Oh how time goes by

Wow!  Has it really been three years since I started this blog?!  I was so surprised when I went back to my first entry and saw that!!   I feel like in those three years I have really grown as a runner and a person.  I have learned a lot about running and have developed some really great friends because of running.   Recently a friend of mine told me not to run in the heat we are having and I told her that was like telling a fish they couldn't swim!  It is just who I am...I am a runner!

In the past 3 years I have run:  2 Half Marathons, 2 10Ks, 20 5K races, 8.5 miles of a full marathon as part of a relay team, a couple of 2 mile races and a couple of one mile races....that is a lot of running! 
So what is next for me?
5K Foam fest!!!!  My first obstacle race...involving mud and foam....this is going to be interesting!!
And more 5K races and another half marathon :)
Until next time, stay strong, stay hydrated, keep having fun and stay strong!!

Cold oatmeal....it's what's for breakfast!

I am usually not in the habit of posting about what I eat, but I hope you don't mind me making an exception.  I felt this was too good to not share!

Recently I discovered something new to eat for breakfast...it's called overnight, no cook refrigerator oatmeal!  I found the recipes at  the following website:  http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal
So far I have tried blueberry maple oatmeal and banana peanut butter oatmeal.  I preferred the blueberry one but I do have another container of the banana peanut butter oatmeal one to give another try since I do love peanut butter and bananas...especially together!
Basically what you do is mix greek yogurt, oatmeal, chia seeds and some other ingredients in a jar or other container that you could close up and shake, leave in your refrigerator for the night and then you have a yummy, filling breakfast waiting for you the next morning!  And for anyone who is a Weight Watcher like myself, they are usually around 7 points!
There are many different varieties on the website so check it out for yourself...and if anyone is creative you could probably come up with a flavor all your own too!
Until, next time eat well, stay strong and keep running!

A Day for Me

Today I had a rare day when everyone in my house was going in a different direction so I was faced with the decision of what I was going to do with my day...so I did what anyone would choose to do, go for a bike ride! That is what other people choose to do right?
It was perfect weather to go off by myself and explore the trail that is close to my house. I was happy to be getting some use out of my bike that I do love so much but hardly use.

It's not a fancy bike but it gets me around.
For the most part the trail was real easy to ride.  It was bumpy in some places and loose dirt in others but there were also parts that were just right.  I even had to ride over a small pile of mulch and a couple of curbs too.  I was feeling like a bit of a dare devil at times :)
And then I came to this:

Since the trail was out and back I had to go through this twice.  The first time I walked through it finding some solid places to step to avoid the mud and water.  On the way back though I thought I would get a little more daring and tried to ride through it. I discovered I am not very good at riding through the mud and ended up with one wet muddy foot.  Now I know...
I ended up riding a total of 8.27 miles...maybe a bit more then I should have done the first time out but I felt really good knowing that I had done it and really enjoyed the time all to myself just enjoying the ride.  See how happy I was!

Here is the link to my ride:  
http://www.mapmyride.com/view_workout?w=303441219
Oh and YES I did wear my flip belt!!  I took my phone with me and had it on my back and hardly knew it was there!  

Until next time stay strong and keep running...and maybe even riding too!

You Just Have to Have One!!!!

About a month ago I made one of the best running equipment purchases I could have ever made....I got a FlipBelt!!

  This is a great belt that I can comfortably wear while I run to carry anything I might want or need on a run.  I bought this one after trying the SpiBelt and finding that the SpiBelt just does not have enough room for everything.
Basically how it works is the belt is one continuous belt with slits in it to slip your stuff in.  After you have everything loaded in you FLIP the belt over and everything is "locked" in and won't fall out!  I do sometimes find it tricky to find everything in it when I need it but that is a minor problem that I am willing to deal with.
A few of the other ladies from my running club have one and everyone seems to love it...and people who don't have one want one!
If anyone is interested in ordering one, if you enter the code "HWOTR" you can get 10% off at http://www.flipbelt.com

If you are interested in winning one for free then enter my giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck, stay strong and keep on running!!