On my way to where the air is sweet . . . spring is in the air and marathon training is in full swing!

#inspiration

Today was a day to get out and enjoy the sunshine. The air felt different today. The birds are beginning to sing more and the sun felt warm on the backs of my legs.  Living in New Hampshire some of the earliest glimpses of spring are the wide smiles and upbeat energy from people all around. I ran today with no hat, no gloves and only two layers on top. Now I am waiting for one of my favorite birds to begin greeting me along my runs from high atop the telephone wires, the red-winged blackbird. Spring is coming . . . the changed energy in the environment today motivated me on my run today.

I ran my marathon pace run today alone. I needed peace and quiet today to find my focus. I felt strong. My energy has finally returned from being sick and today I found my stride. I warmed up and worked out the tightness in my hip-flexors from my long run in the snow last weekend. It felt great to sweat and not be cold today. Breathing felt much easier without the cold air causing a heaviness during harder effort runs.  I had forgotten my Garmin for the run today which was actually kind of a nice break from focusing on the numbers. Instead today I listened to my body and ran to feel good. I ran a moderately challenging loop with some minor hills and enjoyed the energy from the sun. The sweat and an excellent endorphin kick rewarded me at the end of the run. I could have stayed out running all morning!

Did you get out to run today? Spring is on its way so the cold weather outside will no longer be an excuse. Go and get out and challenge yourself! 

Link Love:

Sesame Street Lyrics

Learn to Trail Run!–DangerGirl

Are you a Perfectionist?

I am and here is a small glimpse at my journey as a recovering perfectionist.

Don’t Stop believing! Don’t be afraid to fail! (Don’t you just love our Skirt Sports and cool Skida Hats!

The desire for perfection has been a constant road block throughout my life. I have always been a perfectionist. This often causes inner turmoil–a constant tug of war and indecision. I am a perfectionist AND a Libra.  It always seems so hard to keep the scales in balance and to just BE.

When I was little my parents had to work with my a lot to help ease my frustration when something was not (as I defined it) PERFECT. The hours that I spent figure skating challenged the perfectionist in me because when you are learning to do new jumps (hurtle your body through the air over cold hard ice keeping your fingers crossed that you don’t land hard) you are bound to fall down a million times. In order to become a better skater I had to learn to fall down and to get right back up and try again (thank goodness for butt pads!). My mom said that with many things that I was learning I wouldn’t want to try until I had practiced something in “secret” so that when I officially did it for the first time with an audience even if it was just my coach or teacher I would not “FAIL.”

#Inspiration-Don’t be afraid to fail!

Operating in life constantly believing that you are not good enough or that it is failure if you don’t succeed the first time is like being stuck in quicksand. It is impossible to achieve success and forward motion in life.  I continue to to struggle with this aspect of my personality on a daily basis. I need to overcome this constant fear of failing. What is failure anyways?

Since I began running after having my two awesome kids I have worked very hard to train myself physically to be able to achieve some big goals. As the Boston Marathon approaches I am reminded of how hard I have worked to fine tune my body like a musical instrument to train for the big race.  Now as the days count down until Marathon Monday I need to continue training on the roads and trails but I also need to get my mind “in tune.” I need to focus. I need to meditate. I need to visualize success. I need to BREATHE.

When I am training I am constantly inspired by the people who I run with but sometimes intimidated by what seems to be unlimited strength (whoever said comparison is the thief of joy was right). I am working hard to not compare myself to those around me because the desire to achieve “perfection” sets in. Rather than running my own race or my own training run, feelings of self-doubt and weakness take over.  I need to remember to try my hardest, to stick to my plan and to believe in my own abilities.  I need to also take the advice of a very wise runner who I met recently (DangerGirl) who says that no matter what, her first goal is always to out and enjoy the race and to have fun! The hard work of attacking the challenge is not even a question!

Inspiration

How do you cope when perfectionism gets in the way of your road to achieving your dreams?

What is your “weakness” that holds you back?

Link Love:

• Skirt Sports
• Skida
• Chasing a PR: Plant Based Runner

I bet you didn’t know I used to be a figure skater?

Figure Skating: Ice Princesses

Figure skating is where my life as an athlete all began (and consequently my life as a lover of spandex and maybe where my Skirt Sports obsession began? What young girl doesn’t want to be a famous ice skater wearing gorgeous beaded ice skating dresses?).

I started learning how to figure skate at the age of 2. My mom spent countless hours at the skating rink knitting and waiting with the other moms while my sister and I spent time on the ice. We practiced before school, after school and on weekends. I wanted to be the next famous female figure skater, the next Nancy Kerrigan (well perhaps before the Nancy Kerrigan scandal with Tonya Harding).

I spent hours doing “PATCH” or what you might know as doing figure eights. Patch required intense precision and focus to learn how to beautifully use the edges on the sharp figure blades. Patch was a repetitive exercise to learn skill. It was quiet and meditative. When we were not practicing loops and figure eights I spent hour after hour practicing jumps and spins, footwork and ice dances and even pair lifts with my coach Karen. Learning how to successfully complete a jump meant spending a LOT of time on my rear end on the cold ice only to have to pick myself up to try again.

Figure skating was my first exercise in mental toughness and focus. I am a perfectionist and I had to learn that even though a jump that might not be perfect on the first try could be perfected with hard work, determination and a TON of practice. And it was not a place for quitters.  I had to learn to leave the bad practices on the ice and to start the next skating practice with a positive attitude and a willingness to try even if what I was learning was out of my comfort zone (Anyone would be out of their comfort zone learning how to hurtle their body through the air when learning a new jump such as an Axel or double Salchow–you had better be ready for a crash landing and some bruises.).

These early lessons as an athlete are what I carry with me today as a runner as I head out on the trails or on race day. Not every day will be perfect. Some days will be much harder than others but the end reward after putting in all the time, focus, and hard work will be AWESOME!

And now to demonstrate . . . it has been many years since I have laced up my figure skates but check out what I am still able to do. This is what determination, motivation and hard work will get you!

Do you have any hidden talents that have taught your motivation, determination and hard work?

Fresh Friday Recipe

Fresh Friday Recipe: Shrimp Crêpes with Wilted Baby Kale

Last night I went to prepare dinner for my kids. My daughter put in a special request. Pancakes for dinner. I decided this would be a good plan and went to the cupboard to get my pancake making supplies. When I got to my cabinet I was hit with a sudden inspiration. I saw the bag of William-Sonoma Crêpe mix that my husband had gotten for me for Christmas along with a beautiful new crêpe pan. It was beckoning to me. I decided rather than plain pancakes we’d have crêpes for dinner.

I decided on sweet crêpes for the kids, cinnamon sugar with sliced strawberries with scrambled Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs on the side.  My daughter loved them and devoured them along with her eggs. My son who is two was not as convinced and became preoccupied with the sticky fingers he had acquired from tasting the cinnamon sugar buttery goodness and decided he did not want to eat them.

My palate was craving something more savory. After finding the perfect ingredients in my refrigerator I knew what I would make. I wanted to make a shrimp crêpe inspired by shrimp tacos. The end result was incredible. The perfect blend of sweet from the sweet cream crêpes combined with cumin pan-cooked shrimp with lime and Cholula Chili Lime Hot Sauce. The dish was made perfect with the addition of wilted Olivia’s Organics baby kale and some Cabot Sour cream. WOW!

Ingredients for Shrimp Crêpes with Wilted Baby Kale

• 2/3 cup William-Sonoma Sweet Cream Crêpe Mix (My next project in the kitchen is to learn how to make crêpe batter from scratch.)
• 2/3 cup Water
• 2 Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs
• Melted Unsalted Cabot Coop Butter to grease the crêpe pan
• 1 lb peeled and devined shrimp
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• Lime Juice
• Cholula Chili Lime Hot Sauce (Use as much as you like . . . I like mine spicy!)
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Olivia’s Organics Cooking Greens–Baby Kale
• Cabot Coop Sour Cream

Directions:

Prepare the Sweet Cream Crêpe Mix using water and 2 Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs. Blend until smooth. Cook crêpes using your crêpe pan (this takes practice!). Cover with foil and set aside.

Peel shrimp and season using 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper to taste, freshly squeezed lime juice. Also add Cholula Hot Sauce with lime (add as much as you can handle. I like it spicy!!!!)

Meanwhile, boil water for your baby kale. When water reaches boiling add greens and cook until desired tenderness.

In a frying pan cook shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side or until cooked through and pink. Don’t cook for too long as they will dry out quickly.

After all of your ingredients have been prepared separately lay out your crêpe and add shrimp. Top with wilted baby kale, Cabot Sour Cream. If desired you can add additional hot sauce and lime juice. Carefully fold your crêpe and ENJOY!

Robert Frost

#MotivationMonday

I’ve got big dreams for what I want to do with running and am surrounded by such inspirational people who have dreamed amazing dreams, focused on their goals and dedicated themselves to making their dreams a reality. I want that reality too! Now, if only I could get over this wicked cold virus so I could get back down to business! I am trying to heed the advice of my coach Denise (The Sustainable Athlete) and take it easy but it’s hard. Just when I was feeling my strongest physically and mentally my immune system crashed. It’s pretty hard to avoid getting sick when you spend your days with little ones who want to snuggle and need help blowing their cute little noses all day.

The Boston Marathon is in about 7 weeks or so and training was a complete bust last week. I ran once on my treadmill and ran the Winter Wild Mountain Race on Saturday Morning at Pat’s Peak. Running the mountain race probably wasn’t the best decision since I was not feeling in 100% health and I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning to get to the race on time. But you know what it’s like when you are a crazy runner–I had to do the race to get my points for the series since I am currently holding steady in second place.

Sweet 2-lap 4 mile mountain race course at Pat’s Peak (yes, I even run up mountains in the winter in my Skirt Sports!)

The weather on Winter Wild Race Day was gorgeous. Light snow was falling and the temperatures were in the high 20′s. WARM! Unfortunately for the runners (in MICROspikes) the running surface was a bit mushy under foot making footing a bit tricky especially on the way down the mountain. The racers on skis and snowboards (“Heavy Metal” division) were loving the conditions though! I was happy to be at the race on such a beautiful morning with some of my favorite runners and competitors. Before the race I warmed up on the ski hill and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the sun just starting to paint the sky in pastel hues. When we lined up at the starting line it was just perfect seeing the smiles and feeling the positive energy coming from this somewhat crazy group of athletes. There were many kids at the race too trying to win money for the athletic programs at their schools through Michele Obama’s “Let’s Move!” Campaign. To be totally honest though I’m not sure who had bigger smiles, the kids or the adults.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel as I headed up the mountain but quickly discovered that I had no “Go Power.” My body felt like a noodle . . . not strong at all. Usually when I get to the top of the mountain and am ready to descend I am able to switch gears and just go for it. Not this time however, there just wasn’t any more . . . Have you ever felt like that during a race? So, I just decided to run and have fun . . . as fun as you can have running 4 miles on a 2-lap mountain race course. Even feeling less than 100% I still managed to pull of a third place finish in my age group which I was pleased with. My prize, a sweet Winter Wild beer mug!

Cheers to another awesome Winter Wild Mountain Race at Pat’s Peak!

There are three races left in the Winter Wild Race Series. One is a dog race at Whaleback Mountain. I am not sure if my crazy cairn terrier Lucy is up for the challenge but my friends and I had some good laughs imagining Lucy riding in a sled behind me up the trail.

Crazy Lucy AKA “The Scrambler”

The final two Winter Wild Mountain races are at Mt. Sunapee and the Championship is at Bretton Woods right before St. Patty’s Day so be prepared for a mas of runners clad in green descending down the mountain at morning’s first light!

So now, it’s time to nurse myself back to 100% health and get back to some serious Boston Marathon training. I dream about a marthon PR at Boston and I am ready for the challenege.

Now I am going to make a giant pot of chicken noodle soup when I am done writing, I am going to drink a lot of water, take my vitamins, and go to sleep early like a good girl! I want my body to be able to function like a well oiled machine on marathon day and the focus and hard work begins now. Even though it’s been tough to take it easy, I know in the long run my body will thank me and hopefully I will reap the rewards of some amazing race results this spring!

I dream of being a faster stronger tougher mountain and trail runner. What about you?

I AM READY. BRING. IT. ON!

Oh and just for a little extra challenge for my race schedule this summer I have entered the lottery for the Mt. Washington Road Race again. Fingers Crossed that I will get an entry this year. I will keep you posted!

Am I crazy? The ultimate Mountain Road Race Challenge–The Mount Washington Road Race

How do you stay motivated and focused when you get sick?

#MotivationMonday Link Love

Marathon Monday Week 1: Happy Fit Mama

Monday Motivation: Little Fancy Nancy

Training Truths NYC Half Week 6: Running Escapades

34 Ways to get in 30 minutes: Food & Fun on the Run

Two Races in 16 Hours: Dangergirl 

I Love Trail Running

Valentine’s Day and a love of trail running

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, a great time to reflect on love and what makes you happy. When I run I am happiest when I am trail running and this is why:

I love trail running

1. I love trail running in the woods.  It is quiet in the woods. I love the sounds of the birds and the loves rustling against each other. I love hearing the sound of the snow or leaves crunching beneath your feet. I love the smell of the trees and the earth . . . fresh mud after a rainfall, pine needles. I love the sunlight peeking through the leaves as your feet softly hit the carpet moss, leaves and   gently packed soil.
2. Trail running has saved me from the dark depths of depression. It is my therapy. It is my release. I am healed by the rush of endorphins, the fresh air, and the Vitamin D.
3. I love coming around the corner on a trail only to discover a surprising view . . . an unexpected waterfall, a sweeping postcard view, a hidden cabin in the woods.
4. I love trail running because it requires intense focus (you have to pay attention or a root might suddenly leave you with your nose in the dirt).
5. I love trail running because it has allowed me to learn to love being alone. I am a true extrovert (ESFJ according to the Myers-Briggs) so being by myself has always been a challenge but now I relish the escape into the peaceful and quiet woods.
6. Trail Running has helped me to become more adventurous and to set more goals. I want to run up mountains and run longer distances and to see new places.
7. I have discovered some of my best friends through trail running. We can run together in complete silence or talk the entire time even while pushing up big hills and it is fun either way.
8. I love trail running because I live in Northern  New Hampshire where trails are hidden everywhere so why wouldn’t you choose to run on the trails instead of the road?
9. Running on trails at night can be an amazing adventure especially if the moon is full.
10. Trail running makes me happy . . .it’s just that simple

Why do you love to trail run?

Why do you love to run? Join the #RUNCHAT Valentine’s Day Challenge and spread the love of running.

If you want to join in with “spreading the love of running,” #RUNCHAT is hosting a Valentine’s Day contest with some sweet prizes from Sparkly Soul and StrideBox to name a few. All you need to do is this, “The challenge is simple: make a list of 5-10 things you love about running. Blog about it and then post a link in our comments . . .to find out more please click HERE.

Link Love:

Motivation: Running Outside My Comfort Zone & Women Who Inspire

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Runners

Blizzards make for some crazy racing!–DangerGirl

Why I love Running–Happy Fit Mama

Spread the love of running– The #RUNCHAT

Why Do You Love Running? (The#RunChat Valentine’s Challenge)–Perspicacity

A List: Why I Love Running–Kate Muehe

On running–Planes, Trains and Running Shoes

Valentine’s Day Running Gifts for the Runner that you Love!

Run with the one you love this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is only a few days a way! I have put together this helpful Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for runners in case you are in need of a few last minute suggestions for something sweet for the runner in your life.

1. SKIDA–If you have checked out my blog before you already know that Skida Hats and headbands are my favorite thing to wear on long cold winter Boston Marathon training runs. And just to make this gift even sweeter they are currently selling these super cute Valentine’s Day edition hats.

Valentine’s Day SKIDA Hats

2. Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra– And yes, the Skirt Sports Gym girl Ultra is also one of my running obsessions. What’s not to love? Pretty colors, wild prints, and of course they are super functional too with awesome shorties underneath that do not ride up even when running 26.2 miles. The Gym Girl Ultra also has sweet pockets on both legs just the right size for packing your energy gels for the long run. It will be love at first sight when you see your runner in this cute skirt on Valentine’s Day.

Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra in Sunset Peach

It was love at first skirt-Happy Valentine’s Day

3. Lululemon Run Toasty Tech Tight–These running tights are by far the best I have found. The are warm . . . lined with a super cozy micro-fleece. They are plenty long, perfect for my ridiculous 36 inch inseam. They are form flattering with a cute tummy tucking panel, and they have 4 fantastic pockets for your keys, your iPhone, your energy gels . . . whatever you need to bring along on your long training run.

Lululemon Run Tech Tights

4. Ignite Naturals Reload Energy Gels (#TeamIgnite)–I discovered these amazing energy gels this year when I was looking an energy gel containing minimally processed ingredients with a great flavor. I love these energy gels because they are tart and not too sweet making them easily digestible when hammering out the miles and your sweetie will love them too on her Valentine’s Day run. Here’s a rundown on the ingredients directly from Ignite Naturals:

Reload ingredients:

• 100% natural fig paste: Easily digestible source of energy, and mineral rich to replete electrolytes
• Maqui berry extract: Antioxidant protects heart function, and a natural source of minerals and flavonoids
• Peak ATP: Elevates APT levels to create more energy naturally
• CoQ10 ubiquinone: Antioxidant generates cellular energy, and supports healthy heart function
• Ecklonia cava: Potent antioxidant and supports the reduction of inflammatory cytokines in tissue
• Sea salt: Electrolyte maintaining osmotic pressure in extracellular fluid, loaded with trace minerals

Ignite Naturals Reload Energy Gels–Raspberry Pomegranate, Wildberry, Blackberry Blueberry

5. Endorphin Warrior Jewelry –And if your running love loves silver take a look at these beautiful silver pieces by Endorphin Warrior which includes these beautiful rings with engraved with one word motivation. 

Valentine’s Day Running Jewelry: Focus Ring

6. Valentine’s Day Sparkly Soul Pink/Red Rainbow Headband–A bit of Valentine’s Day bling that will perform on a long run too!

Valentine’s Day Sparkly Soul Pink/Red Rainbow Headband

Link Love:

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas–Skin Strong

5 Valentine’s Gifts For Runners–Salty Running

#VALENTINESDAY = @HEADBANDSOFHOPE {REVIEW + GIVEAWAY}

I love Morning and Morning Sunrises– Where’s the Beach

Strawberry Coconut Chocolate Chip Mousse (Paleo and Gluten Free)–Clean Food, Creative Fitness and Following Your Dreams

Why I Love Running–Happy Fit Mama

Skirt Heaven

 Yoga–heart openers and some peaceful quiet rest

Yoga. Practicing Heart Openers.

Head cold. UGH . . . no running . . . at least not on the trails today. I have been so healthy up to this point in my Boston Marathon training perhaps my body is telling me I need a day off? Today I will use some yoga and the power of positive thinking, perhaps some extra vitamin C and some extra sleep to nurse my body back to 100% health.

I hate being sick! The top 2 reasons why I hat being sick . . . 1. It affects my running! 2. It is hard to be a Mom when you are sick and your kids are swirling around as usual as though you fed them straight sugar and coffee for breakfast.

Ok . . . now that I am done complaining, how do you stay motivated when your body is telling you it is time to go an snuggle up in bed with a good book instead of sticking to your training plan?

YOGA–Love yourself, Find Your Energy and Your Inner Happiness

I decided that for today yoga and working on “heart openers” was the perfect answer to try to lift the foggy feeling hanging over me.  When I practice yoga I usually like to go to a class to gain the additional feelings of energy from those practicing around me. However, recently I discovered GAIAM TV  through FitFluential (did you know I am a FitFluential Amassador?) where you can stream films, interviews, yoga and fitness videos.  This is perfect for when you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home but want to get in a good workout or quiet yoga session. Today I chose to try some “Happy Heart Flow”  yoga from Nicole Wienholt.

I love the quiet focus of yoga and the open release and energy flow at the end of a practice. Even though I have had to skip a few runs I am working to heal my body and get some rest so that I can find my motivation later this week for some renewed energy for some trail running and focused marathon training.

Link Love:

Sniffles, Flu, Fever: When it’s OK to workout

Blizzards Make for Some Crazy Racing

Valentine’s Gifts For Runners–Running for Dummies

Running in the Snow-Happy Fit Mama

I’m a Tough Girl–Review of Skirt Sports from MizFitOnline

RRCA Certification Recap–Mommy Run Fast

The Happy Heart Project–The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail

Avocado Egg Salad

When the forecast calls for a blizzard (#NEMO), get out and go for a trail run.

(disclaimer: don’t go out if conditions are not safe i.e. blizzard like conditions)

Here are some scenes from my run and Blizzard #NEMO earlier today . I can’t wait for the storm to subside so we can get outside and play with the kids! I also want to do some post blizzard cross country skiing and mountain running!

This ice was hiding under the snow for the majority of my trail run. I was wishing I had my yak traks or MICROspikes. Right after I took the video I slipped and fell on my rear

Beautiful quiet trail run in the woods today.

The sky above.

Check out the giant blocks of ice dumped on the river break last week after the ice jams broke during the end of January thaw.

Beginnings of the blizzard on our playhouse.

What kind of training  is on your schedule during the blizzard and after the snowpocolypse?