Hi again! 
So how was everyone’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend??
We had a great weekend. First on Friday, while Brandon was still working, I went for a 9-mile run at Suwanee Creek Greenway.
(Source)
I’ve mentioned before that Georgia has way more hills than Ohio, but I’ll say it again.
Georgia has way more hills than Ohio. 
I felt great for most of the run, but by the end, the sight of another hill made me physically (and mentally!) cringe in anticipation. And after completing the run, my face was a lovely shade of tomato-red. 
(That’s actually an old picture, but it’s a very accurate replica of my look on Friday!)
So since I’m a newbie to running hills, I decided to do a little research on hill running and share it with all of YOU!
Some good news about hill running? It makes you stronger and faster! 
- From an assistant professor of exercise: “Do it week after week, and your body begins to adapt to the stresses … in other words, it gets stronger.” (Source)
- From a running coach: “There’s nothing better for developing speed and muscle power.” (Source)
Another interesting thing I found? Running hills lessens the risk of injury!
- “And hills by their nature lessen the risk of injury because the slope shortens the distance you have to ‘fall’ or land, reducing impact. ” (Source)
How cool is that???
All that being said, what are some strategies on how to run hills properly?
I like that this article explains what to do with each part of your body while running a hill. Some examples from the article:
LEGS: “Push your legs off and up, rather than into, the hill.”
FEET: “Get up on your forefeet and take shorter strides … Run with punctuation.”
Check out the rest of the article for many more great tips!
——————–
OK, so back to my weekend (because it’s all about me, right? 
)
After a nice long shower, I gave myself a manicure.
Being the trend setter follower that I am, I read somewhere that purple was the “cool” color for the spring, and I decided to try it out. I think I’m a fan!
On Saturday morning, Brandon washed the cars, while I planned out the rest of our day.
I had found this coupon for wine tasting a while back, and I thought it would be a fun thing to do on St. Patrick’s Day … especially because I saw that the winery was planning a whole “St. Patty’s Day celebration” at their Irish Pub!
Chateau Elan is the largest winery in Georgia. They also have an inn, spa, multiple golf courses, and several restaurants on the grounds!
Behind me (notice I’m already using my new shorts and shoes! ) is the winery … so pretty!
Brandon (reluctantly) posing in front of the vineyards.
I like to think I’m funny … 
Inside the winery, there was a cute little store with plenty of fun things to check out. We also bought our tickets for the tour and tasting here … with my coupon, it was only $10 total for both of us!
The tour itself would have been interesting … if I could have heard our tour guide. He was an older gentleman, and it was a big group, so his voice didn’t carry to the back.
But I did learn that the difference between red wine and white wine is that the skin is left on the grapes when making red wine … who knew?! I guess that makes sense, since red wine is supposed to be healthier for you. They always say that most of the nutrients are in the skin of the fruits and veggies, right? (I’m just so smart, aren’t I? )
We had a small taste of 5 different types of wines.
Brandon’s favorite was the “Scarlet 211,” which was a dry, red wine. My favorite was the Muscadine, because it was super sweet and fruity (no big surprise there, right? ).
And for once in my life, I didn’t get carded! Maybe I’m starting to finally look like I’m of legal drinking age?! 
After the wine tasting, we headed over to the Irish Pub to check out the festivities.
They had a bunch of games set up for the kids (and the adults … I may have shown Brandon up in one match … 
).
They also had live Irish music …
… and green beer!
Of course, someone (cough Brandon cough cough) may have been more interested in the Ohio State basketball game than the St. Patty’s Day festivities. We ended up watching most of the game in the pub with some other fans.
After we had our fill of St. Patrick’s Day fun, we headed back south to Suwanee for some Mellow Mushroom pizza!
Vegetarian readers, I’m afraid this post just isn’t for you. We got the “Mighty Meaty” pizza, which came with pepperoni, sausage, ham, ground beef, and applewood smoked bacon!
Yum!
All in all, it was a pretty great weekend!
Now a question for you …
What did you do this weekend? Did your weekend involve any St. Patrick’s Day celebrations?
Any thoughts or advice on hill running?
Favorite kind of wine?
Chocolate Wine
you are so cute! I love your outfit for the trip to the winery and St. Patty’s Day.
I always think of Georgia being super flat and Ohio being hilly. Clearly I was wrong. But, very cool you get to be a stronger faster runner now!
Mattie @ Comfy and Confident recently posted..Great Weekend
Oh no, Ohio is totally flat. At least where we lived was … maybe not all areas of Ohio. But Wapakoneta = flat + lots and lots of corn fields and hay bales!
Aw, sounds like an amazing weekend!! I would absolutely love to go to a winery some day
. Your nails look so pretty too! I cannot paint my nails and have them look that good…I always get the polish on the sides haha. Loving your new shorts and shoes too pretty lady!! I have been hanging with my man all weekend which is awesome!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Foods I’m Loving
Oh don’t be fooled … if you looked closer, I’m sure you’d see some paint on my skin haha!!
we have a ton of hills by our house, so all that hill running info is great to know! hills are pure torture in my opinion. ha!
and that pizza sounds amazing!
the winery sounds like it was so much fun! i’m all about the sweet and fruity wines too.
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..A Brazilian Feast
I love Monchhoff wine! It is my favorite right now.
Krista @ A Belle in DC recently posted..Bedroom Inspiration
Looks like the absolute perfect weekend – your polish choice is gorgeous, and the winery trip looks like a winner. Thanks for all of the info on the hill running too!
Hey pretty lady … I tried to comment on your blog, but (maybe I’m having a blonde moment … ?) I was having some difficulty. Anyways, wanted to send sympathy about your computer. You are probably the 5th or 6th blogger that has said something similar in the past couple of months! It scares me that my computer could do the same thing! :/
Looks like an awesome weekend! LOVE the green beer!! We actually didnt really celebrate since neither of us like alcohol, but we did go out to eat! Plus tried to have GREEN with every meal, which always makes this interesting
Kat recently posted..Lemon Cheesecake Bars
I was thinking about you this weekend. I made the mistake of watching that movie Food Inc, and I am now scarred for life haha. I think I might need to start eating as healthy as you do!!!
Wow that sounds like one very full and fun weekend!
I had a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day celebrating in Chicago. They even dye the river green.
I do love me some wine but I’d have to say my favorites are Sauvignon Blanc for white and Malbec for red.
One of my girlfriends lives in Chicago, and she’s told me how much fun the city is around St. Patrick’s Day. Glad you were able to enjoy it!!
For wine I prefer whites, I love a good resiling or pinot grigio
Love the purple nails!!
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! recently posted..It’s Monday! & Bourbon Chicken
what a fun weekend!! i’ve never been to a wine tasting before, i’d love to try one someday. my favorite kind is a toss up between cabernet sauv or chardonnay.
my weekend was alot of fun! went to the nyc parade and had many drinks with alot of good people. awesome time.
my town is so hilly that hill running is unavoidable..but i enjoy the challenge! i’m really used to hills by now
Theresa recently posted..My very green St. Patricks Day weekend in pictures
That sounds like such a great St Patricks Day! I love going to winery’s, so much fun. Great job on your run too!
Alyssa @ fit and fun in third recently posted..Refuel FAIL.
What a fun weekend! And that pizza looks incredible!
I celebrated St. Patty’s Day with some friends in true Irish fashion (aka liquor was involved).
And a fave wine? Pfffft. Wine, in general
Yellow Haired Girl recently posted..Getting This Off My Chest
Haha you are so funny! Good to know that you don’t discriminate.
We usually stay home on St. Patty’s day (night) because of all the crazy people out partying and driving. My friend is the drummer for a band (Brandon Lay Band – check them out on itunes!), and they were playing in town Saturday night, so we went out. It was pretty low key (although I wanted to dance but no one else was, and I was worried about embarrassing Daniel lol), but it was fun! Last night was family dinner – we had Mexican food and played Phase 10 until midnight. So much fun!
Love your purple nails and your new clothes – you look adorable!
natalie @ southern fit foodie recently posted..Lucky Day
I don’t think I’ve heard of Phase 10 before!! You gotta explain that one to me!
yum! we have a mellow mushroom in nashville + their pizza is great. looks like you had a fab weekend, girlie!
amy @ fearless homemaker recently posted..mint chocolate chip cocktail
Oh my gosh.. totally know what you mean with those hills. I’m pretty sure Clemson is pure rolling hills, no flat ground. But they say, if you train in a hilly city, then you can run anywhere! Though, I would warn you.. I injured my knee running on hills, because on the DOWNhill your knees take a lot more force than they do on flat ground. Be careful!
That wine tour looks fun! So interesting about the red wine being made with the skin! Makes sense!
Avery @ YoungAspirations recently posted..Melodica
Such a good point, Avery. Running downhill SEEMS like it would be easy, but it can definitely be jarring to the joints!!
This looks so fun! I am so jealous! We had some green and played some games with a group of friends, but no fun winery! ha
That pizza does look delicious though, very meaty indeed! haha
I never knew that about the skins of the wine, that is pretty interesting!
Jentry Nielsen recently posted..Teach Me Thursday: Push-Ups for Civilians
Your weekend looks like a blast! And you look absolutely gorgeous! Glowing from your 9-miler!
My favorite type of wine is Moscato! But I also love a glass of red.
Stefanie @TheNewHealthy recently posted..Something good in every day.
I actually do have an odd affection for hill running on treadmills. It’s the perfect way to break up boredom on those things. And it makes you KILL!!!!!! when it comes to no hills!!!
Corrie Anne recently posted..Homemade Naan Is The Best Pizza Crust
Oh goodness! That does sound stressful. I only have a 600 square ft apartment to decorate, so that limits my options which certainly reduces my anxiety as well. I love pinterest for decorating and craft ideas though. Hope it helps!
Krista @ A Belle in DC recently posted..Bedroom Inspiration
I like your purple nails!
Jordan and I actually celebrated Easter with his family on St.Patty’s Day because they’ll be gone for Spring Break on the actual day!
Emily @ Perfection Isn’t Happy recently posted..Part II: Is My Workout Making Me Sick?
I love wine tastings! And I always go for the sweeter wines too
I’m slowly becoming a grown up and branching out, but they are definitely my favorites.
Baking Serendipity recently posted..Walnut and Blackberry Waffle Sandwiches
Kristen, you are SO adorable. I remember you talking about your blog @ group, but I’ve never read it. This is so neat, and creative. I could actually “hear” you talking. So happy you’ve transitioned so well with your big move. Sounds like you guys had an awesome weekend. I love wine tasting. And I’m totally into sweet & fruity also. My fav is Moscato…yummy! Now I can’t wait to read your next blog:) Have a great week!!!!
Aww thank you so much, Shelley!! I miss you guys! I’m so happy for answered prayers for Betsie and Robby! Hope you are doing well!!
I just found you blog and I am so glad I did! You are adorable and I can totally respect, relate, and admire your faith page! Looking forward to reading more!
Thanks so much, Jana! Looking forward to getting to know you more!!
I’ve only been to Chateau ELan once, but I loved it- so beautiful! Looks like a wonderful time
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) recently posted..Baby Girl at 6 Months Old
That pizza looks SO GOOD. Jealous.
Jessica recently posted..Highway Daffodils
dang girl, you know how to celebrate the day right! wine tasting, green beer, pizza, sounds like a great day!
Sounds like a great weekend!!!
I live in a hilly area, so I have no choice to run them. We have a love/hate relationship… they love to annoy me, I hate them, and I love the results they give me. Hey, every relationship is complicated to some extent!
Heather recently posted..Lululemon and Baseball
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