Archive for June 2012

Run Away // Robinettes

No one says that training for a race is an easy process. Running an ultra marathon is pretty much farthest you can get on the extreme side of long distance running - making the training pretty intense. I'm not going to lie, the last two weeks I have been in a rut. The combination of the heat and just feeling burnt out, my motivation was gone. Regardless, I still ran, but it wasn't enjoyable. It wasn't until Scott Jurek, an ultra marathon legend, came out to Gazelle's Dirty Herd event to run with everyone, that the desire to get back on the trails ignited. Scott is such an inspiration for anyone interested in running ultras or eating a more plant-based diet, which he is a huge advocate for. After that night, I decided to get back out to Robinettes and do most of my 3 hour run on these trails. It hurt and it wasn't easy, but it brought my focus back. 

I love capturing these moments when we run. Zach and I tend to run light, not carrying tons of gear, 
but being able to stow my phone and get some quick photos, makes us able to treasure these amazing runs even more. After doing two loops at Robinettes and a short loop at Provin Trails, I headed back home for the last half of my run. With just the road in front of me and a refreshed mindset, I was happy to be running.  

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Collard Greens & Potato Bean Hash

So you know what is really sad? The fact that I had never tried collard greens before this year. But it's okay, I'm making up for lost time with these leafy edibles! I'm digging these babies so much, they are almost replacing my ultimate love for kale. Like most greens, you can enjoy them in various ways. For me, sautéing collard greens is the way to go, cutting the bitterness and bringing out their unique flavor. 
Ingredients
6 collard greens 
8 red potatoes (or enough to fill a large cookie sheet)
1/2 onion, diced
3 porchini mushrooms, chopped
1 can of black bean
1 can of hominy
fresh basil/rosemary
3 tbsp Braggs
3 garlic cloves, minced
oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Dice potatoes and put on an oiled cookie sheet. 
Sprinkle fresh herbs, such as basil and rosemary on top. Cook potatoes till brown and tender. 
While potatoes are cooking - saute oil, onions, mushrooms and garlic cloves. Add collard greens. 
After a few minutes, put black beans and hominy in as well. Add a splash of Braggs for flavor and more basil and rosemary. Once potatoes are ready, toss the potatoes on a plate - adding the beans and greens! 


Have you tried collard greens before? If so, what is your favorite dish to use them in? 

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Weekend Adventures // North Manitou Island

I couldn't have thought of a better way to celebrate the first year of marriage to my best friend, than by hiking thru the wilderness and soaking up the sun on the beaches of North Manitou Island. This past weekend was one that will not be forgotten - making us realize how vital it is to get away and focus on the important aspects of our lives - our relationship, our health, and our earth.

Removing all the "noise" in our daily lives, we spent the weekend hiking, reading, talking, 
and just absorbing the beauty around us. Dips in the lake were taken and deer sighting occurred.
I even ran around the entire island, despite the abundance of poison ivy and garter snakes that
lurked at every turn. And without a soul for miles around us, the silence was refreshing. 

After such a killer trip, Zach and I are already talking about plans for next year. 
I highly recommend touring the island if you are in the northern parts of Michigan. 
Do you camp? Where is your favorite spot? 


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Favorite Camping Trip "Essentials"

Well, Zach and I have been married for almost a year, so in celebration of the best year of our 
lives, we are going camping! I've been gathering all our must haves and scribbling up lists of
things we can't forget. Below are just some of my favorite "essentials" that will make our mini
vacation just that much better, even if we could do without them! 

So many adventures to be had! I can't wait to share them all with you! 
What are your must haves for any vacation away? 

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Sportswear as Everyday Wear

Sunny days always call for an outfit to match. Bright colors have my heart this spring. 
Pushing the neon and bold pops of color, the running industry is right on. Stepping into 
Gazelle Sports, you can't help but stare at our shoe wall covered in a rainbow of fun hues.
Color blocking, mesh, burnout, and cut-outs in our apparel are all saturated in bright tints.
Running errands this Sunday, I grabbed my Lole Twist Tank and paired it with my new favorite
running tank - the Brooks D'lite Micro Mesh Tank. I wore this tank in pink for the Riverbank Run! Bright 
skinnies were an easy choice, as were my old dependable canvas flats. A trusty side braid to keep
the lion's mane at bay and I was ready to go. By the time yoga in park begin that night, all I had to do 
was swap out my skinnies for boy shorts and grab that yoga mat. 

Once the summer officially hits, I can guarantee I'll be living in my D'lite Tank... probably 
throwing it over my swimsuit as I hit the beach. Or sporting it as I run hours upon hours on the weekend
in anticipation for my ultra-marathon. Just a few ways I show my fit. 

How do you show your fit? 


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