tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82298215120935457192024-02-07T19:02:43.716-08:00Runner In A Bottlerunnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-61964616463977565512016-03-01T21:52:00.001-08:002016-03-01T21:52:15.496-08:00Hemp Heart Nutrition(First of all I must disclose that I was offered these bars through #SweatPink. In exchange for trying them and writing about it on my blog I will be compensated and I received these bars at no cost).<br />
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I was very excited to try these because I love the idea of Hemp. Especially when it is grown right here in Canada and made into something tasty like protein bars!<br />
The Hemp bars come in three flavours. Chocolate, Vanilla and Apple Cinnamon. I was given the Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate to try.<br />
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I will admit, that I am not an apple and cinnamon fan. No matter what the product is. (Okay, with the exception of fresh baked apple pie ;).<br />
I felt no different about these bars in this flavour. They were "okay". I think if you are usually a fan of the apple/cinnamon flavour, you will enjoy them. But I will let you be the judge of that.<br />
The chocolate however I found to be quite delicious! Not overly chocolatey and not too sweet.<br />
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Both flavours were easy to chew and I quite liked the texture. I thought they might be oily because of the hemp seeds, but I found them pretty good.<br />
The bars were only sampled by myself, and only after workouts so that I could get the extra protein. I found them both filling and satisfying. All three flavours have 10 grams protein and 16 grams of (good) fat. I will definitely be buying more of these bars to have on hand, in both chocolate and vanilla.<br />
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If you go to the Manitoba Harvest website, you can find a coupon for $1.00 off to use in store. And if you enter code hhbarlaunch1015 on their website (www.manitobaharvest.com) before March 31, 2016 you will receive 15% off.runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-76008979292643554002015-11-17T22:36:00.001-08:002015-11-17T22:36:38.978-08:00Win Swiftwick Socks!I am so excited that I won the contest Swiftwick Socks held after Halloween! Thanks so much to everyone that voted to help me win!<br />
As a Thank you for voting during the #WickorTreat contest, I would like to give away a pair of Swiftwick socks and share my Swiftwick love :)<br />
To enter, Just comment below mentioning which colour you will choose if you win along with the height of sock you would like to try (either zero or one).<br />
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I will make the random draw from all comments on Sunday evening. Good Luck to Everyone!runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-27807111739860463202015-11-04T12:25:00.000-08:002015-11-04T12:47:04.113-08:0010 minute Strength Workout for RunnersMost of us can probably find 10 minutes in our day for a quick workout. You can even break it up into 2 five minute workouts ;)<br />
As runners it is so important to have strong hips and strong abs. Building strength in your hips and abs will also build a stronger back and reduce your chance of overall injury.<br />
I created an easy 5 minute hip workout and 5 minute ab workout that anyone can complete at home!<br />
(I had some little "helpers" in the making of these, so I apologize for all of the photo bombing.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HIPS</b></span><br />
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1) 1 Minute Side Leg Raises (30seconds each side)- laying on side, supporting yourself on your arm, or laying flat raise and lower your leg as many times as possible in the 30 seconds. Making sure your hips are nicely stacked on top of one another :)<br />
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2) 1 Minute Bridge/Glute lifts- supporting your weight on your shoulders and feet, raise and lower your hips. Making sure to squeeze your glutes (bum) at the top.<br />
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3) 1 Minute of side squats, alternating each lead leg. Make sure to keep your weight on your heels and sit back into that "chair".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgpJV3aoeBd-yNjUlggU6q6zogp3exocVRA3Fwc-iPb6L7HJnfpe3P87mJrrJ4vHTJxDG42lipihYmbpqGojnhAIHhuf2E7kB1enZYDVEvyuSuQCgcmdXXGdJd4sdRQifsuqihBoETNg/s1600/IMG_1395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgpJV3aoeBd-yNjUlggU6q6zogp3exocVRA3Fwc-iPb6L7HJnfpe3P87mJrrJ4vHTJxDG42lipihYmbpqGojnhAIHhuf2E7kB1enZYDVEvyuSuQCgcmdXXGdJd4sdRQifsuqihBoETNg/s320/IMG_1395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
4) 1 Minute 1-Legged squats (30 seconds each leg). Keeping your knee above your ankle of the supportive leg, going as low as possible while holding good form.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFIVnClYlVM1EQ3bi2cCMW3iF38EDMCBpar7dl3XFad05NOjrChAmsi_XQfLpd5uenVhLCosy6-Ho8V2VxDnQ9yOZmfjimFHStO4u1OiDZRLp1vPKdMH9eLmN_EbdQbLSCfVc2arcQF8/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFIVnClYlVM1EQ3bi2cCMW3iF38EDMCBpar7dl3XFad05NOjrChAmsi_XQfLpd5uenVhLCosy6-Ho8V2VxDnQ9yOZmfjimFHStO4u1OiDZRLp1vPKdMH9eLmN_EbdQbLSCfVc2arcQF8/s320/IMG_1397.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
5) 1 Minute Step-Ups on chair with side leg raise (30 seconds each leg). Try to keep your abs in tight and your upper body straight and still.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABS</b></span><br />
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1) Runners Crunch- Start laying flat, crunch up, pulling one knee into your chest. Hold it there for a moment while tightening your abdominal muscles. Repeat with the opposite leg. keep repeating for 1 minute.<br />
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2) Boat Pose with Pulse- Sitting in boat pose, with abs tight, remain balanced on your sit bones and pulse your hands up and down for 1 Minute.<br />
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3) Side Plank (30 seconds each side). Be sure that your hips are once again stacked on top of each other check to make sure that your shoulder is in a line with your elbow. As an alternative, you could do this from your hands instead of elbows.<br />
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4) Plank for 1 Minute. Making sure that you are nice and flat, parallel with the ground. Your hips should not be drooping, nor should they be elevated. Your elbows should be directly under your shoulders.<br />
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5) Leg Drops- Laying flat on your back (I like to place my hands under my hips to support my lower back), lower and raise your legs. This can be done 1 leg at a time or both legs at once. Your head can be elevated or laying flat, but make sure to tighten your abs! Continue for 1 Minute.<br />
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Thank you everyone for watching, reading and taking part!<br />
Happy #workoutwednesdayrunnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-11887913624168590522015-10-28T12:46:00.001-07:002015-10-28T12:49:15.664-07:00I am a #SweatPink and Momentum AmbassadorIt is really difficult to be off work and fitness right now. BUT! I have had some great news from 2 companies during this time and could not be more excited!<br />
First, I found out that I am going to be an ambassador for my favourite inspirational jewelry company! Momentum jewelry is a company based in the USA that makes wraps, footnotes and more that are workout friendly, washable and won't tarnish!<br />
I have been wearing their jewelry while working out, running and pretty much all of the time for almost a year now, and I could not be happier to join their family as an ambassador :)<br />
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The Second great moment, just a few days later was when I received the email from SweatPink saying that I have been accepted to join their team as an ambassador.<br />
I love everything about #SweatPink! Their mission is what first drew me to apply, and I am so happy that I did :)<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b6263; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b style="background-color: red;">"We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick."</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: red; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">Thank you so much to all of you for your support! I look forward to bringing you new and exciting products and ideas.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#SweatPink</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">#designsthatmoveyou </span></span>runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-74374465693545987212015-10-07T19:55:00.000-07:002015-10-07T19:55:13.583-07:00I am a Fitfluential AmbassadorWhat an exciting morning when I opened my email today!<br />
There was an email confirming that my application to be a Fitfluential Ambassador had been approved! I was so happy and excited that I had some tears in my eyes :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLd6egd0A3NCDUQDH0rXfazC_2KjJhndJCTkxtYgkdxuxXsh1S1cz6IJCCfWlIlXe4reTXshkcrN70JRdBCLm9T_f4n5Bv4Lsz32yfLwTS_H_-7n-f5uQlcaIJN1wEQ0SF8S0L2OSMD0/s1600/fitfluential+ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLd6egd0A3NCDUQDH0rXfazC_2KjJhndJCTkxtYgkdxuxXsh1S1cz6IJCCfWlIlXe4reTXshkcrN70JRdBCLm9T_f4n5Bv4Lsz32yfLwTS_H_-7n-f5uQlcaIJN1wEQ0SF8S0L2OSMD0/s320/fitfluential+ambassador.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
Whether you’re a biker, runner, lifter or yogi, Fitfluential wants to help you find your fitness. With <a href="http://fitfluential.com/category/move/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #148dc0; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">workouts</a>and <a href="http://fitfluential.com/category/move/" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; box-sizing: border-box; color: #148dc0; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank">recipes</a> that encompass all types of exercise and eating, their goal is to provide you with the tools and information you need to find a healthy lifestyle that works for you, whatever that may be.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
They work with brand partners to bring the latest in fitness technology, healthy eating, supplements, apparel and more. Their goal is to inspire and motivate people to be their best through community encouragement and connecting with each other based on our love of health and fitness.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
I am very excited about my ambassadorship! Hopefully I can find some great products to share with you along the way!!! </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
www.fitfluential.com</div>
runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-91787929212604626012015-09-30T22:27:00.002-07:002015-09-30T22:44:02.040-07:00Review of Tiux Compression SocksWhen I was first contacted by someone at Tiux to try their compression socks, I was very excited!<br />
I received my new socks within a week after the first communication. They were shipped from the U.S. and arrived in great condition.<br />
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I first tried them at work, as I always wear compression socks during my 8 hours shifts where I am on my feet for most of the time.<br />
My first impression when I put them on was how soft they were. I actually went into the nurses lounge and made the others feel my socks and feet. They are unbelievably soft! They were very easy to get on and nice to look at too.<br />
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I went in with an open mind and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
The next time I wore these socks was for recovery after Lost Soul 100K Ultra. I feel they were as good, maybe even a little more comfortable than some of the other more expensive brands of compression socks.<br />
My 3rd and final trial for these socks was to wear them at the Devon 5 Peaks half marathon. The socks provided comfort and support, and definitely got noticed on the trails. My ankles felt strong and my calves felt extremely comfortable, even on all the hills.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVKz3ALxeU2ROV6y7mTDtoTOXZiiNb_vCj7P-jEfYQLTAbAIyWlLtHUUsCoOiigYG2DqGDDLhaT2vQIQ9BnnVezuxtRzzYWt0dtHs84kamP2NpDBVf-Ts9ipH__T90BUzKSf_IgcpzUA/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVKz3ALxeU2ROV6y7mTDtoTOXZiiNb_vCj7P-jEfYQLTAbAIyWlLtHUUsCoOiigYG2DqGDDLhaT2vQIQ9BnnVezuxtRzzYWt0dtHs84kamP2NpDBVf-Ts9ipH__T90BUzKSf_IgcpzUA/s320/IMG_0919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I washed these socks in between each use in my washing machine and laid them flat to dry. They washed and dried well.<br />
The company offers free shipping which is definitely an added bonus to the already appealing price tag of $35US per pair.<br />
Communication with the company was quick and effortless. They recommended that I size down to a small, though my measurements had me in between small and medium. Their suggestion was perfect!<br />
My overall impression of Tiux is a good one. I don't know that I am converted from my usual brand, but I definitely will wear these and likely buy another pair. I prefer these over other compression socks on the market in the same price range for sure!<br />
I would recommend these socks for all types of activities. Whether running, working out, travelling, recovering or working, Tiux gives you good value for your dollar. I hope their next venture will be calf sleeves :)<br />
I would like to thank Tiux for asking me and allowing me to try these socks.<br />
You can shop online at<br />
www.tiux.co<br />
<br />runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-32944189539557791322015-09-22T23:15:00.001-07:002015-09-22T23:15:47.187-07:00Lost Soul Ultra Race Report<Sorry this has taken me a week to write! I found it very overwhelming camping the weekend of the race, then rushing back to work for the entire week.><br />
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Let me first off be perfectly honest and tell you how scared I was to run Lost Soul. My very first half marathon was in the HOT coulees of Medicine Hat in 2011. It was my most difficult run, still to this date. It was hot, hilly and awful! This was my fear of running the coulees in Lethbridge. I knew it was going to be hot and hilly!<br />
I also did not have a solid training year. Being injured for most of it, and my longest training run being Black Spur just a few weeks before, I went into this race not really knowing what to expect of myself and/or the race itself. I knew that I signed up for this race to originally qualify for Western States. The qualifying time as of 2015 was lengthened from 16 hours to 21 hours. This means that my only true goal was to run all 100km in less than 21 hours, though I really was hoping for less than 18 hours (if I could finish).<br />
I did know that I did not want to eat any solids during this race. I usually try to eat protein while running, but I have been questioning why? Protein is so hard to break down. Carbs are the easiest form of calories to break down to glucose, so why not just use carbohydrates??? Sounded good enough to try :) So the plan in my head was to use just Vitargo and water. I had my trail mix with me always, "just in case".<br />
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The Lost Soul Ultra consists of 1-54 km loop, that is run 2 times, less leg 1 the second loop for the 100K and 3 full times during the 100 mile race.<br />
Leg 1 takes you on a very steep climb up the coulee hills near the beginning, just to make sure that your calves and hamstrings are awake. It is 7km.<br />
Leg 2 is 8.4 km leaving you with gorgeous views of the train bridge and the coulees.<br />
Leg 3 is 9.6km taking you by the local gun range.<br />
Leg 4 is the longest at 16.4km. It has coulee climbs and downhills, as well as about 10km of flat running. It takes you by the river and hemp fields.<br />
Leg 5 is a lot of shale trail and is 6.6km that has us running through a bit of the wilderness park.<br />
Leg 6 is the final leg at 6.2 km. It is amazing taking the runners through a really cool forest and under the train bridge. It ends taking you by the Fort and with a giant climb back up to the Lethbridge Lodge before crossing the transition/finish line.<br />
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So, it is Friday morning, the race starts at 8am. I am feeling good and start the morning by rolling my hips and glutes on my lacrosse ball (at the suggestion of my physiotherapist). I bring this same ball with me to the pre-race meeting and use it to roll on my feet right before the race. I feel like this has really warmed up my muscles.<br />
The entire first loop I was running with my poles, asking myself "Why am I running with these??" I texted my sister to ask if she was still at the Lodge so that I could ditch them with her. Running without my poles was probably the best decision I made during the 101.4km.<br />
The coulee hills were steep, but there was a lot more flat running and I didn't want to waste energy running flats with poles.<br />
It started to get hot early. By the time I got to the North loop I was told it was 32C (in the shade). I definitely felt good about my hydration. I knew I was getting enough water. But after the big climbs in the long back loop, as I was starting onto the flats along the river, I started to feel things that I had never felt before. I felt my heart rate beating faster than ever. And what really worried me was the chills I was experiencing, even though I was baking in the sun. I was really looking forward to finishing this leg. I came in to the transition feeling "okay" and knew I needed some ice in my water pack to try and cool down internally.<br />
This race is amazing!!! They have ice at EVERY transition. And it was available all the time!<br />
The final 13K of the first loop felt very long, and very hot. I walked a lot. But so did every around me. I really loved running through the forest and along the river. And I remember making mental notes about certain trails that I would want to walk on in the dark as the trail was VERY narrow and dropped straight off one side with a wall of coulee on the other.<br />
As I finished the first loop the clock said 7:33. I felt okay with this. I loaded up with more Vitargo and iced water. I probably sat around for way too long at this transition. Not for any reason that I can think of, just because. I started back out on the trail (missing leg 1 because only the 100milers have to do this loop every time). I realized immediately I forgot to reapply sunscreen, so back I went. Ok. Now I was ready. This was definitely the hottest point of the day. The course is totally exposed, with only about 10% coverage of some kind. No memories really stand out from my second loop on legs 2 and 3. I remember a few runners pulling off to the side if there was shade. I remember having to walk a lot, strictly because if I started running too much my heart rate was getting way too high. I remember climbing the steep hill beside the gun range and hearing the shots, thinking one of those could come our way. I remember doing run math, probably the the entire stretch of leg 3. If I come in at this time, I can still finish before midnight. If I finish this leg by this time.... There should only be X km left, I should finish at this time. (All of this math was totally inaccurate). I remember feeling so very HOT and relieved coming into the Pavan Park transition area.<br />
As I was hanging out at this transition, seeing friends and family, as they were all asking me how I was feeling, all I could mumble out was "HOT, I AM SO HOT." I came into this transition feeling totally defeated (not wanting to quit, just feeling completely drained). The chafing from my sweat and my shorts on my inner thighs was awful. I applied Body Glide. Changed my shorts. It still hurt so much. I am so thankful for Jo Schmidt! I told her my dilemma of changing into capris, but I was worried about over heating. I showed her my chafing. She helped me decide to change into my capris. This was the second best decision I made during the 100K race.<br />
I planned on walking the entire North loop, just to let my body cool down. I told Chris I would be about 3 hours, but I went out feeling surprisingly revived. I could not believe how I good I felt. I ended up running most of the 16+ km. I noticed a lot more the second time as well. I smelled the hemp fields the first time, but didn't notice them until the second time running by them.<br />
I walked up the hills and through the mud by the river, but was shocked that I could run the rest. I felt so great that I finished under 2 1/2 hours. What this meant was that Chris wasn't there to see me out and stock up my Vitargo. The volunteers were super helpful though! They helped me to add some ice to my pack, and off I went again, knowing I had less than 13K left. I asked the volunteers to tell Chris to meet me at Peenaquim Ball Diamond Aid Station if they saw a guy carrying my bin with MEYER on it.<br />
As I ran up to the aid station my eyes started jetting around looking for Chris. He was not there. I asked the volunteers to text him and tell him I would be finishing in less than hour. The volunteers throughout the entire race were absolutely amazing!!! They made jokes about husbands, but were more than happy to help a racer out during her desperate need to have her husband at the finish line.<br />
I quickly turned around and headed back out for the last 6.2km. I love running in the dark! I can always tell when other racers are around me and it looks really cool seeing the headlamps along the trails.<br />
I ran most of the Leg 6 trail. My favourite part of the entire race was the cave like forest that was completely lit up by glow sticks. It was beautiful in the daylight hours, but spectacular at night!!! I also loved running under the train bridge while there was a train going over it. The glowing lights from the train and sounds were pretty cool to experience.<br />
When I started this leg I passed a girl and guy running together. This was good for me as it pushed me to keep running. I was so excited to be this close to finishing! It got me thinking how badly I wanted to do well (and not let anyone else pass me).<br />
I left on the North Loop at 7:03pm, thinking there was no way I would finish before midnight. But climbing up the final hill before reaching the finish I knew it was before midnight. As I came around the corner to the finish line I could see the time 15:39. And I could see Chris had made it. I was so happy. I sprinted across to make it well under my dream goal of under 16 hours which earned me 6th female (5th in age group) and also my finishers tile :)<br />
Not only did I qualify for the Western States Lottery, I did it in under the old qualifying time.<br />
I would like to congratulate all finishers at LSU! It was a very tough and hot course! I would also like to thank my husband, my kids, my mom and my sister for helping through the day.<br />
I started the race not knowing if I would even finish, and with the help of them, the amazing volunteers and with Vitargo I was able to surpass my goals and qualify to put my name in the hat the week of November 7 for Western States.....<br />
I feel amazing after this run, both mentally and physically. I feel like I did this one right, which has me excited for 2016!<br />
Until next year Lethridge and the Lost Soul Ultra (because I will definitely be back...)<br />
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<br />runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-5937357242839189972015-08-24T22:28:00.003-07:002015-08-24T22:28:31.569-07:00Black Spur Ultra Race ReportWe are driving to Kimberley, BC and I start eyeing the elevation graphs on the BlackSpur website. I mean really studying them, since I will be running the 3 legs in less than 24 hours. I knew the race would be challenging, but I don't think I had a realistic idea of how challenging this 50K run would be.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The race can be run as a 50K or 100K solo or as a relay team for the 100K and takes place at the Kimberley Alpine Resort in Beautiful British Columbia. The transition areas for all 3 or 6 legs are at the base of the mountain, which makes it nice for drop bags and for people crewing and cheering and especially for soloists that are self supporting. </div>
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At the pre-race meeting, Brian tells us just how challenging this course will be and that it is actually over 52km, not 50K. I am actually good with this news! My sick mind would rather over than under ;) He also explains that there are some areas that are not even trails, but just rock that he has marked. He mentions all of the single track on course. I am more excited than ever! </div>
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The night before the race we had mice in our trailer that kept us up all night. Between racing dreams, dreaming of the new chameleon kit from INKnBURN (seriously!) and the mice, I probably slept less than 2 hours. This did not however damper my excitement!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to run on a very chilly morning...</td></tr>
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Leg 1 was amazing! With tons of single track as promised, cushy running on moss and twigs and "rock climbing" it was my favourite leg! I love the twisted mind of Brian Gallant and how he made this course! </div>
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I felt powerful on this leg, being in what I consider my elements! Climbing and running downhill. Approximately 16km and over 1000 meters of elevation gain, left me feeling strong coming into the transition area. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hDwxvr7ETIQ6c_Dsn0MCIfaWCY5EuJchmdl6tV07O4lBoBnX_7Fs8VqtIr7bX0iPGsCFJoS5I6e0SuHkn3ChqCPXh85GJVn3sBfkVFzD2DZmhT8W1cUPtpdyN7Xbo1_-FWaPzPIDtnM/s1600/leg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hDwxvr7ETIQ6c_Dsn0MCIfaWCY5EuJchmdl6tV07O4lBoBnX_7Fs8VqtIr7bX0iPGsCFJoS5I6e0SuHkn3ChqCPXh85GJVn3sBfkVFzD2DZmhT8W1cUPtpdyN7Xbo1_-FWaPzPIDtnM/s320/leg1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that is the trail ;) The rock in the middle of the trees...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And yes. More trail there. Really! Up the middle of the trees :-)</td></tr>
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Leg 2 was also pretty amazing! I kept going strong drinking water and fuelling with Vitargo. So many amazing views on this leg as well! I wasn't sure where I was sitting in the standings at this point, but figured I was likely top 10. I was happy thinking this. Leg 2 saw me running over 17Km with an elevation gain of 935 meters. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3wezEtTZDB5Sn-FGot3LtB37UXX5OkwAbKc5ZyP1yeZ0jYWbl_cAnZtXv5BCZ2zCZosPPM5lkt25_iVaHY4ZYN2bgSVWDkFiAJ0u8fYm_s0M_Us2xUGRKl-Xs49mlVJXTHGDCH6W9MA/s1600/leg+2+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3wezEtTZDB5Sn-FGot3LtB37UXX5OkwAbKc5ZyP1yeZ0jYWbl_cAnZtXv5BCZ2zCZosPPM5lkt25_iVaHY4ZYN2bgSVWDkFiAJ0u8fYm_s0M_Us2xUGRKl-Xs49mlVJXTHGDCH6W9MA/s320/leg+2+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my favourite part of this leg :) Amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dipper Lake. My next favourite part of Leg 2.</td></tr>
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I came in to the transition area to find my husband, kids and puppy had joined my sister and my parents. I love seeing them at my races! Chris helped me load up my bag with fresh water and Vitargo and helped me to get back out to finish the last 18Km and 842 meters of elevation to gain.</div>
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I did decide to change my shoes at the transition, as my feet hurt. I also decided to have an Ensure, just because. I feel both of these may have been mistakes. But I guess I will live and learn.</div>
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I went out feeling okay. Just okay, as the ensure was not sitting well with me. I started the climb up, and within minutes I started feeling extremely nauseous. Moments later I started dry heaving. I was not sure what to think. I had never experienced this before! I took some tylenol for my foot pain. Stopped at an outhouse to pee, and then found myself more in the trees. I slowly started to feel a little better. Not great, but better. </div>
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I was still not sure where I was "in the pack" but decided it was not worth it at this point to stress out about it as I was sure there were a lot faster than me. I felt low, and I was letting that bring my run down. I was hoping for a top 10 finish, but really didn't care at this point! </div>
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I reached some single track with lots of technical running! My favourite! This brought me back some energy! I caught up to a young girl that had passed me at the start of the leg. I passed her when I first caught her, but like any true competitor, it lit a spark in her and she passed me. I started talking was she passed me, and we ran down a long double track to the checkpoint together. It was nice to chat to someone. Just about nothing really. Ultra running, Sinister 7, where we were from. Just small talk, but it was nice. </div>
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At the checkpoint there was a familiar face waiting to offer me goodies. Abi Moore (my idol and friend) was volunteering. It was so great to see her, but I was feeling quite low and really craving pop (which they didn't have), so I didn't stay to chat much, and out I went as her hubby (Mike) yelled that I only 9km more! 9Km! I can do this! And so began another climb up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpxxxqfKUf45L0ujd1314FONChKJ5FE2Kn2tA-cksS22j7bbbcI7ISc0nuGUMCLkN6eONGy40OsUKMtu7OTAprA5je0jz4fAeNr5haa-b1_rLk6PPwJpzn_FMhvDIj4Upl71QY8v6aSg/s1600/leg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpxxxqfKUf45L0ujd1314FONChKJ5FE2Kn2tA-cksS22j7bbbcI7ISc0nuGUMCLkN6eONGy40OsUKMtu7OTAprA5je0jz4fAeNr5haa-b1_rLk6PPwJpzn_FMhvDIj4Upl71QY8v6aSg/s320/leg+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views on Leg 3 were like no other! With mountains and valleys. It was Gorgeous! </td></tr>
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I hiked up the hill, as the young girl ran up by me. I thought to myself "WOW! Good for her!" I have always hiked up the hills since Ultra running. Well, especially when I am running more than 20K. I enjoyed the views and took my time to hydrate and refuel. Once I got to the top I was able to jog again. My Garmin had died, so I turned on my Nike Run app so that I had some idea how far I had run of the 9km left (probably 8 at that point). I took my time and enjoyed the run. Passing some having a hard time, and another passing me that was a strong relay runner.<div>
I was feeling pretty okay by this point. tired, but okay. I was happy to be finishing my first 50K of the year. I came down the hill to the finish line, everyone cheering and my family waiting for me. I crossed, and my husband says "4th female!" I was the 4th female to cross, and 9th overall! I was 4 minutes behind the young girl that I ran with briefly who placed 3rd. I felt great! I was hoping for a top 10 finish, but 4th! I am pleased with that! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling great approaching the finish line!</td></tr>
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The volunteers were all so great! They were congratulating me on my job well done. Grabbing me my pop :-) and offering watermelon and more. Everyone loved my Run or Die kit from INKnBURN and payed many compliments. </div>
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I will say this is now my favourite 50K race! The views and trails were stunning! The race was well organized. And the country is beautiful! Well done Brian Gallant and team!</div>
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I would also like to congratulate everyone that ran this past weekend in Kimberley. My brother in law Erik and his sister Michelle for finishing her first Ultra! Majo did amazing and placed 2nd, running the entire 100K in his Luna sandals! And to Joanne for finishing 1st as a 100K soloist! It was so nice meeting new people and seeing their amazing talents on the trails! Well done Black Spur racers! I also need to thank fellow racers for sharing pictures on Facebook! I cannot take credit for most of these pictures, because for the first time, I think ever, I only took one picture in 50Km! :o</div>
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I look forward to seeing you all again next year! This is definitely a race worth repeating :)</div>
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runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-81382556999736993682015-08-08T21:02:00.001-07:002015-08-08T21:02:20.986-07:00Found My Running Mojo!Hi there Friends!!!<br />
First, I would like to apologize for the very long break from blogging! It has been far too long, and I have missed it (and you) very much! I thought about it often, but just didn't get around to it...<br />
That being said! I would like to announce that I feel as I have gotten my running Mojo back!!! After my injury and many physio treatments for the same, I would like to say that I finally feel good about running again! It did take a lot to get going again. Anyone that has experienced an injury might be able to relate to the pain and the depression that I went through over the past 8 months. I think we just need to be stronger (mentally and physically) to overcome it all.<br />
I started by signing up to pace the Woody's Half Marathon. I figured that this would get me running after I finally started physio and healing. It was definitely a good start...<br />
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Next, I signed up to take my cycling designation and my group exercise courses to get my AFLCA certification. These were very busy weekends, with about 5-7 hours of workouts each day, but wow! Was it ever fun! And absolutely worth it! I feel like I learned so much. I am very excited to start teaching fitness myself :-)<br />
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Once I finished my exams and all of my courses, it made it easy to concentrate on running.<br />
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The biggest thing that helped me to get back to running and feel great about it was visiting the Rocky Mountains in Sparwood and the Crowsnest Pass the first week of July! It sure is easy to be motivated when you wake up each morning and know that you have childcare (Gramma) and mountains calling your name :-D<br />
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We arrived Sunday night and first thing Monday morning before the kids swim lessons began I arose to sun and mountains! I managed to get in 18K that day. Each day after that was any where from 6K-12K. Every moment was absolute joy and we managed to get some hiking in with the kids too!<br />
I had not planned on running at Sinister 7 this year, just volunteering and helping cheer and crew for my brother in law Erik. I did however bring extra trail shoes just in case a team needed someone to help them out ;)<br />
And sure enough! I found a team to run leg 2 with. This would have been an easy and fun run for me! It is my favourite leg of Sinister, and I could have ran a few extra miles to meet my training needs. The team Chicks on the Fly were able to help me out with that too, as they asked me 12 hours before the race if I could also run another Leg. I happily agreed, so long as the legs were close together. So it was decided, with less than 12 hours before the race, that I would run legs 1 and 2. Not only did have a blast running it, but it helped build my confidence again. I had not run 32.5km in quite some time, and this felt amazing! I have it! I found my running mojo!<br />
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Once I returned home on my runners high, it made it easy to keep up the training! I was able to get out on the cross country ski trails in Red Deer, as well 40 kilometres in Banff.<br />
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I feel better than I have in months and with just 3 more weeks until Deathrace I felt strong and capable. Gosh I am happy in the mountains! I miss them so much. I am so grateful that I grew up in them and now get to visit and explore frequently :)<br />
I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for helping with the boys! I would like to thank the girls from Edmonton for allowing me to join their team! And I would like to say it is thanks to them, the mountains and a few races that helped me to find my running MOJO again! Hooray!!!<br />
I would also like to take this opportunity to Congratulate my brother in law Erik Byman on his strong finish at Sinister!!! What an amazing accomplishment to run 100 miles! I know what I feel like to be awake for 29 hours! And he ran for almost that long, plus was awake before and after the race! Well done Erik!<br />
Stay tuned for my Deathrace report...<br />
<br />runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-55087570822155759662015-04-12T20:49:00.002-07:002015-04-12T20:49:53.595-07:00My Revolution Is A Fun Ride!Today I had the opportunity to try out a new spin studio here in Red Deer. My Revolution is the first of its kind here in Central Alberta. This weekend was a free weekend of spin to help celebrate the opening of the studio. There were full days of spin Saturday and Sunday that were open to everyone and anyone. This weekend was all spin, but there will also be yoga there in the near future.<br />
Upon entrance to the studio it appears bright and clean. The friendly staff were not there right away, but it was because they were all inside with clients helping to set up their bikes. Once they saw us at the entrance they were there right away, smiling, and ready to assist us.<br />
Shoes are mandatory as the pedals are clip only. Shoes are available to rent for $1 or you can bring your own.<br />
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The studio itself has quite a few bikes (28, I think) and the staff were great at assisting us all to set up our bikes. I have known the class instructor (Linzee) for a number of years, and she did not disappoint! She is fun, full of energy, experienced and easy to understand and follow.<br />
The spin class is not like your usual spin class. It is done in low lighting, with loud music. The "Revolution" class is set to the music and each set was different, depending on the song. One of the sets even incorporated weights.<br />
My final opinion....<br />
It is always great to try new things! This studio is fun and energized and I will definitely be back on a regular basis.<br />
You can visit their website for class times and prices www.myrev.ca<br />
Have a great ride!<br />
<br />runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-91791226534547741922015-02-07T21:20:00.001-08:002015-02-07T21:20:34.047-08:00Running on Snow and IceIt is definitely well into the winter season here in Alberta! My training season officially started in January and this means that I am needing to run on snow and ice and also on the treadmill.<br />
I have compiled a few tips to hopefully help us all survive the winter running trails.<br />
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1. If you don't own a pair now, invest in a pair of trail shoes. I already own many trail shoes as that is my main focus, but I definitely recommend investing in a pair if you plan on running in the winter at all. They provide extra traction on the snow and ice and they also are somewhat water proof. The alternative would be to buy a pair of Ice Grippers. Not my choice, but might be a more economical choice.<br />
2. Choose fresh snow over ice or packed snow. If you have the choice, fresh snow will reduce your chance of slipping as there is more traction on freshly fallen snow. Do watch for snow covered cracks and holes.<br />
3. Shorten your stride and keep your feet lower to the ground. You will run more efficiently and reduce the risk of falling, slipping or straining muscles.<br />
4. Slow down. Throw your planned or usual pace out the window! When you attempt a fast or quick paced run on snow and/or ice you risk slipping, falling or worse. I like to treat my winter running as endurance training rather than distance training.<br />
5. When in doubt, walk! If you see sections on the road, sidewalk or trail that appear icy, walk, take caution and take it easy for a moment.<br />
6. Relax and focus on the road ahead. Keep your eye on the goal and on the physical road ahead. It is easier to avoid icy areas if you see them before your next stride.<br />
7. Remember you might be sore in muscles you didn't even know that you had. Running on snow and ice will activate stabilizers in your legs and feet that have to work twice as hard to keep you upright.<br />
9. Try snowshoeing. If you can run, you can snowshoe. It is a great cardio and muscle workout that might get you outside enjoying some fresh air. There are companies that rent snowshoes, but they might be a worthwhile investment.<br />
10. If it is snowing, wear a hat with a brim. The brim will keep the snow out of your face which will make running a little easier and more enjoyable. You may need to wear a toque or fleece headband under the hat to keep your head and ears warm.<br />
11. Dress for the temperature! If it is cold, wear extra layers! Extra socks, double gloves, and double layers on the top and bottom. If there is an extreme windchill, it may also be a good idea to cover your face in vaseline.<br />
12. Stay inside. It may not be ideal, but if it is cold or icy, it might worth it. There is always the option of running on a treadmill or the track instead of risking frostbite or injury.<br />
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I hope you all enjoy these tips and that you stay safe and warm this winter season! Happy running!runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-50595083913785886052015-01-04T20:45:00.002-08:002015-01-04T20:45:09.313-08:002014. The Year I Became an Ultra Runner.Happy New Year Friends!!!!<br />
I cannot believe how quickly 2014 has come and gone. This brings us to 2015 and also the time of year that I get to brag about my year :)<br />
2014 started off with me signing up for Deathrace and also joining a running group here in Red Deer. Running with the marathon group was the best thing I did! It kept me going and got me out running even when it was uber cold and snowy.<br />
I followed my training plan pretty accurately, and my (many pairs of) running shoes saw about 2000 kilometres.<br />
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My race season started off in March with the Hypothermic Half Marathon. When I signed up for this run I didn't actually plan on getting Hypothermia, but the temperature was -36C (-47C with the windchill).<br />
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In April I discovered yoga while running! This was an amazing experience for me. Not only was this a relaxing time for me, but also it was wonderful for stretching and for flexibility.<br />
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May was my month of crazy!!! I felt confident that if I could survive this month, then I could achieve anything. May long weekend I ran Woody's full marathon in Red Deer, AB. It POURED rain the entire 4 hours, but I finished. And I felt good :) My goal was under 4 hours, but I did it in 4:04 (the exact same as the previous year). I will break a 4 hour marathon ;)<br />
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The weekend after May long I ran my first ever solo Ultra! 50K at the Blackfoot Ultra. What an amazing feeling! Finishing 50K! I placed 36/108 and it took me 5 hours and 45 minutes.<br />
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The weekend right after Blackfoot found me in Grande Cache, AB for the Deathrace training camp. Three days to run and bike all 125km was just what I needed for training. This was an amazing weekend that gave me the mental advantage I needed.<br />
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June was my 2nd 50K race. What a beautiful weekend away in the mountains! Rundles Revenge in Canmore is held at the Canmore Nordic Center every year in June. I had high moments and low moments during this race, but nothing beat the feeling of being called up on to the podium for 3rd open female. I got to stand on the podium with one of my running heroes (Abi Moore).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can actually see my admiration for Abi! :) I was overjoyed!</td></tr>
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In July I had the privilege of running Sinister 7 as a team of 3. My good friend Robyn ran leg 1, I ran legs 2, 3 and 4, and my brother in law (Erik) ran legs 5, 6 and 7. I am so proud of us all for completing this phenomenal run in the mountains of the Crowsnest Pass.<br />
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Sinister 7 was also another race where all of these Ultra marathons start to become very surreal. Michelle Barton (an INKnBURN elite) ran Sin7 this year! I was not expecting her to be there, So you can imagine my excitement when my sister texted me to tell me she saw her at package pickup. It was an amazing experience to run with her on the trails and chat with her.<br />
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Ok. August. This is what my entire year of training was for! The Canadian Deathrace! 125KM in the mountains of Northern Alberta. Most of you have read my previous blog (so I won't talk too much about my experience). But I finished!!! Not only did I finish, but I crushed my goal of 22 hours. My final time was 20 hours and 3 minutes. I finished 5th overall female and 2nd in my age group. I was so proud. I am pretty much still glowing in my accomplishment.<br />
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The kids Deathrace was another super proud moment of the summer! My son (Nathan), my niece (Katie) and my nephew (Ethan) all ran the 5K kids Deathrace with Chris and Matt. Nathan and Ethan took 10 minutes off their time from last year! And Matt and Chris had ran legs 2 and 1 the day before. I ran the kids Deathrace last year. It is tough!!! :)<br />
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It took about a week for my legs to recover after Deathrace, so August and most of September saw me running shorter distances until I ran Melissa's half marathon.<br />
Melissa's is held in Banff every year and is always a blast! This year was no different. It was a tough a half, but I managed to maintain my record of always running a half in under 2 hours :)<br />
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And finally, to end my year, was the Grizzly Ultra 50K in Canmore, AB on Thanksgiving weekend. I signed up for this run while still on my Deathrace high and I am so happy that I did! It was a super fun run and a great way to end 2014!<br />
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I would like to thank all of you for your cheering and words of encouragement over the past year! I would especially like thank my husband and children! 2014 has been amazing and tough and I could not have done it with out all of your support! Also deserving thanks are my parents, sister, in-laws, brother in laws and their families, who were with me every step of the way!<br />
I would also like to send out special thanks to INKnBURN for allowing me to wear their amazing gear as an ambassador! It has been such a fun year and I look forward to proudly representing INKnBURN again in 2015!<br />
I have made a lot of fun discoveries over the past year (such as Vitargo energy and recovery drink). I still have a lot to learn, and I feel as though my Ultra running is a work in progress. I still need to find the perfect shoe ;) and I will have a lot of fun finding the perfect diet to fuel my body.<br />
2015 will be another busy and exciting year! I have big dreams and plans and I hope that you will all follow me on my journey.<br />
Cheers.runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-54263559764212291842014-10-20T21:10:00.002-07:002014-10-20T21:10:55.723-07:00Couch to 50K- Grizzly Ultra Race ReportTwo months ago I was on a runners high after running Deathrace. It was during this week of recovery that I decided to sign up for a fall Ultra Marathon.<br />
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The reason I signed up for the Grizzly Ultra Marathon was to help get me past the post-runners depression. I had every intention of keeping up my kilometres. I started off right, running 1 week after Deathrace and starting back to my regular gym routine. A lot happened (or didn't happen) and this is why I call this run my couch to 50K. I ended up with a really bad cold for weeks, and weeks. I actually still have the cough. But all of this means that I was not able to train like I planned. Every time I would attempt a long run I would have to stop because I was short of breath. I would always have to stop at about 10K.</div>
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Ok, enough whining from me. Lets talk about the race...</div>
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The Grizzly Ultra Marathon is in the mountains of Canmore, AB. It is based from the Canmore Nordic Center and is 50.7km (though my GPS said 52km). The run is based on 5 legs varying in distance and difficulty. </div>
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Leg 1 is 14km and is labeled the 3rd most difficult. It was completely non-technical and very wide double track.</div>
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Leg 2 is 12 km and is labeled the 2nd most difficult. Also not technical at all, but extremely difficult with lots of elevation change.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLOQovj2eY2IABzBoonYs_wFPgm5zJ4n2rQoZIvYP7gmAugCc-4c7retZpSwz440SXOrNDm8EVtwoahPmwPxZyDSn-gkO_jYVJAbQIp0SJtnb8YcusNm7zoa-osYW__vUpnl9rL5n9ZU/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLOQovj2eY2IABzBoonYs_wFPgm5zJ4n2rQoZIvYP7gmAugCc-4c7retZpSwz440SXOrNDm8EVtwoahPmwPxZyDSn-gkO_jYVJAbQIp0SJtnb8YcusNm7zoa-osYW__vUpnl9rL5n9ZU/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With view like these, how can you do just as the sign says :)</td></tr>
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Leg 3 is rated the most difficult at 12km. This was the leg I found to be the most fun. I give it 5 grizzly claws on the fun factor. It started off quite easy and then turned into winding, technical running. This is why I love trail running! </div>
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Leg 4 is 7km and the 2nd easiest. This was the 2nd most fun! Also single track and a lot of fun to run!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the signs that were related to wild life and Grizzly bears was really fun and entertaining.</td></tr>
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Leg 5 is 5.7km and is the easiest leg. It is the shortest leg and it also means I was almost done running for the day. It seemed as though there was lots of hills, but it was all double track and still pretty fun to run. It gets 3 claws from me on the fun factor.</div>
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Overall there is 1691meters/5548feet of elevation gain. Knowing all of this ahead of time, I was not expecting much from myself. With my lack of training and my new nutrition I was trialing my standards were not set high.</div>
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To my surprise, I felt pretty amazing the entire race! I was testing out a new energy/carb drink that claims it is good fuel before exercise, during and after. There is no protein in it, so I brought along some trail mix to much on while running too. But that was all that I had while running for 6 1/2 hours, and I felt great! I felt I had lots of energy and I had no GI upset at all! Vitargo is fuel of strength and power and claims to be worlds best carbohydrate. I tried the grape flavour and it once I got used to how thick it was, it was pretty great. I honestly felt more energized whenever I drank enough of it. I look forward to trying it again in the new year on my long distance runs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R625NV87620J6DoXW948drI3Cl1Pc-mWi2-3Upi9_AWXqdQh2qY0WjkslKKFoTuka0n2HxC39e6j8UWwG58lTqjfnIdE-FZmqYeql1junriIf6p2gCgepVzOYaspcBT6vQwCwBPLfOc/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R625NV87620J6DoXW948drI3Cl1Pc-mWi2-3Upi9_AWXqdQh2qY0WjkslKKFoTuka0n2HxC39e6j8UWwG58lTqjfnIdE-FZmqYeql1junriIf6p2gCgepVzOYaspcBT6vQwCwBPLfOc/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.vitargo.com</td></tr>
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So. The Run. The first 2 legs went by smoothly. They were double track and it gave me time to get into my groove. The 3rd leg is where the winding single track began and where the fun really began. I honestly did not even notice how difficult the course was or was not after this point. I just found it a lot of fun! This was definitely my favourite race of the year! Deathrace wins, just because I have dreamed of running it for years. But for organization, scenery and overall fun factor I think the Grizzly Ultra wins for 2014.<br />
There was one point that I feel like I should be honest about. After leg 2 my right knee started to hurt. This is something I have not experienced before. I took Tylenol immediately and I felt good the remainder of the race. This once again proves that there are 2 amazing feelings when running a 50K race. The moment the Tylenol kicks in. And the moment you cross the finish line.<br />
I even felt strong on the last 5.7km of leg 5. My hamstrings most definitely felt tight, but nothing I could not run through. I even passed team runners that were only running this final leg. (That feels pretty good :)<br />
I am sure you have all also seen my amazing outfit I sported during the race. How much fun! Running as a pirate! INKnBURN always makes amazing and attractive gear, but I have never run even close to this distance in the capri pants. I must be honest. I was a little nervous and had my shorts packed in my running bin. They pants were fantastic! Not only did I receive hundreds of compliments, I also had no issues with chafing, blisters or discomfort! I am so happy to be part of an amazing company that can make gear that we can be comfortable in for 10K, 50K, or 160K!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4OKyH6vgQNXUygu9CiS17DpyRRJbbI5cPggBq-SEso76xpnryrsHfl4-_zh9ufLxlZ4CbpWrl3Ion9_4xdtfNh5VwFTV_wOjfRCfJph_Xk_FCHK25Q_NUM6vuqCz-AmbQIO-Mj4i_UQ/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4OKyH6vgQNXUygu9CiS17DpyRRJbbI5cPggBq-SEso76xpnryrsHfl4-_zh9ufLxlZ4CbpWrl3Ion9_4xdtfNh5VwFTV_wOjfRCfJph_Xk_FCHK25Q_NUM6vuqCz-AmbQIO-Mj4i_UQ/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2ALSWJJlLcKpO4_QAqsO2QxMGTjlEG247jGHdGsWjlQ7wcIOwMIjdWrlxZxDT4oy0ptjtZVSOa7JawQ3TWhi2b0M0NKl2u3GnAbRlgUMJl-GKzRBV_V1LVxuAbBLJwWDl7k7k9N5pNU/s1600/IMG_5188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2ALSWJJlLcKpO4_QAqsO2QxMGTjlEG247jGHdGsWjlQ7wcIOwMIjdWrlxZxDT4oy0ptjtZVSOa7JawQ3TWhi2b0M0NKl2u3GnAbRlgUMJl-GKzRBV_V1LVxuAbBLJwWDl7k7k9N5pNU/s1600/IMG_5188.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my sista.</td></tr>
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In retrospect, I am so happy that I ran this race. The swag was pretty great! And the kids had a blast running the kids race. It was a beautiful sunny day in the mountains. I had my entire family there supporting and cheering me on and I ran into friends that I have not seen since Deathrace and/or Sinister. I would like to run this race again next year! But I will definitely try to train a little harder over the summer after any big runs I have. I would love to break 6 hours on this amazing course ;-)<br />
I would also like to see what my GPS says. This year it said I actually ran 52KM! :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzENAgh1vRxzRwH2qQMAlh19ckTBpNoXFQffsuD6xvqEf0ZzB3Qn7LoetxTmG_4e8OKrxqEn2076rHC9HWODQY65m-eBMEtpWzl8C625xzwahT4yUcTTIVmrlLT_2iwuMo1H72LPZAoms/s1600/IMG_5180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzENAgh1vRxzRwH2qQMAlh19ckTBpNoXFQffsuD6xvqEf0ZzB3Qn7LoetxTmG_4e8OKrxqEn2076rHC9HWODQY65m-eBMEtpWzl8C625xzwahT4yUcTTIVmrlLT_2iwuMo1H72LPZAoms/s1600/IMG_5180.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proud little INKnBURNers...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofMqj09ESvwHFTGFdE00hGxWIFB3He3wm7iglC2pP-7HCOkPHfyOY39hoO7W-R7hhZ1_sCm3nIqfaBJYLlh4kgfxnLLWsCig1PshA8Id88dyw4v-GbQnCwFTc8peyIrshyNZWtJa9JnY/s1600/IMG_5181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofMqj09ESvwHFTGFdE00hGxWIFB3He3wm7iglC2pP-7HCOkPHfyOY39hoO7W-R7hhZ1_sCm3nIqfaBJYLlh4kgfxnLLWsCig1PshA8Id88dyw4v-GbQnCwFTc8peyIrshyNZWtJa9JnY/s1600/IMG_5181.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captured by my Mom the very second I crossed the finish line.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWv7csjnsq-ffR0teIBjzrBqAKf0aaY_KM_CnQ3ip6JWR9mzLGoAjShjJW6N8gLdp5kW8fdzViycPAvrqeHHkUjwYubEnutIm5bC1qnBDQMjjWzL2pJA4DMOtx7ZnFBfGbN6QhmyB-cU/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWv7csjnsq-ffR0teIBjzrBqAKf0aaY_KM_CnQ3ip6JWR9mzLGoAjShjJW6N8gLdp5kW8fdzViycPAvrqeHHkUjwYubEnutIm5bC1qnBDQMjjWzL2pJA4DMOtx7ZnFBfGbN6QhmyB-cU/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEONO1PYPeS6vU2UTv5aQ2teZDeBViZaRTYFPItljL2Mgl0TyMZTfZcdsfez1q3p5RWjeRv8r46JdSavC5RMQCUgas3T30-jMiS7xfxaTrBZcIiuCUWnpIBc9eH7ZCyivDhJYny5mHvY/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEONO1PYPeS6vU2UTv5aQ2teZDeBViZaRTYFPItljL2Mgl0TyMZTfZcdsfez1q3p5RWjeRv8r46JdSavC5RMQCUgas3T30-jMiS7xfxaTrBZcIiuCUWnpIBc9eH7ZCyivDhJYny5mHvY/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my Mom and Dad right after the race.</td></tr>
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runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-81244256450916544302014-10-03T08:25:00.002-07:002014-10-03T08:25:59.646-07:00Paleo Dinner Ideas<b>Roasted Pork Fajita Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing </b><br />
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<div class="heavy divider" id="ingredients" style="background-image: url(http://2fhjuw36qc3g36anx54adxd2nje.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/paleoplan/images/bg_brown_double_divider.png); background-position: 0% 0%; border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 19px; padding: 25px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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Ingredients</h2>
<div itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 TB. olive oil or melted coconut oil</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. chili powder</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. ground cumin</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. garlic powder</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. onion powder</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp. cayenne</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp. sea salt</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into 1 inch pieces</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 green bell peppers, seeded and diced</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 small red onion, diced or sliced</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 large heads romaine or green leaf lettuce, sliced (or use 12 cups mixed greens)</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (optional garnish)</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 lime, quartered (optional garnish)</li>
</ul>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Coconut Lime Dressing:</strong></div>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup full fat canned coconut milk</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. olive oil</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Juice of 2 limes</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cloves garlic, finely minced</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. apple cider vinegar</li>
<li itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp. raw honey</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
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<h2 style="border: 0px; color: #2f3950; float: none; font-family: franklin-gothic-urw, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;">
Instructions</h2>
<ul style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px 0px 1em 2em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preheat oven to 400 F</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In a large mixing bowl or a large plastic bag, combine oil, spices, sea salt and black pepper.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Add the pork, peppers and onions to the mixture and combine with a wooden spoon (or close the bag and shake vigorously) until fully coated.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a large, rimmed baking sheet.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Spread pork and vegetables on the parchment paper, place in oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until pork is cooked through.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meanwhile, combine salad dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Fasten the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Top salad greens with pork and vegetable mixture, and drizzle with dressing to serve. Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime wedges if desired.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
<b><i>Crockpot Thai Chicken</i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
<em><strong><br /></strong></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
<em><strong>Ingredients</strong></em><br />2lbs, skinless chicken breasts<br />1 small red or orange bell pepper, sliced ( I added one of each)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
1 white onion, chopped</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
3/4 cup natural peanut butter</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
1/2 cup lite coconut milk<br />2 Tablespoons lime juice<br />½ cup chicken broth<br />¼ cup soy sauce </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
Satay seasoning </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
Cumin</div>
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<span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit;">1/4 cup crushed peanuts for topping (optional)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
Instructions:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 23px; padding: 0px;">
1. Layer onions and peppers on bottom of crockpot and place chicken breasts on top.</div>
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2. Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour on top.</div>
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3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 6 hours. </div>
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4. Shred chicken with 2 forks, garnish with cilantro and serve with rice noodles or as lettuce wraps.</div>
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runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-49654519127559120072014-09-02T20:23:00.001-07:002014-09-02T20:23:46.601-07:00Back to School Challenge. Starting with Chicken Coconut StirfryWell, Here it is. The school year begins. The summer is officially over for all of us with kids.<br />
Nathan started grade 1 today and Nolan will begin Pre-K on Monday.<br />
With this time comes a harsh realization for most of us. The extra beer weight that we packed on after an amazing summer in the sun.<br />
Deathrace was fun! But My family and I have kind of been lacking in the "healthy department" since then. I have decided to initiate a Back to School Challenge that will involve clean eating and exercise. Following is the recipe that I decided to start the challenge with.<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Chicken Stirfry</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 tsp cayenne<br />
1 tsp ground cumin<br />
1 tsp ground coriander<br />
1 tsp ground turmeric<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
4-6 chicken breasts, cubed<br />
2 tsp sesame oil<br />
1/2 purple onion<br />
sliced carrots<br />
broccoli<br />
snap peas<br />
zucchini<br />
2 cloves garlic<br />
1 can organic light coconut milk<br />
<br />
1. Cook chicken in oil, add spices to coat chicken.<br />
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2. Add veggies and coconut milk. Let steam and simmer on low heat until veggies are at desired crispness.<br />
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3. Serve with rice or side of choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF-ghyphenhyphentjSAQrkOT4fb-HKPOTT8njUj5ZpYzmwJV7oCf7LHX3jednO7Tpompluq6dKjyhrbHVPXEOarJLUv016YN5sX3iUhuCGaxpbk4F2LuxT05BXWZU1hldelRglVxXoEc3umKPMaYY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF-ghyphenhyphentjSAQrkOT4fb-HKPOTT8njUj5ZpYzmwJV7oCf7LHX3jednO7Tpompluq6dKjyhrbHVPXEOarJLUv016YN5sX3iUhuCGaxpbk4F2LuxT05BXWZU1hldelRglVxXoEc3umKPMaYY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I would recommend playing with this recipe. Add some spice where you want or add some soy sauce or equivelant.<br />
<br />
Hope you all enjoy the challenge and keep us updated as to your progress. Please share any recipes with us, either on my blog or on the Facebook site.<br />
Cheers.runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-35270896829618601592014-08-14T13:10:00.000-07:002014-08-14T13:10:32.560-07:00Death Race 2014-Solo FinisherHere I am, race week is here...<br />
I am trying to relax, but it is quite difficult. I am super nervous, and I need to stay active, but not too active. My week went kind of like this. Monday: Work and Spartan training at night, Tuesday: day off and an 8K run, Wednesday: Spin, Thursday: Drive to Grande Cache, Friday: Do nothing but prepare for the next morning.<br />
It is 5:45am. My alarm goes. I am awake, and surprisingly I had an "OK" sleep. I get up and have a cup of coffee and my usual pre-run vegan banana bread for breakfast.<br />
7:00 am We head to the start line. I am planning on running leg 1 with Chris, but we decided that we will do our own thing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPrkFRhUTQLrLPTEIcDtok_46YOJ3kMMl_-z_L9yaNM_BtHT-7pR6p9RWWR3Fp1Lk1AjGkSqFXsMKURIWMF4OQzBSnFisj0Okcrj2gdPMIZ9vBztPTaoc-KUUC8zirsqaEWuIxasmMpA/s1600/10511129_10152211168471814_9027910469177699236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPrkFRhUTQLrLPTEIcDtok_46YOJ3kMMl_-z_L9yaNM_BtHT-7pR6p9RWWR3Fp1Lk1AjGkSqFXsMKURIWMF4OQzBSnFisj0Okcrj2gdPMIZ9vBztPTaoc-KUUC8zirsqaEWuIxasmMpA/s1600/10511129_10152211168471814_9027910469177699236_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose each INKnBURN outfit carefully for each leg! </td></tr>
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8:00 am The race starts. I am doing this! I will finish this! That is all I remember thinking. Oh, And Holy Crap! Here we go.<br />
Leg 1 (19Km) Chris and I did start running together, but I was feeling pretty good and strong, so I ran a little bit faster. I also ran along with a couple of guys from training camp for a few minutes, it was really great to see them and wish them luck. My first pack broke with about 9 K left! I tied it back together and kept going. It was a total pain, but I wasn't going to let that slow me down. I knew I had another one waiting for me. Leg 1 is notoriously wet and muddy, but this year was very favourable and almost dry. This meant dry feet and socks.<br />
I finished Leg 1 in 1:57. Perfect! My goal was to be under 2 hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z4zy_4iCfUpy9a50zH-qXwcKj_kcf9Rr_xfSZ5MZxwO4wOvJ23aDgCie5a1PrmGrBTouJ79HX02P8uG6wBaKClm17-Lc0Xg5VLAFHJDayr_81SX-F7Zk-_YTMk_XAcaYyO4mxt3WxpQ/s1600/DSC_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z4zy_4iCfUpy9a50zH-qXwcKj_kcf9Rr_xfSZ5MZxwO4wOvJ23aDgCie5a1PrmGrBTouJ79HX02P8uG6wBaKClm17-Lc0Xg5VLAFHJDayr_81SX-F7Zk-_YTMk_XAcaYyO4mxt3WxpQ/s1600/DSC_0849.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Leg 1 I chose Sugarskulls because it makes me feel cool and powerful and it was the only one dark in colour, so early in the day was best for this beauty.<br />
I chose Lust shorts because they are pretty. And they would go with my next 2 tops.</td></tr>
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</td></tr>
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<br />
Leg 2 (27Km, summit 2 mountains) I am pumped, and feeling good. I traded my pack with my temporary support crew (my brother in law, Matt, his wife, Shelley and their 2 kids). I had the pack ready the night before, so I could do just that, trade it and go. I had fresh 2L of water and fresh energy bars ready to go. I also was able to keep my shoes and socks from leg 1, which was beneficial as I might not have had enough shoes for the entire race.<br />
My changeover was quick, but as soon as we started running we had to stop for a train. This was frustrating, and took at least 5 minutes, maybe more, but off we went to climb the first mountain as soon as the train was gone.<br />
I was about half an hour up when I went to grab my first salt pill. Oh no! Where are my salt pills!?!? Panic!!!! I forgot to replenish my pack pocket after the last race. I started madly texting my sister and sister in laws to see if Matt had left yet, but he had. Erik was just ahead of me, but he had passed me, so I was not sure if I could reach him. I think I picked up my pace a little and I caught him, only to help him discover that he had lost most of his as well. I calmed down. I had my EFS drink, my nutrition, and Matt would be coming behind me quickly, and surely he would have lots, as an experienced Deathrace soloist. I climbed the rest of Flood Mountain with Erik and when Matt reached us, he also informed us did not have enough salt pills for himself on this hot day. WHAT?! okay, it is okay. I will manage with lots of water, energy bars and EFS. When I got to the top of Flood I saw my friend Mike (from training camp), he just happened to have a large bag of salt pills that he was more than happy to share with me. Thanks goodness for good running friends!<br />
Leg 2 got so much easier from there (well, mentally). I caught up to Matt again, where he warned me that I was on pace for a 4 1/2 hour Leg (which is pretty fast). I actually ended up running with Matt to the top of Grande Mountain, which is where he started to cramp. From there I ran the remainder with Mike. It was really great to run with Mike, the conversation was great, and we had the same goal. I just needed to remember to drink and eat enough while talking.<br />
I finished Leg 2 in under 5 hours! 4:50 to be exact. Not bad with a train stop and panic climb.<br />
The transition went smoothly. Chris was there and waiting to fill my pack, change my shoes and socks and give me fresh nutrition. Chris took care of my feet while I pounded an Ensure. It was probably the longest transition at almost 20 minutes. But I felt so great! Ready for the next 19 K!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ubtn2apL_JEIBIcIrp-_iFiISIrb8eS1jOr4RkhPS7qKoDCE2W7r-afRBVwfNObuhztMy7li4GwFcCLpZR4NB0CVQAhR75fxqDnevRGrf4EWyaJge69OAHPzsoNLGWaSjztwfkPsv08/s1600/DSC_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ubtn2apL_JEIBIcIrp-_iFiISIrb8eS1jOr4RkhPS7qKoDCE2W7r-afRBVwfNObuhztMy7li4GwFcCLpZR4NB0CVQAhR75fxqDnevRGrf4EWyaJge69OAHPzsoNLGWaSjztwfkPsv08/s1600/DSC_0872.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose Run or Die for Leg 2 as this can be the most challenging of the Deathrace legs. I was going to run this one, or die trying!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWem7K6beyyaFyi_DVcOpC9OlyZIBHHQ-1U8w0TEPJfkfGBe82nO_Q4c6fcyetvroEEVWPYu6lnF7Rm00JEQggrl2vBkiy5GAPYvHlqK-61Cpmq95YPO7lh_-RKkyiLnkYPJn3DegLr0/s1600/DSC_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWem7K6beyyaFyi_DVcOpC9OlyZIBHHQ-1U8w0TEPJfkfGBe82nO_Q4c6fcyetvroEEVWPYu6lnF7Rm00JEQggrl2vBkiy5GAPYvHlqK-61Cpmq95YPO7lh_-RKkyiLnkYPJn3DegLr0/s1600/DSC_0877.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nephew was so cute. When he found out that I would be changing my shirt at each transition, He said "Auntie, How are you going to have enough clothes for that?!" My husband quickly replied "Well, Dude, you don't know you Auntie very well". Still makes me smile just thinking about it :)</td></tr>
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Leg 3 (19K) I found this to be my toughest leg. The first half went great. I fell downhill, but I was okay. I stopped for a pee break, which is great, I was drinking enough fluids. After I came back to the trail after my pit stop, I saw Mike ahead of me. We once again ran together. I was feeling good. It was HOT! 30C and the sun was bright, but I felt good. There was about 6 or 7 K until the next transition left when I felt my guts flip. I knew this could be what breaks me. I told Mike to go ahead as I had to pull to the side. I was able to keep going at a slow run/walk pace and I did not need to pull over again.<br />
Coming onto the highway was a great feeling! I knew I was close to the transition. I was really looking forward to the climb up Hamel. The best feeling was seeing my niece and nephew (Katie and Ethan) waiting for me. They gave me renewed energy as they ran up the trail with me.<br />
I finished Leg 3 in 3:08 (including my transition time from 2/3). Not quite as fast as I wanted, but good enough.<br />
What a great feeling! Over half way! I changed my shoes and socks, drank an Ensure, filled my pockets with energy bars, rice balls and trail mix while Chris put blister powder on my feet and filled my water. I grabbed half a sandwich (turkey and avocado on white) and my poles and up the mountain I went.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLUk09DH3hgKmd437e4FNpsobcL8LTnhawjl9PjXnWBVJseXhbmPiQ4KGJpVw8p7mft5hkQPIl1amyyVMFsM5g_H7NbMA_FrJHfTfUB-CHcPH2kHp5BSj0geCaxUwbgiX2ZunrXowQH0/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLUk09DH3hgKmd437e4FNpsobcL8LTnhawjl9PjXnWBVJseXhbmPiQ4KGJpVw8p7mft5hkQPIl1amyyVMFsM5g_H7NbMA_FrJHfTfUB-CHcPH2kHp5BSj0geCaxUwbgiX2ZunrXowQH0/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose Lust on Lust for Leg 3 as it was light in colour for the heat of the day. I also chose Lust as it is an emotional force associated with fantasizing about ones desires. Need I say more? </td></tr>
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Leg 4 (38 KM, summit one large mountain) The first part of the climb up Hamel was a very lonely one. Only 2 people passed me, and I don't remember passing anyone. The second part of the climb I caught a couple of soloists that I chatted with along the way, until I had to pull to the side again as my stomach turned. No vomiting though, I felt I was still ok. At the start of the switchbacks there is a bail out point where they ask if you are ok. Yup! No turning back now. The switchbacks felt pretty good. I did not notice the lack of O2 that I usually feel climbing up Hamel. I ended up climbing a lot with Matt from Ontario. We ran out to the point together and took selfies. The chat is nice.<br />
The run down was once again lonely. I passed a few people, but did not see many racers. The run down felt slow, but not painful. I told myself from the beginning that if it did not hurt, then I would run all the flat and the downhill.<br />
When I arrived at Ambler Loop it was a great feeling. I got lots of compliments on my flutter outfit from the volunteers, and more importantly, I made it through the meadow without having to use me headlamp. I also was able to fill my pack with water and change my energy bars out for my Clif Bar that I had waiting for me in my drop bag (because I was very tired of those bars and rice balls!).<br />
I put on my headlamp and headed down the loop, then down the long logging road to the last transition area. We had to chip in at the bottom of the hill (which I ran all of, slowly, but I ran). I really enjoyed all of the volunteers! I especially loved how happy they were to see me. A female soloist, which didn't really make sense until the next day though.<br />
I finished leg 4 in 6:30 (once again, including my transition time from 3/4).<br />
The transition at 4/5 was a quick one. Me inquiring how everyone else was doing, change of shoes and socks. Add some coconut water to pack (just to change things up), and I took 2 Tylenol (just because I had not taken any yet, and I figured it couldn't hurt at this point). I also drank one last Ensure, and off I went.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFVlQYN_Vk0OSgsGGzrLX0RSlL2UQU5UPGETCLUtRLtS6SjpvTYgEsc8I3x0ApoePexmarP7bM00-0mf5mCxLkVy3EMk7gHRR8TjWTwkJVJnq_ZVuHIQAypo6CaIi3c7AW0Kwr93b-Q0/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFVlQYN_Vk0OSgsGGzrLX0RSlL2UQU5UPGETCLUtRLtS6SjpvTYgEsc8I3x0ApoePexmarP7bM00-0mf5mCxLkVy3EMk7gHRR8TjWTwkJVJnq_ZVuHIQAypo6CaIi3c7AW0Kwr93b-Q0/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose full Flutter for leg 4 as I was planning to float/fly up and down the mountain and look good doing it, just like a butterfly. </td></tr>
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Leg 5 (22 KM) I felt so happy starting this leg! The final 22K! At this point I knew I would finish. The first couple of kilometres is all climbing on single track with lots of trees and roots. I tried running quite a bit of it, but it is at an awful angle, it was very dark, and I did not want to risk any injury now, rolling my ankle on a tree root or on a rock. I had a lot of fun on this leg! It is so technical and challenging. There were lots of people around most of the first 8K up to the river crossing.<br />
That is a fun feeling. You get to the river crossing, where the Grim Reaper is waiting to collect your Deathreace coin (that one must carry the entire race). It is such a cool thought, to give the Reaper your coin, and in exchange he will let you leave the hell of the Canadian Deathrace. Such a cool feeling! After getting off of the boat I knew I was home free.<br />
I would jog where there were not many tree roots. Climb quickly when going up hill (what I felt was quick at this point). And just enjoy this feeling of being tired and happy and, well, strong.<br />
I walked the entire last 3 km hill up the dirt road, as I watched relay racers jogging up it, thinking, good for you! How fun! This race brings people together and empowers them.<br />
As soon as I turned left to the finish line I could feel my eyes getting teary. I was almost done! I ran down the road and crossed the finish line with a clock time of 20 hours and 3 minutes. I finished Deathrace as a soloist. Chris, Matt, my father in law, my sister and friend were all there along with Chris's Uncle and his family. They were cheering, and I could not have been happier! I survived 125!<br />
The lays potato chips tasted so amazing at the aid station and the beer that they had waiting for me tasted pretty darn good too.<br />
I was able to stay and watch my brother in law, Erik, cross the finish line as well. Such an amazing accomplishment! I was overjoyed to watch him cross the line as well.<br />
The next morning came much too early, but I was informed that I was the 5th female and 2nd in my age group to cross the line. Even better! I was able to stumble with my 3 blisters down to the kids race and cheer for Nathan, Katie and Ethan. Feeling so proud of them! And of me!<br />
Go Deathracer!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And for my final leg, Leg 5 I chose Wave, as I was planning to ride the wave to the finish line.</td></tr>
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<br />runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-11536372020211024212014-08-14T10:42:00.005-07:002014-08-14T10:42:57.302-07:00Pre-Deathrace Thoughts...Wow! What a fun and amazing adventure this has been!<br />
The past year has all lead up to this moment. Canadian Deathrace (CDR) in Grande Cache, AB Canada. 125 KM that pass through 3 mountain summits with over 17000 feet in elevation change, crossing a major river.<br />
From the moment my brother in law Matt crossed the finish line in 2013 as a soloist at CDR my planning and training began. I knew that if he finished Deathrace, that I too, could try to solo this incredible and challenging 125 km race.<br />
I think the most difficult, and nerve racking part of my journey was actually signing up. I had it marked on my calendar for months. January 23. Registration opens for Solo racers. I was so scared and so nervous. I had rolled my ankle the previous year at Sinister 7 and had not yet fully healed from that. And also, the previous year, I had a foot injury from running in the winter. Could I really do this?!?! Me, the chubby kid from Sparwood, BC that started running just 6 years ago??? In my mind I thought I could, but I felt that my body was telling me otherwise.<br />
I started seeing a new chiropractor that does Active Release Therapy (ART) at the beginning of January, and it is him that I have to thank for giving me the courage to train, and to sign up for CDR. <br />
Dr Luke convinced me that I actually could fix these problems that I had been having. My ankle pain, my knee pain, my hip pain. This could all be fixed with proper treatment and training. And he was right! So, Dr. Luke and my friend Jay (also a CDR soloist and Sin 7 soloist) became my "unofficial running coaches". <br />
My real journey began on January 23, 2014 at 1000 when registration opened. This meant I was committed! Not only would I have my pride to worry about, but also my $350 registration fee.<br />
I wanted to do this! But, just because I wanted to this, doesn't mean it would be easy. The other large credit goes to my very supportive family! Without the support and love from my husband (Chris) and my kids (Nathan and Nolan) I would not have been able to train as much as I did. It is with the support of my family and the advice from my brother in law, my chiropractor and my friend Jay that I was able to train as I did.<br />
The first thing I did was sign up for a marathon training clinic. This got me out running on Sundays, even in the snow and the cold. I finished my long runs, no matter how much snow and freezing temperatures there were this past year! I did run on the treadmill a couple of times, but I actually learned to enjoy running outside in the winter.<br />
The other thing I did was sign up for long distance runs, such as Woody's Marathon, Blackfoot Ultra and Deathrace Training Camp. These 3 alone gave me well over 225km in 3 weeks. I also signed up for Rundles Revenge 50K and Sister 7 as a team of 3 with my sisters husband and my friend Robyn, where I would be running 68Km. You see, I have learned, that if I sign up for it, I will do it. And I will do everything in my power to train and finish! It also meant that I would have some long runs under my belt before Deathrace came along on August long weekend.<br />
I survived! My journey leading up to Deathrace, I survived! Part of the goal as an Ultra runner is to remain injury free. And I survived. I had a couple of scares along the way, such a pulled IT band, and ankle and knee pain, but overall, nothing too serious.<br />
SO, I feel nervous, excited and scared $hitless, but here I go...runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-82138492209350558892014-07-07T11:32:00.000-07:002014-07-07T11:32:02.281-07:00Rundles Revenge 50 KWow! What a Beautiful weekend away in the mountains of Banff, AB!<br />
I ran my second Ultra marathon on June 22, It was The Northface TransRockies event called Rundles Revenge, held in the rocky mountains of Canmore, AB.<br />
The event itself is a weekend event, with Mountain biking on Saturday and Running on Sunday. Racers have the choice of doing one or both events in a variety of distances.<br />
I chose to only run the 50K running race which consists of 4 12.5km loops around the Olympic Nordic Center. The course was pretty much 2.5km up, 4.5km down, 3km back up with 2.5km of flat in there somewhere :)<br />
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The first loop was extremely crowded with all of the 7K, 12.5K, 25K, and 50K runners out there on the trail at one time, but it was fun!<br />
The second loop I felt extremely challenged. My ankle was hurting, a lot, and for the first time ever, I thought that I might not finish after the 3rd loop. But by the 3rd loop the Tylenol kicked in and I was starting to get into my groove :) I try not to use medication while running, but man! Was I ever glad for Tylenol Joint and Muscle!<br />
By the time I came into transition for the 4th loop, quitting was not an option at all! My husband (support crew) filled up my water pack, shoved nutrition at me and stocked my salt pills and EFS and I was back out for one more.<br />
The first 50K run I ever did was in the rolling hills of Edmonton and seemed quite easy compared to this! It took me much longer than I expected to finish, but I don't think I took into consideration the mountains that I would be running.<br />
I crossed the finish line in just under 6hours, 22 minutes. What a great feeling! Finishing 50 kilometres!<br />
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I was on a cloud when they announced that they would be awarding the medals for the open women's category in the 50K event. "In 3rd place, With a time of 6:21:56" (At this point I was not sure of my time and I thought, Darn! I just missed it!) and then he finishes with "Kristina Meyer".<br />
I was so excited and in disbelief that I could barely move. I was looking, trying to figure the shortest distance to the podium. It was probably only 200 meters, but it felt much longer as I ran, once again, this time bouncing with joy!<br />
The announcement that put me over the top though was when they announced that Abi Moore won 1st! I was on the podium with Abi Moore!!!! My idol! I could not believe what an amazing day I was having!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsJdBgd-CAM8zQVEPaGB0XsaECxZ8jZqvhyphenhypheniM4AJtSQFbktbrHPEBtFJ2SCwdwZlGjur5q_WWsQ9ejCWMlDG08UgoYswCd41xe0CO_CBBDsSTx1mXMG_r4mvRyLt9F4-q6ah7DSN_8s4/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsJdBgd-CAM8zQVEPaGB0XsaECxZ8jZqvhyphenhypheniM4AJtSQFbktbrHPEBtFJ2SCwdwZlGjur5q_WWsQ9ejCWMlDG08UgoYswCd41xe0CO_CBBDsSTx1mXMG_r4mvRyLt9F4-q6ah7DSN_8s4/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The fun for this weekend was over, next on to Sinister 7...runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-24946989682775124622014-06-09T21:37:00.001-07:002014-06-09T21:37:37.711-07:00More Pics from Deathrace training Weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZtviEu0DfMKrS99AT3lj_ofd2QKa5vLElKHwPhyphenhyphenBiSera0vG0xfDojlMdHoQPTq3Iak3n-ZTsZ0Img9qw3tnSMWAWiRfQP2O-3YVAFPO4NEjsVteVHIkHEEhHfV3lRrWCss9QtPJNrY/s1600/photo+4-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZtviEu0DfMKrS99AT3lj_ofd2QKa5vLElKHwPhyphenhyphenBiSera0vG0xfDojlMdHoQPTq3Iak3n-ZTsZ0Img9qw3tnSMWAWiRfQP2O-3YVAFPO4NEjsVteVHIkHEEhHfV3lRrWCss9QtPJNrY/s1600/photo+4-4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking the last half of Leg 1. Leg 1 is the shortest stretch of the race at 19km. The first day we biked the first 5 K, and the last day we ran 6 K and then biked the last 8K.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOPOYmA-2Z8ZwGMqVoY4D2nIBPp_eBgIxBmSS8kYw6fWVZBbzOaEaiXMCnXpupV0lRAuM3X5ptPt63siIxgyTvj6-H_RnDc5nYzBrH3YgBozdqfLs1uN3Gg8NlJlFvQw85InnRqUyKyY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOPOYmA-2Z8ZwGMqVoY4D2nIBPp_eBgIxBmSS8kYw6fWVZBbzOaEaiXMCnXpupV0lRAuM3X5ptPt63siIxgyTvj6-H_RnDc5nYzBrH3YgBozdqfLs1uN3Gg8NlJlFvQw85InnRqUyKyY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night run on the first portion of Leg 5. I will definitely want my glasses with me when I start this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZn2ey6dhnhTmq6C-6ZutQACiUG6l6ckO4dBfAsGrFhVG5cOnfkkDMa3pCmflQup7rF93cbB2yfxqTOx1w5Ij4cXs8qZV1qADroFKu4GxSubmHKv3HERwt5_O0ZEc6o8kPssuyQvAaaU/s1600/photo+4-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZn2ey6dhnhTmq6C-6ZutQACiUG6l6ckO4dBfAsGrFhVG5cOnfkkDMa3pCmflQup7rF93cbB2yfxqTOx1w5Ij4cXs8qZV1qADroFKu4GxSubmHKv3HERwt5_O0ZEc6o8kPssuyQvAaaU/s1600/photo+4-5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Leg 5. This is the side I will be on once I cross the river on the Ferry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFJzOOzSYJ6pXFzI-0nztGYYygE9ql-BAD5awftPWwMnfp3mpr-6tEuF-YOUIwLUsn2tPB5PSAB-3IlxyQxUxefEvCetGR43OAgBYuAmseq1HhYjIaoe9rW5GoWOFA1o_dvZIXYmUpoI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFJzOOzSYJ6pXFzI-0nztGYYygE9ql-BAD5awftPWwMnfp3mpr-6tEuF-YOUIwLUsn2tPB5PSAB-3IlxyQxUxefEvCetGR43OAgBYuAmseq1HhYjIaoe9rW5GoWOFA1o_dvZIXYmUpoI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another amazing view from Leg 5. Most people will never see this portion of the race in daylight. It is amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Soul Tree on Leg 5 :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLatGsoGCkR-rjKf2hJNExiOrrWR0nJeuHgNg-VJ8rdch2-kC6XWcF57EYy1q-z4ueljfoWPC2Rwr4rWdOQFbxivEP7IdW9CV2yU_3CH-VIrRdVXtg9Li5VFxenIfJJ0pg-Pzfv1zLPFU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLatGsoGCkR-rjKf2hJNExiOrrWR0nJeuHgNg-VJ8rdch2-kC6XWcF57EYy1q-z4ueljfoWPC2Rwr4rWdOQFbxivEP7IdW9CV2yU_3CH-VIrRdVXtg9Li5VFxenIfJJ0pg-Pzfv1zLPFU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my view every morning from the door and window of the Grande Cache Mountain Lodge. No complaints here :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7BIQEsl4eXOtBNlRB0Jl8QcA1s2rFaI2vkb-GqacQ2ePx7UzajKcFuzaAOx2RJ5j0uRAkeEWoxUjBJ2f_TmO3xrd6EZ_Eta6nA66wDpqX25w-rgQu2z5rnnPLPAC_ilCbrzfNUGESBM/s1600/photo+1-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7BIQEsl4eXOtBNlRB0Jl8QcA1s2rFaI2vkb-GqacQ2ePx7UzajKcFuzaAOx2RJ5j0uRAkeEWoxUjBJ2f_TmO3xrd6EZ_Eta6nA66wDpqX25w-rgQu2z5rnnPLPAC_ilCbrzfNUGESBM/s1600/photo+1-16.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mountain biker I am not! We biked leg 3 (21km) and it is all mountain. It was my first time ever really mountain biking, and it was so much fun! It scares me to think the places I had to carry my bike I will have to run :l</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjCYsq12-_KWhdvCupgZEkEQgRyYsmClcw3AM3r1h1r2aeGlA6P48sYYQ5gdgPoh4bwzsu59zZ-ne7v6cK3WgTja6-nfRW4m-W4oyWsNhUg8eBEMSIKi4zapagPDnZjj1WGPbeMy8pFo/s1600/photo+1-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjCYsq12-_KWhdvCupgZEkEQgRyYsmClcw3AM3r1h1r2aeGlA6P48sYYQ5gdgPoh4bwzsu59zZ-ne7v6cK3WgTja6-nfRW4m-W4oyWsNhUg8eBEMSIKi4zapagPDnZjj1WGPbeMy8pFo/s1600/photo+1-18.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of Hamel. This is Leg 4. It is a total of 38 km. The views from the top are breathtaking.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzD3SiJnDgJlZMK_UGOava5gK4eOx_kOGBeKnbCSg_WT3Q2czY-Svp-U5B4fWbH-lh9JQs9OMy6Fb9v4wseDM_sFF2-eHseg7HFRF_dP7cd-7HHL4vdTx7UhG797cuLsBee-CppP5xvw/s1600/IMG_0701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzD3SiJnDgJlZMK_UGOava5gK4eOx_kOGBeKnbCSg_WT3Q2czY-Svp-U5B4fWbH-lh9JQs9OMy6Fb9v4wseDM_sFF2-eHseg7HFRF_dP7cd-7HHL4vdTx7UhG797cuLsBee-CppP5xvw/s1600/IMG_0701.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This was the group at the finish. 125ish KM covered over 3 days. We started with a group of 22 and most of us finished the entire thing. The organizers said this was the highest percentage ever to stay right until the end of camp.<br /></td></tr>
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runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-86753804605530313682014-06-03T22:23:00.000-07:002014-06-03T22:23:12.522-07:00Deathrace Training Camp<div>
You see, I have signed up as a solo racer to run the 125KM Canadian Deathrace. I am very dedicated and committed, so I feel as though the training camp was a must!</div>
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Thursday evening I drove to Edmonton, just to break up the drive. I was on the road to Grande Cache, AB by 0615 (After a stop at Tim's).</div>
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Training started at noon with introductions and instructions, followed by a 8km bike ride. Immediately after that we began to hike/run Leg 2 of Deathrace. It was a beautiful day to summit 2 mountains. It was about 25 KM and it took us about 4 1/2 hours, with a few breaks and stops to discuss included. I really felt I was on top of the world! Even at the bottom of Leg 2! I just finished the dreaded Leg 2! </div>
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Then it was back to the hotel for a quick shower and a light bite and then back out for a 5KM night run on single track. Note to self: I definitely will want my glasses for Leg 5 in the night! Lots of branches and tree roots....</div>
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The next morning began at 0930 with a 2 hour mountain bike ride of Leg 3. Now this girl is not a mountain biker. I brought my made for city bike and brought it down trails that it has never seen, and will probably never see again. I was more nervous for the bike ride than running the other 90km. But once I got down the first steep and hill and through the first giant puddle, I realized I was maybe enjoying myself. Actually, I was having a lot of fun! The only part I did not enjoy was scaling the coal/shale cliff (as the trail has been washed away). Thank goodness for the others in the group! They helped get my bike up the 90 degree cliff at the end...</div>
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Once we finished the last few kilometres up the highway, it was time for pizza and then back on the trail to hike/run Leg4. This is the same 38km that I ran last year, both in the race and as a training run. I drove to Grande Cache this weekend fully prepared to skip this as I didn't feel I would be able to make it. But surprisingly I felt great, so 2 1/2 hours up the mountain I go. And once we get to the top, the views always remind me why I enjoy this so much! </div>
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An hour and a half running down brings us to the Aid station, where they have beer waiting for us! What a great idea! Beer. And chips! Yum, what a great beer! Wait! We still have to run another 7km down to the bottom where our cars are waiting for us! Down we go..............</div>
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I was completely exhausted and totally dehydrated at this point. In the shower and out for supper we go. It turned into a late night as the supper and billing was extremely slow, but the food, though average, tasted amazing!</div>
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Into bed by midnight and up again for a run and bike ride at 0830. I also thought I was going to skip this morning run, but I felt pretty good, so I joined the group. It was 6K through mud and swamp, up the mountain, down the mountain and then 10K mountain biking.</div>
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A quick lunch was had, and we met again at 1230 to hike/run the last portion of Leg 5. 18K. We finished where the actual finish line will be in August. What a great feeling! I just ran/hiked 85K and biked about 35 K, and I feel surprisingly good. Dale Tuck, the race organizer looked at me and said that I looked like I just showed up and was ready to run :)</div>
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Lets hope I can pull it all together and keep up my nutrition and hydration over 24 hours instead of over 3 days!</div>
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A couple of side notes to add, I would like to Thank Mike, from Leduc for running with me the entire weekend! I think we both helped each other through!</div>
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I would also like to add that I was voted best dressed every day by every single group member. Even Dale, though you could see it pained him to say it, admitted he liked my outfits :) Of course he did ;)</div>
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I would like to congratulate everyone that finished the weekend, or started and didn't finish! We accomplished more in one weekend than some people will finish in a lifetime. I look forward to race weekend in August. GO DEATHRACER!!!</div>
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*Next race is Rundles Revenge (50K) in Canmore, AB on June 22, 2014.</div>
runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-13257541126950729022014-06-03T22:20:00.000-07:002014-06-03T22:20:37.754-07:00Training for Deathrace! What a Blast Over 3 Weekends!Wow! What a crazy 3 weekends! At first I thought I really was crazy! How am I going to finish all of this running that I have signed myself up for?! I just kept reminding myself, One weekend at a time, and lots of down time in between.<div>
First was Woody's Marathon. They had been calling for rain all week, so I was mentally prepared for that. It was the headlines that I liked the best "Red Deer likes Wet Woody's". I just learned that we even made the Ellen show! Clever ;)</div>
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I started with the mindset that I could maybe break 4 hours, but always thinking I have to take it easy, as I was running my first 50K Ultra the following weekend.</div>
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I felt good. I felt pretty strong. I definitely felt better than my first attempt at the same marathon last year! But as luck would have it, at about half way, I came across "runner trouble" and had to stop to use the facilities. But oh well, keep on running. Just one foot in front of the other, just keep running. </div>
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Last year I hit "the wall" at about kilometre 36, I could barely walk, never mind run. But this year, I feel strong, and I ran the entire 42.2 km (except 200 meters on the last hill before the finish line). I finished in almost the exact time as last year, 4:04. Darn that bathroom break! Next year for sure!</div>
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It was very cold and extremely wet! There was a torrential downpour as I crossed the finished and could barely see, but I survived the first weekend, and have the medal to show :) </div>
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Next was Blackfoot Ultra in Edmonton...</div>
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I took an easy week in preparation for the 50K. Woody's was on Sunday, so I took Monday and Tuesday as rest days, ran 12K on Wednesday and went to Hips and back yoga on Thursday. I took Friday off and Saturday is race day!</div>
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I was so nervous going into this race, I have never ran 50K before! I thought I could run it, as I felt good at the finish of Woody's, but I was scared out of my mind. I knew I would not break records, so I went in with a goal of 6 hours.</div>
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The race itself is about 30 minutes East of Edmonton in Beautiful lake and tree country. There is a 25K/50K/50mile and 100K race. All of the races follow the same 25 K loop. </div>
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I was pretty excited at the start of this race as I knew one of my fellow INKnBURN ambassadors would be running the 50K too. Heather was super nice and I love that I got to meet another ambassador! the 2 Canadian ambassadors collide :)</div>
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Heather won 1st female! Congratulations Heather!</div>
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The thing I love the most about trail races and running as compared to road running, is that everyone is super laid back! My first loop went really well! I ran quite a bit of it with another lady that had a lot of really great stories to share about her running career. With her help I finished the first loop in 2:32. I stopped for a little break, to fill up my water pack, to pee and well, wait, I am running a timed event here! I took way too long there (10 minutes), but lesson learned :)</div>
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The second loop I chatted quite a bit with another runner from Red Deer, and another lady from Edmonton. I also made sure to walk all of the hills this loop and save some energy for the following weekend of training camp. I took my time and I could have hugged the lady that gave me ice at the second last aid station and the ladies that had ginger ale at the last station (Not because I was sick, just because I was sick of drinking water).</div>
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As I was coming up to the finish line I heard "Go Kristina". What?! I was not to have anyone cheering, they all stayed home. The best feeling ever! My father in law had driven out with my mother in law and my youngest son, Nolan. I was so happy to have them there!</div>
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It is thanks to Lloyd Meyer that I got the finishing photos as well as the one to follow, after my wardrobe change.</div>
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Again, I felt pretty good after running 50K! No! I felt amazing! I just ran my very first Ultra!!! </div>
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I love this race! It was so well organized and supplied! I said I would never run another Ultra after this year, but I think I might do this one. It is fun!</div>
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So, it seemed to work for my last week, I thought I would try it again. Race was Saturday, took 2 days off, then spin on Tuesday, Hips and Back yoga Wednesday and day of rest of on Thursday, because Friday is when Deathrace training camp begins! </div>
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runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-32508664569351013352014-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:002014-04-22T08:43:44.093-07:00Homemade Energy BarsGood Morning Everyone! I apologize for not posting for a while, but as promised here is the recipe for the energy bars I made and trialed last week.<br />
It can be difficult to go for long distance runs at anytime, and then we have to find food that our body's are able to process along the way. For the past couple of years I have been using Honey Stinger Energy Chews, but over the past 8 months something was not agreeing with my body when running over 20K. I thought it might be the energy chews, so on Thursday I thought I would make my own energy bars to eat. They were fantastic!<br />
I ran 21miles eating chocolate energy bars (that I made the night before), along with some Hammer Endurolyte pills and I felt amazing! My legs were starting to get tired by the end, yes. But I felt great otherwise!<br />
The recipe I found is simple and basic, and you can substitute something of your choice for any of the ingredients. Following is the basic recipe, with some example ingredients, and then the 2 recipes that I have tried so far.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BASE RECIPE </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1lb can of beans (Adzuki, chick peas, white beans, black beans, pinto beans, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup binder (Almond butter, Peanut butter, pureed pumpkin, mashed avocado, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup sweetener (Maple syrup, agave nectar, honey, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup soft fruit of choice (apple sauce, mashed bananas, chopped dates (pits removed), crushed pineapple, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp extract (vanilla, almond, coconut, lemon, coffee, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp dry spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, instant coffee, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup dry base ingredients (protein powder, rice four, spelt flour, buckwheat flour, cocoa, whole-wheat flour, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup add ins (shredded coconut, dried cranberries, raisins, dry cereal, crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a food processor combine beans, binder, sweetener, soft fruit, extract, spice and salt and process until smooth. Add the oats and dry base and pulse to combine. Add stir-ins and pulse again to combine. If it seems too thick or if it is difficult to blend add water (I did from the start). If it seems too runny then add some dry base.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grease 13x 9 pan with spray or oil (I used coconut oil) and spread mixture in pan. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes.</span><br />
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<b>Chocolate Black Bean Energy Bars</b><br />
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1/2 cup almond butter<br />
1/4 cup honey<br />
1/4 cup mashed bananas<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
1 1/2 cup oats<br />
1/2 cup cocoa + 1/2 cup rice flour<br />
1/2 cup shredded coconut + 1/2 cup dried cranberries<br />
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<b>Maple Pumpkin Energy Bars</b><br />
1 can chick peas (though I will use different ones next time)<br />
1/2 cup pumpkin puree<br />
1/2 cup maple syrup (use more if you like the bars a little sweeter)<br />
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
1 1/2 cups oats<br />
1 cup buckwheat flour (though next time I will try spelt or rice)<br />
1 cup crushed pretzels (crushed bran flakes would also be good)<br />
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I would like to thank the No Meat Athlete for the recipe and also for saving my running life :)<br />
www.nomeatathlete.com<br />
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Please share any recipes that you come up with on your own! I would love to hear about them and try them :)runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-59270383697581982522014-03-31T21:12:00.001-07:002014-03-31T21:12:05.508-07:00Yoga PartyEvery month we ladies meet for our dress club and the hostess gets to pick the theme. March was my month and when my husband suggested a yoga theme, I thought he was brilliant!<br />
First I decided that I would hire a yoga instructor to come into my home to teach some yoga. After asking just one person for a suggestion, I had an instructor that would provide the music and the poses.<br />
Once I had found Erin to guide us through some yoga, I found a site on Etsy that would provide me with decorations...<br />
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/151706255/yoga-party-printable-collection?ref=shop_home_active_13<br />
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Next step was to plan the menu. It seemed like a no brainer to have Indian food, Organic wine and clean eats at a yoga party. So I decided that I would make Clean Chicken Masala and Coconut rice while providing the organic wine. (Costco has a decent selection of organic wines). The other ladies brought salads, salad rolls, Indian ice cream and avocado chocolate pudding. It all came together nicely.<br />
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I started the night serving a fruit and veggie infused water. And after yoga I opened the wine. The water was a big hit.<br />
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And was ready with yoga tea from Steeped Tea.<br />
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The night was a lot of fun and big hit. I had really great feedback! I will definitely plan another night like this one :)<br />
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Oh! And what is a party without party favours!? I had leg warmers for each lady to take home with them. Instead of getting to choose a colour, I taped words to each pair and asked them to pick the word that they were most attracted to.<br />
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Our awesome playlist provided by Erin was as follows...<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In for the kill- la roux</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Finally moving James brown remix- pretty lights</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Her brother- avicii</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elegy- tycho</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hey now- London grammar</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fly away- wafefoker</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My love is your love- Whitney Houston</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Where's the love- Trevor hall</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">All wash out- Edward sharp and the magnetic zeros</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Frog- carbon based lifeforms</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Somewhere over the rainbow</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanks everyone for reading!</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Namaste</span>runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-59809611639405373092014-03-16T21:36:00.000-07:002014-03-16T21:36:07.004-07:00Reasons to Join A Run ClubToday I had my usual Sunday morning run (23K) with my marathon training group. Every Sunday morning I look forward to seeing my group and chatting with them. I have not run with a group since my Learn to Run Clinic in 2007, and I am really enjoying it!<br />
I found an article from the Running Room that I think gives all of the perfect reasons why everyone would benefit from joining a run club/group.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Be mentored by someone who is more experienced than you.</b><br />
Last week I ran with a woman that will be running Western States (100miles in California) and she is filled with knowledge, advice and experience. Our group pacer is also an experienced ultra runner which is all very helpful for my training.<br />
Every week I am able to ask any one of these group members for some advice and they are always more than happy to help!<br />
<b>2. Mentor a new runner.</b><br />
As I am gaining more experience myself I am also able to now pass along advice to beginner runners or people that may just have questions.<br />
<b>3. Expand your social network.</b><br />
What a great way to meet other people that enjoy running. (Or don't, but do it for the exercise ;)<br />
Also a great way to meet new people and make new friends.<br />
<b>4. Deepen your commitment to running</b><br />
Studies have shown that people that join run clubs have an increased commitment and also have improved their race times.<br />
<b>5. Stay motivated</b><br />
My run club gives me the motivation to get out there on cold days, wet days, or just those days that I don't feel like running. My group also helps me to run those hills that I might normally slow down on or even walk up.<br />
<b>6. Stave off boredom</b><br />
One of the troubles with long distance running is that it can be lonely and boring. Running with a group helps to distract one's attention from the "long" distance.<br />
<b>7. Learn new routes</b><br />
Almost every week we run a new route. I am learning more about my area and I gaining an appreciation for the country that I didn't even know existed in my city.<br />
<b>8. Share accomplishments</b><br />
When your non-running friends are tired of hearing about your running life, your run club/group is the perfect outlet to chat about everything to do with running. They love to talk about and hear about running!<br />
<b>9. Save money</b><br />
It's almost a guarantee that a few of your fellow group members will be running the same races as you. This allows you to car pool and/or split the cost of accommodation. It also eats up my time for shopping and spending money in other ways I probably don't need to.<br />
<b>10. Stay in the loop</b><br />
The running group will almost always send out information on upcoming events, races and more. It is a great way to stay informed.<br />
<br />
I used to think that I was a person that liked to run alone, but after joining my training group, I realize that I was completely wrong. I hope to continue to run with this group and others that may join in the future. I am learning a lot and it keeps me honest to my running.<br />
Happy Running Everyone!runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229821512093545719.post-22348874634009198042014-03-09T20:24:00.001-07:002014-03-09T20:24:45.705-07:00Vegan Sweet Potato and Black bean Enchiladas with Avocado-cilantro Cream SauceAfter an amazing 26K run in the warmer temperatures today this was a perfect dinner to end my day. Even my husband loved this meal, and he usually doesn't enjoy my "Vegan dishes". :)<br />
(This recipe is taken from my new favourite recipe book. The Oh She Glows Cookbook is written by Angela Liddon and the recipe is from page 147.)<br />
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<b>Sweet Potato and Black bean Enchiladas with Avocado-cilantro Cream Sauce</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>For the Enchiladas:</b><br />
2 Cups sweet potato (peeled and chopped small)<br />
1 Tbsp olive oil<br />
1 red onion<br />
2 large cloves garlic<br />
sea salt and fresh ground pepper<br />
1 bell pepper<br />
1 (15oz) can black beans<br />
2 large handfuls spinach, roughly chopped<br />
1 1/2-2 cups enchilada sauce (I chose to use Epicure as it is all natural with no added ingredients.)<br />
1 Tbsp lime juice<br />
1 tsp chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin<br />
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste<br />
5-6 gluten free corn tortillas<br />
<b>For the Avocado-Cilantro Sauce</b><br />
1/2 cup Fresh cilantro<br />
2Tbsp lime juice<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large rectangular baking dish.<br />
2. Make the Enchiladas. Place sweet potato in a medium saucepan and add enough water to just cover. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain and set aside.<br />
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3. In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the onion and garlic, sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.<br />
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4. Add the bell pepper, cooked sweet potato, black beans, and spinach. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook until the spinach is wilted.<br />
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5. Remove from the heat and add 1/4 cup of prepared enchilada sauce, the lime juice, chill powder, cumin and salt.<br />
6. Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the baking dish. Scoop sweet potato filling on each tortilla and roll, placing it seam side down. Spread remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas. If you have left over mixture, top on the tortillas as well.<br />
OR<br />
Make as a casserole and layer the corn tortillas with the mixture (which is what I chose to do). Spread the enchilada sauce on top.<br />
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7. Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes.<br />
8. Meanwhile, make the avocado cilantro sauce. In a food processor, process the cilantro until minced. Add the avocado, lime juice, se salt, garlic powder and 3-5 Tbsp water and process until creamy.<br />
9. When the enchiladas are ready to serve, plate them individually and drizzle or spread some of the Avocado-Cilanto Cream Sauce on top of each. Garnish with cilantro.<br />
ENJOY!<br />
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Of course we had wine with dinner :)<br />
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Our choice of Road 13, Honest John's Red was a fabulous pairing with the enchiladas. This wine from the Okanagan in British Columbia (and one of our favourites). It is a blended wine and is pretty easy to drink.runnerinabottlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11041306541552528435noreply@blogger.com0