Final Hood to Coast Recap: Leg 21 - The Hills Are Alive

Where did we leave off?  Oh yeah, it was the middle of the night on Friday, we've just finished eating at this little bar in Portland. 

At this point we knew we HAD to get some sleep.  We would be starting bright and early the next morning.  Tyler, our trusty Nuun designated driver (who is a ROCK STAR) drove us to the next major exchange.  Half of the team went out side and slept under the stars and the rest of us, slept in the van.  Not ideal conditions but you take what you can get. 

Sure enough, Erin, our first runner took off early, probably like 4:30ish?  Did I mention it was FREEZING?  It was.  There is no WAY I would have wanted run this leg.  It was SUPER hilly and did I mention FREEZING?!

By the time I got around to running, it was about 7:30.  We had made it partially up a mountain of some sort.  The views were amazing.  I jumped out of the van long to snap a pic.  Just look at all that rolling green behind me.  Gorgeous!

Anyway, I took off at about 7:30 and I had layered on the clothes.  Thank GOD we had sponsors like Swiftwick and ToughChik provide arm warmers!  I wore both pair and the were fabulous!

This was the shortest of all my legs at 5 miles and I was happy to have a small break in the mileage.  I ran this leg in about 48 min (I think) but I'll tell you, I am SOO glad I was able to run this leg during the day.  I would've been freaked out at night.  There were very few clearings in the trees.  You always felt surrounded.  I did end up wearing my RoadNoise vest for all three legs.  We weren't supposed to wear earphones so it was super handy to have and use when I wanted music.  I LOVE THIS VEST.

And just like the first leg, I managed to take a short but jumpy video of what I was looking at.  Think woodsy, mountains.  Pretty beautiful!  Only thing that stunk was that there was absolutely NO cell phone reception.  The entire day we were dead.  Can't you just see the anxiety cloud above a bunch of bloggers who can't tweet/facebook/text/instagram?  :)  I was shaking by the end of the day when we finally did get reception.

After my leg, I jumped back in the van, used a ShowerPill to clean up some, at least wipe the stink from two legs of running off. 

We headed to the next transition point and on our way we saw this super cute little church that was offering a pancake breakfast.  Too bad my stomach wasn't having any of that.  I could barely eat for some reason.  It was painful but you just push through.  The guy operating this little establishment was a very serious fella who, without meaning to, would make you laugh histerically.  You could tell he was not a fan of HTC but needed it for the funds it brough to the church.  It was entertaining to say the least.

Once we finally did make it to the next major transition area, I got to take a quick photo with Mason.  Yes, I know he's tall but he's also an amazing leader and is doing great things for Nuun.  I was so excited to get to know him just a little better.

By this time, I was getting a little tight, a little sore but the fun of the experience made it all go away.  That and the BenGay and Tiger Tail roller that helped us soothe our sore muscles. Couldn't have done it without those two products. 

This exchange point was crazy.  We were coming down the mountain and all of sudden it looked like Lake of the Ozarks Party Cove for Runners.  A dirt field full of buses and runners laying all over the place...some just trying to catch a few zzzz..some eating, some socializing and MANY in the lines for the Honey Bucket (for those of us midwesterner's, that's what they call porta potties). I kinda like it.    I stuck to eating the Kind granola we had in the van.  It was super yummy and agreed with my stomach. 

Once Erin, our first runner took off, we headed out to get our final legs run.  Traffic was crazy coming down the mountain but we seemed to make it alright. 

To Be Continued...

The third and final leg are just around the corner

Women's Running: Blogger On The Run

Guess who Women's Running Blogger on the Run is today?  You guessed it! 

Go check it out and make sure to comment on the post on their site for a chance to win a free one year subscription!

Women's Running Blogger On The Run

And if you're looking for more Hood to Coast Recaps, they are coming, I promise. 

Nuun Hood to Coast Recap Link up

Looking for a one stop shop to see all the recounts of the Nuun Hood to Coast 2012?  We're all going to link up so you can go browse them all! 

Here you go!

Who Am I? Who Are You?

I'll apologize for this post in advance.  I'm pretty sure it's going to be all over the place but I'm having trouble getting it written down in just the right way.  (Oh and I'll return to the regularly scheduled Hood to Coast Updates tomorrow).

BUT..I found myself telling someone today about this past weekend (which now seems like a big blur) and heard myself saying "I did things that were totally unlike me" and for whatever reason, the comment lingered well past the conversation I was having when I said it.  I couldn't figure out why for the longest time than it hit me this evening...

Maybe the person I was this weekend, IS the person I truly am.  The person who loves adventure, doesn't mind taking chances, loves talking to and meeting new people and just enjoys having new experiences.  This weekend I did some "wild and crazy things".  I colored my nails bright pink, I put random tattoos all over the place and walked around in a sparkle skirt. 

Is that me normally?  Nope.  Was I uncomfortable doing it?  Nope. 

Sometimes I think we get so busy just trying to get by that we forget to be true to ourselves.  Does that make sense?  We pack up all the characteristics that make us unique and only use the ones we need to.  We live life on the surface.  I can't tell you the last really deep conversation I had was.  The closest thing was this weekend with the girls but even then we were rushed by the events of the weekend. 

Part of me is scared to be me, to put it all out there because part of it's painful.  There are still some things that are so fresh that opening up too much would probably mean breaking down. 

There are parts of me that I don't share, at least with the people I interact with daily, because it doesn't fit the mold or the environment we're in.  It's a slippery slope that's left me feeling a little lost. 

I knew this weekend would be an adventure, I knew I was going to take chances but I didn't know it was going to be such an eye opener. 

I'm going to work on it.  I'm going to think long and hard about what it is that I'm doing and if I'm sacrificing too much to do it.  Am I in the right environment?  If the answer to those questions lead me to continue to question who I am, then I feel like I might need to figure out how to change it. 

I need passion in my life again.  I need to feel like everyday, I WANT to put 150% into everything I do and all the while being true to myself. 

Ok, so I know this is super deep and I hope I didn't weigh you down too much. 

Do you know who you are?  Do you ever think these types of things?  Do you have that friend you can go to and have that deep, meaningful conversation?  Maybe it's a matter of just having the time but I'm curious. 

Hood to Coast Update 3: First Leg and Some Downtime

So where were we...oh yes.  We've recapped the trip to Seattle and the Pre-Race Festivities.  Now we get to talk about the race...YEAH!

Being in van 2 of a 2 van team means you get to sleep in and leave a little later on Friday A.M.  That's great except when you live in the Central time zone, sleeping in on the west coast means you're up around 6:30.  Oh well.  Once the roommates got up, we headed to get some breakfast and I called my uncle in hopes that we'd be able to meet up.  Turns out we were less than half a mile from each other all weekend.  We ended up meeting in the parking lot of one of the stadiums (I forget which one).  I love T.  He's my Godfather and I'll take any opportunity I can get to see him.  I wish I could have seen my cousins and aunt but it just wasn't in the cards.


Hi Uncle!

After that, we got in the van and headed to Oregon. 

We were all so excited to get this show on the road but we had a few hours before we actually started running.  On our way to the first exchange, we caught a glimpse of what Van 1 was running.  The majestic Mt. Hood.

Mt. Hood as we head to Safeway (our first exchange)

So in case you don't know how this works, a team is made up of 12 runners (2 vans).  One van heads to the start of the race and the second heads to the place where runner #7 starts (the exchange point).  Then van 1 essentially has some time "off" until we meet up again.  We exchange 3 times. 



Chillin in my Maui Jim's



We had a lot of fun hanging out at the first exchange.  We were all sitting in the grocery store parking lot.  It looked like a runner's tailgate party.  It was awesome!

After our runner took off (7:30 pm), we loaded up and hit the road.  We hit the road, getting ahead of her so we could cheer her on.  While we waited, we couldn't help but take some pics.  This is one of my favorites.  Man, runners can jump!

At about 8:30, it was my turn.  My leg (#9) was the first of the evening.  A 6.97 mile run through some small towns of Oregon and a part gravel part paved trail.  I was almost ready to meet Elizabeth and take off when she decided to book it and get there early.  I scrambled to get ready but basically spent the first 2.5 miles messing with my gear. 

Gear: Top to Bottom: (Not Pictured: Headlamp) Sparkly Soul Head Band, RoadNoise Vest, Touch Chik Arm warmers, Adidas Shirt, Sparkle Skirt, Oiselle shorts, Balega socks, Mizuno Shoes, and Go Sport ID.

At the point I hit the trail, I still hadn't gotten my vest working right and Nike Running app seemed to refuse to work that meant I was alone with my thoughts which I knew was going to spell trouble for me. 

I find that when I'm running, I find myself talking to my dad and usually end up getting emotional because of it.  It didn't help that this weekend marked the 6 month anniversary of his death so I knew I was going to be in trouble.  (Music usually helps me keep my mind pre-occupied).

I started asking him to keep me safe while I ran.  I told him about the trip so far and how work was going.  The usual stuff.  Then I realized I was pretty cold and jokingly asked him to warm me up.  (this is where I lost it).  At that exact point, I got a warm burst of air, literally out of no where.  I can't explain it, I know it sounds batty but it happened and only I was there to feel it.  It's the closest I've felt to him since February.

After recovering from the experience, I spent the last couple miles dodging rocks on the gravel trail.  I ended the run about 9:30.  Leg 9 is not hilly, it's just long and a little isolated but not a bad run overall.

We finished our first legs at about 2:30 (I think) in the center of Portland.  Found a little bar that was open and would serve us.  The best part about this relay is the time you get to spend with other runners. (I know, not the best picture, but what do you expect).

Then it was off to the next transition to try to get some sleep before we picked back up again Saturday morning.  

  

Here's a brief clip from the run.



More updates to come but so far so good!

Related Posts:

Hood to Coast Update 1: Getting There

Hood to Coast Update 2: Pre-Race Activities

Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and/or Instagram for more fun updates!

Hood To Coast Update 2: Prerace Festivities

I can't believe it.  After months of talking and training, Hood to Coast has come and gone.  I can't even begin to explain what a life changing event it was for me for SO many reasons but I'll do my best to take you step by step over the coming week(s) with recaps of pre-race activities and then some leg by leg information. 

A quick preview...some of the legs were very technical and complicated and one of the legs was very emotional.  I wasn't expecting it so much but it was. 

Let's start with Pre-Race festivities.  Most of the girls traveled into Seattle on Wednesday and went to a baseball game.  I, unfortunately, had to leave on Thursday morning but that's ok.  I got to spend one more night with my boys.  You can read all about the adventure of just getting there in this post: Hood to Coast Update 1 .

Once I got there, I was a little nervous about coming into a group of girls that's already been bonding.  You know how that is.  Anyway, I was nervous over nothing!  When I got to Nuun HQ, I was greeted with open arms and pulled right into the fold.  It just started the weekend off right.

Then the fun began.  First we got our swag bags.  How freakin cool!  I have never been spoiled like that before.  Nuun and our other product sponsors did it up right!  (I'll feature a different sponsor or two with every post).  These products were amazing!  I can tell you that just about every one of them came in handy at some point during the race.

Swag Courtesy of: Nuun | GNC | EndorphinWarrior | GoSport ID | Run Team Sparkle | Swiftwick | Thorlos| Kind Snacks | ToughChik | Oiselle | Tiger Tail | Sparkle Soul Headband | BenGay | ShowerPill | PickyBars | Knuckle Lights | Maui Jims | Chobani |

I had to through this one in!  Here's the amazing Marjorie to show us another way to sparkle! Sorry Marjorie! :)

Then it was off on a Seattle Scavenger Hunt, Nuun Style.  Just like most, we had a list of things we needed to do or take pictures of.  If you want to see all the fun, on Twitter, search #NuunHunt and you'll be able to scroll through everyone photos.  In addition to all the things on the "to do" list, we were given Nuun Tattoos and we got extra credit for every person we could get tattoos on. 

I had an awesome team and we seemed to find ourselves more interested in tattooing but we did our challenges and had a blast doing it and getting to know each other.

Photo Source: Tricia (Thanks!)

Team: Sarah | Me | Tricia | Robyn | Caroline | Amanda

Here's a shot from one of the other groups! Oh yeah, someone tattoo'ed that.  Needless to say, we had a ton of fun!

Well Hello Darlin!

We had dinner that night at Nuun and just talked and got to know each other.  I was happy to get to know all these girls.  It's crazy.  We talk to each other all day on Twitter but getting to know someone in person just makes you that much closer.  Now when I read their blog posts, I'll read them as if we're talking.

Then we did some van decorating.  I'm so where near as creative as some of the girls but I did what I could, I held the markers and took pictures.

By the time we were done, I was exhausted but so excited but had to get to bed!  Knowing what was coming up, sleep was a necessity.

If you want a preview of what's to come in the leg recaps, check out my YouTube Channel.  You might find some clips worth watching there.

So what do you think?  Looks like fun right?  More to Come Stay Tuned!

Hood to Coast Update - Part 1

Just getting to Hood to Coast has been an experience. My original flight was supposed to take off at 6:00 AM but at 2:30 AM, I got a text that woke me up, from Southwest telling me my flight was cancelled. I felt so defeated! Never leaving the bed, I got online and searched for a new flight to get me there as close to my previous arrival time of 11:30 as possible. I thought I was doomed for sure.. Turns out I found a flight that left a half hour later, but got me there an hour earlier. SERIOUSLY! I'm taking that as a good sign!

The first leg of my trip, I sat next to a couple that were obviously about retirement age but you wouldn't know it by watching them interact. They were holding hands and talking like they just met.

I had to talk to them...I had to know their story. Turns out they were headed out west to their oldest son's wedding (1 of 9 kids!!!). They were, in fact, retired but had been married 45 years. That so far was an amazing story.

THEN, I find out that she was a telephone operator. Not sure if everyone knows this (youngsters out there might not) but if you hit "0" on your phone you'll get an operator who will help you locate the number you're looking for. That's how we use to have to do it before smart phones.

Anyway, she told me stories of the people who would call her..

Suicidal people looking to get talked off the edge...no joke. She's an unsung hero in my book. She said she probably had about 2 dozen of those calls.

Drunks looking for the number to the local strip club

People just looking to talk

I left that flight completely blown away. And reminded what marriage is all about. I'd love to hug my hubby right now but it will have to wait till Sunday.



The second leg of my trip, I picked up the Spirit magazine and started flipping through the pages. And had one of those experiences that happens when randomly the content you find coincides with your life at that very moment.

I read two articles.

First was from John Bingham. If you don't know him. Check him out. When I first started running, his books reminded me that we aren't all olympic runners and that some of us just waddle on, which is fine with me. Anyway, he had written a story recollecting his first marathon and the emotions that go along with pushing through the "wall" and finishing. It reminded me of my first marathon.

I'm imagining that there will be similar experiences during this relay and it just helped me get mentally prepared not to mention excited.

The second article was about a para-olympian Oksana Masters and how she became a great row despite her condition. I don't think you can read enough inspiring stories like these.

They left such an impression on me that I actually wrote an email to the staff at Spirit giving them a pat on the back.

The race hasn't even begun. I haven't even touched down in Seattle but I'm already grateful for the experiences.

Here's just a fun view from the plane!


MORE TO COME!!!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more updates from the race!

Running, A Team Sport and My Running Wall

I was watching some "game film" this weekend (i.e. the Hood to Coast Movie) to make sure that I was properly prepared for this adventure that is Hood To Coast.  In one of the interviews, I think it was one of the original racers, talked about how running the Hood to Coast turned a sport that is usually pretty solitary into a team sport.

It makes complete sense and for those of us that spent years on teams (for me volleyball and softball), the idea of being part of a team again is exciting.  There is just something about knowing you have a support system and that others depend on you that just takes it to another level.

It seems that this feeling has caught on lately...with all the new runs, Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, and Color Run, the emphasis is definitely on the "team sport of running".

I have to say, I love this trend.  I love that people that might not have done it otherwise, are experiencing the sport because they know they are supported.

I had the chance to team up with Chevy "Keys to Your City" and do the Color Run here in STL and could just feel the energy of all those new runners.  They were excited, a little nervous and just plain eager (maybe to get it over with but it doesn't matter).  15,000 runners turned out.  Here are a few highlights.  The Daddy/Daughter team are a perfect example of the energy of the event.  This little girl was awesome and SUPER fast!  She was having a blast...running!  If you ever have the chance to, get a team together and get running in an event like these!  They are so much fun!!

In other news...my Den/Craft Room is coming together.  I got an important part done this weekend...my Running Wall.  I had been looking at Pinterest and PavementRunner gave me some good ideas and I wound up with this.  That's the one and only sign I've ever had made for me so it really means a lot to me and that is a towel rack from Target.  Total cost...$30!  I'll take it.
 

I also made some good progress on my Craft Closet.  I know, I'm a dork but I love all things crafting.  I need some serious help with the Cricket but I can at least say I have a cozy spot to play with it in.  

What do you think?  I want to put up some peg board and possibly a curtain but it's really coming along!  The entire room is still in progress.  I need a big comfy chair and a half and a few more accessories. 

FLASH NUUN GIVEAWAY!!

This time next week, I'll be in SEATTLE hanging with the Hood To Coast Teams and Nuun!  So in honor of the much needed Fitcation, let's do a FLASH giveaway... One Water Bottle and a surprise flavor!
24 hours!!  A winner will be selected tomorrow night, Friday August 17th right here!!

You've got 5 ways to enter!

1. Leave a comment telling me if you'll be following my FaceBook page to get exclusive updates from the run! https://www.facebook.com/#!/MomsLittleRunningBuddy

2. Follow Nuun on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.

3. Follow Me on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.
4. Share this post on Google+  and leave a comment letting me know you did
5. Tweeting about the giveaway:
I just registered for a FLASH @nuunHydration giveaway at @momslrb #NuunHTC http://www.momslittlerunningbuddy.com/2012/08/this-time-next-week.html

And the winner is...comment #21-Holly Johnson! Send me your address

A New "First"

A while back, I blogged about remembering my "First"..run.  Do you remember it?  Anyway, the reason I bring it up is because one of the things I'm most looking forward to is being able to experience a new "First".  I don't know about you but at 32, I'm running out of things that are truly new "Firsts". 

• Marriage - Check
• Baby  - Check
• Home - Check
• Marathon - Check
• Triathlon - Check

Now don't get me wrong, I have LOTS of things on my Fitness Bucket List that I would consider firsts but nothing like this. 

If you would've told me back in 2003 (?) when I ran for the first time that I'd be traveling across the country to be part of a relay team with a group of athletes from all over the country, I would laughed at you. 

The anticipation is building.  The flight out there is going to feel like the longest ever (unless I sleep which is entirely possible since I'm on a 6:30 AM flight).  It's just all new and I seriously can't wait.  It's all about the experience and believe me I'm going to hold on for the ride!

I'm so grateful to Nuun for pulling this all together and giving me a chance to have a new "First".

What was your latest "First"?  If you could do anything for the "First" time what would it be?

Wordless Wednesday: Batter Up

E has been into baseball lately.  So much so that he watches games and cheers.  He yells "Go Go!"

He doesn't go anywhere without a bat and ball or something close.

He's also picked up proper batting and sliding technique by watching his favorite baseball team. St. Louis Cardinals.  He even knows Mike Shannon's voice. 

Baseball coaches...take note!  Recruiting class 2028!

Guest Recipe: Cilantro Chick Peas Couscous Salad

The ladies of FitApproach, the Sweat Pink Ambassadors, had a great idea to do a Blog Swap.  I got paired up with Yaitza Bueno of a healthier fitter ME. What I didn't expect was such an amazing recipe with beautiful pictures!  Without any further adue, let me introduce...Yaitza!

Happy to be guest posting for a fellow Sweatpink & Fitfluential Ambassador today!  My name is Yaitza Bueno and I'm the blogger behind a healthier fitter ME!  I blog about my journey with health & fitness with a little personal life stuff on top.  I am a big-time foodie therefore when experimenting in the kitchen my goal is to come out with a healthy but delicious meal my family will enjoy.

I am originally from Puerto Rico however; one of my favorite foods in the entire world is anything Mediterranean. I make this salad all of the time!  It is a simple but delicious combination.  Definitely a favorite at our house!

Cilantro Chick Peas Couscous Salad

For salad assembly:
2 cups of coocked couscous
15 oz of roasted chick peas
1 diced small cucumber
1/4 cup of diced cilantro leaves
1/4 of a finely diced purple onion
1/4 cup of soy beans
and dressing below

If you have never cooked couscous before, all you need are 2 cups of boiling water per a 10 oz package.  Let the water boil, and remove from heat.  Add in couscous and cover for 5 minutes.  Fluff couscous with a fork before adding it to the salad. 

To roast your chickpeas...
15 oz of drained and dry chickpeas
1 t. of cumin
1 t. of pepper
a pinch of salt

Place your chickpeas into a baking tray. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

For your dressing:
the zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 pitted purple plum
1/4 cup of raw apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbs. of honey
a hand full of cilantro leaves (about 1/4 cup)

salt and pepper to taste 


In a blender combine all of the above ingredients and blend for 2 minutes. Refrigerate or set aside.

That's it!  Assemble your salad by combining all of the above together except the dressing.

Once your salad is all well combined pour your dressing over top and toss again.

I hope you guys enjoy! ;o)

I Don't Know What's Happening..

but I like it.  I've finally started getting my mileage up.  I'm mixing in some speed work, with long runs, morning and night runs and something weird is happening.  I'm getting stronger, or at least that's what I'm telling myself. 

First example...Thursday night.  I went to run at 9:30 at night.  That's after working all day, cooking dinner, tending to the toddler and cleaning up.  I went to my favorite park, for all you St. Louisans..Francis Park.  Half way there, my mind was providing me many reasons why maybe I should just turn around but I went. 

Now, I know this may come to a shock to those of you on the East and West Cost but STL is hilly!  We have rolling hill after rolling hill and they aren't fun.  This park sits on one of them.  For whatever reason, one side of it seems to be at a steeper incline than the other (the entire park is about 1.1 miles around). 

I usually take the easy way out because I HATE that hill and it doesn't do me any favors but that night I said the hell with it and went.  I conquered that hill not once but four times on that run.  The entire time I was thinking about this post from Christine over at LoveLifeSurf where she talks about her fear of the ocean.  She posed a question about fear and asking what your fear is. 

In the past, I feared this hill..I feared it would make me walk or slow my pace.  I feared it would beat me, because in the past it has, numerous times but Thursday night I beat it.  It reminded me to not let fear hold me back.  I left the park that night feeling more than just a sense of accomplishment for running 4 miles.  It was another little victory for me!

Fast Forward...

Today. As most of you know, I get to run the Hood to Coast with some amazing runners and I want to be able to hold my own so I've been running alot.  Yesterday I ran 5 and today I ran 8 but rather than just going out and back on Grant's Trail, I took a lap around my little slice of St. Louis.  If anyone knows Laclede Station Road, you'll know there are some sinister little hills that, again in the past have beaten me.  But feeling pumped from Thursday's run I focused and ran EVERY hill.  I came home and again, gave myself a little pat on the back. 

So, I guess I'm going to say that I'm stronger.  I am a little faster, which is also nice.  Maybe it's my new Mizuno Running Shoes.  Maybe it's my playlist.  OR...maybe it's the sign of hard work kicking in.  I'm never going to win any races but I know now that I have a fighting chance if I believe!

What do you want to accomplish?  Gotta love positive thinking!  Happy Monday!

Don't forget to head back to the MyRaceRagz post and see if you won!

Thank you

We all know life is tough.  We are constantly balancing schedules, doing chores, raising children, working, and dealing with all the other miscellaneous things that come up.  I luckily have a husband who helps me with all this stuff...he empties the dishwasher (even though he hates doing it), he vacuums (WAAY more than I do), he does his own laundry, he takes care of the yard...ok, you get the picture.  But this post isn't about him (even though I love him dearly and should write more about him).  It's about another group of spouses.

It's about the spouses of or military men and women.  I hope you don't think this is cheesy because it's not.  Everyday, I get the support of S to do all these things that I mentioned above.  They don't.  Most of them have spouses deployed to areas of the world, I don't even want to think about.  So on top of always wondering and thinking about their warrior...they are "Holding down the fort", for lack of a better phrase and they do it with class and style.

I know a lot of these spouses through various channels, my life, my blogging life and regardless of where I meet them, I have to say, my heart goes out to them.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.  I can't say it enough.

On top of doing all the things that have to be done to manage a household on a day to day basis, they are also accomplishing amazing things.  They are running marathons, doing triathlons, getting degrees, and so much more..all without the day to day support of their best friend.

So...ladies and gents...you know who you are..I constantly think about you, pray for you and thank you for being the backbone, for doing what you do and doing it well!

Thanks!

Hood To Coast Packing List

So I know I'm probably WAYY over thinking this but I'm a program manager by trade so I have to plan....I just have to.

I started thinking this week about what I needed to take to the Pacific Northwest in order to have a successful event. I realized really quickly that it was a LOT of stuff..clothes, etc. So what did I do?  I built an excel packing list of course! 

Now seeing this is my first relay experience, I'm open to ANY and all feedback but here's the breakdown.  I realize that some things will be used multiple times but this is the look at the entire list of things I NEED to have. 

Now this list will change as I remember stuff I forgot or as you tell me I'm missing things.  And just like the annal retentive part of me will do, I created a printable version that you can download and scribble all over.

Printable Version: LINK

Oh..and check this out.. I made a little temporary tatoo to wear!  I'm really excited about them!  In fact, I might have a few extra.  Let me know if you like them (i.e. want one) and I might pair it with a future giveaway!

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Looking in the Rearview Mirror

Sometimes it's good to just sit back for a minute, look back, and just be thankful that whatever it is that you're reflecting on is behind you.  That's what I'm doing tonight.  I can finally relax.  Two of the biggest hurdles I had before the Hood to Coast race have finally passed.

MBA Semester Ended: I am finally recovering from a very stressful week last week.  It was, by far, the most challenging week I've had since starting this MBA program.  In a week, I had to finish a take home exam all about setting up Linear Programming models.  Sounds fun right?  I swear to you, every night, I'd come home from work (which was also especially challenging), S would take E to the gym and I would study from 6:30 to 1:00.  I would find myself staring at the screen of excel just praying that the Linear Programming Gods would have mercy on me and help me see the answer.  That went on every night.  Then FINALLY on Thursday night at 1:30, it clicked!  It did.  I actually figured it out.  How, I don't know but I'm grateful.  It allowed me to not have to turn in a blank final.  AND..it turns out I got an A in the class so now I can relax till September 13th.  We're on a much needed break.

E's Surgery: After that came and went, I got to focus my nervous energy on the impending surgery my toddler had today.  My VEDA vlog yesterday was just me expressing some of that nervousness.  I knew it was a minor surgery and it would be quick but I can't help it.  Anyway, we were in and out of the Barnes Children's Hospital today in 3 hours.  E did well and I'm glad to have that behind us. 

So now...now it's time to focus on the task at hand..HOOD TO COAST!  Time to start running more, time to start thinking about packing and just mentally preparing myself to meet tons of amazing girls and have a, much needed, fitcation!

I ran 5 tonight and it felt amazing.

So that's it..that's all I got.  What events are you happy to have behind you?

And in case you're interested, you can check out my YouTube channel to keep up on my progress with the VEDA challenge.

My Race Ragz Giveaway

Well, well, well...what do we have here?  Is that a MomsLittleRunningBuddy.com shirt?  Yes it is!  I got it from MyRaceRagz.com . 

I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure about doing the product review at first because I've used other companies before to try to produce a custom shirt for me and what I get back looked cool but was not a quality shirt, not one I would actually run in.  This one is..it fits just right and still has the cool logo.

I wanted you to see it first hand so I vlogged about it (and it served as my Day 7 VEDA post). 

So now that you've seen the shirt, you're dying to have one aren't you?  I thought so.  Here's how to enter:

I'll announce a winner on Monday, August 13th.

1. Leave a comment telling me what you'd put on your shirt.

2. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/momslrb

3. Follow MyRaceRagz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyRaceRagz

4. Join my Blog using the links over there on the side

5. Tweet the following tweet and leave me a comment letting me know you did

I registered to win a @MyRaceRagz custom shirt over at @momslrb http://tinyurl.com/9p7ud5o


WINNER IS COMMENT #15: Janine@ThePurpleGiraffe  Send me an email and I'll give you the instructions to order your own shirt!!

I received this product to complete the review but wasn't compensated for this post, the opinions are my own.

Mama's Chex Mix Recipe

We moms are always trying to find recipes for food that our toddlers will eat.  I can't tell you how many times we've bought something just to find out he doesn't like it.  Well I'll tell you E eats this stuff like it's going out of style.  I usually pair it with some grapes, a banana or raisins.

My mom started making this for us years ago when we would drive to Florida every Christmas.  It was great car food and we've been loving it ever since.  Last Christmas she made it and transported it for us and it was there that E's love affair with it began. 


You know it's a good recipe when you get it looking like this:

This isn't just any Chex Mix.  This is my momma's recipe and she got it from a teacher friend (Hi Judy!) who got it from a friend and all along the way you can see what's happened...modification after modification has led to this amazing mix of cereal, nuts and pretzels. The best part about this recipe is that I don't feel guilty giving it to E.

Now I'll warn you, the recipe makes a TON so I'd be prepared to split it unless you're planning to feed a small army.  It does store well.  Enjoy! 

Wait...what's that?  You can't read it?  Well I can.  :)  Ok, fine, I'll clean it up for you if you promise to pin it.  Deal?  How's this?  Better?

Printable Version

I'm curious, what recipe do you have that is special to your family?  What does your mom make that you just can't live without?  This is just one of many for me but I'm curious.

Happy Monday!

FitFluential Fun and VEDA

So I'm finally over the hump with grad school.  I really thought last week was going to break me but here I am, standing on the other side, jumping around like a little school girl.  I have only one year left now.  So excited. 

Now I can start getting back into what I really love, running, family and blogging.  You'll be seeing a lot more of me this month.  Turns out, much of the FitFluential Family is participating in a YouTube challenge called #VEDA (Vlog Every Day in August).  I'm not sure how this will actually play out but it should be interesting.  Here's Day 4's vlog.  Hopefully you won't be too judgy.  Some vlogs will be better than others. 

Oooohh, I almost forgot.  S (the hubs) and I actually got to go on a date tonight (thanks to my baby sis).  We headed to the Cardinal game and to my surprise, there was another FitFluential Ambassador there.  Thank you to Instagram for helping me see it (you can follow me on Instagram at MomsLRB).  You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel because to make sure you get to see all the #VEDA fun.  Not all of them will be posted on the blog.  Clicky clicky!

It was so cool meeting Karen from Health in Real Life.

Who knew a cool chick from Harrisburg, PA would be here in STL.  Turns out we have a lot in common.  I use to travel to Harrisburg for work.  We are addicted to the same burrito place.  I haven't had Neato Burrito in years but I  still dream about the Cowboy Crunch Burrito. 

There are just so many ways to connect right now.  I'm also over at Splattered Apron.  She's talking about Working Moms and I'm honored to be featured. 

Tick Tock...

Closing out a crazy Thursday and ready for the end of Friday.  Come on 5:30...come one...

Tick..Tock...

(oh and here's my video for day 2 of the #VEDA challenge...real glamorous as you can see)

Like what you see?  :)  Well then, use the links up in the corner of my blog to subscribe to my YouTube Channel.  I like to post workouts, fun baby clips and confessionals like this (Real World Style).

Do Anywhere - Lower Body Workout

Well, well, well...amongst all the other stuff I managed to get a lower body vlog taped.  These are my favorite moves and I tried to sequence them to help you get the most out of the workout.  Try it and let me know what you think!  This is also the first vlog of many.  Many members of my FitFluential Family (including me) are taking the VEDA challenge which is basically vlogging once a day for the ENTIRE month of August. I know, many of you might be rolling your eyes at the thought of seeing my face EVERYDAY but heck, let's try. 

Ok, back to the workout, you might see this workout show up in the Designer Whey Summer Shape Up Challenge sometime this month so be on the lookout and don't miss out on the daily prizes.  If I could I would enter them!

Enjoy!

Oh, and if you happen to go browsing, you can also find me guest posting over at Pavement Runner. 
5 Quirky Things I do When Running.