Great track run yesterday!  Not sure why I chose to run on the track for 16 miles... but it went really well.  I listened to my first audio-book.  That was the best decision... why did I not think of listening to books during long runs in the past?  You lose yourself!

Super excited about my new baby!!!  I was sad to say goodbye to my 220, but this 225 that measures heart rate via wrist with no more strap?!! SO WORTH IT! ;-)  Lets bring on the runs!!

20 MILE RUN ON THE TREADMILL THIS AM.  PART OF MY ULTRA TRAINING... RUNNING ON A TREADMILL IS BLOODY BORING...  WHICH IS GREAT PREP FOR RUNNING 50 MILES. ;-)

Des Moines IMT was by far my favorite race this year.  I did the half this year and planned for it to be relaxed and fun!  It was and my time was great considering all the stops I made to have fun!  I felt strong and never once thought, "wow, I'm tired."  Here are a few pics from the race.... I DID get to meet Kathrine Switzer and get a signed copy of her book. YAY!

NEVER TOO EARLY!!!

HEADING INTO THE LAST 2 MILES OF THE RACE

JUST A LITTLE FUN AND LIVE ACTION

GETTING READY TO MEET KATHRINE.  SHE WAS SO KIND AND I WAS SUPER PUMPED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY!

M Y BOOK!!

GREAT WAY TO FINISH OFF MY YEAR.  NOW FOR SOME ULTRA TRAINING.....

HEADING TO THE DES MOINES MARATHON!  SUPPORTING KATHRINE SWITZER AND HER FEARLESS MOVEMENT!  RUN ON!!

TODAY'S GYM SUPPLIES!  Now that I am getting ready for my 50 mile ultra in April... strength training at the gym will be a regular event.

Really pumped about spreading the word on Hammer nutrition, fuel and products!  There are a lot of products on the market for running fuel.  I sampled Hammer a few years ago and have been hooked ever since.  I have had other fuels that I could tolerate during races... but Hammer's products actually make my performance smoother and my recovery quicker!! If you want to try something... take 15% off on your first order.  You can order products individually... so that if you don't like something... its one bar, or one packet... etc.  ;-)

Want to know what my favorites are?

Feel free to let me know if you have ANY questions ABOUT ANY of Hammer's products!!! ;-)

Really GREAT 16+ mile run on the trails today!  I felt strong... although I finally broke down and realized WHY I must buy a pair of gators... ASAP! ;-)

THIS IS HOW I HAMMER!!!  TRAILS and PERPETUEM!

When you are hours into the middle of no where... finding one of these gems is like finding some gold....

Look I stumbled upon an alpaca farm?! 

This morning's run was the best run I have had in a long time... NOT because of a PR or because I went really far.. but because I played.  I stopped and used the restroom... stopped and took pictures... went at a slow pace, watched some wildlife and watched the sun come up over the river.  It was a cool 40 degrees so I could wear a long sleeve running shirt, and some crappy Dollar General gloves and a fall headband.... I LOVE this time of year... it makes me feel so awesome!  I live a block from the Mississippi.... I can run this path any day I want... I don't do it often... but when I do, it feels like home.

I am standing in Iowa.... the hills across the Mississippi are Wisconsin's... ;-)