Sick.... horrible cold.  Its bad enough that I can't mentally think let alone run. HA!  So I have rested Sunday, Monday and now today.  I will run Wed, Friday and Saturday.  Long run is still on the books.... I don't want to skip it.  I do think my body needs rest or a wrecking ball for that matter... ;-)

Day two of 2016 and I have 41 miles in.... its going to be a RUNderful year!!!!  Well, as long as I don't do any more long runs on a treadmill.... but darn it I was cold this am..... Wow, and look at my matted down sweaty hair?!!!  Sorry to those who had to see this. HA!

Training is going well.... I am running around 40 miles a week right now... and its only going to go up, up, up.... ;- )  RUN ON!!!!!

My ultra training is going well.  My vegetarian diet continues to do well.  My Hammer fueling is going well.  I have some excitement right now for my ultra.  I am pretty sure when it is a week away I wont. ;-)  But who knows?  Maybe I will ;-)

My ultra marathon training began a few weeks ago.... I hope I survive ;-)  Finished my 18 mile training run for the weekend... now for some laziness until Monday!!!

HA HA!!! THIS!!!!!!!!

So excited to be back at it after 2 weeks of no running and resting an injured leg.  RUN ON!  HAMMER ON!!!

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... ;-)

NO RUN WEDNESDAY!!!!

I don't mind it if I do!  Heading to the gym tonight for a little different cardio and weights!  And what am I taking with me???  Some HEED!  Love melon HEED ;-)  

Had kind of a worn down crappy 15 miler this am.  ON THE BRIGHT SIDE... who just got notified that they are officially a HAMMER FUEL AND NUTRITION AMBASSADOR?!!!  I was so excited to find out my head almost exploded!!! ;-)  Now I will be able to offer people a discount for the products AND hand out samples! ;-)  WOO HOO!!! ;-)  DID I MENTION BUSINESS CARDS?!!  I am incredibly honored that I get to wear their brand and show it off.... make sure if you have never tried one of their supplements or gels, etc... and want to, get a hold of me... I will get you a sample to try!!  If I don't have a sample supply on hand.. you can try something of mine! ;-)

I should add, their products are for just about any sport, running, cycling, basketball, football, bodybuilding, climbing, swimming.... it goes on and on.  They have awesome supplements, gels, recovery products, you name it.  ;-)

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SLEEP TONIGHT AFTER GETTING SOO MUCH AWESOME STUFF IN THE MAIL TODAY!!!????  CANT WAIT TO SPORT THEM AROUND SOME RACES!!

If you are a new runner and want a place to find fellow runners, new friends, advice, etc.... you should definitely check out RunJunkEes on Facebook.  Great community of runners and a great organizers!  Check them out!!!

PEACE!! ;-)

Ran some local hills early this am hard!  Great heart-pumping run!  Many people do not realize how beautiful Iowa is in the Northeast areas... #driftless #God'scountry.......  

Had a great long run today!!  Went waay smoother than I thought!  I seriously owe it to one... the work I have been putting into strength training and two... the proper fueling!  I am so in love with Hammer products!  I wish I could give every single one of you a sample... ;-)  If you want to try them out... use my link on the right side of my blog under the Hammer advertisement.  It can get you 15% off.  Their products are really reasonably priced!! ;-)  HAPPY RUNNING!!!  

OH, and stay away from these.....

Received my HAMMER NUTRITION shipment!  I am so pumped, if someone let me I would hold a news conference.  NOT KIDDING!~  Hammer products are so awesome.  Finally a company who gives the truth about ingredients... cares about its customers and offers products for all my running needs (AND the products don't make me feel sick!) EVERY order I have received had great reading info and FREE samples or items.  YOU NEED TO CHECK THEM OUT!

If you are a cyclist or runner... you need to try Hammer's products.... specifically ordered through their site.  I cannot brag enough about the company.  The products rock, the customer service is AWESOME and they know what they are talking about when it comes to nutrition.... the shipping is so fast I look twice when I get my orders thinking "it cant be here already?"PLUS, you get free stuff and discounts often!    

YOU NEED TO ORDER NOW!!!  USE MY LINK ON MY BLOG TO GET 15% OFF on your ORDER!!!!! ;-)  Referral -Stephanie Radabaugh, client # 250618