Energy Bars

I saw this article on the Cooking Light website, and I was intrigued. They listed their energy bar top picks. It was fun to see what they chose and why. I myself only eat these on occasion--like when I need a recovery after the gym, but know I won't be home in time. I am totally a whole food advocate, and don't think you really need energy bars very often. There is lots of "real" food that is more healthy for your body, and will help you recover from a workout just as quickly. But, convenience is important too and certainly plays a role in what we eat! So, go check out the article and tell me what you think! Here's the "Bottom Line" :

" Bars are good for occasional use, but their convenience comes with a much higher price tag than just as nutritious whole food."

***REWARD CHALLENGE***

Since moving to Arizona my running routes have changed. I thought I would share with everyone. I would love to see where you get your run on. Post where you run by the end of May and receive a reward from yours truly when we meet at WBR.

I think Martha Stewart is going to be calling any day asking if my bedroom nook can be featured in her magazine. The silk taffeta inverted pleat style drapes hung on the estate silver crystal rod paired with the Smooth Fitness 7.35 model treadmill....it's a designer's dream! Am I wrong?

Here is a picture of the gate I jump over everyday to get out for my run. I usually do some sort of mountain climb up the rocked pillar and then side swing the legs over top landing on the other side.

Sometimes I'll jump over this part of the fence in my front yard.

Forgive me for being worldly but I run by this house everyday and it is AMAZING! I want them to be my new best friends--because I'm sure they are humble and nice not because they have money growing out their ears. (notice the camera shot from the car, I didn't want them to arrest me if we were going to be new BFF's)

Here it is Cactus Mountain, okay it's not really called that. It is actually a state park called Thunderbird State Park and it is a half a mile from my house. Here is a view from my balcony of it. Pretty cool.

I realize all these pictures look pretty much the same, don't worry, they do in real life too. Lots of desert, cactus and rolling hills. The picture below had a lot of trails as well and I use to run there until my neighbor told me it was full of rattlesnakes....now I skip those trails.

So what do you think about where I run? Where do you run? Happy Running M.O.M. ladies!

Jen is Awesome!

I just wanted to let you all know how amazing Jen is! Last Saturday she woke up early and headed to the gym where she ran her speed intervals (faster than ever!) Then, later that afternoon, she competed in a 5K race around Boulder Reservoir. She finished 3rd out of the girls!! After that, she took Dan on a trail run in the Boulder foothills (a really hard trail that Jeremy and I mountain bike!) Is she insane or just plain awesome? I think a little bit of both!

Half Marathon

On Saturday I ran the Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon the exotic location of Lehi, UT. I had an awesome run and finished 7 minutes under my target time. I love the surge of energy that's buzzing on a race course. It totally gets me fired up.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful course beginning on a golf course, snaking through a gorgeous tulip garden, running along side a river and finally winding through a neighborhood to a park where the finish line was located.

Tara asked me to include a pic... I don't have any of me actually running b/c my fan club (husband, son, and parents) arrived after I'd already crossed the finish line, but here's one of me and my friend, Nichole after the race...

Meaning of "Ragnar"

I just read this in the Race Bible, and thought I'd share:

ragnar (n.) In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits and favored by the gods.

Pretty cool eh?

Other awesome team news--Natalie just ran her 3rd 1/2 marathon and her time was awesome! Nat--do a post and tell us how it went. Be sure to include pics!

T-shirt time

OK ladies. We are ready to make those tshirts!! You have 5 choices.
Here they are:

Alo V neck Mesh Back tank $20.65

92% polyester/8% spandex jersey knit tank top with StretchFlexTM.
Feminine fit.
Front v-neck.
Mesh panel at center back.
Performance fabric features dry wicking capabilities.
Added antimicrobial treatment
Alo Interlock tee $16.70
100% polyester knit interlock performance t-shirt.
Coverstitched neck, shoulder, armhole, sleeve and bottom hem.
Performance fabric features dry wicking capabilities.
Added antimicrobial treatment


.

Bella longer length tshirt $12.50

4 oz., 98% preshrunk cotton/2% spandex extra long sheer mini rib t-shirt.

Feminine fit.

Set-on binding collar.

Side seams.

Longer body length.

Double-needle stitched bottom hem.

Bella Spandex Tee $13.23
6.5 oz., 95% cotton/5% spandex jersey knit crewneck t-shirt.
Feminine fit.
Set-in self fabric collar.
Side seams.
Double-needle stitched sleeve and bottom hem.

Alo Racerback Tank $18.65

67% bamboo lyocell/29% cotton/4% spandex jersey knit tank top with StretchFlex^TM.

Feminine fit.

Contrast stitching on bottom hem.

Self fabric binding around neck.

Bamboo has natural inherent properties that wick moisture and is naturally anti-bacterial hypoallergenic and breathable with no added chemical treatments.

Please post your order here on the blog (What size and what style) and get your money to Jen by next Wednesday the 28th. We are ordering on that day, and if you don't have your money in, we cannot order for you. So, don't forget. You can order a tank only, tee only, or both. And of course you don't have to order anything if you don't want to!! If you are not going to order, would you please post that on the blog as well so we don't harass you :) Sizes run xs to 2xl

If you want to look at the product specs to see what size you should order, go HERE and type in the name of the shirt.

Thanks everybody!

Volunteer- anyone, anyone . . .

So, Tara has rounded up 2 volunteers for us. We still need one more by next week. If not, we'll need to pay $120 for Ragnar to supply one for us. Does anyone know of anyone that may be interested?

Bolder Boulder

How many are planning on running? I will be signing up either today or tomorrow. I'm probably the only one without a qualifying race time but thought I'd share this tip if you have kids running this year. The BB Racers club (formerly the middle school challenge) deadline is Fri, and if you register your kids thru the link on the site, you save $13 K-8th grade runners. Does anyone want to have our kids run together? Are there any dads who would be willing to go with kids so us SERIOUS runners can run our hearts out?

http://www.bolderboulder.com/Training/BBRacers_Club.htm

reflective vests

Are you sick of hearing from me yet??? Just an FYI--I got a reflective vest at Dicks today and they were 50% off. The sale was not marked on the kiosk, but that's how it rang up at the register. They are back in the shoe department, and there are 3-4 kinds to choose from. Mine ended up being about $8 (but I also had another 20% coupon). The Race Bible changed a bit and said each van needs at LEAST 3 reflective vests, so I'd jump on this deal. (Unless you are looking for an ultra cool one--these ones are not it) Adrienne and I will each have one in our Van, so we need one more in Van 1. Van 2???

And a funny story about Dicks. One time I was wanting to get on the website to look at shoes. I wasn't thinking, and typed in dicks.com. THANK HEAVENS for internet filters!

Incline and Elevation

As I've been trying to think about how to train for hills and downhill, I have always wondered how the % incline on the treadmill related to elevation change. Rusty gave me the technical answer, but I found an online calculator that does the work for you! Go check it out

Well. . . . it was crazy!

So, it started out on this pavement in the middle of nowhere. After about 2 miles, it turned into broken up asphalt and then pure rocks. There were crazy hills and a lot of other obstacles. My time was really sad (like almost an hour behind where I wanted to be) but I had fun and did my first marathon! It was a really small race and was hard to stay motivated because I was running along side people from the 50 mile and 100 mile race (and they were moving really slow!) Also, my knees started locking up and I was scared about twisting my ankle over all of the rocks (if I had known that the terrain was like this, I would have worn trail running shoes.) Out of the 21 women in the marathon, I came in 6th- so at least I can say that I stayed up with most people even though it was so crazy! Oh and the best part was the end. See the girl in right in front of me in the last picture? Well, I sprinted to the finish line and ended up beating her by 1 second (which put me 2nd in my age range.) The announcers were all going crazy because the girl saw me coming and started sprinting as well. It was the most excitement the spectators had seen in quite awhile :) So, at least I still had my competitive streak even after 26.2 miles of hard work!!

Amber....

uhh....where is the play by play of the marathon? And the PICS????? We all want to hear the nitty gritty details. And feel free to brag about your time.

Coal Creek Trail

A BIG shout out to Susan who completed her longest run EVER on Sat! Susan, Amy, Steph and I had so much fun on the Coal Creek Trail. We will for sure doing it again. AND--L.O.V.E running with friends. It is ever so much better. More group runs coming....

If anyone wants to go in the A.M. on Wed, the Allisons and I are doing a quick 4.5 mile interval run. Leaving my house at 6:10. Any takers?

Day of Reconing

Okay...so it's April 15th, the day that I am officially done with tax season. I can now repent of my lack of training and miles and really buckle down to get ready for this race....Don't worry, I promise not to be the weak link in June. I seriously need a strength training routine to get me back into shape though...Tara?? we need to talk. I also need to take a trip over to SolePepper to get some new shoes and clothes. Anyone up for a trip next Saturday (the 24th)?

So, it's no more excuses for me...if you see me and I haven't been running, let me have it (not that Susan would have a problem for this, the big snitch). As Adrienne would say, it's time for the megaphone.

I'll see some of you on Saturday morning! 2 months and counting!!

Running dress?

Has anyone ever tried a Running Dress?? My friend Michelle who is a serious triathlete swears by them. And speaking of Divas--they are super cute. Thoughts?

Saturday Morning at 8:30

Ok--the first team run is on the schedule. This Saturday, April 17th at 8:30am. We will meet in the parking lot on South Public at the trail head. I think we will plan to go for about 90 min. We are doing an out and back, so it doesn't really matter what your pace is--if you are slower or faster we will all catch up on the trail sometime. Who's in??

PEACE

Today on my run I decided that giving the peace sign to other people you see whether they be running or walking or biking or whatever is another reason I like running. 99% of the time they peace me back with a big grin on their face. I don't care if they think I am a dork or a total loser or what. They were smiling and that is better then frowning.

So Peace out chickas.

A Bunch of Divas!

I can see what kind of team we have here. Over 18 comments on what we are wearing and how many about the spa? It's sort of hilarious. Sort of if I wasn't captain. Any volunteers yet? Anyone? Anyone? Steph--thanks for picking up one set of reflective gear. I will as well but we will need more. Is anyone else able to? Anyone? Anyone? You can get a reflective vest anywhere from $5 to $70, they aren't that expensive. Some cute ones I found at www.night-gear.com and www.teamestrogen.com. Of course these are trendy high end ones. I hope everyone knows that all the stuff we are talking about (spa, team shirts, visors, etc.) is an OPTION and nobody is required to buy shirts, etc., I don't want to financially burden anyone.

Happy Running,

Adrienne

Hi Ladies, This is what Dan is suggesting. Screen Printing Silver is hard to do and doesn't always turn out that great depending on what look you are going for. Let me know your thoughts. He said a lot of times when you want silver you end up getting Grey.

Stairs today?

Also, does anyone want to meet and run some stairs today? This afternoon anytime after 12 works for me???

Jen

Shirts

Also, here is the design for the shirt/hat/socks? I am not sure what we decided, we can change the color to whatever you like and if you really hate it, we can make some changes. Dan apologizes but he is busy at work so therefore doesn't have too much time to spend on it. So if you think you can come up with something better I nor dan will feel the least bit offended! I promise!! But seeing as how it is almost the middle of April and May is going to be NUTS for me, and I am sure for everyone else it is going to get busier and busier. I would like to figure out what we are going to put our Logo on...

do we all want to buy the same running shirt/socks/shorts?

did we all want to just buy our own running shirt and I can find some place to screen print it?

I dunno...... but I am thinking we should get this figured out sooner then later. Just over 2 months!!

Volunteers!

Do we have any? Let me know--they will need to sign up for their shifts in a few weeks. If we don't have any we will need to pay the fee soon.

Happy Running,

Adrienne

Fun Running Blog

I found a running blog that is funny! She even has a post on poo and Big girl panties....she was made for us. Check it out if you like! http://lazybonesrunning.blogspot.com Just thought I'd share.

Adrienne

Night Safety

As Tara mentioned Night Pacers are no longer allowed and Ragnar is being very strict about night safety. If you didn't hear there was a runner killed in the Phoenix relay a few months ago. So tragic. We are REQUIRED to wear reflective vests, headlamps, tail lights or carry flashlights, from one hour before sundown and one hour after sunrise. ANYONE who is on the course and not in the vehicle. If any team member is caught without these items on the entire team will be immediately disqualified. Ragnar recommends everyone having their own vests. Get your gear if you can, let me know if you can't and I'll try to make sure both cars have at least the minimum required (2 per car).

Thanks,

Adrienne

No Night Pacers

I just read this on the website and thought I'd pass it on:

Night - Pacers
We no longer allow pacers at night during the Wasatch Back. In addition, any team member outside of the vehicle must wear all night gear -- reflective vest, flashlight/headlamp and LED light.

GROUP RUN

Who's up for a group run?

Comment with days/times that work. I'm thinking we could even hire a babysitter to watch the kiddos if we need too....

How many miles do you run a week?

So, I've just been going along, doing my thing, and not paying too much attention to the Ragnar "schedule" Well, I went to have a look today, and the intermediate plan has you running about 35 miles/week. Uhhh...I'm not running that much at all. Maybe 20 if I'm lucky.(but I'm also cross training) So, my question to ya'll is.....what's your mileage like these days? How many miles/week are you running??

I almost TOTALLY gave up!

So yesterday I had it in the back of my mind I wanted to go 16 miles. So I put on my semi spring clothes, filled up my water belt, brought some shot blocks and thought, ok I have time so lets make the best of it. After only 2 MILES INTO MY RUN, I thought I was going to die... I was up by the Thomas reservoir so I decided to lose one of my shirts, I tied it to a bench. Started running again, nope still felt horrid... so then I stopped started eating my shot bloks had a couple drinks of water and thought to myself, this is not my day, I should just quit, or only go like 6 miles and go for 16 tomorrow, technically I have an extra week before I needed to do the 16 so really I could put it off another week.... all these things were running through my head. So then I decide to take one last drink of my water and ditch the belt entirely into a bush that I can come back and retrieve later. I adjust my shuffle so that it feels comfortable, start my playlist over and head out thinking who knows what will happen but I am just gonna run for a while. I feel 100% better, literally and I finish my 16! I have decided that I HATE my water belt.

From now on I will just plant water on my long runs. but p.s. as I made my way over to sheridan on the east side of vista ridge there is a bathroom and water jug on the golf course that is right next to the trail.... I am pretty sure the lock on the girls bathroom is broken so FYI, that is a good place to refuel and use the restroom. Just watch out for flying golf balls =)

Anyways, this story doesn't sound nearly as good when I am typing as it did in my head while I was running. I was thinking, this will be a good post about how I totally almost gave up and then didn't and blah blah blah!! oh well, what are ya gonna do. Things probably always seem a little more dramatic when your heart is pumping strong and steady for 16 miles!

Mind over Mileage Chicks!

Speaking of Big Girl Panties....Way to work it Jarrie! Wowee Momma!

Is this what my face looks like when I'm laughing so hard I almost pee? I might need to work on that because WTF (what the freak)..... Be grateful I posted it for your amusement, I must be in a "oh well" mood!

Look how cute all my teammates are! Seriously hot mammas!

I'm so sad that Natalie, Sarah and Carrie couldn't be with us! I need to get some BGP's in the mail to you all ASAP. In the meantime just do what you know who (not me) does and go Commando! AHAHAHAHA!!

Happy Running Girls

Loves from AZ,

Adrienne

I put my Big Girl Panties on.

(Nat and Sarah--At our team meeting Adrienne gave us each a pair of "Big Girl Panties" to remind us that when we don't want to go out and run, we just need to suck it up and do it anyway)
WARNING: This story contains TMI.

The other day I was getting ready to go workout, and I was putting on my Big Girl Panties. Rusty happened to walk in right at that moment. His eyes got big and he said, "WHERE did you get those???" I told him the story and then he said, "I knew I always liked Adrienne." He had "the look" in his eye and I saw a situation in which I could benefit. I said, "If you let me join Lifetime...." I am now the newest member of Lifetime Fitness. THANK YOU Big Girl Panties!!!! :)

Shout Out for Amber!

Our fabulous and fast teammate Amber, is running the Las Vegas Marathon this coming weekend - GOOD LUCK!!  You'll be able to hear my "WOOHOO's"  all the way from Colorado.  Well, maybe around mile 25 or so when you're completely delusional you will.

You rock!

Inspiration

Hi team. I have never posted before. I am Natalie, Tara's sister. I live out in Utah and am so excited to be doing the WBR again (I did it about 6 years ago). I am looking forward to meeting all of you when we race.

I just want to share a book that has inspired and helped me with my running lately. It's called BORN TO RUN by Christopher McDougal. My friend lent it to me a couple of weeks ago and it is changing the way I feel about running. I'm one who loves to run because of the feeling I get AFTER it's over. I have a few good runs here and there, but mostly, I put on my music and try not to think about how much further I have to go. Reading this book has inspired me to reevaluate how I run and how I feel about running. I have had 2 straight weeks without a bad run. I am learning to let running be what it is... let my mileage be what it is... and to let my mind and heart be where they are during my runs. I am really enjoying my time out there on the trails. So pick it up if you want to...

Facebook Ragnar stuff

Hi guys! I don't know if you all follow the Ragnar Series on Facebook but I was reading through some of their stories about the "dark time" as they call it and they are very interesting. Check them out if you haven't already.

http://www.facebook.com/TheRagnarRelaySeries?ref=ts