My First Marathon!

Last month I ran my first marathon, The Fargo Marathon.  It was an experience that I will never forget, and I am proud to say that I ran to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  Here are some pictures from my experience:

Picking up my packet at the expo.

Always good to have some signage to cheer you on.

My family there to cheer me on.

I evidently have a running trademark: peace signs.

I will be beginning my training for the Twin Cities Marathon next week.  This video really inspired me because sometimes I forget about the importance of my own run.  It is not about only the winners, but it is about me and my courage to do it! 

Running Shoes

I saw this quote on a T-Shirt and had to make a poster for it!  Enjoy!

Unstoppable Running Outfit

I have been looking forward to warmer weather, so I decided to assemble a great summer running outfit. Hopefully it encourages some warmer weather to come quickly!

Nike Printed Long Shaping Bra- I love the bold design of this running top.  It also has a mesh back panel for even more breathability. 

Nike Tempo Running Short- These may look like a regular pair of running shorts, but these babies are made out of 100% recycled material!

C9 by Champion Visor Hat- Block the sun with this crisp white visor.

Nike GPS by TomTom- Measure time, distance, pace, and calories scorched!  Also, this little guy tracks elevation changes!

Nike+ Free 5.0- Nike Free has a natural, free motion feel for your running steps.  A few of my running friends have said that they enjoy their pairs, but really like the ability to customize them.

Bible Verse Strength

Click Here for Printable

Casual Outfit

With spring coming, it is time to show off those stems you have been working on.  Try it with this bold and cute lace skirt outfit!

Mossimo Supply Co. Long Sleeve- Soft tee for only $5! Make a skirt seem casual with this simple tee.

Fluro Orange Lace Pelmet Skirt- The lace says proper, but the color says 'HELLO'!  Beautiful and Bold to bring attention to your sexy running legs!

Row Beaded Necklace- Add texture to your top with this fun and inexpensive necklace.

Retro Traveler Resin Watch- 50's inspired sport style watch.

Naughty Monkey Easy Peasy Sandal- Metallic straps and orange details...How Cute!

Brownies = Fiber + Protein

With so many miles logged, it is always nice to have a treat, so I made these fiber rich dark-chocolate brownies.  These delicious good are 210 calories per brownie with 3g fiber and 4g protein!  I devoured one of these after my 18 miles on Sunday!

Oat flour is the fiber rich substitute in these chocolaty, gooey, and gloriously wonderful treats.  If you are unable to find oat flour, don't sweat it!  All you have to do is put the same measurement (1 cup of oatmeal=1 cup of oat flour) of oatmeal in a blender or food processor for 1-2 minutes.

Here is all the other ingredients:

Oat Flour                                                                    Sugar

All-Purpose Flour                                                       Ground Coffee

Cocoa Powder                                                            Eggs

Baking Powder                                                            Half-and-Half

Salt                                                                              Vanilla Extract

Unsalted Butter                                                            Dark Chocolate Chunks

Mix flours, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, beat butter, sugar, and coffee.  It will be a crumbly mixture when you are done.

Beat in one egg at a time.  Then vanilla extract and half-and-half.  Stir in chocolate chunks.  Finally, stir in flour mixture until a batter forms.  Place in 8"x8" line baking pan in a 350 oven for 25-30 minutes.

Take out and cool for 30 minutes.  Enjoy!

Click Here for Your Printable Recipe!

Spring Running Outfit

C9 Endurance Tee- Breathable and bright, also not to mention inexpensive at $8.99.
Nike Kapow Relay Capri- Sometimes I feel like I run faster with an encouraging graphic, so these are perfect to speed up your next run.
Athleta Burnout Headband- Elastic back headband in a cool burnout print.
Garmin Forerunner 110- One of the easiest ways to track your runs.
Asics Gel-DS Racer 9- Asics' most storied running shoe...lightweight, breathable, and stable.

While You Were Sleeping In...

Night Running Outfit

Glow in the dark and stay safe with this running outfit:

Petzl Tikkina 2- Lightweight headband with a wide beam to light up your path.

Brooks Nightlife Essential Run II Half Zip- Soft and lightweight shirt in a blazing safety yellow.

Brooks Nightlife Essential Running Vest- Windproof and waterproof vest that keeps you comfortable and warm.  Also, it contains inner pockets to keep belongings safe.

Under Armour Catalyst Run Capri- Green Capri!  Made from recycled material this running capri will wick away moisture and keep you in stride.

Nike Flyknit Lunar 1+- Runner's World Editors Choice

Do Something Quote

Every day is an opportunity for you to do something to make your life better.  Get up and do something!

The Elvis Presley Smoothie

This is my boyfriend's and I personal favorite smoothie.  It is perfect for after a long run or hard workout.  I tribute this smoothie to Elvis Presley because of his peanut butter and banana expertise.  This recipe will make about two medium smoothies to share or one large smoothie to hog for yourself. 

 What You Need:
Low Fat Milk
Ice
Fat Free/Sugar Free Frozen Yogurt
Bananas
Natural Peanut Butter
Flax Seed
Whey Protein Powder (Vanilla)

 Put 1/2 cup Milk, 5-6 ice cubes & 1 cup of frozen yogurt at the bottom of the blender.

Add a scoop of protein powder.  If you would like to add more powder, more power to you!

Add banana.  I add about 3/4 of the banana and then tend to eat the bottom quarter for a pre-smoothie treat.

 Add about a tablespoon of flax seed and 1-2 scoops of peanut butter.  I usually lean toward the 2 scoop side of this formula =)  Put top on the blender and mix.

Enjoy a recovery smoothie that will fill you up and refresh you after a long workout.

Spring Running Outfit

Looking out the window at the cold snow, I only can think about the warm breeze of Spring that is soon to come.  I put together this outfit to reflect the brightness that comes with the season.

C9 Fashion Tech Tee- I love these inexpensive tees from Target.  I have them in several colors, and they are my go to tee for running in warming weather.

Nike Tempo Track Short- The colors are bright and fun, but it is the 'FAST' that makes these shorts make you feel like sprinting that last 400 meter.

Sugoi RSR Cap- Adjustable hat with mesh panels for ultimate fit and function.

Commit Sq Sunglasses by Oakley- Lightweight, interchangeable lens with smudge-resistant barrier to repel water and finger prints.

Brooks Trance 11- Runner's World Editor's Choice Award

Post Workout Outfit

Nike Cotton Fleece Full Zip Hoodie- Fun colors make for a fun look with this comfy hoodie.

Athleta Chalet Pant- Semi-Fitted pant that makes you look put together after the gym, and not sloppy.

Puma Heritage No. 1 Logo Handbag- Synthetic leather makes this no ordinary gym bag.

Fossil Stella Silicone Watch- The silicone band is a flexible and easy to wear.  I love the white color.

Nike 6.0 Balsa Loafer- These are my favorite go to shoes after running.  Cute and Comfortable!

Resolution Restart

It has been over a month since many of us have created New Year's resolutions, so now is the time to get your motivation back up.  This infographic displays how resolutions drop off almost 40% after the first month (infographic link).

Let's get motivated to keep up our goals!  Here are some quotations and pictures to get you back on your fitness resolution or goal.

Happy running and keep it up!

Alcohol and Running- Friend or Foe?

Lace up shoes, run ten miles, take a shower, open a bottle of wine—it seems like an unlikely order of events, but research has shown that the more an individual exercises, the more he/she consumes alcohol (The Miami Hurricane).  After reading this, my curiosity took the best of me and I jumped into research action.  It is true that I myself take advantage of the ‘burned calories’ to enjoy beer and wine guiltlessly, so does this consumption have a negative or positive effect on my running?

We all know that alcohol dehydrates our bodies and drinking before physical activity causes decreased strength, power, speed, and endurance (American College of Sports Medicine); however, it has been demonstrated that moderate consumption of alcohol has health benefits.  Increase of good cholesterol in bloodstream, lower blood pressure, antioxidants, and disease prevention (Alzheimer’s and Osteoporosis) are the chasers to your glass of wine or beer (The Spread of Alcohol Consumption Behavior in a Large Social Network).  Furthermore, engaging in social situations increases self-esteem and positive life experiences, thus drinks with friends are a ticket to a mental vacation.

Although all this information makes me feel like I should grab a six-pack of Blue Moon, there is also a word of limited consumption for my running friends.  My lady friends should keep their enjoyment to one glass a day to reap the benefits and avoid negative factors.  Water intake should be increased to help the body compensate for any dehydration.  Also, that refreshing glass of wine or beer should not be a replacement for proper refueling.  The carbohydrates in a beer may be intriguing, but these carbs are notoriously ‘bad’.  Make sure to eat and hydrate before reaching for that rewarding drink. 

I am not attempting to push all my running friends to grab a cork screw or bottle opener, but if you relish a beer or glass of wine, there are positive health advantages both physically and psychologically.  

Running Mom Gear

This running gear Friday is dedicated to all my friends who are expecting a new loved one (or have little ones already) in their family.  Staying active as a mom is important for not only yourself, but for your children too! Get your sweat on and look good in this mom friendly ensemble. 

Saucony Velocity Run Cap- This cap comes with a safety light attached to the cap.

Baby Jogger F.I.T.- Watch this clip to an overview of this amazing stroller.

Mizuno Wave Creation 14- Some pregnant or new moms may be 'heel striking' unconsciously due to how they are carrying weight during/after pregnancy.  These shoes are perfect for this type of runner.

C9 by Champion Top/Bottom- A loose top with ruched sleeves and bottom is great for comfort and fitness. The bottoms also have this appealing ruched legs and top for comfort.

Once a Runner

Few books capture the feelings of a runner.  The thrill, speed, challenge, love of running is hard to put down in words.  When people ask "How can you do that?" or "Why would you want to run that far?", I simply reply "Because I Love It".  

Once a Runner by John L. Parker, Jr. has truly embodied the thoughts and pains of a competitive runner.  Whether you are a collegiate, professional, or everyday runner, this book is a must for your reading list.  It gives you the ambition and drive to get off your couch and pound out 60 quarter miles.    

Cold Running Gear

With the wind chills below zero, a runner needs to bundle up in light, warm layers.  Here is some of my favorite cold weather picks for all my winter running girls.

15 Ways to Use Vaseline

Outside air, sweat, and stress on my body from running have caused some of the ugliest results one has ever seen.  Especially now with the cold really setting in, I have a constant dry, itchy, and flaky feeling all over my body (I paint a beautiful picture of me, don't I).

So, I would like to give a shout out to one of my favorite products that protects and heals my skin...Vaseline!

Here is a list of 15 ways to use Vaseline:

Recovery Monday

After long or intense runs, recovery is key.  My new obsession is using a foam roller to stretch and massage sore muscles.  This inexpensive piece of equipment is a must for any athlete.

Here is a workout that I like to use from Women's Health Magazine:

Buy your foam roller today!  Here are a few that I like:

Gaiam Green Restore Foam Roller (Target)

This roller is shorter and easier to store/carry with you.  It also comes with a 15 minute workout DVD.

Fitness Gear 24" Foam Roller (Dick's Sporting Goods)

This roller is at a good price.  Also, I like the texture and density of the roller.

Long Run Guidance

Sundays are my long run days while training for the Fargo Marathon, and I always feel like I need some help along the way.  At times I find myself repeating strong words to encourage my next steps.  Here are some powerful words to support your next long endeavor.

Why Do You Run?

Can you fill in the blank?  It is a simple phrase, but there are thousands, maybe millions, of reasons why we run.  There is a spectrum of justifications: relieve stress, test limits, fitness, disease prevention, time alone, time with friends, weight loss, freedom, strength.

We all put one foot in front of the other, but the picture in our minds varies.  The reason we run changes how we run.  If you are a person who enjoys the company of another runner, your pace encourages being able to talk; however, if you are trying to become faster, you use interval training (and we all know the lack of breath we have during intervals).

I encourage you to fill in the blank.  Even print it off (click here for printable) and put it on your fridge.  Setting goals is the first step to understanding who you are as a runner.  It will push you to become the person and runner you are looking to be.

Beauty Run Gear

Welcome Runners

Run. Eat. Pray. is a blog dedicated to all my fellow runners.  I am on a journey to make myself stronger and better with every step, and I want to share my training, nutrition, and motivation finds along the way.  Also, for those who are crafty or teachers head over to my other blog Living the Teaching Life.