friday five: favorite winter activities

Happy Friday! It's time for the link up with the DC Trifecta: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run, as I do every Friday. This week's theme is "Favorite Winter Activities".

1. Running. Yes, I'm a rare breed – I enjoy running in the winter! It's so peaceful (especially when there's some snow on the grass, trees, and bushes) and I think it's refreshing. Now, I'm not a fan of wind or if the ground is icy... I'm not always the most coordinated. This year I really want to get some Yaktrax so I can run whenever I want without worrying about falling.

2. Christkindlmarket. At Daley Plaza each year, Christkindlmarket arrives for about a month. This year it opened on November 21, and it will close on December 24. It's a traditional German American Holiday Market that has Glühwein, beer, German food (potato pancakes - yum!), nuts, and lots of adorable shops that have ornaments, steins, etc. They used have cute ceramic boots for the Glühwein, and it was only about a dollar or two more, but last year they got rid of the boot and it was just a little mug... cute, but I liked the boot better. I'm actually heading there tonight with the husband, and then again Monday for lunch with my mom. Can't wait!

3. Drinking warm beverages and playing board games with friends. Hot spiced wine, hot chocolate, or hot cider – I love any of it! It's a great time of year to get together with friends and play some board games, like Cards Against Humanity... always a hilarious night.

4. Wandering the neighborhood looking at lights. When I was little, this was a family tradition, now I like to do it with the husband and our dogs. Once we get home, it's time to warm up with some hot cocoa and marshmallows :)

5. Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo. I love going to the zoo to see all of the light displays and to visit all of the animals. It's a fun, low key evening.

What are some things you love to do in the winter? Are there any special traditions that you MUST do each year? Would love to hear about them!

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun. Don't forget to read/comment on some of the other link ups as well :)

week in review: december 1–7

Dopey Challenge Training: Week 23

Monday, December 1: rest day

Tuesday, December 2: unscheduled rest day

Wednesday, December 3: 30 minute walk

Thursday, December 4: unscheduled rest day

Friday, December 5: rest day 

Saturday, December 6: Santa Hustle 5k

Sunday, December 7: rest day

Weekly mileage: 3.1

Total mileage for Dopey Challenge Training: 357.93 miles

After my long run the previous weekend, my ankle was still sore up until Friday, hence the lack of running during the week. While I know it's important to squeeze in the maintenance runs, I also know it's best to listen to my body. I knew if I kept running on an injured ankle, it would just lead to an even bigger injury that could lead to no running for a while, so I thought it best to do lots of resting, elevating, icing, and stretching.

I didn't do too much during the week. My husband worked a lot and I did a lot of house cleaning. Wednesday night I met a friend at Monk's for dinner and drinks. We split a 22oz gingerbread flavored cider – it was really good, but by the end I was a bit tired of the taste and the sweetness.

My new kicks! Source

Thursday night I went to Fleet Feet Old Town to pick up my Santa Hustle packet as well as FINALLY get a new pair of running shoes. I went with Nike Lunarglide again, though they are the new style (6), and I went up half a size. I'm not sure if this style was smaller, but I felt my regular size was a touch small. I went with the white/pink/blue pair I had been contemplating. I was hoping to get the mostly hot pink pair, and thought about purple, but they didn't have them in my size. The only other option was a black pair, which I generally don't like for running shoes. I'm convinced the black absorbs the sun/heat and makes me feet hot haha. I really like the white, but I know they'll be getting dirty after their first run. Oh well.

Every day I'm (Santa) Hustlin'.

Saturday morning my mom and I headed into the city for the Santa Hustle. It was a lot of fun, and the weather was actually pretty perfect for a winter run (cloudy, not too windy, in the 30s). Also, my ankle didn't bother me at all, so I was quite happy about that. I had KT Tape Pro (Chevron pattern – I love it!) on both my right ankle and my left knee, which helped me get through the week and the race without much pain. That stuff is amazing.

I'll have more in a recap eventually, and you'll be able to read my review on BibRave.com later this week. After the race I had planned on doing a lot of cleaning and organizing the office, but I ended up on the couch binge watching Gilmore Girls... and I fell asleep for about an hour or so. Oops.

Sunday was more house cleaning, laundry, a trip to Target, and I spent some time with my nephew. No spoilers here, but did you watch Revenge last night?! I can't believe how it ended.

This week is another tame week as far as training goes (thankfully, two weeks of easier runs in between the really long run weekends) – two maintenance runs during the week and then a 7 mile run over the weekend. 

I was sad about the Santa Hustle being my final race of the year, with another three weeks of December still ahead, so registered for the Rudolph Ramble 8k with my mom. I always enjoy Fleet Feet events, and the hat you receive is really cute, don't you think?

SIDE NOTE:

With the holiday season now upon us, the frantic search for the perfect gift has begun! Why not "Give BITS as Gifts!"? One size fits all, and many runners and athletes already have BITS on their Holiday Wish List!

BITS come in attractive organza bags so they don’t even need to be wrapped! Everyone loves them -- and what’s not to love?! They’re vegan, Paleo, plant-based, healthy and provide clean energy!

Remember to use code 'HeatherRuns' for a 25% discount on your cart :)

How was your week/end? Did training go well?

P.S. Make sure to review your race(s) on BibRave.com, and join us for #BibChat tomorrow night at 8pm CT.

friday five: favorites

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but full work weeks after a holiday weekend always seem to drag on a bit. On Fridays, I link up with the DC Trifecta: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run, as I do every Friday. This week's theme is "Favorites", so below is a list of five favorite things happening this week/month:

1. Addaday Ultra Roller Plus Series Pro. This roller is AMAZING, I kid you not. The gears massage the muscles and help work out the knots. I love to use it on my calves every night and especially love it after a long run. If you want more info, read my review here. Please keep in mind that even though I received the roller free of charge thanks to the BibRave Pro program, I only recommend things I like and use myself.

2. Santa Hustle. Tomorrow the Santa Hustle series starts off in Chicago, and I can't wait to run this fun race. I ran last year and though it was extremely cold, I really liked it. Everyone is supposed to wear the sweatshirt, Santa hat, and Santa beard that came with the goodie bag, and it's fun to watch a sea of Santas run along the lakefront path. 

3. Christmas movies. It's time to start binge watching Christmas movies. Some of my favorites include all of the claymation movies, A Christmas Story, and White Christmas. I also enjoy going through all of the Harry Potter movies— though they aren't necessarily Christmas movies, I enjoy watching them back-to-back (or at least within a few days of each other). It's also the perfect excuse to snuggle on the couch with lots of blankets and my two precious pups... an my husband too, I guess. Let's also add in a glass of wine or a pint of beer ;)

4. Time with family and friends. I love this time of year, because everyone makes it a point to spend time together. Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a party, I love getting together with everyone.

5. Cold weather. As long as the wind isn't too horrific, I love the colder weather. I enjoy bundling up in a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves and spending time outside. I also enjoy running in the cold, though I do notice my joints are much more stuff than in the warmer temps. I find it so refreshing. And once the outside activities are complete, I love to come inside and have some hot chocolate with marshmallows or hot cider and snuggle on the couch.

BONUS: I also LOVE baking during the holidays – I've been trying new cookie recipes each year, but also always make two kinds with my mom (which we've been doing since I was little). Any great cookie recipes you'd like to share?!

What are some things you are loving this week or month?

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun. Don't forget to read/comment on some of the other link ups! 

how i roll: addaday review

Disclaimer: I received an Addaday Ultra Roller Plus Series Pro to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!*

These past few months as a BibRave Pro have really been amazing. The hard working group at BibRave headquarters work diligently to get us Pros some fantastic products to test out. This time around, it was an Addaday Roller, and we had our pick between the A+, C, or the Pro. I chose the Addaday Ultra Roller Plus Series Pro, since it seemed like the variety of gears would be useful. Also, Jess of BibRave fame said that's what she used and loves, so how could I not go with that one?

I was so excited to try this bad boy out, which was delivered when I was on vacation, which meant I was itching to get home when I saw that it had been delivered. I immediately tore into the packaging to set him free. The first time I tried it, it was merely for a few minutes, but I already knew it would become one of my favorite recovery tools. It felt so amazing on my calves, which is my favorite part to roll, because they can get so tight and sore after long runs. 

I use it on a daily basis—it's part of my nighttime routine before bed—and it makes my legs feel so much better in the morning. When using it, it hurts so good. I think if you foam roll or use a roller like this, you know what I mean ;)

I had been using 'The Stick' to roll out, which worked well, but I noticed a HUGE difference in the way it felt to use and how my legs felt afterwards with the Addaday Pro. I didn't even think it would be so different, but it was, and I am so happy I got the chance to use this roller. Thank you massaging gears! It has really helped in my recovery from my long runs during (my first) marathon training aka Dopey Challenge! Yes, my first marathon is during the Dopey Challenge. Go big or go home, right?

I've also attempted to foam roll before, but let me tell you, I had a hard time balancing my body and trying to roll targeted muscle groups. I think I'm a bit too clumsy for such things and it's just not for me. In walks the Pro, and I'm able to roll my muscles without any trouble.

My dog was also intrigued by the roller, and when I gently rolled her back, she seemed to enjoy it. After all, if she didn't, she would have gotten up and left. She may be spoiled ;)

Ultra Roller Plus series Pro

A bit more on the technical side: The blue and white gears are softer, for days when a lighter massage is needed. The grey and blue gears are of medium firmness, which is great on the calf muscles (yes, yes, yes!). The red gear is for precision – it gives you even more pressure on harder to get places such as upper/lower shins, soleus, and achilies. 

From their website:

Some unique features are: 
• deep tissue massage
• rounded gears designed to massage like fingers
• easy to clean with alcohol wipes/soap with towel

Receive the benefits on a soft/deep tissue massage, a technique that may help relieve signs of:
• IT Band Syndrome "Runner's Knee"
• Pain from the sole of the foot "Plantar Fasciitis"
• Sore Quads and Hamstrings
• Sore Back
• Posterior shin splints
• Anterior shin splints
• Tight Soleus
• Tight Achilles

If you're in the Chicago area, there are some running stores that carry them, including Fleet Feet (though I would call before going in if it's a hassle to get to – that way you know that the specific item you're looking for is in stock). I believe the Pro retails for about $45 dollars. You can also go this page to see what stores carry them nationwide.

I'm really interested in finding the D+ roller, which looks amazing to use on Plantar Fasciitis (and is confirmed by Angie in her review – lucky lady was able to get the D+ since she already had the Type A+). I know the Pro works for it as well, but I think the D+ looks better. It's been added to my Running Wish List.

I definitely would recommend getting yourself any of the Addaday rollers – they even have smaller ones that would be great for traveling. My legs thank me for using it nightly, especially after those long runs. If you don't believe me, check out what my fellow BibRave Pros had to say themselves:
Jane | Jenn | Alex | Angie | Melissa | Jeremy | Kristen

Connect with Addaday:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

*As always, all opinions are honest and my own.

week in review: november 24–30

Dopey Challenge Training: Week 22

Monday, November 24: rest day

Tuesday, November 25: unscheduled rest day

Wednesday, November 26: 40 minute walk

Thursday, November 27: 4.07 miles (RFK 4 mile Turkey Trot)

Friday, November 28: 3.17 miles 

Saturday, November 29: 10.01 miles (Grant Park Turkey Trot & Ugly Sweater Run)

Sunday, November 30: 23 miles

Weekly mileage: 40.25

Total mileage for Dopey Challenge Training: 354.83 miles

Whooooeeee. That was a tough weekend. Tuesday should have been a 30 minute run, but my arches were in a lot of pain, so I took it easy in preparation for my first Dopey Simulation (four consecutive days of running, though the mileage wasn't quite what the actual races are) over the weekend. 

Wednesday I walked from work to the train station to try and catch an earlier train than usual so I could make it for packet pickup for the Turkey Trot on Thursday. Unfortunately, I had on winter boots that aren't great for quick walking, and ended up with blisters on my big toes that came back to haunt me the rest of the week/end. Boo. We hit up our local watering hole for a Black Wednesday drink, then went to bed early. I remember the days where I would be out all night with my friends, and now I'm more concerned with getting home early so I'll be well rested for my race in the morning haha.

Thursday's Turkey Trot 4 mile run was hilly and a little chilly, but really not too bad. After the race my mom and I grabbed some hot beverages and donuts at DD, then I had to rush home and shower so I could go out with the husband for our monthly wine tasting and a light lunch. I felt horrible going on Thanksgiving, but they were open and it was the only day we could squeeze it in when it wouldn't be miserable—we had contemplated Wednesday night, but figured it would be way too crowded (we overheard a server saying how it was a madhouse, so I think we made the right call). It was lovely. After that we headed to my in-laws for dinner, which was delicious. His family is filled with characters, so it's always so fun to get together with them all... we pretty much just laugh the whole time. I filled up on turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, Irish soda bread, dinner rolls, and corn. Then I had some pumpkin pie. Yum. We got home around 8:30 or so, took care of some house business and hit bed pretty early. 

Friday I was up at 4am and could not fall back asleep. I woke up and tossed some laundry in the washer, watched a little tv, and then started to feel sick. That happens to me when I'm exhausted. I headed back up to bed and was able to sleep another 2 hours, which was great. The rest of the day was productive cleaning the house with a treadmill run at the gym squeezed in. I was planning on doing 4 miles, but was having some foot pain and ended at about 3. I figured it was alright since I did the 4 miles before, and still had 10 miles Saturday and 23 on Sunday. For dinner we headed up to our favorite food truck at our favorite local brewery, and had an early night to bed... again.

Saturday was another early morning as my mom and I headed in to the city. We had the Grant Park Turkey Trot 5k at 9am and then the Ugly Sweater Run at Soldier Field at 11am. Since I had to do 10 miles that day and got there a bit early, we did 1.83 miles before the first race, then the first race at 3.14, then another mile, the other 5k, and then I after finishing that race I ran around the parking lot to finish another .93 miles. After that I enjoyed an Angry Orchard that was included in the race registration. After the races, I had lunch with my mom and we stopped at a local running store for some socks (I also got a Brooks winter running hat with the ponytail hole and a baclava). Then I showered, took a nap, and took the rest of the day easy.

My left knee was hurting me after the races Saturday, so I did a full knee support KT Tape application, and on Sunday I had no problems with it.

Sunday was tough. This was my first time going 23 miles—until yesterday, my farthest had been 20, and then was extremely tough for me as my shins were giving me a lot of problems. These 23 miles were still crazy hard, but they were better than the time I did 20, and after 3 other days of running, I was quite happy with that. These 23 miles were done all by my lonesome – no one to chat with or give me words of encouragement. Having finished them by myself, I feel confident that I can complete the marathon. I don't know if it rained the night before or if it was the snow/ice that melted, but a lot of the trail was very very messy. I had mud all over my shoes and back of my pants. I didn't mind that it was messy, but there were times that my feet would sink in or turn an odd way that I didn't feel stable on my feet.

Probably hard to tell how muddy it is from that picture in the middle,
but think the pants show it well enough.

As for fueling, I had 20 ENERGYbits and a PowerBar Performance Energy Blend about 15 minutes before starting. I hydrated with some water and about 30 oz of Nuun Fruit Punch. Every 2 miles I had a Clif Shot Blok – I finished off a pack of Orange and then had Mountain Berry. At mile 10 I had a Picky Bar Cookie Doughpness (my favorite!). I felt this fueling strategy helped keep me going. When I finished, I immediately had a chocolate milk with extra protein and a Justin's Nut Butter (Thanks to the fine folks at Justin's and BibRave for providing this BibRavePro an abundance of samples!). This was my first time trying Justin's and let me say, I was quite pleased with it! It tasted delicious and hit the spot after those tough miles.

As far as the weather and my attire... it was too hot for the first 1/3 and then too cold for the 2/3 at the end. I had on a Patagonia lightweight long sleeve top as a base layer, then a tech t-shirt and my Brooks jacket (I love the zipper pockets!), and then I had on Zensah compression sleeves, Oiselle Portman Pants (the only legging to not bother me when running), Features socks, and Brooks trail running shoes. It was sunny and 48 with a feels like 43 when I started, not much wine, and then at about mile 10 it was 34 with a feels like of 25, no sun, and 12 MPH winds. I was cold and sort of miserable for those last 13 miles, but I powered through any way.

I was a bit tired and sore when I got home, but nothing too strange. However, right before bed, I had such a horrible pain in my right ankle that I could barely walk. I didn't notice any swelling or bruising, and couldn't think of any incidents that would make it hurt that bad. Unfortunately  it was still hurting this morning when I got up. I taped it with KT Tape, which has been helpful, but it still gives me shooting pains now and again when I'm walking (or should I say limping). This is a bit disconcerting, but I'm hoping with some RICE and a bit of stretching, it'll feel better pronto. Luckily this week is just some maintenance runs for the week and a fun run 5k on Saturday. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

SIDE NOTE:

With the holiday season now upon us, the frantic search for the perfect gift has begun! Why not "Give BITS as Gifts!"? One size fits all, and many runners and athletes already have BITS on their Holiday Wish List!

BITS come in attractive organza bags so they don’t even need to be wrapped! Everyone loves them -- and what’s not to love?! They’re vegan, Paleo, plant-based, healthy and provide clean energy!

Remember to use code 'HeatherRuns' for a 25% discount on your cart :)

How was your week/end? Did training go well?

P.S. Make sure to review your race(s) on BibRave.com, and join us for #BibChat tomorrow night at 8pm CT.