It's the season to be jolly......

So a lot has gone on these past few weeks and going to try to catch you folks up to speed.
First off, Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you. I hope your holidays are merry and bright:) I am a huge fan of christmas especially engaging in all the baking, decorating, family stuff, Jesus's birth, etc. It's a great time of year to evaluate your life and be thankful for all we have. Ok, enough about me blabbing on and on, onto these past few weeks. But please have a great christmas and a happy new year:)

This month, I was officially cleared from my orthopedic doctor and told I can start running again. You have no idea how excited I was to hear those beautiful words. "You can start running again," I was elated and starting screaming, my nurse told me she could hear me from down the hall. Sure the other patients were not that happy, but I didn't care, I was finally free. I have a confession,  I still keep the crutches by my bed, kinda scared I will jinx myself if I put them away, just not sure when I can get get rid of them just yet.

The next day, I decided was the day of official Boston marathon training. T-minus 128 days from that first Saturday running, yes I know it seems like a great deal of time to train, but this will be a completely different kind of marathon training.  An unfamiliar approach that I have never tried and this time, I will listen to my body. I got what I wanted, I am going to Boston, now I wanna stay healthy for many more marathons to come. Just need to listen to my body, stretch more, and take days to recover, I don't always need to be in training mode. My husband tries to tell me this but I tend to not like listening to him, this time I think I will start. Don't tell him I said that though, it will be our little secret. Sometimes it just hard to swallow those words, and figure out recovery days are key, but I am learning, just slowly. I do know I never want to be injured this badly ever again or injured period and will do whatever it takes to stay healthy. 

Ok, so first run back....very nerve wrecking and was unsure what my body would do. It took me a good five minutes to convince myself it was ok and to just start running. I probably looked funny talking to myself on our trail trying to get these old legs moving, but hey everyone needs a pep talk right?  Not going to lie, it wasn't my best run, but it was one of the greatest runs of my life. I felt free, I wanted to run forever and just get lost and To be able to hit the trails again was incredible. The miles went bye and surprisingly I didn't feel like I lost all my endurance. It was kinda like riding a bike, it just comes back to you. Thankful this old body remembers how to run, I was a bit worried it was gone. For the past few weeks, I have been focusing on just getting miles in. I am at a much slower pace than I have ever been at, but hey atleast I am out there running, and right now the time doesnt matter. At this point, I am just working on staying healthy and enjoying every minute I can running.

On a complete side note, I got hooked on the show Breaking Bad while I was out injured. It's such an incredible drama, please if you get the chance watch it, you won't be disappointed. The whole show just keeps you coming back for more. Do yourself a favor, watch it. Netflix has all of the episodes:) your welcome in advance.

Well party peeps, i need to get back to getting ready for Santa! Don't forgot, the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear. I just love that movie Elf, such a classic. Merry Christmas and happy holidays  everyone!!!!

Fa lalalalalla...

Can't even believe it's already December! Just insane to think a few months ago I was dreading the weeks I was put on crutches and now I have been walking for two weeks, crutch free! I am not gonna lie my leg does get sore, but it's nothing like the pain I once had. I can't wait for my next ortho appointment so he gives me the A-OK to resume normal activities. I still have my crutche's near my bed, scared if I put them away for good I will need them again, just don't want to jinx myself.

Well folks a lot has gone on since the last post, my older sister ran her first 5k with my husband! Pretty proud of her, it was freezing and ice was on the ground and she still went out and dominated that race. Meanwhile, my bro-in-law and I, Turkey Trotted the 5k dodging ice and at times ice skating on the path.  It felt great to get out there, even just to walk a race, and to support my sister. It's really cool to see someone get into running, in fact in a few weeks she is going to run a 5 k with me. I just love hearing her talk about how she never thought she would be able to run 3 miles yet alone 5 miles without stopping now. It's pretty cool to hear the excitement out of her voice when she talks about running. Thankful for my husband who is training her and getting her motivated to run her first half marathon in the spring. Can't wait to be on the sideline cheering and screaming for them as they run along.

We also got an elf on the shelf. My husband is having a lot of fun with him, he has been found in some many odd places.looks like a total creeper:)  Only time will tell where he ends up next, ekkk!

Shortly, I will be cleared to run, and do I have a lot of work to do. Boston will be only four months away from the time I can run to start training. I can't believe that day is almost here. I am nervous, what if it hurts, what if I can't get back to my 7-8 min/mile pace, what if I forgot how to run? I am curious to see how my endurance was affected by not running for over 3 months. I have been going to the gym lifting weights, biking, etc but nothing like running. I just hope doing this helps me and makes the transition back to running easier. I so cannot wait to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. The thought of it makes me smile and gitty inside. As I said to my sister the other day, it's so nice and amazing to be able to walk into a store and not have to crutch around. I will never ever take my body for granted. Never!

My husband recently sent me this video on an amazing athlete. She has MS and runs, it's such an inspiration and a story all should watch. Please take the time to view it, its incredible what this young woman can do! Well off to the gym, have a great weekend everyone:)

I believe I can......WALK

I believe I can walk, think about it every night and day, spread my toes and walk away!!! Yup that's right folks, I am back on two feet! Count them 2! BAM! 

Check out candy cane socks. Merry Christmas!

Finally is all I can say, those 8 weeks or 56 days seemed like eternity. But thankful I followed the doctors orders and am on the road to recovery. I am not totally out of the woods yet, but this is a huge step for man kind. It's insane how much I took my body for granted. You never realize until something is taken away how badly you miss it or how much you never appreciated it. Give yourself a hug, this gift called your body is incredible and you only get one so treat it right:)
My legs and hips are incredibly sore almost worse than running marathons, but I take it as a win and one step closer to getting back to running. Gotta remember it's a marathon not a sprint.

Very random, but I like it! your welcome

So onto some business, we booked our plane tickets to the Boston Marathon this past week. Ekkkk so crazy to think it's already time to get the airfare nailed down. We wanted to make sure we got a flight so we booked it immediately. I mean I know everyone is coming to root me on, maybe I will save ya a seat.  Just gotta be patient with this body so I can run that race and in pride. 

Today at the gym felt incredible as well. My dr cleared me to cycle and as always I am allowed to lift weights. I am too nervous to do legs so sticking to the upper body. I snapped a pic at the gym to show my arms, it's crazy how over the last 8 weeks how much my body has changed. I swear I am not conceited, I just wanted to show ya my progress. I felt funny snapping pics of myself so I tried to do it quickly when no one was around, wasn't sure how I would explain what I was doing.  Hopefully this will make the transition back to running much easier.

I always was able to get my haircut! I have been waiting for the day to walk into a hair salon and get some of my locks chopped. I got 3 inches and still have a ton of hair. Yea know what they say, out with the old and in with new. While at the salon, I read a really cool article on an athlete who had knee surgery and wasn't sure she would ever get back to where she was before it. It's like someone placed that article there for me too read. I took a few snapshots of the articles. It really hit home and it's true, being positive makes your brain more creative and resilient. It's all about being optimistic, I guess same goes for things in life. Having a positive outlook in life can make or break you. So keep that head up and keep moving forward.

Check out a few lines, so true.

Have a great rest of the week. I can't wait for turkey day, so much to be thankful for this year. 

More cowbell????

So thankful to only have 10 more days of crutches, well kinda. My Ortho doctor wants me to slowly wean off of them, gotta start slow. I finally have been cleared to start biking and swimming. Such exciting news but so scary at the same time. It's crazy to think I have not used my left leg to walk for over 6 weeks now, and now he wants me to put 25% weight on that leg. Aghhhhhh, so scary, I get nervous every time I step down that the horrible pain will return and I will be back to square one. Once I am cleared it's go time, I will have a little over 4 months to train for Boston. I have to be smart this time around and listen to my body and others. I will get back to where I was, I will.

On another note, let's talk about rehabbing. It's an interesting topic to say the least. It's crazy to think that I could run marathons and now I am on a bike trying to regain my muscle on my left leg. It doesn't seem to feel that weak, but I won't really know anything until I try to run again. Biking is ok, I just don't feel the burn I feel with running. I can't clear my head, I can not just go out and get lost like a run let's you. I am thankful for finding a sport I absolutely love. I am thankful for all the good things it has brought me. I hope everyone is able to find a sport or activity that they love. It's an incredible feeling and once you get it, don't let it go! Keep up the hard work and you will reap from all the benefits, just keep moving forward with it. I have noticed that my booty tends to fall asleep on the bike as well. Gotta figure out how to keep it awake... Hmmmmmm

Today, I took my sister to get fitted for some running shoes. Yea yea doesn't sound like that much fun, but it is. It's so fun to see and get someone into a sport you love. My husband is training her to run her first half marathon in the spring and we could not be anymore proud or excited for her. I can't wait to cheer along the sidelines and embarrass her as she passes by. I think we may need a little more cowbell to use along the course, what do you think?

Ok folks, have a great week and happy running! 

Deep thoughts

As I approach my 6 weeks of being on crutches, to say I am nervous in returning to a normal lifestyle is an understatement. These last few weeks have been the hardest both mentally and physically in my life.  I have so many fears that come to my head that returning feels impossible. What if I can't run Boston? What if I can't get back to where I was? What if I let everyone down? What if I am not good at running? What if I am still injured? All these what ifs come to my head. I fear and fear itself is the scariest thing. The unknown what my future holds is frightening as well. I just wish I had a magic crystal ball to see into my future. 

I recently received my official acceptance into the Boston 2015 Marathon and what a bittersweet moment that was. The race I strived and worked so hard to get into and now I am sidelined with an injury. I know, I am not looking for a pity party, just stating the reality I am facing at this moment. I do believe everything happens for a reason and hoping someone upstairs is rooting for me to make a comeback. A great comeback in life. Running is my passion, my release, a vital part of my life. It has brought so many good things into my life that I feel lost without it. Heck, it's what brought me together with my husband, the one who has continued to support me and help me through this difficult period. A rock one may say, and for that I am eternally grateful. A few others I would not have survived without are my family, they have shown me that it's ok to ask for help and be the weak one at times. It's hard for me to swallow my pride and let others take over, I have learned this is not a bad thing. Your family is always there and that's an important thing to remember, I am thankful mine is pretty awesome. Next, my friends and work family, what would I do without your constant support. I mean come on who else would send me messages and set up lunch dates to hang with a girl on crutches. Not many people I know of. Thank you all for all your love and support, not sure how and what I would do without you all, just hope I can find a way to repay you all someday. 

Ok sorry for the deep thoughts, sometimes just have to get them all out there. I have two more weeks to go and have a follow up appointment tomorrow for another X-ray. I hope it shows healing, I hope the doctor is happy with my progress, I hope he lets me walk again soon. On a positive note, getting back into the gym has helped me keep my sanity. It's crazy how many people have come up to me stating how great it is to see someone so dedicated. I try to tell them it is no big deal and they are just as dedicated as me being there. I will say it does make me feel good inside. I won't give up this easily, life is hard, and giving up is not an option. I plan on fighting and coming back a better person, a better wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, and runner. So please don't give up on your dreams, stay strong, keep your head up and keep fighting. I cannot tell you how many times I just wanted to roll over and quit, but where would that get me. Nowhere! So stay strong and dream big! I know I will continue rooting for you. 

Cupid shuffle anyone?

Whaooooooo three weeks of nonweight bearing down and using crutches.  Let's just say these past weeks have been quite interesting.
First off, I miss using my left leg more than anything and cannot wait to be able to be step down and walk. Oh how glorious that day will be when the dr releases me and let's me walk again. Hallelujah!!! I have decided my first dance to celebrate will be the Cupid shuffle. Yea a little easy, yet sassy to welcome the old leg back. Your all invited to do the Cupid shuffle with me on the day of rebirth for my left leg:) I will keep you posted. I am posting the video so you can practice for our big day, t-minus 35 days. Get excited!

Second, I realized I am like a bull in a china shop while using crutches. I am clumsy to begin with but this tops everything. The first week I fell and slammed my leg and arm into a desk, creating massive bruises. Ouch is all I have to say. I have slipped multiple times. Stubbed my right foot and well you name it I have experienced it. P.s. Going downstairs=terrible idea! Therefore, Crutches and Natalie do not get along.

Thirdly, people are much nicer to me now. They open doors, go out of their way to help, etc etc. It's pretty awesome, but I would exchange this to have my leg back. People also sympathize with me and tell me their recovery stories. I actually enjoy hearing these, it gives me hope and more motivation especially when I see them doing so well.

Ok so another thing I realized, working out is way more difficult now. I am trying to remain as normal as I can and started going to the gym to do upper body lifting. Yes, it's hard to get around, but I am not going to let this setback takeaway all of my fitness. Plus, people in the gym look at me like I am rehabbing so I don't feel as dumb being there.

Next, Bc I cannot do anything with my leg yet, i got a hand pedaler. Yup that's right, I bike with my hands now. My husband teasing me that I will end up with Popeyes arms, but this is the only way to keep my sanity. I actually can't believe how much harder it is than it looks. I try to do atleast an hour a day to get some physical activity in and burn up some energy. I would recommend trying these bad boys out of you ever get the chance.

So in true fashion, I still continue to research my next marathons for 2015. Yup, this setback will not takeaway my love for marathons. I think all and all everything happens for a reason and as much as I would love to know what this one is, I am starting to accept it. I think someone upstairs was trying to tell me to slow down, rest, and spend more quality time with others around me. Well, that's just what I am doing. So my friends, gotta remain positive, keep moving without killing myself on these crutches, and continue to have as normal of a life as I can. Just gotta keep thinking, The Boston Marathon will be worth all of this!! Gotta stay positive! Happy running folks!

P.s. You have to try Kabocha squash! It's fabulous and taste like pumpkin. Just get one, cut it up, lightly coat with olive oil and a bit of garlic salt, and put in oven at 350 degrees for about an hour. Make sure you turn it frequently. Towards the end, put on broil low for about 10 min to get it crunchy.
Once it is done top it with a little butter, cinnamon, and cool whip!!! So delicious and way healthier than pumpkin pie!

The most dreaded word

I wish I wasn't writing this post today, but sometimes you have no choice but to face reality. Yes, the dreaded word, Injury is now part of my vocabulary. I guess I never thought it would happen to me and I could continue running marathons forever without any major problems, but life sure does throw some curve balls at us.

A few weeks ago after my last marathon I was having groin pain, as always I figured it was just soreness or muscle pain, so I continued to run. Two weeks after that, we ran a relay race. I felt ok and ran two of my legs, but on The second leg I knew something was wrong. I could barely move my left leg without being in excruciating pain. I finished my second leg and sat out the rest. Upset and angry at myself but still in denial that it could be anything serious. The next morning, I couldn't move my left leg at all, I still kept thinking maybe it's my IT band or muscle pain. I continued to foam roll, ice, elevate, etc. you name it, I tried it. I waited like two more weeks before heading to the dr for some medical advice. We did an X-ray and it was fine or so we thought. We decided to try physical therapy and see if it would help. Well another week went bye and still in pain. I continued to bike to keep my endurance up and that sport didn't hurt so figured why not. PT was challenging but felt better after I had it. Eventually decided I needed to get the dreaded MRI. The day of the MRI I prayed and prayed nothing would show up, but deep down I knew something wasn't right. As I sat in the room waiting for the loud noises to stop, I just kept hoping nothing came back.

Man who was I kidding, well my MRI finished at 4:15pn and at 4:45pm my dr was calling me with results. Yup, that's right, no Bueno for me. I have a incomplete stress fracture of my femur. Lucky me huh? All I can say that hearing this news was like a piece of me had died. I feel I have gone through all of the emotions in the last week. 1. Denial. 2. Anger. 3. Bargaining. 4. Depression. 5. Acceptance. My world has been turned upside down for the next few weeks as my orthopedic has me nonweight bearing on crutches. Yes, crutches, my best friend and enemy for the next few weeks. You never realize how much you miss and discover you love something until it is taken away from you. That for me is running. I love everything about it and cannot wait to return to the sport I love. Always remember to listen to your body, 9/10 you will be right.

 

In the meantime, I have the most wonderful husband, family, friends, and coworkers a gal could ask for. The amount of support and love these people have given me is incredible and not sure how I would get through this without them. Guess a tiny road bump won't stop me. I am more at peace with my fate and promised myself I will come back stronger, better, and faster! Just going to take sometime and for me to learn patience. Oh patience, something I don't have and being an active person it's hard to adjust too and slow down. I know this time shall pass and need to thankful for all the other things I have. Yup that's where I will keep my mind and thus shall pass like many other things! Just gotta stay positive and keep moving forward:) I guess running the portland marathon this coming weekend was not in my cards, bet they were worried I would win it:) just kidding. Keeping fingers crossed and praying for speedy recovery. Don't you worry, I have a motivational talk to my leg everyday, we got this:)

                              I will get back to this:) At least Boston isn't until April right?
 

 

Geez life doesn't stop moving does it...

Hey friends sorry once again for the delay in posts, a lot  has been going on since we lasted chatted.

First off, we did a 6 man 82 mile relay race over Labor Day weekend. It was pretty awesome except the fact I got a little injured.  More about that later though, first the relay race was a cool experience. If you ever get the chance, do one. Just make sure to bring a few changes of clothes and air fresheners. Just think 6 stinky people jumping in and out of a van for 12 hours straight. Yup, that's right a very fragrant odor filled caravan you have on your hands. All and all, it's awesome. Our team accidentally went to the wrong checkpoint at the very beginning, yup we were that team. Our poor runner Marty was a trooper, he had no fear and knew we would eventually show up. Or at least he hoped we would. After about an hour of waiting we realized our mistake, oppppsssss. Oh well  just makes the day even better when remembering it. A great experience and fun for everyone.  You must do one. 

Ok on to the no fun part, yes the noooooooo fun part of running. I injured my leg during the relay race. I knew my leg wasn't feeling right but had no idea how bad it was until I could barely walk. I felt fine for my first leg and did it at a 7:30 min/mile pace. Everything felt ok. Went on to do my next leg and went from a 7:30 min/mile pace to a 9:00 min/mile pace. Yea my left leg was throbbing, not sure what I did but I unfortunately couldn't finish my final leg. I am thinking I went our to hard after my last marathon being a week before this relay. No bueno. Now after two weeks, I am in physical therapy to strengthen my left upper thigh and hoping its nothing to serious. I just have to say, it's crazy how we take things for advantage. I mean I could normally just go out and run everyday, now walking has been a huge accomplishment. I will say I have learned a valuable lesson here, that I am mortal and you have to listen to your body.  Next time, I will take rest days after marathons and long runs. It's crazy how much I miss running, it has been two weeks and everyday I hope and pray its the day I can lace up my shoes and run. It's a release that I love and miss.  I will say I am listening to my husband and physical therapist in the meantime. PT thinks I will be good and ready to run the Portland marathon in October so keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Guess just have to wait and see huh?  Don't worry I am coming back faster and stronger:)

In the meantime, I did my first bike ride today and man was that more difficult than I remembered . But don't worry, I still have a passion and love for running. That's near and dear to my heart:)

Awesome helmet huh? 

Next on the agenda to catch you up to speed......I got into the Boston Marathon. Still cannot believe I am going and kinda in shock. Just crazy to think, yup come April 2015, I get to run with the elites. Ok well I will be in the way way back, but I will still be among them in the crowd right? Pretty freaking unbelievable and still on cloud nine. Never give up on your dreams, seriously it's crazy how determination can get you there.

Well folks, that's it, I need to go do my physical therapy exercises and do some other stuff. Have a great week and be thankful for all you have:) I know I am.

Here is a quick recipe I tried from Pinterest. This is splendid. Bon Appetit!
Zucchini corn relish

- zucchini 1 or 2 depends on how big they are in size
-corn (fresh or frozen just needs to be off the cob)
-Parmesan cheese
-olive oil
-garlic salt
Dice up zucchini into small cubes. Place zucchini in a frying pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sautée and add garlic salt. Once zucchini is started to get slightly cooked, add half a bag of corn or 3 ears of corns. Of course make sure you cut corn off the Cobb. Mix it all together and sauté a little longer. Add more garlic salt to your liking. Before it us done add 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Toss in pan a few more times so it is evenly coated. Place in bowl and enjoy. 
This is easy delicious dish:)

I can't believe I can say this

Holy cow, I never even imagined this was possible in my life. But I can officially say, "I qualified for the 2015 Boston Marathon!" Aghhhhhh, it feels so surreal still and not sure when it won't. Maybe this is just a dream and someone will pinch me and wake me up. Please just accept my apology if I act goofy, for I will be on cloud nine for a bit.  For the last two years, I have been focusing and training to get to this goal. Never in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine it happening. It's incredible and pretty sure I was in disbelief until I saw the *BQ on marathonguide next to my name.  One of the coolest things I have ever seen. Thankful for my husband, family, friends, coworkers, and other fellow runners, not sure I could have done it without there support and love.

Ok sorry for sappy part, now onto recap of Rockies Marathon this past weekend.  This was a smaller race but challenging at the same time. They had a nice and small expo where you could get in and out. Also a bonus they had a shirt swap! Big plus in my book. Of course we had to do a few photos before heading out.

I mean who doesn't love a mountain backdrop?

The night before the marathon I went to bed super early, we're talking 8pm. I know, I felt like a toddler having a bedtime before the sun goes does, but having to get up at 230am and out the door before 4am is no joke. I wanted to make sure I was rested and ready to go. 230am came quick, got up, ready, did traditional photo before the race and off we went. Thankful patrick was so willing to get up and drop me off at shuttle at such a crazy hour. Gotta love, early morning marathon times.

Check out awesome shirt patrick got for me to run in.

So they had a shuttle bus take us up a mountain and through some rolling hills. We went through a really cute town along the way and mentally I tried to remember what mile marker that was at so I would know how far along I was when running.  Don't worry it was pitch black and I had no idea where I was at so that brilliant plan majorly failed. Oh well, so we got to the start around 530am, which was perfect bc race started at 6am, so I could use the porta potty and prepare myself to run.

The course was beautiful, it had rolling hills through the mountains. Beautiful creeks, lakes, and towns we ran past. Couldn't ask for a more beautiful course. 

As for me, my stomach was not happy, I have never had to stop to use a porta potty during a marathon and lucky me, this one I did twice. Once at mile 3 and another at mile 10, just thankful my belly cooperated after that. Sorry if that is too much information, but it's the truth and I cannot make this stuff up. Anyways, I felt pretty good except when the up hills came along. They were brutal and at certain times I thought about walking. I swear it's all mental and sometimes you have to tell that little voice to shut up and just keep running. 

As I passed each mile marker, I kept a close eye on my garmin watch. I tried to quit staring at it but I wanted to know my pace at each mile. Since I was trying to qualify for Boston, I had to beware of my time.  Mile 24 was terrible, I got an awful stitch in my right side and the thought of walking reappeared back into my mind. Once again, I just kept thinking I did not come 24 miles to freaking give up and walk. Plus if I walked it would take even longer to finish this beast. So I continued to truck along. As soon as I got to 25 mile marker I could see the finish line, funny little thing is they decided to make it uphill. How kind of them, not!!! Not nice of them at all. 

I don't know what it is but once I see the finish line I try to sprint through it. It's like I am on mario kart and I just received the rocket and I can blow past it.  Needless to say, it works and gets the job done.

Patrick was awesome enough to be waiting at the finish line and got some pics of me running to the finish. Pretty awesome huh?

Afterwards, they had some treats and wet towels. I went over to get my official time and to my surprise I won third in my age group. I asked the women if they made a mistake and she laughed at me. I think she thought I was joking, but I was kinda serious. Either way, I will take it. A finish time of  3:25:07. Cannot even freaking believe it. It's been such a dream and now it's becoming a reality that I qualified for Boston. Cannot wait for it and going to enjoy the next few marathons I have before Boston. So nice to know I can just run for fun and no pressure. 

 
 
Check out the bling ?? Fancy huh?

After the race, we did a little site seeing. Headed out to Red Rocks Amphitheater  and checked out the red rocks as well. It's an awesome place and a seeing a show would  be incredible there. 

Next, while driving back to the airport we spotted a few prairie dogs. Kodak moment if you ask me!

Alright folks, that's all I got! It was an incredible weekend, one I will never forget. For right now, I am giving my body a break and taking it easy.  Have a fabulous week and keep dreaming big, ya never know when it will come true. 

Sorry I have been MIA

Holy cow, where is the time going. I still cannot believe half the summer is over and it is almost time for my next marathon. I am a wee bit nervous for this race. For one,  it is in Colorado so the altitude is different. 2. I really, really, really want to qualify for Boston and this is the last chance I have for April 2015 race. Just hoping training in the heat is going to help me out. I will say the amount of sweat that pours out of my body in the summer is something ungodly. I feel like a swamp monster afterwards!  This past Friday I was able to get in a long training run. It was a nice 18 miles and I actually was able to zone out and continue trekking on. Thank goodness for my pro compression marathon socks, I swear they do wonders for your legs. Try them out, it's no lie how great they truly are. I also recently watched the Hunger Games movies. I will have to admit I am a fan, gotta love Katniss. I started to wonder what my skill would be if I was called into the games, still debating on that one. What would yours be??

Since we last chatted, we spent a fabulous Fourth of July in Omaha, NE. Yes my friends, the great Omaha we were visiting. It's a nice town and we have friends there so figured why not. We did get to check out the zoo, which was pretty amazing. If you get a chance check it out, it's incredible. We also did a 14 mile run and a trail run that weekend. The trail run kicked my butt. Just crazy how many different muscles you use and how much harder it truly is. If you get a chance do a comparison of road vs trail. A 8 mile road run is comparable to a 4 mile trail run. Just be careful and watch your footing. Those crazy tree stumps can come out of nowhere.  
For your enjoyment here are a few pics from Omaha!

Lastly, I have been trying out some new recipes. First I made some meringue cookies. I found a recipe on Pinterest and modified it on my own. These are pretty tasty and you can add anything to the base to have a different cookie . I made coffee , chocolate chip, and vanilla. Just follow this recipe. I also only used 1 cup of sugar vs 1 1/4. These were huge over in New Zealand and a great low calorie snack. A summer treat without the guilt. Try them out, I am a huge fan. 

Meringue cookie recipe

Anyone have a favorite summer recipe they want to share??