kpo5qJp4CmJNBb1PBBH5iu_qROmE3p10LKlRu-me96iVg9w6DxKhF-aKjKiIExd8fXUFu2yQhMXBnvS3QjNLCo/s1600/Photo+Jul+18,+5+59+57+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYRuLmgDAfVAtJXzoBczGIc8QqxS1EeC9YdBG1FeD5I_4DSx5OPuP6Kpo5qJp4CmJNBb1PBBH5iu_qROmE3p10LKlRu-me96iVg9w6DxKhF-aKjKiIExd8fXUFu2yQhMXBnvS3QjNLCo/s1600/Photo+Jul+18,+5+59+57+PM.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#teamlauren at at exchange! It was run running into Oiselle's Birdmachine team!</td></tr>
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<b>Run #2 - 10.66 miles (started about 9PM Friday) - 1:47:27 - 10:05 pace</b><br />
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These miles covered <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage/legs" target="_blank">leg 15 and 16</a> and took our team south through Mount Vernon on very FLAT road. I decided to listen to podcasts to try and get my mind off my headache and just hoped that running magically cured my migraine. GOOD NEWS...it kind of did. My head didn't hurt during the run and I just got in a groove and ticked away the miles. I ran by a lot of farms and saw cows and alpacas sleeping and only heard a couple of scary rustling in the bushes next to me. Oh and it rained...the rain started just as I started running and was basically a drizzle storm for the first 5-6 miles. Luckily, it felt nice since it was so humid out and once it stopped I ran enough after to dry off.<br />
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After I handed off to Marilyn, I got dry and settled into one of the van seats to try and just close my eyes to kick the rest of my migraine out of my head for good. I may have slept for about 30 minutes but remaining vertical for about an hour helped. As most of us (who weren't running of course) tried to sleep a bit Travis (van driver and husband extraordinaire to Marilyn) made sure the next runner got to the exchange and picked up the one coming in...he rocked! I ended up having a very life changing cup of coffee at a gas station around 3AM and felt totally cured of my headache!<br />
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<b>Run #3 - 6.44 miles (started about 5AM Saturday) - 1:03:56 - 9:56 pace</b><br />
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I was pretty excited about this leg. It was<a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage/legs/23" target="_blank"> leg 23</a> over Deception Pass and it felt so awesome to not only run over this beautiful bridge, but be the one who took my team from the "mainland" to Whidbey Island. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deception Pass selfie</td></tr>
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After I ran over the bridge it started raining pretty hard and then the wind came and I started to get a little pissed that I drew the major short end of the stick when it came to running in the rain. I don't mind the rain but when you add the wind I just got too cold. I ran the last couple of miles as fast as I could so I could just get dry and warm again. Poor Marilyn had to run in the rain for the first part of her run but I think it stopped shortly after. My legs were actually hurting pretty bad at this point in the relay and I had some hip pain that was making me a little nervous. Add to that 3 blisters forming from running with wet socks and I was turning into a mess. BUT, the fact that I only had 5.7 miles left left me very hopeful that I would complete all my miles relatively unscathed. </div>
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<b>Run #4 - 5.86 miles (started about 1PM Saturday) - 57:50:70 - 9:54 pace</b></div>
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As I took off on my last run I'm pretty sure I had a smile on my face the whole time. It didn't matter that my hip was hurting, my blisters were rubbing on my toes, or that I nauseous from no sleep...nothing was stopping me from running these last miles as fast as I could. The majority of this run, <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage/legs/32" target="_blank">leg 32</a>, was downhill and while normally I would love that it made the pounding on my very tired body a bit more painful.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny how I really thought I was sprinting to the finish, but this photo makes me look like a snail...haha!</td></tr>
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Handing off to Marilyn for the last time was the best feeling in the world and knowing I ran every single one of those 35.1 miles as strong as I could made the sense of accomplishment that much more gratifying!</div>
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I took my last Shower Pill shower and got ready to watch Bethany bring it all home for us!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on Bethany!</td></tr>
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And just like that, a little over 32 hours after we started we crossed the finish line together and wrapped up an amazing 196 mile journey full of laughs, new friendships, a little bit of pain, but mostly a huge sense of accomplishment as a team.</div>
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And then we ate pizza!<br />
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I've said it before and I'll say it again...the best thing about Ragnar is that is takes a normally very individualized sport and turns it into a team sport. Sometimes the most memorable moments from the whole experience don't happen while running...they may happen while just driving along in the van and learning one of your teammates brothers is a New Kids on the Block member (yes...it is TRUE!), sharing upcoming new life changes with each other (cryptic I know!), and planning the next relay only minutes after finishing this one.<br />
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Every single year I've run this race I haven't known one or more of my teammates beforehand and every single year I end the weekend with new friendships, lasting memories, and a huge smile on my face. Thank you Robyn, Marilyn, Nicole, Jordanne, Bethany and Travis for making the weekend one for the record books!<br />
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<b>QUESTION: Who is already excited for 2015 Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage?</b><br />
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<b>I Quit Sugar Update:</b><br />
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Okay, I'm done being sappy...just a quick <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-5-recap.html" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar</a> update for you all if you are curious. Next week is the final week of the program and the past two weeks I've really just focused on making no sugar part of my life now. I successfully navigated Ragnar without sugar and even without running fuel (minus Nuun of course...that is as necessary as blood!) and am confident that eliminating sugar from my diet is definitely the life for me. I plan on posting a week 6, 7, 8 recap at the end so stay tuned. </div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-59338755900350534412014-07-20T21:37:00.000-07:002014-07-20T21:37:09.102-07:00Six Pack With Racks SuccessI plan on posting a recap or two or three soon but I just have to post some photos real quick and say what an amazing experience this was. Even though it was my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/2013-ragnar-relay-recap-part-3.html" target="_blank">second year</a> on an ultra Ragnar team, I didn't feel any less nervous about running 35.1 miles over this past weekend and sitting on my couch tonight I still can't quite believe what my team accomplished this weekend. <br />
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Things weren't always pretty and I battled a migraine, blisters, some pretty intense hip pain and running in heat and pouring rain...but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world. As I powered through my last mile on Whidbey Island on Saturday afternoon I couldn't help but smile at the amazing accomplishment and be thankful that I am even able to endure an adventure like Ragnar! Being able to share it with <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/meet-team-six-pack-with-racks-take-2.html" target="_blank">5 other amazing ladies</a> and 1 insanely supportive driver was the best part and I couldn't have done it without each one of them. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robyn, me, Marilyn, Nicole, Jordanne, and Bethany!</td></tr>
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Team Six Pack With Racks finished <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage" target="_blank">Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage</a> in 32 hours, 17 minutes!<br />
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This experience was even more memorable being an ambassador for both<a href="http://www.nuun.com/" target="_blank"> Nuun</a> and <a href="http://www.ragnarrelay.com/" target="_blank">Ragnar</a>. Nuun kept myself and my team hydrated, caffeinated, and energized throughout the whole relay and Ragnar put on yet again a flawless event. They had more teams than ever this year but you would have never known...more port-o-potties, larger exchanges, and amazing volunteers made everything run seamlessly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my team reppin Nuun and Ragnar! Sorry your head got cut off Travis :)</td></tr>
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As we rode the ferry home on Saturday evening we brainstormed our next relay and even creating our own cross country relay (craziness I know!) and sang "for he's a jolly good fellow" to our driver all I thought was that I never wanted this feeling of accomplishment, friendship and fun to end!<br />
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For now I'll just have to re-live the experience with photos, memories, texts and tweets from teammates and hope that this Ragnar hangover never ends!Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-5018224367814774692014-07-16T17:15:00.000-07:002014-07-16T17:15:03.321-07:00Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage - The WEATHER!We are only a couple days away from the start of the <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage" target="_blank">2014 Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage</a> so it's pretty safe to give a forecast now. For those of you not living in the Pacific Northwest, it has been HOT HOT HOT here over the past week. And by hot I mean 80-90, which is basically like being in the center of the Earth to us mild weathered Pacific North-westerners. Well the good news…IT IS GOING TO COOL OFF FOR RAGNAR! I'll admit the potential hot weather was the only thing really stressing me out about Ragnar this week, but now I feel a bit more relieved. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2012/07/race-recap-2012-ragnar-relay-northwest_29.html" target="_blank">That year </a>it rained for the first 4 hours!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvbX_WwKu9ergTf48ZTv-er4BoEv85U_qxSZz0HrxGp631cujLUS0THd34Dg2D9BP4AkB5hPTH0Hv8XHo0raEB8PyO4mqJqN1XHxb4YkZJ89lTMbC7ZEezHa2n2h9D62BgQEvaV76CEE/s1600/96c1eeecd36f11e1b7ea22000a1cbb16_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvbX_WwKu9ergTf48ZTv-er4BoEv85U_qxSZz0HrxGp631cujLUS0THd34Dg2D9BP4AkB5hPTH0Hv8XHo0raEB8PyO4mqJqN1XHxb4YkZJ89lTMbC7ZEezHa2n2h9D62BgQEvaV76CEE/s1600/96c1eeecd36f11e1b7ea22000a1cbb16_7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And less than 24 hours later, sun and warmth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've picked three points along the course to give you a forecast that should cover most of the race. Like I stated in my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/ragnar-relay-northwest-passage-lets-get.html" target="_blank">packing post</a> it gets COLD at night. Even if the temps only say mid 50's being along the water and breezes make it feel much colder than that….pack accordingly!<br />
<br />
<b>The key to reading the below graphs:</b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">RED - temperature</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">BLUE - % sky cover</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">BROWN - Precipitation potential</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">GREEN bars - potential inches of rain</span></b><br />
<br />
<h4>
Bellingham, WA Forecast for Friday, July 18 - 6AM to 8PM</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEB5A3LqnuClZDfB97UK4ba1rOsoicsHn90xbSnEZkcnQMQJ0bWBixI-pNan2nOCbZmCFlww1Z4qSmnRUMhyphenhyphen2d4KcbCBNeNtBVfhFH1fQKRsQLk_BjSAMfD8Dg5Z2elstzKCs0RRKJro/s1600/bellinghamweather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEB5A3LqnuClZDfB97UK4ba1rOsoicsHn90xbSnEZkcnQMQJ0bWBixI-pNan2nOCbZmCFlww1Z4qSmnRUMhyphenhyphen2d4KcbCBNeNtBVfhFH1fQKRsQLk_BjSAMfD8Dg5Z2elstzKCs0RRKJro/s1600/bellinghamweather.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
Temperatures look pretty good in the 60's for when most teams start and only reaching the lower 70's for the heat of the day. 80% sky cover will offer good cloud protection from the sun, making running more more enjoyable. And here is where the potential bad news comes in…the chance of rain increases throughout the day and with a 44% chance in the afternoon you are most definitely going to want to be prepare to run and sit around in rain. Bring that extra pair of shoes, a rain jacket, and a towel! You may get lucky and not feel a single drop, but be prepared anyways!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Anacortes, WA Forecast for Friday, July 18 at NOON to Saturday, July 19 at 5AM</h4>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZvvfU4j9vPH69VukMfVsWptKUSxxosnnno_ln0S9HPOhA0359t3mkmHbYJM6AvvMZe9QD1iXmpGMUHBznKNH0M7LWiMsahIP4aG00cJu1gAGAKMhftT-RXJFjq55JlxkM-vimmDl2G4/s1600/anacortesweather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZvvfU4j9vPH69VukMfVsWptKUSxxosnnno_ln0S9HPOhA0359t3mkmHbYJM6AvvMZe9QD1iXmpGMUHBznKNH0M7LWiMsahIP4aG00cJu1gAGAKMhftT-RXJFjq55JlxkM-vimmDl2G4/s1600/anacortesweather.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday evening is when the rain is supposed to come in from the Pacific Ocean but it shouldn't amount to much and you might not even feel a drop…you just never know. Evening temps will dip into the upper 50's which isn't really that cold but since we have been HOT HOT HOT here in the PNW for the past couple weeks this could be a bit of a shock to the system. Just bring one pair of sweats and a good jacket and you should be good to go. <br />
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<h4>
Langley, WA Forecast for Saturday, July 19 - Midnight to 8PM</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ej8CLUYtHC66f7MP31ij53E-Qi-4povhfbUde_EM5Niq1XV9ofs1mZ1zykjm73WCacDbYvFurHf9_BeAMYv4C2_Tz6Yj0ooHB72yicW808UIeoHDioHBduVzBC-UVZ2ruigm7gyrPBI/s1600/langleyweather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ej8CLUYtHC66f7MP31ij53E-Qi-4povhfbUde_EM5Niq1XV9ofs1mZ1zykjm73WCacDbYvFurHf9_BeAMYv4C2_Tz6Yj0ooHB72yicW808UIeoHDioHBduVzBC-UVZ2ruigm7gyrPBI/s1600/langleyweather.jpg" height="400" width="385" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday on Whidbey Island should see temps in the 60's with a lower chance of rain. The 94% sky cover makes me think you won't see the sun, but don't quote me on that. Looks like perfect running weather to me. This is the most scenic part of the course in my opinion so grab your iphones and cameras and get some pictures of your runners in this stretch! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>DISCLAIMER:</b> I was discussing this forecast with my co-worker (a meteorologist by training) and he said that is always really hard for rain to start again after such a long dry spell (I'm sure there is a super sciency explanation for this but I didn't inquire) so that he would take the percentage change of rain forecasted with a grain of salt as it will probably be lower…so take that advice as you wish and plan accordingly :). Additionally, rain in the summer is never an all day downpour so don't get too bummed and think you'll be wet the whole time…you won't!<br />
<h4>
So in summary:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Running temps from 50-70 will be perfect for running…pack whatever you normal wear for these temps.</li>
<li>There is enough of a chance of rain that you should be prepared with a rain jacket, towel, dry clothes and an extra pair of dry running shoes.</li>
<li>Skies should remain pretty cloudy throughout so that will make things feel a bit chillier, pack those layers for night and consider bringing a more winterish weather running outfit for night hours if those night time temps will shock your system :). That doesn't mean leave the sunscreen at home, you will still be outside most of the time so slather it on for safety!</li>
</ul>
<b>And remember to follow <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/meet-team-six-pack-with-racks-take-2.html" target="_blank">Six Pack With Racks</a> on twitter and instagram with #sixpackrack and all the Ragnar runners with #ragnarnwp</b>.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-51789445463293931312014-07-14T17:21:00.002-07:002014-07-14T17:21:28.457-07:00I Quit Sugar - Week 5 Recap<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar.html" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar</a> <br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-2-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/reading-food-labels-sugar.html" target="_blank">Reading Food Labels - SUGAR </a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-3-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 3</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-quit-sugar-week-4-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 4 </a><br />
<br />
Where on earth did week 5 go? Honestly, looking back I can barely even remember what I had for breakfast this morning! Work and life has been insanely busy and I realized that this whole <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar</a> program has become my lifestyle now. I didn't really follow the meal plan for the week and ate out quite a bit, even went on a mini vaca, and it really became second nature to me to choose low or no sugar items...I call that an I Quit Sugar success!<br />
<br />
Week 5 was the last week we didn't have ANY sweeteners and I wasn't really even dying to eat berries when today (the start of week 6) rolled around. It doesn't mean I didn't have any, fresh raspberries are the best right now in the Pacific Northwest.<br />
<br />
I don't really have many pictures of amazing things I made to share, but I do want to share a recipe with you. Breakfast last week consisted of this <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/recipe/coco-nutty-granola/" target="_blank">Coco-Nutty Granola</a> recipe (minus the brown rice syrup of course) but since I'm allergic to all nuts I decided to experiment and modify to see if I could make a non-nut granola that was tasty...spoiler...I DID!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Coco-NotNutty Granola</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOUlacjqNkgQucxjgMNNXpgKLGaxg-rWT_2hde6etwPoglG9pEBIcVEMU7OS-ur45Z2in2h5Yq7YXAEg6Lwe20OglwxNl453PQKYkAwMuNFXojD8eb6lJRN_E7rFyo83wX0TIZLuOdw0/s1600/granola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOUlacjqNkgQucxjgMNNXpgKLGaxg-rWT_2hde6etwPoglG9pEBIcVEMU7OS-ur45Z2in2h5Yq7YXAEg6Lwe20OglwxNl453PQKYkAwMuNFXojD8eb6lJRN_E7rFyo83wX0TIZLuOdw0/s1600/granola.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BREAKFAST...more filling that it looks, promise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Makes about 5 cups - I probably got through about 7 breakfasts with this<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>3 cups flaked unsweetened coconut - I found these really large flakes at Whole Foods in the bulk bin and they work fabulously in this!</li>
<li>2 cups old fashioned oats </li>
<li>1 cup pumpkin seeds</li>
<li>2 tablespoons chia seeds</li>
<li>3 tablespoons melted coconut oil</li>
</ul>
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper</li>
<li>Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl</li>
<li>Spread evenly on baking sheet (you might need two baking sheets if you don't have a REALLY big one).</li>
<li>Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning once until everything is nice and golden and crunchy!</li>
<li>EAT IT! My favorite way was with a serving of whole fat plain greek yogurt. I swear you won't miss the sugar or absence of dried fruit...the toasted coconut is plenty of sweet.</li>
</ol>
It's pretty hard to convince me not to just eat eggs and toast every single morning but this was so easy and delicious I was craving this every morning!<br />
<br />
Like I mentioned above I took a mini getaway to the San Juan Islands with some girlfriends and there was some excellent eating and drinking involved. Did I eat too much fried food and drink too much alcohol? Well yeah, but I still made good decisions involving sugar (well maybe minus alcohol) and had a blast!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qpgGSmgXLbNVxNYe0_mClcqPtJ8F_cJbN-dbN6HT6bHICSVhyBhH0Z_J7Vob2rqpXL1NlVI0Mi92boctvV8sNTXKHSa9mWOTpkMHpszv9w-HmuOlz3hMAbzYLGd5RXK2e9S88GHRjLw/s1600/hotdog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qpgGSmgXLbNVxNYe0_mClcqPtJ8F_cJbN-dbN6HT6bHICSVhyBhH0Z_J7Vob2rqpXL1NlVI0Mi92boctvV8sNTXKHSa9mWOTpkMHpszv9w-HmuOlz3hMAbzYLGd5RXK2e9S88GHRjLw/s1600/hotdog.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Italian sausage at <a href="http://mikescafeandwinebar.com/" target="_blank">Mike's Cafe and Wine Bar</a> for lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH7XwKXVpDwO7e1Yne0OzxStwQ6vW89Cr99nry3rPgBoFdS2frPzs2oBnqEa0kxl-abTFFDZWfaEQJzhXpJEoyxnJpwGQKyYEfRDEYk1ce1ZRlGYZFIeRzsk0Tx4gAVPYNrOYJ61lwGg/s1600/salmonbreakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyH7XwKXVpDwO7e1Yne0OzxStwQ6vW89Cr99nry3rPgBoFdS2frPzs2oBnqEa0kxl-abTFFDZWfaEQJzhXpJEoyxnJpwGQKyYEfRDEYk1ce1ZRlGYZFIeRzsk0Tx4gAVPYNrOYJ61lwGg/s1600/salmonbreakfast.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked salmon scramble with mixed greens, potatoes, and fresh fruit at the <a href="http://www.caskandschooner.com/" target="_blank">Cask and Schooner </a>for brunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not pictured is the fish and chips and nachos I inhaled for dinner and the rest of the evening while bar hopping :).<br />
<br />
Week 6 is all about adding a LITTLE bit of sweetness back in in the form of lower sugar fruits like berries and using brown rice syrup in small quantities. If you are interested in learning more about what sweeteners IQS stays 100% away from and which ones they advocate in moderation check out these links:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://iquitsugar.com/we-ask-sarah-wilson-to-clear-things-up/" target="_blank">Is glucose better any than fructose?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://iquitsugar.com/artificial-sweeteners-wont-help-you-quit-sugar/" target="_blank">Artificial sweeteners won't help you quit sugar </a></li>
</ul>
And of course this infographic I've <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar.html" target="_blank">posted before</a> pretty much sums it up:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR1E3XDFeS8tnrgqvUBHerSb_X4Afj6Gf0WVMIB_Tuyz_R-RWajsJ8Ll0AmShuXJKtIJz5B2Kcvovna1w9BfUAC0sqnQkd5p0ns4Nim8ozaTzZqqA3g6ZzIogGGFNHjpCHpS-p4TU6kY/s1600/IQS-infographic-fructose1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR1E3XDFeS8tnrgqvUBHerSb_X4Afj6Gf0WVMIB_Tuyz_R-RWajsJ8Ll0AmShuXJKtIJz5B2Kcvovna1w9BfUAC0sqnQkd5p0ns4Nim8ozaTzZqqA3g6ZzIogGGFNHjpCHpS-p4TU6kY/s1600/IQS-infographic-fructose1.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I won't be following this week's meal plan much since <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/07/ragnar-relay-northwest-passage-lets-get.html" target="_blank">Ragnar this week</a> throws a big wrench in the cooking of a fabulous dinner every night but I remain committed to the <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/faqs/" target="_blank">IQS philosophy</a> and will do my best to stay away from the gummy bears I know will be thrown around our Ragnar van :). <br />
<br />
<b>Question: Have any good sugar free munchie ideas for me that will be easy to take for Ragnar?</b>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-81101747165319557922014-07-10T15:40:00.004-07:002014-07-10T15:45:22.203-07:00Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage - Let's Get Packin!I've meant to create a packing list for pretty much the past 3 or 4 Ragnars…or how ever many years I've been bloggin, whichever is longer, but just never got around to it. Well this year you are all getting lucky because I'm going to share with you what I believe is the perfect packing list. I've learned a lot <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/p/i-run-alot.html" target="_blank">over the past 5 Ragnar's</a> on how to over pack, what I really wish I had, and finding that balance between minimalist packing and bringing my whole closet.<br />
<br />
Side note: <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage" target="_blank">Ragnar Northwest Passage</a> is almost 1 WEEK AWAY! I have no idea when this relay snuck up on me but I'm super excited to get this party started and spend 30+ hours with some awesome ladies...and one awesome husband driver too :). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJkETL1TuM-v8Duvxw42JvE6xAPPZKpNMq_0YXJ4Yigoz8YsWpI0DmtKOKNtUiF1snPw7g44ndjrVnIue6hGyn5J1f0wEX9X4jE_EcrWJQsRm2G1EVhcRBC2eX6pf1HEak6fSdiKghBI/s1600/38029_697096052033_27208523_39645695_7918904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJkETL1TuM-v8Duvxw42JvE6xAPPZKpNMq_0YXJ4Yigoz8YsWpI0DmtKOKNtUiF1snPw7g44ndjrVnIue6hGyn5J1f0wEX9X4jE_EcrWJQsRm2G1EVhcRBC2eX6pf1HEak6fSdiKghBI/s1600/38029_697096052033_27208523_39645695_7918904_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second Ragnar - 2010!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>First up, what are you going to wear?</b> Well in short, running clothes! And depending on the weather (I'll post a forecast next week!) you might need shorts and a tank for one run and pants and long sleeve for another. Last year we were sweating during the day and FREEZING at night.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>3 (well in my case 4) complete running outfits - </b>I'm talking all the way down to underwear, sports bra and socks. Will you sometimes keep the same outfit on for 2 or more runs? Maybe…but you'll want the option to change. Put each outfit in a ziploc bag and then stuff that sweaty stinky stuff back in it after your run so you don't contaminate the rest!</li>
<li><b>2 comfy outfits </b>- Especially at Northwest Passage, the weather temps fluctuate greatly. You may want some comfy shorts and a tank for the day but will need to break out the sweats and sweatshirt at night. You don't need jeans or any sort of fashionable item here…comfort is key!</li>
<li><b>2 pairs of running shoes</b> - The only exception to this is if there is ZERO percent change of rain. I learned this one the hard way when it poured during my first leg and I was forced to run in soggy shoes the rest of the time…no bueno! </li>
<li><b>Flippy floppies </b>- Or any other comfy shoe of your choosing. Pretty sure we all know that amazing feeling after running a race of letting our feet out of our stuffy running shoes and letting them breathe!</li>
<li><b>Team shirts, costumes, etc</b> - Not mandatory but really fun! We do team shirts and try to keep them clean (don't run in them) so we can wear them at the start and finish. Also keep in mind you'll be receive a nice Ragnar tech tee when you check in so that can be used for down time as well. </li>
<li><b>Hats, compression sleeves, etc.</b> - Whatever you run in normally pack that. Compression for recovery is usually pretty nice!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwd-GBuXG3PHfvga8rD_1nHaKlJzQPVJPMyQGMKD9SvhLe5p9WZS3G7WVVdSpKqjwEy_MuObazuZqOGTSfkYNm8OPBffcGrhwCXCUzYa5Xi19XpFJGfgpTyOkcj6SPK_Bp9dxx6x99cQ/s1600/mYF_yXC4dwBMi13nNM0wNXTgRFNkc6cbOd3VIQVcA6s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwd-GBuXG3PHfvga8rD_1nHaKlJzQPVJPMyQGMKD9SvhLe5p9WZS3G7WVVdSpKqjwEy_MuObazuZqOGTSfkYNm8OPBffcGrhwCXCUzYa5Xi19XpFJGfgpTyOkcj6SPK_Bp9dxx6x99cQ/s1600/mYF_yXC4dwBMi13nNM0wNXTgRFNkc6cbOd3VIQVcA6s.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compression is key for an ultra - even better they are <a href="http://www.procompression.com/marathon-ragnar-orange/" target="_blank">Ragnar Pro Compression</a>! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><b>SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY</b> - Ragnar is serious about safety and requires everyone to have a <b>reflective vest</b> on during certain hours. Go out and invest in a good running one, you really don't want those bulky construction ones getting in the way during your run. And get your own headlamp! Although a <b>headlamp</b> for every person isn't required you don't want to share someone else's head sweat and they come in really handy for navigating port-o-potties in the dead of night.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSIgqcanNXuBOqenq4lyygckyKI6IcQenQnkUfNrBnDaFfXcdFZvzp_MMKMb5yCeS2_SDbNBjZOm7lWNHzeu2TaJqBGJJlufAbPmAhtgPcDjmrtwCH0l9h6JQn1GcuPov5fbZUZ3ZhXs/s1600/leg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSIgqcanNXuBOqenq4lyygckyKI6IcQenQnkUfNrBnDaFfXcdFZvzp_MMKMb5yCeS2_SDbNBjZOm7lWNHzeu2TaJqBGJJlufAbPmAhtgPcDjmrtwCH0l9h6JQn1GcuPov5fbZUZ3ZhXs/s1600/leg2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAN YOU SEE ME!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Okay, what about all the other running stuff, toiletries, etc? </b> You could really overdo it in this department if you wanted but these are the things I find MOST helpful and on my must use for every Ragnar packing list.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvWan3Ml46ix83EhlC2PABn8PJFPEVlDWoZ5Rr7AeX1ykpIlw-YCeqwYqhTYbQ510cOFMDcpw_SejeG3vxDzMgu8LpKihWTHVD5i8Uwst5ElsaJjtFtJ0QstjtIMFPGcB3rjJAruKHNw/s1600/nightrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvWan3Ml46ix83EhlC2PABn8PJFPEVlDWoZ5Rr7AeX1ykpIlw-YCeqwYqhTYbQ510cOFMDcpw_SejeG3vxDzMgu8LpKihWTHVD5i8Uwst5ElsaJjtFtJ0QstjtIMFPGcB3rjJAruKHNw/s1600/nightrun.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a sweaty humid night run…making baby wipes look good ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Baby wipes</b> - These little wet delights are pure heaven after a sweaty run and double as a shower in case you don't get one in the 30+ hours you are running (ultra = no showers). </li>
<li><b>Gadgets</b> - GPS, watch, iPhone, whatever you need to track your running…if you are obsessed with that kind of thing. I will note that Ragnar does NOT have mile markers, only a 1 mile to go sign so it is nice to know how far you are into your run. </li>
<li><b><strike>Music</strike></b> - I crossed this one out because I honestly don't think you should be listening to music while running Ragnar. You are on open roads with other cars and oftentimes a very small shoulder. It is really important that you can hear all oncoming traffic. I take the extra cautious approach and assume every single car on the road CANNOT see me, helps keep me on my toes :). Music for the van…now that is important, keep your iPhone/iPod in there.</li>
<li><b>Toiletries</b> - Keep it minimal and stick with deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, small towel for face washing, hair stuff if you need it, etc. There is no need to look like you are going out for a night on the town ladies, keep the makeup, perfume, etc at home.</li>
<li><b>Sunscreen</b> - Don't be stupid and get burned. I discovered <a href="http://www.naawk.com/" target="_blank">Naawk</a> last year when they sponsored us at <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/09/2013-hood-to-coast-relay-part-3.html" target="_blank">Hood to Coast</a> and the first time we sprayed that stuff we all went "wow…it smells like a tropical island" and then wondered why we weren't using it as a van air freshener all along. </li>
<li><b>Bug Spray</b> - There are some parts of the Northwest Passage course near rivers at night that mosquitoes just love. A bottle for the whole van is probably sufficient!</li>
<li><b>Sleeping Bag/Pillow</b> - You can get away with just a blanket too. If you get to stop and sleep there are plenty of indoor options at Northwest Passage and even a van seat is pretty comfortable when you are that tired. On the note of sleep, just prepare to get NONE and if you get a couple hours, lucky you. And I'll remind you that it usually gets COLD at night so have stuff to get warm! </li>
</ul>
<div>
Besides food (which I'll touch on briefly at the end) there is all that other van stuff that you will find useful. If you are the captain it would be really really nice of you to <b>stock your van</b> with the following before heading up to the start line…you can always charge your runners for their portion.</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Paper products</b> - A roll of paper towels, a couple rolls of TP and a box of kleenex will all come in handy. Although I have never ever encountered a Ragnar Northwest Passage port-o-potty without TP it's better safe than sorry or for when a mid run emergency might happen…CODE BROWN! </li>
<li><b>Water and Nuun</b> - I'm not just saying <a href="http://nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a> is essential because I am an ambassador. I'm saying it's essential because you really do need more than just water for long hot runs and all that hydrating that needs to happen in between. Even better, <a href="http://nuun.com/products/nuun-energy" target="_blank">Nuun Energy</a> for those middle of the night runs where you need a caffeine and B vitamin kick. They will be selling tubes at exchange 6 in case you forget some! Don't worry about packing all the water you'll need at the start, there are plenty of gas stations and grocery stores along the route to pick up more...same with ice.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7IA0RWY6GyeaxFGVWVN1B8z61JFUcn5G79FNqtRGpDGVWrbi0t1Ko-M5hXzrHzvxVJb0Hg8oMOQyZq_NzyNSMbBz6CigaPiw_lNOHhg3a15AWhsUvyc0Li-dd5upODfMWDL2V4k7UKY/s1600/kona+cola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7IA0RWY6GyeaxFGVWVN1B8z61JFUcn5G79FNqtRGpDGVWrbi0t1Ko-M5hXzrHzvxVJb0Hg8oMOQyZq_NzyNSMbBz6CigaPiw_lNOHhg3a15AWhsUvyc0Li-dd5upODfMWDL2V4k7UKY/s1600/kona+cola.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Kona Cola is my BFF during Ragnar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Garbage bag</b> - I don't think this needs explaining…1-2 bags will do!</li>
<li><b>Phone Numbers</b> - Have a printed out piece of paper with everyone on your team's cell phone numbers…you never know when you might need them.</li>
<li><b>Recovery Tools</b> - Running alot, sitting alot, then repeating makes for tight muscles. Agree to bring one foam roller and marathon stick if you have them so you have the tools you need to work out those muscles before your next run. </li>
<li><b>Van markers</b> - You aren't really running a Ragnar relay without marking up your van! Decorate it, mark your kills (number of runners you pass), make funny running jokes, and showcase your team name/spirit. FYI - White and Yellow show up best on windows.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjbUH_TX_FwmsfMtQ_BAKZxweGHk_b8LGPFDBRWysP-XxowomfVjxTB0P7a1Dnie6LggXQGZdZp9JFjqVP6W91HFGvAmATNSwsNzKqix4knW4KNXX2ZchVIbB4c3tJ8V87s_qMVjOWvs/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjbUH_TX_FwmsfMtQ_BAKZxweGHk_b8LGPFDBRWysP-XxowomfVjxTB0P7a1Dnie6LggXQGZdZp9JFjqVP6W91HFGvAmATNSwsNzKqix4knW4KNXX2ZchVIbB4c3tJ8V87s_qMVjOWvs/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AHHH, the satisfaction of checking off that last run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Food is really up to individual teams in my opinion. As an ultra team we all bring everything we are going to eat (meals, snacks, etc) in the van with us since we don't have time to stop for a meal. 12 man teams have large breaks and can go out for proper meals between legs. I will say that finding a place open to eat in the middle of the night in the middle of the Northwest Passage course is pretty difficult so even 12 man teams should have something a bit more significant than snacks to curb those late night cravings and nutrition needs pre and post middle of the night runs. One year we made the mistake of hitting up McDonald's before going to bed and we ALL had very tough runs after that...just sayin! Anacortes is really the last biggish city that has grocery stores/restaurants open at night before you get onto Whidbey Island for the night hours. I'm thinking about bringing the following for myself next week:<br />
<ol>
<li>A quinoa chicken dish for meals</li>
<li>Sun butter and raspberry sandwiches</li>
<li>Hard boiled eggs</li>
<li>Homemade oatmeal protein bars to share</li>
<li>CHIPS...I crave salt</li>
<li>Yogurt with granola</li>
</ol>
I will still be on the <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar </a>8-week program during this relay which stressed me out when I realized it in the beginning but now that I'm more than half way through I'm confident I can still be sugar free for the relay...but we will see how well I do when we drive past the Dairy Queen on the way to the ferry! <br />
<br />
<b>The MOST important thing to pack, however, is a positive attitude and the willingness to keep on running when all you want to do is sleep/eat/cry. Your team will power you forward way more than you think, so cheer your runners on, cheer other runners on and JUST HAVE FUN! </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvDCzGrHfF9i6NUJriTdkgud_QNi9moq85Y8fGNiqY2pQfCVhVpKUYVhbhFXfYjH0XivxiPfnSRtzJfzw-tVmrGwbSJcX6i4SACu4sp44rGG34L_OTp24Ww_eN_pPY-4doI22PFIwxJs/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvDCzGrHfF9i6NUJriTdkgud_QNi9moq85Y8fGNiqY2pQfCVhVpKUYVhbhFXfYjH0XivxiPfnSRtzJfzw-tVmrGwbSJcX6i4SACu4sp44rGG34L_OTp24Ww_eN_pPY-4doI22PFIwxJs/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power arches really do work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>QUESTION: I'm sure I missed something…what are you packing that I forgot? Also, are you running Northwest Passage? What is your team name, start time…I want to say HI!</b></div>
</div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-77809940178532957022014-07-07T18:08:00.000-07:002014-07-07T18:08:53.799-07:00I Quit Sugar - Week 4 Recap<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-2-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/reading-food-labels-sugar.html" target="_blank">Reading Food Labels - SUGAR </a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-3-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 3</a><br />
<br />
First, apologies for making this quick and short...crazy week happening already and I hope to devote some blog time to Ragnar this week so let's chat real quick about week 4!<br />
<br />
Perhaps the biggest news of week 4 was that I was asked to be an <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/start-here/what-does-it-involve/" target="_blank">IQS Ambassador</a> for the remainder of the program (and hopefully future ones!). The IQS team saw how active I was being in the forums and evidently thought I was providing good info so I was made an official ambassador. I am beyond honored as I am truly embracing the IQS lifestyle and I'm just happy to share it with others! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vYoBkjB8tYuo92F9bZ_pkfze9FTO6Grp_AEoGC28y0Jn69vOodtMjaGfyOihvmw82ZfZoghihPQXg6zDEn8hZtAaJpn051VnpiAAwms1xw20N4oq9hBcQ_e38qC8rHFj7WiE012AZTk/s1600/IQSambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vYoBkjB8tYuo92F9bZ_pkfze9FTO6Grp_AEoGC28y0Jn69vOodtMjaGfyOihvmw82ZfZoghihPQXg6zDEn8hZtAaJpn051VnpiAAwms1xw20N4oq9hBcQ_e38qC8rHFj7WiE012AZTk/s1600/IQSambassador.jpg" /></a></div>
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To recap, <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-3-recap.html" target="_blank">week 4</a> was about doing a little more detoxing by removing gluten, alcohol and caffeine for 5 days. I did the whole no gluten and alcohol thing but wasn't going to risk daily headaches just to give up my precious coffee for 5 days :). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKpp59ug_cLtX-rHkD_44SnYjpPzBOF03DqTDflJY6F6bOfxRKP9Id-HR0ZMEZGjJA6oJbDxuVqrGMSaji24dsSmIgwWY9jkYGlXZlbFCOFA6fP0xuTaiJQ3yfBt_Q91ayJBQ8KqkDss/s1600/kalesausage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKpp59ug_cLtX-rHkD_44SnYjpPzBOF03DqTDflJY6F6bOfxRKP9Id-HR0ZMEZGjJA6oJbDxuVqrGMSaji24dsSmIgwWY9jkYGlXZlbFCOFA6fP0xuTaiJQ3yfBt_Q91ayJBQ8KqkDss/s1600/kalesausage.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6isbSF5QdMIt6_EJMY16JaHf_gXISaD42ffYuG4uoWSWy45FApFnLtb2r-hooCcjpZ70eYnY5VFdCQfmWuxJTSuVHiEYrNAAZ3fWI9dxMobielccr04DFoWkbJFZ2Z-Jxr9vll-5EVuw/s1600/friedrice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6isbSF5QdMIt6_EJMY16JaHf_gXISaD42ffYuG4uoWSWy45FApFnLtb2r-hooCcjpZ70eYnY5VFdCQfmWuxJTSuVHiEYrNAAZ3fWI9dxMobielccr04DFoWkbJFZ2Z-Jxr9vll-5EVuw/s1600/friedrice.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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LEFT: Sauteed kale, sausage and beet hash over some wild rice mix. This hash is actually in Sarah Wilson's<a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Quit-Sugar-Sarah-Wilson-ebook/dp/B00G1J1D5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404780032&sr=8-1&keywords=i+quit+sugar" target="_blank"> I Quit Sugar for Life</a> book and she along with the recipe she gives you tips for creating your own hashes with whatever ingredients you have on hand.<br />
RIGHT: Veggie fried rice! This was super filling and included asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms and peas. I stretched this to three meals, it was way too much for just two for me...which is usually not the case.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZDi5ppGde-Z-d011HmgMreqM8lTDa8Qp-bD0TJe61FufuVqErnmRQ1MkTWT5Ve5C9jBaCkQeqfMRKfnaWcudF0qIwB0urA3K_ffYU2UwE8gAy02pLLOF252zAjp1-eqNG87AMdYB0nE/s1600/salmon+patties.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZDi5ppGde-Z-d011HmgMreqM8lTDa8Qp-bD0TJe61FufuVqErnmRQ1MkTWT5Ve5C9jBaCkQeqfMRKfnaWcudF0qIwB0urA3K_ffYU2UwE8gAy02pLLOF252zAjp1-eqNG87AMdYB0nE/s1600/salmon+patties.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Big winner for the week were these salmon patties. It was basically canned salmon mixed with sweet potato puree with some green onions and flour to find. The combo of salmon and sweet potatoes was really amazing. I would have never thought to combine those flavors before. <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/" target="_blank">Trader Joe's</a> came through again with bok choy already trimmed up and cleaned so I just steamed them for a couple minutes for a simple side dish.<br />
<br />
I do want to take a minute to tell you how I've been feeling now that I'm half way through the <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar 8-week program</a>. In a nutshell, pretty damn good and normal! Normal may sound like an odd choice for how I feel but that really is true. For the past as many years as I can remember my stomach was never "normal". I thought that bloating, constipation, upset stomach, nights in the bathroom were my normal but going through this sugar detox has taught me that it indeed is NOT normal. I'm not bloated with uncomfortable pain after lunch every single day, I don't have to excuse myself from a room to relieve painful gas (sorry TMI, but it's true!), and most of all I'm really enjoying all the cooking and eating. <br />
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Week 5 is our last week of keeping all fruit, sweeteners, etc out of our diet and in week 6 we will slowly reintroduce some low-fructose fruits and non-fructose sweeteners like stevia and brown rice syrup (I'll chat about those more later). The timing is good because I'm determined to modify my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2011/10/oatmeal-pumpkin-protein-bars.html" target="_blank">oatmeal pumpkin protein</a> bar recipe in time for Ragnar!<br />
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<h4>
More Reading:</h4>
<br />
<a href="http://iquitsugar.com/nutrition-nerds-eat-breakfast/" target="_blank">What nutrition nerds eat for breakfast</a> - NEVER eat a boring breakfast again...yumm!!<br />
<a href="http://iquitsugar.com/magnesium-and-sugar-addiction/" target="_blank">Is magnesium the answer to your sugar addiction</a> - never tried magnesium before but I just might try it...so many benefits!Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-11406964759031269542014-06-30T12:44:00.003-07:002014-06-30T13:52:38.026-07:00I Quit Sugar - Week 3 Recap<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-2-recap.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a><br />
<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/reading-food-labels-sugar.html" target="_blank">Reading Food Labels - SUGAR </a><br />
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Confession...week 3 did not really go as planned. I ate out a lot more than I planned to but I told myself I wouldn't be anti-social because of this whole program and I tried my best to choose sugar free restaurant items...I think I did ok! BUT, I also definitely felt a bit off after eating out so many times and my stomach didn't like me too much so I'll be resetting and planning to enter week 4 a bit more prepared for the week. <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/" target="_blank">Week 4 is "clean week"</a> so I will be making a big effort to eat all my meals at home this week. <br />
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But hey I cooked some amazing things anyways. I roasted up a chicken on Sunday evening and ate it most of the week which was awesome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt4sCTEPViOhX9uvkRl023d9aBcaijESLnKvopuZaDqKUpLeuyCVCVMPfxm8NkovKcNSK-UlKgmvAaEs7ZAy7qowMfpv844ft9ZnuSXmuMBsdy6Aw3YqYuIvAKurqwX7b9n4GBnPPPt4/s1600/chicken2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt4sCTEPViOhX9uvkRl023d9aBcaijESLnKvopuZaDqKUpLeuyCVCVMPfxm8NkovKcNSK-UlKgmvAaEs7ZAy7qowMfpv844ft9ZnuSXmuMBsdy6Aw3YqYuIvAKurqwX7b9n4GBnPPPt4/s1600/chicken2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZumE_O8wGGpFBzeHXRm30CdPEKx1njINXBVu17dH5MVbVwo8T7G5dASLU-Agb7b8qAoeu7ufAL4kW1h35Svslf-2YYBI_Y2YF9RDJez_SLZFEMtHYBT25r7mzQ-M0BjSZWHP-jgTkSQA/s1600/chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZumE_O8wGGpFBzeHXRm30CdPEKx1njINXBVu17dH5MVbVwo8T7G5dASLU-Agb7b8qAoeu7ufAL4kW1h35Svslf-2YYBI_Y2YF9RDJez_SLZFEMtHYBT25r7mzQ-M0BjSZWHP-jgTkSQA/s1600/chicken.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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LEFT: Roasted chicken with quinoa, roasted root veggies, other veggies with a olive oil/apple cider vinegar dressing.<br />
RIGHT: Roasted chicken, broccoli, and smashed potatoes with peas and feta<br />
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Breakfasts have really been one of my favorite things on this plan. And this week the addition of a quinoa porridge made me look forward to waking up each morning. I will most certainly be adding it to my regular breakfast rotation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaGpQuBoW2xfg2bm5tUhc8_sfdaOZgrEI5e2Zh9872Gu4tsUqdNgky55j3aRQ-Zu5A68spadfnmGNvhqST0rGfowHmma8smytdqojI4aCHjfiGcCZK17r87kyeWer99jWxr3KNQaBcV0/s1600/quinoa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaGpQuBoW2xfg2bm5tUhc8_sfdaOZgrEI5e2Zh9872Gu4tsUqdNgky55j3aRQ-Zu5A68spadfnmGNvhqST0rGfowHmma8smytdqojI4aCHjfiGcCZK17r87kyeWer99jWxr3KNQaBcV0/s1600/quinoa.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook 3/4 cup already cooked quinoa with 1/2 cup milk and add your favorite mixins! I topped mine with yogurt and pepitas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JSyelhVqug8-1dPg6SCv9j9U9iJffaezcPXvKW9R5GrMVUJLKZXNuKbzt5_t5agXTt1VFcxLdEjnaZqU0OTIz0tcxLSl_ly5kuzBV27HH35DbPdtFgJ7MBQ8T7UN5u3rn3TgmCW9c6Q/s1600/breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JSyelhVqug8-1dPg6SCv9j9U9iJffaezcPXvKW9R5GrMVUJLKZXNuKbzt5_t5agXTt1VFcxLdEjnaZqU0OTIz0tcxLSl_ly5kuzBV27HH35DbPdtFgJ7MBQ8T7UN5u3rn3TgmCW9c6Q/s1600/breakfast.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday's pre-run fuel of veggie bread with avocado-feta smash and two fried eggs!</td></tr>
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<h4>
Week 4 Prep</h4>
Week 4 is "clean week". It is actually optional but they recommend you remove gluten, alcohol, and caffeine for just 5 days only. Since I don't want to have a headache everyday and be a grump I'm not giving up caffeine but I can do no gluten and alcohol for 5 days easily and make my meals a little greener for the week. But the main idea is that we should be getting through most of sugar detox symptoms and now we give our bodies a change to get rid of any other toxins hiding in there.<br />
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The IQS team also recommended about a hundred different supplements, spices, powders, etc to help with detox, etc but I'm not jumping on that bandwagon and will just fill my cravings with tea and snacks like usual :). For example, I made these <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/recipe/meal-in-a-biscuit-crackers/" target="_blank">Meal in a Biscuit Crackers</a> last night and they are pretty good, especially slathered with some cream cheese or nut butter. They were super easy to make but I could see how they would get expensive to have all the time since they contain a lot of chia, sunflower, and sesame seeds. Since they are a super hearty cracker one large one with some cream cheese usually curbs my appetite in the late afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dehcpL3SGQST17YnlL95jKnSy8VwuX46Y041HlsjVFHmlR5mWaQyhma_5EomWOZSWJvwqNP9seGrr4O9POCnq2bUsntCzVWfceQIWsTm9CY99VPBgBIe8vaqftdwEwMFvmD89A8QcQI/s1600/cracker2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dehcpL3SGQST17YnlL95jKnSy8VwuX46Y041HlsjVFHmlR5mWaQyhma_5EomWOZSWJvwqNP9seGrr4O9POCnq2bUsntCzVWfceQIWsTm9CY99VPBgBIe8vaqftdwEwMFvmD89A8QcQI/s1600/cracker2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFEaPwfEfDvMLF-ZmpXov81Ev9-o6yWVvgwB9iP-cgeSdaiFwC1vxs_UOCNjHrdxJGldkuG7XR1o0qb_uXwtXsMN73WZRJBsvQn-pvePyj7D4xnqPRfRjYQZY4nAP06U1nIl4_1VwjoQ/s1600/cracker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFEaPwfEfDvMLF-ZmpXov81Ev9-o6yWVvgwB9iP-cgeSdaiFwC1vxs_UOCNjHrdxJGldkuG7XR1o0qb_uXwtXsMN73WZRJBsvQn-pvePyj7D4xnqPRfRjYQZY4nAP06U1nIl4_1VwjoQ/s1600/cracker.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Note: I subbed buckwheat flour for the almond meal since I'm allergic to nuts and didn't use dulce flakes.<br />
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The end of week 4 marks the halfway point of this 8-week program so I'll plan on posting more about how I'm feeling so far next week!<br />
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<h4>
More Reading:</h4>
<a href="http://www.newsweek.com/report-sugar-lobby-threatens-organizations-buries-science-health-effects-256529" target="_blank">Report: The Sugar Lobby Threatens Organizations, Buries Science on Health Effects</a> - found this after my sugar label posting last week...interesting information about WHY we may not be pushing sugar limits in the United States, makes you go "hmmmm".<br />
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<a href="http://www.sarahwilson.com/2013/08/i-ate-sugar/" target="_blank">I ate Sugar</a> - Even Sarah Wilson (the creator or IQS) "cheats"!Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-6265344591724177802014-06-27T07:42:00.000-07:002014-06-27T07:42:54.579-07:00Reading Food Labels - SUGARFirst off HUGE disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist…not even remotely close, but this is information is based on a wealth of knowledge I've been exposed to as part of the <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar program</a>, some online research of my own, with some links to back it up. This post is simply meant to get you thinking about sugar on food labels and what to watch out for if you are thinking about cutting down on your sugar intake.<br />
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I've mentioned it before but the <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Sugars-and-Carbohydrates_UCM_303296_Article.jsp" target="_blank">American Heart Association</a> (AHA) recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day for women (9 for men). According to a recent <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/08/30/how-much-sugar-are-americans-eating-infographic/" target="_blank">Forbes article</a> most americans are eating about 35 teaspoons a day on average.<br />
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Even more recently (March 2014), the World Health Organization (WHO) opened public consultation on their <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2014/consultation-sugar-guideline/en/" target="_blank">recommended limits</a> for sugar intake that echo those of the AHA, about 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day. This equates to about 5% of your total energy intake for the day. But you know the craziest thing…<b>have you ever noticed that there is not % daily value calculation for sugar on all nutritional labels? </b> There are guidelines on percentages of daily value for fat, sodium, fiber, carbs, and vitamins…but NOT sugar…hmmm. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzyUlU-MGXoWxyIq2fdjD6CfGesf6pWobeV1xI6eYspHEI3uxYfyfaMjaBKflLrRvGJ4Plx8TMr5YLs8TeJdsjl9BJ6tW_CByQJ4txen3iCz7WllceBPhbPes9OwRxF16Xb1jTpzxBq8/s1600/365px-US_Nutritional_Fact_Label_2.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzyUlU-MGXoWxyIq2fdjD6CfGesf6pWobeV1xI6eYspHEI3uxYfyfaMjaBKflLrRvGJ4Plx8TMr5YLs8TeJdsjl9BJ6tW_CByQJ4txen3iCz7WllceBPhbPes9OwRxF16Xb1jTpzxBq8/s1600/365px-US_Nutritional_Fact_Label_2.svg.png" height="392" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutrition_facts_label" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Now the debate is still out on whether to include fruit in those 6 teaspoons per day but the I Quit Sugar program argues that while fruit is obviously a way better choice than a can of coke for other reasons, once fructose enters the body it is all the same…straight to the liver and turned into fat when consumed in large quantities. My personal goal is to only consume 6 teaspoons or less per day and including fruit in that number. <br />
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Let's dissect some common "health" foods for their sugar content shall we?<br />
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<h4>
Yogurt</h4>
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Yogurt is excellent for you, good dairy and probiotic source but combine that with fruit the way most companies do you can end up with a sugar bomb!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnLDWuye50_w9tdGpW96owthpmORdO-qCDXS0E1uOiE4Q79uR328wuTFfS1B15HoOIhemvB9nBcCxmu-jf7PdxxL9EUXlLmZiJcijQ8ikhQbzX5gyz1afKXrPRkRf5MT-5Fd53OqTuIo/s1600/chobaninutritin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnLDWuye50_w9tdGpW96owthpmORdO-qCDXS0E1uOiE4Q79uR328wuTFfS1B15HoOIhemvB9nBcCxmu-jf7PdxxL9EUXlLmZiJcijQ8ikhQbzX5gyz1afKXrPRkRf5MT-5Fd53OqTuIo/s1600/chobaninutritin.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdExm56KPAKtJ5AQ0jaYTnapVdSO8ubQYY9CHfTaEdBh-vaiD0E0W4kcI2INk0kQIFIWQzsNsuwSKg6EZa1hrFBr1RCpSXWokouosalvtJYsHDTKNQrOKZzOtMZIHzUmGtH5bsQQ5QlE/s1600/chobani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdExm56KPAKtJ5AQ0jaYTnapVdSO8ubQYY9CHfTaEdBh-vaiD0E0W4kcI2INk0kQIFIWQzsNsuwSKg6EZa1hrFBr1RCpSXWokouosalvtJYsHDTKNQrOKZzOtMZIHzUmGtH5bsQQ5QlE/s1600/chobani.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let's take <a href="http://www.chobani.com/products/blended#blueberry" target="_blank">Chobani 16oz blueberry</a> blended yogurt. Greek yogurt, that's healthy right? Fruit…healthy? Well take a look a the label and you can see there are 23 grams of sugar per serving in this container and you are lying to yourself if you say you don't eat the entire container at one time…so there is whopping 46 grams of sugar in this container. <br />
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4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon by the way so…<br />
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46 grams of sugar = 11.5 teaspoons <---already over your daily limit in this one snack.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFyS5A4xy_y2K3kljrvxRQ7yaJ1GTJqrv84w-sRJHZm7qDBE1hPO512peGaEW6FIN52ENIan0SgWc-ZP9yg9i0Z0CGC4SnrBowmCmqhU3ucKFKr4GSJKIqvy6NdxWdXAM-f5-JaaN-Bc/s1600/chobaniplainnut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFyS5A4xy_y2K3kljrvxRQ7yaJ1GTJqrv84w-sRJHZm7qDBE1hPO512peGaEW6FIN52ENIan0SgWc-ZP9yg9i0Z0CGC4SnrBowmCmqhU3ucKFKr4GSJKIqvy6NdxWdXAM-f5-JaaN-Bc/s1600/chobaniplainnut.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI7Lstdi-6m4XuearBhU8x31gQihJX8WupT9XTR3F47ZNodKWvJ7oNLZco0bLMcrHqLpgp4ypAQQcNmFSIThwT0_YcjWiTywPHuM9bCibCIvR8HDVI5fRYabeaA9-tPljzgP-GQgR3QA/s1600/chobaniplain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI7Lstdi-6m4XuearBhU8x31gQihJX8WupT9XTR3F47ZNodKWvJ7oNLZco0bLMcrHqLpgp4ypAQQcNmFSIThwT0_YcjWiTywPHuM9bCibCIvR8HDVI5fRYabeaA9-tPljzgP-GQgR3QA/s1600/chobaniplain.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now choosing a plain yogurt is a way better option! <a href="http://www.chobani.com/products/blended#low-fat-plain" target="_blank">Chobani 2% plain greek yogurt </a>contains 6 grams of sugar per serving. Now here is where it gets a bit trickier. In terms of dairy the first 4.7 grams of sugar per 100 gram serving is <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/5-things-to-look-for-in-a-yoghurt/" target="_blank">all lactose</a> (milk sugar)…not fructose, so sugar in dairy is actually a-ok under these levels. So how does this yogurt stack up? <br />
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This serving has 6 grams per 227 grams serving so 227/100 = 2.27 100 gram servings. Take the 6 grams of sugar and divide it by the 2.27 100 gram servings and you have about 2.64 grams sugar / 100 grams…hey this yogurt is a-ok! No fructose here! Can't stand the taste of plain yogurt? Add some low fructose fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries and you are still way better off than eating the Blueberry blended above. <br />
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<h4>
Nutritional Bars</h4>
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Protein bars seem to be all the rage lately, but besides the fact that many contain ingredients you can barely name they are usually full of sugar, sometimes disguised in other names. For example…<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOt0CL_JiAIz5wXm0_dQSDgqhHAC5FPuazCKQg1jfkY6awX2J-Qt81gBAAirsLQErZPcLr-tMxGU8Qgu08aT9ivXhFiFeJ28x9d6YR7qW9eYrKmDf5FvtsSghvFvtlIkEE2hAYO2Q1HKE/s1600/lunaprotein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOt0CL_JiAIz5wXm0_dQSDgqhHAC5FPuazCKQg1jfkY6awX2J-Qt81gBAAirsLQErZPcLr-tMxGU8Qgu08aT9ivXhFiFeJ28x9d6YR7qW9eYrKmDf5FvtsSghvFvtlIkEE2hAYO2Q1HKE/s1600/lunaprotein.jpg" height="124" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lunabar.com/products/luna-protein/mint-chocolate-chip#ingredients" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTCIuEZSTobPl-VJsMZefko-JnrMl328yczZF07Nn71pVcTI7K1dkKiremOFlheNGl-A6r5gRB0vJxloynFhk3tV0Ad0qxZej4cMVGcqP757NZLPT6gKJ79owWE_5mIhR99i6_-MAlB0/s1600/lunaingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTCIuEZSTobPl-VJsMZefko-JnrMl328yczZF07Nn71pVcTI7K1dkKiremOFlheNGl-A6r5gRB0vJxloynFhk3tV0Ad0qxZej4cMVGcqP757NZLPT6gKJ79owWE_5mIhR99i6_-MAlB0/s1600/lunaingredients.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each bar contains 13 grams of sugar but the thing to watch out for here is sugar listed in the first few ingredients as circled above. Sugar comes in all forms and nutritional bars use all sorts of things to sweeten that just add to the sugar number.<br />
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What about <a href="http://www.larabar.com/" target="_blank">LaraBars</a>…they just use whole natural ingredients right? Well that may be the case but they pack their bars full of dried fruit with dates being the main culprit. Most of their bars have over 20 grams of sugar in them…pretty much your entire daily allowance. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7IpoyexdmfHruVyUx944_BBKineVhg561QcreDM93NSgRy3ARse1G0PA0hhI09BxqYH_T6e8MACyh3fijIOdD7L0ADUS-4YKOXH070nxllZiIBoI1doQpF58iyzhg1B4ct61LWBj0C8/s1600/cherrypie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7IpoyexdmfHruVyUx944_BBKineVhg561QcreDM93NSgRy3ARse1G0PA0hhI09BxqYH_T6e8MACyh3fijIOdD7L0ADUS-4YKOXH070nxllZiIBoI1doQpF58iyzhg1B4ct61LWBj0C8/s1600/cherrypie.jpg" height="131" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/cherry-pie#nutritional" target="_blank">Cherry Pie Larabar's</a> sugar is just from dates and cherries!</td></tr>
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<h4>
Bottom Line</h4>
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Am I saying don't eat any of these things? Absolutely not, you can make your own choices but I just wanted to throw the information out there so you can use it if you are looking to cut back on your sugar consumption. If you decide to follow 6-9 teaspoon/day rule you can choose to fill those teaspoons in whatever way you see fit! Once I get through my 8-week program I'll share how I fill up those 6 teaspoons a day.<br />
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I'll leave you with this following thought. If nutritional labels had a % daily value for sugar listed, then according to current AHA and WHO guidelines one Larabar, one bar of candy, one smoothie would be 100% of your daily value for sugar. I don't know about you but I try not to consume 100% of my fat or calories with one snack…just a thought ;).<br />
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<b>Question: Did this confuse you more? Will you check out the sugar content on products now? Any questions?</b><br />
<br />Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-29827454461475819212014-06-25T08:53:00.002-07:002014-06-25T08:53:30.466-07:00Race Recap: 2014 Rock and Roll Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is really one word that sums up the Rock and Roll race this year: WEATHER! The whole time we were running, my buddy Lindsey and I could not stop raving about how beautiful it was out and how lucky all the tourists running the race were able to see Mt. Rainier while running down Rainier Ave, a peek of the Cascade mountains while running down to Lake Washington Boulevard, the Olympic mountains, the Puget Sound and of course the entire Seattle skyline! I don't think the temperatures reached above 60 while we were running so it was just perfectly cool and sunny the entire race. Spectators were out in masses, the bands were really pretty great, and Lindsey and I enjoyed a nice little 2 hour and 15 minute conversation with each other!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZRgBJUggYGAIOetWG-LbxSTPgSCmQn_1K3eN59iElC8I8OVk4WH-tiHKtzp2LwPXJegkeAjqnhvnV9dOWiFcXPmGihYZNncXin3NIL_I3M0LMEUCLzaEYZ9Y1-03l6v1LmNyBwmXSg4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZRgBJUggYGAIOetWG-LbxSTPgSCmQn_1K3eN59iElC8I8OVk4WH-tiHKtzp2LwPXJegkeAjqnhvnV9dOWiFcXPmGihYZNncXin3NIL_I3M0LMEUCLzaEYZ9Y1-03l6v1LmNyBwmXSg4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks <a href="http://nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a> and <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/" target="_blank">Ragnar</a> for all your support!!</td></tr>
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There were no goals for this race other than to take it slow and treat it like a Ragnar training run. Could I have run faster and harder? Absolutely! But did I want to be sore and tired for days after preventing me from running again? Not right now...Ragnar is less than 4 weeks away and these legs have to run 35+ miles in about 24 hours <---that is terrifying to me right now BTW. Honestly, in the past couple of years running has really just been about having fun with friends for me. I do think about trying to set a new marathon PR someday but for now I'm happy running for fun and at a nice comfortable pace (10:00 miles thank you!).<br />
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Oh and guess what? Lindsey didn't <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/keeping-seattle-rock-and-roll-streak.html" target="_blank">ditch me</a> this year ;)! <br />
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I don't really think it's necessary to do a mile by mile recap or anything because all I would tell you was Lindsey and I ran a pretty consistent 10:00 pace the entire time and just chatted the race away. I felt pretty strong most of the way…my hips started feeling achy and tired around mile 10 but nothing I couldn't push through! Instead I'll let you enjoy my race in picture form. Oh, and I'm not apologizing for stealing the photos from the web this time around…I'm sick of them being so ridiculously expensive that even if it was the best running picture ever I couldn't afford it! ENJOY!<br />
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Pre-race with Lindsey and her mother in law, Leslee. Leslee is one cool MIL and runs half marathons for breakfast pretty much everyday…and is always stylish while doing it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQT9FM-zXuDbPMovQeiHbrLuv9ji18xkCVkvVBo64oyqMfS41z5RwqpbLfYvqPl8XD17CSlcf3i_YP0A0H0Fl3uZN1C_x6ATiyXKeCnlWUbAN6kdmg-DecjrUX0MeAAInnOGVCDkedFE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQT9FM-zXuDbPMovQeiHbrLuv9ji18xkCVkvVBo64oyqMfS41z5RwqpbLfYvqPl8XD17CSlcf3i_YP0A0H0Fl3uZN1C_x6ATiyXKeCnlWUbAN6kdmg-DecjrUX0MeAAInnOGVCDkedFE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FGd4Mp4aNSftTSvjBmfc6HWuAjftk7VVWyk5_OJu08i13I4Z3XvTUGdYXFRxO2WgZtVBiE48Usi0no0DNnGecIm8P3303jCJ-hYgrlAhrVA7sTF7aHCAc3EY3AC7in67HNtD_JdhXUQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FGd4Mp4aNSftTSvjBmfc6HWuAjftk7VVWyk5_OJu08i13I4Z3XvTUGdYXFRxO2WgZtVBiE48Usi0no0DNnGecIm8P3303jCJ-hYgrlAhrVA7sTF7aHCAc3EY3AC7in67HNtD_JdhXUQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcGm-amNKBhwzsu_9rgpZkpa11k0QHycc4Qzq9urKT_U7cSMTlESXS8CDefx6crhNdebV2KzmoU_jtQN_iU-vjFm6qVKHLFlT5dcj9PqVF9qZeil6pZkwu3YAS_S0x6AXupd4gKrTg9U/s1600/rnr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcGm-amNKBhwzsu_9rgpZkpa11k0QHycc4Qzq9urKT_U7cSMTlESXS8CDefx6crhNdebV2KzmoU_jtQN_iU-vjFm6qVKHLFlT5dcj9PqVF9qZeil6pZkwu3YAS_S0x6AXupd4gKrTg9U/s1600/rnr2.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the first few miles I think!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EhXArwMDG_uM24eYecUgffYbnYch2gJHid6-Rv1w9Wp1wWOcrUE3TjBejs4N9G3qem6fIDzo32Krp9GD43yJvXwcFHd7nYEqhrGlbWBf7rlZc_lCxjNXG3Ply9YSa6WeJuQmUlIU4Gw/s1600/rnr4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EhXArwMDG_uM24eYecUgffYbnYch2gJHid6-Rv1w9Wp1wWOcrUE3TjBejs4N9G3qem6fIDzo32Krp9GD43yJvXwcFHd7nYEqhrGlbWBf7rlZc_lCxjNXG3Ply9YSa6WeJuQmUlIU4Gw/s1600/rnr4.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that we were just chatting away the whole time (somewhere around miles 6-9)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd44GCGHvdD3pN1exNGrhsFYE6QJ8qa1ZcMn5Slbv9yF9gOIczJNW5GkKDX2mCVOLLEYDGlBAJ7MTeftTmLXvY2i3lp3sUXKmgAcBOeNqMRqwLwBUuZyICur4aixOuHmliLUKUEiTNMKs/s1600/rnr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd44GCGHvdD3pN1exNGrhsFYE6QJ8qa1ZcMn5Slbv9yF9gOIczJNW5GkKDX2mCVOLLEYDGlBAJ7MTeftTmLXvY2i3lp3sUXKmgAcBOeNqMRqwLwBUuZyICur4aixOuHmliLUKUEiTNMKs/s1600/rnr1.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, having too much fun! (mile 7-ish)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNLMU78r_II74nNlnH9PyEJQ3M7Z2qmwCLOIVF2ltqCHPBNeM4zulnA9lvzNL8-GDQ8aC9ZTEHE2jGaAf1VhfSvg2JoFG2m9z3Wibr_G2PE5EEALiDf6pHqPx1I6eAqcRDM9R5tPsfbo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNLMU78r_II74nNlnH9PyEJQ3M7Z2qmwCLOIVF2ltqCHPBNeM4zulnA9lvzNL8-GDQ8aC9ZTEHE2jGaAf1VhfSvg2JoFG2m9z3Wibr_G2PE5EEALiDf6pHqPx1I6eAqcRDM9R5tPsfbo/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie with the Great Wheel (mile 11)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHZQvm-JJAY06r5pb-WApUz_Whk_q8QTqdUcmTeJzIjfYxRoTpKCvi11IU5SD8XWPoV8JjzkF-bWqkjM7UioOrQvzoqzyQjnCF0PbDzHJSmxSnEBI_0UHp4kGG6OPYpPFlIGT8AygrRY/s1600/rnr3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHZQvm-JJAY06r5pb-WApUz_Whk_q8QTqdUcmTeJzIjfYxRoTpKCvi11IU5SD8XWPoV8JjzkF-bWqkjM7UioOrQvzoqzyQjnCF0PbDzHJSmxSnEBI_0UHp4kGG6OPYpPFlIGT8AygrRY/s1600/rnr3.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, now we are looking tired (mile 12-ish)<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeue1AZe-IzDvvIkzcbhz7R8MQZCUEYaQUy96k4dV6aaL8ltwVA09Xmu06HNRaHEaH2pJHZkJ5Eq5h5ucDj0o131YSZh2Rl_vywiifMVANOsH6WfhgSbjWLHPp9GAyt0zvEx4nsnLVS2s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeue1AZe-IzDvvIkzcbhz7R8MQZCUEYaQUy96k4dV6aaL8ltwVA09Xmu06HNRaHEaH2pJHZkJ5Eq5h5ucDj0o131YSZh2Rl_vywiifMVANOsH6WfhgSbjWLHPp9GAyt0zvEx4nsnLVS2s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9bKKEY_mI0rO6oshf6h2eEEqfWSUPxpLsuXU1SSXhdqt5PrRvukhDMhMpeHZFt7g9nzAX-oGwPBii-kh9zJswEk96qCTE07kp9FhoPYmkUQcfs7Yz8vVMn-_KaX4iaQuhZNsSxGDe5Y/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9bKKEY_mI0rO6oshf6h2eEEqfWSUPxpLsuXU1SSXhdqt5PrRvukhDMhMpeHZFt7g9nzAX-oGwPBii-kh9zJswEk96qCTE07kp9FhoPYmkUQcfs7Yz8vVMn-_KaX4iaQuhZNsSxGDe5Y/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We did it! And we ran into <a href="http://www.bornandracedinchicago.com/" target="_blank">Andrea </a>at the finish! I actually spotted her Oiselle butt around mile 8 on the course and gave it a nice slap before continuing on. </div>
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Post race was spent soaking in the sun and watching Leslee finish. After I met up with <a href="http://www.bornandracedinchicago.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SkippingInSEA" target="_blank">Stacie</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/RunZoeRun" target="_blank">Zoe</a> for some pre-race breakfast and chatting at Buckley's….followed shortly after by a shower and looonnnngggg nap!! </div>
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So happy I was able to run this race after all, I really do love it and it's probably worth the ridiculous entry fee even though I'll still complain about it ;). </div>
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Check out my past Rock and Roll recaps on my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/p/i-run-alot.html" target="_blank">Race Recaps</a> page.</div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-81775028655063913732014-06-23T11:06:00.001-07:002014-06-23T11:06:53.853-07:00I Quit Sugar - Week 2 Recap<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-recap.html" target="_blank">Read Week 1 Recap Here</a><br />
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Two weeks down! This week really was much easier for me and the meals are filling me up even more than week 1 and I find myself not even being hungry between meals for snacks anymore (I used to eat 2 snacks a day minimum at work). I don't think I'm eating more food during my meals just focusing on nutrient dense proteins and veggies with fat added to everything…fat is yummy :). <br />
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This week I actually ate out a couple times so I had to practice picking the best choices on menus. I didn't go all crazy and ask for ingredient lists for everything just ordered things that were obviously not sugar coated or anything. <br />
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The biggest challenge came with running a half marathon over the weekend. Up until this point I ALWAYS ate some sort of sports fuel during a half marathon (sports beans were my drug of choice). However, after listening to a podcast by Dr. Timothy Noakes (an exercise and sports nutrition doctor) I was convinced I didn't really need that fuel. You should listen for yourself but basically since I've been turning my body into a fat burning machine instead of a carb burning machine I really don't need any extra fuel during a run as "short" as a half marathon…and he even argues a marathon!<br />
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<a href="http://iquitsugar.com/podcast-5-questions-professor-timothy-noakes/" target="_blank">LISTEN HERE</a><br />
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So I loaded up on a fat filled breakfast of eggs with avocado and sourdough toast and then fueled my way through the race with only <a href="http://nuun.com/products/nuun-energy" target="_blank">Nuun Energy</a>. Whether Nuun Energy really is just that awesome (it probably is) or I really am turning into a fat burning machine I don't know, but I felt strong the entire race and didn't even feel the need to inhale post race snacks like I typically do.<br />
<h4>
Okay, let's talk about last week's eats yes?</h4>
We removed all sugar (fructose) for week 2 so no fruit or any sweeteners of any kind. In the beginning of the week I cooked a big pork shoulder in the slow cooker that made a few of the meals throughout the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14EZvDvr75HR8ND76NDwsdfHRWsE6OZ00sdMydg9CN0xWHJTc7m83kM27fOqlDucS1PmlMlalOqglNA4O3lNSF-DO1s12mKFwpCQqtlhd7NtZTfmpdXd29VEggv_jBFMGb7k2O_RwufA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14EZvDvr75HR8ND76NDwsdfHRWsE6OZ00sdMydg9CN0xWHJTc7m83kM27fOqlDucS1PmlMlalOqglNA4O3lNSF-DO1s12mKFwpCQqtlhd7NtZTfmpdXd29VEggv_jBFMGb7k2O_RwufA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrDYJlOc7xQtUB7cTJvR_Gy8tTQnMA3jFdzNkvr0WE05wqqq4yWfWJ3V4-dWXqHWn1QX23bzPCh_llfWP6mAV0pdTKfZ19csE7uaL_OZtgMihoMIvzF42bTdXqJtKGQ6ddwfqdlOQufQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrDYJlOc7xQtUB7cTJvR_Gy8tTQnMA3jFdzNkvr0WE05wqqq4yWfWJ3V4-dWXqHWn1QX23bzPCh_llfWP6mAV0pdTKfZ19csE7uaL_OZtgMihoMIvzF42bTdXqJtKGQ6ddwfqdlOQufQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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LEFT: This was hands down the best meal of the week! It was super simple. Just shredded pork mixed with sautéed onion, carrots and celery with some curry powder. Put that in a oven dish and top with mashed sweet potato and bake in oven. I topped mine with feta cheese after cause feta makes everything better!<br />
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RIGHT: Greek salad for lunch with shredded pork.<br />
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Another big win for the week was this coconut chicken. Just replace bread crumb topping for coconut flakes in any breaded chicken recipe…YUMM! Served with some pumpkin mash (AKA pumpkin out of a can) and roasted broccolini.<br />
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Not everything is amazing in this program in my opinion and sadly half of this dish went in the compost bin. It was a take on fried rice using cauliflower instead of rice…nope…doesn't work for me! Plus the whole dish was just veggies, not enough to fill this girl up! I did manage to eat a bowl for lunch one day but I disguised the taste with avocado and goat cheese :).<br />
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Eating out has really been pretty easy! On the left post-race breakfast of eggs, potatoes and sourdough toast! Lunch on Sunday was an <a href="http://www.evolutionfresh.com/" target="_blank">Evolution Fresh</a> bowl with quinoa, kale, black beans, butternut squash, tomatoes, avocado…so much yumm!<br />
<h4>
Week 3 Prep</h4>
The focus of week 3 is still no fruit or sweeteners of any kind and we are going to be learning about how to read labels. I'm still trying to digest all the information but I plan on doing a post on it later this week. But some bottom line information for you first:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Sugars-and-Carbohydrates_UCM_303296_Article.jsp" target="_blank">American Heart Association</a> recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day for women, 9 for men.</li>
<li>4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon of sugar</li>
<li>A can of coke contains almost 10 teaspoons of sugar…a box of dried raisins, 7 teaspoons!</li>
</ul>
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I roasted up a whole chicken on Sunday night to have in meals for the week…why I don't do this every week I don't know, it couldn't be an easier or cheaper way to have chicken ready for a handful of meals! </div>
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<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/keeping-seattle-rock-and-roll-streak.html" target="_blank">Rock and Roll Half mary</a> recap coming soon!</div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-79062378787853691852014-06-15T18:41:00.004-07:002014-06-15T18:42:26.435-07:00I Quit Sugar - Week 1 RecapI made it through week 1 of the <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar program </a>and guess what? It wasn't that hard! The food on the plan was seriously fantastic and I would make every single recipe again and again and definitely after this program is over. Everything was super filling even though when I made fomr of the dishes I thought "no way is this going to keep me full for hours" I ended up finding that I didn't need mid-day snacks anymore to keep my hunger at bay. Replaces sugar with fat works people!<br />
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I actually really looked forward to coming home from work or the gym or
whatever I was doing last week and cooking up a great meal. Most didn't
take more than 30 minutes to prep and make and I never felt like I was
slaving away in the kitchen all night. That and dinner every night made lunch for the next day. <br />
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Here were a few of my delicious meals!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygkXPPw_EaPvCkpZVxXs8VrAD4YxbaiVLJFgaBtDxje6STZUTLqxk29Bfold_iqPQxe-jMuZh5BEa6p0OVLwErZETIbdFtyD0Pex8qYM_NmUAR0CtyZh2pVZXuHhAiKoeCH1mAXjv2mQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygkXPPw_EaPvCkpZVxXs8VrAD4YxbaiVLJFgaBtDxje6STZUTLqxk29Bfold_iqPQxe-jMuZh5BEa6p0OVLwErZETIbdFtyD0Pex8qYM_NmUAR0CtyZh2pVZXuHhAiKoeCH1mAXjv2mQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88KBLUOYwAdTmBGlut_VS4PX_J0BlAoB6g0O-m4niWPpUT_AxB4zQjhkhMsi_IWOaZPNQexZpZRp1vD58dxJyjZaaRvrMYI-clq0RN3aw53G5ZncqDhfjDPtMe7l2dupzuETYUZI20jk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88KBLUOYwAdTmBGlut_VS4PX_J0BlAoB6g0O-m4niWPpUT_AxB4zQjhkhMsi_IWOaZPNQexZpZRp1vD58dxJyjZaaRvrMYI-clq0RN3aw53G5ZncqDhfjDPtMe7l2dupzuETYUZI20jk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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LEFT: Berry omelet with yogurt and coconut - sounds weird, tasted pretty good! I'm not usually a sweet for breakfast person so I only made this one morning and then switched to a more savory omelet for the rest of the week.<br />
<br />
RIGHT: Veggie bread with avocado-feta smash. Seriously, amazing and filling! The smash just consists of half an avocado, some feta, a squeeze of lemon and parsley.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nGlZ9IJxkmpq1_gIEIyYQEHI3LWJx1LUiGCOVvsdkfvphUnU3ZGDRH1QPdY4ADhcD96U06pF4Jy9BdS8So9fSchIT3gPIULRVBYNdXmnp2vw4xLAk0qdozdBcQBnu-Avo6p1qtBdJ0w/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nGlZ9IJxkmpq1_gIEIyYQEHI3LWJx1LUiGCOVvsdkfvphUnU3ZGDRH1QPdY4ADhcD96U06pF4Jy9BdS8So9fSchIT3gPIULRVBYNdXmnp2vw4xLAk0qdozdBcQBnu-Avo6p1qtBdJ0w/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi51GOG9c2Rf0lgavPWHDmgCM6bSq4zlf16Jhkf-sFOHggjY-BU-hp3pMGs2rFXCamOUNySrQtAwTikP1y5NbdRiEX_8KzATheTfSvDQTyQQeW6EkaENCsZxbLVh6Zxcx_6-Y313WR_HU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi51GOG9c2Rf0lgavPWHDmgCM6bSq4zlf16Jhkf-sFOHggjY-BU-hp3pMGs2rFXCamOUNySrQtAwTikP1y5NbdRiEX_8KzATheTfSvDQTyQQeW6EkaENCsZxbLVh6Zxcx_6-Y313WR_HU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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LEFT: White bean and chorizo soup with a side of veggie bread. Who would have thought literally just blending up white beans and chicken broth and adding some parsley and chorizo would be so flavorful…and filling!<br />
<br />
RIGHT: Pork meatballs with a lemon fennel sauce and sautéed spinach spaghetti. I have never thought to make meatballs from pork but they were really light, moist and flavorful! The plan is designed to use everything you buy and just 1 pound of ground pork made about 12 meatballs, 6 we were told to freeze for another meal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe00Pw07vsWtHBjkBCo5tvgpUgcXhKAts_GLtlx1r8Z6otf9B8-jmsj2wVzT9gE_25UpdXkBH3IdCVOzFHaBOT1sPC_7ACG5__urF1nobSFTQdd68keBBOnrUCbix2KCsHYz-fJ06v4Y/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe00Pw07vsWtHBjkBCo5tvgpUgcXhKAts_GLtlx1r8Z6otf9B8-jmsj2wVzT9gE_25UpdXkBH3IdCVOzFHaBOT1sPC_7ACG5__urF1nobSFTQdd68keBBOnrUCbix2KCsHYz-fJ06v4Y/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sweet potato, kale, and feta frittata! This frittata was designed for dinner one night and lunch the next day but it was seriously so large I stretched it into 3 meals!<br />
<br />
Did I "cheat" at all? Well I didn't have any sweets (like the ice cream bars, strawberry shortcake or fathers day dessert items) or things that obviously contain sugar in them. But, I was out of town for the weekend so I know that there was probably sugar in some of the breads I ate or hidden in something processed. However, that is life...I don't plan on holding up in my condo for every single meal for the rest of my life or asking every waiter/waitress to see an ingredient list for what I'm eating. I believe in balance in all areas of life, nutrition being a big one of those! I'm hoping this 8-week program will address that more in the coming weeks.<br />
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<h4>
Week 2 Prep</h4>
<br />
We were allowed to eat berries and use sweeteners like brown rice syrup and stevia in week 1 to try and slowly wean our way off all sugar, but I found I didn't really even need them past the first couple of days. I actually had a few pieces of cantaloupe and found it to be too sweet, crazy! Weeks 2-5 are absolutely no sweeteners or fruit to really kick the habit and detox from sugar. <br />
<br />
In our weekly weekend read materials for week 2 we were told:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It’s about finding your blank slate. The aim isn’t to ban sugar for life. It’s to establish a clean canvas from which we can feel what our bodies need (possibly for the first time in our lives). While sugar is in the system, this is impossible, as we’re responding to cravings and highs and lows, not true hunger and need. It takes about two months to find your blank slate. After that, it’s over to you.</blockquote>
Can't argue with that logic I say!<br />
<br />
The focus for week 2 is replacing sugar with fat and protein and filling up on good wholesome food instead of sugar, which actually doesn't make you feel full. I can already see this working in week 1 recipes that that totally filled me up even when I thought there was no way I would be satisfied after just eating chicken and veggies or a frittata for dinner..WRONG! <br />
<br />
I went out Sunday and did my weekly shopping for meals like pulled pork sweet potato pie, coconut chicken nuggets and carrot cake whip! My total grocery bill for week 2 was about $70.<br />
<br />
Some more resources provided to <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/" target="_blank">8-week participants</a> this week to learn more about goodness of FAT: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/01/11/169144853/the-fallacies-of-fat" target="_blank">The Fallacies of Fat NPR podcast</a> by Dr. Robert Lustig </li>
<li><a href="http://authoritynutrition.com/6-graphs-the-war-on-fat-was-a-mistake/" target="_blank">Graphical representation</a> of why the war on fat was all wrong</li>
</ul>
Keep up on my eats throughout the week on <a href="http://instagram.com/marathonlar" target="_blank">Instagram!</a>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-89102094742428849412014-06-12T20:05:00.000-07:002014-06-12T20:06:55.010-07:00Keeping the Seattle Rock and Roll Streak Alive!Surprise! I'm running the <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/seattle" target="_blank">Seattle Rock and Roll</a> half marathon next weekend! For fear of being executed if I break any bib wearing rules I'll refrain from telling you how I procured said bib ;). But let's just say I'm insanely happy I will be keeping my Rock and Roll streak alive and running it for the 6th year in a row! Also, those who have actually read my blog since the beginning might remember my first half marathon ever was the Seafair half in 2008, replaced with Rock and Roll in 2009. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStftPpfK4cgtn5CvKgjMwMmsFqoR2sgr7qIQ_v2noJQRrSqfmJMZkUnCErYF9uWnVZxxR_9Yo6d14ldgbaw1IHPC1mecCX4suS65OWKzF1o1S5ySlmzTNZQSh4sXoq8-zLaGuBKX-99c/s1600/36932_10150219560280705_874625704_13031349_7604748_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStftPpfK4cgtn5CvKgjMwMmsFqoR2sgr7qIQ_v2noJQRrSqfmJMZkUnCErYF9uWnVZxxR_9Yo6d14ldgbaw1IHPC1mecCX4suS65OWKzF1o1S5ySlmzTNZQSh4sXoq8-zLaGuBKX-99c/s1600/36932_10150219560280705_874625704_13031349_7604748_n.jpg" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Seafair Half, so many moons ago!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can read my past Rock and Roll recaps here (I wasn't blogging yet in 2009/2010):<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2011/06/race-recap-seattle-rock-and-roll-half.html" target="_blank">2011</a></li>
<li><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2012/06/race-recap-rock-and-roll-seattle-half.html" target="_blank">2012</a></li>
<li><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/06/race-recap-2013-seattle-rock-and-roll.html" target="_blank">2013</a></li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3GXtb-kAPMT84WSb5k_Q08LAgD8CnIsGqyPFz7eerHIUpwBQHXt-7Fe17fyhXFg6RiWCbORYgTicGJtM4ZHwIVgd1QcrKjwrbrkJ440acEBhYCRyoQ5f5lQ3TJ-JCoHiWPmIbryYZ70/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3GXtb-kAPMT84WSb5k_Q08LAgD8CnIsGqyPFz7eerHIUpwBQHXt-7Fe17fyhXFg6RiWCbORYgTicGJtM4ZHwIVgd1QcrKjwrbrkJ440acEBhYCRyoQ5f5lQ3TJ-JCoHiWPmIbryYZ70/s1600/untitled.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2009-2013..<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2012/06/rock-and-roll-seattle-memories.html" target="_blank">.MEMORIES!!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'll be running it with my partner in running crime since 2008, Lindsey (aka EY) who has also ran every single Rock and Roll Seattle to date! She ditched me in 2012 and 2013 after we started together when I had to use the bathroom. She pinky promised she would not do this year and I'm holding her to that cause I would really like company for the entire race please?</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxM7gvdfsRN029wFRiogWvzPqh04Gq4gtbmCEkkJ5UaMBeyM_AwU81HfOqpq0zEie-41zI0yWQd7Ii_wNHHMUnds8NkVelQkrGmWj4RCrMx8bAbziQXBVxPme7KWl6RWZg0lYzA80WwU/s1600/20130622_065445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxM7gvdfsRN029wFRiogWvzPqh04Gq4gtbmCEkkJ5UaMBeyM_AwU81HfOqpq0zEie-41zI0yWQd7Ii_wNHHMUnds8NkVelQkrGmWj4RCrMx8bAbziQXBVxPme7KWl6RWZg0lYzA80WwU/s1600/20130622_065445.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start line in 2013 before she ditched me ;), I still love you EY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I have no goals for this race, other than treating it like a <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/meet-team-six-pack-with-racks-take-2.html" target="_blank">Ragnar trainin</a>g run and trying to keep my habit of back to back runs on the weekends alive for training. This whole <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar-week-1-prep.html" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar program</a> should be an interesting experiment to see if I can really live without some sort of sugary fuel during the half. I plan on bringing my own <a href="http://www.nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a> (sugar free!...just another reason to love it) to have on the course and have some sugar free fuel ready for me after I cross the finish line!<br />
<br />
I really do love this race...it is always well run, the Seattle course is pretty scenic and challenging, the bands are awesome, and running into friends along the course is always a highlight for me.<br />
<br />
<b>So, who will I be running into this year??</b> Let me know if you are running and what corral you are in. EY and I are in corral 5 which is WAY too fast for both of us, but the heck...we get to start earlier, which means finishing earlier and then we can eat brunch faster ;). And make sure to say HELLO if you see me out there, I'll be rocking some combo of <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/" target="_blank">Ragnar</a> and <a href="http://www.nuun.com/" target="_blank">Nuun</a> gear!</div>
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Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-60117178148861793142014-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:002014-06-09T18:39:30.347-07:00I Quit Sugar - Week 1 prep!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMlEHf6zzMplSERVklOFUn7D5k8xMSGuxqR_N36q1PRPOwDhzKmoiFsPKmmoO1ILJVk_K5X9piTx0IhnSdxOpJ_lW83dJB1lMwsBN2JGXZUjZCLIKmxFxHou_2IQ6Bf97U5WCe1D0nj4/s1600/iqs-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMlEHf6zzMplSERVklOFUn7D5k8xMSGuxqR_N36q1PRPOwDhzKmoiFsPKmmoO1ILJVk_K5X9piTx0IhnSdxOpJ_lW83dJB1lMwsBN2JGXZUjZCLIKmxFxHou_2IQ6Bf97U5WCe1D0nj4/s1600/iqs-logo.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I officially started <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/" target="_blank">Sarah Wilson's 8-week I Quit Sugar</a> today! Like I stated in my <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-quit-sugar.html" target="_blank">blog post last week</a>, it's really quitting fructose that is the issue, however, this program helps you to quit ALL sugars to remove the addictive nature and just the "taste" most people have for it. Towards the end you bring back in low fructose fruits and non-fructose sweeteners little by little but still in moderation. Plus the meal plans are designed by a whole <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/expert/" target="_blank">mess of experts</a> in nutrition so they are just full of everything you need and more…why not have someone tell me exactly what to eat and when right?<br />
<br />
While I wish I could share every recipe with you, I did pay for the program so that probably wouldn't be right, but I can show you pretty pictures and share other recipes on the site that are accessible to you! <br />
<br />
The focus of week 1 is just to start off greatly reducing sugar and making some simple food swaps. I've been doing this part for quite a while now, so I don't suspect it will be too much of an issue. Some of these tips/swaps that have helped me over the past month or so include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Eating/drinking full fat yogurt and milk…and cheese for that matter. Replacing fat with sugar will make you feel FULL and help ward off sugar cravings. Milk tastes pretty sweet to me so I find a glass of milk in the evening does the trick for "dessert". For any dairy products the first 4.7 grams of sugar per 100 grams is lactose (OK)...any thing after that is added sugar.</li>
<li>Eating DARK chocolate to replace milk chocolate, cupcakes, cookies…any chocolate craving. Sarah recommends 75% cocoa or higher to keep the sugar to a minimum per serving. </li>
<li>Adding fat to fill you up during your meals. Cooking veggies in butter, adding nut butter to breads, finishing dishes with olive oil, avocado, cheese, etc. Don't be scared of the fat!</li>
<li>Instead of reaching for fruit juices, sodas (even diet), have some coconut water…super sweet and really low in fructose…not to mention super hydrating!</li>
</ul>
<h4>
The Shopping!</h4>
<div>
On Sunday I set out to get everything on the list to make my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week. I'm going to stick to the meal plans as much as possible but I am going to my parents this weekend so I decided to not cook a couple of the meals and play it by ear this weekend. I had a handful of ingredients already on hand and between Trader Joes and Whole Foods my bill came out to a little under $80. Definitely more than I typically spend per week but I also usually spend more money going out and buying a random snack or lunch here and there, which I won't do on this program much. We were warned that our grocery bill might be a bit higher in the first week but that it will get lower since we will have more things on hand. There is a HUGE focus on using EVERYTHING you buy and I can already see that when I make this meatball recipe this week I freeze half and use them later in the program.</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGr44tmTfn6kT89mHovjaW-CWyUrC-d18mshTxUYg29ZMb0H0bAW20KeheVIWNqTTigqTKV-CRJbe-0uYs-TeIAycvyz5xF-EayRVGbUGWwJ_q7sVhYsQwfA4i1Pcxo45jGACD_ZZN0s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGr44tmTfn6kT89mHovjaW-CWyUrC-d18mshTxUYg29ZMb0H0bAW20KeheVIWNqTTigqTKV-CRJbe-0uYs-TeIAycvyz5xF-EayRVGbUGWwJ_q7sVhYsQwfA4i1Pcxo45jGACD_ZZN0s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really glad I went to TJ's first, pretty sure my bill would have been double if I purchased everything at Whole Paycheck :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDiU0eSkH9FEukU3R0y0t9COZfLUjgyRwlp7WLiZqPHH1-L_fRzanNpAkNxJsLZufdXAr90KGLsjTwfCtF9_eXD5MI9TrwRFEpX75ZlQ1juP8c3k5BUcSsaMazU6_uGVtXdS_pEtRFP4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDiU0eSkH9FEukU3R0y0t9COZfLUjgyRwlp7WLiZqPHH1-L_fRzanNpAkNxJsLZufdXAr90KGLsjTwfCtF9_eXD5MI9TrwRFEpX75ZlQ1juP8c3k5BUcSsaMazU6_uGVtXdS_pEtRFP4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The HAUL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
And just to tease you a bit here is a pic of what I ate for breakfast and lunch on day 1. Berry Omelet (sounds weird, tasted great!) for breakfast and Avocado-Feta Smash on Veggie Bread for lunch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDXUAMgdvHMCcRsCf3Uz_aCBpwt7HekM506j15oLsYw87Ds0VfDXCPm86UZ6wyTU1o2iqW7DLMgRJ3w-5xHAspG6u6FqT2ED6gc1kRpFvZ1IvnBNkqFwVK8rK9cDjzY_-m2uRl0o2vSM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDXUAMgdvHMCcRsCf3Uz_aCBpwt7HekM506j15oLsYw87Ds0VfDXCPm86UZ6wyTU1o2iqW7DLMgRJ3w-5xHAspG6u6FqT2ED6gc1kRpFvZ1IvnBNkqFwVK8rK9cDjzY_-m2uRl0o2vSM/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Although this is not the exact recipe provided to the 8-week participants here is another veggie bread recipe from iquitsugar.com that is VERY simliar: <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/recipe/leftover-veggie-bread/">http://iquitsugar.com/recipe/leftover-veggie-bread/</a><br />
<br />
<b>
One Final Reflection</b> - <span style="font-weight: normal;">This is from our Week 1 Weekend Reader info:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Even as recently as 100 years ago we ate a little
over a kilo (~2 pounds) of sugar a year. Now we eat about <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/08/30/how-much-sugar-are-americans-eating-infographic/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">60 kilos</span></a> (OVER 130 pounds) a
year. Our biology hasn’t changed in 10,000 years, let alone 100 years, but our
diets sure have. So have our waistlines and our health.</blockquote>
<h4>
Some more resources:</h4>
<div>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&" target="_blank">New York Times Article - Is Sugar Toxic?</a><br />
<a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/its-the-sugar-folks/" target="_blank">New York Time Opinion - It's the Sugar, Folks</a></div>
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The following YouTube is a good educational piece on where sugar is hiding...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Q4CZ81EmAsw?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-81225439131292208912014-06-05T09:44:00.002-07:002014-06-05T09:44:46.930-07:00MEET Team Six Pack With Racks Take 2!Man oh man is <a href="http://ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage" target="_blank">Ragnar Northwest Passage</a> totally creeping up on me this year. I think my teammates feel the same way but I know they are all rocking their running lately so I'm confident we will all survive the ultra madness in July! As for my training it loosely consists of attempting back to back long runs on the weekend and running 1-2 times during the week…it's the plan that really isn't a plan at all.<br />
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The team is going to look a little different this year and I'm excited to see what some fresh faces and legs do for our team. Without further ado here is team Six Pack With Racks…take 2:<br />
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<h4>
Runner #1 - Robyn</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47xYu_VNoXogQEiMzBvc011T3sexAvD8S54WVO-IOpog5BowLo0gGvfNxVL9CHUW3L-Wsc34FBM1-5lhdEYr7uuxesfD5tn0eavOmwpVYHW53ycPg1bJQk9PW_d59w7TG-nX4-wpCebQ/s1600/robyn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47xYu_VNoXogQEiMzBvc011T3sexAvD8S54WVO-IOpog5BowLo0gGvfNxVL9CHUW3L-Wsc34FBM1-5lhdEYr7uuxesfD5tn0eavOmwpVYHW53ycPg1bJQk9PW_d59w7TG-nX4-wpCebQ/s1600/robyn.png" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still smiling after 26.2 miles at Boston this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The mighty <a href="http://runbirdierun.com/" target="_blank">Robyn</a> is back again and helping our team by tackling some of the hardest miles on this course for us. I know she wouldn't have it any other way cause she does everything to the max! In the past year+ she qualified for Boston, ran Boston, got engaged, and moved to Colorado…oh all that while battling a recent diagnosis of Crohn's which she has not let slow her down! I'm excited to spend 30+ hours in a van with her catching up on her life since she moved.<br />
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<h4>
Runner #2 - Little 'ol me</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jCDHxAlQ1LftMi7_2AJc89mZwHTxpAElS38PGsvtVNzlKhvDS18TXs8wGlZk7aHsOTO4juB_yERtsKflUzGg5YWLScVQ1oGmu8GN-T31keZ4DAuXfvY0Spl-wTWpQgRWaxVZBA8LIPY/s1600/BPoo6qwCcAAtXq7.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jCDHxAlQ1LftMi7_2AJc89mZwHTxpAElS38PGsvtVNzlKhvDS18TXs8wGlZk7aHsOTO4juB_yERtsKflUzGg5YWLScVQ1oGmu8GN-T31keZ4DAuXfvY0Spl-wTWpQgRWaxVZBA8LIPY/s1600/BPoo6qwCcAAtXq7.jpg-large.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my last steps during last year's ultra Ragnar…hence the huge smile on my face!</td></tr>
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Pretty sure you know enough about me, but I'll be taking the <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/2013-ragnar-relay-recap-part-3.html" target="_blank">runner 2 position</a> again this year which means some similar scenery as last year but I'm good with that. I'll be tackling a little over 35 miles this year (a few more than last year) so I'm expecting everything to go just as good as last year…fingers crossed ;).<br />
<br />
<h4>
Runner #3 - Marilyn</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlOsa-KeBpNDkjRB0NY7n7cxUh0jQEVDUajzuukpyESKaxb5YukzRn-NXTLRiNdKQLH7oKnSixerS_KwsRxfTZJXVK1kP04ESq_pAYkleZBZjKFE5nj5HFBJskPLNQBy6xDRSiC4Gm50/s1600/IMG_20120520_132630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlOsa-KeBpNDkjRB0NY7n7cxUh0jQEVDUajzuukpyESKaxb5YukzRn-NXTLRiNdKQLH7oKnSixerS_KwsRxfTZJXVK1kP04ESq_pAYkleZBZjKFE5nj5HFBJskPLNQBy6xDRSiC4Gm50/s1600/IMG_20120520_132630.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How adorable are they! (stole this from<a href="http://travisandmarilynkeys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Marilyn's blog</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://travisandmarilynkeys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marilyn</a> is a newbie to our team, courtesy of <a href="http://runningforcannolis.com/" target="_blank">Bethany</a>, and judging from her blog and tweets I'm pretty sure we found a STRONG runner. She is literally tackling the most miles (36!) for our team and in addition to filling a spot on our team her husband has agreed to be our driver. I can't even imagine the amazingness that we will all feel not having to worry about driving, rotating drivers, who is driving next…THANKS TRAVIS! Oh and he runs marathons too, so I'm pretty sure he would jump in to help anyone through those scary night miles if they wanted. Can't wait to meet them both!<br />
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<h4>
Runner #4 - Nicole</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-NEiQYHk6kp6oPvxyw8Jk5qCsFEwLRbTaT95nrxXvtb_Bf8l5vGnAGxFJmefPI-vZNLbHQCwFWgsVYihBzukHj_kcpfbzKYA_CVAXHorJ-cvzpjDpXwSpL-riT9daUqP-c4eSDOjIAE/s1600/WP_001574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-NEiQYHk6kp6oPvxyw8Jk5qCsFEwLRbTaT95nrxXvtb_Bf8l5vGnAGxFJmefPI-vZNLbHQCwFWgsVYihBzukHj_kcpfbzKYA_CVAXHorJ-cvzpjDpXwSpL-riT9daUqP-c4eSDOjIAE/s1600/WP_001574.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comin in hot at the <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2012/04/race-recap-mt-si-59-mile-relay-part-2.html" target="_blank">Mt. Si Relay 2012</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Nicole and I <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2012/04/race-recap-mt-si-59-mile-relay-part-2.html" target="_blank">met back in 2012</a> when we ran a little local relay at Mt. Si together and she has been popping in and out of my life ever since. She was beyond excited when a spot was available on my team this year so I'm expecting her enthusiasm to remain at 100% even in the middle of the night…ok Nicole?<br />
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<h4>
Runner #5 - Jordanne</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibZ2mTHZvk6cuuHjnTdfLzWuT3zSQBxaCHP6prm7fhMMxBjRhz53wJk-4TITVf3hieO3g-zVSY54Qz4frA7M3ssrz8_O4Tj0dKEVSrs9oYai_oC8cZ0cWtv6QCZasH-ayk-qrS76EvJM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibZ2mTHZvk6cuuHjnTdfLzWuT3zSQBxaCHP6prm7fhMMxBjRhz53wJk-4TITVf3hieO3g-zVSY54Qz4frA7M3ssrz8_O4Tj0dKEVSrs9oYai_oC8cZ0cWtv6QCZasH-ayk-qrS76EvJM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordanne on the far left after the <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/12/race-recap-2013-seattle-half-marathon.html" target="_blank">2013 Seattle Half</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Jordanne joins our team courtesy of Nicole and I've ran (literally) into Jordanne at a few running events and races in the past and I know she will make an excellent addition to our team. I don't think she blogs…maybe we can change her mind during Ragnar?<br />
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<h4>
Runner #6 - Bethany</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjJR6gTMUgTmL7KWn0dxuoSRrFuOGYbRDdIujpjg1ZbHkp2uecsL8k6Z3X55JULC-yU1eZkBTHMefkWda2N4fKrzjxDRam_UjK3KCARMqRgQEocEnKGfPhWMeqxYQJEWTcrreI5kNWjQ/s1600/1374254411072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjJR6gTMUgTmL7KWn0dxuoSRrFuOGYbRDdIujpjg1ZbHkp2uecsL8k6Z3X55JULC-yU1eZkBTHMefkWda2N4fKrzjxDRam_UjK3KCARMqRgQEocEnKGfPhWMeqxYQJEWTcrreI5kNWjQ/s1600/1374254411072.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethany <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/2013-ragnar-relay-recap-part-1.html" target="_blank">starting the party</a> for us last year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pretty sure <a href="http://runningforcannolis.com/" target="_blank">Bethany</a> needs no introduction after her fame from Ragnar last year :). I <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/ragnar-team-six-pack-with-racks.html" target="_blank">featured her </a>on my blog before Ragnar last year and she was featured on <a href="http://blognar.ragnarrelay.com/2013/07/northwest-passage-stories-bethanys-story/" target="_blank">Ragnar's Blog</a> and the race Ragmag as part of their Northwest Passage Stories series. I'm happy to say that she remains cancer free and still running marathons like it's her job! We convinced her blogging was a good idea during Ragnar last year and she set up her <a href="http://runningforcannolis.com/" target="_blank">Running for Cannolis</a> blog shortly after!<br />
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You should follow all these ladies via their blogs and tweets…here I'll make it easy for you:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Robyn - <a href="http://runbirdierun.com/">http://runbirdierun.com</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/RunBirdieRun" target="_blank">@runbirdierun</a></li>
<li>Marilyn - <a href="http://travisandmarilynkeys.blogspot.com/">http://travisandmarilynkeys.blogspot.com</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/mkeys724" target="_blank">@mkeys724</a></li>
<li>Nicole - <a href="http://www.ricoleruns.com/">http://www.ricoleruns.com</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/RicoleRuns" target="_blank">@ricoleruns</a></li>
<li>Bethany - <a href="http://runningforcannolis.com/">http://runningforcannolis.com</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/BethanyNic" target="_blank">@bethanynic</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
We are changing up more than people this year! We will be rocking a 12 passenger van for added leg and sleeping room and running 4 times instead of 3…we are rebels I know! I plan on posting more about the 4 leg approach. </div>
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Man writing this post just got me all kinds of excited for July 18-19!<br />
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<b>Question: Who is running Ragnar Northwest Passage this year?!! What is your team name?</b></div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-71524321060869263382014-06-02T10:25:00.000-07:002014-06-02T15:10:37.605-07:00I Quit Sugar…I've actually been thinking about this blog post for a while now, but wanted to make sure I felt well informed before posting about it. See, I've been doing this experiment for the past couple of months…I quit sugar! Now before you go all "you crazy", "that is impossible", etc let me explain. I actually quit fructose, which is a type of sugar found EVERYWHERE. It is part of sucrose (all table sugars), honey, agave, fruits, and in virtually every single processed food in America. <br />
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How did I come to this decision and life change? Well it all started with a little book author talk I attended at the <a href="http://www.booklarder.com/" target="_blank">Book Larder</a> a while back for a book by Sarah Wilson called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quit-Sugar-Complete-Program-Cookbook/dp/0804186014/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398704997&sr=8-1&keywords=i+quit+sugar">"I Quit Sugar."</a> This lady was super inspirational, super duper smart, and it was 100% obvious she did all her homework on this topic. After listening to her speak and devouring her book I began to find all sorts of other information online and began to wonder why I haven't really been exposed to this before? I highly recommend this book if you are even curious about this topic, it is very easy to read and follow and the recipes so far are to die for (I've made coconut curry meatballs, one of the hash recipes, sweet potato casserole, and from her website <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/recipe/the-best-vegan-chocolate-mousse/">vegan chocolate mousse</a>).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSN93cs92foTZAIobX9DbEVxF7mdudqrA9-2cHuEocdhXc431Itvzy0YC5xIxMTtsDKNedba0M2coq3Qbs6NmtVDPQQEcJiUbOGmVI4wEdS40rqFK7-laGVwTP7iZsw9xicZKf-nP29o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSN93cs92foTZAIobX9DbEVxF7mdudqrA9-2cHuEocdhXc431Itvzy0YC5xIxMTtsDKNedba0M2coq3Qbs6NmtVDPQQEcJiUbOGmVI4wEdS40rqFK7-laGVwTP7iZsw9xicZKf-nP29o/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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There really is SOO much information and science behind why our bodies literally cannot process fructose but in an attempt to learn everything for myself I'll try to break it down simply and provide some resources at the end if you want to go crazy and learn about it yourself…like me :).<br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
Why is fructose bad?</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWwv6PwfZaGNAayzLGtzQhDI75eOzIGnVAfwG2GAxHA-bZua7PDrcEUgY3iExlbm3hgAWkx2hfGmlbFe2G9nWUcOGd2UWfGQj6lX0RrdqHM4NcTtupGpAMJZE1COCU6v9JvEhY3C1j4U/s1600/12-ways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWwv6PwfZaGNAayzLGtzQhDI75eOzIGnVAfwG2GAxHA-bZua7PDrcEUgY3iExlbm3hgAWkx2hfGmlbFe2G9nWUcOGd2UWfGQj6lX0RrdqHM4NcTtupGpAMJZE1COCU6v9JvEhY3C1j4U/s1600/12-ways.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Gillespie breaks it down in picture form (<a href="http://davidgillespie.org/12-ways-fructose-destroys-your-body/">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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1. The ONLY part of our body that can process fructose is the liver and it cannot be used by ANY other part of our bodies for energy. The liver is the organ that takes in toxins…fructose = toxin.<br />
2. When we eat too much (and we ALL do) fructose is converted into fat droplets in the liver…making us fatter. <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Heart_Letter/2011/September/abundance-of-fructose-not-good-for-the-liver-heart">See science here</a>.<br />
3. Fructose DOES NOT activate the enzyme that makes us feel full (leptin for you science nerds out there) so we can eat and eat and eat it without feeling full. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2584858/">See science here.</a><br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
Where is fructose in my food?</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWrPLeyTwphcWbhiSU6iVrXK5UYbs2Ebou4jHG-WoZ8lLeXdd1z80Gsp_AU_1MThoXO1LEgH9BfHaSq3Jh6UmvrCxdYD1EWxrir-AJt4JtIHDY3vMgXpWgBDFD3qPeU0dkkGEscdeilc/s1600/IQS-infographic-fructose1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWrPLeyTwphcWbhiSU6iVrXK5UYbs2Ebou4jHG-WoZ8lLeXdd1z80Gsp_AU_1MThoXO1LEgH9BfHaSq3Jh6UmvrCxdYD1EWxrir-AJt4JtIHDY3vMgXpWgBDFD3qPeU0dkkGEscdeilc/s1600/IQS-infographic-fructose1.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the I Quit Sugar website (<a href="http://iquitsugar.com/sugar-substitute-worse-than-sugar/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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In a nutshell, everywhere! Sugar (sucrose) is 50% fructose, 50% glucose. Glucose good (body uses it all over for energy), fructose bad! You know that agave stuff touted to be a healthy alternative to other sugars??…it is 90% fructose, so really it is the worst for you. Sugar is the cheapest thing in America to produce/process/sell so it is in virtually every processed food product out there. Some of the more not so obvious things include most bread, condiments, salad dressings, certain chips/crackers, the list goes on. I challenge you to turn over products next time you are at the grocery store and see which ones have sugar that you didn't think did in the first place. <br />
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As you can see in the above graphic there are sugars without fructose…which I plan on discussing another time.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
But what about fruit?</h4>
Yep, fruit has fructose in it. There are <a href="http://familywellnesshq.com/fructose-in-fruits-veggies-nuts-seeds-legumes-grains/">lower and higher fructose fruits</a> and the research/websites out there seem a bit conflicted on whether you should eat fruit or not. It does appear that most experts agree that minimal fruit is ok, but eating mass quantities of it and especially dried fruit and fruit juice is just as bad for you as drinking a can of coke. Lower fructose fruits include berries, kiwi, and grapefruit. But keep in mind fructose in fruit is the exact same thing as fructose in table sugar, honey, and agave…bottom line!<br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
How much sugar should I eat?</h4>
Does this mean you should consume 0 grams a sugar per day every day for the rest of your life? Absolutely not! BUT the <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyDietGoals/Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Sugar_UCM_306725_Article.jsp">American Heart Association website</a> states:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The American Heart Association recommends that no more than half of your daily discretionary calorie allowance come from added sugars. For most American women, this is no more than 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons). For men, it’s no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons). </blockquote>
6-9 teaspoons is about 25 grams per day. The debate seems to still be out on whether to count fruits in this 25/day rule but <a href="http://www.sarahwilson.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Wilson</a> counts it since fructose is fructose is fructose no matter what form it comes in. But I say if you replace a bag of M&Ms and a soda everyday with a banana (~14 grams sugar) and an apple (~19 grams) that is a WIN in my book :). It's all about balance people!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMSXEu6uthBVjZYzY5JfCiXyuIqktH0TsmDW-6weTdAlIZF6N-ZQ4qVmmdYnDr2x1SVI6xju4u-HPIGJ2pSkYLsrvH1fUxFbJ3fQVUQ3z2m8ZrhtOuEiCsfwsTFFR_Rwmf6aXuOln4dU/s1600/m_and_m_back-1024x483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMSXEu6uthBVjZYzY5JfCiXyuIqktH0TsmDW-6weTdAlIZF6N-ZQ4qVmmdYnDr2x1SVI6xju4u-HPIGJ2pSkYLsrvH1fUxFbJ3fQVUQ3z2m8ZrhtOuEiCsfwsTFFR_Rwmf6aXuOln4dU/s1600/m_and_m_back-1024x483.jpg" height="187" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your daily sugar is in this ONE bag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
How am I feeling?</h4>
Um…awesome! I used to feel bloated, uncomfortable, and just blah after almost every meal for such long time. I experimented with gluten free, dairy free, everything free but since going FRUCTOSE FREE…I have had the least about of stomach issues that I've ever had in my life…SUCCESS! In fact, I've even added a lot more gluten products back in my life and having zero problems with them.<br />
<br />
I admit I'm still not super super strict but I want to learn more and be more strict (and my strict I mean still drink red wine, eat dark chocolate, etc!) with this new lifestyle so I signed up for <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/8-week-program/">Sarah Wilson's 8 Week Sugar Detox</a> that I will be starting on June 5. I plan on documenting it on this blog and provide more information and resources along the way. I don't intend on preaching about this new lifestyle here in any way, but more documenting my own journey and if people get inspired by it…BONUS!<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Other resources if you want to be obsessed like me:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://iquitsugar.com/">http://iquitsugar.com</a> <---the website surrounding the book I purchased</li>
<li><a href="http://thesugarbreakup.com/">http://thesugarbreakup.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM</a> -->all the science behind our bodies processing fructose, totally worth the 1.5 hours if you are a science geek and really need all the FACTS.</li>
<li><a href="http://fedupmovie.com/">http://fedupmovie.com</a> - new documentary in theaters now about sugar and how it affects childhood obesity…highly recommend!</li>
</ul>
<br />
This is really just scraping the surface, I plan on documenting a lot more of what I learn over the next 8 weeks and if you have any questions please let me know!<br />
<br />
Oh and that running thing? Yeah, I'm still doing it…trying to just crank out the miles for Ragnar in July which I promise to try and post more about in the near future as well.<br />
<br />
<b>QUESTION: Do you have any questions? </b>I'll have access to a whole mess of experts during my 8-week program so feel free to use me to ask them anything you want!<br />
<br />Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-58891547209997337362014-05-27T09:29:00.002-07:002014-05-27T09:31:00.607-07:00Recipe: Veggie Protein Packed Rainbow SaladHi friends! It's been quite a while since I posted a recipe but it doesn't mean I haven't been cooking up a storm. I just happened to think my dinner I made Monday night was so dang pretty I instagramed it and my peeps loved it and wanted the recipe...ok, maybe only one person did but that is enough for me to blog about it, this one is for you <a href="https://twitter.com/meganddubs" target="_blank">Megan</a> ;).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_0426DGYZXD_a0jUjMQcb1OEownicUBhT8lFozbzRbB9vbKJcLBwtcl_j508C-59DKPzM3TTSAoPEcK4zriNN8K0F_EWhCRqww0jHfbmtXXUDJ9jeIRSh2tjXny0xAprNbQBlOu13pM/s1600/quinoasalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_0426DGYZXD_a0jUjMQcb1OEownicUBhT8lFozbzRbB9vbKJcLBwtcl_j508C-59DKPzM3TTSAoPEcK4zriNN8K0F_EWhCRqww0jHfbmtXXUDJ9jeIRSh2tjXny0xAprNbQBlOu13pM/s1600/quinoasalad.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow me <a href="http://instagram.com/marathonlar" target="_blank">@marathonlar on Instagram</a> in case I make something else amazing :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My neighbor actually made this salad last week and I went over for dinner and went home with leftovers and LOVED it. She had it printed out on piece of paper originally from a coworker (original recipe origin unknown) and of course I took it and made some modifications to my taste and for what I had in my cupboard. <br />
<br />
It's vegetarian but still packed with protein from the garbanzo beans and quinoa but if you still need MEAT in order to make a meal I think it would be great with chicken or even a good sausage. I should also note that the original recipe called for double the dressing that I actually made so if you like a more heavily dressed salad double up on the below ingredients in the dressing. I thought it was just fine with half. <br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Veggie Protein Packed Rainbow Salad</h3>
<strong>Serves:</strong> ALOT, ok maybe 6-8<br />
<br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>Dressing:</em><br />
<ul>
<li>1.5 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar</li>
<li>.5 tablespoon Dijon mustard</li>
<li>1 minced garlic clove</li>
<li>1/4 cup olive oil</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<em>Salad:</em><br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup quinoa</li>
<li>1.5 cubed sweet potato </li>
<li>2 cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed</li>
<li>1-2 shredded carrots</li>
<li>1 red bell pepper chopped</li>
<li>1/2 bunch of chopped kale</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped parsley</li>
<li>toasted pumpkin seeds (sunflower seeds or any nut would be good too!)</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>feta cheese to garnish</li>
</ul>
<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<em>Dressing:</em> wisk all that dressing stuff together!<br />
<br />
<em>Salad:</em> <br />
<ol>
<li>Pre-heat oven to 400</li>
<li>Bring the quinoa and 1 cup water to a boil, reduce to simmer for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed.</li>
<li>Toss your taters in some olive oil, salt and pepper and roast those babies for 10-15 minutes or until soft.</li>
<li>Mix up the cooled quinoa, taters, beans, pumpkin seeds, and veggies in a big bowl.</li>
<li>Add the dressing.</li>
<li>Garnish with feta and eat it up!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8lrM-24S2zyIhhVJ0-ZpCHMIC0GWL_1YzxZk5a1S-rjjDttLJ3SHo1liHjtScAf3PtzRZLKjtQA8bx-GC_gGZQUYz_zLOpjSVyZDVbmEaV9IkR65XWFannL0Pf8nEvnucu_1rt2UInI/s1600/quinosalad2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8lrM-24S2zyIhhVJ0-ZpCHMIC0GWL_1YzxZk5a1S-rjjDttLJ3SHo1liHjtScAf3PtzRZLKjtQA8bx-GC_gGZQUYz_zLOpjSVyZDVbmEaV9IkR65XWFannL0Pf8nEvnucu_1rt2UInI/s1600/quinosalad2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Pretty sure this will be my lunch and dinner for the next few days! It reminds me that I really need to get in the habit of making something like this every Sunday to last me through the week.<br />
<br />
<b>Question: What big batch type foods do you make to get your through the week?</b>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-13075505295178372622014-05-20T10:43:00.000-07:002014-05-23T10:16:05.679-07:00My First Half - Janel and Kristin Run the Mini IndyI think I've said it a million times already but I'm so stinking proud of my two cousins for training and running their first half marathon a <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/05/race-recap-2014-mini-indy-half-marathon.html">few weeks ago at the Mini Indy</a>! I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but my cousin Janel has been telling me I should come run the Mini Indy half every since I started running years ago and every single time she did I would reply with "I'll run it if you do!" Well that time finally came and we roped our younger cousin, Kristin, in to join the fun and had a great cousin bonding experience because of it. The race was really just the icing on top, I enjoyed the countless emails regarding training, fueling, stretching, resting, etc in the 12 weeks leading up to the race just as much as the actual run itself! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh669Zf3VGQKd1y5bsuVLajnRBKNG9BBQTnwS44yOkqixTkFrhTDsChqAGkdYk7l5l59zbNj2yzPibu9_9ZU37dZgGzFNMIOFBMBhNkFPfot3TGVa1q10qHlMQpUWuOT0KuJPdYfw6iiS0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh669Zf3VGQKd1y5bsuVLajnRBKNG9BBQTnwS44yOkqixTkFrhTDsChqAGkdYk7l5l59zbNj2yzPibu9_9ZU37dZgGzFNMIOFBMBhNkFPfot3TGVa1q10qHlMQpUWuOT0KuJPdYfw6iiS0/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristin and Janel looking fit and ready to run 13.1!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I gave Kristin and Janel a 12 week training plan that was SUPER basic...three runs a week, only focus on mileage…don't worry about speed, hills, etc. This was just to warm them up to the idea of running a half and make sure they could successfully complete the 13.1 miles with a smile on their face (SPOILER: they did!). Here was the plan:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodNfnt3G0d-13eNI6l1RojE1y5ykf15q0Y3uBX-ebGNWDRBR9lxiX7DL9QEtY3O_-wWzK-aQZycRLyVRiS0z_WM6GArvBXVhcdq5SRHAps9PUExcSpEwdiPijeGNoThkcT6tmoFOEd8E/s1600/raceplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodNfnt3G0d-13eNI6l1RojE1y5ykf15q0Y3uBX-ebGNWDRBR9lxiX7DL9QEtY3O_-wWzK-aQZycRLyVRiS0z_WM6GArvBXVhcdq5SRHAps9PUExcSpEwdiPijeGNoThkcT6tmoFOEd8E/s1600/raceplan.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">simple, simple, simple!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And being the type of person who doesn't do anything half way, Janel completed EVERY.SINGLE.RUN with the spreadsheet to prove it. (Kristin assures me she completed "most" of them…hehe).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LHaymwsjENca3sAQdflRii7ZOCu9z3gPS7-vfIqQlEJ0mS_9Yu87Y9G9u80p9ocxwqOZHT9VloFZp7uNKFkdeJ4xM5v1Gbkf26DIvuu08an10QJF7gBeD0GPeV76LqkPfQXOqiVYXSk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LHaymwsjENca3sAQdflRii7ZOCu9z3gPS7-vfIqQlEJ0mS_9Yu87Y9G9u80p9ocxwqOZHT9VloFZp7uNKFkdeJ4xM5v1Gbkf26DIvuu08an10QJF7gBeD0GPeV76LqkPfQXOqiVYXSk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janel not missing a single run! She would be a running coaches dream client!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are some thoughts from both Janel and Kristin on their first half!<br />
<br />
<b>JANEL</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVSXGr8J-qTfPuGSqLrvMmsk1PDnSBfEsB5tt5WnfrqrkKP3QtVFgLmuj_E8M7JsKAznfUul8F7PhY5U6e_JAW2bZYIcUqHiHs3nnjn6R_zsnxBPSn3zlQ_Wwet1S_vZqYlIz0Wmlm1k/s1600/IMG_7203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVSXGr8J-qTfPuGSqLrvMmsk1PDnSBfEsB5tt5WnfrqrkKP3QtVFgLmuj_E8M7JsKAznfUul8F7PhY5U6e_JAW2bZYIcUqHiHs3nnjn6R_zsnxBPSn3zlQ_Wwet1S_vZqYlIz0Wmlm1k/s1600/IMG_7203.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big sweaty post race hug from her biggest fan Brady!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From <a href="http://themosburgs.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-3rd.html">her blog post</a> on the race:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I felt pretty good throughout the whole race. My legs, hips and bottom got a little sore and tight towards the end, but other than that I felt good. I never thought- "I'm not going to be able to finish" or " I need to stop and walk." If you remember, my goals for the race were: finish, finish without walking and not have a heart attack. I am pleased to say all goals were met!! :) My only ailment is a blister. It is in the same place as the one I got a few weeks ago after my 11 mile run. I have decided that it is probably time to retire my running shoes for a new pair.</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyrxN_L51oMKIuOVCeWTeRWHLjGLX5sEyygjKiXZLiFEPPe4qY9binkCU2VFz4dCI5a24-ZTT5h2gE6SCwue3qL7pOIsEeSoQFQuenuAIyRQWVIFmKA0b0UDL4NEFqbuaq8UFUbvlsUc/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyrxN_L51oMKIuOVCeWTeRWHLjGLX5sEyygjKiXZLiFEPPe4qY9binkCU2VFz4dCI5a24-ZTT5h2gE6SCwue3qL7pOIsEeSoQFQuenuAIyRQWVIFmKA0b0UDL4NEFqbuaq8UFUbvlsUc/s1600/IMG_7197.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to start our 13.1 journey (Janel in the purple)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course I asked them both if they would run another one again and Janel replied:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As far as future running plans, I plan to continue running a few miles a couple times a week. Although I have no official plans to run another half anytime soon, the possibility to do so is definitely there. Now that I know that I can do it, I am already thinking about how I can improve. :) <i><---I think I created a half marathon lover!</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGlumR8R21UevsaendH0CbLUW0Cx1RcBjnYKYoObLbitRYMsCZtE6DFgngVJtaTx3LmFXb4hZzXlfgnCiWY5vUvYRzrMZhJjP0ud-AG2eADlDsejJvguNXvvNHEi6iF27uanELlN1XgQ/s1600/DSC03625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGlumR8R21UevsaendH0CbLUW0Cx1RcBjnYKYoObLbitRYMsCZtE6DFgngVJtaTx3LmFXb4hZzXlfgnCiWY5vUvYRzrMZhJjP0ud-AG2eADlDsejJvguNXvvNHEi6iF27uanELlN1XgQ/s1600/DSC03625.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post race pic with random superheros to which Janel quoted "I feel like a superhero"! <---LOVE THAT!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>KRISTIN</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUTG3NlT4qtBA4e7aBljpHV5ZG4SHeB3SgqmfD2nzZP9jcyVFrSqC4blmg69jjjDot7xZQa6xLHoKrjlSGUskfdNpXKJ9L0AfmYQ7JKbkmn25Addc0NQ_UXw0-kLTrpy3i3AdqNbML0s/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUTG3NlT4qtBA4e7aBljpHV5ZG4SHeB3SgqmfD2nzZP9jcyVFrSqC4blmg69jjjDot7xZQa6xLHoKrjlSGUskfdNpXKJ9L0AfmYQ7JKbkmn25Addc0NQ_UXw0-kLTrpy3i3AdqNbML0s/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Kristin evidently likes lists so she sent me a numbered list of her highlights of the race:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Finishing the race without walking!<br />
Running the entire race with my cousins.<i> (well she did try to get away from Janel and I at one point but we caught up!)</i><br />
Having wonderful weather.<br />
Enjoying all the bands and spectators while running.<br />
Having my dad, Brady, and Brad cheer the three of us on!<br />
Running the last 3 miles the fastest!<br />
Taking advantage of the two spray stations they had set up for us. <i>(Janel and I stayed away from those!)</i><br />
Getting the opportunity to run on the Indianapolis Speedway.</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dOUjjdkN9ndn5c1vxFnx1c-T7tTiKZUTVCuuDqatG1Kvg7_Jxk5pj5uC2mMdI1bXb8pnt_Jukt6Avx21xoJBeS7Z-7PnWNXYD0k8USfQTSwshUb1c9OCtUrH4mX9SKF2Xhniuch-o7g/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dOUjjdkN9ndn5c1vxFnx1c-T7tTiKZUTVCuuDqatG1Kvg7_Jxk5pj5uC2mMdI1bXb8pnt_Jukt6Avx21xoJBeS7Z-7PnWNXYD0k8USfQTSwshUb1c9OCtUrH4mX9SKF2Xhniuch-o7g/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comin in hot on the speedway! Just wish we could have run as fast as the Indy cars :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6kdWFa3AAevuU0kEkKPity52ogvOv-hPWnT9VL10XlWWPX3UJWvyD-9D-ZcToCw1ulMqW4pEVpPgFB7nb6bIFGvSizBcb1ZPOKgA6APNmOSRBr4ehAqGmCjiRxzJS9PqJoip-XiaBnU/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6kdWFa3AAevuU0kEkKPity52ogvOv-hPWnT9VL10XlWWPX3UJWvyD-9D-ZcToCw1ulMqW4pEVpPgFB7nb6bIFGvSizBcb1ZPOKgA6APNmOSRBr4ehAqGmCjiRxzJS9PqJoip-XiaBnU/s1600/photo+9.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brady, myself, Kristin and Uncle Dave (Kristin's dad)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
When asked if Kristin will run another half she replied, "I already have my eye on one in September!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I'm already trying to make them meet me at a destination race so we can vacation and run together in the future!</div>
<div>
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I am so lucky to have cousins close to age with me and despite living in different areas of the country we remain relatively close and make an effort to see each other when we can! I loved "coaching" them through this process and running the race with them, definitely a memory to last a lifetime! Watching their passion for running grow has helped reignite my love for running and remind me of one of the main reasons I love it so much…the support from a great community (friends, family, bloggers, social media friends, <a href="http://www.nuun.com/">Nuun</a>, <a href="http://www.ragnarrelay.com/">Ragnar</a>, etc) that surrounds you and pushes you forward on every single run, race, or even rest day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCGIlujGwCM4SRqmwyQbSoSfpFDB7PZwyUJtC_5NZMj_CHq8wUYVYBBx-1fhDWp35lxftmOFATCU8VQrfEiBcFUp0j6j_rSS-MZjZDZNBGEKcgPzjhQfiJSofIPJgqRTRjIOe1ODZPjA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCGIlujGwCM4SRqmwyQbSoSfpFDB7PZwyUJtC_5NZMj_CHq8wUYVYBBx-1fhDWp35lxftmOFATCU8VQrfEiBcFUp0j6j_rSS-MZjZDZNBGEKcgPzjhQfiJSofIPJgqRTRjIOe1ODZPjA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">XOXO ladies!</td></tr>
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<b>QUESTION: Who have you inspired to run lately?</b></div>
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<br />Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-83483240315729797362014-05-07T08:51:00.001-07:002014-05-07T08:51:21.225-07:00Race Recap: 2014 Mini Indy Half MarathonFirst off I have to say that this really shouldn't be MY race recap…I have to give all the credit, hard work training, and determination to go faster and faster during the race to my two cousins, Janel and Kristin, who ran a perfect first half marathon this past Saturday! They really are living proof that you can just start up running for the first time or after a long break and run a half marathon successfully in just a few months…and only running 3 days/week I might add (something for another post). <br />
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I plan on letting my cousins speak for themselves in the next post but here is my recap! <br />
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First off, the <a href="http://www.500festival.com/mini-marathon">Mini Indy</a> is SO well organized! They have different start times for the different waves (5 total) so you didn't have to get to the start line when the first gun goes off, we actually "slept in" until 6 since our wave didn't start until 8:30. Getting to the start was a breeze and we hung out in a convention center using their nice restrooms until it was almost our start time. As we were marching ahead to the start line there were volunteers on the side handing out water and gatorade…GENIUS! I am constantly complaining about how parched I am right before a race due to nerves, whatever so this was exactly what I needed. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start!</td></tr>
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We were in wave 4 as my cousins predicted a finish time of about 2 hours, 30 minutes. We started a little after 8:30AM on Saturday morning (a perfectly cool sunny morning I might add!) and settled into a warmup pace of about 12:00 miles for the first few miles. I think we might have gone a bit faster but the crowd was pretty thick and that was the pace they were going but I think it helped ease them both into the fact that they were running 13.1 miles that day! Our pace increased a bit every 3 miles or so, 11:30, 11:00, 10:30, and even busting out a sub 10:00 mile for the last mile with a sprint at the finish!<br />
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The course was really nothing to write home about, wide open roads with not much scenery. There were some fun bands and entertainment along the way that all led up to the 2.5 mile loop around the <a href="http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/">Indianapolis 500</a> track around mile 6. <br />
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We all agreed that the track was a bit overrated and we were ready to be off of it after about 1 mile. It was cool to say I ran on the track but car racing doesn't really do it for any of us so I think the novelty was lost. Plus we knew we would be seeing our family after we excited the speedway so we just wanted to get to that point as quick as possible! We spotted them right as exited and Janel's 5-year old son, Brady, raced along side the course waving the whole way…definitely the motivation we needed to keep going.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi FAMILY!</td></tr>
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After the track we were focused on getting the 13.1 miles done! Our pace picked up and we all stayed close to each other…little Miss Kristin tried to break away from us but we caught up to her :). The weather felt pretty warm at some points but then a breeze would kick in and we would all be comfortably warm again. Coming back into downtown Indianapolis was pretty and then you turn over a bridge and see the finish line. I felt pretty strong the whole way but my hips started feeling not so fine at about mile 10 so I was ready to kick it into high gear and finish as fast as we could. All three of us crossed the finish line together in about 2 hours, 26 minutes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close to the finish line, sprinting to catch up to Kristin!</td></tr>
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I would argue that post-race was where I thought the Mini Indy could use some major improvements. We were offered a full water bottle (PLUS) but no full gatorade, chocolate milk, or other recovery drink that I've become accustomed to at most big races. The post-race food was pretty minimal (pretzels, bananas, cookies, fruit cup), but luckily we were planning to head straight to lunch after so it wasn't a big deal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu-UlBvyCxdtERRGROM8Ovts5K8zIi3XnH8bT9OmdTm-S3LjcN0E-QepvA5oNBDo7_mDUWHp4ScWPsLEhsXI15S3egJ1M0JM1O4XACaya4FTh1GAJRojXKbA520udClGnRb4OnZ6UcIQ/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu-UlBvyCxdtERRGROM8Ovts5K8zIi3XnH8bT9OmdTm-S3LjcN0E-QepvA5oNBDo7_mDUWHp4ScWPsLEhsXI15S3egJ1M0JM1O4XACaya4FTh1GAJRojXKbA520udClGnRb4OnZ6UcIQ/s1600/IMG_7202.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still smiling after 13.1 miles!</td></tr>
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I need some major re-hydrating with <a href="http://nuun.com/">Nuun</a> post race and we headed straight to Crackel Barrel for lunch where I inhaled a delicious BLT and french fries! Speaking of Nuun I should add that this was the FIRST race where I didn't have coffee as part of my pre-race routine but rather had <a href="http://nuun.com/products/nuun-energy">Nuun Energy</a> and it worked like a champ and I also avoided the "just had my coffee, now I have to go #2 right away" feeling…WIN WIN!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6GbCcxyNwzxyIGWBhYRECYvBvBnoNClAJtWfCBEwo1nQC6b_ZJOWgw6Em119vN7ZbZgMSkEiwNnuQqBW5a-7RZ9XzDjNdM0xD7WQWxIwLfXK4alfyAYLt4qGkWwUxHljwQ_6LPhgN-w/s1600/nemx+promo+3pack+382x369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6GbCcxyNwzxyIGWBhYRECYvBvBnoNClAJtWfCBEwo1nQC6b_ZJOWgw6Em119vN7ZbZgMSkEiwNnuQqBW5a-7RZ9XzDjNdM0xD7WQWxIwLfXK4alfyAYLt4qGkWwUxHljwQ_6LPhgN-w/s1600/nemx+promo+3pack+382x369.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/03/tgif-lets-get-electrolit-with-nuun.html">HIGHLY RECOMMEND</a>! </td></tr>
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Okay, I've rambled on enough and like I said before this race wasn't about me…it was about supporting my cousins on their first journey to 13.1. Stay tuned for their recap and to see if I convinced them to run another 13.1 in the future :).<br />
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<b>QUESTION: What do you remember most about your first 13.1? Or first race?</b>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-74261268284021727142014-04-25T15:37:00.001-07:002014-04-25T15:37:28.930-07:00There is Nothing "Mini" About 13.1 MilesAlthough there has been virtually no blogging around here I think you all know I'm running the <a href="http://www.500festival.com/mini-marathon">500 Festival Mini-Marathon</a> in Indianapolis with my two cousins next weekend, right? I could not be more proud of these two ladies who are running their first 13.1 next weekend. I provided them with a 12 week training plan that have been following like it's their bible. Well actually they are overachievers, because I had them only running up to 10 miles and they both did 11. Or to be technically correct Janel ran 11.1, she wanted to get that .1 over with, haha!<br />
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They have trained properly, fueled properly, rested properly and I am 100% confident they will both not only run the entire 13.1 miles, but that they will cross the finish line strong and with a smile on their face…and I can't wait to be there to experience that with them. I'm anticipating there will be many "which 13.1 should we run next?" right after we finish ;). May I suggest a fun destination race?<br />
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Since we are a week away I've been doing a little bit of homework on this race so I know what I'm getting into and one thing I know for sure is that I am slightly offended by the term "mini" being used to describe a race that takes most people over 2 hours to finish…what is so mini about that!? Being the largest half marathon in the country I guess they can call it whatever they want but I'm still going to complain ok?<br />
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But in all seriousness, this course is flat as a pancake and after watching the course preview I think the only thing to look forward to is the fact that you get to run 2.5 miles on the Indianapolis 500 track (anyone else as surprised as I was to learn it is 2.5 miles around?…that is LONG!). I'm used to running in pretty scenic places (Seattle, Monterey, Las Vegas, Sedona, Chicago!) so this will probably test my will power a bit with zero things to distract me along the way. That being said I hope to be the one distracting my cousins from the miles ticking away and keep them on pace so hopefully that will make the time fly by. <br />
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If you want to spend your time watching the above, skip to 2:30…that is where the run on the race track begins.<br />
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And what about pace? Well my cousins have been doing their long runs in the 11-11:30 pace so my plan is to keep them to the 11:30 for at least the first 3-5 miles and then re-assess from there. My goal is to stay with them the whole way or stay with whoever is slower because I know there might be some serious motivation being needed from miles 10-13 if I remember my first couple of half marathons correctly! This race is not about "racing" or personal records for me, it's about experiencing something amazing with family and since we don't get to see each other that often the more time I can spend with them the better. <br />
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We will be cheered on by my uncle and cousins, including one excited 5 year old who will be watching his mom run!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlAUm0VBEbfDjZCIlCmNkmqU-4L_-S1kdfecM87l7zoQYuFuBBQfe6ia-I6kYWz_gW8KZCrMeO43xyeo1cS4ItXjVrR-DtYM3t4dpaCMJQmfuQL8V0YLsoyxmroMnLiUhcRiF22yxY5M/s1600/737999554606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlAUm0VBEbfDjZCIlCmNkmqU-4L_-S1kdfecM87l7zoQYuFuBBQfe6ia-I6kYWz_gW8KZCrMeO43xyeo1cS4ItXjVrR-DtYM3t4dpaCMJQmfuQL8V0YLsoyxmroMnLiUhcRiF22yxY5M/s1600/737999554606.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brady cheering me on at the <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2011/10/race-recap-chicago-marathon.html">2011 Chicago Marathon</a>! </td></tr>
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This is actually my first race of 2014 and I'm hoping it kicks me into gear and motivates me to sign up for some more and start piling on the mileage for Ragnar in July. <br />
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Those are my thoughts for now, I'm hoping to come back next week with some pre-race tips for my cousins and our plan for the fun weekend. No promises :).<br />
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<b>Question: Anyone else offended by the word "mini" being used in relation to 13.1 miles?</b>Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-30132251596466564062014-04-09T21:14:00.000-07:002014-04-09T21:14:32.122-07:00Running Update & New Balance Shoe ReviewI've been running…promise! Sometimes I get in 3 runs/week, most of the time it's only 2 but you know what…it's all good. I've been filling my exercise time with strength training and while I haven't been getting any faster with my running I feel really strong while doing it and I'm a-ok with that right now.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.500festival.com/mini-marathon">Mini-Indy half marathon</a> is coming up soon, May 3!! and I have actually been going on runs longer than 6 miles to train for this since I'm certain my luck with not training for the<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/12/race-recap-2013-seattle-half-marathon.html"> Seattle Half Marathon</a> has run out. Long runs of 8 and 9 miles went really really well, especially since I have the best run buds to join me most of the time…Lauren and Meghan! We should take a picture sometime so you believe me, but here is what they look like in case you forget and since they don't blog :(.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhVPtsKHj-y-Dp8hJKKVaB8fRY2RDE2LhkQ48olW4y__UNRlFX85X1mmOprrURkkqZ_53Cd-FCDHnVL_giQG_4OAFzPwYNWmsLO21RLnu7OzbBfZr6ADmUEwWnCFv6LCfZGXFrulGu6w/s1600/jasyoga5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhVPtsKHj-y-Dp8hJKKVaB8fRY2RDE2LhkQ48olW4y__UNRlFX85X1mmOprrURkkqZ_53Cd-FCDHnVL_giQG_4OAFzPwYNWmsLO21RLnu7OzbBfZr6ADmUEwWnCFv6LCfZGXFrulGu6w/s1600/jasyoga5.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meghan, me, Lauren, Erin (Jasyoga)<br />
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I have absolutely no training plan, even though I gave one to <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2014/03/long-runnin-my-tips-and-tools-of-trade.html">my cousins </a>to follow, but have been at least trying to hit the long runs and maybe 1 or 2 short ones in between. Running is mostly just a social thing for me right now and I'm lovin it that way. I spend a lot of time at the gym by myself, lost in my music, so going for a run with friends gets me outside, socializing and exercising at the same time…win win.<br />
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Conveniently, <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/">OnlineShoes </a>asked me if I wanted to review a pair or brand spanking new <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-shoes-running-shoes-new-balance-athletic-list_ct192%2cbr8%2coc409/1/90/newest">New Balance running shoes</a> right in the middle of "training" for the Mini-Indy and I thought why not! You may remember Online Shoes as being the most awesome company ever because they provided me with a VIP entry to last year's <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-never-want-to-be-normal-again-vip.html">Seattle Rock and Roll Half</a> and TWO pairs of <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/party-time-onlineshoescom-with-brooks.html">Brooks running shoes</a>. And <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/">OnlineShoes</a> is not just running shoes…they have ALL THE SHOES with free shipping and free returns and usually a coupon code on their home page. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84rwjkz6Cf1tjTR7HNbz6BUhyqkfWKRri0VciAJso6Gh3RVX36DrXVUbAmLBEHfeHaWHMlvSJ_SbAQc2x9ovCOW-MjvUMq51oP-HDSG2ijfzfoQjbGBY_ncnoLOUPNlz8HDgy9wQKNeg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84rwjkz6Cf1tjTR7HNbz6BUhyqkfWKRri0VciAJso6Gh3RVX36DrXVUbAmLBEHfeHaWHMlvSJ_SbAQc2x9ovCOW-MjvUMq51oP-HDSG2ijfzfoQjbGBY_ncnoLOUPNlz8HDgy9wQKNeg/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, excitement over what the box will reveal!</td></tr>
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The shoes you ask? They were a pair of these brightly colored <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-new-balance-w980-fresh-foam-blue-orange-p_id321011">New Balance W980 Fresh Foam</a> running shoes. I admit when I opened the box I went "whoa, those are a bit bright" but I've received tons of compliments on them so they are growing on me. The <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-new-balance-w980-fresh-foam-blue-orange-p_id321011">website states</a>:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wearing the New Balance W980 Fresh Foam athletic shoe, you can feel the science of softness with Fresh Foam technology, a performance midsole compound that delivers soft, plush cushioning to runners seeking a lower, more natural underfoot feel. This women's trainer features a minimal, no-sew mesh and synthetic upper with a lightly padded collar for extra cushioning around the ankle. A blown rubber outsole provides durability and supportive cushioning to the New Balance 980 running shoe, ensuring an incredibly soft, incredibly stable ride for mile after mile.</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHWIZ7LM-CB1h6bl8f2CY_KgoVcBf0wnM-UYqkAR3ew-kCVKa9Xgr1CkV7a4H2W_ugxlUuPDtvQirCqerI8qJMhNYw-IZAF8stpnogx4Rr4X_aiVrziq9_hrJ5B5D_Vl221Xv23wKMAU/s1600/womens-new-balance-w980-fresh-foam-blue-orange-365742_366_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHWIZ7LM-CB1h6bl8f2CY_KgoVcBf0wnM-UYqkAR3ew-kCVKa9Xgr1CkV7a4H2W_ugxlUuPDtvQirCqerI8qJMhNYw-IZAF8stpnogx4Rr4X_aiVrziq9_hrJ5B5D_Vl221Xv23wKMAU/s1600/womens-new-balance-w980-fresh-foam-blue-orange-365742_366_45.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Balance Fresh Foam (<a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-new-balance-w980-fresh-foam-blue-orange-p_id321011">source</a>)</td></tr>
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So confession time…I don't like these shoes…EEK! I feel kind of strange saying that when I got them for free but I should be honest right? I took them on a few short runs and they don't feel like anything special and in fact my feet hurt a bit while running in them. They just don't feel like they have any support or cushioning to me as advertised. Of course what doesn't work for me might be amazing for others…but this shoe doesn't do it for me. Luckily, I have another big footed (size 10!) friend named Lauren as well so she is going to try them next, I'll report back on what she thinks!<br />
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I will say that they are SUPER lightweight even though they look a tad bulky and the bright colors will get you noticed. <br />
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But HEY, that is the beauty of <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/">OnlineShoes</a>, they have ALL the brands so you can find your favorite pair of running, walking, dancing, whatever shoes usually at a great price with free shipping. <br />
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In fact I'm still rocking the <a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-brooks-glycerin-11-brite-pink-denim-silver-p_id302161">Brooks Glycerin 11's</a> that OnlineShoes gave me after the <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/party-time-onlineshoescom-with-brooks.html">Seattle Rock and Roll </a>last year!<br />
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I'm going to attempt a 10 mile run this weekend, wish me luck!<br />
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<b>Question: Any of you ever had a pair of running shoes you tried a few times and just went "no thanks, not for me?"</b></div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097753719754369729.post-16521375625852707602014-04-04T07:42:00.003-07:002014-04-10T08:08:23.352-07:00The Ragnar Ultra Debate - 3 or 6 Legs?I realize this is not a debate many people in this world have but if you are a serious <a href="http://www.ragnarrelay.com/">Ragnar runner</a> and have decided to take it up a notch and try it ultra style you and your team may be asking yourself: Oh man do we run 3 times or 6 times!? First world problems…I know!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/ragnar-team-six-pack-with-racks.html">Six Pack with Racks </a>at the 2013 Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage</td></tr>
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Well for starters…basic info on relay race leg logistics for those new to the relay game:<br />
<ul>
<li>Most (and usually more sane) people run on a <a href="https://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage/distances">12 runner relay team</a>. 12 runners, 2 vans, every one runs 3 times and usually the distances are modest (3-8 miles at a time).</li>
<li>Crazies (myself included!) decide that doing it with half the people might be fun…right? So they decide if they want to run 3 lloonngg runs or 6 short ones:</li>
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<li>3 long runs would mean each runner runs TWO regular legs back to back before handing off. For example, I was runner number <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/running-through-ragnar-relay-ultra-legs.html">3 and 4 last year</a>.</li>
<li>6 short ones means each runner just runs one leg like usual except they run twice as many times as regular teams. For example, someone might be runner 1 and 7.</li>
</ul>
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When I emailed my ladies last year asking the 3 or 6 leg question they all unanimously agreed that they would rather run 3 long runs than 6 little ones. I couldn't have agreed more and I find it odd that people actually prefer 6 legs…like my dear relay friend <a href="https://twitter.com/hroberts123">Holly</a> who tries to convince you of her even crazier 6 leg ways on <a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2014/04/relayniacs-talking-ultras.html#.Uz6_zf2HVyc">her blog today</a>. </div>
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I mean I'm surprised we are even friends…we have such a radical difference of opinion on this matter ;).<br />
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Not only did we all choose to run 3 long runs we all agreed at the end we would do the same way again, 6 times is too many! (side note: this year we are breaking all the rules and running 4 legs each but I'll post more about that later). Some things we liked about 3 runs:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>We all liked running long! </b>- Everyone but one of us had ran at least one marathon so we knew what training would be like and we all genuinely enjoyed a long slow run versus some short fast ones so nobody seemed to mind the back to back legs pounding the pavement (well maybe Jessey…who had a 17 miler in the middle of the night but she is a different breed of crazy runner anyways!). </li>
<li><b>MORE recovery time</b> - Running long legs gives you the same amount of time in between your runs as if you were running on a regular 12 man team. For me last year that meant almost 10 hours of recovery time before my next long run. SO much time to eat a proper meal, hydrate, stretch and even catch some shuteye. </li>
<li><b>You get it over with quicker </b>- This is a big one for me. While I enjoy the whole experience SOO much I do think about when it will be over and how great that will feel as well. For example doing back to back legs means you will be runner 1 and 2, but if you do 6 runs you are you might be runner 1 and 7…therefore finishing your whole experience when runner 7 would versus when runner 2 would…you following me?</li>
<li><b>You feel more bada$$</b> - While all ultra teams where different bibs that identify you as crazy when you run 3 long runs you get to run through the exchanges (cause remember you run two legs at one time) and say <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/07/running-through-ragnar-relay-ultra-legs.html">"running through"</a> and everyone claps and tells you how awesome you are…big confidence booster!</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DONE and so happy to not be running 6x!</td></tr>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/hroberts123">HOLLY</a></b> thinks running 6 legs is awesome because she has a much easier time mentally wrapping her head around shorter runs and since we all know how you feel mentally plays into your runs SO much I can see acknowledge this as a good point! Check out <a href="http://www.hollysleapsoffaith.com/2014/04/relayniacs-talking-ultras.html#.Uz6_zf2HVyc">her post on running 6 times</a> along with some other great ultra relay tips!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3lBWgmFwFfeur1SAZyaKU-okcqK4fV9XPyUeqy1WY8JS5uBIIoR_Zi2s3DhoEUBWLhc0oFJRDacBIo5K6JlsVcJTbLiL3LlaPXSCY0UwMCqCdsmRV3i2dSTcb6oWUgTvRW-Ci_P-VrU/s1600/slap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3lBWgmFwFfeur1SAZyaKU-okcqK4fV9XPyUeqy1WY8JS5uBIIoR_Zi2s3DhoEUBWLhc0oFJRDacBIo5K6JlsVcJTbLiL3LlaPXSCY0UwMCqCdsmRV3i2dSTcb6oWUgTvRW-Ci_P-VrU/s1600/slap.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly and I started our relay friendship at the<a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2012/07/race-recap-2012-ragnar-relay-northwest_29.html"> 2012 Ragnar Relay!</a></td></tr>
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My girl <b><a href="https://twitter.com/tritreats">LESLIE</a></b> is in my corner and she has done a bunch of ultra's 3 long run style so she knows what's up! She prefers to only change 3 times during a relay…less to pack! Check out <a href="http://triathletetreats.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/relay-fever-ultra-style/">her post today </a>for more info!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qAiyAssmcnbiFPrguw6DwJi6gIuOJ23sBWYOM1qN-7EU_C2MWqwKkYLBde-f2E6TERJIK2iNphStyPzKVRmfXh8gk7VL3OTLL7T8k2zn5Ohm8KiGsGTNsI1chg4ptRByKkHviRdYkWY/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qAiyAssmcnbiFPrguw6DwJi6gIuOJ23sBWYOM1qN-7EU_C2MWqwKkYLBde-f2E6TERJIK2iNphStyPzKVRmfXh8gk7VL3OTLL7T8k2zn5Ohm8KiGsGTNsI1chg4ptRByKkHviRdYkWY/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie and I at the <a href="http://marathonlar.blogspot.com/2013/09/2013-hood-to-coast-relay-part-3.html">2013 Hood to Coast relay</a>.</td></tr>
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Both these ladies are super relay maniacs…even more then myself so I trust our differences of opinions…so do what feels best for you and your team and I guarantee you'll have a great time!<br />
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Let me also add that if you are on the fence about actually doing <a href="http://www.ragnarrelay.com/">Ragnar</a> the ultra way, jump off and try it. If you regularly train and run for half marathons you can do an ultra Ragnar. While most of the people on my team last year have run a marathon not all of us were currently training for one and we all thought it was a bit easier than we expected. <br />
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<b>Question: What do you all think? 3 or 6? Or are we just plain crazy all around?</b></div>
Marathon Larhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212704228885941985noreply@blogger.com0