Football is BACK!

Last night was the Packer's first preseason game! That's right, even preseason is a celebration! Lambeau Puppy donned his jersey for the first time this season and was ready to snuggle down and watch some football. We enjoyed chicken sausages in a blanket and some Suppin Summer ale thanks to the recommendation by Kristin!

First family football photo of the year:

This is how I will be spending most of my Sundays. I got my first pair of ProCompression socks in the mail!!! I enjoyed the game in these beauties after a SPEEDY speed work session: 6x1000 at MPG. UGH. It was difficult, I didn't get started until 8:30 which was already TOO HOT! Thankfully I finished and my splits were around the mid 8:00 mark. Pretty good for slowpoke legs like mine!

You'll be seeing a lot of posts like this on Monday's for the next few football months:

Shots for touchdowns

Traveling to games (@ Panthers)

Slow cooker brats

Packers Cheerleader and I tailgating 

Watching them beat the Giants at home...this WILL happen again this year. Redemption.

A green and gold spread of champions!

A lot of Lambeau Leaping Love! (He REALLY needed a haircut here!)

Tomorrow's long run is 14 miles...with a strong chance of rain in the morning. I'm thinking I'm going to run through it, because it will also be 75 degrees. Fairly tolerable for a nicely drenched run! Would you switch it for a not so rainy day? I did that last year and was grateful for perfect weather marathon Sunday. However, I think this could be a huge boost mentally.

Do you like Football? Love it? Hate it? Enjoy the food!? Tell me about it!

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY BEFORE 11:59pm 8/13! 

85 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!!

Vega Review and Giveaway! YIPPEE!

Yes folks, you read right: A review AND my very first giveaway! Things are moving and shaking over here. Vega, a fantastic company to work with, sent out a request for bloggers to review. I responded because the reviews I had read were really positive. When I received my package in the mail (giddy!) I was excited to try out this product.

Here is what Vega is all about:

- Plant-based whole foods are the true future for optimal health.
- Alkaline forming, plant-based whole foods help build a platform for optimal health.
- Nutrient density is more important than calories.
- What you eat should provide you energy, not drain it.
- What you eat should energize through nourishment, not stimulation.
- Minimize exposure to sensitivity-aggravating ingredients. 
- It is possible to rebuild a younger-feeling body.

These are the key points from their about page. For further explanation on each of these points, I encourage you to click here to read more, it's definitely worth it because there is a lot of good information on it! Although I sampled the smoothie mixes, there are other amazing products such as seed snacks and nutrition bars, so check out their website!

Here are some key nutritional stats that showed me this product was worth trying:
- Made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients
- Clean and green - Energizing Smoothie is dairy, gluten and soy free and contains no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.
- Alkaline-forming¹ - and easy to digest
- Two servings of veggies
- 10 g of complete, plant-based protein
- 5 g of fiber
- 1 g of Omega-3
(Information taken from Vega Website)

I received 5 samples of Vega Energizing Smoothies: Choc-o-late, Tropical Tango, Vanilla Almondia, and Natural. I was truly interested in trying this product because during the school year, I have to be careful and plan my snacks so I'm not hungry or left to eat the candy that is ALWAYS available. Here is how I used these smoothies:

- Almondia: I simply mixed this with a spoon to see if it would hold up as a mid morning snack at school. It was great! Similar to almond milk; the flavor was the perfect mix of sweet but not overwhelming. I look forward to using this as a healthy snack during the school year!
- Natural: I put this in my green monster (1 banana, two handfuls of spinach, 1 tbps peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of flax seed, 1 cup of almond milk). It was tasteless from what I could tell, a great replacement for whey protein.
- Choc-o-late: Back in a green monster! Mr. Miller made it with kale instead of spinach and no peanut butter, so the chocolate was a great flavor addition for a strong veggie tasting shake!
- Tropical Tango: Coach Jen, my sister and triathlete extraordinaire, was shocked to see me with a product she had been researching THAT VERY DAY! I let her take the Tropical Tango (I'm such a nice sister). She threw it in a smoothie and loved the flavor boost the fruit base provided.

One apprehension: Xanthan Gum. As the last ingredient on the list of ingredients, I thought it sounded a bit "fake". Coach Jen said that was one of the reasons she had held off on order a sample. When I looked it up on Livestrong.com, it stated that Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent in things such as cottage cheese, ice cream and salad dressings. Although it sounds like a processed food, it is NOT! It is safe to consume; however, it holds no nutritional value. It simply helps the shake thicken! Phew. Natural food crisis averted. 

Verdict: Vega Energizing Smoothie is a GREAT tasting, nutrition benefiting product that can and should be easily consumed anywhere: 

Want a chance to try Vega Energizing Smoothie in the Tropical Tango flavor? Why yes, I was generous to share this flavor with Coach Jen, and now you have the chance to get it too! Lambeau is not included in the giveaway, just the awesome smoothie mix worth $19.99!

Giveaway Rules:

Mandatory: for ONE entry, leave a comment about a run, race or route that got you energized! Vega is doing a cool contest on Facebook; they asked entrants to post a photo of how they get energized. Go check it out and vote! You could win some great prizes just for voting! (No additional entries on this giveaway for voting! Go help yourself and vote anyway!)

Additional Entries: Leave a comment for each one you complete
1. Follow Mrs. Miller's Miles with Google Friend Connect
2. Follow Mrs. Miller's Miles and Vega Team on Twitter 
3. Tweet About the Giveaway with the following tweet: I want to get energized and win the @vegateam #giveaway from @mrsmillersmiles http://tinyurl.com/8gfjjhj 

Giveaway will close at 11:59pm Sunday, August 12, 2012. Winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Monday, August 13, 2011.

GOOD LUCK! And may the odds be ever in your favor.

86 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review. I was given free Vega product for the purpose of this review. These opinions are my own and based on my experiences.

In Lolo Jones' defense

Begin rant...

Via

While I tend to simply write about my personal running experiences, I'm furious about this article. The NY Times launched a ridiculously negative article about a US Olympian BEFORE she had her chance in the games. It discussed how she was all looks, exposing her personal life, and fluff when it comes to her athletic ability. HELLO. SHE. IS. IN. THE. OLYMPICS! I don't care if she barely made it. She's THERE! You're not Jere Longman of the NY Times! You sit masked behind a computer screen touting theories from academics or professors; you did not sit back and think about the effect of your article on a person in the spotlight about take on the biggest race of her life.

I didn't know about the article until I watched Lolo Jones' interview this morning on the Today Show. It was sad that she was brought to tears, although she fought them (I'm sure Longman thinks this is a weakness), and defended her various records and achievements on the track while representing the USA. In a quote from the interview, Jones stated she holds the American indoor record and two world indoor records.

So, Mr. Longman, where is your article about every other US athlete that didn't live up to the expectations set on them? What about the USA men's gymnastics disappointment? Where is your article about Ryan Lochte being all talk and barely producing? Where is your criticism of the USA female marathoners who didn't get 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th,? Where is the piece about Jordan Wieber being a huge disappointment? Those people get a pass? Come on.

We were all wondering if the media was right about Michael Phelps. When he placed 4th in his first race, Phelps was labeled as "untrained" "not focused" and "in danger of not breaking the record." Seriously? He showed them.

We all knew Lolo Jones would have to have the race of her life; in fact, she did have her best time this year. Despite back surgery and injury, she qualified for the Olympics. She's the Dara Torres of running. Lolo, hang tough. This too shall pass. Cowards behind computers will be put in their place. You will show them.

Are you frustrated by the super critical media concerning the Olympics!? TELL ME ABOUT IT!

End rant.

Glad Game XV

Ah, it's Monday! It's also the first Monday in AUGUST! What the heck, summer?! Didn't get the memo to go by super slow? Well, okay, let's roll with this. Despite missing my FAV band Coldplay in NJ TWICE and the UNHEALTHY gift bestowed on me this weekend (see below), let's get GLAD with things and beat this Monday like pavement beneath the Nikes! 

I'm glad I went to CT this weekend! I'm also glad I PDR'd in CT! I've never run more than 10 miles in CT, which resulted my running down random side streets to pick up the extra 2 miles on a 10 mile run! Mr. Miller decided 5 miles was a great number for him, and I'm glad he joined me for the tougher half...also, he got me out of the cold comfy bed!!!

I'm glad that I can run. I'm glad for what I put into the run, and for what the run puts into me. See this post and smile the next time you lace up!!!

I'm glad we went to the BEACH! It has become a yearly tradition to visit RI and enjoy the beach, grab food at Harry's, and enjoy living #ctforlife. 

I'm glad we got to spend quality time with FAMILY. I went to CT on Thursday and enjoyed seeing many members of my rather large family (5 siblings, 12 nieces and nephews, have you HEARD!?) Uncle Brian made sure to get quality time with a certain McAuliffe #2:

I'm glad the rain can't hold us down! This picture does not do the downpour justice! We tried to enjoy the early morning/afternoon sun, but a front moved in like only New England can produce, and somehow Uncle Brian talked the moms present into a rain drenched dip! Us ladies stayed under the newly covered deck and laughed at their antics.

Although this picture depicts a disturbed pooch (He was a bit antsy), Lambeau Pup is FEARLESS in thunderstorms! We sat out on my parent's covered deck and enjoyed a never ending INTENSE thunderstorm. L Puppy was a bit nervous, but he sat in my lap or under my chair and endured the insane thunder claps! I even jumped a few times! Little did he know, the worst was still to come...

I'm glad Mr. Miller drove us back to NYC last night. Within an hour of our ride from CT a CRAZY storm rolled in; the kind that resulted in debris along the 95 south, closing down lanes. Ugh. I also got car sick and a headache (I must get my eyes checked! My sensitivity to light and brake lights is out of control.) He's the best, in case you were wondering.

I'm glad this is my last week of summer school! WOOHOO! Another week off before 10 days of vacation in Annapolis and VA Beach; I seriously can't wait! Running, homemade donuts, coffee, beach. In that order. Yes you saw donuts. My coach better require some good miles to burn off the naughty breakfast!!!

What are you glad about? Did you find the PERFECT Essie color?! Did you run your best 5k? Is your long run increase making you super stoked for a marathon? Tell me about it!

89 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!!

Pool Workouts for Cross Training

After running 12 miles yesterday, I knew today's 4 mile shake out was not a possibility. Let's just say that a new sports bra, that I've worn several times in the past month, did me in with some serious arm/side chaffing. I also forgot my body glide while packing for my trip to Connecticut, so I should have at least put deodorant there; the poor man's body glide! Alas, despite a fabulous run where we crossed three towns, including the hometown of a local Olympian racing today, the humidity and sweating did me in.  

So, I headed to the pool. Since I'm visiting my parents, that means walking out the backdoor. Sigh. #CTforlife. Pool workouts are amazing for runners. It's one of the only non-impact cardio workouts that's TRULY non impact. You're floating for goodness sake! This Runners World article details who can benefit from pool workouts and how they help runners. 


First, I started with some good 'ol laps. I stuck to freestyle, as the breaststroke sometimes aggravates my hips. Oh those hips, they keep me on my toes! Here's my laps work out (We estimate that four laps (back and forth four times) equals about one lap of a real lap pool.): 


-Freestyle Laps: 16 laps relaxed, 4 sprint; 12 relaxed, 8 sprint; 16 relaxed, 4 sprint; 12 relaxed, 8 sprint = 60 laps total (15)

 - Shallow end running sprints: Sprint from side to side, turning around and going against the courant each time. This adds resistance as you try to sprint in the direction you just came from. 30 total

Deep water running: Not all of us have the fancy running belts so I made do with a nifty $1 noodle! You simulate running, including using your arms underwater, in water that you can't touch. I went side to side, adding resistance by running in the direction I came from. 30 total.

This was a great 35 minute workout!


Last but not least: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD! Yesterday we began the celebration by going to the beach and then to our FAVORITE place: Harry's Place! They have the best onion rings I've ever had....and milkshakes...and cheeseburgers...yea, we ate a lot of food! Happy birthday dad, you're the best!

Do you cross train in the pool? Do you prefer to lounge in a raft? Are you a backstroke expert? Have you ever tried water running? TELL ME ABOUT IT!

90 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!!

Working out with your spouse is great

Mr. Miller is a great significant other. He has all the qualities I love: fun, caring, loving, responsible, organized and wicked smaht. One thing we haven't shared is our fitness endeavors. He would go through periods of going to the gym, which were usually after work, thus taking away time from when we would hang out together. We were completely separate in working out, islands unto ourselves.

Us, working out together? This would occasionally include me going on a run, and if it was over three miles he would join me for the first or last mile or two. We would go to the gym together, but I'm not a huge fan of weights so I was never super thrilled about it. This photo was during the taper for the marathon. Note: I'm extremely happy that he joined me for two miles...he looks tired and annoyed I'm taking a picture of our sweaty fun!

We run one race we do every year as a couple. This is an action shot from the Manchester Road Race Circa 2011. Mr. Miller is the one in the green shirt saying hello to a YOUNG Lambeau Puppy. I'm the one plodding on after a quick hello! Mr. Miller would train, often on the gym treadmill, and get up to about 3.5-4 miles so he wouldn't feel sick after the race...like he did his first year.

Currently we are working out together more than ever before! Since Mr. Miller completed an awesome ten week fitness program, he has become excited and passionate about health and fitness. He came home tonight as I finally got myself to do a kettlebell workout. As I was doing it, he began to correct my form! Guess who has been using KBs with a KB expert at the gym?! My man. After my KB workout (All of 15 minutes is all I could take, it's such tough work!), I was going to the pool for a quick 10 laps. I convinced him to join because his legs were really sore; obviously the pool could help with that! I introduced him to the slow lane, where walking and running in the water is acceptable. I swam, he walked, and then we did some pool running/high knees running. It was a great way to spend a Wednesday night. Not to mention we ran 10 miles together on Saturday:

I am so happy that we have been making each other better, faster and stronger. Not only is it a healthy activity, but we're spending quality time pushing and motivating each other. Mr. Miller has even been talking about how excited he is to work out over vacation, going on early morning runs with me, and doing beach workouts! WHO IS THIS!? I like him. It has not always been this way, so here is my advice on how to become more active with your partner:

- Find an activity that you BOTH enjoy.

- Make a deal to try each other's activity of choice once a week.

- Create destination walks/runs/bikes (ie to a park, to a cafe etc).

- Try new things! Mr. Miller was NOT convinced pool walking/running would help him, and he loved it!

- Watch a movies that inspire you. Obviously the Olympics are currently helping to motivate!

- Involve your pet if you have one. Bring the dog on a short "family" jog!

- ENCOURAGE ENCOURAGE ENCOURAGE! This is the most important piece of all!

Do you work out with anyone? What keeps you motivated? Any special tips? TELL ME ABOUT IT!!!

94 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!! 

Glad Game Monday XIV

Well hello last Monday in July, didn't notice you SNEAKING up on me! I can't believe that August begins this week; where has the summer gone?! I'm determined more than ever to make it a  fun filled remaining four weeks. Today, however, I'm TIRED! I swam this morning, worked, lunched with a friend, and had to deal with getting an estimate on my car following the MTA bus that hit it....A MONTH AGO. It's the last week of summer school; YEA! It's slightly gloomy this week: BOO. Despite being upset with being told ALL the Olympic results BEFORE NBC decides to show them with continual commercials, let's get GLAD with things and try to focus on the good in our lives!!!


I'm glad the Olympics are on. OBVIOUSLY.


I'm glad wearing red, white and blue in an outfit is currently acceptable!

I'm glad that this restaurant exists. This hot up and coming brunch spot is reserved solely for double digit runs. Since my 10 miler Saturday was the first double digit run in a month, we decided to celebrate that with friends who were also involved in the fitness program Mr. Miller just completed! Hello fried chicken and waffles:

I'm glad that I got to wear my Olympic tank, found the Clapper at a thrift store, and started planning my 80's themed birthday party with party planner extraordinaire Mrs. Anders. Need I remind you of the legendary "A Party"?! Oh and yes, you did read that right. Currently a nightly round of singing "Clap on...clap off" and testing out the clapper has been taking place in the Miller house. 

I'm glad a college friend found a HILARIOUS joke gift I made for her! She posted this photo on my facebook page and I. lost. my. marbles! I was laughing so hard I started crying. These were my "chubbier days" when side profiles did NOT suit me...in fact, I don't think side profiles suit me now either! Our adventures included climbing through indoor plants, avoiding icicles, and hiding near cereal? Oh college...the things we did with our free time...

I'm glad football season is almost here. I loved spending Saturday with the Anders, I can't wait to have regular company on Sundays! We got Lambeau a football toy for the season. So far it's been 24 hours and it hasn't had the stuffing ripped out...Football, 1, Lambeau Puppy 0. Oh yea, GO PACK GO!

I'm glad this pool exists in my neighborhood. It is beautiful with a sweeping bridge behind it. It's very grand. This morning's 10 laps was fairly quiet, not many ventured to the pool today. If I had more time I would have stayed so much longer; alas, work calls!

I'm glad that my coworkers continue to work hard at running! This was week 4 of our walk/run group and these ladies have been the go to faithfuls. This week we moved from only 3 minutes walking 1 minute walking to 2 minutes walking 1 minute running...and two sets of 2 minutes running! They have made amazing progress. I am SO proud of their hard work and dedication! At the end of every week they seem to say, "It's getting easier." or "That wasn't so bad."...always with smiles. LOVE THEM!

So, what are you glad about? Have you stumbled on some funny college photos lately? Are you on vacation? Did you celebrate National Cheesecake day (WE DID)?! TELL ME ABOUT IT!


96 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!!