No clear verdict on my shoes ... but new recipes!

We all know that I have issues with the treadmill - so I have not been able to assess the new shoes. I am planning to run this weekend outside so then I can make my final choice within my 2 week window to exchange them.

When I ran in them on Tuesday I had different aches then usual but who knows.

On to more exciting things. To go along with my love for Under Armour - look at this polo I scored at work. The polos are these. The good part is that I can wear it to golf also ... although I only golfed 2 times last summer since our weekends usually were taken up by our long run.

On Tuesday I made one of my best stir frys if I say so my self.  I found a new noodle and it was awesome. They are called Soba Noodles and I actually was able to find them at Wal-Mart.  They pack a good amount of protein for a noodle and the 2 oz serving actually was more filling them other things we have had stir fry over.  I marinated 1/2 a pound (for two people) of some sliced up beef in some Low Sodium Stir Fry sauce over night. I stir fried the meat  for about 3-4 minutes and then added about 1/4 cup of stir fry sauce and about 1/8 cup of soy sauce. I added 1/2 a can of water chestnuts and about a tablespoon sesame seeds and a sprinkle of some ground ginger.  I use these vegetables for stir fry and put them until they are cooked. Meanwhile the noodles cook 3 minutes and then I threw them into the pan with the meat and the sauce.  It came out very tasty and I didn't do the exact math but I know it was fairly low on the calories for such a filling/quick dinner (200 for noodles, 75 for veggies, 50 for sauce, 150 meat = 475). 

Then two days later, I followed Skinny Taste's recipe for a Crock Pot Bolognese. This also came out really good - I substituted Basil for the Parsley and I also added an 8 oz can of tomato sauce to have a saucy-er consistency. 

So, not much running but I did do some good eating and used fairly healthy recipes all week!

A Girls Dream - New Shoes

So while this weekend has not lent it self to a lot of running, I did get new shoes! I decided to take the running day off because my feet were still bothering me some, and well I am not really training for anything right now, so I aside from wanting to lose some weight I wasn't worried about a missed run.


I have been running in Mizuno Wave Inspire 6 and was quite happy with them until within the last month I could tell it was new shoe time.

I went to Charm City Run, one of two running stores I have gotten shoes at.  These previous shoes had an even wear pattern, so they were definitely much better than the shoes I had before those.

I tried on 3 pairs of shoes. 

The first pair was the Saucony ProGrid Omni 10.

I did not like how these felt on my feet at all - they were out even before trying on two more.

The second pair of shoes I tried on were the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12.

These felt good on the feet - my feet and arch seemed well supported.

Lastly, I tried on this year's version of what I already owned, Mizuno Wave Inspire 8.

I also liked how these felt - they were what I already had.

I took the 2nd and 3rd shoe for a spin round the parking lot to see which one I liked better. I had a really hard time deciding but picked the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12. I liked how my foot felt more supported. Hopefully I made the right choice as this is only my second pair of real running shoes that I have been fitted for. If not, then at least I know for the future!

Last nights crock pot dinner came out amazing. I made the Chicken Taco Recipe from Skinny Taste. The yes thing is that it was done when I got home from work.  My husband ate it soft taco style and I had it over more of a taco salad base. Both were good. The blogger served it over rice and that would be quite tasty too.

Here is mine -

Butter and Yoga?

So on Tuesday I did intervals at the gym and my feet and ankles have felt miserable since.  The treadmill is still giving me fits and last week was actually going well and Tuesday I ran with cinder block feet again and I think that is why my feet are bothering me since they were just sort of smacking the treadmill. I opted to skip cardio/running today and took a 1 hour yoga class (best part, its at work). Our work is pretty awesome and has things like a weekly yoga class right in the building.

So on the way home, what do I smell? Butter! Now - that would be weird, except for the fact I pass McCormick on a daily basis. So it fairly regularly smells like butter and pepper in the air. That got me to thinking, hey that is pretty cool that such a large company is so local. Although, I think one could agree that spices shouldn't be $5 for a little jar.  Then, a few miles more down the road on the way home from work, I pass by Kevin Plank's (founder of Under Armour) property as I see it sit up on top of the hill with amazing land surrounding. Might as well get it out there, but I think one could say that fellow blogger Kelly (Fit for Life Wife) and I love Under Armour.

Here are some photos I found online on the Washington Post.

I tried to take my own but it never came out right .....

I think that is my favorite part of running the UA Baltimore Running Festival. To me, the event has such a great hometown presence. I love the excitement on race day, I love the people outside there homes along the course cheering you on, I love people giving you high fives along the way, and how many people actually thank the police that help facilitate the event.  Oh and I love running through Camden Yards. I look forward to it every year, and every year I complain about the hills and wonder why I do it!

I will be doing the Sole of the City 10k in April and I am pretty excited (crosses fingers for no rain). The premium is Black Under Armour Escape Lightweight Quarter Zip. Here is the description:

"You want a fun, fast and scenic downtown course through Charm City? Check. 

You want food, a few drinks, and good times with friends and family after the race? Yup, got 'em, and done. 

You want a great race premium and bragging rights that you ran the newest event on the spring racing scene? Well-- that part is up to you-- be we've got the goods. "

Now, I am sitting on the couch with my achy feet in a bath of warm Epsom salt water. That always makes them feel better.

I will be looking for new running shoes this weekend! So look for a post this weekend.