Beautiful Waterfalls in Spring

Party Of Five Adventure!

The BF and the Monkey (his daughter) invited us along for their road trip to waterfalls in Marinette County (Wisconsin).  Since the Munchkins and I had that on our 2013 Bucket List anyway, we were pumped to go!

So, the BF and I each got a run in, we all had an early lunch, and the BF and Monkey stopped by to pick us up.  We all packed a picnic dinner and snacks.


Marinette County Waterfalls

The BF and I are big fans of seeing waterfalls.  We've made numerous day trips to see the ones within an hour or two of us.  We've also taken a vacation to the Northwest part of Wisconsin to see some really incredible waterfalls.  Today we took the kids to ones we knew they could handle: Dave's Falls and Long Slide Falls.  They both have pretty good paths and the road trip was under two hours each way.  Perfect!


Long Slide Falls

We started with this one, as we planned to picnic at the end of our adventures in the park by Dave's Falls.  While there were trails, there were some scary places to walk/climb.  Ok, maybe it was just scary for me.  I'm one of those moms who wigs out with worry sometimes.

The sign justifies my over-protective mom nerves :)

(left to right) The Beauty, The Monkey, and TJ- heading to Long Slide Falls

The Monkey, TJ, and The Beauty taking it in.  The Falls were LOUD!  They said the water was the color of cream soda. :)

On the way to the bottom of the falls, we stopped to take in the sight.  Ok... actually, I encouraged them to stop a minute and notice how close we were to the tops of the trees.  They were in a hurry to see the bottom.  As you can tell, they humored me, though.  :)

I love this photo.  I'll admit it was posed, but it is still priceless.  The BF said the blown out color of the waterfall was beyond photo editing repair, but it's still a perfect photo in my eyes.  (left to right: Beauty, Monkey, TJ)

Love this photo of TJ at the bottom of Long Slide

We were all amazed at how much ice and snow was lingering in this area, in spite of the temps being in the 60s today.  A lot of the paths were a mess.

Heading back up the hill to leave

Dave's Falls

This waterfall is actually a few separate waterfalls in a small-ish area.  Again, the rushing water could be heard long before we could see the water.  The snow and ice was even more of a burden here.  Nothing stopped the kids, though.  They really didn't have the best footwear for this hiking, but they didn't seem to realize it.  They climbed rocks like nobody's business.  Mud... who cares?  Ice and snow...bring it on!

Foot Bridge in Dave's Falls Park



I absolutely LOVE this photo of The Beauty at the top of Dave's Falls

This is the only photo we got of ourselves today. 

On our way home, we stopped at this "Geographical Marker" and found a geocache.  Always fun for the kids.

Half Way North apparently means snow and ice on the ground in late April.  :)

 

At the end of the day, between my morning run (a pathetic less than 3 miles) and all our hiking, my pedometer reads 13,351 steps.  Awesome!  If you get up this way, see these falls... and the many others in Marinette County.  It's really such a beautiful part of Wisconsin.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Running for Boston- Afterthoughts

Our Local Event

Monday night, like many places around the country, one of our local running stores organized a "Run for Boston" event.  I was pretty excited to participate.  The weather cooperated, so I flew home after work to change, and headed out.

The local news stations reported about 200 runners/walkers participated. 

People were encouraged to either wear Boston Marathon colors, or a race shirt.  As you can see from the photo, there were Boston marathoners in the crowd. Several were wearing 2013 finisher shirts.  I felt like I was running with celebrities. 

How crazy to knowingly rub elbows with Boston marathoners! 

Of course, they seemed like normal, cool runners, but woah.  These people deserve some extra respect.  Not just the ones who lived through last week's madness, but anyone who could qualify and then accomplish the frigging Boston Marathon!


Beyond my Worship and Awe

The run went from a local park, over the highway, and onto the Apple Creek Trail.  Apple Creek is a sweet trail that runs north of our main highway here.  It is paved, somewhat curvy, and winds past marshy land.  Its fairly wide open and windy, but one of my favorite places to run.  Back up over the highway (more wind) and into town to the park again, we ran and walked our own paces.  No police blocking streets... just us on sidewalks and trails. 

Cars honked as we ran across the highway overpass, and most yielded to our big crowd as me moved across fairly busy intersections.  Some runners had flags, some had strollers, some were in groups, and some were alone.  It was a great run.  In spite of the wind and the hills (which I have not been running lately), I had my fastest pace since I started back up running almost a year ago.  That's inspiration for ya'!



My Highlight

At one point, I was passed by a dad running with his daughter on his shoulders.  ok... So as at peace as I am with my nice slow pace, being passed by a kid on a guy's shoulders would normally bum me out.  I mean, gee whiz.  But not this dad.  This dad wore a Boston finisher shirt.

As fast as I could, I whipped my iPhone sleeve off and tried to snap a photo of them.  Unfortunately, even that awesomely athletic dad could only hold that not-so-tiny girl up there for so long.  So, please humor me, and picture what a neat sight that was.




Later That Night

After I got home, showered, and hung out with the BF for a bit, we decided to make a quick run for ice cream.  Nothing like eating the calories just burned, right?  Yum!
I have to point out that I got the frozen yogurt, so I wasn't totally glutunous.  I highly recommend Cold Stone's Banana Bread Batter frozen yogurt... with graham cracker crust.  Love it!

sheesh!  I look tired!  (but happy :)

 

 

 



 

Did you partipate in a "Run for Boston" this week?

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

Running for Boston

One Week Later

Our local Fleet Feet store http://www.fleetfeetfoxvalley.com/ is organizing a run/walk in honor of Boston this evening.  As of right now, there's only a 30% chance of rain, and it's predicted to be in the 50s.  Wow!  Fingers crossed for no rain.  I love running when it's in the 50s, but rain... not so much.

I'm planning on running.  I was going to run tonight anyway, so why not join others for such a great reason?


Are you running tonight, too?


Stay tuned for a post-event post.  :)

Running Skirt Review

My Impulsivity Bites Me in the Rear Again

So, recently I was all, "I'm rewarding myself!" and I ordered a new running skirt.  I thought I'd try a new brand. 

Stupid!

Of course, there was nothing wrong with my original skirt.  I've used it for every single run I've taken since I bought it almost a year ago.  I've washed it in a lingerie bag on cold and hung it to dry numerous times a week.  It's in incredible, like-new condition.  I've even lost 30 pounds in this skirt, and it still does not ride up.  It is great. 

So what possessed me to get a new one? 

Well, of course, more than one running skirt could sure save me some hassle... and I've been wanting a more neutral color, so matching is less challenging.

But was there a real need to change brands??!?!?

So, as you can guess, my new skirt failed me.

(wah, wah, waaaah...)


Read the Reviews, Duh

So, ever the bargain shopper, I was looking to find a deal.  While my Sparkle Skirt is worth every single penny, I just recently dropped a TON of money on new running shoes, a trip to DC, an expensive race... you get the idea.

So, when I saw FREE SHIPPING on runningskirts.com, I thought it was worth a shot.  Yes, I read reviews, and yes, some of them said the shorts rode up.  But I went ahead and ordered one anyway.
(forehead slap)

I thought, "there were hardly any reviews describing the shorts riding up...  there's a sale... they're cute skirts... there's a sale... I really want a new one... there's a sale... and I could write a review on my blog... and there's a sale!!!!!!"


Running Skirts www.Runningskirts.com


I ordered a black "athletic skirt."  When it arrived, (in about a week or so), I was pretty excited.  I figured I'd give it a quick try walking around the house a bit, and even a slow jog on the treadmill.  If it worked out, I'd remove the tags and start my normal treadmill workout.  Exciting!

When I put it on, I was pretty thrilled.  This skirt was adorable!  I'm kicking myself now that I didn't get a photo of it to post here.  The cut was hot, and the black was slimming.  I felt- dare I say... sexy!!  The BF was a BIG fan as well.  ;)

I wasn't crazy about the little logo on it.  It wasn't ugly or anything, but I'd have preferred it not be there.  The little running girl logo seemed larger in person than in the photo, too.  I was also little bummed with the pockets.  They're on the hips on the outside of the skirt.  That's a major drawback in my book.  I NEED pockets in order store my inhaler.  I can't run without my inhaler, and most other running gear isn't very inhaler-friendly.  If I had put an inhaler in these pockets (or anything else bulky, for that matter), I'd have had some strange looking hips.  I'm honestly too vain for that.

Unfortunately, while I felt really cute in this skirt, it only took a quick walk around the room to make me nervous about it.  It felt like the bike shorts were going to ride up.  I really wanted it to work, though, so I wasn't ready to admit defeat yet.  I walked downstairs, and down even further to the treadmill in the basement.  Again, I found myself wondering, "are these shorts starting to creep up?"

It only took my slowest, most pathetic paced jog on the treadmill- for about one minute- to realize the shorts were indeed riding up.  MAJOR BUMMER!  I really wanted to love this skirt.  I did love this skirt.  Did I mention how cute it was?  I wouldn't have hesitated to keep it and just wear it in place of shorts for everyday use this summer, but my budget was screaming, "no!"  If I am going to spend a lot of money on a running skirt, it needs to be a skirt I can run in.

So, unfortunately, I had to take the skirt off, put my beloved standby skirt back on, and go about my workout.  I reviewed the receipt the next day for their return policy.

uh oh...  First glance at the return policy says in-store credit only.  What??!?!  I clearly am not the right shape girl for these skirts, and the last thing I need is more running shirts or other gear.  I need a skirt!  I need that money back to get a different skirt that works!

So, I took a deep, cleansing breath, and read again.  Ok, so "sale" items can't be returned for cash, but it looks like regular priced items can.  Still, I worried (cuz I have junk luck) that the free shipping might be considered a "sale."  I sure thought of it as a sale when I justified spending the money in the first place.  ;)

I called the company.  I briefly asked the gal on the line if I could return my skirt for a refund.  She never asked about if it was on sale.  She never asked my reason for returning.  She wasn't very talkative at all, actually.  Hmm... She must have been busy.  She just said that I should send back the skirt with a note on the packing slip stating I wanted a refund, and they would "take it from there." 

Um, ok.

So, that's what I did.  I'm waiting now to see what happens.  (I'll update later.)  As far as I'm concerned, if they refund me, we're all good.  Really, it's a great skirt.  I bet it works great for lots of people.  I however, have a significant tummy.  I also have rather large thighs that rub together more than any human's should.  Sad, but true.    I'm confident that if you do not have a significant tummy and cricket-like rubbing thighs, you will love this skirt.  Surely, you'll feel hot in it.  I can definitely vouch for that. :)

UPDATE: 4/20/13 one day after they received my return, I got an email from runningksirts.com notifying me of my refund- no questions asked.  Yay!  That's good customer service in my book.


My Beloved Skirt  www.sparkleskirts.com


So, after all that, I'll take a minute to tell you why I love the skirt I do have.

As I've said before, I've had it a long time.  It's been almost a year already, actually.  I've worn it about three runs a week for a year.  I throw it in a lingerie bag, wash it on the normal cycle, in cold water.  They recommend washing on gentle, but I never have.  I've not had one string start to unravel, no fraying, no losing its shape... not a single complaint.

I've lost, as I've said, more than thirty pounds wearing this skirt.  It still fits nicely, but the shorts are just recently starting to inch up just the tiniest bit sometimes.  I really think that's because my thighs are getting just a little smaller.  (Yay!)  It is time for a new one.

Beyond how great it has held up and it's lack of ride-up, it has other great qualities.  It is flattering.  It's got a fuller skirt.  At first, I worried that would look lame or old-ladylike.  It doesn't.  Well, I don't think so, anyway.  The fuller skirt hides my less attractive features, but it also hides my inhaler!  Each thigh has a huge 4x4' pocket on its side.  How cool is that?  And unless I lift the skirt, you'd never know anything was in there.  Awesome!

It also has a long, 12" pocket across the tummy.  I keep my pedometer there, and for my half marathon, it held gu nicely.  It's also a great place for my Burt's Bees, cough drops, etc.

I just love these skirts.  I recommend them to everyone.  I'm open to trying others, of course, but for now, I'm still running in my Sparkle Skirt.  www.sparkleskirts.com If I get a refund from the other place, I'm going to order the next size down in solid black.  I can hardly wait!

 

What skirts do you love?  Can it hide an inhaler?

Thanks for reading.

My First Marathon... Supporting Boston?

I'm Registered!

Ok, we are registered.  I'm on a relay team to run the Green Bay Cellcom Marathon next month.  As I've mentioned in my past post, this is the first relay for all five of us.  I'm excited to share the accomplishment of a marathon with four really great people.  I finally picked a not-very-thought-out team name, and registered us for the May 19th race.

What a great way to get a marathon medal!  ;)

  www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com

A relay marathon is still a marathon, right?  :)



Fear

I'll be honest: in the wake of the Boston sadness, I briefly debated backing out of this marathon.  While Green Bay is not likely high on a terrorist's target list, it's the copy cats that are a possibility everywhere.  I feel a loss of that sense of safety I've always taken for granted.

I am overwhelmed with the thought that just under a month ago I stood at the start line in Washington D.C., and I have no recollection of much security at all.  I didn't notice if there was any, because that was the last thing on my mind.

 

I thought about potential injury, exhaustion, the BF, my goals, my medal... but not my safety.  Looking around at the huge amount of runners and supporters, I was thrilled with the idea of being part of something so big.  I soaked up energy that buzzed off that crowd of people, and bounced it right back at them.  A potential enemy among them was never a thought in my mind.

 

While that won't be something I take for granted again, fear will not stop me from achieving my goals.  I will still run this relay with great people.  I will still go to Chicago and cheer on the BF as he runs his first marathon (second, if you count the relay ;).   I will still set bigger and better running goals. 

 

 

Supporting Boston? 



Like many in the running community, I wore a race shirt to work yesterday.

 

 

No one else in the office did, but no one called me out on breaking dress code, either.  I think it led to some conversations with people, and we all had a chance to process things together.  That was a benefit, of course, but I'm not sure it helped any of the victims.

 

I'm not sure awareness of the event is anything anyone is lacking, so wearing my shirt wasn't for that.  I didn't donate money to a charity in order to be able to wear it, like I would for a denim Friday.  I suppose maybe the knowledge victims may have had of runners wearing their shirts might have given them some comfort...

 

But honestly, I think wearing that race shirt was more for me.  Somehow it gave me a sense of standing with the victims and their families.  It was a way for me to...mourn? ...heal? ...cope?   I'm not sure, but somehow it made me feel better.

 

Right now, until I can choose some better way...(maybe a fund to donate to, an organization to join, etc.)  I think I can best support those affected by the Boston bombing by running.  Running all the races I have been intending to run.  Supporting the races I've been intending to support.  Not letting this tragedy slow me down or prevent me from doing anything I had planned to do.  I'll show my support by not being deterred.

 

And by running.  For myself, and for those who cannot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



My Heart Aches for Boston

First Thoughts

Raw with emotion after hearing the news, I expressed my fears to my friend, Sarah.  I fear that no race will ever be the same.  I fear that finish lines in races will not only be filled with worry of future terrorism, but of a bitter-sweetness when it is safe.  I fear even the thought of the BF running the Chicago Marathon this October.  Sarah pointed out that this fear is exactly what terrorists want.  She's right, of course.

I am reminded of one of my favorite episodes of The West Wing called "Isaac and Ishmael."  They called it a play, I think, and they dropped it into the 2001 season, without regard to its place in the plot's timeline.  It was their first post-9/11 episode.

I'm a huge fan, and while it may sound almost ridiculous to mention a TV show in the midst of all this, I believe it is fitting.  The episodes are on www.netflix.com now.  It is the first episode of Season 3.  Watch it.

The point I'm getting to, though, is the strongest message I got from that episode:

terrorists always fail. 

Inevitably, their acts of cowardice only cause the survivors to rally together and become closer.   That which they aim to destroy, they strengthen.

I'm looking to that for comfort today... this day in which I ride a rollercoaster of emotions.  So many details are not even near being announced yet, but I draw strength in the knowledge that we will prevail.  We will grow stronger from this.  We will unite.


We are runners.  We are Americans.  We win.

Ready, Set, Relay!

More Races

I'm signed up for the Bellin Run (10k) in Green Bay in June.  In need of more immediate motivation, I've been on the hunt for a race between now and then.  The BF and I tossed around a few options, but it's been challenging to find one we can fit in between my concert and children schedules.  One of the ideas we looked into was a relay half marathon.  I can't even remember why anymore, but that was yet another no-go.

Then, the BF emailed me.  "You're the best GF ever.  If you want to do a relay together, we could find a few more people and do this one.  You're the best GF ever."  (ok, that's probably not an exact quote, but it's close.;)  The BF was suggesting the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon Relay.  www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com


What A Fine Idea, BF!

Well, he didn't have to say another word. I was quickly on the prowl for other runners.  Any coworker that passed by (that I knew worked out regularly) got an ask.  The BF also emailed his friend in Janesville.  I was surprised at the large number of people we knew who could pull off a 5-mile leg of a race just 40-some days away.  How cool is that?  Not only did we fairly easily get these three to commit, but we had several other people say they'd do it if we needed.  We didn't even get around to asking all the people we thought might do it. 

So, a few short days later, we got our team together.  I'll be on the shortest leg with what I'm sure will also be our slowest leg.  Needless to say, I keep reminding everyone that we are not chasing a fast time.  ;)  Everyone seems excited about the idea of a relay.  I'm very pumped!  A relay with the BF (with or without others as well) has been on my "running bucket list."  (Believe it or not, I don't actually have that list written down.  I should do that... ;)


Relay Roster

Our team consists of:
Me
The BF
DDS- The BF's friend
KP- my coworker, who I know sometimes runs in a skirt (respect)
and DZ- another coworker, who I think could see the beauty of running skirts (even if she hasn't tried one yet)

I'm particularly excited to run with the BF's friend.  In all my time hanging out with the BF, I've yet to meet this guy.  What better time than right before we run a relay together?
But wait... I won't be able to fiddle around with meeting DDS at the expo. Expos are important!!  I can't waste precious time on introductions.  I need to focus on my swag!

Nope, it will have to wait until race morning.

"Hi.  Nice to meet you.  Let's go get some medals!"


But First...

Unfortunately, before we actually sign up, we need a name.  Ugh.  That's a toughie.

Any ideas????

Thanks for reading. :)

Five Things That Running and Music Have In Common

I Sing

This has been a quiet week here on the blog.  I've been gearing up for my concert tonight.  I'm an alto in our community's semi-professional choir.  www.whiteheronchorale.org  Tonight is a special 35th anniversary concert, and I've spent several of my evenings this week volunteering at the office with some little details.  Not a bad reason to break from the blog, right?

Passion

I love to sing.  I love it.  I like running, yes, but I love singing.  If I'm not singing, it's because something's wrong.  Literally.  If a day goes by that I haven't sung in my office, at the workroom copier, or in my kitchen, something is up.  It's a sure sign that I've got a lot on my mind, or a serious case of the blues.

I can sing.  I'm not fabulous, but I can hold my own ok.  I'm fortunate to have a pretty decent voice, and some good genes that make music come fairly naturally to me.  But more importantly, I have music in my soul.  Yeah, I get that sounds cheesy, but if you are a musician, you know it's a pretty good descriptor.  If you're a runner, you can relate to the drive and passion and need to always have that one thing in your life that helps you feel like YOU.

With that in mind, on this day of an exciting concert for me, I'm inspired to make a quick list.  You know how I love lists.  :)

Five Things That Running and Music Have in Common

1) You have to want it.  Even if you are someone to whom it comes easily, you still have to put your soul into it to truly succeed.
2) You can share it, or keep it to yourself.  Some people are soloists.  Some people like ensembles.  Some people prefer to run alone.  Some people prefer group runs.
3) There's always room for improvement.  You can always run faster, meet a new personal best, go a greater distance.  There's always a more challenging piece, or a solo in the next concert, or a song you could write.
4) You have to do it for yourself, but those who love you will want to share it.  If you don't have the personal drive, you won't do it.  You are the one who has to get up early and lace up.  You are the one who has to sit at the piano and plunk notes.  But, those who truly love you will ache to share it with you.  They'll be at that finish line to share your tears of joy and accomplishment.  They'll be on their feet first for the standing ovation.  Your passion will be something some people will ache to get a piece of and share with you.
5) Hydration is indescribably important.  Speaking of which, I've gotta go drink some water.  :)


Thanks for reading!