Sunday, September 30, 2012

Spinach Tips AND Smoothie Recipes!

Eat Your Spinach! No, I mean it. And if you have children, make them eat it too! I have a couple of easy ways to help you get your kiddos to eat that highly nutritious green leafy goodness. Best part, I know it works because I used my own kids as guinea pigs. They're handy like that.

According to this study on www.nutritionfacts.org  only 1% of American children are eating the same or less than the recommended amount of non-beneficial (junk food) calories per day. In other words, 99% of children are eating more junk food than what is recommended in a day. The recommended amount is actually 25% of your daily food intake. (Seems a bit high to me) Which means 25% percent of your meals could be junk food like cotton candy and you would still be within the recommended guidelines of the standard american diet. Yet, most people, adults and children both, are not even staying within or below that 25%.

No wonder there is a childhood obesity epidemic in this country. Time to make some healthy changes, adults and kids! Here are a couple of smoothie recipes to help you out!

Berry Yummy Smoothie

1 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Uncooked Oats
5-6 Baby Carrots
1 Cup Raw Baby Spinach
5 Fresh or Frozen Strawberries
1/2 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
1/2 Banana
Ice
Blend ingredients in blender until smooth. Add more Almond Milk as needed. The berries change the color so you can't tell by looking that there is spinach in it. You can also use orange juice instead of Almond milk but that is too much sugar for my taste.

Peanut Butter Smoothie

1 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Uncooked Oats
1 Cup Spinach
1 Banana
2 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter ( I use MaraNatha Organic No Stir Creamy Peanut Butter)
Ice
Blend ingredients in blender until smooth. Add more Almond Milk as needed. This one ends up being a light green color which is fine with my kiddos. Make up a goofy name like 'Green Goo' or 'Green Slime' and most kids will think it's cool and drink it anyway. All you taste is the peanut butter and banana.


Fact: Spinach has anti-inflammatory AND anti-cancer benefits.

Fact: The Vitamin K in spinach helps promote bone health.







Fact: Spinach is a good source of dietary fiber.







Fact: Spinach is high in anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, selenium, and beta-carotene.

Enjoy!
Peace, love, happiness!
~Bekah

Friday, September 28, 2012

Preparing for the SMR Weight Loss Challenge: Are you ready?!

I am ready!!! :)
I am so excited about how many people are participating in the Sexy Mother Runner Weight Loss Challenge!! The pictures keep pouring in! Over the next few days we will have exact numbers and you will receive a confirmation email that we received your photo. Also, there are going to be some fun prizes!

Today I have been preparing for our weight loss challenge. The morning started with my husband and I both weighing in. We are going to complete this challenge together as a team. I am really excited about this as he is also my partner in eating crime! :)

Today I emptied the house of any tempting foods. I find that if I have to leave the house for it oftentimes I do not want it that bad. If I do I consume it I will track it! So, what am I going to do to try to lose these pesky pounds?

1. My husband is counting calories and I will be doing Weight Watchers. It has successfully worked for me in the past. Plus, it is flexible enough for me that I do not feel deprived of anything. If I want it, I track it. It is up to me how I spend my 29 points per day, plus fruits and vegi's are zero points. Winner!

2. I will be journaling everything that touches my lips.

3. I will also be journaling my feelings. It is important to reflect.

4. I will be exercising a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Whether this is a walk at the park with the kids or a run. I will also be incorporating weight training into my exercise routine 3 times per week. Honestly, I am very excited about this as I have missed weight training.

5. Today I will take my measurements. There may be a week that the scale doesn't move but, the inches do!

6. I will prepare ahead for the unexpected situations! Parties, cookouts, etc!

7. I will plan my meals ahead. For example, the soup in the picture is a Weight Watcher recipe that is yummerful! It is homemade vegetable soup that I made in the crock pot. It tastes so wonderful and it is a quick warm up that is ZERO points! Plus, it is vegan and organic! Winner, again! I have posted the recipe below.

8. I will reward myself for success but not with food!! Thinking of rewards as I type...hmmm...more on that!


9. I will also weigh in each week and let you know my loss or gain amount.


10. Most importantly, I will not be disappointed in myself and neither will you! If you have a rough day, remember a new day starts tomorrow. We are in this together!


Happy Losing...

~Danyelle :)


What are you doing to prepare for the 
*Sexy Mother Runner Weight Loss Challenge?!
Are you ready?! I know I am and I am really 
excited that you are joining us! 


There is still time to join us! If you want to participate you must send your weight scale picture with your weight no later than Midnight tonight to sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com or send it in a private message to our Facebook page. We will be sending a confirmation email that we have received your picture over the next few days.




WEIGHT WATCHERS ZERO POINTS GARDEN VEGETABLE SOUP RECIPE

Hands-on time: 20 minutes (I made mine completely vegan and organic in the crock pot on low for 8 hours)
Time to table: 1 1/4 hour
Makes 9 cups

6 cups broth 
Cooking spray
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced
4 teaspoons garlic, minced 
1/2 cabbage, chopped 
1/2 pound frozen green beans
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large zucchini, diced

Bring the broth to a boil in the microwave. (This is a time-saving tip that can be skipped if there's no hurry.)

Spray a Dutch oven with cooking spray and heat on MEDIUM HIGH. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the zucchini and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to MEDIUM and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add the zucchini and cook until the zucchini are tender. Serve and enjoy!





*Disclaimer: This is a fun weight loss challenge. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise or weight loss program! We are not doctors, nor do we play one on tv. Please take exercise and 
weight loss seriously. 
Winners must provide weight loss pictures 
by due dates and address 
for any prize winnings. 





Monday, September 24, 2012

The Sexy Mother Runner Weight Loss Challenge!!

Are you ready to lose a few pounds?! Me, too! Today was the breaking point for me as I stepped on the scale expecting to see what I have the past few weeks of a 10 pound weight gain since marathon training began, but in fact that number had rose by another 5 pounds! Wow, a 15 pound weight gain! No it is not the marathon training's fault, but I have been so hungry and making some poor choices. I am a big believer in not focusing on the past, so it is time to get started on losing those pesky pounds and not have the need to buy a new wardrobe! :)

The *Sexy Mother Runner Weight Loss Challenge will last for 10 weeks. It will start this Friday, September 28 and end Friday, November 30, 2012! It's just in time for looking and feeling good during the holidays! Wouldn't it be something to not gain weight during the holidays this year and instead lose?!

Want to join us?!

1. To join please send your name and a picture of your weight scale to our private Inbox on our Sexy Mother Runner Facebook page or email it to us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com no later than Friday, September 28, 2012. Please rest assured that we will keep your information confidential!

2. For accountability and pat-on-the-back purposes, each following week send a picture of your scale to either of our private Inbox's whether you lose or not. That way we can brag about you and encourage everyone to keep going! We will be sharing our weekly weigh in information with you, too! Remember, we will never share your actual weight or picture with anyone. We will only announce our biggest weight loss losers of the week!

3. The end of the challenge will be Friday, November 30. We will need to receive your final weigh in picture no later than November 30, 2012. We will announce a winner on December 1, 2012!  Bekah and I will find some cool prizes, too! :)

So, let's get started! Grab a partner if you want, make a team if that helps, start planning your meals, put exercise on your things to do list and send your picture to us today!! Whatever it takes to make it happen, do it! I for one am taking my measurements and starting today! I have everything to lose and nothing to gain!!!

I am so excited that you will be joining us!!

Happy Losing!!

~Danyelle :)

*Disclaimer: This is a fun weight loss challenge. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise or weight loss program! We are not doctors, nor do we play one on tv. Please take exercise and weight loss seriously. Winners must provide weight loss pictures 
by due dates and address for any prize winnings. 

Good luck everyone! ~ Danyelle & Bekah

Want to talk to us?! Email us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Running Q&A!

We were recently 'tagged' in a 10 questions post. It was started by two of the sexy mother runners over at Another Mother Runner and we were tagged by Running A Healthy Mind and Body. These games always interest me. I love finding out about other runners, love hearing their experiences. There is a wealth of information to be learned by listening to other runners too. So anyway, without further ado, here goes.


1. Best run ever: Wow, that's kind of tough. My first half marathon in May was probably the best because it was a first and I genuinely loved and enjoyed every minute of that race. As far as a just a run and not a race, I would have to say the 10 mile trail run I recently did during the remnants of Hurricane Isaac. It was an adventure. :)

2. 3 words that describe my running: Happy, strong, and freeing.

3. My go to running outfit is: My Moving Comfort skirt and my sleeveless Sexy Mother Runner shirt. 

4.Quirky habit I have while running: I have to end on an exact distance like 4.0 or 4.5 but it can't be 4.2 or 4.63 and I can't wear any jewelry except earrings.

5. Morning, midday, or evening: Midday is my favorite but morning is what I usually have to do to fit it in. 

6. I won't run outside when it's: Dark AND Storming, dark and light rain is okay but no storms.

7. Worst injury and how I got over it:  So far I've been very fortunate, just a few kinks here and there. I foam roll and stretch A LOT. 

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: When I ran a timed mile for the first time in over a year and it was 2 minutes faster than my usual pace.
  
9. My next race is: September 29th, the We Care Twin Cities Half Marathon.

10. Potential running goal for 2013: To just have fun! I'm planning to run a few more half marathons, along with some really fun races like a Warrior Dash, Run For Your Lives, and The Color Run.

I'm tagging 3 other bloggers:




Be sure to check them out!

Now I have a question for all of you! 
What is your favorite thing about running?

Peace, love, happiness!
~Bekah

Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Pumpkin Classic Race with my little pumpkin…pumpkilicious!


Last Saturday was one of the best days I have had all year! My daughter and I completed the Pumpkin Classic 2 mile race. The Pumpkin Classic is held every year in the Fall in coordination with the town of Morton’s (Illinois) town Pumpkin Festival. Morton is the home of Libby’s Pumpkin packing and the town is just adorable. I like to think of it as an all American small town. Good people, good food, locals, an-everyone-knows-everyone kind of place! I am one of the lucky people that live only 20 minutes from it and get to reap the benefits of it’s fall festival! This is the second time I have completed the Pumpkin Classic 2 mile race. The first race was 3 years ago and although it was fun nothing compared to doing it with my daughter!

My daughter and I had so much fun preparing for this race! We trained a couple of times, but nothing serious. Honestly, she runs around so much naturally that she was well prepared. (Don’t you wish you were a kid sometimes still?!)  The one on one time we had together during training was priceless. We talked “race”. We talked “hydration”. We talked “stretching”. Then this week we coordinated our race outfits to match. Seriously, this was fun! She was my matching buddy! I can picture it now…me matching her at college!!! Yes, I can’t wait….I am sure she can’t wait to do this with me, too! lol!

Race morning my daughter woke up at 4:00 a.m., because she was so excited!! So, we embraced the moment and started getting dressed. She was all about putting on her own race bib. She was awesome! At 6:00 a.m. we headed out the door.

Cars were driving to Morton with 13.1 stickers, Runner Girl, and of course Sexy Mother Runner on their plates. I always love this on a race morning! All cars going the same way for the same reason! To race! J My daughter and I followed the pack and met up with our fellow runner friends, W.O.W.! The (wonderful) Women Of Washington! We took a few group shots and we were off to the start line.

My daughter rocked the race and smiled the whole time. We walked probably five times, but before you knew it along came the finish line and we sprinted in hand in hand. Yes, I fought back the tears. Moments like this and many others I want to push the pause button on my kids!

 
My daughter was delighted at the race expo, especially since they had sugar wafers and she had never had them. She went back for seconds then I had to explain that the entire bowl was not for her and we needed to save some for others. J Therefore that meant we were off for pumpkin pancakes!

The pumpkin pancakes once again lived up to their reputation and were well worth the wait in line. They were pumpkilicious! Did you know that pumpkin pancakes make you silly?!



















All in all another great race and great memories! I can’t wait to do another race with my daughter. When we arrived home my son expressed that he wants to do the next race! Looks like my little guy is going to be a racer, too!

Until Next Time…Happy Running!

~Danyelle J




Do you run with your children?!

We love to hear from our followers! Drop us a line at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Featured Runner Friday: Meet Paula!

Every runner has a story...
At Sexy Mother Runner we believe that sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while helping to motivate others. When we asked out Facebook fans if they would like to be a Featured Runner, Paula answered us. I'm so glad she did! I have huge admiration for anyone who starts running in their 30's and is doing marathons in a few years!

Meet Paula:

I started running in 2008 at the age of 36 after my family made a move to Texas. My intention was to meet other women and maybe get into shape. I joined a 5k training group and, while I met some really great women who are now wonderful friends, I fell in love with what running did for me!!!

I set a goal to run a marathon before I turned 40. In february 2011 (7 months before the big 4-0) I ran the Galveston marathon. My husband and kids were there to cheer me on and a really good friend, whom I met in my first running class, ran the last half with me. She scolded me for stopping to take a picture with these cute firemen at mile 23 but I really needed the breather :) (she wanted me to have the best time possible). I will always be proud of my time of 4:45

I still run and am planning on doing the Marine Corps marathon in 2013 with my best friend's husband who is a marine stationed in Kuwait until June. He is training over there (and did I mention he is a marine) so I know we will run about twenty steps together and then all I will see is his dust! But I'm still excited to train for it. 

Here is a pic of me and the firemen. Note: mile 23 and a smile on my face. It faded at mile 24 but I carried on!


1 marathon 4:45
8 half-marathons
1 warrior dash
Several 5k's, 10-milers and fun runs

Goal - MC Marathon October 2013 with better time than my first. 


Are you interested in being one of our Featured Runners? 
We would love to share your story! 
Email us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com, don't forget to include a picture! 



Thursday, September 20, 2012

Butternut Squash Soup

This is the recipe that Fred used to make his butternut squash soup. Which in my opinion was delicious!

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 Onion, chopped
2 Large shiitake mushroom caps
1/4 Teaspoon sea salt
1 Teaspoon curry powder
1 Dash of cayenne pepper
1 Butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
4 Cups vegetable stock

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, shiitakes, and salt. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn heat to low, add curry and cayenne, and sauté 30 additional seconds. Add squash and stock. Cover and simmer until squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Transfer to a blender and puree. Add more stock (or water) if needed to facilitate blending. Taste and add more salt if needed.

If you try it be sure to let us know how it turned out for you!

Peace, Love, happiness!
~Bekah

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Just Give Me The Half & Half And No One Gets Hurt

So, I'm a little over a week into eating vegan. In some ways it's easier than I thought it would be but there are a couple of issues.

First, if you've been reading the blog for a while then you know how I feel about my coffee. I have a love affair with my coffee every morning. I get up a full hour earlier than I need too just so we can share some alone time. We snuggle in my big comfy chair. I whisper my dreams and aspirations to my coffee while it tells me in it's own quiet voice that I can make those dreams happen... you get the picture. However, our love affair has hit a rocky patch. Half & Half isn't vegan and that is a problem.

I tried alternative 'creamers'. I used almond milk first and it was just barely okay in my coffee. Then I tried a coconut milk creamer by So Delicious that was better and even good. Still, it isn't Half & Half. I found myself leaving coffee in my cup. Then I found myself only drinking about half of my coffee, which is a bit of a hazard really. (If I'm expected to form coherent sentences it's really imperative that I drink all of my coffee.) Then I ran out of the So Delicious creamer but still had some Half & Half... Now my coffee is once again non-vegan.



Second, there's this fantastic thing here called The Pumpkin Festival. It takes place every September with a carnival, craft show, talent shows, princess contests, a 10k race, parade, and lots of food made from pumpkins. Things you don't think of when you think pumpkin. Like chili. Not kidding. Also, there's of course pumpkin pie, cookies, fudge, baked beans, pancakes, and best of all, pumpkin ice cream. Also, not vegan.

I passed on everything but the pumpkin ice cream. I kind of feel like I cheated. However, we are choosing a primarily plant-based diet for the health benefits. I don't think such a minimal amount of Half & Half and the pumpkin ice cream is going to thwart our effort entirely.

Cheese has been hard just because it's so convenient. I haven't had any though. Not sure how long I can go without having pizza or my mom's vegetarian lasagna. Probably going to have to allow myself 'occasional' foods every few months.

Oddly enough, the one thing I really thought I'd miss has been the easiest to give up. Greek yogurt. Oh, and I turned down birthday cake. TWICE.

Overall, I'm very happy with what I'm doing. I feel fantastic and have lost a few more pounds.

My big concern right now is that I'm leaving to go to the Dominican Republic next month for 8 days. Just me and my two sisters on a beach... awesomeness. I just gave up fish and seafood in the last month or so. Do I eat it while on vacation on an island in the Caribbean??? I'm struggling with this one. I have zero desire to eat any other meat. Honestly, I've not missed fish at all either. Having it readily available while on vacation may be a different story because when I think of 'beach vacation' I think umbrella drinks and delicious seafood. We'll just have to see.

Fred made a fantastic vegan butternut squash soup this week. It was crazy good! I will be posting the recipe soon!

Peace, Love, Happiness!
~Bekah

What is the hardest thing you've given up in order to have a healthier lifestyle?


Friday, September 14, 2012

Featured Runner Friday: Meet Karima!

Every runner has a story...
At Sexy Mother Runner we believe sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while helping to motivate others. Karima has made great strides along her journey and even motivated her husband to start running too! 

Meet Karima:

Hi! Just thought I'd share my story. I started running a year ago (in
September) using the Couch to 5K app with the hopes of doing the NYC
marathon. It was something that I had put on my bucket list to
complete when I was 30 years old. I didn't get in through the lottery
that year (Nov 2011) nonetheless I continued to pursue my dream. 

I was 235 lbs, out of shape and miserable. Although it was tough I stuck
with the program and completed it in December. I did my first 5K in
the beginning of January with a time of 40ish minutes. By this time I
was already falling in love with running. I had lost 20 lbs and I
loved the feeling of endorphins that you get after a run. It also gave
me so much confidence to push my body to do things that I had never
done or imagined before. 

I didn't want to stop so I signed up for a half marathon in May. I trained for it and completed it in 2hrs and 24 minutes. By this time I had lost 50 lbs. And during this time I also found out that I had gotten into the 2012 NYC marathon through the lottery! Since I was lighter and faster I wanted to see how much faster I had gotten so I ran another 5K in the beginning of June and ran it in 29:35! It gave me great momentum to keep running and start training for the NYC marathon, which is what I'm doing now.

 At this point I have lost 70 lbs and I'm about 20 lbs away from my goal
weight. This is the lightest that I have ever been in my entire adult
life and I'm also in the best shape of my life. I feel so amazing and
I owe it all to running. Planning on doing another 5K soon to see how
much faster I am now!


I inspired my husband who is also overweight to start running. He has
lost 80 lbs so far and is running his first 5K this weekend. We are
doing the Color Run in NYC. I will be running it with him and we will
go at his pace. He did the C25K program as well and has been running 3
miles consistently for about 3 weeks now. I'm very proud of him :) 
hope to run another half marathon with him by my side in May.

We want to wish Karima good luck at the New York City Marathon!! 
Are you interested in being a Featured Runner? 
We would love to share your story! Please email us at sexymotherrunner@yahoo.com! 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Vegan Challenge... goodbye Greek yogurt.

I'm going to a vegan diet. There, I said it. Well, I typed it and now you've all read it so I may as well have said it. Either way I have to do it now. Wow, it looks just as crazy when I type it out as it sounds in my head.

How did this happen??? Just a short 9 months ago I was enjoying the most delicious dinner with my husband. It was our anniversary, we were at our favorite restaurant, eating our favorite meal. Filet mignon with scallops, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, baked potato with butter and sour cream, and for dessert creme brûlée. We've eaten at this restaurant several times, always for our anniversary. I had no idea this would be the last time. Weird.

I knew it was coming. Fred started with the documentaries again, sent me articles, youtube videos, then later grilled me to see if I had watched/read what he sent me. Plant-based lifestyle. I just kind of watched it like a deer in headlights until it finally ran me over. I admit I have been reluctant to get out of the way. Kind of like this guy:




Honestly, giving up meat months ago was incredibly easier than I ever thought it would be. I do not miss it. I don't even get cravings. I've found veggie burgers and portabello mushrooms to be excellent substitutes for burgers. Tofu is great in a stir-fry with lots of veggies. And are you ready for this? I don't even miss bacon... I know, right?

Giving up seafood still smarts a bit. I don't really like to talk about it.

So, why give up dairy and go all out plant-based-crazy?

After everything Fred and I have researched, we believe it is the healthiest lifestyle for us. Remember, cancer has played a very big role in Fred's family. I was diagnosed with PCOS years ago. We both (finally) made the decision to take control of our health and do everything in our power to avoid serious illness. Research shows that a plant-based diet gives you everything your body needs plus the ability to better prevent/fight cancer and other serious illnesses.

Here's a few of the sources we researched: The China Study, Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death, Gerson Therapy, Vegucated, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead, Forks Over Knives, Food Inc., Dying to Have Known, NutritionFacts.org, Dr. Burzynski, ultra runner Scott Jurek, and even Dr. Oz!

There's been probably one hundred or more books, articles, and videos that we have also checked into. Hundreds more that we haven't. There is so much information out there, it's quite overwhelming.

Is it for everyone?

I think my opinion is pretty clear. However, I also think everyone needs to do their own research and figure out what works best for them. My own father has watched the transformation we have made, (Fred is down almost 60 lbs now) and yet he will likely never give up meat. I've heard so many friends say the same thing. Fred and I once said it too. When I stop and think about it, I'm still really shocked that we have done it. You really have to wrap your mind around it all first.

Fred asked me a while back, when we first embarked on this journey, "Who do you know who is really healthy, fit, in every way?" I thought for a second and two people came to mind right away. He continued his question with, "What do they do?" Well, huh... when put like that it kind of simplified things for me. Both of the people I thought of are women who are not only in excellent physical condition but do or have done physique competition. One of them is vegan. The other, when getting competition-ready, eats a pretty clean diet with white fish as the only meat consumed. They are also both fitness coaches/trainers. Then Fred said, "That's what we need to do if that's what we want." That conversation has always stuck with me.

Now, here we are, taking on a plant-based lifestyle. I'm actually very excited. I think easing into it the way we have has been very beneficial for me. While running with Danyelle and Heidi on Sunday morning, I told them that I was giving it serious thought. They both said why not try it for a month and see how it goes and then another month and so on. With a lot of things I'm kind of an 'all in' kind of girl. What they suggested made sense though. I know Fred is in this for the loooong haul but I can take it a step at a time. So, when I got home from my run I decided to take their advice and go for it. Yes, I've even given up the half & half in my coffee. (GASP!) We did find a creamer made from coconut milk that is actually really good.

Fred and I are trying to learn as much as we can as quickly as we can. We've found a lot of great recipes that we are excited to try out. Nut cheese... yeah, I laughed too. Definitely needs a better name. You can just imagine the jokes going on in my kitchen about Fred making nut cheese.

So far we are sticking with the basics while learning the rest. Oatmeal, beans, rice, tofu, lots of veggies of course, fruit, and nuts. I was surprised to learn there are a ton of foods the you never think of as being 'vegan' mainly because they are not healthy. Yes, you can eat a vegan diet and still eat crap. We are trying to keep it clean and plant-based for the most part but it's good to know that I can binge on some oreos every once in a while without straying from the vegan path. Oh, and I've already 'googled' vegan cake recipes. :)

We have discussed events like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Obviously, we would never expect anyone to cater to our needs while preparing these meals. We will most likely enjoy the feast on those days and then go back to our usual way of eating. We've both gone back and forth on whether we will eat turkey... I really just have no desire to eat meat but Thanksgiving turkey is like the king of all meat for me. It's so good Adam Sandler wrote a song about it! Right now though, it just doesn't even sound good, but it's also become a matter of I just don't eat that anymore. We'll see how I feel when I'm at my sister-in-law's house in Ohio, smelling all that yummy goodness roasting. Likely, I will eat the mashed potatoes even though they have butter and everything else but the turkey will not make it onto my plate this year.

Are you up for the challenge?

Do you think you could hang in there with me for a month and stick to a vegan diet? I will be happy to share recipes, tips, ideas and help you stay motivated! Leave me a comment or message me your thoughts!

Peace, Love, Happiness!

~Bekah





Monday, September 10, 2012

Thorlo socks...Where have you been all of my life?!

Wednesday I popped into Dick's Sporting Goods on a mission to buy GU's for my last long training run and a pair of new crew Swiftwick socks. Needless to say, Dick's doesn't carry Swiftwicks so I continued to browse. As I was browsing through racks and racks of socks (For heavens sakes who knew there were so many socks in the world?!) I stumbled on a new sock called Thorlo. 

The Thorlo sock caught my attention for three reasons:

1. They were heavily padded throughout the toe box and heel.

2. They were in fun colors.

3. They were almost all sold out in the medium (average) size and that is always a good sign!!

Hmmm....someone knows something that I don't!

I turned them over and almost gasped at the price. $15!!!! For a pair of socks?! Hmmm...I thought a bit more and contemplated about my plantar fasciitis. Thought about the price of orthotics. Thought about my husband in the car asking how much they were?! (Haha!) Contemplated some more and then bought the darn things!

Let me just say...best purchase for my feet ever!!! I am loving and might I add living in them! I can't wait for them to get out of the washer to wear them again. They are the most comfortable sock ever. I ran a few miles in them and completed my 18 miler in them yesterday. They saved my feet and get this, no blisters! The one thing I will say is that they may make your sneaks a little snug.

I decided to pull up the reviews and see if I could get a better price on them anywhere else. The best price I could find was $13.49. Well, by the time I ship them what's the difference? The reviews were beyond positive. They ranged from "Best sock ever" to "They last a lifetime"! If you would like to read the reviews click here.  Here is just one of the many reviews below:


No other brand existsfor me
JMX Running SocksSeveral years ago, I received a pair of Thorlos (I think they were micro mini-crew)for testing. I don't remember, but I think it was in Running Room store magazine I found the coupon for that purpose.
Until then, I tried several brands of socks and I was quite satisfied.
But when I used the Thorlos for the first time for my workout, I was overwhelmed. They were soft, thick, extremely comfortable. I had the feeling that my feet were really protected. It was an invisible shield, not the socks. Because of their thickness, I thought they would be more difficult to dry than thinner socks, but I was wrong. Drying time (on the air) is not much different than other brands I used before. Maybe a "little bit" longer, but not significantly. However, the comfort cannot be compared.Since that day, only Thorlo exists for me. Crew, mini-crew, whatever I find in my local store, they are all the same on my feet. And I adore them.


Needless to say, I am asking myself "Why haven't I heard of these socks?!" "Have I been in the dark?!" Maybe, but I sure am thankful to have found them so now I am sharing the love!

Until next time...Happy Running!

~Danyelle



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Friday, September 7, 2012

Featured Runner Friday: Meet Lacie!






Every runner has a story...
At Sexy Mother Runner we believe that sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while also helping to motivate others. I love Lacie's story because like us, and so many others, she got into running after having children not knowing she was really a runner. Goes to prove that we can be so much more than we ever imagined ourselves to be.

Meet Lacie:



Lacie with her Mom at her Ragnar Relay.



My mom said that I should send in my story as inspiration for others.  I don't know that I really have a "story" but here goes.  

I am a mother of three children, currently ages 8, 7, and 5.  I have never been a runner but decided that after my third child was born that I was unhappy with my body and how I looked and the easiest form of exercise at the time was to start running.  

I started with a mile and worked up to three.  I competed in my first 5K and I ran it in 25:05.  I'll never forget it.  I was elated for the entire rest of the day knowing that, not only did I accomplish the run but that I ran in a time I felt was respectable.  After that I was hooked.  





I started training harder, I started watching my diet more and decided to train for my first half marathon.  
I finished my first half maration in 1:55, my goal was under 2 hours.  When I crossed the finish line I had tears in my eyes because I was overwhelmed by the fact that I had even finished.  I was not a runner!  I was just a mom trying to get by day to day and used running as an outlet for stress, to improve my mood, and to help get my fitness level back on track.  




Since then I have competed in 4 half marathons, two triathlons, and I completed my first marathon this year with a time of 3:50.  Running has taken me places I never thought it would.  I have traveled to Key West to run a Ragnar Relay race, I have gotten up the courage to join the local running group in my town, I have found the inner runner in myself and have inspired my mom, aunt, and cousins to start running as well.  If there is one thing I have learned through all of this it's that no one can define you but yourself.  Set your goals high, work hard, and nothing can stop you.






Would you like to share your story and become a Featured Runner? 
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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Running away from hormones...awe push it!!!

Men proceed with CAUTION. Women I know I am preaching to the choir.

Yesterday my husband came home from work and I instantly bombarded him with my stress list: "I am so tired, I have laundry to do, I need to do case notes, I need to grade assignments, the dog needs walked, I need to do laundry, I need to call so and so, and I have to run. When am I going to get this run in?! Did I mention that I need to do the laundry? I just have to run. It is on my plan and I have to run." Yes, this is me. Don't you wished you lived with me?! The truth is that I keep it together 28 days out of the month and generally get stressed out for 3 of them. Ladies, you know what I mean?

So, being the awesome husband that he is...(yes, he was made for me) he listened and then said, "Go for your run. I will pick her up from school." I replied with an "okay, really? thank you!". Then I sat here for a minute looking at Facebook. My husband came back out from changing, looked at me and said "You haven't left, yet?!". Yeah, he's good like that.

Okay, let's be honest I really didn't want to run yesterday. I wanted to curl up in a blanket with my husband's boxers on, while eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's Pistachio Pistachio, while watching 27 dresses all while totally hormoning-out!! (Yes, "hormoning-out" is in Webster, right next to "lol"!) Instead I put on my running clothes and snapped on my SPIbelt. Let's start by saying I shouldn't have even looked in the mirror as I looked like I was 5 1/2 months pregnant and my SPIbelt needed let out. Nothing like starting a run when you feel like a cow that has been licking it's salt block all day However, I laced up.

As I complained inside my head about the marathon, "must train, wah, wah, boo, hoo don't want to do this, its hot" I went out the door. Let's start by saying when the wind blew by my arms the pores on my skin wanted to turn inside out. Yes, men this is all true. The minute I started my run my pelvis felt like it was going to fall to the ground. Awesomeness! Graphic enough for you, yet?! Well, it's all true. This is what some of us lucky ladies get to deal with every month. Please be patient with us. It doesn't last long.

My first half mile I listened to Elton John's "Can you feel the love tonight?" Are you kidding me?! Seriously, I am running to this?! And, tearing up I might add! Thank Goodness, Salt-n-Pepa's Push It came on next! I instantly started laughing at me being my crazy self and really started running. I started thinking about the movie "Something Borrowed" when they dance to Push it and I couldn't stop smiling. Instantly I was belting out 9:45 miles! BTW, If you haven't watched that scene you need to. Here it is!


I kept running and instantly came back from planet Venus back to Earth. I pushed those hormones out and kicked their smirky, little behinds!!! Hey guys, don't mess with a runner!!!

My three mile run ended with picking up my new Brooks! Yay, they were finally here! The day instantly got better, however I need a bigger size. Seriously, I am a 10 1/2 now?! When did this happen? Are my feet retaining water, too?! Nonetheless, they are going back for a bigger size, but I still love, love, love them! They are super-cute and I can't wait to being putting some miles on them!

Until next time I hope you have had a good laugh and...Happy Running!

~Danyelle


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Talkin' Turbo!

This morning I had an invite from my friend, Rhya to go to Turbo Class with her. Of course I said, yes! Spending time with my friend no matter what class is a definite yes! If anyone knows me they know that I don't do traditional "aerobics" classes. Ya know, the kind that jump around, bounce and feel like you need a pair of leg warmers on. I guess you could say my class repertoire expands from Spinning to Body Pump. Yep, that pretty much sums it up. I am a runner. I am a weight lifter. I guess I should mention that I did in fact walk out of the "Best Zumba class in town!", too. I didn't walk out, because it was a bad class. I walked about, because if I am going to do those quick, shakin' hip moves I need two things. Okay, five! I need four shots of Tequila and a "stripper pole"! lol! Well, since I don't drink tequila and I didn't see a pole anywhere I decided it would be best if I just left as I was dying inside of embarrassment! :)

So, on to Turbo....I loved it!!! It was so much fun!!! My cheeks actually hurt from smiling. I would call it a combination of boxing and club dancing! I seriously had a blast! Being 37, I haven't went out dancing for many years and this fit the bill. It was at 9:15 a.m. I am up at this time. Not 9:15 p.m. I am in bed at that time. BIG bonus there was no smoke, I am not in some clothing that I am clearly not meant to wear any longer, and SUPER BONUS no skeezy guys hitting on you!!! Awesomeness! Turbo all the way!

The moves of Turbo were precise and not so quick that you felt like you were left in the dust. It was a good heart pumping workout, but totally achievable. On the workout level scale I would rate it a Medium. On the super fun scale a 10+!!! Everyone needs a workout that they have fun at! So, if you have ever wanted to try Turbo, you should! I know I will be back smile and all. Who knows when and if this lady ever goes out clubbin' again I might have some new moves?! Until then I will be keepin' it real in the gym!

Until Next Time...Happy Running!

~Danyelle

P.S. Yes, this workout ended with me running on the track after the class for 20 minutes. :)


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 the you fell in love with lately?! 


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Sunday, September 2, 2012

My Awesome Trail Run With Hurricane Isaac

I woke up to my alarm at 6am this morning. This pretty much happens every day unless it's an early run day at which point it goes off at 5am. I really hate those days. No matter how much I love running, I still hate having to get up at 5am to do it. But, I digress... so, I'm up, and in Dolly's words, I stumble to the kitchen to pour myself a cup of ambition. The first thing I notice is the WIND and HEAVY RAIN FALLING. Hurricane Isaac has entered Central Illinois. This wasn't a surprise but going for a 10 mile trail run in the rain sounded much better in theory at this point.

Our trail guide for the run happens to be Eric, one of the trainers of the Spartan class I'm taking. After Thursday night's class, I mentioned rescheduling to him due to the rain. He said something along the lines of, "What if it rains the day of Spartan, you not going to do it?" Just like that, the gauntlet had been thrown.

I sat with my coffee and just stared outside for a long time. I checked Facebook to see who else was up. One of the first status' I read is one of my friends saying she has come to her senses and is skipping the trail run this morning. Here is my out. Oh, I so badly wanted to take it. I probably would have too if I wouldn't have had to suffer the wrath of Fred and Eric. It's similar to the Wrath of Kahn but without those weird ear worm things that eat your brain. If you didn't get that reference, it's okay. Just my geek showing.

Then my phone rings and it's my mom. She's wanting to double check that my sanity is still lost and inform me that there are reports of tornadoes. Awesome. I assure her that everything is still a go.  She informs me that I'm crazy but she will watch my children while I go and be crazy. Moms are great like that.

This is me, my mom in the middle, my sister Dannette on the right, and my sister Kari doing her Nixon impression in the back. This was taken the other night at my mom's birthday party. We are a very serious group... you can get an idea as to why my mom is unruffled by her daughter hiking during a hurricane. 
Fred and I met up with our group in McNaughton Park. This beautiful 700 acre park is right by my house and since I live in the house I grew up in, I'm pretty familiar with the park. At least I thought I was. This park is so much bigger than I ever realized. I hiked some of the trails a lot as a kid but never knew how extensive they were. I had no idea how much I missed. It's HUGE. Trail Map Here

The reason for this trail run was to run the 10 mile loop that is the course for a trail race called McNotAgain. I mentioned in a previous post that I was going to sign up for a 30 mile ultra trail run... this is it. It's this loop three times. Most of the course runs along the Potawatomi Trail. This trail is riddled with HILLS. One of the hills actually has a rope come race day to help participants get up and over. There are also a lot of creek crossings, bridge crossings, and today a snake crossing. (not kidding, it was right on the trail... shudder) Basically, this is a pretty challenging course. Even more so today in the rain and mud.

The first couple of downhills were a bit slippery. One member of our group fell almost right away and it wasn't long after that I went down too. Fred was nearly harpooned by a falling branch, he fell at least once, and cut his finger on a thorn tree. There may have been a beaver attack in there somewhere too. Another member went down a few miles in and our guide even slipped and went down one time. It was fantastic. I think I spent more time laughing than anything else.  

This is the largest bridge that we crossed. It was a beautiful view on either side! 
The rain was intermittent. It was incredibly humid and around 75 degrees out. Every time it stopped raining we were wishing it would start again. Funny since it was the rain that almost kept me from going. I had my phone with me in case my mom needed to get in touch with me about my kiddos so I was able to use it to take some pictures along the way. I wish I could have taken more but the rain didn't allow it.

Our friend, Teisha, twisted her ankle about 3 miles in but she stuck it out and finished another 3.7 miles before calling it a day. We took a detour to get back to the parking lot so she could get home and take care of her ankle. To get back to the parking lot though, even with the detour, we had to climb some serious hills and cross the creek a few more times. She hung in there and did it all without complaint. Yeah, she's awesome like that. However, when our guide suggested we "use this log to get across" or go up the rope hill sans rope, we all looked at him like he was nuts. Personally, I would have taken the log, adventure seeker that I am, but I felt like I should keep the groups best interest in mind... yeah, okay, no way was I crossing on that log. As it turned out, there was a third option, another place to cross just up a little further. We lucked out.

The tree we didn't cross. Which, by the way, also was without a path/trail anywhere on the other side. 

Option number 3, easy creek crossing. 


 We crossed the field right by the parking lot and the rain really started coming down. It felt so refreshing. I found a patch of four-leaf clovers and everyone got to pick one. I have an uncanny knack for finding them, Fred says that's the reason he married me. I thought it was my charming wit.

Fred, Bekah, Renee, Teisha, Eric
At the parking lot, we met up with Eric's dad, Rich. He took a group picture of us, we all chatted a bit, Teisha departed, and the rest of us, including Eric's dad, took off to finish the last few miles. I was definitely feeling the loss of energy at this point. Now I know to pack some GU or something because this trail took a lot out of me. The last few miles seemed a bit more challenging to me than any other part of the course. Maybe because I was getting worn out or maybe because it was constant hills both up and down. This part of the course had very little flat terrain. Some parts were muddier, slicker than any of the previous parts we'd already trekked. I slipped and almost fell a few more times.

When we made it back to the parking lot, I was beat. I was so glad that I braved the weather and did this run. It was challenging, exciting, muddy, drenched, and most of all fun! Snakes and all. Oh, and this run convinced Fred that it's time to invest in some trail shoes... yesss!!!

I have to give a HUGE thank you to Eric for being a most excellent guide! We really lucked out since Eric knows the trails so well. He and his dad are two of the people responsible for making the ultra races happen at McNaughton park from organizing to maintaining and marking trails.

The ultra trail race I'm doing in November offers a 10 mile and a 30 mile. I am planning to do the 30 and if I only end up doing two loops which would be 20 miles, I'm good with that too. This race is directed by Paul Wilkerson and Kirby Woods. If you would like more info and to register for McNotAgain 2012, you can go to the Central Illinois Trail Running Alliance website by clicking here: CITRA

They also have an ultra race, directed by Eric and Rich, in April that offers a 30, 50, 100, and 150 mile race. The 30 mile is called a 'Fun Run'... this makes me giggle. There are aid stations set up at start/finish, and one at the halfway point of the loop. If you are looking for a challenging trail race, I guarantee this will deliver. They are also always in need of volunteers at these races, which I plan to do in April. For more information on the April races you can go to their website: www.potawatomitrailruns.com

Peace, Love, Happiness!

~Bekah