This week it's "Outdoor Activity".
Left to right: Michelle, Connie, me (Susie) and Laurie.
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| Photo credit: Michelle Heinrich |
Such a fun group of women to spend time with. I'm truly blessed!
Enjoy your day and the people in your life!
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Our Beautiful World - Outdoor Activity
Hi! I follow a blog called Our Beautiful World and I always love the photos that the team posts. These posts are from all around the world and such beautiful photography. I've rarely joined in, but when I opened my email and saw what the prompt word was...well, I knew just the photo to use for this prompt.
Since I participated in a 5k race this morning, I have a photo to share. My friends and I met up at 5:45 am today, to head up to the race. The weather was perfect, around 58 degrees F. The sky was clear and the sun was just coming up. A blessedly cool morning for August in northern Illinois!
Left to right: Michelle, Connie, me (Susie) and Laurie.
After the race we stopped for breakfast. That gave us lots of time to talk!
Such a fun group of women to spend time with. I'm truly blessed!
Enjoy your day and the people in your life!
Left to right: Michelle, Connie, me (Susie) and Laurie.
Such a fun group of women to spend time with. I'm truly blessed!
Enjoy your day and the people in your life!
Saturday, July 30, 2016
A Goal Reached!
Since the summer of 2015, one of my goals has been to walk a half-marathon. My friend Connie asked if I'd ever thought of doing one and she offered to walk it with me. Connie has run several half-marathon before, so it meant a lot to me that she was offering to WALK the entire race with me.
Immediately, I got so excited just considering doing a half with her. I knew I wanted to do it, but would I be ABLE to do it? Of course I could! But I knew I would need to train for it. I read all that I could find, to prepare myself for the race. Connie and I trained together, too.
Training is so important. We did a training walk, probably about 10 miles, a week before the half. This particular session taught us a lot. Hydrate more and EAT more during the walk. I had read about suggested snacks to eat during a long race and I took one snack with me. But realized, when I began feeling drained, weak, wrung-out...that I hadn't eaten enough.
For the half marathon race I made sure I took along more snacks. What a difference it made!
I felt good throughout the entire race. Of course I got tired, but I felt good. Never weak. And my recovery time after the half was quick. It was an amazing experience!
The race we chose, was the 2016 Inaugural Naperville Women's Half Marathon in Naperville, Illinois.
It was a sunny and cold morning on April 24. Just 45 degrees F. I was shivering while we waited for the race to start. Maybe just a little bit of that was nerves...but mostly cold. :)
Here's a pic taken just before the start.
Then...............when we finished. It was awesome!
All throughout the half marathon (by the way, that's 13.1 miles) there were volunteers handing water and gatorade. And there were "Volun-cheers". That's what their tshirts said and they indeed cheered us on. The place where it meant the most to me, was leading up to the finish line. Both sides of the track were lined with volunteers cheering and yelling for us. Encouraging us to finish. It gave me such a boost and I even had tears in my eyes. It's an experience I'll never forget.
Oh. By the way....Connie and I have already registered for the same race in 2017. Woooo hoooo!!!
Go for it. Do it. Whatever it is you really want to accomplish, you CAN do it.
A few years ago, when I was 77 pounds heavier and did no physical activity, no one could have convinced me that in 2016 I would complete a half marathon and love it!
Immediately, I got so excited just considering doing a half with her. I knew I wanted to do it, but would I be ABLE to do it? Of course I could! But I knew I would need to train for it. I read all that I could find, to prepare myself for the race. Connie and I trained together, too.
Training is so important. We did a training walk, probably about 10 miles, a week before the half. This particular session taught us a lot. Hydrate more and EAT more during the walk. I had read about suggested snacks to eat during a long race and I took one snack with me. But realized, when I began feeling drained, weak, wrung-out...that I hadn't eaten enough.
For the half marathon race I made sure I took along more snacks. What a difference it made!
I felt good throughout the entire race. Of course I got tired, but I felt good. Never weak. And my recovery time after the half was quick. It was an amazing experience!
The race we chose, was the 2016 Inaugural Naperville Women's Half Marathon in Naperville, Illinois.
It was a sunny and cold morning on April 24. Just 45 degrees F. I was shivering while we waited for the race to start. Maybe just a little bit of that was nerves...but mostly cold. :)
Here's a pic taken just before the start.
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| Crossing the finish line together! |
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| Waving to our personal photographer. Thank you Tara! |
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| Connie and Me. Do we look happy...or what???!!! |
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| Elated me! |
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| The medal and tshirt I earned. |
All throughout the half marathon (by the way, that's 13.1 miles) there were volunteers handing water and gatorade. And there were "Volun-cheers". That's what their tshirts said and they indeed cheered us on. The place where it meant the most to me, was leading up to the finish line. Both sides of the track were lined with volunteers cheering and yelling for us. Encouraging us to finish. It gave me such a boost and I even had tears in my eyes. It's an experience I'll never forget.
Oh. By the way....Connie and I have already registered for the same race in 2017. Woooo hoooo!!!
Go for it. Do it. Whatever it is you really want to accomplish, you CAN do it.
A few years ago, when I was 77 pounds heavier and did no physical activity, no one could have convinced me that in 2016 I would complete a half marathon and love it!
Friday, July 29, 2016
Friends in Fitness
Hello! Long time, no talk. Actually no writing, right?
Like most everyone else, my life has been full. Full of many things. But, let's talk about fitness friends, walking buddies...whatever you choose to call them. They are such a blessing to me!
Most of my fitness walking is done by myself, simply because my schedule doesn't coincide with those of my walking friends. But on those occasions when several, or even 2, of us can meet up to walk and talk...it brings me such joy. I love walking outdoors and enjoying it with friends makes it even better.
Since my previous blog post (yes, many months ago) my friends and I have done several 5k races. It was so much fun! Such a difference from participating in a race on my own. Until this year, I only knew these from church. Except one. We were neighbors many years ago.
Once we realized that we had this common thread of getting/staying fit, one thing led to another.
We've been racing together and having a lot of fun. These women are funny, motivating and supportive. Who could ask for more? Not me. :)
I'll share a few photos of what we've done so far this year. Some are from races and some from our group walks.
We've walked all kinds of weather. ALL kinds. We walked in a blizzard of blowing snow/sleet and very cold, last November in a 5k race. Connie and I walked about 8 miles early on a Saturday morning this spring. It was 24 degrees F and windy. Wow, so cold. Lots of mild, pleasant weather. We try not to go out in hot weather, but sometimes the weather gives us a surprising warmup as we're walking!
We have more races planned for this year. A 5k in early August, a 5k in early October and a 10k in late October. I can hardly wait! Oh. I'm still trying to decide whether I'm signing up for that late November race this year. Snow???
Hey, get out there and move. You'll be glad you did!
Like most everyone else, my life has been full. Full of many things. But, let's talk about fitness friends, walking buddies...whatever you choose to call them. They are such a blessing to me!
Most of my fitness walking is done by myself, simply because my schedule doesn't coincide with those of my walking friends. But on those occasions when several, or even 2, of us can meet up to walk and talk...it brings me such joy. I love walking outdoors and enjoying it with friends makes it even better.
Since my previous blog post (yes, many months ago) my friends and I have done several 5k races. It was so much fun! Such a difference from participating in a race on my own. Until this year, I only knew these from church. Except one. We were neighbors many years ago.
Once we realized that we had this common thread of getting/staying fit, one thing led to another.
We've been racing together and having a lot of fun. These women are funny, motivating and supportive. Who could ask for more? Not me. :)
I'll share a few photos of what we've done so far this year. Some are from races and some from our group walks.
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| April 17, 2016 |
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| May 22, 2016 - It was hot! |
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| May 30, 2016 - 8 miles! |
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| June 4, 2016 - Rochelle Hospital Hustle 5k. Several members won medals! |
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| July 5, 2016 - It was a long, hot & sweaty walk in the late afternoon! |
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| March 12, 2016 - The Lucky Hub Dash 5k. What do you think of our home made tutus? This was SO much fun! |
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| Not a group photo, but I just had to share this goofy "ballerina" pic of me. :) |
We have more races planned for this year. A 5k in early August, a 5k in early October and a 10k in late October. I can hardly wait! Oh. I'm still trying to decide whether I'm signing up for that late November race this year. Snow???
Hey, get out there and move. You'll be glad you did!
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Walking Buddies
For much of the past 2-1/2 years that I've been distance walking, I've walked by myself. That's okay, but sometimes it sure would have been nice to have a walking buddy. Finally, one day at church, my friend Connie and I decided we should meet up and go walking together.
Oh yeah. The time and miles went by so quickly AND I had a great time. What a boost to my motivation, too. I highly recommend finding a walking partner!
Here's a pic from yesterday, when Connie and I finished a very long walk.
The temp when we headed out a 7 am was 24 degrees F, with a windchill
of 17 degrees. The big plus was...we had sunshine. Finally!!! Even
though the air was cold, the day was beautiful. I don't know if I would
have braved that cold air if I hadn't committed to this walking date
with Connie. I was determined not to back out. And...I'm so happy that
I didn't.
About a month ago, a couple of other friends from church asked if they could walk with us. You bet.
So we created a private Facebook page for all of us to use, just for coordinating weekend walks on the bike path. Who can go, what time...etc.
Here are a few pics of our walking group, from several different weekends.
I am so grateful for the friendships I've made through this fitness journey I'm on. Just imagine how many more friendships will develop through the coming years. Because, you know...this is a lifetime journey.
Friends are truly a blessing!
Oh yeah. The time and miles went by so quickly AND I had a great time. What a boost to my motivation, too. I highly recommend finding a walking partner!
Here's a pic from yesterday, when Connie and I finished a very long walk.
About a month ago, a couple of other friends from church asked if they could walk with us. You bet.
So we created a private Facebook page for all of us to use, just for coordinating weekend walks on the bike path. Who can go, what time...etc.
Here are a few pics of our walking group, from several different weekends.
I am so grateful for the friendships I've made through this fitness journey I'm on. Just imagine how many more friendships will develop through the coming years. Because, you know...this is a lifetime journey.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Cranberries, pecans and quinoa...oh my!
I've got to share a recipe that a friend sent to me recently. It's SO good. And...this one takes just a little time to prepare. So many of the healthy foods I prepare are quite time consuming, so when I find the combo of easy, yummy and nutritious...the recipe is a keeper!
Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad with Honey Orange Dressing.
I made this salad last weekend and took it to work in my lunch throughout the week. It kept well and was just as yummy on Thursday as it was on Monday. HERE is the link to the blog post at Ambitious Kitchen where you'll find the recipe.
By the way, I followed my friend's suggestion and sprinkled some gorgonzola cheese on top and accompanied it with a fresh pear. Oh, so good!
Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad with Honey Orange Dressing.
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| Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad with Honey Orange Dressing. Photo credit Ambitious Kitchen |
By the way, I followed my friend's suggestion and sprinkled some gorgonzola cheese on top and accompanied it with a fresh pear. Oh, so good!
Friday, November 20, 2015
A new recipe to share - Gingerbread Oatmeal!
Oh, I've missed this blog. I enjoy sharing with all of you...actually, maybe there are just a few of you readers! However few there are, I love blogging. :)
So! I have a really tasty recipe to share. Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal.
Yes...it's just as yummy as it sounds. It just so happens, it have a batch cooking right now and it smells soooooo good! In today's batch I added a chopped apple, some chopped walnuts and a few dried cranberries. Just because I could!
Here's a pic from the site The Lemon Bowl, where I found the recipe.
At first taste, I wondered if the flavors were too strong. The spices and molasses and all.
Ummm. Nope. After that first bowl, I was hooked. Of course I still add my usual toppings, as I do to ALL my oats. Sliced banana and a dollop of plain greek yogurt. A sprinkle of chia seeds and whole ground flax seeds.
Oats are a filling, hearty and nutritious way to start my day and I never tire of them. Yum.
Here's the recipe for this latest addition to my fave recipes. For a printer friendly version, click through to the original post at The Lemon Bowl. The link is above.
So! I have a really tasty recipe to share. Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal.
Yes...it's just as yummy as it sounds. It just so happens, it have a batch cooking right now and it smells soooooo good! In today's batch I added a chopped apple, some chopped walnuts and a few dried cranberries. Just because I could!
Here's a pic from the site The Lemon Bowl, where I found the recipe.
 | |
| Photo credit: The Lemon Bowl |
At first taste, I wondered if the flavors were too strong. The spices and molasses and all.
Ummm. Nope. After that first bowl, I was hooked. Of course I still add my usual toppings, as I do to ALL my oats. Sliced banana and a dollop of plain greek yogurt. A sprinkle of chia seeds and whole ground flax seeds.
Oats are a filling, hearty and nutritious way to start my day and I never tire of them. Yum.
Here's the recipe for this latest addition to my fave recipes. For a printer friendly version, click through to the original post at The Lemon Bowl. The link is above.
Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This
cozy breakfast is full of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger
then drizzled with molasses, brown sugar and chopped pecans. Perfect for
busy weekday mornings or a make-ahead dish for lazy weekends!
Author: Liz DellaCroce | The Lemon Bowl
Recipe type: Breakfast
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cups water
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Steel Organic Cut Oats
- chopped pecans, brown sugar and molasses - optional garnish to serve
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook overnight on low for 8 hours.
- In the morning, stir oatmeal with a fork to loosen the steel cut oats and make sure everything is fully incorporated.
- Serve warm with chopped pecans and additional brown sugar and molasses to taste.
Notes
For
easier clean-up and to avoid the slight "crusty" residue inside the
slow cooker, place all ingredients in a glass bowl that fits into the
slow cooker then add enough water to fill the lower half of the slow
cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 cup Calories: 301 Fat: 7 g Saturated fat: 1.9 g Unsaturated fat: 5.1 g Trans fat: 0 Carbohydrates: 48.8 g Sugar: 12.5 g Sodium: 360 mg Fiber: 7.1 g Protein: 9.6 g Cholesterol: 10 mg
Eat up and enjoy!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Sole Sisters Race Team!
I've been intending to share some photos from a 5k race that I did last month. This time I formed a race team. Several of my friends have never participated in a race and they really wanted to give it a try. They suggested I form a team...so we became the Sole Sisters race team.
Of course, I enjoy participating in races. I've talked about that on my blog in the past. But, racing as part of a team made it even more fun! There were 6 members in our team for the Autumn on Parade race, in nearby Oregon, IL. Some of us walked (yes, I was one!) and some ran. Some did a combination of both. Some of us kept passing other members as they switched from running to walking. Nothing like a little friendly competition!
I'll leave you with a couple of photos from race day. Fun times with fun friends!
Way back in August I signed up for the Gobbler Gallup 5k Race that will be held this Saturday, November 21st. Yeah, I know what the weather can be like in northern Illinois this time of year. But, I hadn't bargained for what the weather forecast is saying now. What have I gotten myself into???
A facebook post (below) by a local meteorologist...Candice King.
Winter Storm Watch in effect for all of N. IL and S. WI beginning Friday evening. This could potentially be a big, first snow with totals over 6". Let's start planning now for travel during that time. Good news it will be coming over a weekend. Looks like we are going to dive right onto winter!
It is important to note that this is still 36 hours out, and this forecast could change.
YIKES!
Of course, I enjoy participating in races. I've talked about that on my blog in the past. But, racing as part of a team made it even more fun! There were 6 members in our team for the Autumn on Parade race, in nearby Oregon, IL. Some of us walked (yes, I was one!) and some ran. Some did a combination of both. Some of us kept passing other members as they switched from running to walking. Nothing like a little friendly competition!
I'll leave you with a couple of photos from race day. Fun times with fun friends!
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| From left to right: me, Tina (in pink, of course), Sandy, Connie, Janie & Rhonda |
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| From left to right in my car (no, I was not driving at the time!): Tina, Janie and me |
A facebook post (below) by a local meteorologist...Candice King.
Winter Storm Watch in effect for all of N. IL and S. WI beginning Friday evening. This could potentially be a big, first snow with totals over 6". Let's start planning now for travel during that time. Good news it will be coming over a weekend. Looks like we are going to dive right onto winter!
It is important to note that this is still 36 hours out, and this forecast could change.
YIKES!
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