Half-marathon or something shorter?

My husband and I have been planning on running the Go St. Louis Half-marathon in April ever since we finished our last 10k in October. Unfortunately, the winter months hit us both with injuries. He pulled his knee during a back spasm after one of our runs. Talk about bad luck. And I have suffered from shin splints on and off since I got back into running and ended up sitting out the month of January. You can read more about my shins, over-pronation and shoe choice here.
Anyway, we both have taken time off and haven’t been able to get in as many runs as we might have liked. Right now we have only 5 weeks before race weekend. We aren’t starting from scratch but we are way behind. As much as I’d like to go ahead and run the half-marathon, I’m not sure if we are up to it. It probably makes more sense to either run the 5k or the 10k, as frustrating as that is to say. I’m not calling it quits yet but it will really depend on how a long run goes this weekend. If 6 or so miles feels good this weekend I know that I can work with that. However, I haven’t made it past 4 since starting back up at the end of January (I also haven’t tried). My initial training plan had us planned for 30 mile weeks by this time but instead my average has been around 7. Thanks for that reminder, Strava (this is the running app I use to track my runs).

I’m having an inner debate of pushing myself to still run the half or resigning to working harder on my speed and aiming for a 5k PR. Haha, the thoughts of a runner. Anyone else dread speedwork as much as I do? Give me a ten mile run any day over 6 by 1 minute intervals. This weekend my husband has a few days off in a row so we will have the opportunity to see where our current fitness level is before we make a final decision.
 In the meantime, I’ve been finding some great deals on our everyday gear on Amazon. As the weather starts to warm up, I lose the convenience of all the extra pockets I have to carry my phone and inhaler. Though, if it’s anything like last year it will still be cold in April. Either way, this Spi Belt  is my “go-to” for carrying my phone. It stretches so I can fit both my phone and inhaler without a problem. It also zips closed; so I know that I’m not going to lose anything. I also love these compression socks. It’s like getting a hug for your shins and feet. And I can’t wait to order a pair of these sunglasses. Especially, since I just cracked one of my favorite pairs this week.
Fingers crossed for good weather for running this weekend. Which basically means anything that doesn’t involve lightning or black ice. However, the forecast is now calling for heavy snow. Not sure how that will go. I’ll write an update next week after I’ve put together a more formal training plan. Have a great weekend!

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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti is a great quick week night meal. Our family loves it. However, I’m not always a fan of the options for spaghetti sauce. I don’t like that I have to check all the labels. Too often sauces are loaded with added ingredients that aren’t necessary. I know that by making it at home I can cut down on a lot of the sugar and sodium. I decided to take the guess work out this week and make my own! My kids love my mom’s homemade lasagna (she makes her sauce) and I was hoping that they would love this too. I was so happy that it turned out to be super simple and totally kid approved.

CHUNKY VEGGIE SPAGHETTI SAUCE 

TIME: 40 MINUTES 
DIFFICULTY: EASY 
SERVINGS: 13 (SERVING SIZE IS 1/2 CUP)
NUTRITION: 62 CALORIES PER 1/2 CUP SERVING,  MACROS- 8G CARBS, 2G FAT, 2G PROTEIN 

INGREDIENTS:

2 TBSP OLIVE OIL
1 1/4 CUP CHOPPED ONION (5 OZ)
1 TBSP CHOPPED GARLIC
3 CUPS CHOPPED ZUCCHINI (9.2 OZ)
1 CUP CHOPPED MUSHROOMS (3 OZ)
2 CUPS CHOPPED YELLOW SQUASH (6.6 OZ)
1 LARGE CAN CRUSHED TOMATOES (28 OZ)
1 CUP WATER
5 TBSP TOMATO PASTE (81G)
1 TSP PURE CANE SUGAR
1/2 SALT
1/2 TSP BLACK PEPPER
2 TSP PARSLEY 
2 TSP OREGANO
1 TSP ONION POWDER
1 TSP GARLIC POWDER


DIRECTIONS:
Take a large pot and add the olive oil. Set to medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Begin to sauté. Once the onions begin to turn translucent add the zucchini, mushrooms, and yellow squash. Sauté for a few minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes. Add the tomato paste, water and spices (including salt and pepper). Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 30 minutes. If you prefer for your veggies to be really soft simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately or store in glass jars in fridge for up to one week.

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Preschool Favorites

Preschool Favorites 

I just wanted to share some of our current preschool favorites. We are loving school at home and trying out fun new ways to explore the world learning.

This letter construction kit is one of our favorites. It is a great way to work on the alphabet in a very hands on and tactile way.


We really love these sequence rummy cards as they are a great way to learn what comes first, second and third in a story line. What’s great is that the child can change the original sequence, if they change their story line to go along with it.


The reusable sticker pads are another fun way to take play and use it for a learning moment where your child can tell a different story each time depending on how they place the character stickers in each scene. The fairies are a big hit here, as my daughter loves Tinker Bell, so this is right up her alley.


The letter tracing is also a great way to begin learning how to write each letter. I have found that these workbooks are a lot of fun. My kids really like that there are stickers to put on each page letter page.


I like to use these board books for tracing letters as you can wipe them clean after each use. It’s also really nice that it allows the child to write both upper and lowercase letters.

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Sunday Style Series: Weekly Roundup #3

SUNDAY STYLE SERIES 
ROUNDUP #3

FEBRUARY 17 TO FEBRUARY 23

Happy Sunday! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Fingers crossed that the sun will actually peek out today. I had a great week putting together the winter running guide and cooking up some new recipes to share for upcoming Tuesdays! This week was pretty casual for me with lots of running gear. I look forward to finding more athlesiure clothing to share. I really like to share dual purpose pieces that are both functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. I want my leggings to be cute but I also want them to be squat proof. The embrace run capris that I share below, are great as they look amazing and work so well for running. The drawstring is what really sold me, as this helps ensure that my leggings aren’t going anywhere, even with a tough workout. I’ll be finding some more pieces like this to share for next week. Happy browsing!

Coat: Old (From a small shop in Bath, England): Similar here and here

Pants: Vera Wang Ultra Stretch Skinny Pants (on sale and extra 20% off thru Feb. 24)

Boots: Born very similar style and color here (Good reviews on Amazon)

Dry Shampoo: Herbal Essence Dry Shampoo

Headband: Champion. Similar here and here.

Tops: Half-zip from Go St. Louis Race - Greenlayer Find a plain one here.

Long Sleeve Tech Tee Champion Long Sleeve Soft Tee (This is my favorite).

Gloves: I have small hands so these are just basic kids gloves. Similar to these

Bottoms: Leggings Champion  Embrace Run Capri

Hoodie: Super old but similar color and good ratings on this one. I have one like this and I size up.

Lips: NYX Lipstick in Brooklyn Thorn and NYX lip liner in Nebula

Ring: Qalo I have the Style Peak in Pacific Opal. I absolutely love it. 

Jacket: Patagonia, similar Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

Shirt: Flannel Maurice’s similar here

Top: White long sleeve Maurice’s 24/7 tee

Cami: Forver 21

Jeans: Maurice’s  Jeggings 

Boots: Naturlizer Basha in Black Suede very similar is the Dawson Chelsea Black Suede Bootie. Naturlizer’s are so comfy. 

Top: Long sleeve tech tee in Ocean Front Blue (currently on sale for $12).

Leggings: Similar style here

Shoes: Nike Free Rn 2017 also 2018

 Headband: Champion Similar Fleece Headband with Ponytail Hole

Tech Hoodie: Mine is last season by Champion.  Here is a similar Champion Tech Fleece I also found a really cute Under Armour one.

Leggings: Embrace Run Capri

Shoes: ASICS Gel Nimbus 19

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Winter Running Essentials: What to Wear for Every Temperature

Happy February everyone! I can’t believe how quickly time seems to be flying. Anyway, now that I am back running, I love that I have all my running clothes neatly organized. I like being able to see each item I have. You can read about my adventures in organizing my clothes here. And with the weather we have been having, I’m glad I have both my shorts and tights out as the temperatures have been all over the place. Here in Missouri, I might be running in shorts one day and snow the next. It’s not uncommon for the temperature to switch 30 degrees in a day. Layering is a must with winter running, especially here. I wanted to share my current favorites and what I wear for different temperatures outside. I found it really confusing when I first started running in the winter and tried to figure out what to wear. I created this photo guide as it is something I wish I had had to reference when I started out. I am also only sharing items that I actually wear running and find to work well (similar linked items are items that I would wear).

Here are some of my favorite picks:

50 to 60 Degrees Fahrenheit 

(10 to 15 Celsius)

1. Long Sleeve Tech Tee Champion Long Sleeve T-Shirt

2. Shorts: Under Armour Shorty Shorts

3. Light Headband: Calia by Carrie Underwood similar style here 

and also more at Dick’s Sporting Goods

4. Running Shoes: ASICS Gel Nimbus 19

For reference I am 5’4 and wearing an extra-small in the tech tee and small in the shorts.

40 to 50 Degrees Fahrenheit 

(5 to 10 Celsius)

1. Thermal Tech Sweatshirt/Shirt: similar one Full Zip Fleece and Tech Fleece

2. Capri Tight: Champion Embrace Running Capri (These have a drawstring which I love as well as a back zip pocket, which is perfect for my inhaler).

3. Fleece Lined Headband: Similar Champion Headband in grey

4. Basic Gloves here and here

For reference I wear an extra-small in the hoodie and small in the capris.

1. Fleece Lined Headband Champion Headband

2. Water-resistant Windbreaker New Balance Windbreaker, Windcheater, NB Windcheater

3. Leggings/Running Tights Champion Embrace Running Legging

4. Tech Tank Top Badger Sportswear Tank

5. Basic Gloves Wild Fable Gloves

For reference, I wear a small in the leggings, tank and windbreaker. NB runs smaller.

30 to 40 Degrees Fahrenheit 

(-1 to 5 Celsius) 

1. Knit Hat with Fleece Lining Turtle Fur and CacheAlaska

2. Fleece Lined Shirt RBX Cowl Neck, Under Armour Cold Gear

3. Fleece Vest Columbia Fleece Vest

4. Leggings/Running Tights Champion Embrace Running Legging

5. Basic Gloves Wild Fable Gloves

For reference, I wear a small in the leggings, small in the RBX top and small in the Columbia vest. RBX runs smaller as this fits very close. Size up if you would want it looser.

1. Knit Hat with Fleece Lining Turtle Fur and CacheAlaska

2. Long Sleeve Tech Tee Champion Long Sleeve T-Shirt

3. Water-resistant Windbreaker New Balance Windbreaker, Windcheater, NB Windcheater

4. Thicker Leggings/ Running Tights Tek Gear Shapewear (if under 5’4 choose the petite option here)

5. Basic Gloves Wild Fable Gloves

For reference, I wear an extra-small in the long sleeve, small in the leggings and small in NB.

15 to 30 Degrees Fahrenheit 

(-10 to -1 Celsius)

1. Knit Hat with Fleece Lining Turtle Fur and CacheAlaska

2. Half-zip Pullover New Blance Half-Zip

3. Fleece Vest Columbia Fleece Vest

4. Water-resistant WindbreakerNew Balance Windbreaker Windcheater, NB Windcheater

5. Thicker Leggings/ Running Tights Tek Gear Shapewear (petite)

6. Basic Gloves Wild Fable Gloves

15 Degrees Fahrenheit and Below

(-10 Celsius and Below) 

1. Knit Hat with Fleece Lining Turtle Fur and CacheAlaska

2. Fleece Lined Tech Shirt RBX Cowl Neck, Under Armour Cold Gear

3. Fleece Vest Columbia Fleece Vest

4. Water-resistant Windbreaker New Balance Windbreaker, Windcheater, NB Windcheater

5. Fleece Lined Pants ( if  in single digits optional thin running tights underneath) Baleaf Running Thermal Pant

6. Basic Gloves Wild Fable Gloves

7. Knee High Long Socks Darn Tough Knee Highs and HiCool Ski Socks

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

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Steals, Deals & Finds #1

STEALS, DEALS & FINDS OF THE WEEK

                                                      

Long Sleeve Tech Tee

My favorite long sleeve tee is on sale for $12 comes in 4 

different colors. The light blue above, mauve, black and grey.

Tie Back Tank

How cute is this tie bank tank top! Comes in four colors; this peachy 

pink, light blue, grey and a blue/greymix. On sale for $15!

Gone for a Run Sweatshirt

New Find! This sweatshirt is so cute! Anyone else agree?

Gone for a Run T-Shirt

Coffee and running, two great things.

Full Zip Track Jacket
( I just tested this out on my run and was super impressed by how it held up to the wind. WInd is currently blowing 10-15 mph adding just under 10 degree windchill. 34 degrees Fahrenheit feels like 26).

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

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Tuesday Brunch: Biscuits and Eggs

Hands down. These are my favorite biscuits. Ever. I will forgo my gluten-free diet to have one of these. This is the first recipe I ever memorized and I remember making it for all my housemates when I studied abroad in Cambridge, England. It was nice being able to make something to share that I loved having at home. It is a simple recipe that you can easily throw together to go with a weeknight meal. My mom used to always make them with Tuna Casserole (another one of my favorites). The baking powder biscuit recipe originates from a cookbook my mom received as a gift when she was first working in Wausau, Wisconsin. This recipe has gone all over the world with us and I am now sharing it with my kids. A huge thank you to the wives of the volunteer fire department in Edgar, Wisconsin for compiling the book and to Germaine Zweck for creating the fabulous original. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years and made it my own. It has really evolved as I have made it more and more without the original recipe. Can’t wait to see what you think. Enjoy!

-BAKING POWDER BISCUITS-

YIELDS: 11 BISCUITS 
DIFFICULTY: EASY 
TIME: 15-20 MIN
NUTRITION: 129 CALORIES PER SERVING, MACROS 17G CARBS, 5G FAT, 3G PROTIEN 

INGREDIENTS:

2 CUPS FLOUR
1 TBSP BAKING POWDER
1 PINCH SALT ( APRROX. 1/4 TSP)
1/4 CUP CANOLA OIL
2/3 CUP UNSWEETEND ALMOND MILK OR PLAIN SOY MILK (DON’T USE VANILLA)

DIRECTIONS:

IN A LARGE MIXING BOWL ADD THE FLOUR, BAKING POWDER AND SALT. MIX LIGHTLY WITH A FORK TO DISTRIBUTE THE BAKING POWDER AND SALT EVENLY. ADD THE OIL AND PLANT MILK. MIX TOGETHER. ONCE A DOUGH STARTS TO FORM USE HANDS TO KNEAD THE DOUGH TOGETHER AND FORM A BALL. DIVIDE THE DOUGH EVENLY INTO 10- 12 PIECES. PLACE THE DIVIDED DOUGH ONTO AN UNGREASED COOKING SHEET. BAKE AT 425 DEGREES FOR 12-14 MINUTES OR UNTIL THE TOPS BEGIN TO TURN GOLDEN BROWN. REMOVE FROM OVEN PROMPTLY AND SERVE IMMEDIATELY. 

Today I served the biscuits with a cheesy egg skillet dish and the kids loved it. My son loved that I cut the eggs out in the shape of “pizza.” He called it a “cheesy egg pizza.” It worked perfectly to make this while I made the biscuits this morning. I was able to finish the eggs in the oven after I took the biscuits out. In the few minutes it took to finish the eggs in the oven, the biscuits cooled just enough to eat. A great addition to our brunch. Or in the case of my children, second breakfast. They like to eat as soon as they get up, whereas I prefer to slowly drink my coffee and take my time. Usually, by the time I am ready to eat they are ready to eat again. Hope you enjoy these as much as we did!

-CHEESY EGG SKILLET-

SERVES: 4
DIFFICULTY: EASY
TIME: 10 MIN
NUTRITION: 150 CALORIES PER SERVING, MACROS 4G CARBS, 10G FAT, 11G PROTEIN


INGREDIENTS:

6 BROWN EGGS ( I USE CAGE FREE AND VEGETARIAN FED)
6 TBSP PLANT MILK (DON’T USE VANILLA)
1/4 CUP NON-DAIRY CHEESE
OLIVE OIL SPRAY


DIRECTIONS:

PREHEAT YOU OVEN TO 425 DEGREEES. SPRAY A LARGE CAST IRON SKILLET WITH OLIVE OIL SPRAY. HEAT PAN ON MEDIUM HEAT.IN A MEDIUM BOWL CRACK ALL SIX EGGS AND ADD THE MILK TO THE EGGS. BEAT THE MILK AND EGGS UNTIL INCORPORATED. POUR THE EGG MIXTURE INTO THE HOT PAN. LET EGGS BEGIN TO COOK. PERIODICALLY, USE SPATULA TO LIGHTLY LIFT EDGES TO ALLOW THE LIQUID TO SEEP THROUGH. COOK FOR ABOUT 5-7 MIN OR UNTIL BOTTOM OF EGGS BEGIN TO SET. SPRINKLE CHEESE ON TOP OF EGGS AND FINISH IN OVEN FOR 2-3 MINUTES OR UTNIL CHEESE IS MELTED AND EGGS ARE THROUGHLY COOKED.

Sunday Style Series: Weekly Roundup #2

Sunday Series Roundup Two

Good morning and happy Sunday! Hope everyone had a great week! I had a funky one with the weather. One day it was 61 degrees and I was running in 3/4 length top and the next day I needed my parka and snow boots. Talk about a wardrobe change. As my pics show this week, I absolutely can’t get enough of this striped knit top from Target. It is so soft and comfy. I am really leaning towards getting it in pink too! I’m also super excited that I finally found a chambray shirt that is long enough to wear with leggings. It does fit oversized and I’m wearing an XS for reference. And don’t forget the spend $40 get $10 off sale at Target on clothing, shoes and accessories until 2/18 (linked below). Such a great deal; don’t pass it up. Fingers crossed that the weather calms down here. I love wearing my boots and coats but part of me is really wishing for the trail to dry up so I can get back out for a run. I did go once this week and it was awful. The ground was so soft and muddy that my husband and I kept sinking, especially with pushing the jogging strollers. Though on a positive note, it was definitely a hard core resistance workout. Anyway, it was a great week, muddy trails and all. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Top: Target, A New Day Long Sleeve Cozy Knit Top

Jeans: Old Navy, The Power Jean in dark wash

Boots: Bearpaw Serena Suede Snowboots

Jacket: American Eagle, old- You can find a similar one here.

Lipstick: NYX in Coral Mist

Heart Decor: Target, old similar here

Ride or Die Favorite Dry Shampoo: Herbal Essence Bio Renew White Grapefruit and Mosa Mint

For those outside the US Dry Shampoo Grapefruit and Mosa Mint

Tech Hoodie: Champion similar styles here and here.

Leggings: Active Essentials Rainbeau similar style here.

Shoes: Nike Free Rn 2017 Black and Grey and Black and White and 2018 2018 model

Bag: Coach similar style here.

Sweater: Aeropostale Old Similar Style here

Tank: SO at Kohl’s Similar style this season but it’s more faded.

Lipstick: NYX in Kitten Heels

Top: Chambray Tunic A New Day at Target

Leggings: Tek Gear Shapewear leggins in Black at Kohls

Sunglasses: Target similar here and here

Shoes: Old Similar style here

Lipstick: NYX in Kitten Heels

Sports Bra: Adidias exact here and similar style here

Leggings: Tek Gear Shapewear Workout Leggins iat Kohls

Shoes: Asiscs Gel Nimbus 19

Lipstick: NYX in Kitten Heels

Tops: A New Day at Target Chambray Tunic and Striped Knit Top

Lips: Defy & Inspire in Day Dreamer,  link to the color Checkmate, which is the closest in shade ( Day Dreamer was in store).

*Disclaimer: Thank you for supporting Strength in Strides:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

As a Target affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

As a Kohl’s affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Spend $40, save $10 on clothing, shoes & accessories for the family. Valid 2/10-2/18.

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