Paces and Product Reviews

Let’s start the weekend with a mid-range run of 11 miles. It was a gorgeous morning in Upstate New York and THAT, in itself is a reason to run. 

Paces

The goal today was to try and maintain an even pace but the beautiful weather took me into my favorite running place, the switchbacks of Valley View golf course.  Getting into the course from Oneida street is a challenging hill, the switchbacks offer a slow steady incline which doesn’t bode well for maintaining a steady pace unless you’re good at up-hills.  I’m not.  As for the path itself, It’s not trail running as the folks in Arizona know it, but it is OUR trail running through shaded, woody, quiet areas where the tranquility of nature is enjoyed with the occasional sounds of flowing water, chirping birds, the rustle of leaves as wildlife run for cover when they see/hear you coming. Who cares about maintaining paces when you an be a part of THAT?! 

Shane and I set out slow and ran to the steepest hill off Oneida street to get us into the golf course (at the eagle).  We enjoyed a scenic view of Utica as the sun came up over the city.  We went through the switchbacks, climbed more hills, stopped for water and enjoyed a 10 mile run.  When I dropped Shane off, I went out for just one more mile, finishing with strides for a total of 11 miles today.  My longest run since Boston.  It felt GREAT!

Product Reviews

Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery breads. Although I don’t seem to be gluten intolerant, I do like to minimize gluten and wheat products in my diet.  At one point, I made this announcement on Facebook and was fortunate to receive coupons to try Rudi’s Gluten Free breads. Rudi’s offer’s not only bread but pizza crusts, buns, and tortillas.  I decided to compare a cinnamon raisin bread and a multi grain bread for starters.

Per slice:  It seems Rudi’s is lower in protein than other breads and DOES contain eggs. For the Cinnamon Raisin, 90 calories per slice, 15 from fat (1.5g fat total) 0 Trans and other fats with 1 g Monounsaturated.  110 mg of sodium and 19 g of carbs.  Fiber at 1 g and sugars at 7 grams.  1 gram of protein.  The ingredient list boasts “all natural” – Water, raisins, potato extract, rice starch, rice flour, sorghum flour, cane sugar, high oleic canola/sunflower oil (No GMO and expeller pressed!), yeast, egg whites, sea salt, xanthan gum, molasses, and cinnamon.

The label says it tastes like “real” bread. You know what? It DOES!  IT was good and I’m a total bread fanatic.  LOVE MY BREAD. 

The cinnamon raisin was my favorite as a breakfast bread, nothing on it (it didn’t need it)

The multi grain was pretty irresistible as well

as you can tell because I took a bite before the photo shoot

My new bread!  It costs $4.99 per loaf, is all natural and gluten free.

Cakebread Wine – Another review

Still enjoying a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon while Ted and Teddy are off visiting with family and swimming in open water in preparation for the first sprint triathlon of the year coming May 27th, I decided to sample a California, Napa Valley wine I hadn’t tried before. Who says you shouldn’t drink alone?!  I think that’s the best way to drink because no one can see how much you’ve had (hint: ditch the bottle before anyone gets home!).

Intense flavor, fresh acidity, oaky flavor from the French Oak barrel fermentation, this was my kind of wine. On such a gorgeous day, the wine and sun are calling my name. NUTS!  I think I hear Ted pulling in the drive way. Now I’ll have to share my wine.

The flavor:  Green apple, straw, hints of melon and a citrusy finish.  Pure delight!

Quick! One more before anyone walks through the door.

What do you like to do when you have the entire day to yourself and it’s just perfect outside?