Women's Endurance Gear - Family, Fitness and Food

Women's Endurance Gear - Family, Fitness and Foodhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/A Mom reflects on family, fitness and food. Run, swim, cycle, hike, ski - all the gear that works or doesn't.ennoreply@blogger.com (Kovas Palubinskas)Wed, 22 May 2013 08:09:44 PDTBloggertag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482429125WomensEnduranceGearhttp://feedburner.google.comMidweek Motivationhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/midweek-motivation.htmlmidweek motivationpriorityno excusesnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Wed, 22 May 2013 03:57:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-3257018662585728339Make it a priority...<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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnImLynyyIg/UZyj6McU7-I/AAAAAAAAFDI/_-F6wLnIGaY/s1600/4percent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="no excuses" border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnImLynyyIg/UZyj6McU7-I/AAAAAAAAFDI/_-F6wLnIGaY/s320/4percent.png" title="no excuses" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A one hour workout is 4% of your day - No Excuses</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-22T05:57:06.930-05:002Tuesday Training - Week 4http://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/tuesday-training-week-4.htmlweek 4Tuesday Traininggoalsnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Tue, 21 May 2013 10:58:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-5772053036724144831Monday:  3 miles with Tazer (age 12) and Munchkin (age 6);  We started by doing a loop near home in case Munchkin wanted to stop, but Munchkin ended up outrunning his older brother:)<br /> <br /> Tuesday:  <strike>cross-training;</strike> Still feeling sick, I decided to take a rest day.<br /> <br /> Wednesday: <strike>4 miles</strike>; I decided to take another rest day - still congested and coughing.<br /> <br /> Thursday:  <strike>4 miles;</strike> Managed to squeeze in an early morning 5k around the neighborhood.  Then home to finish preparing for the kids' Fun Run which was after school.<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwsfZftsRa0/UZux7nkr-_I/AAAAAAAAFCo/apJymoN9Qo0/s1600/funrun2013ramarch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fun Run" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwsfZftsRa0/UZux7nkr-_I/AAAAAAAAFCo/apJymoN9Qo0/s320/funrun2013ramarch.JPG" title="Fun Run" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun Run 2013 start</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Friday: <strike>rest;</strike> 4 miles with Munchkin, Little A and Kovas.  Kovas pushed the double stroller most of the time, Munchkin ran half of the time.<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0cDT_y-2qQ/UZuzgGWIJoI/AAAAAAAAFC4/1EBiajkQHUk/s1600/kdoublestroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="K double stroller" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0cDT_y-2qQ/UZuzgGWIJoI/AAAAAAAAFC4/1EBiajkQHUk/s320/kdoublestroller.JPG" title="K double stroller" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kovas pushing the double stroller with Munchkin and Little A</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Saturday:  <strike>5 miles</strike>; I was supposed to run with CARA but took another rest day instead.  This Saturday <i>for sure</i>, I will run again with the group...<br /> <br /> Sunday:  <strike>Cross training</strike>; Kovas and I ran 5 hilly miles - without the stroller or kiddos.<br /> <br /> I ran all the week's runs according to the CARA training plan, but still have to work on the cross training...<br /> <br /> Goals for the week:  at least one day of cross training (cycling) and long run with CARA<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Working on any short term goals?</b></span></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-21T12:58:28.699-05:002Meatless Monday - Healthy Granolahttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/meatless-monday-healthy-granola.htmlVegetariangranolaMeatlessMondaynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Mon, 20 May 2013 09:04:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-1759634980134127155This tasty "granola" happens to be a failed attempt at healthy energy bars.  As a family our afternoons and weekends are pretty crazy with soccer, music lessons, running club etc.  And as most kids, mine come home from school ravenous and rushing to get ready for something.  So my plan was to make bars for the week - instead we ended up with granola for breakfast:)<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEMFKfOgSAs/UZpIT7CMrfI/AAAAAAAAFCI/33KVEvajnR0/s1600/granola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="granola" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEMFKfOgSAs/UZpIT7CMrfI/AAAAAAAAFCI/33KVEvajnR0/s320/granola.png" title="granola" width="276" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granola</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Preheat oven to 350.  In large bowl combine:<br /> 1 1/2 old fashioned oats<br /> 1/2 c steel cut oats<br /> 1/2 c quinoa<br /> 3/4 c seeds and/or nuts of choice (I used hemp, pepitas and sunflower seeds)<br /> 1/2 c dried fruit of choice (I used dried bananas)<br /> 1/4 c flaxseed meal<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEE41pjJSog/UZpIasvgDhI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/yq89-DhZGWM/s1600/granoladry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="granola dry ingredients" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEE41pjJSog/UZpIasvgDhI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/yq89-DhZGWM/s320/granoladry.JPG" title="granola dry ingredients" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granola - dry ingredients</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> In microwave safe bowl, combine and microwave until smooth (about 45 seconds):<br /> 1/4 c sweetener (I used honey - could also use maple syrup, brown rice syrup)<br /> 1/2 c nut butter (I used sunflower butter)<br /> 1/4 tsp salt<br /> 1 tsp vanilla<br /> 1 tsp cinnamon<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAhSC0Q4hKo/UZpIhNZADJI/AAAAAAAAFCY/3mAbKSCaukw/s1600/granolabutter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="granola - nut butter mixture" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAhSC0Q4hKo/UZpIhNZADJI/AAAAAAAAFCY/3mAbKSCaukw/s320/granolabutter.JPG" title="granola - nut butter mixture" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granola - nut butter mixture</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Mix nut butter mixture into dry ingredients until well combined.  Spread into a 13 x 9 inch pan.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Let cool.  Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, milk or as a snack by itself.  Enjoy!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-20T11:04:29.338-05:001Five Fun Things Fridayhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/five-fun-things-friday.htmlDarn Tough VermontHumagelRun for Boston 5kAlvitaBestowed giveaway winnernoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Fri, 17 May 2013 07:02:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-6339908688722346768Kovas and I were sent some organic herbal <a href="http://www.alvita.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alvita teas</a> to sample.  So many delicious flavors - perfect for any time of day! <br /> <br /> <i>We make sure that every ingredient comes from responsible growers who make the land—and the herbs that grow on it—their primary concern. From there, our team painstakingly reviews the scientific data to make sure of proper dosage, and the perfect brewing techniques, so that our teas can give you the maximum benefit and the best taste.</i><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PUktnaZa8o/UZYm8Pm4WJI/AAAAAAAAFAw/NcO2bMb7ZDI/s1600/alvita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alvita teas" border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PUktnaZa8o/UZYm8Pm4WJI/AAAAAAAAFAw/NcO2bMb7ZDI/s320/alvita.jpg" title="Alvita teas" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alvita - organic, gluten-free, kosher</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> We also had the opportunity to try <a href="http://humagel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Huma Chia Energy Gel</a> in strawberry and apples and cinnamon flavors.  I love that these are all natural and have a great flavor without a chemically after-taste!<br /> <br /> <i>Don't like gels that taste like cough syrup? Neither do we. Now you can enjoy your gel with Hüma, the great-tasting, all-natural energy gel based on Chia.</i><br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsVNLJ2U59M/UZYw_gnKQgI/AAAAAAAAFBA/JjuwLpoRu_s/s1600/humagelcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Huma gel" border="0" height="105" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsVNLJ2U59M/UZYw_gnKQgI/AAAAAAAAFBA/JjuwLpoRu_s/s320/humagelcollage.jpg" title="Huma gel" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All natural - Huma Chia Energy Gel</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> You can have the best running shoes with the right fit, but without good socks, you're likely to still have problems.  I have a pair of <a href="http://www.darntough.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darn Tough</a> ski socks and love them, so I was psyched when they sent me two pairs of their running socks to try.  Super comfortable with a great fit and feel, no rubbing and no slipping - these have become my go-to socks for running!<br /> <br /> <i>...miles and miles (and miles) of blister-free bliss. Feel the difference of feeling nothing at all.</i><br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GE8LHipCqnI/UZY072PtecI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/YTLMCSa87XE/s1600/darntoughrunbike.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Darn tough - run/bike socks" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GE8LHipCqnI/UZY072PtecI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/YTLMCSa87XE/s320/darntoughrunbike.png" title="Darn tough - run/bike socks" width="272" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darn Tough Run/Bike socks</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Here's a great event to support virtually or in person if you're in the Chicago-land area...Tazer and I are planning to register for the event - the rest of the family will join virtually...<br /> <br /> <i>The <a href="http://runforboston5k.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Run for Boston 5k</a> is a partnership between the Chicago Running Bloggers community and Muddy Monk Trail Running. Katie of Live Half Full worked to bring together the running community to put together an event to show the power and resiliency of the running community.</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Together, our goal is to raise funds from our generous sponsors so that 100 percent of race entries benefits the Who Says I Can’t Foundation and directly to support the rehabilitation of those who lost limbs as a result of the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon. We need your help to make this possible. Contact us for information about volunteering or sponsoring this event.</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Join us June 15, either in Libertyville at Independence Grove or virtually, for #Chicago4Boston.</i><br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3oZ1HAt2IE/UZY17je8C8I/AAAAAAAAFBc/UommE1hu8oI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-17+at+8.48.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Run for Boston 5k" border="0" height="105" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3oZ1HAt2IE/UZY17je8C8I/AAAAAAAAFBc/UommE1hu8oI/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-17+at+8.48.49+AM.png" title="Run for Boston 5k" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run for Boston 5k</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> The (new) winner of my Bestowed giveaway is<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsppqDJ3W0I/UZY28gv6o_I/AAAAAAAAFBo/P6JnNDBewXM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-17+at+8.55.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsppqDJ3W0I/UZY28gv6o_I/AAAAAAAAFBo/P6JnNDBewXM/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-17+at+8.55.15+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> CONGRATULATIONS!  Please email or DM me your mailing address!<br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Friday!</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Any fun plans for the weekend?</b></span></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-17T09:02:09.728-05:002Koss Fit Series - Fit Clips and Fit Buds Stereophone Reviewhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/koss-fit-series-fit-clips-and-fit-buds.htmlFit4LifefitfluentialKossCorporationDaraTorresFit Seriesnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Thu, 16 May 2013 09:23:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-6123459292383876728Last week I had the pleasure of heading up to Milwaukee for the Koss Fit Series Launch via <a href="http://fitfluential.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FitFluential</a>.  The Fit Series features two earphone models - FitClips and FitBuds, designed for women by women. <br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHt0u1drDZQ/UZZcAll_V8I/AAAAAAAAFB4/CQ8-8Hf0iAM/s1600/kossbudsandclips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Koss" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHt0u1drDZQ/UZZcAll_V8I/AAAAAAAAFB4/CQ8-8Hf0iAM/s320/kossbudsandclips.png" title="Koss" width="262" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mint FitClips and coral FitBuds</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> The Koss' female team partnered with 5-time Olympian and fitness enthusiast, Dara Torres to design the new line.  So a huge bonus of attending the launch was meeting the great people from Koss and Dara and participating in a spinning class with her (my first spin class ever!)!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmhdIwvRrSA/UZOxMPVECrI/AAAAAAAAE_o/jiUPwfaxaBA/s1600/daratorresspinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmhdIwvRrSA/UZOxMPVECrI/AAAAAAAAE_o/jiUPwfaxaBA/s320/daratorresspinning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Each of our spin bikes were adorned with the new FitClips - over the ear headphones in assorted bright colors - 5 different colors in all.  Love all the cute colors!  The soft, flexible clips fit comfortably around the ear.  Great fit and great workout!  My question was - how would the FitClips and FitBuds perform on a run...<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3mxash5LjQ/UZUG6nwo9AI/AAAAAAAAFAI/70m1k9YYALU/s1600/kosscollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3mxash5LjQ/UZUG6nwo9AI/AAAAAAAAFAI/70m1k9YYALU/s320/kosscollage2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koss FitClips and FitBuds</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When I got home,  I tried both the FitClips and the FitBuds for running.  Both stayed put and of course had great sound!  Both are available in 5 vibrant colors, feature a sweat-resistant coating and choice of 3 sizes of ear cushions for a perfect fit.</div> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iKxsE-XMivY/UZUE-lnVhlI/AAAAAAAAE_4/e8V4nyDYkFU/s1600/kosscolors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Koss Fit Series" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iKxsE-XMivY/UZUE-lnVhlI/AAAAAAAAE_4/e8V4nyDYkFU/s320/kosscolors.JPG" title="Koss Fit Series" width="220" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koss Fit Series - check out all these great colors!</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> The Koss Fit Series is available now and to get $5 off a pair of Koss Fit Series headphones, enter <b>Fit4Life</b> during checkout at <a href="http://koss.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Koss.com</a>.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>This campaign was sponsored by Koss through FitFluential. All opinions are my own.</i></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-17T11:35:58.814-05:001Tuesday Training (a day late) - Week 2http://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/tuesday-training-day-late-week-2.htmlTuesday Trainingtraining while sicknoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Wed, 15 May 2013 09:04:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-7923110558141826856Started the week out well, but ended up missing a couple days due to a cold.  No biggie with work, children and everyone's schedules, I am trying to stay flexible with my training...<br /> <br /> Monday: 3 mile run.  Nice morning for an early before school neighborhood run with Gaigai.  Gaigai and Tazer are in their school's running club which is preparing them for the local YMCA's Commit to Be Fit 5k.  This has been a great way to slowly build up my miles and spend some extra time with them.<br /> <br /> Tuesday: <strike>cross training</strike>.  I had to be at work early in the morning and right after Kovas and I headed into Chicago for a <a href="http://www.50statesofwine.com/2013/05/wines-of-portugal-grand-tasting.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Portugal Wine tasting</a> and dinner at <a href="http://www.50statesofwine.com/2013/05/iii-forks-chicago.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">III Forks</a>.  We walked quite a distance from the car to the wine tasting and back to dinner - does that count as cross training? :) <br /> <br /> Wednesday: <strike>4 mile run</strike>.  Instead of my run, I spent the day in Milwaukee - I met and took my first ever spin class with Dara Torres!  This was definitely the highlight of my week - most memorable first spin class ever:)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmhdIwvRrSA/UZOxMPVECrI/AAAAAAAAE_o/jiUPwfaxaBA/s1600/daratorresspinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmhdIwvRrSA/UZOxMPVECrI/AAAAAAAAE_o/jiUPwfaxaBA/s320/daratorresspinning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Thursday: <strike>4 mile run</strike>.  Woke up with some congestion, so I decided to take a rest day.  I've always heard if it's in your head, you're good to go.  If it's in your chest, take a rest day.  This was mostly in my head, but decided to rest anyways...<br /> <br /> Friday:  <strike>Rest day</strike>.  Woke up feeling better and wanted to get some miles in before the week was over - ran an easy 4 miles.<br /> <br /> Saturday: <strike>5 miles with CARA</strike>.  Woke up feeling crappy again.  Super bummed that I missed my run with CARA.<br /> <br /> Sunday:  <strike>Cross training</strike>.  Kovas and I went to my cousin's wedding Saturday night, so the kiddos spent the night at my aunt and uncle's house.  We took advantage of the beautiful morning and being childless to get in a steady 5 miles.<br /> <br /> All in all a good week considering I was feeling miserable for most of it...<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Do you train when sick?</b></span></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-15T11:04:25.530-05:002Meatless Monday - Raw Berry Crisphttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/meatless-monday-raw-berry-crisp.htmlMeatless MondayRaw Berry Crispnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Mon, 13 May 2013 08:48:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-6466970921207196892No time for a hot breakfast?  Here's a simple, healthy no-cook breakfast from <a href="http://www.wholefoods.com/recipe/raw-berry-crisp" rel="nofollow">Whole Foods</a>.<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kFkb0zanJ8/UZELBqUTR9I/AAAAAAAAE_U/8IKGJbkhfjM/s1600/wfrawberrycrisp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="WF raw berry crisp" border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kFkb0zanJ8/UZELBqUTR9I/AAAAAAAAE_U/8IKGJbkhfjM/s320/wfrawberrycrisp.png" title="WF raw berry crisp" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Berry Crisp - recipe from Whole Foods</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Rich nuts and sweet dates make a tasty topping for mixed berries in this no-cook version of berry crisp.<br /> <br /> Ingredients:<br /> <div> 6 cups mixed berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries </div> <div> 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, more or less to taste depending on sweetness of berries </div> <div> 1 cup raw pecans </div> <div> 1/2 cup raw walnuts </div> <div> 1/2 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped </div> <div> 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Method: In a (7- x 11-inch) dish, toss berries with maple syrup. Put pecans, walnuts, dates and cinnamon into a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Scatter nut mixture over berries and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Nutritional Info:<br /> PER SERVING:  240 calories (140 from fat), 16g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g dietary fiber, 16g sugar), 5g protein<br /> <br /> Special Diets: Dairy Free Gluten Free Raw Vegan Vegetarian Wheat Free<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a></div>2013-05-13T10:48:29.764-05:002Friday Funnies and Bestowed Winnerhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/friday-funnies-and-bestowed-winner.htmlsupermomBestowedFriday funniesgiveaway winnerHappy Mother's Daynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-6799095408288363628<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Some friday funnies - in honor of all mothers...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1XhRVhoqc/UYzgYlQVDUI/AAAAAAAAE7c/IpnJVGzt1c8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-10+at+6.55.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Motherhood, inc" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj1XhRVhoqc/UYzgYlQVDUI/AAAAAAAAE7c/IpnJVGzt1c8/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-10+at+6.55.30+AM.png" title="Motherhood, inc." width="229" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day - vacation day, but technically you still have to work (from thisflourishinglife.com)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJHvW6OwvRA/UY0Ggs9EWmI/AAAAAAAAE7s/vh48hADiEuY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-10+at+9.32.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="definition of mother" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJHvW6OwvRA/UY0Ggs9EWmI/AAAAAAAAE7s/vh48hADiEuY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-10+at+9.32.50+AM.png" title="definition of mother" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loony - love it:) (from pinterest.com)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_iUkVg0OzCc/UY0Gmsa75uI/AAAAAAAAE70/GptgcPSknig/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-10+at+9.33.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="supermoms" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_iUkVg0OzCc/UY0Gmsa75uI/AAAAAAAAE70/GptgcPSknig/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-10+at+9.33.16+AM.png" title="supermoms" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Mother's Day to SUPERMOMS everywhere (from livlig-online.com)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> And the winner of the Bestowed giveaway is Sara - CONGRATULATIONS!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6Booi4uluA/UY0Jr_CCHdI/AAAAAAAAE8A/0qOiugxOeXg/s1600/bestowed+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6Booi4uluA/UY0Jr_CCHdI/AAAAAAAAE8A/0qOiugxOeXg/s320/bestowed+winner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> Please email or DM me your mailing address by Wednesday 5/15!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Happy Friday and Happy Mother's Day!</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Any fun plans for the weekend?</span></b></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-13T15:52:27.635-05:002Spinning With Dara Torres and Kosshttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/spinning-with-dara-torres-and-koss.htmlFit4LifefitfluentialKossheadphonesDaraTorresFit Seriesnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Thu, 09 May 2013 09:54:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-9010645734749064288Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting, chatting and spinning with 5-time Olympian, 12-time medalist, Dara Torres, courtesy of <a href="http://koss.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Koss</a> during the launch of the Fit Series stereophones, a new product line <i>Designed for Women, By Women</i>. <br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wV4cFdeZKo/UYvIJobBNFI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/gNbg3OjLnBg/s1600/daratorresspinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dara Torres" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wV4cFdeZKo/UYvIJobBNFI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/gNbg3OjLnBg/s320/daratorresspinning.jpg" title="Dara Torres" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dara Torres wearing the coral Koss Fit Clips while spinning</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> I also met up with a handful of other ladies from <a href="http://fitfluential.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fitfluential</a> and some friendly people from the Koss Corporation. Michael J. Koss, President and CEO of Koss led the product unveiling, and afterwards we headed over to a private spin class with Dara Torres.  We each had a pair of the new colorful Fit Clips on our bikes to wear for the class.  This was my first spin class ever, so I was nervous but super excited!  It was a great workout and the music definitely helped me get through it!  The headphones had great sound and stayed put in my ears (I will be trying them out on some runs this week - full review coming soon).<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtXLvunpVXk/UYvJRe6iyTI/AAAAAAAAE5k/ajT5JKBHwdA/s1600/kossfitclipscoral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coral Koss Fit Clips" border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtXLvunpVXk/UYvJRe6iyTI/AAAAAAAAE5k/ajT5JKBHwdA/s320/kossfitclipscoral.jpg" title="Coral Koss Fit Clips" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral Koss Fit Clips</td></tr> </tbody></table> In addition to the headphones, we also received some other nice swag for the Koss Fit For Life campaign: tank, tee, hoodie and re-useable bottle.<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFK3DWPXM0g/UYvNNL3znhI/AAAAAAAAE50/fP8jyJ27yoc/s1600/kossswagandheadphonecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Koss Fit For Life Campaign" border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFK3DWPXM0g/UYvNNL3znhI/AAAAAAAAE50/fP8jyJ27yoc/s320/kossswagandheadphonecollage.jpg" title="Koss Fit For Life Campaign" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koss Fit For Life Campaign</td></tr> </tbody></table> After class we had the opportunity to talk with Dara.  She is such an inspiring woman - and lives her motto of "age is just a number."  She gave us some great tips on the importance of listening to your body and recovery, moderation when it comes to nutrition, balancing family/work/exercise, and other interesting topics. <br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UbVOJb1wag/UYvNuJv6MiI/AAAAAAAAE6U/eUbAvngyeic/s1600/kossffdara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fitfluential Ambassadors with Dara Torres" border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UbVOJb1wag/UYvNuJv6MiI/AAAAAAAAE6U/eUbAvngyeic/s320/kossffdara.jpg" title="Fitfluential Ambassadors with Dara Torres" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitfluential Ambassadors with Dara Torres </td></tr> </tbody></table> The clothes are super cute and I love the Fit Clip design which kept the ear buds in place.  The Koss Fit Series is available now and to get $5 off a pair of Koss Fit Series headphones, enter Fit4Life during checkout at Koss.com.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>This campaign was sponsored by Koss through FitFluential.  All opinions are my own.</i></div> <br /> <div> <br /></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-09T11:54:43.663-05:006Midweek Motivation: What's Beautifulhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/midweek-motivation-whats-beautiful.htmlvideomidweek motivationUnder ArmourfitfluentialWhat's BeautifulIWILLnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Wed, 08 May 2013 06:33:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-2431142323768631280<div style="text-align: center;"> <i>"Are you ready to show the world </i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>what it means to be a female athlete? </i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Set a goal. Then get it." </i></div> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F8_kTkQ36wo?list=PL19E2659C3C2CA093" width="425"></iframe></center> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">I WILL</span></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-08T08:33:25.696-05:000Tuesday Training: What's Beautifulhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/tuesday-training-whats-beautiful.htmlUnder ArmourfitfluentialWhatsBeautifulZOOMArunIWILLCARArunsnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Tue, 07 May 2013 03:36:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-8382919480732811074I am super excited to be part of <a href="http://whatsbeautiful.ua.com/?CID=DA|FitFluential|WB3.0" rel="nofollow">Under Armour's "What's Beautiful"</a> campaign (through Fitfluential LLC), a movement to redefine the female athlete!   As part of "What's Beautiful," we're asked to define an epic goal, no matter what that goal may be, to <i>push past where we've been before.  To put a goal out to the world and go after it in a big way. </i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRT6jx-hre4/UYjZALb1_xI/AAAAAAAAE4s/Hx_ACjuJbR0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-07+at+5.34.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What's Beautiful Laima" border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRT6jx-hre4/UYjZALb1_xI/AAAAAAAAE4s/Hx_ACjuJbR0/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-05-07+at+5.34.48+AM.png" title="What's Beautiful Laima" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> My epic goal this year is to complete a marathon.  My husband, Kovas and I are still trying to figure out which one, but we'll find the right one for us.  This fall is our 15 year anniversary <i>and</i> I turn 40 - so perfect time to conquer something more, something new (for me at least - Kovas has done a marathon and an ultra)! <br /> <br /> The "What's Beautiful" competition is open  to teams of women, so if you'd like to complete your goal with me, be it a 5k, 10k or ultra, join me in saying #IWILL and crush your goal.  By sharing our goals and progress, we'll be encouraged and motivated through an Under Armour network of women and receive support from each other, receive training tips and chances to win free swag for meeting and exceeding expectations.  After 10 weeks, 3 females will be chosen for a yoga and surf getaway to Costa Rica.<br /> <div> <br /></div> I'm just as excited to be a  ZOOMA Chicago Ambassador which ties in nicely with my marathon goal this fall.  Through ZOOMA I'm training with CARA through August 10th.  Group training is also new to me, but so far it's working out well.  After the ZOOMA half, I  will continue to prepare for my first full marathon solo (or most likely with Kovas).<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLtSnPm9szk/UYh-KQDlrZI/AAAAAAAAE4c/sEzoBeUysMk/s1600/zoomacaracollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLtSnPm9szk/UYh-KQDlrZI/AAAAAAAAE4c/sEzoBeUysMk/s640/zoomacaracollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> So for week one of Summer 1/2 Marathon training:<br /> <br /> Monday:  morning neighborhood 3 mile run;  Monday evening was the CARA Summer Half Marathon training kickoff with a 3.2 mile run along the lakefront.  Beautiful evening for it, but I was not sure I'd be able to run and be ready to represent ZOOMA as an ambassador and "social runner" so I opted to run in the am...<br /> <br /> Tuesday:  3 mile neighborhood loop with Kovas<br /> <br /> Thursday:  almost 3 mile loop in the neighborhood while taking care of some errands - multi-tasking:)<br /> <br /> Saturday:  first group training run with CARA out of Wheaton, 4 miles<br /> <br /> I should have added some cross training on my off days, but with work, my kids' activities, and wanting to spend time with the family, I didn't squeeze it in.  My goal this week is to make time for cross training as well.<br /> <br /> The What's Beautiful campaign, ZOOMA and CARA are blending perfectly to help me get to my goal of completing a full marathon.  Sign up for What's Beautiful and<a href="http://whatsbeautiful.ua.com/team/141" target="_blank"> join my What's Beautiful team </a>, then check back here on Tuesdays to see how it's going.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What's your epic goal?</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-07T05:36:39.035-05:003Meatless Monday - Cold Beet Souphttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/meatless-monday-cold-beet-soup.htmlsaltibarsciaipink soupCold Beet soupMeatlessMondaynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Mon, 06 May 2013 07:14:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-7438062944133384338Cold beet soup (Šaltibarščiai) is a Lithuanian summer staple.  Easy and refreshing, this soup is perfect for lunch or light dinner on a hot summer day!<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gy5nJ_7XmDg/UYe5d9t7dMI/AAAAAAAAE38/IumHLkTfilk/s1600/saltibarsciai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cold Beet Soup" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gy5nJ_7XmDg/UYe5d9t7dMI/AAAAAAAAE38/IumHLkTfilk/s320/saltibarsciai.JPG" title="Cold Beet Soup" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saltibarsciai - Cold Beet Soup</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Not only easy and refreshing - and pretty, this soup is healthy too!  Beets are a rich source of potent antioxidants and nutrients, including magnesium, sodium, potassium and vitamin C., and betaine, which helps to lower blood pressure, prevents development of heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and may protect against liver disease.<br /> <br /> Take note, the red color compound betanin is not broken down in the body, and in higher concentration may temporarily cause urine (termed beeturia) and stool to assume a reddish color.  This effect may cause distress and concern due to the visual similarity to hematuria (blood in the urine) or blood in the stool - could be especially disturbing if you have a child still in diapers:), but is completely harmless and will subside once the food is out of the system (from wikipedia).<br /> <br /> Here's the recipe-<br /> <br /> Wash and peel<br /> <b>3 large red beets</b> (about 1 pound) (canned whole beets can also be used)<br /> <br /> Cover with water and boil until tender.  While beets are boiling, chop into cubes<br /> <b>1 large cucumber</b><br /> <b>2 hard-boiled eggs </b><br /> <b>2 scallions</b><br /> <br /> Remove beets from water reserving liquid.  Let beets cool, then grate coarsely.  In large bowl add to beet water<br /> <b>2 cups kefir</b><br /> <b>2 cups buttermilk</b><br /> <br /> Then stir in beets, cucumbers, eggs, scallion.  Season with<br /> <b>salt and freshly ground pepper,</b><br /> <b>chopped dill</b><br /> <br /> Refrigerate.  Before serving garnish with chopped dill.  Enjoy!<br /> <br /> Amounts of beets, liquid, eggs, cucumbers, etc. can be modified according to personal tastes. <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-06T15:59:10.835-05:001Fun Things Friday - and a Giveawayhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/fun-things-friday-and-giveaway.htmlBestowedZoomaCARAnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Fri, 03 May 2013 06:29:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-1548734402322364039This week I started my CARA half marathon training program in preparation for <a href="http://zoomarun.com/" rel="nofollow">ZOOMA Chicago</a>.  I've never trained with a training group, so I'm excited to try it!  First long run is tomorrow!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SI6D_edtqxU/UYO7Gvlg2iI/AAAAAAAAE3k/YA1P3NsGFgI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-03+at+8.26.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SI6D_edtqxU/UYO7Gvlg2iI/AAAAAAAAE3k/YA1P3NsGFgI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-03+at+8.26.23+AM.png" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://zoomarun.com/2013/04/zooma-launches-run-to-chi-town-sweepstakes/" rel="nofollow">ZOOMA's Run to Chi-Town Sweepstakes</a> ends <b>today</b> - <i>grand-prize winner receives an all-expenses paid trip for two to Chicago on August 9-10 for the inaugural ZOOMA Chicago Women’s Half Marathon and 10K, including luxury accommodations at The Langham Chicago, travel expenses, and a fitness-and-fashion makeover from the contest’s sponsors.  </i><br /> <i><br /></i> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPenUKUIXzY/UYO7PzGcoXI/AAAAAAAAE3s/cMSnFAK9L5c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-03+at+8.27.02+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPenUKUIXzY/UYO7PzGcoXI/AAAAAAAAE3s/cMSnFAK9L5c/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-03+at+8.27.02+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div> <i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> If you like to sample healthy tasty snacks, check out my Bestowed giveaway.  With a Bestowed membership, one gets a monthly shipment of 5+ healthy snacks chosen by registered dietitian.  For a chance to win a month's membership, enter <a href="http://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/bestowed-review-and-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxt8fl0s3vs/UYHEWm1-g1I/AAAAAAAAE3M/CVpeoeZ9ciA/s1600/bestowed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxt8fl0s3vs/UYHEWm1-g1I/AAAAAAAAE3M/CVpeoeZ9ciA/s320/bestowed.JPG" width="256" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Happy Friday!!</span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Any fun plans for the weekend?</span></b></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-03T09:54:07.971-05:001Bestowed Review and Giveawayhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/bestowed-review-and-giveaway.htmlhealthy snacksBestowedgiveawayreviewnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Thu, 02 May 2013 05:35:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-5803313147944644737Just recently I had the pleasure to receive, for review a month's sample of <a href="http://bestowed.com/" rel="nofollow">Bestowed</a>. <br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxt8fl0s3vs/UYHEWm1-g1I/AAAAAAAAE3M/CVpeoeZ9ciA/s1600/bestowed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bestowed box" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxt8fl0s3vs/UYHEWm1-g1I/AAAAAAAAE3M/CVpeoeZ9ciA/s320/bestowed.JPG" title="Bestowed box" width="256" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bestowed </td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Discover healthy foods you'll love! </i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Join Bestowed and get 5+ amazing nutrition and lifestyle products </i><br /> <i>delivered to your door every month - each one hand picked </i><br /> <i>by celebrity nutritionist and author Heather Bauer.</i></div> <br /> With your membership you get a box full of goodies each month, hand picked by Heather Bauer, a registered dietitian.  These are the latest and greatest (and some old favorite) healthy products - perfect for snacking.   From olives to healthy hi-fiber "brownie bars," my family and I had fun sampling everything- we even made fresh <a href="http://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/meatless-monday-hemp-milk.html" target="_blank">hemp milk </a>from the hemp seeds.  This is a great way to try some healthy new products that have the stamp of approval from a nutrition expert.<br /> <br /> <b>And for your chance to win a one month's supply of Bestowed... </b><br /> <b><br /> </b> <b>-please leave a comment below letting me know you'd like in on the giveaway. </b><br /> <b><br /> </b> <b>-for an additional 3 entries, share via twitter (including @womensendurance and @bstowed), Facebook and/or blog (please leave a comment for each).</b><br /> <br /> Winner will be announced Friday, May 10.  Giveaway open to U.S. mailing addresses only. <br /> <br /> If you are not the lucky winner, you can still get $5 off a membership by using discount code 5OFFBSTOWED01 when ordering.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Disclaimer:  these products were sent to me for review purposes - all opinions are my own.</i></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-02T08:26:21.302-05:0032Midweek Motivation - Lace Uphttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/05/midweek-motivation-lace-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Wed, 01 May 2013 08:30:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-5883477153632922115<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOVQSkiRlKw/UYE0Xh-qxKI/AAAAAAAAE28/vCB-0Rzl8eI/s1600/laceup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ZOOMA FB - Exhale can't, inhale can. Lace UP." border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOVQSkiRlKw/UYE0Xh-qxKI/AAAAAAAAE28/vCB-0Rzl8eI/s320/laceup.jpg" title="ZOOMA FB - Exhale can't, inhale can. Lace UP." width="318" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Exhale "can't" inhale "can"</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>LACE UP.</b></span></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-05-01T10:30:20.923-05:000CARA Summer Half Marathon Training Program Kickoffhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/cara-summer-half-marathon-training.htmlMuscleMilkLightZOOMArunCARAUSoleSummer Half Marathon Training kickoffnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:39:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-7982163950559779479<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0OY1EJs5s4/UX_Ar1RBVUI/AAAAAAAAE2c/nhI2O6gaEFY/s1600/musclemilkusolecara.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Universal Sole Muscle Milk" border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0OY1EJs5s4/UX_Ar1RBVUI/AAAAAAAAE2c/nhI2O6gaEFY/s320/musclemilkusolecara.JPG" title="Universal Sole Muscle Milk" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Last night was the <a href="http://www.cararuns.org/" rel="nofollow">CARA</a> Summer Half Marathon Training Program Kickoff at the newly opened <a href="http://www.universalsole.com/" rel="nofollow">Universal Sole</a> location in downtown Chicago.  It was also a great opportunity to meet some fellow ZOOMA Chicago Ambassadors - and to sample some <a href="http://musclemilk.com/" rel="nofollow">Muscle Milk Light </a>products.<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS_eFLMvUok/UX_Dl6o8GtI/AAAAAAAAE2s/ROI_ysILqyA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-30+at+8.11.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ZOOMA Chicago ambassadors" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS_eFLMvUok/UX_Dl6o8GtI/AAAAAAAAE2s/ROI_ysILqyA/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-30+at+8.11.56+AM.png" title="ZOOMA Chicago ambassadors" width="261" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ZOOMA Chicago Ambassadors (left to right) - <a href="http://www.poshmeetspavement.com/" rel="nofollow">Sierra</a>,  <a href="http://rungingerfoxxxrun.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Sara</a>, Lauren, <a href="http://www.livehalffullblog.com/" rel="nofollow">Katie</a> and <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/" rel="nofollow">Kelly</a> (photo courtesy of Kelly)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> The evening started off with a 3.3 mile run followed by an overview of the training program, proper shoe fit, injury prevention, speed training and sports psychology.  Some helpful tips from the evening:<br /> <br /> <ul> <li><b>Proper shoe fit</b> is essential for injury prevention.  Before starting a training program, runners should go to a running store with knowledgable staff to be fitted for both type and size of shoe.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Perform dynamic <b>stretches</b> as part of your warm up.  After a proper cool down, stretch again.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Roll</b> out hamstrings, quads and calves with a "rolling pin" or foam roller.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Strength training</b> exercises should be done 2-3x/week to strengthen opposing muscle groups and to build a strong core.</li> </ul> <br /> Training for a half marathon is a big commitment, but with hard work and discipline, you'll finish the the race injury-free and hopefully make some lasting friendships along the way.<br /> <br /> And with that - my 15 week training program for the <a href="http://zoomarun.com/chicago/" rel="nofollow">ZOOMA Chicago</a> Half Marathon has begun!  Check back on Tuesdays to see how it's going.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-30T08:39:06.040-05:001Sink = Fixed and Weekend Planshttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/sink-fixed-and-weekend-plans.htmlSink = Fixedweekend plansnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:14:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-1715195423017806587<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30FnbG7898w/UXqLRhgVrZI/AAAAAAAAE2M/nd1nxvd8uaE/s1600/Sink+=+Fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sink = Fixed" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30FnbG7898w/UXqLRhgVrZI/AAAAAAAAE2M/nd1nxvd8uaE/s400/Sink+=+Fixed.jpg" title="Sink = Fixed" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Maybe some wishful thinking on my part...</span></div> <br /> Family birthday parties, soccer, at least one run, looks like a busy weekend for us yet again! <b>What are your plans this weekend?</b><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-26T09:14:40.588-05:002Gear Review - Brooks Women's LSD Lite Vesthttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/gear-review-brooks-womens-lsd-lite-vest.htmlBrooksGear ReviewBrooks Women's LSD Lite Vestnoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:28:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-447105937587857828The Brooks <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/LSD-Lite-Vest/220546,default,pd.html" rel="nofollow">Women's LSD Lite Vest</a> is windproof, water-resistant and super light weight - perfect vest for spring!   It's featherlight and provides nice wind and rain protection for your core.  The semi-fitted cut and cute colors adds style to any running wardrobe.  Bonus features include zip pockets for storage and reflective stripes for safety. <br /> <br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrfeE0Sv91U/UXk8MxIDsZI/AAAAAAAAE18/xifzTQGdQok/s1600/brookslsdlitevest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrfeE0Sv91U/UXk8MxIDsZI/AAAAAAAAE18/xifzTQGdQok/s320/brookslsdlitevest.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks Women's LSD Lite Vest</td></tr> </tbody></table> This has been great for our unpredictable crazy Midwest spring.  I've worn it for running both as a top layer and as a layering piece under a light jacket.  I also wore it as a layering piece for spring skiing out West for core warmth and to add a touch of color.  Ideal piece for the transition to summer running!<br /> <br /> For more information check out the <a href="http://brooksrunning.com/" rel="nofollow">Brooks website</a>.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(This item was sent to me for review purposes.  All opinions are my own.)</span></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-25T09:28:42.498-05:002Midweek Motivationhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/midweek-motivation.htmlmidweek motivationUnder ArmourSweateverydaynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:28:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-570625473584129223<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4yUkong5zZg?rel=0" width="400"></iframe><br /> <br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>No Matter What. Sweat. Every. Day.</b></span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-24T09:28:04.453-05:001Meatless Monday - Hemp Milkhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/meatless-monday-hemp-milk.htmlraw hemp milkhempMeatlessMondaynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:38:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-8693298989740585452<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oadr5uT226U/UXUupBOAaMI/AAAAAAAAE1s/UeFUjAcLnJM/s1600/hempmilk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="raw hemp milk" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oadr5uT226U/UXUupBOAaMI/AAAAAAAAE1s/UeFUjAcLnJM/s320/hempmilk.JPG" title="raw hemp milk" width="287" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home-made raw hemp milk</td></tr> </tbody></table> We're always looking for healthy foods and drinks, especially tasty milk/soy alternatives.  With its nutty flavor and creamy texture, our first try at home-made hemp milk turned out very well.  And no worries one won't get high on hemp milk - the seeds, and products made from them, don't contain any THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of marijuana.  In addition the "milk" provides both omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids in a healthy three-to-one ratio and 10 essential amino acids, making it a good vegetarian source of protein.  Other nutrients include magnesium, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamin (health facts from http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400584/High-on-Hemp-Milk.html).<br /> <br /> Soak (one or more hours) which helps soften seeds, but not necessary<br /> 1/2 cup raw shelled hemp seeds in<br /> 3 cups of filtered water<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itcI0qAIYcE/UXUuflks-tI/AAAAAAAAE1k/hsW3H25Tjq4/s1600/soakinghemp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="soaking hemp hearts" border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itcI0qAIYcE/UXUuflks-tI/AAAAAAAAE1k/hsW3H25Tjq4/s320/soakinghemp.JPG" title="soaking hemp hearts" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking hemp hearts</td></tr> </tbody></table> Add pinch of salt and honey or maple syrup to taste.  Blend on high for 30 seconds.  Strain or leave pulp in.  Great for smoothies, on cereal or by itself!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-22T07:38:48.783-05:001Friday Funnyhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/friday-funny.htmlhappy fridaynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Fri, 19 Apr 2013 07:35:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-3553168780992831225<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> After a difficult week...this silly picture made me laugh!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AvHkorWRx4/UXFVWoz83qI/AAAAAAAAE1U/zzdNc2o9O-8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-19+at+9.31.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chasing chicken" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AvHkorWRx4/UXFVWoz83qI/AAAAAAAAE1U/zzdNc2o9O-8/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-19+at+9.31.04+AM.png" title="chasing chicken" width="188" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Friday!  </b></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Any fun plans for the weekend?</b></span></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-19T09:35:10.340-05:001Rain, Rain Go Away!http://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/rain-rain-go-away.htmlRain Daynoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:13:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-3293647914245974352<i>Rain</i> day for all our kiddos today!  We've gotten a lot of rain in the past 24 hours, and it's supposed to continue for the rest of the day.  Check out our newly constructed underpass...<br /> <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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQQ5LbVm6Jc/UXAYfoMSqJI/AAAAAAAAE08/eh-U4TAtsRE/s1600/belmontunderpass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Newly constructed underpass" border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQQ5LbVm6Jc/UXAYfoMSqJI/AAAAAAAAE08/eh-U4TAtsRE/s320/belmontunderpass.jpg" title="Flooding under newly constructed underpass" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly constructed underpass.  Photo via @therealtkcs pic.twitter.com/eg9VNmQHRh </td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-18T11:13:29.581-05:002Runners United to Rememberhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/runners-united-to-remember.htmlBostonRunners United to Remembernoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:04:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-5294414878320233818<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p--H-8PiYzw/UW0jPCl4v-I/AAAAAAAAKTQ/D2khbCahG8w/s1600/Bpston+Marathon+4-15-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Runners United to Remember" border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p--H-8PiYzw/UW0jPCl4v-I/AAAAAAAAKTQ/D2khbCahG8w/s400/Bpston+Marathon+4-15-13.png" title="Runners United to Remember" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Runners United to Remember</b></span></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-16T07:04:40.287-05:001ZOOMA Chicago: Cytomax and Muscle Milkhttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/zooma-chicago-cytomax-and-muscle-milk.htmlZOOMA ChicagoCytomax Muscle Milknoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Fri, 12 Apr 2013 03:31:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-3232507796156256783Being a ZOOMA Ambassador has its perks! Five boxes arrived on our doorstep yesterday, filled with Cytomax and Muscle Milk products to aid us in training for ZOOMA Chicago. The photo isn't even all of the stuff that showed up.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIQMutGVKUA/UWfiDV1_RnI/AAAAAAAAE0s/ZKN4ssmRQhs/s1600/Zooma+Chicago+Ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ZOOMA Chicago Cytomax Muscle Milk" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIQMutGVKUA/UWfiDV1_RnI/AAAAAAAAE0s/ZKN4ssmRQhs/s400/Zooma+Chicago+Ambassador.jpg" title="ZOOMA Chicago Cytomax Muscle Milk" width="270" /></a></div> <br /> If you haven't already registered - do it now:) - use promo code CHIAMB9 to receive 10% off either 1/2 or 10k.  Also, check out the awesome <a href="http://www.zoomarun.com/" rel="nofollow">"Run to Chi-town Sweepstakes"</a>.<br /> <br /> This weekend for me will be soccer, running, family time and whatever else we can fit in!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">What are your plans this weekend?</span></b></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-12T05:31:14.224-05:003Three Things Thursday: ZOOMA Chicago, First Poop, Poag Mahone'shttp://www.womensendurancegear.com/2013/04/three-things-thursday-zooma-chicago.htmlfirst poopThree Things ThursdayPoag Mahone'sZOOMA Chicagonoreply@blogger.com (Laima)Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:44:00 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729033276259661482.post-1947641761101662052A friend and I had the pleasure of running the ZOOMA table at the Shamrock Shuffle Expo last Friday.  If you haven't already registered - do it now:) - use promo code CHIAMB9 to receive 10% off either 1/2 or 10k.  Also, check out the awesome <a href="http://www.zoomarun.com/" rel="nofollow">"Run to Chi-town Sweepstakes"</a>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc_nvoEuawg/UWa9Ofv2RLI/AAAAAAAAE0M/GvZFLr67Fzw/s1600/shamshuffzooma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shamrock Shuffle Zooma Chicago" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc_nvoEuawg/UWa9Ofv2RLI/AAAAAAAAE0M/GvZFLr67Fzw/s400/shamshuffzooma.JPG" title="Shamrock Shuffle Zooma Chicago" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Little A surprised Kovas with a first time trip to the potty - of course on Friday when I was not at home...but I didn't miss the event completely - Kovas sent me a picture...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHCd0fF-Ud4/UWa9PEdociI/AAAAAAAAE0U/RuMD4LLMivE/s1600/first+poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="First poop" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHCd0fF-Ud4/UWa9PEdociI/AAAAAAAAE0U/RuMD4LLMivE/s320/first+poop.jpg" title="First poop" width="180" /></a></div> <br /> Kovas and I went to <a href="http://poagmahones.com/">Poag Mahone's Carvery and Ale House</a> for a restaurant review dinner.  We were delighted to find they added more wines to their drink menu.  For the complete review, check out <a href="http://50statesofwine.com/" rel="nofollow">50 States of Wine</a> tomorrow.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucONCyugmWY/UWa9PRzVo6I/AAAAAAAAE0Y/2d9jP124o6c/s1600/poagswine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poag Mahone's Wine List" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucONCyugmWY/UWa9PRzVo6I/AAAAAAAAE0Y/2d9jP124o6c/s400/poagswine.jpg" title="Poag Mahone's Wine List" width="225" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/WomensEndurance"><img alt="Follow WomensEndurance on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" /></a><br /> Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WomensEnduranceGear">Women's Endurance Gear on Facebook </a>2013-04-11T14:28:57.226-05:004