Polar Plunge Recap

This past Saturday I participated in a Polar Bear Plunge to help raise money for Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.  If you missed the post about this event, you can catch it here.  Our school put in a team and with some major peer pressure including encouragement from students, I finally said "yes" to this ridiculous and crazy event about three days prior.  This year their goal was to raise $65,000 however their success was overwhelming and they raised $80,000!  

To begin the day, I ventured out for a five mile run from my parents' house.  Here I am with their spoiled dog.  He definitely has the life....

After running and a quick shower, I headed on down to the festivities to join my team...The Shivering Sharks.

One of the parents from another classroom volunteered to make chili to keep us warm while we were waiting for the plunge.  They own a catering company somewhere in the area and their chili was outstanding!  
 

This was the scene of the event...a spot along the Delaware River and you can see New Jersey over there on the other side.  They had two tents which were heated...one for women and one for men.  Right after the dip in the Delaware, plungers could run in there and change quickly out of their wet clothes.  I didn't realize it at the time, but those tents were REALLY necessary!

A view of the river...

My two buddies on the fourth grade team...Givon and Shawn...

Dunkin Donuts was a sponsor {which was key} and many took advantage of the mini cups of free coffee they were handing out to the crowd.

Fred came out to support us.  He was a man that wore many hats that day...cheerleader, photographer and valuable/cell phone handler.  Good thing he came!

Even the "Easton Assassin" Larry Holmes and retired NBA player Darryl Dawkins were on hand to give a word or two of encouragement and greet the crowd.  They roamed around all morning chatting with plungers and Special Olympians.   

Here's our team before we made our way down to the water.  I had butterflies in my stomach, similar to those I get before a race.  Too weird...

Waiting for our turn!

One last photo op...the calm before the storm!

If you look closely, I am on the left of each picture in the red sweatshirt and pink boots.  I thought I was being pretty slick wearing rainboots because I only wanted to go in to my ankles.  However, once I got in I waded in to my knees and the boots filled with water.  Definitely a poor decision on my part and I will reconsider my choice of footwear next year.   

Here I am running to that heated tent.  Holy smokes...my feet hurt!  After exiting the water, the pain hit and my feet could barely move.  I can't imagine what it would feel like to fall in icy cold water and not have a way out.  Some said that once they got in and began to head back out, they had difficulty moving their muscles because it was so cold.  Crazy!  Also...check out Jenna's face {the one in the red ahead of me}! 

Once we were all changed and warm, we made our way up this staircase to our cheering section. 

For me, it definitely was an experience.  Even though I didn't go in the water too far, I put myself WAY out of my comfort zone but it was all for a good cause.    

I want to thank all of the people who sponsored me {and trusted that I would actually attempt putting my big toe in the water}.  We are already talking about doing this again next year so I guess I have to start getting myself motivated.  I don't think it will be all that hard.  Maybe I'll even go in up to my waist?  We shall see.  Only time will tell...  

Sunday Run and Brunch Date

Ahhh....Sunday relaxation.  I love it.  Right now I am sitting here in my living room with my family watching football and drinking hot tea.  So far I had a great day and it keeps on getting better because I have a spinach lasagna in the oven and trail mix brown rice krispie treats for dessert {recipe later in the week}.  

This morning I started my day with a ten mile run with a few of the girls from the Moravain team.  Following, we did some hurdle mobility drills and core work.  I always tend to get aches and pains in my hip area due to tight IT bands/hip flexors and the drills felt really good.  

Following my workout I met my friend Jeannine at a rather new restaurant in downtown Easton called Maxin's 22.  We met there once before for a happy hour and this time it was just as good.  Here we are smiling for my camera at an awkward angle... 



I started out with a mimosa, the perfect way to celebrate a good run and brunch with a friend.  

 The bar had quite the beer selection...check out the list!

For our meal, we both ordered the berry crepes and a side of crispy bacon to share.  The crepes were heavenly...not too sweet or filling.  The homemade whipped cream was the perfect topper to an even more perfect meal.  

I love being able to spend time with girlfriends, especially Jeannine.  It's a rarity for me, but I look forward to it every time.  Enjoy your Sunday!

 

Polar Bear Plunge & Via Marathon

TGIF, everyone!  In lieu of my usual Friday Loving Lately  post, I thought I would share a little bit about what I am doing this weekend with a few colleagues from work.  At approximately 1:00 pm, you can think of me while I plunge into the icy, cold waters of the Delaware River for a quip dip, or more likely, a very fast run in and back out into the warmth of my Uggs.  

Why, do you ask?  I am one of many {like over 3,000 many} to take the Polar Bear Plunge to support the benefits of Special Olympics.  This “Plunge” is a fundraising opportunity for people in the community to raise money and gather donations for Special Olympics of  Pennsylvania, the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics benefits thousands of adults and children by helping them improve physical fitness and motor skills.  The organization also helps their members gain confidence and obtain a more positive self-image through their year-round trainings and competitions.  All of this is at no cost to them or their families.

My team plans to arrive early to register with lots of hot beverages and food in tow.  Shawn {another 4^th grade teacher} will have a table for the refreshments that are being donated by a few families from our school.  Parents and students alike will be in attendance to watch and join in the festivities of this Plunge…all for a good cause. 

I am a bit nervous for the cold water, but I plan on having lots of extra clothing and hot coffee.  Rumor has it that a person only has to dip their feet in the water for it to count as plunging so that makes me feel a little better.  Fred is having a hard time believing that I will actually touch the water, yet alone go in because it has to be seriously hot for me to get into my own pool during the summer months.  We shall see…only time will tell. 

If you are interested in checking out my personal donation page, you can find it here and see why I’ll be “freezin’ for a reason” on Saturday afternoon.  

On another note, if you remember back in September I posted about my affiliation with Via, an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities develop social connections and gain employment in the community.  I serve on the Via race committee that plans/coordinates their yearly marathon, half-marathon and relay held on the second Sunday in September.  

Via's Boston certified course was designed by Runner’s World’s Bart Yasso.  It has a net descent and runners can choose to run a full marathon, a half-marathon or compete on a 5-person relay team.  This year's date is set for Sunday, September 8, 2013 and it’s a great community-wide event that runs from Allentown to Easton.  Check it out and register today!  

Here are a few of the posts about last year’s Via event:

LVHN Marathon for Via Recap Part One 

LVHN Marathon for Via Recap Part Two 

Via and Special Olympics have a similar mission and I feel really good to be a part of both fundraising events.  I will be sure to capture Saturday's plunge on film because it will be the first, and quite possibly the last time I will wade in a river in the middle of January.   

Have a great weekend!

Distance/Tempo Run and Running Skirts Giveaway Winner

Yesterday started out on a good note…a two-hour delay due to weather.  You see, two-hour delays are a teacher’s BFF because 1.) You get two extra hours in the morning and 2.) You still get in the school day and it counts as a full day.   

What started out as a win ended in a win as well, since I was able to run with the Moravian track team for my workout.  I was all set to do a six-mile progression on my own, but then I received a text from Jesse that some requests were made for me to attend their session.  Fred had our kids in check so I was able to go. 

Workout: 5 mile warm-up for some extra distance and a two mile tempo run through a neighborhood {the same loop from this workout}.

Warm-up: The roads and sidewalks were still a little icy so we had to be careful.  We ran about 5 1/4 miles in 43 minutes.

Once we arrived at the start, Jesse had us immediately begin our tempo run. {No resting allowed!} 

First mile: 6:18

Second mile: 6:14 -- Total time: 12:32

Overall it was a good, solid workout and I got in about 8 1/2 miles of combined speed and distance. 

Oh, and I forgot to tell you….Tuesday I was able to hit Carrie’s yoga class which was MUCH needed. 

It is so rare that I am able to attend a weeknight class due to family duties and obligations but my calendar was free and I trekked across town to do some downward-dogging.  Boy, oh boy did I pick a good class for me.  Carrie’s routine focused mainly on hip openers, including lots of pigeon pose and double pigeon.  It was just what I needed since my IT band/hip area gets awfully sore from running. 

Giveaway Winner: Finally, I'd like to announce the winner of my Running Skirts giveaway.  The winner is Rose!  Rose, please email me so I can gather your choice, style and size.  Also include your address so I can pass it along to Running Skirts and they will send you your prize.  Thank you to everyone who participated!!       

Road Trip to Hershey

Because I couldn’t wait to post yesterday’s Running Skirts clothing review and giveaway, I decided to post this past weekend’s events today.  Did you ever have one of those weekends where you did something fun and spontaneous…possibly a quick getaway in a moment’s notice or an impromptu road trip with the family?  That’s exactly what my husband and I did on Saturday afternoon.   As I said in Friday’s post, we had a trip planned for Sunday to visit the in-laws since we didn’t get to see them over the holidays due to bad weather.  Because they live two and a half hours away and driving that far and back on the same day wasn’t appealing, we decided to treat ourselves {and the kids} to an overnight stay at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA {the capital of chocolate, obviously}.

Before arriving at our destination, we made a stop at Chocolate World.   

Here we went on a ride that told the history of the Hershey empire, as well as the process of making chocolate.  When asked, this was one of the favorite parts of the weekend.  

After the ride, we got some free samples {my favorite part}…

The gift shop was HUGE!

We also got a cookie, something that Fred and I always do when we do the tour.  My fav…their chocolate cookie with peanut butter chips.  In my opinion, it's the best combination ever.  

On the way to the hotel, we traveled down Chocolate Avenue in the downtown area.  Check out the street lights…they are Hershey Kisses!  That photo pretty much sums up the weather we had…dreary, drizzly and dark.  Ugh. 

According to the girls, the Hershey Lodge was “the fanciest hotel they have ever seen,” and it was worth it.  It’s not often that the girls can swim in the middle of winter, so this was the perfect little getaway for our family even if it was only for a night.

Upon arrival, we were given four {full-sized} Hershey bars as welcome gifts from the hotel.  My stepdaughter doesn’t like chocolate, but my daughter and I willingly accepted her bar.

The foyer, lobby and inside hallways are designed to follow the chocolate theme that flows through the entire estate.  This iss my favorite place to chill when I spend time at the Lodge…right here by this fireplace with either a glass of wine or a cup of hot tea, both available within a few steps from this area.   

The main attraction for us was the indoor swimming pool, naturally.  I can’t say that I exactly enjoyed wearing a bathing suit in January but the girls sure didn’t mind.  The pool was rather large to have a fun time, and Fred and I thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub off to the side which was reserved only for adults.  Here I am relaxing with my magazine and Oiselle bag in tow and Fred with the girls in the pool having fun...

After dinner, we decided to hang in the hotel and have dinner at The Bear’s Den, named after the Hershey Bears hockey team {I think}.  This was a kid-friendly place where the girls could get food they liked and I could still get a glass of wine {win-win}!  For dinner I decided on a cheeseburger, something that I don’t normally eat out.  It was super delicious and I ate almost the whole thing!  

Photo op outside of the restaurant!
 

So did we, but Fred was obviously more interested in the football game on TV in the corner of the lobby/bar area!

Sunday morning began with another trip to the pool for Fred & the girls and a run for me.  I met a new buddy {the valet parking attendant} and he directed me to a nice running path across the street from the hotel.  Since I slept in late and time was not on our side, I kept my run to a simple out and back 4.5 miler at about 7:50 pace.  Upon my return, my new friend had a nice bottle of Hershey water ready for me as well as a speech about the importance of hydration.  Nice guy!

  

After the run, I ate breakfast in The Beanery, a cute little café in the lobby.  My choice was coffee and a yogurt parfait topped with some homemade granola, which I brought from home.  We kept breakfast simple since we knew we were going to have a big meal at later on with the in-laws. 

After dinner and presents with Fred’s family, we headed home.  By the time we got back and gave Willsey a proper welcome, I started in on the regular Sunday night routine, lunch packing, baths, etc.  It was a fun weekend adventure for us all, one I think the girls will remember for a long time!

In case you missed yesterday’s post, don’t forget to enter to win either a skirt or a long-sleeved yoga to from Running Skirts!  The contest ends tomorrow at 6pm EST.

Running Skirts Clothing Review & Giveaway!

Morning, everyone!  I have a pretty cool post for you just because it's Monday and also because I love my readers...it's a product review and giveaway!  When I attended the Runner's World blogger events back in October here, here, and here, I had the opportunity to meet many new people in the running world.  One of the exciting vendors that I connected with were the girls from Running Skirts.  

Their specialty is the running skirt, which comes in a plethora of awesome patterns and colors.  But they also have running tops, tanks and jackets as well as a new yoga line.  

Recently, they sent me a few items to test out and I have to say, these gals aren't just about their namesake.  I'm in love with their new yoga line, including this Performance Lifestyle Gathered Neck shirt.  

It fits loose around the torso and gathers nicely around the hips with a wide band.  Plus the thumbholes are a bonus and this color in particular is a vibrant shade of red.  The shirt is perfect for yoga, or just hanging out like I did on Christmas day.  

They also sent me a pair of pants from the yoga line.  Their relaxed fit pant features an extra-wide fold over waistband with a leopard drawstring, which I totally love.  There is even a hidden pocket too...perfect for a key or yoga ID card.

If you're in the market for new, comfortably fitting yogawear {or clothing to run in}, make sure to check them out on their website for more colors, styles and selection. 

And now for the good part...I get to giveaway one of their products to one lucky reader!    

The winner will have their choice of either a running skirt OR the Performance Lifestyle Gathered Neck long-sleeved yoga shirt {as shown above}. 

Here's the deal...there are a few ways to enter.  The more ways you enter, the better chance you have at winning.  Make sure you comment once for each of the following things you do.  

1.  Leave a comment and tell me your favorite Running Skirts product and the pattern/color it comes in.
2.  Tweet about it: "I want to win @runnerspalate's very cool @runningskirts giveaway!" http://therunnerspalate.blogspot.com/2013/01/running-skirts-clothing-review-giveaway.html
3.  Follow me on the following:

• Twitter
• Follow @runningskirts on Twitter
• Bloglovin'  
• Pinterest 

The contest ends on Wednesday 1/16 at 6pm EST.  The winner will be announced Thursday morning.  Good luck! 
 
Note: I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own. 

Hill x 6

Good afternoon!  I've been up and at 'em for a bit now doing odds and ends around the house, but I was also able to do a quick workout on a hill in my parent's neighborhood.  Since they live at a higher elevation, there was never an easy finish for a run no matter which direction we came from.  My dad always used to say it would make us tougher and stronger.  Here's the hill...it doesn't look like much, but it's a quarter mile of slope except for the last fifty yards. 

Jesse wanted me to get in about 1.5 miles of quality so here's what I did:

20 minute warm-up {about 2.5 miles}

Hill 1 - 1:47.98

Hill 2 - 1:42.24

Hill 3 - 1:37.08

Hill 4 - 1:35.44

Hill 5 - 1:33.08

Hill 6 - 1:28.65 

1.5 mile cool down

The first one was just to feel out the hill and to get a pace going, and then I wanted to increasingly get faster on each rep after that.  On the final hill I went {pretty much} all-out.  Afterwards I stretched in my parent's kitchen {just like old times} while Payton was finishing up being spoiled.  That always happens when we go there.  Go figure...

This was my first hill workout in a while because I was hesitant to attempt them due to the Achilles issues I had back in the spring/summer.  Since I've had that under control for a while now, I felt like there was no time better than the present to get back on the hill saddle.  I'm glad I did!

What workout did you do today?  Have a great Saturday!!