Run Is My Mantra

Music Monday is Back

2011-04-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

I went for a run today. You may think this is a regular event since not running makes me all squirrely like, well in the last few weeks I've only been walking to and from the rehab hospital to the train. The running will come back when I have time to carve out the time.

Darn You Miley Cyrus

2010-11-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

I didn't even get through my whole running list - so that's good - I won't have to add a whole lot more songs - maybe mix them up better or something. I love running in Philadelphia - the weather is so amazing - it's almost the end of November and it is the equivalent to local September day for me. The miles went by easier than they did last year or so I thought - in the end I am pretty sure I didn't beat my Victoria time - I had some knee strain, serious back pain (note to self getting adjusted the day before you sit for 12 hours and then try and run 24 hours after that - is a REALLY stupid and painful idea). I seemed to have finished with only a blister on the bottom of the toe next to the baby toe on my left foot.

I have lots I want to say about Philadelphia but right now my brain is a little slow. Yay for calorie burns that turn you senseless. The point I wanted to get at is I had Miley Cyrus' The Climb is on my playlist. At Mile 10-11 it came on and I just about broke down crying there - yes it's the hormones and the stress but at that time it was the great message - it isn't about the win or lose it is about the journey - that itself makes you who you are each time you cross the finish line.

Have You Ever

2010-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Sung along to a song over and over and then in the middle of writing a paper realized that the lyrics were actually profound?

Happiness hit her like a train on a track
Coming towards her stuck still no turning back
She hid around corners and she hid under beds /
She killed it with kisses and from it she fled /
With every bubble she sank with a drink /
And washed it away down the kitchen sink.

The dog days are over
The dog days are done
The horses are comin' so you better run

Run fast for your mother; run fast for your father /
Run for your children all your sisters and brothers /
Leave all your love and your longing behind.
You can't carry it with you / if you want to survive

The dog days are over /
The dog days are done /
Can you hear the horses/
'Cause here they come ... Florence and the Machine - Dog Days Are Over

I leave my personal life for the most part off this blog for long and complex reasons but I will say that I started running for a lot of the same reasons people pick up exercise. It is a daily act of exorcism of all that we have or want to leave behind so that we can run freer in our present and future life. So run because with each step those days are further behind you.

An iTunes Monster Has Been Created

2010-11-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

I was initially fearful of the process, crazy I know but I don't really like technology - anyways not the point - I purchased the large portion of my running list and some others and not some of the below - one that I added when I realized that I LOVE it and I haven't become of sick of it, and hopefully I can pace myself because I might listen to it long enough to make myself sick:

PS Check out the actually music video it's really well Florence esque

Apologies

2010-11-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have been very tardy and will likely continue to be very tardy for a while as I am in school, working full time and training pretty continuously since Houston is coming and apparently a few other marathons too...

But so I don't completely ignore you - my song list for Philly:

· One Step at a Time - Jordin Sparks
· Broken Glass - Annie Lennox
· Circus – Britney Spears
· Toxic - Britney Spears
· Stronger - Christina Aguilera
· Ain’t No Man – Christina Aguilera
· Not Afraid - Eminem
· Lose Yourself - Eminem
· Eye of The Tiger - Survivor - I am running the home of Rocky
· Settlin' - Sugarland
· Last Name – Carrie Underwood
· Undo It - Carrie Underwood
· Need Somebody - Kings of Leon
· Playboy - Candy Coated Killahz
· Release Me - Agnes
· The Climb - Miley Cyrus
· The Pretender - Foo Fighters
· Universal Mind Control - Common
· Bleed it Out – Linkin Park
· What I've Done – Linkin Park
· Faint - Linkin Park
· Survivor - Destiny's Child
· SOS - Rihanna
· Don't Stop the Music – Rihanna
· Shut Up - BEP
· Pump It – Black Eye Peas
· Into the Rush – Aly and Aj
· Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
· Life in the Fast Lane – The Eagles
· Burn it to the Ground - Nickelback
· Stronger – Kanye West
· American Boy - Kanye West/Estelle
· Take it Off (faster good beat) – Kesha
· When Love Takes Over – Kelly Rowland
· Man Eater – Nelly Furtado
· Just Wanna Dance – Whitney Houston
· Hot and Cold – Katy Perry
· Pink
· This Ain’t a Scene – Fall Out Boy
· Just Dance – Fall Out Boy

My Apologies

2010-10-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have fallen of the face of the Earth - I was sick for a while, busy with work and school... I haven't been able to blog from work like I usually do. I will try to be better. I will let you know how the training has been going. I have started doing yoga again. I normally resist yoga when I'm a little squidgy in places - because somehow having to bend and bind around your Beyonce like booty is not like running in a what is effectively a mini skirt in pouring rain and wind. Yes the later should be more uncomfortable but I digress. I have had problems in the past with plantar fascititis and snapping hip syndrome (which apparently is only a dancer's injury - oh bless my weird body) and the Runner's World insistence on core stability has me back at yoga.

So lessons learned:

1. Yoga - I recommend it - I found that my core class is really good for me on my rest day. I have done some of an advanced Hatha class per my teacher's suggestion that I challenge myself. Too much challenge. I (and possibly you) are training for a race not a better shoulder stand or what have you. I will definitely keep this one up and I might up my yoga in the summer when I normally decrease my mileage because of the damn heat.

2. Diet - Being GF/DF and well let's face it S Reduced is challenging - my health in general has been really challenging to the point where this might be the last racing year for a while. I am finding that I am still very immune compromised and my acupuncturist can't seem to tell me more than the specialists - they know my body isn't happy, they just don't know why. Acupuncturist says it's heat in my liver and kidneys and the Immunologist just shrugs his shoulders - apparently my body is upset but what is causing it is anyone's guess. Sweet.

3. Persistence - find joy in the little victories and acknowledge when you've set the challenge too high.

Spring Marathon

2010-09-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

I am very tempted to sign up for the Napa Valley Marathon and then see who I can con into coming with me or figuring on how I can get there. I do need a spring marathon as the local marathon is too late in the season.... so on that note have a look at the beauty of Napa.

Napa Valley Marathon

Music Monday

2010-08-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I forgot the Black Eye Peas so far - well on that note there is a whole lot that I like of their music but from the last album, not the most recent one:

Don't Lie and Shut Up are also great options!

Food Friday

2010-08-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

I recently featured this recipe on my food blog, but I feel that it also has a place here. The large majority of people have a sweet tooth and while mine leans more towards chocolate, during the months of amazing local (and organic) fruit I feel that it would be more than a shame to pass on the fruits:

Peaches are in season, and as such I feel compelled to bake with them. There is no need to drown them in batter, in cakes and muffins. I believe a crisp is about the best thing to eat after a meal, sweet wise.

For the following I used:
4 peeled and sliced peaches
1/4 cup of cane sugar
1T of cornstarch or alternative thickener
1 tsp each ground ginger and cinnamon - mace would also be a good addition here
slight pinch of salt
1tsp vanilla.

Mix the dry ingredients together and then pour the vanilla on your dirty hands and mix in. If you have vanilla sugar or powdered vanilla (Dr Oetker I believe sells something of the sort), then try that.

Options to add: chopped crystallized ginger, mango or blackberries to the fruit portion

Top with gingersnap crumbs* (1/2 cup) combined with 1/4-1/2 cup of GF flour or oats - or a mix there of. I used 1/2T of canola, you could use butter or goat milk to create crumbs. Top the fruit with the crumb mixture.

Bake at 350 for 20-40 minutes depending on your oven, the vessel it is baked in etc.

Before

After
* GF version of VWAV Ginger Snaps - add 1tsp xantham gum and 1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger, bake, cool and then pulse in a food processor or place in a ziploc bag and beat out all your frustrations with a rolling pin or cast iron pot. Store the unused portion in the freezer. If you're wondering why the crumbs - well if you are testing cookies and want to ensure you won't sit down and eat 5 in one night while reading, grinding them up makes that a heck of a lot more difficult.

Alternative vegan version of Ginger Snaps is here

Gear Review

2010-08-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am aware that it is "Website Wednesday" but since it's my blog I can detour the schedule. I purchased two new running skirts a few weeks ago in an attempt to find a new running skirt that wasn't too short, to see-through or too "sticky."

I will preface my review by stating that I am a 5'5 "pear" shaped woman - so if you are taller or short or apple or whatever you may or may not find that the same problems or successes occur.

1. Lucy brand - I purchased in desperation and wore for the Philadelphia Marathon over my tights. It worked. It doesn't really work for day to day running, the compression shorts are not all that "compression like" but the bigger issue is that the short fabric and the skirt fabric are the same stretchy/cotton like material. As such there is a lot of ride up. Grade: C (for the price I paid B-/B)

2. New Balance - There are a lot of great options - the side pocket for your IPOD or debit card, the ICE strip. My issue is the same as the Lucy, you can't put the same cotton like fabric on the short and the skirt. Even worse, the white color. It is shockingly transparent. I will say that I will still use the skirt in the winter as a layer over my tights. At that point I won't be worried about pulling it down or what can be seen through the back. Grade: C

3. Nike "Personal Best"(straight skirt): I purchased the "mini" skirt format of their running skirt last year in Portland. I hated it right away when I started to run in it. Standing it's great, running - well it has a tendency to bunch above the shorts, which defeats the whole purpose. Grade: F (for the price I paid a D, still not a passing grade)

4. Adidas "Supernova": I have worn this skirt consistently - it has it's faults, the shorts or are more less useless compression wise - but the skirt does what a skirt should - flow. It is made entirely of "performance" fabric so it's great in the rain too. My only concern is it is about 2 inches too short for my liking and a low rise waist band. In theory the low rise is great, but it's a little too low rise for my liking. Grade: B+

5. Saucony "Go Girl": I appreciate the higher waist, though it is possibly too high. The light weight skirt makes the issue regarding ride up disappear. My only complaint is the pleating and almost bubble skirt like format isn't that flattering around the waist, though in the end this is really minor considering that it will be covered most of the year. I will say pockets please!! Grade: B+ with pockets like NB's it would an A.

6. Nike "New Adventure": It's a skirt and short hybrid, in that the sides are structured like a short. I like the loose skirt idea - the flow is good. The pockets are an issue though. They have a large one in back that fits an IPod just fine, but I've learned that keys that go into these kinds of pockets always disappear - this is have learned the very hard way. Grade: B+ the rise is great, the pockets fine but the compression shorts ride up. Post script this is my favorite now I discovered the ipod pocket and well we have a winner, high enough and pocketed enough - sure it's short but heck I know shorts alone would still show more - A.

Images in order of review (L to R then top to bottom):

Dear New Balance

2010-08-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

I love your 769 shoes. I love them with a passion that I do not think you understand, because if you did, you would not have eliminated them. I am aware that you are moving forward, providing the market with new shoes, more colors, more gadgets and gizmo's. That is all fine and good when those new models work for people. They probably work for many people, but they do not work for me. I have tried every other model that can be recommend for me both in stability and neutral cushioning and both have either been not enough or too much for my feet. As a result I have had a flare up in my plantar fasciitis for the first time in 4 years in my attempt to find a replacement. This is not acceptable. I have worked too long and hard and had too many specialists appointments to have a flare up because of a shoe change.

I will say thankfully I have managed to find two pairs online. These two pairs will make a total of 6 pairs of 769's I have purchased. I love New Balance shoes, but if I cannot find a suitable replacement after I am finished with these pairs, I will be looking elsewhere.

Music Monday

2010-08-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

TOITB recommend last week that we check out Vampire Weekend - unfortunately I cannot embed their song, but you can check it out here

Or you can also consider:

Swag...

2010-08-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

There is a local fitness "hot spot" called the Grind, which has released t-shirts much like this one. I think they are fabulous within the tiny microcosom of our city, but I don't think I'm going to travel anywhere with this t-shirt... eek. However, that being said often the swag is one of the reasons I do the crazy things I do, or boink,* one such swag item is the Napa Valley marathon duffle bag. It actually might be enough to convince N to run her one and only marathon. I figure if she can't honor her 10 year old promise to me to run a marathon, she might be swayed by pretty things. What girl isn't?

*runner lingo for busting your guts

Quinoa!

2010-08-20T01:47:00.000-07:00

I am not really a fan of the grain but I am desperately trying since millet and I aren't always friends. The good news is quinoa can be easily cooked in the rice cooker. Just rinse as per usual instructions, and then the standard 2 to 1 ratio.

After my quinoa was cooked, I refrigerated it and used it in the defacto bean salad -that recipe again:

1 can of white beans rinsed
1/2 a large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2T red onion minced
Italian parsley finely chopped
1 cup cucumber diced
white wine or apple cider vinegar
olive oil
salt, pepper
and a little agave - like my salad sour and sweet and I use very little oil

Mix and add 1/2 the prepared quinoa. Goes great with barbequed salmon

Website Wednesday!

2010-08-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am putting the shout for the following info in regards to the Houston Marathon (yay I got in!):

1. Have you taken the rapid transit line in Seattle to the Airport - if so how is it? I am flying out of Seatac but coming in from out of town.

2. Hotels in downtown Houston - do you have any recommendations - right now TripAdvisor and Expedia are telling me conflicting info about the quality of the hotels. I am looking at ONLY downtown hotels, I have to be able to walk to the start line and back to the hotel.

3. Food in Houston - I know my GF, DF, SF diet is annoying - but all I need to do is feed myself three meals of which ethnic food is the easiest to adapt the above... but will try anything. I do know that there is no Whole Foods in downtown Houston which is sad but not unexpected, but if you have the inside track to any other Health Food stores downtown that would be great so I don't have to fly with my Almond milk

Of course today's website is the HOUSTON MARATHON

Music Monday

2010-08-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

Again, it's all about the beat.

Food Friday

2010-08-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

I think we all have sweet tooth's I know I do. So given that - I have a suggestion for a dessert that can well be eaten at any time, and if you were my father you would eat it at every meal, as the meal.

For a 8x11 pan (1 1/2 inch deep)

5 large peaches peeled and sliced
1 pint (2 cups) of blackberries

Toss in 1/4 cup of sugar (or less) and 1/2 - 1T of cornstarch (depends on juiciness of your peaches)

Add 1-3T of diced crystallized ginger

Top with:

1 small box of gingersnaps ground up in a food processor or beaten with a pot while in a ziploc. (I used Mary's Gone Crackers - you need about 1/2 of the box or go for the whole amount)

1/4 cup cold butter - I used goat milk butter - I really prefer it's consistency and flavour - the fat content makes it a different substance.

Sprinkle of GF flour mix and sugar - I did this solely on flavour

Combine crumbles, butter and flour/sugar and crumbles over the fruit and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Note you can add more fruit or less topping - remember you are the one in the kitchen, not me.

Website Wednesday

2010-08-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

I mentioned last week that I was going to post some "Whole Food" websites for some ideas.

Sprouted Kitchen
Gluten Free Girl

Music Monday

2010-08-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

I must confess despite the negative content, I don't think there is better running music than Eminem, maybe it gives me a channel for all the negative thoughts that come when you run - like I can't make it up the hill or the next mile or whatever...

Food Friday

2010-08-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Whole Foods - not the store but the concept, is something I think we all need to draw our attention towards. I know the tendency is to believe that we don't have enough time or the ability to do __ or even cook. I would like you to consider challenging that - in the next few weeks I am going to be putting up some new "whole food" focused website to encourage new ideas.

But in the meantime I want to post a recipe that has become a favourite around these parts:

Chickpea Tacos (Modified from Vegan Dad)
1 can rinsed chickpeas
salt
pepper
1/2 onion large dice
cumin
cinnamon
dried oregano
chili powder
1-2 T canola oil

The amounts of the seasoning is up to you - ratios are up to you - I prefer more cumin and cinnamon but I know that's not a traditional taco flavor. Mix the spices with the diced onion and chickpeas, drizzle with oil. Place on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until the onions soften and the chickpeas toast. The longer it is baked for the crispier and chewier the resultant texture.

I usually top mine with the regular taco toppings or a red cabbage slaw.

Website Wednesday

2010-08-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to recommend this website, not because I think that the product isn't fabulous, or that their free shipping isn't a brilliant idea. I hesitate because it's so popular around these parts that it is rarely seen as a legitimate source for running gear. It is though - especially as they have expanded their running line and have an eye for the most part on the wet coast's weather.

Lululemon

Music Monday

2010-08-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

I tried to find the "official" video but alas it is elusive apparently, but this mix is really good, I like the beat. I am aware it's really popular - I promise to dig through some archives to find some more "universal" running classics or hidden jems. Apologies for Music Monday coming on Tuesday - it was a holiday weekend around these parts

Back on Schedule

2010-07-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

The heat around these parts is killing my running schedule, so is my class and work schedule for that matter. But I do hope to get back on schedule and that includes regularly posting here too..., Monday - Music, Wednesday - Websites/Info and Friday - Fun Facts. Friday was "Food Friday" but I am blogging food regularly on my Gluten Free/Dairy Free/Soy Free site. So given that I will be adding info about travel, race discounts etc along with generally updating my progress - which will include fun events - like hills and speed work!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/popofphoto/2378830761/

And so it begins...

2010-07-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have registered for the 1/2 marathon in Philadelphia, and got in the lottery for Houston for the full - so thus the training has officially started. On that note, a note to self, avoid listening to Brittney Spears songs lest you actually stop running to break out into dance.

Toning

2010-06-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

I requested a BOSU for Christmas - and you might think that is completely crazy but I have to say it is probably more used that my yoga mat that is the same price. I have found that especially since I ditched my gym membership for more pavement time.

Now whether you own a BOSU or have access to one check out these exercises, a large medicine ball could be substituted for many of these.
One that isn't demonstrated on the above series of videos is actually one of my favorites seen below:

Note that I prefer to use to BOSU flipped over when I do this version as I find the softer surface when it is positioned as below strains my wrist.

But hell why stop the challenges there just Google or YouTube BOSU and you'll have enough to keep you crazy for months and months..

Hello There!

2010-06-04T20:50:00.001-07:00

So I am back at it, SLOWLY, but surely and here is my new goal - the Seattle Marathon, while I would love to run dozens of races before this one, and maybe how about not running in the Pacific Northwest in November but alas, such is life. I know that I need to give myself the full 16 weeks, if not longer but at this point I am slowly getting up to the base miles for the 16 week training schedule which means if we all do some of our GRE required math I will have until the beginning of August to really get the base miles under my belt. What am I getting at? Well I would like to know that come August that 6 miles is a comfortable aka easier run for me, and that maybe I will have already tried out a 10 miler by then too... You might say well doesn't that defeat the point of a training schedule. Maybe it might, this time I am going to be doing a different schedule - the one in Bart Yasso's book to be exact and I'm going to be running a really hilly course, so much so that the Vegas Marathon a week later looks REALLY appealing and that might just happen instead. My goal is to do it in 4:30. A big challenge, but I might just be able to twist a few arms to join me so we'll see.

All that being said I believe that I should leave you with some music to run to:

This song came on the radio this week at work and I was surprised that I hadn't put up any of their songs - thankfully that issue has been rectified

Finding Grace in Running

2010-05-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Starting to run after months of being on my ass or back feeling horrible, is like starting running as an obese adult with no history of cardiovascular activity - it's hard. It might even be harder because I know what it used to feel like. I am starting over from the beginning.

In starting over, I've decided to make changes. I am becoming devoted to my runs rather than their mileage or times. I personally feel that this is the best way for me to make baby steps towards building up my mileage without the stress of not succeeding or feeling I need to push, push, push. I am aware that I can easily get back to where I was if I am determined to run myself into the ground.

As such I have started to cherish the small victories, small changes - I can run up the last hill in my run without feeling like I'm going to die half way up. I run more these days and walk less. The mileage is exactly the same - 3 miles. That is it, no less and some days a little more. I have decided to follow the Marathon training guide which is Run - TWTh Sat and Sun, off on Mondays and Fridays - but since my Tuesday's are not free my schedule is WTh, SatSunMon. The benefits right now of only doing 3 miles are:

1. It's short - not overly taxing
2. Because it's short I can cross train
3. It's about the process not about the speed - I measure my runs now on how I feel.

3 miles might seem small but 26.2 isn't really a whole lot longer... in that when you start the race it's about chipping away at that total - I just have to chip away at it 8.5ish times over.

But in the end that's not the point - grace for myself is - I get out there and I feel what my body is doing - good or bad, it's a run and it's a step back towards health.

So What's Been Happening?

2010-04-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

Well this blog has been neglected because quite simply I can't run.

I love running, I get weepy at the sight of my Runner's World.

Running also makes me cry because I'm sick. I'm not deathly sick, but I am fatigued out of my gourd for lack of a better word - covered in hives, eczema and in general failing apart. So the running is on hold until I am better - in the meantime you are free to join the food and life journey to wellness at www.recipesfromtheadventure.blogspot.com

Website Wednesday

2010-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

So this sort of fits in with Food Friday, but since I plan on actually posting a recipe on Friday, I am offering you this lovely website, the PPK blog aka The Post Punk Kitchen. The PPK is a vegan blog which offers a wide variety of vegan/children/non-vegan/gluten free friendly recipes. I really encourage you to have a look at the recipes:

The Post Punk Kitchen

I'm Back I Promise

2010-01-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my delinquency, but we are back on schedule I promise, I really promise. Note I am aware IMEEM took away all our beautiful music when it was co-oped by Myspace - so we'll have to fix that too in time.

So now that we are back on schedule, let me inform you of the schedule.

Running Group Schedule is as follows:

Date:Wednesday's - starting Feb 3/10
Time: 6:30-6:40 (depart at 6:40 sharp) - 7:40 (approx)
Where: Main Street/Chinatown Skytrain
During the weeks of Feb 17-March 3 - we will meet at Broadway and Victoria - one block East from Commercial.

Date: Saturday's - starting Feb 6/10
Time: 8:30am (8:35 sharp we leave)
Where: Meet at Burrard Station on the corner across from the Bank of Montreal.
The Olympics shouldn't affect this group - but if it does we'll figure something else out. I know the time seems early but the routes downtown get clogged if you aren't out there early

Helpful Hints/Guidelines:

1. Avoid cotton - while it's great for mitts and in blends for your socks, cotton loves moisture and so between your sweat and the inevitably moist weather you're going to end up wet, cold, chaffing and well really really not happy.

2. You do not need to spend $$$. I qualify this with #3, see below. Basic technically/workout/gym/Lululemon esque clothing works - as long as you feel comfortable in it and layer. Example for a run in our current very balmy temperature I would wear a tank and a long sleeve technical shirt with gloves - you may wear more or less. Don't have the gear - check out Value Village (all discarded race day gear is donated to here), Walmart/Zellers/Costco - they carry your very basic gear - good place to start, or if you are sure you're going to do this a while check out the cheap online gear in the Website Wednesday link - it's a great place for cheap shoes too.

3. Buy/wear good quality footwear - this is where you need to fork out about $100 and buy a pair of shoes that works for you. Don't know what that is - well when you step out of the shower tomorrow look at your foot print, is it one blob - no visible arch? You're flat footed, and so on - Runner's World has shoe guides to help you out - the best option in the end is to check out a Running Room/Penninsula Runners or New Balance store and get assessed - they'll be able to look at your old shoes and your gait and figure out what would be best for you.

4. Hydration - water is about all you need - drink as much of it through the day and you'll be fine for most of your short work outs, long runs will require that you consider carrying water with you - Gatorade or other electrolyte drinks aren't really necessary for you right now - talk to me if you have questions about that.

5. HAVE FUN - if you hurt, if this isn't fun or any other non-fun related issue let me know ASAP so we can address it.

Food Friday

2009-12-04T01:26:00.000-08:00

Confession. When I'm bored I bake. I made gluten free peanut butter cookies recently and I think they're easy enough to share with the masses.

1 cup peanut butter - I used the organic natural stuff I had on hand
1 cup brown sugar packed - this could be adjusted, I found they could have been fine with 3/4 cup of sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 to 1 tsp salt - depending on if your pb has it in there already
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg

Combine it all together. You can add chocolate chips, peanuts, dried fruit etc. Roll into balls and flatten with your fingers. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes.

Website Wednesday

2009-12-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

Back on schedule and I have decided to go with a group that inspired me when I was running in Philadelphia rather than a site that may be gift appropriate... Check out this great after-school program that tackles the obesity/sedentary epidemic, drop out and crime rates by something as simple as an organized running/activity program - go figure.

Students Run Philly Style

Music Monday

2009-11-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have returned! I can walk and despite the case of black toe and minor or major (depends on your perspective) flooding I am back on schedule and so is Music Monday.. the 90's have proven a little challenging at the moment:

One Marathon Done...

2009-11-23T18:44:00.001-08:00

Many more to come. Now you may think I'm crazy and I'm alright with that. I know that my run yesterday wasn't my fastest, but oddly it's one I think I'm the most proud of - I ran the race like I know I should run my life, how other's have shown me how to run my life. You pick up the person in pain and you stay with them. I met M about mile 20 when with tears rolling down her face a spectator who may or may not have known her told her she couldn't quit, I asked if she wanted help she said no, but being persistent, I hung in there walked when she walked, ran when she ran, we talked and she finished. It was no act of my strength, no carrying, not a whole lot of laughter, just the knowledge that sometimes it isn't about the time, it's about how you cross...

More to come

Music Monday

2009-11-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

So I am aware that this isn't really 90's music but really folks, my brain is shot, I would run but my compression tights have destroyed the back of my legs, I'm tired, I'm stressed and I'm in need of a personal assistant. Hugs please.

The Fear

2009-11-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

I might break any moment - I wish I could run forever, run all this stress out of my body, and at the same time find some peace, rest and health. I have a sore throat. I have an ever growing list of things that need to be done and bought and an ever shortening supply of both time and money.

I have yet to complete a legitimate LONG run - it has not been without trying. I have been hit with hives post Tamiflu intake, last week N and I got rained out. Now I would like to clarify we were running during a rain and wind warning in a city where those things while normal and really an every day occurrence - is still nothing to be scoffed at. N and I managed about 2 miles before voting that hypothermia was something that neither of us felt was necessary to strive for. I know that I can do a solid easy 5-6 miles, seen lots of hills, I've completed two half marathons, the second with no rests - my folly/my belief is at the moment out of in part pure necessity is this - I can do this, however it goes down I will see that wall, I will hit that wall and I will by the grace of God find a way around it...or through it. I will finish that damn race...

If you think of me November 22 - could you say a prayer for me - my legs, my weakness, my fear and reality that life is really just one foot in front of the other.

Music Monday

2009-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

Maybe the 90's gave us some questionable music from which I'm going to be picking songs... but of course I couldn't forget these guys as much as some of us would love to forget all the nights we sang to our BSB posters. For the record mine was at the back of my closet...

Stress and Stress Relief

2009-11-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

I am finding Runner's World is becoming the place for peace for me - check out these videos. The one on packing I found funny - he suggests to pack more than I would consider, in time maybe I will become that neurotic - or to be honest, I don't own enough to pack that much....

Website Wednesday

2009-11-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

I received my tights from RoadRunner's this week and I have to say I don't know how I went this long without discovering the wonders of the compression tight. So now that I have discovered this, you all must know, they are amazing, absolutely amazing. If you don't believe me, buy the NB Compression tight to dip your toes into the world of compression running gear, and then work up to the over $100 a pair forms... Links below, it is Website Wednesday:

NB Control Tight

CW-X Conditioning Gear

CW-X Website

Music Monday

2009-11-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Time to delve into the wonderful world of the 90's for Music Monday, note that this crazy soul is going to run the Philadelphia Marathon without an IPod, I know, I'm hard core that way.

Music Monday

2009-10-26T11:48:00.001-07:00

Before I start digging around in the retro music pile, I have this to offer, before she went all Disturbia...

BTW: Totally rocking the N95 respirator mask, too much has been invested to go down now...

Cheap Cheap Cheap

2009-10-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

And no it's not Easter all this this cheaping - discount shoes though is where it is at - I think. I've ordered my ridiculously cheap running shoes and now we wait. I pay $140 approximately for my NB shoes and I normally buy 2 at a time. Let's do the math folks - that is some cash leaving my hands about every 4-5months. I buy two pairs if you are wondering - one for the gym and one for the road. So, when I saw my NB's at the Running Expo two weekends ago for 100 I just about died, and then I thought, wait a second. I paid a whole lot less for my running gear in Portland a little while ago, maybe things in general are cheaper down there. Sure enough with a little Google ingenuity I figured out my shoes come at $67 approx a piece... so if they are the real McCoy this runner will be having a high outside of the daily grind...

Website Wednesday features one such link...

Open Letter to Royal Victoria Marathon

2009-10-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to express my concern regarding some of the policies the RVM displayed during this previous race:

1. The method of package pick up provided an opportunity for anyone to pick a name, and from that time there was no attempt to verify this selection. Your website states, “If you cannot pick up your package, please arrange for someone to pick it up for you; they must have a copy of your registration confirmation email. Race numbers will be posted at Race Package Pickup.” This was not the case as addition packages were picked up for other runners without this confirmation. The full marathon may function under a stricter policy; I would hope so as it is a Boston qualifier. It concerns me that anyone could pick up a package and there was no formal attempt to verify that the person picking up the package matched with the information correlated to the package. I would like to know why picture id is not required for participants. In the end I paid $75, what would you have done if someone else took my package, because I could have easily taken someone else’s?

2. I work in the health field, and given how conscious of H1N1 and other similar related viruses and bacterial infections we are, especially presently, I was appalled that the oranges and banana were not being handed out and rather in common vessels. Participants over the course have used port-a-potty’s, placed their hands on the ground, mouths and noses, sweated and in the process picked up any number of germs, it is irresponsible to then facilitate them putting other racers at risk. If you were short on volunteers to hand them out, then may I suggest in the future that trays be used, which would have been better than the boxes. This method could cut down on the potential for contamination. As you will see this letter has been cc’d to the Health Department, I feel that this given the current fear over a pandemic was a gross oversight, and it must be addresses.

I hope that the Royal Victoria Marathon will continue to grow and mature in its policies in the future, though I have no intention of running it again.

In addition - not included in the letter I was disappointed in regards to the community support, the music stations, or more so lack there of, overall organization and in general the whole race. When you've seen it work, it becomes very obvious when it doesn't RVM was a case of that.

Correction!!

2009-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

So I am in the process of sending a letter to RVM, and I thought to look at my time, my chip time was actually 2:23:27, which drum roll folks minus the LONG potty break, means I did it sub 2:20, very close to 2:15, versus my first half time of 2:40:58, yes folks I kicked off that much time. And yes if you are wondering, I am trying for a sub 2:15 possibly, just possibly a sub 2, which honestly I think is feasible... yay for me. Back to the cranky letter.

Music Monday

2009-10-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Fluffy toxic music is the theme for the month or something like that, I think we'll head towards the retro side of things come November/December. On an exciting note, for all those North of the Border suffering under the weight of snow and other crazy things - I am spiking my now almost dead shoes, if it works we'll take the gym shoes out of circulation and spike those, especially since I've found out that cheap and I mean cheap shoes can be found online... oy, I could have bought two for the price of one pair here - so I bought one and a pair of tights instead... I still need a watch, I think I need to research that purchase though.

Tally ho, back to the running!!

Want it and surprisingly I need it too...

2009-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

I ran on Saturday during a rain warning, I opted to run in my running skirt as well. I can't tell you how fun it was to have mud up the backs of my legs and to be ringing out my skirt outside the Starbucks. The not so fun part was that my coat was useless after two miles. I kept it on for another two while I crossed the bridge and back and then tied it around my waist - I was already wet. It was funny to see the expressions on peoples faces as they saw me in a tee and skirt running past them... but in time it won't be so climate friendly to wear just the tee and skirt - I will need to have a coat, this coat would be fabulous. Oh well we can dream. While we do that here is another song for Music Monday courtesy of a throw back to my old roommate LeeLee who found a reason every week to play this song:

Core Work

2009-10-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

I know that core work is important, it however like for many of us runners is neglected. I have another reason not to neglect it now, and my new heavy water belt isn't one of them. Pictures from the RVM are, that and a note to self to find a better combo of colors or fit or something like that. The ensemble wasn't working for me. I know that sounds horribly vain, but well I guess it is. Sometimes though we need that photographic reminder that things aren't how we see them when we look in the mirror in the morning. Things are actually loser than they appear...

Core work here I come!! And long runs too...

One More Half Completed...

2009-10-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

On Sunday T,V and I stood at the start line, T and V ready to embark on something that I had only once before embarked upon. It wasn't easy, it wasn't hard, but it was without a doubt worth it. I managed 2:25.49, minus an approximate 5 minute potty break that the other two ladies needed to take at the 4km mark.

Lessons learned:

1. Shot Bloks - I loved them, T hated them - T liked the Chocolate Powerbar Gel

2. Water belt - Worth the money so that I could have access to it whenever I needed it

3. Attach the car key to something permanent - the key disappeared somewhere in the 13.1 miles

4. Dress with less than you could ever think you'll need - even if that means layering with clothes you'll discard later

Notes for the future:

1. Arm warmers, they are the future - as long as the future holds firmer arms for me

2. Check the quality of your shoes a week or so before your run, the morning of is not the time to have a close inspection

3. Have the guts to do it again - T and V seem ready to do it again
4. Re-evaluate the future - I am going to switch to a run 10, walk 1 format for the full marathon, lest I die.
5. Love your hills/inclines whatever you want to call them

In the end if you only consolation for the insanity is this, then embrace it - 3% of the population do what we did, even if you don't win, you kicked the asphalt of 97% of your country people, so there!

Photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/marklamley/4006821248/

Music Monday

2009-10-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

Back to Our Programing

2009-09-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

The insane and ever growing lot of us runners taking over the lovely city in which we reside, have decided to travel to take on this lovely race... check it out:

Royal Victoria Marathon

Surprisingly the training was going really well, until I decided to lick one of my lovely children or something like that - I've got the plague that's going around - oh joys

So There's a Theme Going On Here

2009-09-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe there's always going to be a theme for my music choices...sorry folks

Music Monday

2009-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's funny how some of the catchiest running songs actually are about walking, running or moving in some way... currently trying to walk away from someone who can't... correction maybe I should make that running...

Music Monday

2009-09-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I run, to release myself from everything that may or may not tie me down for however long it is I'm out for a run.

Music Monday

2009-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've been desperately trying to compile a list of songs I would like to add to my iPod shuffle, thankfully I'm slowly learning to run without - so it will be amazing when I can run with music.

Music like this

Awesome News!

2009-08-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

I found out that there is a loophole in the New York Marathon lottery - it accepts "International" participants without the need to enter the lottery. So if you live outside the USA, which I might happen to, you can apply through the designated mediator and be entered. November 2010 - NYC here I come.

PS. I'm searching for a used treadmill...

A Little Motivation

2009-08-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

I love motivation, if I could I would plaster my walls in running bibs and cheesy quotes so that every morning like this morning when I've been more than twice awoken to the sound of rain during the night, the front lawn was flooded and it was cold, very cold, eww not summer. I bundled up and hit the treadmill at the gym. My reminder, if this is week two and you're squabbling about rain, what's going to happen in October? You're right self, time to suck it up.

Runner's World - Wallpaper

Website Wednesday

2009-08-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

Running blogs - it is blogs like these that make me want to blog more about my running and all that - who knows maybe we'll change the format up a bit here - though the original intention was to be a place to start for anyone who runs whether that be 5kms to a dream of an Ultra Marathon -Ooo it's still on the menu (50km -KneeKnocker)...

Check out:

Road Bunner

Second Week of Training

2009-08-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

And I'm back at the first week of training. I've decided to take this whole thing painfully slow because in the long run I'm going to be vastly better if I am conscious in how I build my base, rather than being oooo, I'm on to Week 2 but I can't really run 3 miles on the treadmill without stopping. So we are back at Week 1 and I'm okay with that. I'm going to respect the run and the process.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicagoredcross/2935942086/

Music Monday

2009-08-10T01:17:00.000-07:00

I normally am not a dance track kind of music person, but I do have to say I love this:

Food and Pain...

2009-08-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

V joined me last night for our first of many runs together, and I might have bitten off more than I can chew in a running partner... I'm having to reign her in and feeling really sheepish doing so. I know that I don't have years and years worth of experience but I have enough to know that one, pain is not something you run through at this stage, sure maybe in a marathon, but not in the first week of training and two, this is a journey, this isn't one of those wake up one morning and do it kind of things.

My main concern is V is complaining of shin splits, something that I honestly haven't thankfully had to compete with, so if that's your thing: check out Runner's World

Another issue we discussed last night was food, V is finding that meat is expensive (which it can be) and that her dislike of beans is proving to be an issue. Two/Three solutions.

1. Meat - opt for cheap cuts or whole, so 1. a whole chicken can become 4 meals plus the base for stock, or a pork shoulder or flank steak can be used for good flavor at a reduced price.

2. Beans - they are your friends and not a musical fruit... lentils, chick peas and black beans can all be utilized into something. V loves re-fried beans and has issues with vegetables, may I suggest:

Mexican "Pizza"

Refried Beans
Whole Wheat Pita/Flatbread or Pizza crust - local coop often have fresh or frozen dough
Salsa or chopped tomatoes
Corn - fresh (roasted)/frozen or otherwise
Peppers
Onions (Red, green or otherwise)
Olives etc
Any leftover protein - tempeh, chicken, ground beef, steak etc
Cheese - optional

Bake at 375-400 until cooked, simple and easy - crust can be substituted with bagels, English muffins and so on.
Add a side salad and some fruit and you've got a meal

Another option is a whole roasted chicken - they run about $10-15 for a free range bird - keep an eye out on sales, 2 breasts and 2 leg/wing servings (minus the skin) offer good protein that can be eaten as is, in salads, pasta or really any other format.

Website Wednesday

2009-08-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

As noted I purchased two clearance item running skirts as I have to say that shorts for a million and one reasons do not work for me - I have a toosh, I have hips and well I have a smaller waist - so to get everything to fit and not have to buy the small tight shorts that require you to also buy self esteem with them, I have just refused to wear shorts. The thing is it's hotter than sin outside, and it seems that the winter marathons are for the most part in the areas where the weather is like that as well, never mind I know the Oklahoma is going to HOT next year. So swallow my short hate and embrace the running skirt is the plan. While I have a Nike and an Adidas one in my repertoire, check out these (also note they have running music lists and running blogs to check out...):

Running Skirts

Asphalt Kicking Here I Come!

2009-08-04T15:12:00.001-07:00

I've choked the registration fee and the airline tickets for Philly, it is set in stone. Ack I can't believe I've done this. On the huge plus side I've got free home accommodations. I've decided to try and take out every single obstacle that could happen:

Weather - it's going to be something similar to the weather in my neck of the woods... if it snows then it will be a lot like home - I'm actually going to spike a pair of my runners in a few weeks - take the gym runners out of rotation as they've seen enough miles.

Location - While it is out of my time zone, I've given myself enough time to adjust, no crazy business of my body thinking it's 3am when the alarm goes off a 5am - thankfully this one doesn't start at the crack of dawn either

Food - I have access to a kitchen and a fridge! No eating out and having stomach cramps the night before from the dairy... and even better I can plan my celebration dinner. I have to say that I'm likely to do as I did for Oklahoma find myself not hungry after, then after the cold bath, loads of drugs and a long, very long nap I'll be ready to refuel. Running makes me sleep, I can't explain it, but long runs make me tired.

Cheering Squad - I actually get a photographer and a cheering squad, plus enough time in training to do well. I've decided to skip school for a semester, make yoga my XT and follow the training schedule, no cutting corners - and yes I will be finding myself a massage therapist and making regular visits to my chiro... all should help me finish in my 4:45 estimated time...

Co-Trainers - T and V are going to do the Royal Victoria half with me and T is determined to sub 2:15 it, so I know that I will be in good company to get my 4:45 marathon time programed into my bod...

Music Monday and More Juice

2009-08-03T10:07:00.001-07:00

So yes there will be music posted, fear not. I am returning to say that the summer of travelling, stress and school has started to slow down. The future holds for us the following:

1. Review of Adidas and Nike running skirts - it's hotter than sin in this lovely city for the first time in like a 1/2 Century so it's time to embrace global warming and wear shorts, sort of.

2. Ayurvedic diet - I was vegan, and am honestly loathing what "healthy" eating is doing to my energy and body, so I've decided to find a diet (not for weight loss but for eating routine) that seems to encompass all my needs - high in fresh vegetables and fruit, beans, lentils, very low in animal protein and vegan and socially friendly.

3. Racing/Running: 1/2 Marathon in Victoria - I will be joined by T, funny enough years ago T and I started training for a marathon and failed at the training... time for another go at it. Followed by my goal, even if I have to limp/walk it, the Philly Marathon in November. Beyond that we see....

Lastly music:

Frustratingly I was in Hollister waiting for a friend to purchase a shirt and I realized I liked their music but unfortunately no staff, no Iphone and no playlist, so I am going to post the one song that has been bouncing around my head as of late:

Music Monday

2009-06-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for the delinquency in all the posting, after recovering from NYC and having a serious sit down with myself and the new Runner's World, I've decided that San Franscico is not the right choice for me. So I'm going to start all over again, start right, with a good balance of cross training and a really solid running base. Right now as it turns out my hip is considerably worse from all the walking in NYC and not being adequately stretched... as with life sometimes you have to start back at square one...

My new loves....

Notion - Kings Of Leon

My Apologies

2009-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

The blog has been lost by the way side much like my running these days, to the point where despite the fact that I would love running to be the most important part of my day, it can't be - I have papers, a job and a home to try to stay afloat in, never mind I'm hitting the airport again for another trip. Travel has become my middle name in the last year and I'm starting to actually like it. So on those notes here's what seems to be happening:

The marathon is going to have to be a no-go, I think at this point I need to re-evaluate my running, step back and start over, start encorporating yoga into my life again and trying to find a way to grow my life and running together in a way that doesn't abandon either but rather teaches the two of them to live together.

On that note I've decided to try and switch to the half in San Fran and then do another half in the fall somewhere and then aim for the full in Philidephia where my aunt lives. It will be the perfect time for a long run, cold - much like my home climate. And then from there just keep going, as I should have found how to work the two aspects together - there's a marathon in Houston in January and we just keep going from there.

A second programing note I'm off to New York, so this week's programming is delayed, but because I love music and have a desire to see Vegas again, maybe even this summer..

Waking Up in Vegas - Katy Perry

Music Monday

2009-05-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a holiday and to be honest I've been running dry on the whole music selection, so I've turned to the person next to me for help and this was what we've got:

A Change in Your Programming

2009-05-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have to say that today has been one of those days - the kind that spurn you on to run your guts out because somewhere something is telling you lay it out, sweat it all out of your pores - purge the guts out of this and get a little glow while we're at it.

Music that motivates me on days like today - fair warning the first two are NOT CENSORED for language, consider yourselves sufficiently warned:

A diversion

2009-05-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have not run in almost 5 days, if not longer - and while I would prefer not to think about it, the self guilt it pretty strong, I keep waking up going why do you feel you HAVE to go to the gym/for a run. Yes you paid money for the race, yes it is a full marathon and time is a ticking, but let's clarify this - you are on your second round of antibiotics because you believed that you HAD to run despite everything. So stop, sleep, eat and enjoy the wonders of Biaxin (or not), and let's ditch this necessity thing. But of course running isn't the only place in my where I've encountered this, and maybe that's why I've started to get so adamant with myself about it all. Let's be honest - why am I running? Am I running for a PR? Am I running so that I won't pause when a specific person hugs me, or worry what someone thinks of my physique? Am I running for health? Am I running to be one of those people that makes the rest feel guilty? Or am I running for other reason?

I have to say I know that every race will likely by a PR as I go forward, and sure I run/gym for feeling firmer rather than soft, but if that's all that matters to someone I'm not sure I'm okay with that, do I run to make you feel bad, no but I hope I run, like J to inspire someone to get up and get out - run to the end of their block and each time just go a little father, because you never know where you'll end up taking yourself, what you'll be able to change.

So while I'm out of commission I hope the rest of you are running on, I'll catch up in no time.

Today's Musical Reference comes courtesy of J:

Music Monday

2009-05-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

I was trying to ignore my burning feet at Mile 3 (during the Half) and the excruciating heat when I heard the faint sound of the Rocky Theme song, I thought I was hallucinating, what the hell, where is that coming from. It wasn't me, it was the military looking guy 4 people over to my left, I felt like flagging him down, you want to run closer, eh, because I could use me some Rocky, and maybe you too (that thought though was likely due to the humidity)... For all of you who need a little Rocky:

Sickness Saturday

2009-05-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Remember way back in February when I said I was sick? Well that sickness came and went for the next few months, flaring up normally just as training ramped up or work and life stress increased. I figured it could be the job, it could be my office, even training for a 1/2 and then subsequently a full. In the in between times of no apparent illness I was exhausted, which I chocked up to running, but given that I had given up my vegan diet and there was no reason that running should be causing this kind of lethargy I once again blamed it on the job. Who knows maybe it was all of the above, or an immune system that either decided to keep fighting unsuccessfully or resigned itself who knows. Regardless I'm on my second course of antibiotics, I will in the end have been on medication for 20 days in an attempt to rid my body of one hell of a sinus infection. This new course is stronger, far stronger and I am about to crawl back into bed after finishing my pancakes with some Gravol and hope that the nausea and the general shitty feeling goes away. On the plus side the amount of green goo has increased and I am going to believe right now that is it trying to escape the throws of the cavalry. I do have to say though it has made me wonder this:

Should we really run despite illness? It is argued head cold is fine, flu not so much, but I can't help but wonder if I had just taken time off work and running if I wouldn't be in this predicament?

Website Wednesday

2009-05-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

I read a special in a magazine on Back on My Feet a while back and then had a chance to see her on CNN Heroes. I strongly encourage you to check the site out. I think we so often ignore the fact that when people can feel human, that is when the healing actually starts. I know for myself, that while I wasn't in the same place, when I could start seeing strength in myself, that was when I was able to really start moving forward. So check out Ann and the work she's doing.

Music Monday

2009-05-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the thing that makes a running song, a running song for someone is who sings it, or the significance. I don't know if this is quite a running song right now, but it's a good middle pace song - I've provided the song with two different singers:

Come On Get Higher - Matt Nathanson

The Fear

2009-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

In recent days, or hours I've been struck by the fear, the fear of running 26.4 miles alone. Okay so it's not alone, there will be thousands of other runners around me, but who will be with me to tell me that yes that is "the wall" that I just fumbled into and I can and I will get through it, no tears, that's a waste of sodium, you can cry later when we can fill you with Powerade and homemade mac and cheese. I want to know that there will be someone there to make sure I get back to my residence safely - I do not trust my brain after that - I know what happens when I get tired. I get stupid, melt down stupid - hey folks I wrote the MCAT one glorious August day many moons ago, I know what I am going to feel like when 26.4 miles is over. In addition to the brain ache and butt ache, my quads and feet are also going to ache. I want someone there to tell me I wasn't ape shite crazy for doing this, that I really accomplished something and that in a day or two when we shop at Macy's this will all be a glorious moment, the pain will have subsided into the ethereal bliss of it all.

Right now, at this very moment I'm scared. I am scared that as I said to a friend of mine, that this is a case of where I set the line too far as a way of judging where too far is, and sweet Jesus I sure hope too far is not mile 1,5,7, 13, or even 20, but rather 26, the .4 we can hobble through.

All that being said, the fun part - my running team has dissolved - due to a recession, illness and well likely the fear contaminating others too. So if you are brave, stupid or just plain fabulous come on and join me for San Francisco. There will be homemade mac n' cheese and lots of glorious baguettes and vegan cupcakes to be had.

The Fear - LILY ALLEN

Website Wednesday

2009-04-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

It's the "bible" for runners - the go to for everything from solutions to aches to zeroing in on your PR or even a BQ*. So of course it should be here for Website Wednesday - it's the place I go to for everything:

Runner's World

So whether you're training for a 10K, 1/2 marathon or a full, or maybe you just want to know where to start and all the help along the way. You may want to check out this link - which I will be following (but of course given that I don't follow instructions I'm going to be knocking off the first 4 weeks - eek)

*Boston Qualifying

To Middle America and Back

2009-04-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

I crossed the finish line in Oklahoma long before many of my friends and family were awake. I travelled alone, ran and crossed the finish line. The latter two I did not do alone, I ran with strangers and quick friends and crossed with the cheering of a crowd that might as well been my family. Through the whole process I realized runners don't look like runners, we look like people, tall and short, thin and not so thin. We run and we don't necessarily run fast, maybe we run slow, but we run, we put on foot in front of the other understanding in some way or another that this is life. From the day we stagger to our feet we learn that one foot in front of the other moves us forward. This lesson grows into every other aspect of our lives. I ran on Sunday to say the way we get through the ugly parts of our lives is just that, with one weak and fumbling foot in front of the other. We have and will survive and the best way to honor our past, our legacy and our future is to put that foot in front of the other and just keep going. And while your at it, remember the number one rule of running according the marathoner behind me, "It's not how fast you finish, it's how you photograph. If you see a media camera, put your shoulders back, chin up and smile, then resume your running posture." The whole thing just makes me want to cry, cry tears of joy for finishing, for the families who stand there knowing you're running in someones honor, and for all the emotional and mental miles I've covered in the last 7 months.

Onward ho - San Fran here I come and maybe Seattle in between...

PS. I will be doing Oklahoma next year, but I sure hope and pray it won't be hotter and more humid than hell - temperature wise it was horrible. Event wise it was wonderful - go figure. And no, this isn't me in the photo.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/banjojones/3478135693/

Music Monday

2009-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Since I'm likely far too tired to walk, never mind think I have prepared this in advance, enjoy the pop stylings of Aly & Aj as I try and sort out the 90+songs I need to compile for San Fran... Sorry I am scraping the barrel, we'll get some more original, less pop music coming your way shortly.

Potential Break Up Song - Aly & AJ

Tootles until Monday...

2009-04-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I'm off to the races, all of them: work, commute, travel, travel and more travel, then of course the real race and then the sprint to the airport and then the travel, travel, travel and more travel. Let's just say I found a way to make the weekend likely the more exhausting than the race itself. Though on that note I'm ill again - seems I work in a very germ infested office - likely has something to do with the air circulation, no daylight most days and so on... but being ill means weakness, tiredness and coughing/sneezing. So if y'all wouldn't mind while I'm away sending some prayers, Om Chanti's or positive thoughts my way that would be much appreciated.

More Dating Fun on Website Wednesday

2009-04-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

If I didn't manage to scare everyone off from the idea of a running date, or if you haven't tried out the wonderful (slightly sarcastic) world of online dating, check out these options for getting out there:

http://running.about.com/od/grouptraining/ht/runningsingles.htm

Music Monday

2009-04-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we need to have those "angry songs" on our playlists - Three Doors Down, Linkin Park and the Foo Fighters are on my list. If you haven't considered them - have a listen (and a look - I've added the videos because I love the message in both of these):

What Ive Done - Linkin Park

The Pretender - Foo Fighters

Food Friday

2009-04-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

We always hear that fish is good for you (obviously if you're pregnant - mercury levels are a concern - but that aside) and it is actually a very easy week night option. If you have fresh fish available to you - it can be even cheaper than traditional protein sources. I have the benefit of getting fresh fish from my local WF. If you are concerned about fishing practices, mercury levels, sustainability and such like check out http://www.seachoice.org/. So then how to cook your fish - barbecue, saute, bread, bake and so on. Personally I love this way of cooking fish because I don't have a grill and well I tend to burn my fish when I coat it and fry it.

For one person (me) I do the following:

1/2 to 1 lemon sliced,
1 shallot sliced
fronds of dill, fennel or whatever you have - a mild herb like tarragon would also work.
a drizzle of olive oil or grape seed oil - you could use butter if you wanted to.

On a piece of parchment paper large enough to fully cover/encase your fish, place the fish in the center, and then layer the lemon, shallot, herb and drizzle oil and salt/pepper then bring the lengthwise sides together and fold over, accordion folding tightly until you get to the fillet, then carefully flip the fillet over and fold the ends of the paper in, and place the fillet down - ends under. Then bake in a 375 oven for about 10 minutes -give or take - sorry - it's one of those things, everyone's fish will be different thickness and so on... serve with whatever your heart desires - mustard greens are on my menu this week...

Run Date Etiquette

2009-04-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Honestly I had never considered, a running date or a running date etiquette for that matter. However with the changes of the season, the opening of trails, and well our northern hearts start to melt and all hell breaks loose it seems. So on that note and because Google failed me, I spent my 5 miles this morning considering what I do on a run that might be offensive to someone, and since I'm Molly Manners, it was hard.

1. Don't Spit - I know runners do this, I don't and if you were per chance on a date with me and spat, I can tell you then and there I would stop and we would discuss this issue. I understand people spit, but if I see it, know about or hear it, oh lordy that's not right.

2. Leave the iPod, short shorts and your funky workout gear at home. This is as much of a date as any other date, that means if you've got your ears plugged, and I need to run in front of you for fear of seeing something I don't want to see, or because everything is dying down wind of you due to your rank than we're not going to have fun. This of course goes the other way - a full face of makeup is ridiculous.

3. It is about fun and not about anything crazy. Sure I'm as competitive as the next person, but save it for when you're not going to bruise the person. The last thing you want to see is your likely a little insecure date with that face, you know that face, the you killed my puppy face, she may force a smile, but you've done some serious damage whooping her butt on the 4 mile route.

Now, for me - I was trying to assess myself this morning as I was stretching... J of Disadventure made a comment about a top I was wearing on the weekend, I was wearing the same one today. I think it's acceptable, sure there is cleavage, but really how many running tops these days don't... and well let's be honest I sweat, I mean I am exercising. I was thinking about this specifically in regards to a local trail/hill/run. I love doing it, I think it would be a great thing to do with someone, but I sweat like a mad woman doing it, and well I think that would be horrible...

The ad that started it all, is seen above or at: http://capturingthe7.blogspot.com/2009/03/funny-running.html

Website Wednesday

2009-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

This week's website has been nominated by J of Disadventure.com (and a running buddy), she's suggested these wonderful resources for all you Apple lovers, from iTunes:

PodRunner - provides specifically chosen songs along a theme, specified by bpm.

Run to 300, a podcast about a novice runner who was bet he couldn't run 300 miles. the winnings: $300.

2 gomers run a half marathon.

And for all you iPhone addicts, apps: Trail Guru for iPod Touch and iPhone, which charts your speed, location and route and allows you to upload to their website to see your running progress. Best part: free!

So there you go folks, no reason not to hit a trail or two - though you might be better off if you head out without the music on a flat the country road with a friend, tell a few gut busting jokes, and get lost accidentally, you might just run a few extra miles in all the fun...

Music Monday on Tuesday...

2009-04-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well because yesterday was a holiday whether official or not... I was thinking about running music erstwhile filing this morning, thinking about the music that gets me moving - the funny thing is the music that makes me dance isn't always the music I love to run to, likely because I feel like stopping and busting some kind of cheesy, horribly nonrhythmic dance move...

I was thinking of the 80's as of late, of Boca Dresses (granted those were more 90's), Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson. So in that vein our current interpretation of the amazing 80's fashion...

If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna

And honor of the 80's theme, dance the way it should be, ie. not my moves...

Website Wednesday

2009-04-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of the dessert I'll be making this weekend for Easter, I thought I should direct your attention to this blog.

http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/

Primarily because I prefer to have as many gluten free meals as possible, but it can become hard when most of our complex carbohydrate staple go to's are well not gluten free...

Music Monday

2009-04-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you find yourself suddenly awake and surprisingly running on a treadmill, as the case most Monday mornings, songs like these help get through the grumble mile, about mile 4 where I'm wondering what exactly I'm doing.

Website Wednesday

2009-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned briefly I am running (jogging, walking, crawling) the Half Marathon at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon at the end of the month. It is a fundraising marathon and while I'm not raising funds, I do believe in supporting the cause. So drop by and check out everything they're doing to pay tribute, involve the survivors and heal the city, even after all this time.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/citronsmurf/211440484/

Music Monday is on the Move

2009-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Songs about travel, for traveling might seem a little redundant, but sometimes I think we need to have that - just like I love being on the bike at the gym and watching the Tour de France. There are some newer versions of the Eagles and Tom Cochrane's songs.

Personally I like this version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFkuD6wuqfo

Because I Can, I'm Posting on a Saturday

2009-03-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have to say there is something that has captivated me about this song which says a lot because after their disastrous opening for U2 in 2005 I swore I would never ever support them. This children is why swearing is bad.

Use Somebody - KINGS OF LEON

Food Friday

2009-03-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

So I will admit that this recipe has minimal nutritional value, but what it lacks in some ways it makes up for in many others. I have a sweet tooth and I have this combined desire that my sweets don't suck nutritionally, which is why I love this recipe - which is NOT mine:

Graham Crackers

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or a GF alternative (if using this consider adding a little tapioca or stabilizer)

1/3 cup sugar (unrefined preferably)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup oil (non-flavoured)

2 tablespoons molasses

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup rice milk (plus maybe an extra tablespoon or so), soy milk or water will work, too - I used vanilla hemp milk

1/2cup-3/4cup chopped crystallized ginger

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat (worth the investment for you, the environment and your sanity)

In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the middle and pour in oil, molasses and vanilla. Give the liquid ingredients a quick whisk with a fork and then continue mixing until everything is well combined and crumbly.

Drizzle in the milk and combine. Use your hands to knead the dough a few times until it holds together, add an extra tablespoon of rice milk if needed. Add ginger, knead a little to combine. You should be able to form a pliable ball of dough.

Roll, press, smush out into a rectangle on your silpat(or whathave you), trim the sides to make it a real rectangle if your neurotic like me and then score out the sizes you want. Bake for about 14 minutes, longer if you really like your crunchy.

Let cool completely on the baking sheet. And then if your like me, melt some 70% cocao dark chocolate and dip the ends in.

For this recipe and many wonderful others: http://vegancupcakes.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/graham-crackers/

Photo

Many W's Wednesday

2009-03-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

In honor of more snow in our forecast and the stress that weather can play on our training days, I would like to offer a little insight into my method of stress relief and into my life. Exercise in general for many of us whether we're training or not is a place of stress relief, but sometimes it isn't. For me I turn to yoga which just happens to be beneficial, which leads us to infinite websites that can be used if you cannot make it to a local studio for a variety of reasons ( I would strongly encourage newer practicers to attend a studio for a session, so that you can learn what a corrected/proper posture in the basic poses feels like). I would recommend:

Yoga Journal

YJ offers class locations, poses, a vinyasa for month and so on, they also offer pod casts and etc.

So on to me, I've been changing my eating this week in a grand, poorly executed test of what I can do to make me feel more like me as the miles increase and maybe lose weight and gain back my upper body muscle tone - obviously that isn't just an add more miles, eat less combo - I'm back to two days on the bike and weights/core work - those were my rest days. This grand test was actually kick started by a review of what I use to eat on an average day when I was a vegan, and let me tell you no wonder I felt better and was thinner...

Today(Some is projected/planned):

1 Moothie - It's an organic yogurt smoothie - Serving size 200mL - instead of my 250-400mL protein smoothie I would make for after workout

1 1/2 eggs (2 whites, one yolk) and a slice of Ezekiel bread, 1 Venti Zen Tea and a banana (breakfast)

2 graham crackers

Sandwich - WF Black Forest ham, LF Havarti, Ranch dressing (LF), grated carrots, sprouts, tomato, and raspberries

Soup - Carrot Ginger soup 1/2 cup serving

2 Graham Crackers, 1 mango diced

Panko breaded Sea Bass, Salad, Broccolini and Whole Wheat Couscous

1 Homemade Graham Cracker w/additional ginger(that's plan for tonight's baking) and a tall soy marble hot chocolate ... of course loads of water

Music Monday

2009-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

I will never claim I've got the best taste in music, but I wonder if I might have some of the more eclectic of tastes...

Food Friday!!

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have to say talking about food, dreaming about food and eating food of course... is about the only thing these days that keeps me from panicking about the upcoming dates, like Oh, Oklahoma fast approaching on the horizon at this pace it is likely to pass me by... but enough of that metaphor.

Healthy food can and often does get a bit monotonous, we have our go to meals and so on and so forth - at this moment Chicken Souvlaki for some reasons comes to mind as my go to meal, that or Pad Thai. If I could get my single self together and convince my roommate to eat meat - I know, I know the pseudo vegan should not be doing that... this is what we'd be eating and we will be eating on Monday night.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

1 lb ground lean beef or chicken, turkey, tofu crumbles, tempeh or whatever you want to use
1 onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic
3 cups veggies - mushrooms, eggplant (sliced or smalled diced), zucchini, peppers
1 bag frozen spinach
Seasoning - basil, oregano, thyme - whatever you would like to add
1 (29 oz) jar of organic "spaghetti"sauce - I use whatever is on sale at WF
1 package of whole wheat/spelt/alternative lasagna noodles - NOT PRE COOKED
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (I detest cottage cheese) - OR Tofu Ricotta (firm tofu, raw cashews and nutritional yeast)
2 cups mozzarella cheese or TEESE

Note: The veggies will cook down, so understand that in relation to what kind of texture you would like.

Cook the meat (if using a veggie option - no need, though I would steam my tempeh to get the "flavour" out of it), onion, and garlic. Combine the remaining ingredients - the sauce and veggies

In the slow cooker, spoon a layer of the meat mixture onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double of layer of the uncooked lasagna noodles. Break to fit the noodles into the slow cooker if needed. Top the noodles with a portion of the ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering of sauce, noodles, and cheese until all the ingredients are used. Cover and cook on low heat in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours, or as I do, text your roommate or significant other to put it in the slow cooker and plug it in on their way to work, so that you when you return home from yoga can eat.

Website Wednesday

2009-03-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

While I would love to stick to some kind of posting schedule, so you'll know what is coming, that's so well scheduled, like a running schedule - and well I for one think that's too much in the way of scheduling.

Regardless - for those of you looking for a new route, or found an awesome new route or travel everywhere and anywhere and the Westin running map isn't going to cut it for you check out

http://www.run.com/

I know, easy isn't it? You might even find a few of my favorite runs on there. One of my new challenges is the 12 mile loop - 6miles out, 6 miles back with the option of adding a bridge loop in there of approximately 2 miles.

PS. San Francisco here I come...

Music Monday

2009-03-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

In honor of a lamented genre and my admiration for these artists (also check out Miranda Lambert or yes, even Taylor Swift) - who do have not only talent in the way of entertainment, but they also sing live and play instruments - much more than we can say for some of our beloved pop tarts:

Shimmie Shake

2009-03-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I tried the THRIVE diet for all of one grand week, I followed the diet to a T and in the end just about wanted to dive head long into a big hot serving of veggie lasagna. My major complaint was it was too raw, if you live in a climate where the temperature is consistently above zero and it isn't always raining or snowing, then I think it would be much more tolerable. In the end I missed my spices, I missed my slow cooker and I didn't miss the pain in my back from the hours of food preparation.

Whole Food diets though are a wonderful thing and it is something that as the Farmer Markets get into full swing I'll be embracing with more fervor.

I do have to say I loved the Chocolate Almond Shake - this is a modified version

2T Raw Almond Butter

1 Tbsp ground hemp seeds

1 Tbsp Hemp protein

2 Tbsp carob powder or cacao nibs

1 cup cold water + 1/2 cup ice

1 frozen banana or 2-3 Fresh dates

1 T plain Vega Powder

I used a food processor for the recipe as I have a pathetic blender to tackle the dates, with the banana I used the blender.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/houseofsims/3182624248/ and yes I realize it's not the same shake, but I am not at 6am going to start taking pictures of my Nalgene bottle.

Back in the Swing of Things

2009-03-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for failing at the Mon, Wed, Friday posting, I'm still trying to get back on my lead weighted feet again. With things being sub zero, snowy and crunchy in this part of the world the only blessing as of late has been the time change. Thankfully it's light at night, so I'm not having to brave the -5C or colder that it has been.

With all that said, much too has happened, you'll find me in the next 20 weeks in Oklahoma and in San Francisco for a half and full marathon respectively and if I don't die, the Victoria Marathon in October might be the next step on my way to warming up to doing the Knee Knocker in Vancouver or some other 50km distance - I mean while I can say what's the extra 8km, it's still 8km longer.

On to something I love more than running and seeing the buds of spring on the trail or the setting sun through the railway bridge - FOOD! Two recipes this week, one today and one tomorrow.

Walnut, Blueberry Bran Pancakes (Runner's World) - ALTERED
1 1/2 cups Vanilla Hemp Milk*
1 cup Large Flake Oats - none of the instant/quick stuff
3/4 cup Spelt or Buckwheat flour - I used spelt
3/4 cup - 1cup Dried Blueberries or Raspberries
1/2 cup chopped Walnuts - any other nut could be used - if you wanted to use Dried Pineapple, why not then use Macadamia nuts?
1/4 cup Oat Bran
1 T Baking Powder
2 T Agave
1 tsp salt
2 Organic eggs (Free Range of course!) or 2 Flax Eggs

Pour milk over oats and set aside. Combine ingredients flour through to baking powder. In a separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Add the eggs to oats and then combine with the remaining ingredients. Spoon 1/2 or 1 cup serving - I just use a measuring cup into a greased skillet, cook as you would a normal pancake.

This recipes freezes really well. I ended up taking them to work and fishing them out mid morning - a quick zap in the micro and then into the toaster oven. I spread a little vegan margarine, but blueberry preserve or a raw nut butter without salt would be just as good.

*Milk while recommend is actually high in hormones and not beneficial to women, so unless you're going to splurge on the Hormone free, Organic stuff opt out - Check out THRIVE by Brendan Frazier

Music Monday

2009-03-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am always in search of new music, whatever the genre might be. That being said, everything that appears here will be "running appropriate," and hopefully something you'll consider adding to your repertoire.

Diseased

2009-03-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for the last month on and off, and sure some of it is the perils of the job, but I almost feel like it is the result of the stress of knowing I should be training and not training because my nose is still running like a faucet and I'm coughing like a smoker (and I'm definitely not). I ran shortly after I though I had it kicked the first time and then within a week found myself spiraling downwards again. So this time around I'm waiting - I really am only patient enough to wait until Friday at which time I sure hope the nose has stopped. T minus 7 weeks starting Monday to get myself half ready -I'm going to try and not think about it.

Now as to training sick - there is plenty of advice about doing it if it's just a head cold and not if it's the flu or a chest cold. While I agree when it's sub zero celcius, and/or raining, I think if you really want to train find yourself a germ infested gym. Yes they aren't the cleanest places but at least you'll avoid the chills and the sick feeling the weather can create all on it's own. In the end regardless of the advice to reduce the intensity and keep the miles and so on, follow your body. My body still says get thee to bed, that unfortuately isn't going to happen right now.

Photo: http://flickr.com/photos/saranv/3303066158/

Music Monday

2009-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Confession #1 of Thousands

2009-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

I don't like to walk for exercise. There is something about it that conflicts with my ADHA sense of exercise. I walk, don't misread me, I walk everywhere I can - long distances, but it's not for exercise, it's for all those other reasons, see the sights, get fresh air, window shop, see people, mumble my latest and greatest book plot to myself and so on. Many times it's not even that grand, rather it's cold and the next bus will be 20 minutes, so walk and stay warm or play Suduko on my Blackberry and wait for the bus.

So for all of you who feel my frustration and the idea of doing the walk for 1 minute, run for X minutes here is a solution from the latest Runner's World - that in essence not only makes it easier for you with short attention spans and an urge to move, but also can be parlayed into speed work.

Even if you aren't a beginner and a seasoned runner - it gives you something intentional to do on those days that are just too cold, icy or dangerous in any which way to get out there.

It does work best on a treadmill:

7 minutes at 5.5mph (or faster or slower), then increase in .2mph speed for every step down in time, so then:
6 minutes at 5.7
5 minutes at 5.9 and so on.
Not only does it get you moving (aka: jogging/running) more then you would before, there is also at least for me a greater sense of time moving along. When it's all done you've 28 minutes and covered somewhere around 3 miles, that's just one set!

Photo: http://flickr.com/photos/66535891@N00/2701310395/