Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Weekly Roundup 2.20-2.26


This week of running felt a little bit better than last week as I’m still easing back into it.  Monday was a little on the cool side but it felt good to get back outside—I’m so sick of the treadmill!  I decided to try Eric’s workout from last week again and I made it through 2 sets!  #progress

Wednesday was beautiful and I went the extra mile.  Literally.  I only had 4 miles on the schedule but I went for 5.  I ran my long run on Friday because it was almost 60 degrees and I couldn’t wait to get outside!  My goal was to stay aerobic.  The swirling wind made it difficult but I made a solid effort.

Saturday was also beautiful.  I ran in shorts for the second day in a row in February.  What a weekend!

Upcoming events:

·      7 weeks until the Newport Rhode Race!
·      13 weeks until the Buffalo Half Marathon!

Monday 2.20.17
4 miles (31:05)
Workout from Eric: 2x[15 kettlebell deadlifts, 15 kettlebell side lunges, 15 kettlebell dipping birds, 15 TRX rows, 15 TRX chest presses, 90” TRX plank]
14,548 steps

Tuesday 2.21.17
Taught spin class. The playlist: Harder to Breathe Spin Playlist
10,155 steps

Wednesday 2.22.17
5 miles (37:29)
16,784 steps

Thursday 2.23.17
Taught spin class. The playlist: Lose Control Spin Playlist
Power Water
11,731 steps

Friday 2.24.17
6 miles (47:16)
Mini home workout: 50 squats, 50 box jumps, 30 single leg heel raises, 15’ core
18,854 steps

Saturday 2.25.17
3 miles (24:09)
12,105 steps

Sunday 2.26.17
Taught spin class. The playlist: Lose Control Spin Playlist
Burdenko H2O
11,970 steps

This week’s mileage: 18 miles
This week’s G mileage: 0 miles
February Totals: 38 miles
2017 Totals: 167 miles

Friday, February 24, 2017

Hungry Girl’s Better Basic Corn Muffins

Easy recipes are my favorite and this Hungry Girl corn muffin recipe requires only two ingredients!

Ingredients
One 8.5 oz. package Jiffy corn muffin mix
1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a 6-cup muffin pan with baking cups and/or spray with a nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, combine muffin mix, yogurt and 3 tablespoons water. Stir until uniform. Evenly distribute batter among the line or sprayed cups.

Bake 13-15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Weekly Roundup 2.13-2.19

 
I’m back at it!  After 2 weeks off, it feels good easing back into training.  My next goal race will be the Buffalo Half Marathon in May but I am also running a half in Newport on April 15th.  I will treat Newport as a training run with my focus on ringing that PR bell in Buffalo.

I started the week off with 3 miles on the treadmill.  I dug up an old workout from Eric and intended to do it two times through but OH EM GEE I was already sore and starting to feel cramping coming on after only 15 reps of each exercise so I called it a day.  Don’t want to overdo it.  Hey, gotta start somewhere.

I was going to do a complete repeat of Monday’s run and workout on Wednesday but I was still SO SORE.  I got in the 3 mile run, thinking maybe I would TRX a little Thursday morning but NOPE—still sore.  It was horrible.  I finally felt back to normal on Friday but it was a wake up call that I need to be doing more strength training.

Friday I brought Georgie out for another 3 miles.  That was never the plan but she was running so well and wasn’t stopping.  That was not the story on Saturday.  I thought maybe I could get 2 miles out of Georgie then run 5 alone but she was not having it.  She was excited to get out the door but end of the driveway she refused to go either direction.  I got her to just walk for a while then a eventually slow trot but it was literally one of the worst run/walks we’ve ever had.  Every few houses she would stop in the middle of the road and refuse to go any further.  We’d turn around and she’s walk a few houses then sit in the middle of the road again.  She didn’t know where she wanted to go and for an “elapsed time” of 27 minutes, we were only “moving” for 9 on them.  Who knows what was up with her!

After what seemed like forever to get back home, I headed back out for an easy 6 miles.  It was my first real outdoor run since Miami and I’m not going to lie, it was a struggle.  My legs were heavy but I got it done.

Other highlights:

·      I’ve been selected as a 2017 ambassador for Balega.  What’s Balega?  Pretty much the best sock brand ever.  Their products are manufactured in both North Carolina and South Africa and the ambassadors are called Impis—which is a Zulu word meaning “warrior.”  I received the Impi welcome package last week.  It was filled with 8 pairs of Balega socks along with some other fun accessories like the Lesedi bead bracelet, which is made by the children of the Ethembeni School in South Aftica.  Ethembeni means “place of hope” and is a home for 300 severely disabled and disadvantages children.  The Lesedi Project directly supports the children at the Ethembeni School.  Pretty cool.


Upcoming events:

·      8 weeks until the Newport Rhode Race!
·      14 weeks until the Buffalo Half Marathon!

Monday 2.13.17
3 treadmill miles (23:27)
Workout from Eric: 15 kettlebell deadlifts, 15 kettlebell side lunges, 15 kettlebell dipping birds, 15 TRX rows, 15 TRX chest presses, 90” TRX plank
12,484 steps

Happy Valentine's Day from Georgie
Tuesday 2.14.17
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Taught spin class. The playlist: We Found Love Spin Playlist
9,137 steps

Wednesday 2.15.17
3 treadmill miles (23:49)
12,539 steps

Thursday 2.16.17
Taught spin class. The playlist: The Heart of Rock & Roll Spin Playlist
10,839 steps

Friday 2.17.17
2.92 miles with G (26:01)
Mini home workout: 25 TRX squats, 10 TRX single leg squats, 15 TRX chest presses, 15 TRX roll outs, 15 TRX rows, 3x60" planks, 15 tricep dips, 50 crunches
12,865 steps

Saturday 2.18.17
0.95 miles with G (9:53)
6 miles (48:34)
19,463 steps

Sunday 2.19.17
Taught spin class. The playlist: Heartbreaker Spin Playlist
Burdenko H2O
12,471 steps

This week’s mileage: 16 miles
This week’s G mileage: 4 miles
February Totals: 20 miles
2017 Totals: 149 miles

Monday, February 13, 2017

Weekly Roundup 1.30-2.5 & 2.6-2.12

 
Has it really been two weeks since the Miami Marathon?  I’ve been resting and recovering—spending a lot of time on my couch.  My post-marathon appetite has finally settled down and I was sick with a nasty cold for a few days last week.  Even though I was on a two-week break from running, I couldn’t help but go for two snowy fun runs with Georgie.  She was so happy to get back out there with me…

 
Upcoming events:

·      9 weeks until the Newport Rhode Race!
·      15 weeks until the Buffalo Half Marathon!

Monday 1.30.17
Travel day!
5,716 steps

Tuesday 1.31.17
Day off!
6,256 steps

Wednesday 2.1.17
9,549 steps

Thursday 2.2.17
Taught spin class
9,991 steps

Friday 2.3.17
6,036 steps

Saturday 2.4.17
45’ walk with mama & G
9,484 steps

Sunday 2.5.17
9,821 steps

Monday 2.6.17
6,027 steps

Tuesday 2.7.17
Taught spin class
8,819 steps

Wednesday 2.8.17
1 mile with G (9:17)
8,967 steps

Thursday 2.9.17
Snow day!
60’ shovel sesh
6,933 steps

Friday 2.10.17
8,927 steps

Saturday 2.11.17
2.83 miles with G (28:34)
10,919 steps

Sunday 2.12.17
Taught spin class
Burdenko H2O
13,759 steps

Last week’s mileage: 0 miles
This week’s mileage: 4 miles
Last week’s G mileage: 0 miles
This week’s G mileage: 4 miles
January Totals: 129 miles
February Totals: 4 miles
2017 Totals: 133 miles

Saturday, February 11, 2017

BibRave Pro Product Review: Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner

Disclaimer: I was recently sent a Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

“Build from the Dog Up”

Running with my dog is one of the greatest joys in my life.  Georgie has taught me so much about patience, taking our time and enjoying the little things about being outdoors and exploring nature.

We have good runs and bad runs.  We run in the dark.  We run trails.  We run in the snow and our favorite—we run at the beach.  I recently blogged about tips, considerations and lessons I learned when I started running with my dog.  While constant and consistent training is important to keep Georgie focused and obedient, I’ve also discovered that the right gear is also key to a good run together so when BibRave posted the opportunity to review the Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner, I was pumped.  Finally!  A test product meant for my favorite four-legged training partner!  Georgie seems to make her way into all my reviews anyways but this one was ALL ABOUT GEORGIE.

Before I get any further, I should probably introduce the real star of this review to any new readers. Meet Georgie.  As her Instagram (@GeorgieGSD) bio reads, “I’m G, a German Shepherd living on Cape Cod. Born June 29, 2014. I like rocks & running with mom!”


Have you ever heard of the brand Stunt Puppy?

Stunt Puppy is a Minnesota based company started by a man named Ken Goldman in his own basement.  After unsuccessfully searching for the perfect leash and collar for his golden Bauer, he pulled out a sewing machine and created the Stunt Runner.

“What began as a basement project quickly turned into a national brand. Taking cues from high-quality climbing, skiing and camping gear, Ken used similar materials and construction techniques to ensure his products had the comfort and durability to keep up with even the most active dogs and their owners.”


“This gear is for you and your dog. Whatever you do. Every day.”

When I first came across the brand Stunt Puppy a few years ago, I was super impressed with the quality of leashes and overall design.  The Stunt Runner is a hands-free leash and let me tell you a hands-free leash has been a game changer!

Running hands free allows me to maintain proper running form while also having two free hands to take selfies, wave to my neighbors and hold 💩 bags.  The Stunt Runner also features a traffic loop so I can hold Georgie close if I have to—like when we cross a busy street, pass another dog or spot a biker ahead.

The waist belt is one size but highly adjustable—and if it doesn’t fit your waist, you can pay an additional $15 and Stunt Puppy will make you a custom model.  Pretty cool.  I was initially worried that Georgie would take off at the sight of a squirrel and I would be pulled to the ground and dragged like in a cartoon but actually I feel like I am more balanced and in control of her strength when the leash is around my waist.

I also love that the leash itself is stretchable from 35” to 51” to absorb shock and minimize pulling and tugging.  With a little bit of training, Georgie stays right by my side—or a few steps behind me because she usually has a hard time keeping up! 😂


Some of the Stunt Runner features:

·      Tubular Nylon Webbing – Soft, smooth and strong. The same material used in top-quality climbing and rescue gear. Doesn’t punch the skin or mat the hair.
·      Contrast Stitching – We use light-colored thread on our products for its high visibility, making it easy for you to check for wear and tear and ensure the integrity of your gear.
·      One-Hand Swivel Snap Hooks – Active dog owners tend to have their hands full. These snap hooks are strong, durable – and so easy to use, you can clip the hook right onto your dog’s collar with a single hand.
·      Bar Tack Stitching – We don’t glue our materials or sew like Grandma; we stick ‘em right and tight. This super strong stitch is the same one used on climbing harnesses and firefighters’ gear.
·      Duraflex Buckles – Buckles are one of the key safety features in any leash or collar. So when it comes to buckles, we don’t mess around. We use the best on the market. Our Rock Lockster leash buckles hold strong up to 200 pounds of pull.



Other bonuses:

·      All Stunt Puppy products are made in the USA.
·      I love that Stunt Puppy tests its gear with search-and-rescue dogs, law enforcement dogs, Iditarod dogs and dock-diving dogs.  If the gear is reliable for the most active dogs in the world, it’s perfect for my baby G!
·      My dog ate it. As a HUGE bonus, Stunt Puppy will repair your damaged product if your webbing is still in decent shape for free. Yep, you heard that right—for free! They just ask that you send “two bones” to cover shipping costs.

Cons:

·      The Stunt Runner is retailed at $38.00.  While the price seems fair for the quality of product you receive, some may find that expensive for a leash.
·      I love all the colors and patterns on the Every Day leashes but where’s the pink version of the Stunt Runner?

Join us on Twitter for the Stunt Puppy sponsored #BibChat on February 14th 💕 at 9pm EST!

And use code BIBRAVE217 for 20% off now through 3/15!


Happy running!

P.S. Georgie gives Stunt Puppy “2 paws up!”


Saturday, February 4, 2017

BibRave Pro Product Review: LEGEND Compression Leg Sleeves

Disclaimer: I was recently sent a pair of LEGEND Compression Leg Sleeves to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

“Your legs deserve LEGENDARY support!”

YAY compression!

If you’ve been following along, you may remember I tested and reviewed LEGEND Compression Performance Socks a few months back.  Before that I had never heard of LEGEND, a relatively new company with 30+ years of medical background.  They launched in August 2015 with the mission “to help individuals extend the life of their legs through graduated compression technology.”  I loved the socks—they were soft, comfortable and easy to get on and off—so I was looking forward to trying out their leg sleeves as well.

When I received the product in the mail, I was a few weeks out from the Miami Marathon and had been spending a lot of time on the treadmills at work.  I have always been a forefoot striker and I feel like it’s even more exaggerated on the treadmill so I always wear some type of compression to support my cranky calve muscles.  


My first impression of the LEGEND Compression Leg Sleeves was that they aren’t as tight as I’m used to for compression gear.  Want to know why?

#RIGHTNOTTIGHT

LEGEND’s motto is “Compression done right not tight!”  Their leg sleeves only use 15-20 mmHG level of compression.  In their words…

“Based on our experience in medical compression and understanding of what athletes need, we believe that this moderate or therapeutic level of compression is more effective during exercise.  We use the hashtag #rightnotright to combat the common misunderstanding that you need to feel the squeeze in order for compression to be working.  Our product is easier to get on and easier to get off, but provides just the right amount of support to help you perform and train at your best.”


The Rundown: They provide calf support, shin splint relied and reduce leg fatigue & soreness.  LEGEND used medical grade gradated compression in our popular leg sleeves to provide a firm fit in the calves and shins to increase performance and endurance while stabilizing the muscles to prevent injury.

Some of the leg sleeve features:
·      Greater Power Output
·      Enhanced Endurance
·      Increase Oxygen Levels & Blood Circulation
·      Reduced Muscle Fatigue, Exertion & Soreness
·      Faster Recovery Time
·      Promotes Healing
·      Reduce Vibration
·      Maximum Blood Flow for Muscle Performance
·      Reduction of Lactic Acid

When do I wear compression leg sleeves?

From races and workouts to recovery runs and rest days, I love keeping my legs happy in compression—especially long runs on the treadmill.  I also wore my new LEGEND Compression Leg Sleeves while lounging around after the marathon, beach walking, walking in the snow, spinning and jumping around on the pool deck during Power Water.  Leg sleeves are great because you can still wear your favorite socks (hello Balega!) or slip them on with flip flops (in Miami!) as your start recovering.



 
Other bonuses:

·      I thought the Performance Socks felt a little big (they don’t come in an XS) so I was happy to see the XS size available in the leg sleeves.  Actual sizing for the leg sleeves felt perfect for my 5’4 110lb size—they didn’t bunch up or fall down.  Although I heard some of the taller BibRave Pros (Jeremy is 6’ tall) thought that the leg sleeves were too short!
·      The leg sleeves come in 7 fun, bright colors!  I’m so happy with the aqua color I received!
·      I love that they provide UV Protection and are moisture wicking.
·      LEGEND products are proudly made in the USA.

Cons:

·      Leg sleeves are priced at $44.95 but you can use code rave20 for 20% off!

Join us on Twitter for the LEGEND sponsored #BibChat on February 7th at 9pm EST!

And don’t forget to use code rave20 for 20% off your order!


Happy running & happy recovery!