Tilda Tuesday: Camping With Our Vizsla...

Tilda has been very pleased at how popular Tilda Tuesdays have been. She is beyond flattered that you enjoy vizslas/dogs so much!.

Today, I'd like to share with you a little about our first experience camping in a tent with Matilda...let's just say it was less than a successful endeavor. A failed fit....

We booked a campsite at Afton State Park. We chose this park because its one of the few local campgrounds with "backpacking" or hike-in sites. Most of the other local campgrounds (those within an hour drive of the city) only have "car-camping." We wanted to get away from the crowds a bit, just in case Matilda barked or misbehaved (and to make it a more pleasurable camping experience for us as well). A hike-in site seemed like the best way to do this.

It did take a little more planning of course, as we had to carry everything for us and for Matilda with us. That's why we only tried it out for one night for our first time...just in case we missed something important!

Afton's campsites are only $11, so if the weather had been terrible, we would have just cancelled. However, Saturday was a gorgeous sunny 80 degree day, cooling down to the 60s at night- lovely camping weather.

We arrived around 3 pm. Our site was actually a tough 2 mile hike up a steep hill carrying a heavy pack. After a 19 mile long run Saturday morning, my legs were feeling it!

After setting up camp, we set out for another hike around the park. We were told that we should expect to see deer, turkeys, and coyotes, but unfortunately, we didn't see any. But we did enjoy the fall colors, fresh air, and saw a ton of bald eagles!

Dogs have to stay on leash at the park and of course you need to pick up after them. They also are not allowed on the beach (There is a decent beach within the park on the St. Croix river.)

However, when we were at our campsite, we would let Tilda off her leash and she was really good about staying nearby. We did bring a long rope to hook her up just in case she wandered too far while we hung around the campsite, but we never had to use it.

Feeding her was easy since we were only there for two meals; however, if we were to camp with her for an extended period of time (like in the Boundary Waters) we determined we would need to use a dehydrated food like this one. We received a free sample of this at Woofstock and Matilda loved it. It would be easier to carry this type of food with us, as obviously its more compact and condensed than her regular food.

But for just two meals, we were able to bring along her normal food and feed her out of one of the camp bowls that we brought along. We used her portable water bowl that we often bring to dog parks and that worked just fine.

As for our dinner, it consisted of a freeze-dried lasagna (which actually wasn't so bad).

enjoying freeze dried lasagna

After our romantic lasagna dinner, Dustin started a campfire.Tilda has been around our fireplace in our house and at the cabin plenty of times, but for some reason, the outdoor fire freaked her out! She alternated between hiding under the picnic table to curling up on one of our laps the whole night, eager to stay away from that scary fire.

Once the sun went down, she seemed to be getting pretty anxious- too many animal noises (yes, we could hear  the coyotes, even though we didn't see them) and the occasional noise from a nearby campsite. Vizslas are such a high-strung breed and this was definitely a perfect example of their skittishness. When we finally went into the tent for the night, she was not ready to settle down and was still quite wound up.

Our tent has a mesh paneling on top that Tilda could see out of during the night and she spent a lot of time staring up at the stars and getting spooked by any movements. It was very confusing to her....

We had brought a blanket for her to sleep on, but the only way that she would settle down and sleep at all is if we actually unzipped one of our sleeping bags and let her curl up inside of it with one of us. Even then, she'd only sleep for 45 minute increments before getting up to scratch at the exit of the tent to go back outside to explore the noises. Needless to say, we did not sleep all that well that night.

What could we have done differently? What tips do you have for getting your dog to sleep in a tent?

She is such a good sleeper at home in bed (yes, she sleeps in bed with us) so we assumed she would be just as good in a tent.

Though I called the trip a "failed fit," truthfully it was still fun, even though we didn't sleep very well. I think we just need to do a little research on different sleeping situations for her in the tent.

My first search led me to these BarkerBags:

"The BarkerBag is an insulated sleeping bag that zips to the side of your standard sleeping bag. With zippers on both sides, it can attach to a single sleeping bag, regardless of which side of it zips, or it can attach between two sleeping bags that already mate together." (source) 

These Boulderlite NobleCampers also look pretty slick. They must work for vizslas if they feature one in the ad, right? Matilda loves to curl up super tiny and she really likes to be under a cover, so I think this is a good option for her. However, it is $180, so I wish I knew that it would actually work! The reviews are all pretty good though, so I might have to just try it.

There seem to be some good options out there, so we won't be giving up on camping with Matilda yet. Hopefully with the right fit in dog camping gear, we'll be better prepared next time around!

**For more dog camping advice, I found this article from R.E.I. quite helpful!

Right Fit Giveaway: The Winner of the Two Minnie BIC Bands...

I put all your names in a bowl and had Dustin draw one.

The winner of the two minnie BIC bands is....Alli P.!

Alli's answer: "I love to read Chocolate Covered Katie's blog - all of her desserts are so good and whenever I have made them myself or for others, no one ever guesses they are "healthy" desserts. My go-to favorite is deep dish cookie pie!

Also, despite the fact that I've seen you rave about BIC bands on your blog for a while now, I have yet to ever get any myself, but if I did I would definitely sport them running and perhaps even try them as a hair accessory to work in my classroom!"

Congrats Alli!

Please send me an email at right.fit.sisters@gmail.com with your mailing address and I'll ship your new BIC bands right away. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Thank you to the rest of you for entering and for giving me the names of so many fun new blogs to follow.

Fitting Remarks: You Know You're About to Run The Twin Cities Marathon If...

12. Your chafing has healed since your last big long run.

11. Your want to eat ALL the things.

10. You are relentlessly watching the10-day forecast (and therefore recognize all of Sven Sungaard's cardigans)

picture from Kare 11

9. You're practicing your safety pin skills. It's important to get that bib on just right!

8. You don't know what to do with yourself with all this free time during the taper.

7. Your friends are wondering what happened to you, as you have been living a bit like a hermit to avoid getting sick, making sure you're sleeping enough, eating right and not drinking. (Good job doing the right things during the taper- it will be worth it!)

6. You're drinking Powerade Mountain Berry Blast to develop a taste for it (per Nathan @Minneapolis Running's advice!)

5. You're printing out pace bracelets, practicing your mantras, and reflecting on your running journal.

4. You're handing out spectator guides to friends and family...and maybe strangers (!), letting them know when and where to cheer for you.

3. You've scheduled your post marathon massage...and pedicure! Your feet are nasty!

2. Men- you've given up shaving to "build up testosterone" before the race; then you can feel really fast when you shave the day before the race (** Please note- this is not scientifically proven...)

1. You can't have a conversation without somehow mentioning the fact that you're running the Twin Cities Marathon this weekend.

Any others?

Good luck TCM runners, I hope you have a great race day!
I'll be cheering for you around mile 4, 15, and 24 with cowbells, signs, and music!

Weekly Recap: Oiselle Scantron Tank and a Reminder for the BIC Band Giveaway!

TCM runners are all enjoying their tapers, but I am still ramping up mileage training for the Outer Banks Marathon on November 9th. If you're new to the Right Fits, I am on a quest to run a marathon in every state, and North Carolina is up next!

 On Sundays, I try to recap my fitness and fitness fashion for the previous week. It keeps me honest and on track and I hope its useful to you in some way. 

So here's what's happening in fitness at the Right Fits:

Monday: 7.5 easy miles with Matilda (the dog)

Tuesday: 9 miles with 6 miles at goal marathon pace at the CBRC

Wednesday: 4 miles with Matilda, then a 60 minute barre class at The Barre with my friend Susie. She is still rocking the barre classes with two babies in her belly!

Thursday: 7 miles easy

Friday: complete rest

Saturday: 19 mile long run. Pretty uneventful, though I did take three Hammer Gels vs. the normal two I carry on long runs. It was an unseasonably warm Saturday, but TCM runners need not despair- the forecast looks much cooler for next weekend.  After some breakfast and recovering post-run, we packed up our bags and went camping. I'll share more about it on Tilda Tuesday, but it did involve a lot of hiking. 

Sunday: 4 miles easy with Matilda. It was pretty hot (mid-80's) by the time I ran. Tilda seemed pretty tired, so we actually walked a bit. I heeded my advice for running with your dog in the heat, and let her walk when she wanted and we took lots of water breaks. 

Summary: I hit just about 50 miles of running this week, with 1 complete rest day, and 1 barre class. It was a "cut-back" week in terms of workout intensity, but the miles were still high (for me). This week will be harder workouts, with hills tomorrow and another speed workout on Thursday.

What's happening in fitness fashion this week?

Thursday night, I attended a "Mental Toughness for Marathoners" seminar at TC Running Company in Eden Prairie. I will share a recap of that seminar later this week, but let's talk first about fitness fashion! While I was at TC Running Company,  I did a little browsing, and ended up buying this  Oiselle Scantron Tank in fresh green (what looks like yellow to me)

 According to the Oiselle website,  

The Scantron Running Tank is simplicity in itself. In addition to the micro venting, designed right into this tech fabric, we’ve done away with bindings anywhere, completed with a simple merrow stitch, so that all you feel is a fantastic fit. Its length and shape prevents it from shimmying up. Perfect for layering – or lifting.

 <- It also comes in all these colors!

My opinion: Its definitely longer, which I love, and the material breathed really well on my 19 mile run in 80 degree temperatures. I was impressed... and no chafing, which is always a win! I think that's because of how they have done away with any bindings anywhere. It works!

Please note that I think that Oiselle clothes run a little more "true to size" than Athleta. At Athleta, I wear a small, but at Oiselle, I wear a medium. This is true for the Oiselle roga shorts as well.  

I loved the Scantron tank and am considering it in other colors- maybe one of them will be my OBX marathon outfit!

Have you purchased any Oiselle running apparel? What do you think?

Don't forget to enter to win two free minnie BIC bands- a winner will be drawn tomorrow!

Fit Tip Friday: Why You Should Join a Run Club. Or Not.

I often post about how much I love my run club.  I don’t go there as often or consistently as I used to, but I am always glad when I do. So many great memories over the past four years have involved the run club and the friends I have made there.

So, you probably know that I’m a huge proponent of a run club. If we ever had to move to a new city, the first thing I would do is find a run club.

But if you are still unsure about joining a run club, here are 6 reasons to join a run club.

1. Misery loves company.  It’s a whole lot easier to get out for a run in the rain or in the snow with a run club. The run club is the friend who keeps you accountable. The run club is your support network and your motivation. They are your  #noexcuses and your #shutupandrun ! 

After a tough run, the sense of camaraderie that you feel with your run club is unbeatable. The other day, I went to the club for a hill workout and after the workout portion was over, a group of us jogged back to the Calhoun Beach Club. I just felt all this love towards my fellow runners, like “hey, we just DID that, and sure it was tough, but WE DID IT.” You may think running is not a team sport but at times like that it really feels like one. A run club gives you the sense of a team, a club, a family! We cheer each other on and we cheer each other up after bad runs.

2. Exposure to a breadth of knowledge about running. You can learn a lot about running in books or online forums (blogs like the Right Fits or Minneapolis Running), but you can learn a ton about running from actually talking to other runners. Get first-hand testimonies of things that worked or didn't work. Get insider tips on different races. Learn about different fueling methods. Learn about different injuries and injury prevention techniques.

3. There’s safety in numbers. I never feel the need to carry my hand-held mace when I’m running with the run club. There is a safety in numbers- safety from the lunatics and also a safety from the elements. You will have someone looking out for you, and ensuring you make it back safely. You’re running with someone so if you slip on the ice, there is someone to call or run for help.

4. A little competition never hurt anyone. I always push myself harder on workouts with the club. I don’t consider myself that competitive of a person but the run club pushes you to become a faster/stronger runner.

5. Make new friends. Some of my best girlfriends at this stage in my life are the girls I have met in the CBRC. It is such a great way to meet people- people who love to run! People who love the outdoors, people who love health and fitness. People with whom you immediately have something in common- running!

6. Find yourself a lover. So many couples have emerged from the run club!  This builds off of #5- I mean, a running club is a great place to meet people, and it can be a great place to meet a new boyfriend or girlfriend too.

 

Just another great run club love story!

Okay so you get it. Joining a run club is awesome. But is it really ALL awesome?

Nope. So here’s the truth. Here are 6 Reasons NOT to join a run club.

1. Lack of flexibility: One of the biggest downsides to running with a club is that the club probably meets on a schedule. Our club meets Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 6 pm, and Saturdays at 8 am (7 am in the summer). This doesn’t really work if you need to get your run in before work.  It doesn’t make sense sometimes you get out of work early and you don’t want to wait around until 6 pm. Or maybe you want to run in a different location, or on trails. Most likely your club won’t always fit with your personal schedule.

2. Too much competition can hurt you.  It’s true that running with the club makes you push yourself harder than you would on your own. But…what if you’re pushing too hard? Are you running hard on what are supposed to be easy days, only because you don’t want to be at the back of the pack, or because you want to keep up with your friends? Are you doing more workouts than you should? Are you comparing yourself and your workouts to your peers and feeling pressure to do more, to add more mileage than you should, to ramp up when you shouldn’t? There is a down side to constantly running with a club, and it often involves injury, burnout, or worse.

3. Running at the wrong pace. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the run club, and you might run at the wrong pace for you. It’s also easy to run TOO slow.  Maybe you are running with a slower group because you always have, and you haven’t had the push to move to a faster pace group. Too slow or too fast- this is a risk of running with a run club.

4. Ex-lovers… The downside of #6 from the reasons to join a club…Not all of those run club relationships last forever. For every marriage or lasting relationship that has come out of the club, there are another two that didn’t turn out so sunny.

And then what happens? Do you have to share custody of the club? Alternate nights and weekends?

I guess it’s just like the end of any relationship, where friends of you and the significant other may no longer be friends of each of you individually. Hopefully you can both exist harmoniously in each other’s presence, but this can definitely be a challenge and a downside of running with a club.

5. No Solitude.  One of the things that a lot of runners love about running is being alone with your thoughts. My husband is a bit of an introvert and he really values running alone (which is funny since he rarely does!) Personally, I need a bit of a mix, as I do really enjoy running on my own sometimes as well as with a group. Running with a club means you probably don’t have a lot of solo runs. I mean, that’s kind of the point, but if you’re looking for solitude in your runs, a running club might not be for you.

6. Running with a group is gross. Snot rockets, emergency bathroom stops, salt-encrusted faces, gas, blisters, SWEAT- lots of sweat.

Running can be gross. You might be queasy when it comes to these things when they are coming from your own body. It’s much worse to be exposed to them when they are coming from someone else. When running with a club you may be running pretty close to these things coming from other people....

As Jimmy Fallon says- Ew.

If the thought of running side by side with a run buddy whose sweaty pony tail is sprinkling on you like a May shower totally grosses you out…well, maybe a run club is not for you. (and sorry to those that have run by me and my sweaty ponytail…)

If you were more convinced by the first list than the second list, then of course, I recommend trying out the Calhoun Beach Running Club. Find more information on our website HERE.

But watch out for the girl with the sweaty ponytail...Ew.

Fitting Remarks: My Minneapolis Fall Bucket List 2014

I had such a fun time with my Minneapolis Summer Bucket list that I decided to put together one for fall. Fall is much shorter of course, so my list is shorter as well.

Here goes!

1. Go camping at one of the many local campgrounds.

This should have been on our summer bucket list, but it wasn’t. To make up for that, it's now on the fall bucket list and I’m hoping we can accomplish it. We have a weekend set aside before it gets too cold to do so.  

Many moons ago, we had a great time together just the two of us in the Boundary Waters for a week (Dustin claims that was when he decided he was going to propose<-- aww!) 

So we have all the gear from that trip; it’s time to put it to use! We also haven't ever gone camping with Matilda (the dog). At some point, we'd like to take her to the Boundary Waters with us. We know that she behaves really well in a canoe, but we just need to make sure she doesn't mind the tent! 

2. Spend the day at a pizza farm.

I had such a fun time doing this in July that I just have to do it again in the fall.

3. Pick some honey crisp apples! 

This is the last season to go to Fall Harvest Orchard. Unfortunately, it will be closing due to the death of one of the owners (so sad...) The family is keeping the orchard open one final year. There are plenty of other apple orchards in the Twin Cities area, but this was definitely one of my favorites. I'm very sad to see it go! 

I did just read that they are already almost out of apples though, so we might have to head to a different orchard this year. According to Sidewalk Dog, there are several orchards that allow dogs. We are thinking about checking into Sponsel's or Deardorff's. Any recommendations? 

4. Make apple crisp or apple pie.

Leading off of #3, I need to put those apples to use. As a kid, I never wanted cake for my birthday; I always wanted peach or apple pie. I still love pie more than cake!

5. Carve a pumpkin.

Last year, we had the pumpkins and the carving kit, yet we never carved our pumpkins...

6. Make a stop at Oktoberfest at Gasthofs

I went to Gasthof’s a whole lot more when I was in college (man, there were some crazy nights in the basement of Gasthof’s back in the day…) They hold one of the best Oktoberfest festivals in the Twin Cities. 

Details: September 19th to October 11th: A Bavarian bar and eatery in Northeast Minneapolis that pitches a massive tent and brings in the picnic tables for a celebration of Germany. They’ll have traditional German beer like Hacker Pschorr, Paulaner, Spaten and Warsteiner. Food options include brats, smoked pork chops, BBQ ribs, german potato salad, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and apfelstrudel. There will be live polka music and dancing, too. No cover charge. Bring your own beer mug or buy one of their 1/2 liter mugs. Tokens are $6. Location: 2300 University Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55418

**There are plenty of other Oktoberfests too-Harriet Brewing's Raunchfest or 612Brew's Oktoberfest...probably others as well!

7. Get lost in a corn maze OR drink apple cider (or a beer?) around a bonfire...

Fall is short, so I combined this one into an "either-or," as I'm not really sure I'll be able to accomplish either. I don't think you can burn leaves within Minneapolis proper, so I need to make a friend in the country quick. Or find a corn maze. Sever's Corn Maze seems like the best option...

8. Spend a crisp fall day in Stillwater.
As close as Stillwater is to the city, we don't make it there very much. I'm sure the foliage would be beautiful on the drive and then we could spend the day shopping or eating our way through this charming town.

9. Rake leaves.

This one will be easy...and Dustin will be happy if I help!

10. Attend a local soccer game.

This is on the list because my friend Gina is coaching her daughter's team. I am sure it is just adorable so I figured I should go catch one of the games and cheer for her!

11. Cheer for Twin Cities Marathon!

This one will be easy. I love cheering at TCM. I'm already brainstorming some new signs for this year!

12. Get SCARED at the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement

We have tickets to go to this with a few friends and this year it sounds even scarier than ever! The theme is "UNHINGED." Everyone must wear a mask...why? so we can't tell who our friends are?

source

13. Use my new immersion blender to make an autumn soup/bisque. 

Remember when I won an immersion blender at the silent auction at the Taste of the Nation HotList? Well, its still in the box. I haven't used it yet, but fall soups should be the perfect time to break it in.

14. Come up with a creative dog costume for Matilda

 Maybe a martini glass? 

source

Kissing booth? She does like to give kisses...

source

15. Eat lutefisk/attend a small town church supper.
This was on my summer list and I didn't make it happen, but people are telling me it's much easier to find a good church supper in the fall/winter. Any recommendations?

16. Run a night trail race.
Like this one. I think that there is a bonfire at this race so I could perhaps fulfill #7 at the same time!

17. Go to the MCAD Art Sale.
This art sale is only held once a year, the weekend before Thanksgiving. We are always looking for new art for our house and I have never been to this event.

18. Grow a mustache for Movember.
Just kidding. Hopefully. That would not be a good look for me.
I do look forward to the return of Dustin's beard:

...and I hope to participate in the Moustache Run this year! Register HERE.

19. Anniversary/Birthday Celebration!
October is a special month as it includes both my birthday and our wedding anniversary. My fall bucket list would not be complete with a mention of celebrating these two occasions in style!

20. Set a marathon PR at the OBX Marathon in early November!
Pretty please marathon gods....I have been training so hard! 

I know that this isn't something that I'm doing in Minneapolis, but all the training has been in Minneapolis, so I'm keeping it on my fall bucket list!

I'd love to end the fall on a strong note with a smart and strong race in North Carolina. After my disappointing performance at Flying Pig, I'm going to be conservative and not set my expectations too high. But I can't help but hope....


Tell me...what did I miss? What is on YOUR fall bucket list? Please share in the comments!

For more great ideas, check out the CityPages 50 Reasons Why We Love Fall in Minnesota