Catching Up

Sometimes I am on top of all things regarding my blog (and life), and sometimes I fall a bit behind. It's one of those behind times now. I don't have a good excuse as to why I haven't stayed up on the blog as I have cooked and eaten plenty lately :) But here is what will be coming up on blog in the next few weeks:

Another amazing beer dinner at Bernie's Tap Room - can't wait to pick Brooke's brain later this month for a chef feature!

 Sweet potato muffins - to die for!

Copycat Reese's peanut butter cup bars

My Lucky Leprechaun book and nail polish swap!

My trip to the Harley Museum

Virtual Run for Alzheimer's #Race2Remember

Lobster rolls from Key Westconsin

Energy Balls :)

Spending more time at Energize Zone and invite you to this event!

Easiest crockpot meal so far - chicken based! 

Prepping for the Lucky Leprechaun 7k with my ProCompression socks!

Training for the 7k continues in the snow - dedicated!!!!

Cooking with Click, black beans and spinach for brownies - say what??

 

Amazing chicken taquitos from Burp! Blog

Chicken Fontina pasta from Duo of Chefs

And some wine...

Wine...

Wine...

Wine...

and more wine! :) It's what pumps my veins lately

Move It Mondays: Running

2013 is starting off really strong for me. This past week, my fitness challenge boot camp began at Energize Zone and I even got my mom to join!  I was weighed in and measured and then spent an hour working my tail off in a Tabata-style workout. Coach Ken pushes us, but shows us different levels of each move so that we don't end up hurting ourselves. Next week starts the nutrition portion of the class, so this week we had to write down everything that we ate. It really makes me accountable for every snack and treat that I eat and although they are bad, I have still written them down.

On top of the boot camp one day a week, I am considering either taking a second boot camp class or Zumba at Energize Zone or taking a Barre Class at The Movement Center in Pewaukee. On top of these, I will continue my running as I have signed up for my 4th run of 2013 already.

Two weekends ago, I participated in my 3rd virtual run, but the first of 2013. It was called the #chillycheeks run and boy was it chilly. I ran it in 17 degree weather but the roads were in decent shape. I bundled up and enjoyed myself running 3.1 in 40:19. My goal was 40 minutes, so just barely over but still proud.

17 degrees out - yep my cheeks were chilly :) #chillycheeks

Road conditions were fair for #chillycheeks

My next run will happen on March 16th The Lucky Lephrechaun - a 7k (4.3 mile) race in Wauwatosa with a St. Patty's Day appeal. I am set on the gear end due to some awesome supplies of mini hats, bracelets, stickers, socks and shirt from Run Pretty Far Blog.

Besides the gear, I obviously have to get my butt into the training. I have never run 4.3 miles! I probably won't be able to run it all in March either, but I have to keep up on my training and put my heart into it.

This past Saturday, I took to the snow covered streets in my hometown and ran, jogged, walked and slipped through 3.1 miles. But I had a PR for 2013 - 39:24 and I felt amazing after!!!

Skinny paths of pavement to jog on - mainly ran on slushy snow.

That runners high continued all day long and I have high hopes on the horizon to continuously knock off some time each run. Although my ankle is a little sore today, I know that is mostly from the ice/slushy roads and one vehicle not seeing me and forcing me to jump into a snow bank awkwardly to allow them ample space to back out (apparently the entire road wasn't enough space for them and they needed more! Nor did they see me in bright yellow!!!)

Completed the run and in good spirits!

So I will rest my ankle a bit and do a little more core and arm work this week while it heals, but I hope to take advantage of Salt Lake City this weekend (Build Your Blog Conference!) and get in a run in another city (even if it's on a treadmill.) I know I will be walking plenty in the city as we don't have many other modes of cheap transportation available to us and I love walking. Maybe even a hike?

The other runs I have signed up for include The Color Run in August and Storm the Bastille in July. I'm also considering the Zombie Run at Waukesha Expo in May for a fun obstacle course (zombies chasing you, how awesome right?) and The Glo Run in September. I also have the American Cancer Society's Sole Burner in May with my cousin as that was my kick-off run that started all of this. I think I will have no problem hitting my quota of 5 5ks and a 10k this year, but I have to find a 10k still.

If you have any running suggestions, tips or races in the Milwaukee/Chicago area that I should check out, please let me know about them.

Pin-It Tuesday - Workouts

All of my Pin-It Tuesday posts have been recipes found on Pinterest (thus the name), but I assure you, and you can see from my 2,000+ pins, that I pin things other than food to my boards. Food does take up the majority of them, but I have found some really great workouts that my friends have posted. So this post is going to be a short review of the workouts that I have enjoyed and am glad I pinned. 

Tori Teaches Fitness

I will start with a favorite. This is a really basic workout that I have done a few times in the morning to wake me up and get in a little fitness before I shower. I have found that if I workout even just for 10 minutes before work, I am definitely more energized throughout the day.

I know that crunches are THE way to shrink the belly, but my back isn't always a fan of being pressed against the ground while I'm crunching away.  So finding a standing ab workout is right up my alley. I watched the video once so I knew what to be prepped for, but then woke up 10 minutes earlier than usual and did this workout in the small space of my bedroom.

She keeps her pep up throughout the video, but I don't think she actually counts during it because I feel I worked one side of my body harder than the other. I will definitely put this one on the top of my list as I felt it for sure the next day!

This next workout doesn't have complicated moves, but it really works. The first time doing it, I couldn't even make it all the way through. I am really enjoying Crossfit routines that give you a full, intense workout in a very short time, but they can also really wear you out. And your heart rate can really get elevated.

This video shows the movements at three different intensities too, so you can see how to modify without skipping the moves completely.

Finally,  Cassey at Blogilates is someone I found a year ago by just searching workout videos on YouTube. She is so fun and always bubbly and motivating but her videos are a bit tough for me. I did do her sleek and sexy arm video once and it took me back to Poms practice. We had this awesome coach Jennifer that toned us up each practice with an arm routine to Fat Boy Slim songs. Cassey's video has more variety than what we did, but the same pain resulted so I know it was working me well. I plan to try more of Cassey's video's in the future.

So between my boot camp at Energize Zone in Waukesha, potentially joining a Zumba class, and keeping up on my running, I see big things ahead. I ran a fabulous (for me) 3.1-miler Sunday in the chilly morning, but I felt GREAT after. I think the runner's high is still with me today, if that is possible. I signed up for the #chillycheeks virtual 5k run this weekend and if you are a runner, you should do it too. Run wherever you want, when you want (Friday - Sunday) and then just document it on the Charity Miles app or by emailing the organizer. This race raise money for the American Cancer Society and a Charity Miles organization of your choice (mine being Autism Speaks!)

I feel that 2013 is going to be a year of great changes in my physique.  This is a long time coming and I'm glad I have finally found the motivation to do it :)

My 12 Highlights of 2012

Happy New Year!!  2013 is here and the Mayans were obviously wrong, and I am so happy about that. There are so many more things that I want to do with my time on this earth.

Reflecting back on 2012, I accomplished much more than I thought I did and I can't wait to continue and add onto those things this year.

I already gave you the Top 12 most viewed posts of 2012 earlier this week, but now I want to share some highlights that may not be the most viewed or not read at all (as I didn't blog about all of them!). They are what made 2012 so awesome for me.

12. Camping & Dave Matthews Band

Dave on the jumbo screen at Alpine Valley

This summer was unlike any in recent years-- DRY & EXTREMELY HOT. We had drought warnings for well over a month which meant you couldn't grill out with charcoal or gas grills. My cousin and I planned our annual trip to Dave Matthews at Alpine Valley right in the middle of the drought. Camping was HOT and you were awake by 7 am if you wanted to be or not. Swimming wasn't refreshing because the lake was like a hot tub. We had to use extreme caution grilling out at the campsite and NO fires could be made. We even brought cold sandwiches to Dave to be on the safe side.

But as usual, Dave put on an amazing show and I wish I could have gone to both days. I am so in love with his music and him as an artist and I hope he comes back in 2013.

11. Volunteering

I love volunteering and sharing my skills with those that need them. This year, I continued my service to the United Way Marketing Board and #MKEFoodies Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale. In addition to volunteering for Good Friend Inc., I was also asking to join their board of directors this year! I attended my first board meeting in October and cannot express enough how awesome these ladies are with the message they are out sharing.

I also helped out with the Drug Collection of Waukesha County on a very wet day.

Robin and I freezing for a good cause!

10. Patio Parties

Although I have no pictures of this, there isn't much more to be said than grilling out on a summer night with some cocktails, great friends, good conversations and laughs. I hope that by the end of next summer, I will have a patio of my own to share with my friends and continue this (cross your fingers for me!!!)

9. CityTins

I am glad that I followed through on the use of my CityTin this year. I tried some great new restaurants in the area that I most likely wouldn't have without. I found new food faves that I can make at home this year, including hush puppies from Maxie's Southern Comfort, the potato skins at Cafe Manna, fried goat cheese from La Merenda, and olive tapenade from Cafe Lulu.

Potato Skins at Cafe Manna

I also was able to use the CityTin at Cafe Benelux and Swig. I didn't buy one in 2013 as I am really trying my hardest to save for a new home. 

Beautiful summer night at Swig.

   8. #MKEFoodies

Staying on the Foodie ride, I was able to attend quite a few events with the #mkefoodies group. I am so thankful to Lori and Paul and all of their hard work to make the events absolutely wonderful. Bartolotta's Rumpus Room provided us great food samples,explanations of why they do what they do and swag bags. I found out about the potato skins at Cafe Manna because of the group. I was able to check out Joey Gerard's in Greendale and found out that they make all of their own cocktail mixes from scratch. Ginger was another Milwaukee restaurant I was able to try with friends and baking for the #MKEFoodies Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale is always a blast.

7. Beerclub & Beer

Mondays nights at 8 pm on Twitter, a group of Milwaukee-area beer lovers get together and share a drink and their thoughts on it using #beerclub. I was able to participate quite a few times this year, even once while tailgating at Miller Park, and enjoyed most of the selections. I hope to be able to participate more in 2013, but I have a boot camp the first 12 weeks of the year that is held from 6-8 pm. I might just have to join late. This club and friends that really enjoy beer, have really opened my eyes to the world beyond Blue Moon and Spotted Cow!

My friend Jacob even had an Oktoberfest Birthday party and had a perfect beer & cheese tasting. I learned so much and have many new faves!

Bourbon County Stout - The super rare one!

6. Storm the Bastille

Again, with the summer being extremely HOT, running at night was about the only time I could get in a run without feeling I would pass out. So when my friend suggested that we Storm the Bastille, I was in. Some bars and stores even turned their hoses on us to cool us down. This will definitely be in the mix for 2013.

 5. The Color Run - Chicago

I hadn't been to Chicago in years prior to this run and man was it a blast. The weather was picturesque, we ran on the beach and I have never participated in such a fun event that involves fitness since I was on the Poms Team at Mukwonago (Go Indians!!). I was instantly hooked and signed up for Milwaukee one with my friends (and Mom) right after.

Color Run - Chicago

4. New Waukesha Restaurants

New stores and restaurants opened in Waukesha in 2012 and I was able to visit quite a few of them and enjoy a decent meal. I still haven't eaten food at Montecito, but they know how to mix good cocktails. I highly recommend the Huckleberry Lemonade.

O' What A Day Cafe has some scrumptious cupcakes in very unique flavors and now serves lunch--Best Butternut Squash soup I have had yet!

Bernie's Tap Room is really doing all it can to become a staple in Waukesha, and I think they have figured it out - gourmet bar food. The Duck pizza and beer cheese soup are sooooooo good.

Beer Cheese Soup at Bernie's Tap Room

Maid-Rite is really getting out there in the social media world to advertise the daily specials and suggest different options for lunch and dinner! I have to get back there for some soup.

I can't wait to try some more new places in 2013!

3. Green Bay Packers Game

I went to my first Packers Game in nine years this year and the icing on the cake....I won the tickets in an office drawing! My friend Tory had never been, so we met up in Appleton, drove in together and took it all in. I am ADDICTED to seeing in live and can't wait to go back. We are hopefully going to make it an annual trip!

2. Nephew Time

Little Alexander has completely stolen my heart and every time I see him, our buddy bond gets stronger and stronger. He turned one this year with a cookies and milk party and I think next year he will be out on the boat with his dad and grandpa fishing up a storm. He already wants to drive the boat as you can see.

Let's go people - I'll steer!

Family is so important to me and being able to spend time with my little buddy is something that I cherish sooooo much. I can't wait to see him so much more in 2013.

1.  Brewers Games

This year, my friend Tiffany and I bought a 10 pack of tickets that included Opening Day tickets for free in the pack. So my dad and I bonded while making the Jumbo Jenga for such an occasion as Tailgating on Opening Day. The game was a huge hit with all our neighboring Brewer Fans and for some cookouts I brought it too throughout the summer. I haven't found the right sized tote to carry it in yet as my trunk is small and the blocks are big, but I still love it.

And after Opening Day, Tiffany and I were able to enjoy some great food at Miller Park and some food  that was just ok.

Miller Park Poutine - AH-MAZING!

I even ran the Brewers 5k and Color Run, both held at Miller Park. I love my brew crew and the stadium appeal.

Brewers 5k - pre-race

Note To Self: Chalk drifts in the wind, watch where you park :)

Tiffany and I didn't purchase another 10 pack this year as we are both choosing to travel more in 2013, starting with a trip to LA for her for her 30th bday, and then we are both going to Salt Lake City in mid-February. After that....who knows!? Suggestions welcome!

Well that is all of them - whew what a year to review!! Of course there were other great things that happened this year (Grant Park, Foodie Penpal, Runner groups and cooking), but no one wants to read that much about me! Coming up later this week, I will give you my 2013 goals as I'm still tweaking them, but I want to thank all of you for the blog support in 2012 and hope you continue to read in 2013. If you have suggestion, lay them on me. I'm always up to making the reading more enjoyable!!! :)

Happy New Year!

Couch to 5K Run #4

Getting ready to run with the weenies

Example of Racing Sausage Shirt from Brewers Blog

Last year was the first that I had heard and paid attention to the talk about the Famous Racing Sausage 5K Run/Walk at Miller Park. If you know anything about Milwaukee, you know that we love our sausages - brats, hot dogs, chorizo - we love our meat! At the 6th inning of any home Brewers game, there is a Klement's Racing Sausage race where people dressed as the racing sausages race from 3rd base to 1st base. This is definitely something that Brewers fans enjoy watching and place friendly wagers on with their game seat neighbors. I am partial to the Polish because of my heritage but its always a race to the finish.

Apparently I'm a little out of the loop because fourteen years ago the Brewers started hosting the Racing Sausage 5K at Miller Park to raise money for the Brewers Community Foundation that helps many local organizations annually. I say apparently because I have only known about it for two years. But with my new found love of running and my home team Brewers pride, I knew that this race would be a blast.

I signed up with two of my friends months and months ago. It was good that we did because between the runners and walkers, this run did sell out - 4,000 spots! I drove with my friend Tory and we arrived to the Miller Park parking lots about an hour before the race started to make sure that we wouldn't feel rushed. Apparently an hour is a bit too early unless we needed to pick up our race packets (which Shauna nicely did for us earlier in the week). We had plenty of time to stretch out and see the die-hard runners getting in their pre-runs.

This race start was well organized by pace. Volunteers held signs that read different paces and the pace that you fell into, you went by. This is a better way to do it than just runners/walkers and helps keep the runners a little more organized and less likely to trample each other.

The 5 taller blobs at the front are the Racing Sausages

I was towards the back with a pace in the 12 - 14 min mile area and Tory stayed with me. Shauna is an 8 - 10 min/mile runner so we said bye and wished her luck. It was a much smaller cattle call this time because we were organized but my adrenaline was pumping greatly when I stepped on the timer mats and took off down Canal Street.

The horn sounded and the runners started

The route headed east and then north around the general parking lots. We then followed the road towards the stadium and went over the Milwaukee River. It was just west of this river that the winner passed me heading towards the finish already. He was followed by two others but not super closely. I couldn't believe how fast he was. I then went under the bridge to the first water stop. I was very happy for water at that point because I had done 11:13 for my first mile and was pretty parched.

Preferred lot heading into the shade

It was a little bit of an uphill from the bridge and we still continued around the outskirts of the preferred parking lot. I got pretty warm at this point because I was running with the wind and the sun was pounding on my head :( As soon as I made the turn over by the I-94 entrances/exits to the stadium, I felt the wind against me and cooled down a bit. There was a little girl running in front of me on her tippy toes and I just couldn't imagine the pain that I would be in if I ran a whole race like I was in heels. Then I thought that another child was coming up on my left and was about to cheer both of them on to keep up the pace. When I turned to cheer, I realized that it was actually a really, really short woman in her 70s with her poofy permed hair. I just smiled and continued on. That would have been embarrassing.

Serenaded by Navy men at Miller Park

Miller Park Tunnel

I was pretty excited to get around the side of the stadium because I knew we were heading onto the field soon. When we got to "right field" on the outside of the stadium, there were four Navy guys sitting in chairs playing music for us to motivate us. A few people stopped to take pictures by them, but I was too excited heading onto the field to stop there. We entered the stadium through a tunnel that smelt of hot dogs and headed onto the field.

Everyone taking in the view at Miller Park

I was instantly thrilled to be on the warning track and as much as I wanted a good time for the run, I wanted to enjoy my time on the field and take it all in. I pulled out my phone and took a ton of photos as you can see. People were stopping by the bases and behind home plate. Brewers players and staff were talking to us on teh jumbotron motivating us and saying things like "hey you in the red, this is a race - pick up the pace." It was some good humor.

Brewers dugout

Setting homeplate

DO NOT RUN ON THE FIELD

looking at my 10-pack seats WAY up there

Time to leave the field - that was fun

I left the stadium in left field, went through the tunnel and back under the bridge where we got the water stop on the other side. Again a welcome relief. Here is where I started setting mini goals - run to the tree, run to the port-o-potty, run to the dumpster, run to the turn in the road. By breaking it down, I was able to continue running and not focus on how far I still was from the finish line.

When we turned into the middle of the lot, I took some nice deep breaths and prepped myself to run to the finish. I started about 3/4 of the way back in the lot and ran up the sidewalk and over the bridge to finish.

After run party

The finish was mass chaos as the water and food wasn't far enough away and large crowds looking for people were everywhere. I found my friend Kathy while trying to get water and then followed them to get a beer. My stomach wasn't ready for food, so I gave my hot dog ticket away to Jack and just enjoyed my water and sipped my beer. 

Red Faced Runner

All in all it was a good time and I finished with a time of 40:33:18. The goal was under 40 and well I stopped to take those pictures so that's why I wasn't under 40. I was number 2,076 of 4,000 so I'm pretty much the middle of the pack. Too bad there were only 2,500 runners and the rest were walkers. I still didn't come in last and I have another run under my belt. Gotta love my Red Face after I was done - but that smile is pure joy and runners high!  Any something I learned after the race - the sausages ran the whole thing in costume!