Milestones

Yesterday, I gave away my son.  I gave him away to Kindergarten.  I gave him away to be free to make friends, make memories, make smiles, makes laughs and make mom proud!

As we lay in bed "Kindergarten-eve" Will asked all sorts of questions.  "Mom, but what if I don't know anyone?"  "Are you going to be there"  "But how do I ride the bus?"  He was a school veteran in my eyes; he had full time preschool last year.  I didn't think there would be much change.

It was an ordinary morning with just a few extra hiccups.  This was the first time I needed to make sure that he had a great balanced breakfast.  In the past, he ate his breakfast at his preschool.  I prepared smoked breakfast sausage, our favorite, the night before and his dad got him started on his breakfast before I came downstairs for the morning. It had rained the night before so the slugs were out on the driveway distracting my 3 year old.  Now that I look back it was good for me too because I was just as distracted looking at them as well.

My husband does photography on the side so he takes charge of all of the milestone moments in our boys' lives.  Normally, William doesn't listen too well with pictures, but he was so excited he posed for as many as Brad asked.  My baby looked so grown up!  It's not often that we spike his hair and put on collared shirts.  THIS was a special occasion.

I was doing well and excited to see him off on his first day.  There are many kids at the bus stop including a few kids his same age.  He truly couldn't wipe the smile off his face.  As the bus approached he eagerly waited to step up the steps to his seat.  These were the first steps to his future.  It's crazy that those 4 bus steps could mean so much.  I gave away a bit of my son yesterday.  A part of me had to let go, and as he waved goodbye...I sobbed!  Uncontrollably.  I'm tearing as I write this.  I never expected to have such emotion.  Where did my baby go?

I know that he is only 5 1/2 and he needs me for nearly everything, but his independence gleamed brightly yesterday.  He did fantastic at his first day and as we cuddled in bed last night, he filled me in on most of what his day was like.  He jabbered on about anything and everything and even stopped to kiss me on my cheek and tell me I was his best friend.    I cherish those memories and can't wait to hear more.  Bring on Kindergarten!

Race Recap: Women Rock Starlet Challenge

Last weekend I ran the Women Rock - Rock Starlet Challenge in St. Paul, Minnesota.  For late August, it could have been a scorcher, but we had a perfect 55 degree start and cloud cover!  My absolute ideal running conditions!

The Women Rock race series is put on by Team Ortho and it includes a 5K, 10K and half marathon.  This year, they offered a series race and included a Friday night 2.5K around the state Capitol.   Three Races. 4 Medals.  A "bling-whores" DREAM!!!  wink,wink.  I chose to run the Rock Starlet Challenge of 2.5K, 10K and 5K (in that order.)

Who doesn't like bling that looks like diamonds!!!

This race is a woman only race and had around 6500 participants.  I went to the race with my best friend Briana and we met a few other friends while there as well.  The expo was small but fun to attend as we acted like total goofballs dressing up against the Women Rock Curtain!

Briana and I acting like goofballs!

Jessica, Amanda, me, Briana and cutie-pie Anna!

The 2.5 K race was short and sweet - we finished together in 12:56.  Post race food, water and of course great bling! It was fun running around the capitol. I've never really explored the capital grounds and there are great grassy areas and sculptures around for interest. Neat location!

The next day was the main race day.  We got there early enough to score fantastic close-to-the-start parking for only $5.  Can't beat that!  It was nice because we could hang out in our car and stay warm. Believe it or not, the wind was chilly! :)  The 10K race started first and it was an out and back course - straight, out and back.  That does have it's advantages, but in my opinion, pretty boring.  I was focusing on a PR for this distance, so I tried to focus all of my energy on pace and trying to catch the woman in front of me.  I did notice that the race mile marker flags were all over the map and not accurate, so thank goodness for my Garmin 220.  I feel bad for anyone not wearing GPS - especially if you're not a seasoned runner.  It might have been discouraging to see mile 4 when we really were only at about 2.5.  It wasn't a "race-killer" for me, but it certainly was a mistake that could have been avoided.

My previous PR was 53:04 so I knew I had to race fast! My comfort pace is around 8:45/mile.  I was just coming off an injury, but my leg felt great so I went for it and PR'D!! Yeah!!!  52:35 was my official 10K time.  I discovered a photo from my 10K finish on the Woman Rock Facebook page, so here it is.  Why is it that race photos are so unflattering.  Clearly, I had the finish line in mind with that photo.  But, I still maintain that I love crossing finish lines!  There is really nothing like it!!  The exhilaration and excitement I felt with the PR was awesome!  I texted my husband a post race selfie to tell him about it too! 

Eyeing that 10K finish line!

Post Race Selfie

Bri and I at the finish of the 10K

 The above picture makes me laugh so hard!  HA!  ME.... LAUGH.... LONG....TIME!  :)  Bri has arms on her that would kill me in a fight!  I have NO muscles. We got a great laugh on that one!

We had about a 45 minute break in between the 10K and 5K.  Just enough time to stiffen up!  :)  But after my PR, I didn't much care about running the 5K my fastest!  Suprisingly, I was able to pull off 9:01/mile for my 5K putting my time at finish to 27:25.  Pretty good time for a break in between.  I was dissapointed with my first mile though at 10:30.  The crowd was HUGE - and like a dummy I didn't start up front, so I was weaving in and out the first mile.  Lesson learned - I HATE WEAVING.  So, I'll be starting near the front with all of my future races. 

All in all the race was a huge success and such a great time with friends! I absolutely love my running friends.  It's so great to catch up with everyone at the start and finish lines! I will hopefully be doing this race again next year! 

3 Races, 4 Medals!  My DREAM!

Below are a few more pictures! I know... ENOUGH WITH THE PICTURES!  I can't help it.  It was so fun.  Post race bubbly at the end in our own collector glass, music and friends!  What more could you ask for?

BuluBox Bonus??!? Or BuluBox Bust??!?

A few weeks ago I was selected to review Bulu Box. If you're not familiar with what Bulu Box is you've come to the right place. My honest review follows. 

Bulu Box is a monthly subscription box that includes 4-5 samples of fitness and nutrition samples. There are two options; the Bulu Box Original includes items related to health and fitness. There is also the Bulu Box Weightloss box that includes all samples for Weightloss. I received my bright orange box last week and have devoted some time this week to testing out its contents. As you can see, I was excited to receive it and couldn't wait to look inside.

DISCLAIMER:  I received the BuluBox FREE in exchange for my review.  This post is strictly my opinion. :)

In my box were five samples. Clockwise from top left: Earths Care Anti-itch Cream, Simply Bean dietary supplement, Moveit Energy Gummies, Runa Ginger-citrus Guayusa Tea and Fusion Jerky in Lemon Pepper flavor. 

The concept of the box is great.  I find it convenient to have a one stop shop where you can sample different products  to see which ones you really like.  Oftentimes, I want to try something but don't want to buy a full size product and then be disappointed if I don't like it. With Bulu Box every month you get to try the hottest new health and fitness products. How great is that?  

Another cool perk with Bulu Box is the review program that each customer can participate in.  Once you receive your samples, simply go to Bulu Box and review the item. Each review earns you 10 points. 10 points = $1. The more you review products, the more money you earn toward any products you'd like to purchase in the full size format.  There are also other easy ways to earn credit toward full size product. Check out www.bulubox.com for more ways to earn them.   I love getting a deal so the review program is right up my alley!!

In addition to the review program offered to offset the cost of full size product, I was pleasantly surprised at the subscription options and price. For ONLY $10 a month you can try out Bulu Box. That's less than one lunch out on most days and there's something about the surprise of what may be inside that intrigued me.  You can decide to subscribe month-to-month or in 3,6 or 12 month increments. I would personally sign up with month-to-month only because you can cancel anytime and there is no obligation.  However, if you use code SWEATPINK you get 50% off a 3- month subscription.  That's only $15 for three boxes!  You can't go wrong.  You'll get a great sampling and can decide if you want to keep receiving the orange boxes in the mail!  Who doesn't like goodies at their doorstep?

My favorite sample of the Bulu Box  I received was the Fusion Jerky. It appears to be a full size bag and everyone I shared it with raved about the taste! Way to go Fusion Jerky and Bulu Box.

Unfortunately, I would not buy any of the other products in this box.  One item out of five isn't too bad though...and at $10 a box you don't feel like you're breaking the bank.

For me personally, the sampling size of the products I received was not adequate to really dive into an opinion on if I really liked a product or not.  I do think that the samples need to be larger for optimal review.  For example, it's hard to know if an energy chew really worked with only one package.   But, the beauty of Bulu Box is that you always have next months box to discover something new that you love!! 

Overall, I would say Bulu Box is a BONUS! It's low cost makes it affordable for everyone and there are great perks that earn you cash with the review program. 

 

DON'T FORGET!! 

You receive 50% your first 3-month subscription. So why not start?!? Give it a shot! That's 3 months for $15!! Just use code SWEATPINK at checkout for your discount.  I say give it a try!! 

Race Recap: Gopher to Badger 5K

Last Saturday, I ran the Gopher to Badger 5K. 

I started the day with a bit of disappointment because I was supposed to do the half marathon.  I have had a leg injury for about a month.  It hasn't kept me from running entirely, but with more frequent exercise it seems to be getting worse. I didn't want to chance it, so I transferred my race down.  That way, I could still run the race, but not aggravate the injury even more.  I'm not quiet sure what is going on exactly.  At first I thought it to be a calf strain, but now I'm feeling weakness with pressure, so I'm guessing a stress reaction.  Of course I'm avoiding the doctor. I know they would tell me that rest is best!

This was a solo race for me as well, which was a bit different.  I must be a runner if I can do races without any friends. I love the feeling of crossing that finish line.  I am a social person, so I can strike up a conversation fairly easily, so I wasn't worried about going it alone.

The race got it's name from long-standing rivalry between the Gophers and the Badgers.  The first five men and the first five women across the finish line won the border battle!  This year, the Gophers took the trophy!  GO GOPHERS!  I completed my undergraduate at the University of Minnesota so my heart was with the gophers, even though I didn't dress the part for race day.

The 5K was a relatively low-key, non-crowded race.  About 450 people completed the 5K.  It started in Minnesota and ran across the river border into Hudson, Wisconsin; hence the name Gopher to Badger. :)  I was impressed by how easily I parked.  I arrived only about 10 minutes before the 5K buses departed for the starting line and I still was able to find street parking easily.

We boarded the buses and I sat down next to a guy named Tom.  We chit-chatted a bit and headed to the starting line.  We discussed briefly our average paces. I knew that he was going to be a bit faster than me, but I quickly had my goal of never letting him out of my sight.  My last 5K that I PR'd I had a finish time of 24:05.  I averaged 7:51/mile. I knew that this race was going to be a bit harder with my leg and the humidity, but I wanted to give it my best shot.

The starting line was in a quiet and wooded housing development with narrow streets. Surprisingly, the streets were not so narrow as to where we were hitting elbows.  We started at mile 10 of the half marathon, so there wasn't an official starting line exactly, but the race was timed so we did have the racing mats for recording our starting time.

Overall, this race seemed fast and very flat. We only had an elevation gain of about 35 feet which I loved.  At one point we did cross the interstate bridge over the river.  Not the most beautiful location, but racing by cars I felt gives you a bit of motivation to run just that much faster. 

At about mile two, I could see Tom start to slow just a bit up ahead and I thought, " I got him!"  I wanted to pass him so badly.. or at least try to finish with him.  That's my competitive nature coming out for sure!  I just couldn't quite catch him.  We both rounded the corner toward the finish line and he finished about 10 seconds ahead of my time.  I was very happy with my race finish!

25:24 - 8:04/mile. I'll take it!  74 degrees with humidity made this a perfect 5K.  I had a sneaky suspicion that I may win my age group only because I didn't see many women at the finish line.  But, the awards ceremony was 90 minutes from my finish and I didn't want to stick around. I found out later that weekend, that I DID INDEED win my division. I was bummed that I didn't stay. Lesson learned. 

STATS:   

25:24 Finish Time
8:04/mile
1st in my age group 35-39
9th women across finish
58th finisher overall

I was very happy with the medal for this race!  Who doesn't want a race medal, especially when it looks like this!!!!

 I think that races should always have race medals. I have been to many where the 5K finishers don't get a medal.  They worked hard to get there as well and for many the race may be their first race and it's always a huge accomplishment!

I will be doing this race again for sure!  Well organized, affordable, and great SWAG.  I was looking back at the women top finishers and I was only 90 seconds away from placing in the top 5 women. I would have been able to earn the GOPHER title. That's my goal for next year!






 

I'd still cut off my arm for a DIET DEW!

 

Clean Eating!  I used to be scared of this phrase.  I mean... really what exactly IS clean eating?

 

Almost 4 weeks ago, I set out on the clean eating journey.  Throughout my entire life, (I'm 35) I've had the nickname "garbage-gut." I know... it's an attractive name right?  But really, I've been able to eat pretty much whatever I want, whenever I want.  For the most part, I'm an active person.  Since I've started running 4 years ago, I feel that I'm in some of the best shape of my life. But yet, I feel that I can always do more. 

 

I enjoy food.  A LOT!  Pizza is certainly one of my favorites.  I haven't had pizza since I've started focusing on healthy, whole foods that are not processed.   Soda is another ENORMOUS part of my life.  I don't think you understand... ENORMOUS!  A 7am diet coke was a regular occurrence for me!  I've given that up too! It was hard at first and there are days that I would cut my own arm off for diet mountain dew, but I'm doing well with it and have lost pounds of bloat because of it!  Water is now my staple and I'm usually carrying some sort of water bottle at all times.

 

Clean eating isn't really that hard, but it does require planning.  And at times, lots of planning which lead me to my dinner last night. I didn't have a lot of time and wanted something healthy that would fill me up. I had vanilla greek yogurt with fruit, granola and honey.   It's becoming one of my absolute favorites and I do not count calories or serving sizes, I just go with it.  I figure it's healthy for me and I'll eat until I'm full.  Besides, I run enough to not really worry about the calories anyway.  This recipe came from a blog that I follow.  Her link is here.  www.belowthefork.com.  Check her out!  Great photos of her food and I've been inspired by her a lot to make healthy choices!

 

 

I am also including a recipe for one of my absolute favorites - Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps!!  Fry up the ground turkey, throw in all the ingredients listed, pair it will red butter lettuce and you're set! All for under 350 calories.  Can't beat that! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm on the hunt for more healthy and fast recipes!  But, so far this clean eating thing is going very well.  I'm officially down 7 pounds and weigh in at 139.  I'm 5'7".  Typically I'm wearing a size 4.  It's safe to say hopefully I can keep these habits up. There's no stopping me now! 

 



 



Follow me on Bloglovin'

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12782545/?claim=p8vescqj6ux">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

OH, The People You'll Meet!

This is an interesting post today.  I was inspired to write about one particular "pet-peeve" which is coming up later.  But, after my run I reflected on just how beautiful the sky was this morning!! Take a moment!  Soak it in!

Ohhh, the people I meet on my morning run.  My morning starts at 5AM sharp. Typically not many people out and about for my morning run, but I do see some "regulars" getting their sweat on in the morning. 

*There's the super cute pregnant mom who walks with her neighbor.  She's pregnant with number 7.  God bless her. Just kidding.  They always wave and we do a quick 3 second chit-chat about how she's feeling or the weather, or whatever really.

*There's the married couple that walks the same route most days, always saying good morning with a wave and a nod. 

*I have my favorite local named Butch.  "Good Morning Ladies!" He always stops until we pass and usually asks how we're doing and sometimes teases one of us for being slower than the other.  We talk briefly as we pass about the weather or how dark it is.

*I also pass regularly the dad of one of my son's friends.  There always a "good morning."

*We have the guy and his German Shepard.  For I swear a year,every morning I'd pass he'd put the dog between his legs and hold his leash tight.  It's dark most mornings... and after all... German Shepards are VERY protective.  But now, this dog knows me... well not really... but his master no longer has to hold him tight.  It's a comforting feeling that the dog now feels comfortable about me.  I never get too close, but rarely do I even see it glancing in my direction.  I wonder if it thinks... " oh there's that crazy runner lady again.". :)

And, then there's THAT GUY!!!  I don't know about you, but I do strongly feel there's proper  "runner -etiquette."  THAT GUY is the subject of my post today.  A HUGE pet-peeve of mine is when runners or walkers do not say hi or even acknowledge that you're even there.  Come on... really??  We're both out at the wee hours of the morning, I know that YOU KNOW I'm there, the least you can do is nod, or wave, or grunt hello. 

I am NOT joking when I say almost EVERY day I pass this man while we are running.  Today I came so close to him I could have shook his hand.... not that I'd want to.  He really tries all that he can do to avoid eye contact.  I KNOW you see me.  I continue every morning to say hello, and wave.  Listen buddy.. I don't want to be your friend, but I do think it's polite to at least acknowledge a hello.  What do you think?  Do you have a certain person who ignores you on a run?

I stewed about the non-existent interaction the rest of my miles, about 3 to be exact.  I then got back to my beautiful sunrise and all of the frustration went away. 

What do you think the "runner-etiquette" is when you pass others??  I'd love to hear your thoughts!