Tiny Thunder Running

Yes! I did it. I completed my 4th half marathon and my 2nd for the year. I knew it would be a tough one as it was rumored to be hilly. It most definitely did not disappoint. We arrived Friday to get our "packets" which included our race shirt, a nice drawstring bag with the races logo, and some other odds and ends. There was also a digital coupon guide that was emailed to us. We paid our money for the all you can eat pasta dinner and ate as much as our bellies would let us. Once we couldn't eat another bite, we loaded back into the car and headed to our "home" for the night. It was about 15 minutes away from the race location and pretty inexpensive. Neither of us slept well  and we seemed to be able to hear quite a bit of noise from the neighbors, which was a bummer. But it was clean, warm, and an easy place to get to. It was an older motel and each room had a little area of the balcony and a beautiful country view.  Saturday we woke up shortly...

Way too long ago I was given the opportunity to try a VERY new snack SUPER snack called Kooee!! As part of my Girls Gone Sporty ambassadorship, I received an email that this very small kickstarter company was looking for bloggers to review and share their thoughts.  So you know me and snacks… well and food in general. I was SO in. It may have taken me forever to put this blog entry together but it’s due to nothing other than life getting away from me. These snacks are seriously awesome. One of the things that I think I love the most is that the dried fruit + nuts/seeds are in one side and the jerky is completely separate. This feature keeps everything fresh and tasting just as it should. When you are ready to eat, you simply pull apart the center seal (very easy) and ta-da! Just give it a little shake (or a stir with your hand) and you have a super awesome snack. These are packed with protein, are gluten-free, soy-free, and paleo friendly. Not to mention very deliciou...

Monday night I posted a pretty delicious looking picture on instagram. Have no fear. It tastes JUST as delicious as it looks!! I cannot take any credit for this, but will tell you to go check out Taylor Made's post for full details. What you will need: -10 ounces whole wheat penne pasta -1 lb spicy Italian chicken sausage ( I used turkey) -1 5-6 oz. bag baby spinach -2 cloves garlic, minced -1 cup chopped grape tomatoes -1 cup prepared tomato sauce (e.g., Prego) -3/4 cup plain greek yogurt -1/4 cup milk -1 and 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or less if desired) (I used sharp chedder) -1/2 tsp salt (I didn’t use any) -1/2 tsp pepper (I forgot this) -1/2 tsp garlic powder -1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (less or none if you don't like spicy) Directions -Preheat oven to 375 degrees. -Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. -Cook chicken sausage in 1 tbsp butter over medium heat for 12-14 minutes, or until ...

Anyone who lives in any of the states getting slammed this week with bitter cold either goes all in and heads outsideto run, or says screw that I am staying inside. Yesterday I decided I was going all in and bundled up, put my lights and reflectors on, and, well, my ninja mask. Well ok. Maybe not a ninja mask, more like a balacave for the motorcycle, but crazy nonetheless. It definitely did the job as did the rest of my wonderfully warm layers. I also tried out my yaktrax  knowing there was snow and ice from Tuesday's little storm. They definitely worked out very well and I could not have done it without them. Now mine are really the ones made for walking, but they definitely did the trick. I got mixed reactions regarding my frozen 4 miler- from wow you go! to you are insane, it's too cold! Other runners understand. Sometimes you just need to go. Sometimes there is no substitute for getting out there, crazy or not. I did a lot of thinking on this run. I have bee...

Lets talk about something. How your body can be totally on board with running one day and yet the next day you step out the door, its a totally different story. For instance, Thursday night was balmy but beautiful so after work I was determined to put in a few miles. I usually am so tired at the end of the day since I don't get home until 8pm, but Thursday I was so energized but the warm temps and the sunshine. I rushed home, threw on my running gear and hit the road. I had a glorious run. I ran to Negley park which is a work in itself- hills, hills, hills. But it felt mostly effortless. All smiles as I overlook the Harrisburg skyline... always beautiful from this park.  I managed quite an amazing average -- my best as of late.. in MONTHS! So how is it possible.. that today's run... that was supposed to be 6 miles, that turned into 5 because I was so sluggish? Today was warmer and sunnier (aka not dark) and the humidity set in like crazy. But serio...

To add to the excitement of my weekend... I got an email that I was accepted to be part of the Girl's Gone Sporty Ambassador program. This is so exciting!! Not only do I get to meet even more wonderful ladies, but it also gives me more opportunities to grow and learn. I can't even hide my excitement for being able to join this amazing group of women and cannot wait to see what is in store for me!