HERinspiration

Duh Duh Duuuhhhhhh!

2011-05-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.” - Dr. Suess

SourceHello Capitol Butte...AKA Thunder Mountain. When Amy told she was taking us on a trail that would lead us to the highest point in Sedona someone could hike to we were excited for the challenge. Loren wore pink "helloo girl power color" and I had my new big girl hiking shoes on. Lets just say I had to put on my big girl panties a few times during this hike too. Hike Arizona describes this hike as a "4" difficulty and its a good thing I didn't read the description before we left! This was no joke! But we made it!! After scrambling and pulling ourselves up over sandstone rock we signed our name on the registry at the top to make it official! I thought the Dr. Seuss quote was fitting to sum up our day and how you just can do things you didn't think were possible. Climb those Mountains...Sign those registries to prove you were there!!! xo Cheers to more adventures.

Good Form Running Clinic

2011-05-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Our SoleMates running coach Ashley@ SheRunsStong recently attended the Good Form Running (GFR) Clinic at Runner's Den. I loved reading her write up on her blog so I decided to go myself and see what GFR was all about and if the technique would help me.

This was the most informative 90 minute class and I'm not just saying that because I love Runners Den. I went expecting to be bored...running isn't the most interesting topic...but it was interactive from the moment it started. We were video taped running first with shoes on and then barefoot to later analyze our current form.
The instructor then went right into drills on the 4 points of GFR. Posture, Midfoot, Cadence, Lean. I won't go into every point (Go to the clinic!) :) but the one that helped me the most (along with midfoot striking) was cadence.

I always feel like I ddrrraaaggg when I run...I'm totally a "stop to smell the roses" kind of runner. Well - GFR taught me by doing so I might be injuring myself. See...for the longest time I thought in order to be faster you have to take longer strides...not true...when you take longer strides you automatically do a severe heel strike that leads to aches, pains and injury. The cadence point clicked for me and through the techniques I am working to get up to 180.

I did my first run on Sunday a 2 mile route that is really familiar to me. I didn't get tired and felt faster, I actually did go faster! I was excited to see improvement my first run! I am going to continue to use the GFR principals on every run!

Summer 5k PR here I come.

Race Recap: Pats Run 2011

2011-04-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yay for Pat's Run 2011!

Time: 43:36 Pace 10:22

Yay for improving my time by 6 minutes from 2009!

Mud Pie.

2011-04-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well. I have never made a mud pie but I just might try one after this weekend! The picture below is of my weekend. It was full of mud...all over B's truck. We went on a little camping trip during one of the only rainy (snowy!) weekends in Arizona! :) Camping is fun when you go with people who know how to camp! Carne asada for dinner/breakfast burros/good beer - count me in!

Contest Submission - My running story and struggles

2011-04-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I entered a contest for free training at She Runs Strong..instructions were to write your running story, your struggles and goals. I didn't win the prize but want to stay accountable for my 2011 running goals so I want to share my submission on my little blog. I also added my DailyMile log on the right side of the page so you can follow my workouts. :)

She Runs Stong Contest Submission

That’s me in that picture. I look like a runner, right?! I have running shoes, running shorts, running socks and in that picture I am “running” in the Chicago Marathon - I am a runner.

Inside though I have doubts about that statement. At the start line of every race I am not confident – I panic (OMG, I am going to be the last person to finish, OMG, I didn’t train enough, OMG, what am I doing here amongst all these runners!!) My inner dialogue kills me even before I start the race!

Truthfully my running track record isn’t fantastic…of course it’s an accomplishment to just FINISH a race but I’ve always been disappointed with my performances…a direct result of my lack of training and commitment.

For every race I sign up to run I make a training plan, I set goals, I see myself conquering the distance but with running I don’t follow through and because of it – I don’t improve.

I ran my first race in 2007 as a running buddy in the Girls on the Run Diva Dash. This was the race where I fell in love with running and the organization Girls on the Run! For my first race a 34 minute 5k was pretty darn good…3 years later my 5k is 33.49. Boo. I know I am not racing and training to my full potential and why I am entering the She Runs Strong contest!

My goal is to commit, improve my self dialogue and transform into a consistent 9:00 mile runner. I would LOVE to finish the Women’s ½ Marathon in November under 2 hours. I am also going to RUN each ARR Summer Series! (I’ve signed up 2 years in a row and failed to run each one!!!!)

Las Enchiladas Gatos

2011-03-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

I did it. I fed 10 people. It was easy. It wasn't stressful and no one got sick (a major accomplishment!).
I like to toot my own horn and TOOT TOOT I make good enchiladas. I named this Las Enchiladas Gatos is because B and I had a gathering to watch the Arizona Wildcats kick some major basketball booty...keep it going Cats! (Don't worry these are Chicken Enchiladas...not gatos!)

I used the recipe for Juan-Carlos Cruz Chicken Enchilada Verde and adapted it to fit my skill and time level (there is nooo way I am going to make my own tomatillo sauce!) I doubled this recipe to make two pans and used a Chipolte Salsa for the second batch and I am sure I used more cheese than this recipe calls for!

Las Enchiladas Gatos

FOR THE SAUCE:

1 Jar of Tomatillo Salsa (I bought mine from Sunflower Market)

FOR THE FILLING:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 Pre-Cooked Whole Chicken

1 medium red onion, chopped

1 Jalapeno, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chilies
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 cup Mexican beer
6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded Monterey Jack
Sour cream, for garnish

Pull and Shred the Chicken - Set aside

Fixin' the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add onions, jalapeno and saute, then add garlic and saute for 1 minute or so.

Add chicken, chilies, cumin, mix it all up and saute for 2 minutes.

Add beer and bring to a simmer; cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Set aside.

Roll 1/2 cup of the filling into each tortilla and place in a casserole dish.
Repeat for remaining tortillas and filling.

Pour sauce over rolled tortillas and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with shredded cheeses. Return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from heat, top each serving with 1 teaspoon sour cream, and serve.

Servings: 6

Remember to...

2011-01-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

Remember to.....

A lot to do this week and recovering from a bit of a cold...and the weekend!

It's always a challenge for me to focus on one task, slowly knock away at my never ending list of things to do. I have to remember to breathe...take a break and make a plan.

I loovveedd this article 18 ways to Stay Focused at work. One of my favorites was to change the mind set and have fun at work. I am a totally guilty of checking my personal e-mail at the beginning of the day...going to switch it up and check it around 11:00 and see if it makes a difference in my morning productivity...bet it will!! :)

Leaving you with one of my favorite quotes from BKS Iyengar: "When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God.When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world." -

Cheers!

Inspired?!

2011-01-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

I had the awesome opportunity last night to meet my blogging "idol" Caitlin from Healthy Tipping Point. I gave her one of the HERinspiration necklaces and totally asked for an autograph (P.S. first autograph evvaa!). Anyway during this short exchange with Caitlin...she asked me if I had a blog...totally embarrassed I fibbed and said "No". Well...it was a half truth...its not a blog if you don't update right?!

So...I am inspired to blog. Not really sure about whhhattt yet. But expect a post or two or three in the future! :)

Bad Blogger!

2010-06-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Gosh...I can't even consider myself a blogger since I don't um...blog! :) Trying to get back into the swing of things though! When I don't have a lot of time to update my best friend E on life I write her a list of things...so below is a list of whats new with me and HERinspiration!

1. Half way though yoga instructor training!
2. Have no clue what I will do with this training!
3. Join the HERinspiration Facebook Fan page (be my first fan!)
4. Check out my updated Etsy Shop!
5. We donated a necklace to Oh She Glows auction and raised $55 dollars for cancer research!
6. Since I now live and breathe yoga we are alllmmooossstt done with our yoga line!
7. I am realllyy looking forward to having July 5th off of work to catch up!

More soon!!! Cheers!

Finisher!

2009-10-15T13:48:00.001-07:00

Look at that Chicago Marathon Finisher! Whoot Whoot!! I did it!

The morning was freezing a 30 degrees as I walked out of E's apartment! I was all bundled up (thank goodness for the expo where I bought my gloves and headband!) and did a brisk walk to the train. I timed it perfectly...and then as the train went by I realized I was on the wrong side of the tracks! Ha! Newbie to public transportation!! That didn't break my spirits though..hellooo I was about to run 26.2! I made my way to the other side and met some great runners also getting ready! One was from Canada and commended me for braving the weather being from AZ and all...I commended him for being in shorts! Ha!

The ride on the train to downtown is a blast...at 5:30 in the morning the only people on the train are runners and the energy is awesome! I think I like racing because of the people...not the actual act of running! Ha!! When I got there I was a little confused and had a hard time finding Charity Village...but made it just in time to drop my stuff off, have a bananna, E's yummy homemade protien bars, say Hi to the Girls on the Run Girls and head on out! Don't forget the MP3 player!!

I loooveee the start of the Chicago Marathon...it takes about 30 minutes to get to the start line and then you are off! The first blocks you go through the tunnel and all the runners scream and high five each other...we're excited...and still have energy! My first 6 miles go awesome and I run into a highschool friend of mine on the course around mile 8! No joke!! It was soo fun to run with her for a while! And it really reenergized me! I am still going at a 12min pace! Whoo hoo!

Another awesome thing about Chicago is the spectators! There are soo many people watching us! They have hilarious signs and I even get a "lap dance" from a group of spectators...I couldn't resist 5 guys with signs indicating a fun time so I took a break and had a fun dance with them...After the 1/2 I lose the 5:30 pace team and start to slow down. I join the 5:45 and can't hang either! I have a runner say "come on girl, lets go!" and we run from 17 - 18 together! She then says..."um..I gotta walk!" I try to keep going and fall apart after 19! I walked alot after that point but still really enjoy the day! Crap it was still cold! :)

3 miles left to go and I skip the bathroom stop...BAD idea!! There wasn't any more until the finish! I laugh because this is soo typical of me!! At mile 2 there is a spectator giving out Jello Shots! Awesome!!!! There isn't any vodka...but it was a good pick me up! :)

I finish the race with a smile on my face and having to go the bathroom really really bad! Cheers to a great town! Cheers to a great race! I finished my first marathon! A second? Um...ask me in a few months! :)

Preparing

2009-05-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here it is...for all to see!! My 2009 Marathon training plan. I liked this one because of the intervals....while I need to build endurance I also want to work on speed and cross train so I thought this one was perfect. Its the beginners not only because it will be my FIRST completed marathon but because the schedule of the intermediate was insane!!! A girl has to have a life!

Sara's Training Plan 2009

AZ weather has been awesome...I love when the weather changes up! I have also been busy with work and attempting to revamp HERinspiration's website. Goodness...I even took a photoshop class but really having a hard time making things uniform! :) Perhaps I shouldn't make it uniform...we're supposed to inspire right???!!!

xo Sara

LADY 2009

2009-01-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last year I made a necklace for someone with the word L.A.D.Y. on it...LADY stood for Living A Dedicated Year...I thought about this as I woke up in a bit of a blur (new years eve is always a good time)...how am I going to make this a dedicated year for me? Well...as I reflect on 2008 I realize that I have the power to make changes that I didn't think I could make...I took risks and was rewarded for them...and then of course there are things I would do differently...but the difference for 2009 is dedication.

Getting ready for the 1/2 marathon in a couple of weeks! I am super excited to start the first month off with a great run though a city I love and put it as the first step to an awesome Chicago Marathon in October!! Oh...and I rode the train in downtown last week with Danny and Nicole! It was super fun and exciting that AZ has a metro!

Cheers to a great first week of 2009!!

Changes and Fun!

2008-10-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Getting news that your position at work is no longer needed isn't the best news in the world..but it does give you an opportunity to reevaluate your position in life. I have been a crazy woman the past few days...gone through anger, sadness, depression, the "whatevers" all in 3 days and now I am on a mission and I am having fun getting ready for the direction my life is going to take... I got a Daily Om today that spoke right to me...I am so a believer in the universe...and this OM was exactly what I needed...my favorite message was the following: "The ability to accept what is happening and let go of your original expectations is key when dealing with these unexpected turns of fate". http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2008/15785.html

Sooo...on a even better note HERinspiration is going to be at the Desert Dreams Boutique this weekend! The event in in Gilbert and I am super excited to make some new contacts and go shopping! http://events.eastvalleytribune.com/gilbert-az/events/show/84765789-desert-dreams-2008-holiday-boutique

Have a good one all! Next time I check in I will be a whole digit older.....grrr....

Gratitude

2008-10-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

For sure its the theme of the month its only the 6th and I feel very accomplished!

As I dig deeper into my never ending journey of self-discovery, I have always came across living in a constant state of gratitude. It's a simple practice...but I never fully embraced the idea until I started to keep a journal as the book I am reading now advises to do. To see these people, experiences and dreams that are imporant to me in writing inspires me to do a simple thing everyday to show my gratitude...today it was reconnecting with a girlfriend over happy hour and listening (how lucky I am to have her in my life!) and a few days ago it was running an extra mile to show gratitude to my healthy body! I feel good and great things are happening around me...cheers to a great week!

Sedona

2008-09-23T19:35:00.001-07:00

I always feel refreshed and have new energy after a visit to the red rocks of Sedona! It was a great trip and we learned about festivals and how our product sells! #1 ANCHOR your tent! Anchor it like your life depends on it...the worst that could happen did and a gust of wind took all of our stuff flying!! We were laughing but a bit embarrassed...hey we got practice setting up again...right?! Our zodiac designs got a lot of attention and the stretchy gemstone bracelets went too...I think it had to do with the demographic of the festival; most were out of town tourists. An idea was to have a featured design possibly something like "Peace, Love, Sedona" a lot of people were looking for things to commemorate their trip. Visit the picture stream here! http://www.flickr.com/photos/13569552@N08/

Things are moving along with the volunteer event for Team Tiara in October! All I need to do is rally the troops! We are going to be working an aid station at the SOMA tri on the 26th. It should be a really fun event, I love working aid stations! Speaking of tri's...I am adding it to a list of my individual goals for 2009. A new friend of mine Eileen gave me some excellent advice, training tips and motivation! I am looking forward to working towards the goal! Marathon training is sooo brutal; I need to mix it up a bit! So I am going to start incorporating biking and swimming to my routine!

Cheers to a great week!

Sedona or Bust!

2008-09-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

Bags are packed, snacks are stocked and we are heading to the Sedona Applefest Arts and Crafts Fair! Fun! We did a mock set up yesterday in the back yard...and it turned out super cute! Pictures and resluts for sure on Monday! I love going on adventures!

I am behind on my training already...I dislike being behind and may just start over Monday...I ran a total of 10 miles last week and should have done 15...I feel better than before though and for sure its because of my hard work at bootcamp the past 2 months! If anyone has wondered about bootcamps; try one! I looved the bootcamp I went to! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 5:30 our instructor lead us through a total body work out! I learned how to push myself and test my strength!

Cheers to a great weekend!
-Sara

Breathe!

2008-09-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

Take a deep breath and bbrreeaaatthhhe!! I think sometimeS we forget to do that!

Working on some updates on http://www.herinspiration.com/ before our Girl Indie give away...and let me tell you photo editing and web updates are tough! I am sure it has something to do with the fact that I spend 8 hours a day in front of a computeranyway..and lounging on the couch doing trying to work isn't much motivation either! :) Goal is to have it complete this Saturday! I'll get it done! Check it out on Sunday, we will have more product up too!

HERinspiration is going to be at the applefest in Sedona next weekend; and I will be sure to post pictures of all of our hard work! We are currently making a inspiration wall...totally cute, but I hope it doesn't turn into us saying "well it was a good idea!" Most of the time when I try to get creative that's what happens!

Lastly, it the first week of marathon training! I'll be posting weekly updates on my progress!

Have a great week! Cheers!

Sara

Team Tiara benefiting Girls on the Run

2008-08-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

I recently recieved the opportunity of being the volunteer Team Tiara Coordinator for Girls on the Run, Maricopa County! If you are not familar with this great organization, Girls on the Run is a life changing learning program for girls ages 8-11. The program is designed to increase physical activity and emotional health by providing girls with the tools to make healthy decisions and form healthy self-images. The goal is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development through running activities. They have chapters all over the country! http://www.girlsontherun.org/

Team Tiara is the fundraising leg of the organization. I ran the Chicago Marathon last year for Team Tiara and had a BLAST fundraising and training for the event. Yes, I just said I had FUN running! :) While training and running, I had a FOCUS 26.2 charm made by HERinspiration on my shoe, it always inspired me on every run! You can have one for any event you are training for!

If you know anyone in AZ that would like to join our team send them my way!! http://www.gotrmc.org/

Have a fabulous day!! xo Sara

Chick of the Month!

2008-06-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

http://themommydesigner.blogspot.com/
We are the featured "Chick of the Month" on Girl-Indie! Yeaaahh!

MORE School??!!!

2008-06-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

Completing my masters was a good time...hard work learned a lot. It gave me all the background info to start a business! While I am for sure in "go" mode, the process made me realize that to be uber sucessful I need some more (yes! more!) training. Web design has always been something of interest to me (I forsure try my best!)so I am taking some classes in the fall semester! YAH! We'll see how this goes..anyone have any other resources send them my way...I love learning!

xoSara

Girl Indie

2008-06-02T19:15:00.001-07:00

Girl Indie is a must read! I loovvee this site and so happy to have found such great inspiration for my online business! Check them out!

Etsy is the bomb

2008-05-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

I love Etsy! What an aweomse way to grow my little business! So far I have made a few great sales and met a lot of new friends!

A few of our Designs!

2008-04-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

First post and what a better way than to show off some of our designs! Visit us at www.herinspiration.com to purchase the perfect gift to inspire! We do custom orders too, contact us!

xo Sara

Find more photos like this on Indiepublic