Running at Rancho La Puerta!

I have experienced the most magical place and I HAVE to share it with you! What would you say if you could visit a place with 4,000 acres of running and hiking trails, mountains, an obstacle course, an organic farm, multiple pools, multiple fitness facilities and a spa? If you're like me, you say, "Count me in!" THAT is Rancho La Puerta.

What initially drew me to The Ranch was the running clinic. I have been a runner for well over a decade and I've never had a coach run with me, video tape my stride AND help me be more efficient with both my running and my stretching. This alone was a FABULOUS experience for me!

There is a 5 mile obstacle course that I HAD to try! (Full disclosure: I have never done an obstacle course before.) What I loved about it was, it wasn't a race. It was about finishing. EVERYONE who finished was a winner. The support and the course were fantastic.

One would think that running paths, and hiking trails as well as an obstacle course would be enough for the perfect vacation, but that just scratches the surface. When you visit The Ranch, you are transformed by the food. It is spa cuisine that LITERALLY transforms your body. I have never enjoyed food SO much in my entire life. Veggies, fruits, grains, spices ALL perfection.

Every inch of the grounds is perfection.

I have never seen so many fitness class options in one place in my life. It truly is a mind-body-spiritual experience. I tried an aerial yoga class. SO fun!

BUT I didn't stop there. I had a full menu of classes from yoga, to Pilates, to water classes, racket sports, cardio, dance, flexibility, to meditation offerings.

I am a firm believer in stepping outside the box when given the chance, so I took a chanting class AND a sound healing class. Both were amazing. Yes, I am looking for a chanting class back home. I want to continue with it! Mindfulness and meditation are essential and I love exploring new ways for myself to balance.

I did find a moment to sit by the pool. It has been a LONG time since this mom had a moment to herself to chill poolside and I cherished EVERY minute!

I have always prided myself as an urban runner, but I have to tell you, I LOVE running trails! The wildlife, the mountains, the greenery. It's running perfection not to be missed.

I will most certainly find my way back to Rancho La Puerta. There were SO many other classes I wanted to check out. If you're interested in an all inclusive experience with a running program, check them out on their website and on Instagram!

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Running In Color

I was in a Tabata class yesterday, and I noticed that EVERYONE was wearing black leggings. Well, everyone but me.

I'm done with boring black leggings. If I can't inject a little sass into my running pants, where can I? These are from Lotus Leggings AND they are not only fun, I love the thickness, the high waist AND they actually stay up. There's nothing I hate more than having to pull up my leggings during a run. Just NO.

The good folks at Lotus Leggings have given me a discount code for 50% off YES FIFTY PERCENT OFF of your purchase. I'm not an affiliate, just excited to share an awesome deal with you. SO get shopping and inject some color into your workout! Use the code FOCynthia at checkout.

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The Best Bodysuit EVER!

I am in love with the Namaste Bodysuit from Gravity Athletica!

 This isn't a sponsored post and I'm not getting an affiliate from it. Just sharing something I love.

I feel like a ninja when I wear it. The fabric is fabulous, it's sleek and it goes with EVERYTHING I own. I even took a run in it. Perfection.

PLUS, the back ... LOVE!

Go check them out here and be sure to visit them on Instagram as well. Now excuse me while I meditate on some warmer weather ;)

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The Miami Marathon

It was not the race I wanted. After doing 9 marathons, I've come to the conclusion that you can't plan for everything. There's always something you can't control.

The Miami Marathon was a great race. It's a great course. As a first timer in Miami, it's a FANTASTIC city. I explored it for 4 days and I LOVED it. This will probably be the last time I train cold and run hot. I've done it twice now, and I just don't think you can prepare your body for Florida humidity, 75 degrees and sunny and the wind coming off the coast, in a 10 degree Chicago winter.

I knew by mile 10 that my body wasn't processing electrolytes. I was covered in salt from sweating and I didn't feel right. I have NEVER wanted to turn out at the half marathon mark SO much. I had another half to go and the wheels were coming off the wagon. At mile 15, I looked down at my hands. This is where I knew I was in trouble. They were swollen up. My fingers looked like hot dogs. This had never happened to me and I had no idea what to do. BUT, I didn't panic.

I said to myself ... "Look, you have never quit on a race and you're not quitting on this one." SO, I just broke it down mile by mile. At 16, I said, "OK, I'm coming for you mile 17." At mile 17, I focused on the 18 mile sign. One mile at a time, one step at a time. It wasn't fast ... and it wasn't pretty, but I never gave up. Is it crazy that I'm looking for a cold weather marathon to do in the next couple of months? I still have a good time in me, I just need the right conditions!

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More Fun

I've decided if I'm going to make the Miami Marathon work, I need to inject more fun into my workouts.

It's not clear to me what that means or what that looks like, but after this weekend's brutal 12 miler, it has to happen. I have a long training season ahead. Sure would be nice to have some fun along the way, don't you think?

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I Have a Date!

The Miami Marathon and I are officially a thing. My best friend from 1st grade visited me and said, "Wheeler, we gotta do this!"

Running a marathon is not an easy thing. I took a couple days to think it over and I just knew it was the right thing at the right time. I also knew I had to make changes. This time, strength training had to be front and center.

SO...this. If you need me ... I'll be training.

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My Favorite Running Leggings

I'm guilty. Athleisure is all I wear. I am a runner, and a freelance designer. This means I am ALWAYS in running gear. My work is TOTALLY virtual. Now I'm going to cut to the chase... The Misty Copeland Collection from Under Armour, I am in LOVE. LOVE!

I tried on the UA Opening Night Printed Studio Legging and OMG, SMOOTH as butter. (Said in my best Coffee Talk accent.) I literally want to wear them every day. I'll give you they are a bit pricey, but #SoWorthIt. I find the cheaper leggings fall apart and loose their shape quickly. #NotThese

I also bought the grey Show Stopper sweatshirt and it is my new goto. I think I might have to go back and pick it up in navy too. Yes, it's that comfortable.

I want to make sure you know, this is NOT a sponsored post. UA does not know I'm writing this. When I find something I love, especially in the running arena, I have to share. SO check them out. You'll love it too! Now...what to buy next...

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Cold Weather Running WIth The North Face #TNFLocals

I've been running in Chicago ... year round ... for a while. Everybody always asks me, "How do you run on those days when it's FREEZING?"

That's really an easy question, it all comes down to having the right gear. If you dress for it, you can go out in any weather. I just happened to have gotten some new winter running gear from The North Face that I wanted to share with you!

I took the women's Isotherm Jacket out for a spin today. SO nice! It's lightweight, warm AND it's wind and water resistant which is a HUGE plus.

I also really loved the fit. Everyone who knows me knows, I am in gear all the time. This jacket is going to get a lot of wear.

From the moment I put on the Motus Tights, I was IN LOVE. They are literally THE most comfortable running pants I have ever worn. That's saying a lot, because it's basically ALL I wear. Everything has been thought over with these tights. I especially love the smooth waistband and stretch.

I've been running in the women's Ultra Endurance shoes for over a year new. I love them and could not be more excited about getting my second pair. I've gone around the moon and back with running shoes. I have narrow feet and high arches and these fit Like. A. Glove. Love 'em!

This is my fourth pair of North Face shoes and I can tell you, they last forever and hold up in mud, rain, snow, ice...

...the treads serve me well all year.

I have been a member of The North Face Locals for over a year. I do receive free gear, BUT I am not compensated in any way for my sharing opinions. I truly love The North Face and love sharing with you what's working for me. SO get out there and enjoy your world, don't let the weather stop you!

P.S. if you want to see ALL the gear, check out my FB Live unboxing.

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Obsessed with movement of water...

That's not entirely true. I've actually become quite interested in freezing it. I took this shot today on my run.

Yes, I take them with my phone. Yes, I edit on my phone. These days, when I run, I'm thinking..."Where is my picture." These waves weren't very big, but in this one corner, they were crashing up. I stood, and waited. There was actually a woman runner behind me, laying on her back, trying to get the perfect shot of the Hancock Building. I was the annoying girl in her way. While I love the sky in this and the fade out color and the ferris wheel in the distance, it's this that I love looking at...

 It looks like glass. I've been looking at it on my phone, all day. Soooo...that...

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Just keep running...

I've become a bit obsessed with photographing waves on the lakefront. Don't know why...but I can't get enough of it.

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On a roller coaster

True to Chicago form, the weather in Chicago has been a bit bonkers. I took this on a run a couple days ago...then I took this...

yesterday.

Last winter, after the marathon, I quit running all together. I just couldn't bring myself to get out in that bitter cold. This winter...I'll be ready.

Bring on the Polar Vortex...I'll be that crazy woman running in it!

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Really, USA Speedskaters...Really?!

I am just a teeny tiny recreational Marathon runner. I'm not going to win any Olympic medals. I'm not going to break any records...

But...I know one thing. Never, NEVER try something NEW on RACE DAY. I know it, the guy who heads up my running group knows it. So WHY doesn't the USA Olympic speed skating team know it?!

How can it be that they are blaming their new Under Armour speed suits for their less than stellar performance in the Sochi Olympics so far?

I watched Dan Jansen talking about it last night, and he confirmed that this is the first time they have competed in the suits. The FIRST time! This sounds CRAZY to me! If you trained FOUR YEARS for this one moment in time, WHY would you wear a suit you have never competed in?! I have got to be missing a piece of this story.

PFFFT!

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Not the race I wanted...

...but it was the race I got.

It wasn't horrible, it just wasn't as good as my 20 miler. The 20 miler went. SO. WELL.

I hit mile 17, and I knew I had a blister on my toe the size of a grape. My abs hurt. Why did my abs hurt? I really thought I had done enough core...apparently, that was not the case:/

To top it off, the knee pain I hadn't had all season, came back. Thanks for nuthin'.

I kept telling myself..."keep moving forward", "keep moving forward". I was walking through the water stations at this point, but walking fast. The only way to get off this course was moving forward.

Dang it, by the end I was closer to a 13 min. mile than my 10 min. mile pace. I had gone out too fast, and I knew it. I clocked in a couple 9 min. miles, and I know better than that. I ran an awesome first half.

SO...I ran a 4:43. Not my best, not my worst. Do I want to do this again? I'm not sure...thinking perhaps a Disney run in my future...

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Runners to the starting line...

 I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #MyMarianos #CollectiveBias

As I was running my 9 miles (we are now in the taper) down to Mariano's Lakeshore East for the final nutrition seminar before the Marathon, I was a little sad.

I'm coming to the end of this journey. I've really enjoyed all the early morning runs....even last week's 20 miler. (That's a long way to run ya'll!)

No matter how much I love Mariano's, and no matter how many stores they open...Mariano's Lakeshore East is a gem. The view from the patio at this store is something I will never get tired of. My son makes me promise that some day we will live down here...and I hope someday we will! It's just so cool and urban.

The folks at Mariano's were hard at work preparing tastings of some of the great recipes you'll find on their Mariano's Wellness page Marathon Nutrition Guide. We are now in the taper nutrition phase. Up to now, we have been fueling our bodies for the miles it runs…so, less mileage = less fuel needed. This is not a green light to begin skipping meals, but instead taper your nutrition:

• Scale back on the portion sizes. 
• Decrease the frequency of feedings such as eliminating that
  mid-morning snack, but don’t skip breakfast. 
• Remain hydrated so the urine is clear to pale yellow. 
• Gradually reduce intake of potentially dehydrating items –
  alcohol, caffeine, etc.
• Manage your stress to avoid unconscious eating that might derail all your
  good intentions & hard work.

 Today, we were sampling the Lowfat Greek Yogurt Scones, and the Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. Both were extremely tasty! You can find the recipes in the Week 15 section of the Nutrition Training Program.

After two helpings of breakfast, I listened the last tips from Andrea Rudser-Rusin on race day preparation. Since I have been honing my pre race prep all summer, I think I'm on the right page on this. Eat what ever has been working for you all season before the race. Whatever meal, you have been eating before your long runs is what you should stick with for the Marathon.

I think I am as ready as I can be. My 20 miler went really well. That said, any way you slice it, adding another 6.2 miles to it is a big deal. I've done everything I can do...now it's all about hoping the weather is my friend on race day. Gah...I'm nervous and excited...and I'll be really happy to see Mariano's at the finish line!

For more on Mariano's and the Chicago Marathon, you can check them out on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out my Google+ gallery!

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One of many long runs...

 I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #MyMarianos #CollectiveBias

When you sign on to run a marathon, you have given all your Saturdays between May and October to the. long. run.

I beat the sun on my way down to Mariano's Lakeshore East to meet CARA for my 13 mile run. That is early folks!

Strangely enough, I don't mind it. No matter how many times I've been to the park in front of Mariano's Lakeshore East, I always look up, and wonder what it would be like to live in this little pocket of perfection in the heart of Chicago.

As you can see, I was not the only runner up with the sun. CARA gets a HUGE turn out. If you can see the guy holding up the sign, he's one of the pacers for the long run. They have fast folks running 8:00 - 8:30 min miles all the way to around 12:00 min miles. I stuck with this guy at the 10:00 min pace. Although, I think we were doing closer to 9:45's. The dude was cooking!

I am stubborn as a mule, so once we started out, I honed in on the pacer and would. not. let. go. It was a tough run. There was a nice breeze so it wasn't too hot, but it was thick, and I was sweating a lot. This always makes me nauseous as I get deep into the distance, and it's a problem for me. I'm hoping at the seminar after the run, they will address this.

I chugged along, and finished my 13 miles. It wasn't pretty, I bruised my big toe, and got a HUGE blister on my foot. (No one ever said marathoning was pretty.) The bigger picture, I got my distance in. Yay me!

Now, I get to check out the recovery protein Mariano's has in store for us! There is nothing better than a cool strawberry smoothie after a long run. (I had three!)

I have every intention of trying these recipes out at home, even when I'm not training, because they are REALLY good. The banana bread made me very happy. You can find these recipes, along with helpful tips, on Mariano's Facebook page. If you attend the next running seminar (Sep. 7 at 10:00 a.m.), they have them in print as well.

I got my grub, after stretching out of course, and sat down to hear what Andrea Rudser-Rusin had to teach us. She is a sports dietitian, and a certified trainer with SportsWise Nutrition and Consulting LLC. Bottom line, she knows her stuff.

She told us about electrolytes, and the importance of replenishing them throughout your training. I've never been so good with Gatorade, which is what is on The Chicago Marathon course (always find out what is available on the course). Andrea mentioned electrolyte capsules, which I'm going to check out.

Training your "gut" is important, and that's what I'm doing now. I have a plate of angel hair pasta with light tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and some Parmesan cheese and a large glass of water the night before the long runs. This is doing me right, so I'm going to stick with it. I've been doing one piece of toast for breakfast and a cup of tea, and I have to beef that up. This weekend, I'm testing out a peanut butter bagel before my 15 miler, and we'll see how that goes.

Mariano's is a sponsor of The Chicago Marathon. If you want to keep up with all things Mariano's and the marathon, you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out my Google+ gallery for more pictures from my 13 miler, and seminar!

If you want to keep up with all things Mariano's and the Marathon, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out my Google+ gallery for more pictures of the event. - See more at: http://www.napwarden.com/#sthash.R6NlSbUp.dpuf

If you want to keep up with all things Mariano's and the Marathon, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out my Google+ gallery for more pictures of the event. - See more at: http://www.napwarden.com/#sthash.R6NlSbUp.dpuf

Mariano's is a sponsor of The Chicago Marathon. That means they will be providing food for the 45,000-ish runners at the finish line - See more at: http://www.napwarden.com/#sthash.R6NlSbUp.dpuf

Mariano's is a sponsor of The Chicago Marathon. That means they will be providing food for the 45,000-ish runners at the finish line - See more at: http://www.napwarden.com/#sthash.R6NlSbUp.dpuf

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Protien=Recovery at Mariano's!

 I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #MyMarianos #CollectiveBias

Mariano's is a sponsor of The Chicago Marathon. That means they will be providing food for the 45,000-ish runners at the finish line. Instead of just fueling us for the finish, they are also having seminars to help us distance addicts better fuel our training. Which I desperately need.

If you remember correctly, when I ran St. George Marathon, I thought all the pieces of the puzzle were there. I cross trained, I ran with a really fast group of runners, I put in my miles, and I thought I had done enough. Between you, me and the door, I've never paid enough attention to the foods I eat, so I was happy to attend a nutrition seminar after a run and learn a bit about running, my body, and how it all fits together.

Before I get into some tidbits of what I learned, can I just say Oh. My. View. Batman!

This is the view from Mariano's Lakeshore East's patio! It is absolutely lovely. I have never been to this Mariano's, and it makes me wish I lived in a high rise downtown. (Yes, it was a dreary day for a run, and it killed me not to pop these pics up in Photoshop, but I didn't, and forgive me but after my run, all I had was my phone for pics.) Anyways, I'm off on a tangent. Mariano's Lakeshore East=super cool urban shopping experience. Moving on...

After putting down 8 miles on Saturday Morning (with CARA, check them out...excellent programs for running) Mariano's hosted this seminar.

There was a really good turn out of runners, and we all listened up, as we chowed down. First, Katie Marchetti from Chicago Diabetes Project spoke to us. ( They are Mariano's charity team partner, and I believe you can still sign up for the Marathon through them)

Then, it was on to nutrition. The topic of the day was recovery foods. Proteins help your body recover faster from exercise. That means eating something like peanut butter on a bagel, or yogurt with fruit, trail mix with nuts...the old standard banana, helps your muscles recover faster.

The thing to keep in mind with this is to consume your protein within 30-60 minutes after your long run. There is nifty handout that was provided, and if you want to check it out, it's on the Mariano's Facebook Page. All the seminar tips are in it, as well as some really great recipes like California Strawberry Coconut Pick Me Up (YUM), and Sugar and Spice Trail Mix (AGAIN YUM).

Mariano's will be hosting more of these seminars as training season moves along, and I'll be there. I am really looking forward to hearing about foods that can help you through "the wall", and they will have all kinds of great recipes to share! If there is a food that can get me past mile 20, I'm in! The other seminars are 7/13 (8:30 a.m.), 8/3 (9a.m.) and 9/7 (10 a.m.) and all events are at Mariano's Lakeshore East.

If you want to keep up with all things Mariano's and the Marathon, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out my Google+ gallery for more pictures of the event.

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Confirmed

Yes. I am running the 2013 Chicago Marathon. No exclamation point at the end of that sentence for now. I haven't been running...until now.

Everyone says: "Oh Cindy, you'll be fine, you're in great shape."

Between you, me, and the blog, I am NOT in great shape. I've been working nonstop, which means sitting on my bootay on my computer. I haven't been running. at. all.

I'll be OK. I've been doing very easy three milers. I'm also trying to space out my runs, two days on, one day off. If it's a two day, I'll do one in the morning, and then the next day, late afternoon so my legs get to rest. I know they're short runs right now, but I just have to get my body back into the groove of running.

I'm also going to practice my selfies...I promise...there is a city behind all that fog;)

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