Food Friday

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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...

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

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...

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

Back to Our Programing

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

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

Music Monday

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Food and Pain...

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Confession #1 of Thousands

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/

Vegan Vendredi

Vegan Fridays doesn't quite have the same wonderful alliterative quality to it. Veganism is one of those taboo subjects for many, especially runners who believe that we are best served by animal protein. I am going to say I'm on the fence - as post vegan (2 years) I felt substantially better as a vegan, however, it is a time consuming lifestyle for one person with a 8-4 job, 2 hours of commuting and post grad part time education on their plate.

When I have time I do make this as a way to use up whatever I've got going a little "sprouty."

1 potato
1 sweet potato
1 can rinsed chickpeas
1/2 yellow onion diced
1/4-1/2 c. hot water
2 T Indian curry paste

Combine the above, place on a cookie sheet and cook at 400-450F until tender - you do not need to grease your cookie sheet - if you're concerned about sticking a Silpat sheet is a wonderful investment for your kitchen. Add peas, raw cashews, chopped tomatoes or anything else you would like, spinach would be good too. Heat until warmed through, toss with cilantro. Serve with homemade roti, or you can purchase roti at large supermarkets. I normally have mine with mango chutney.

Marathons - The New Black?

Tina Fay proudly said "B*tch was the new black" when Hillary was running for the nomination, and maybe she was right, but I think we have a new black. A new staple, a new go to, ever popular event that might just be less excruciating then running for the Democratic nod. Marathons. I will say I have never run one, though my goal is to this year finish one if not two. It is a monumental decision in many respects and in many ways just as all consuming as an election, though a marathon is likely a far healthier goal.

This blog will in many ways cover the highs and lows of training, but the goal is not those finish lines, but rather to find a way to laugh, love and enjoy the process of running in life. Life is in many ways a continuous race, and no I'm not referring to that "rat race" we all seem to through ourselves into - but rather a cyclic process of starting and finishing in succession. We start school, we finish - some of us quickly and elated, and others it might as well have been an ultra marathon started with no training. And so the process begins again. A new stage of my life began this year and running as become my way of training the rest of my life for the roads ahead, those travelled and those untraveled.

I hope that this will be a place for seasoned vets to find new ideas and places and for all those somewhere earlier on the road to find some solace and community. Happy Running!!