Thank you for registering for the 2010 Resolution Run. You registered in time to get a long sleeved cotton shirt. You may begin picking up your race bibs, chip timing tags and shirts at 11:30 am. See you on the 1st.
J & J Sports Productions
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Registered 4 Resolution Run - booya!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Stuff I like
This weekend's training was a total bust. I did zero. zilch. nada. Rain/storms and looming holiday gift procurement kept me hopping from store to store trying to find that extra special something that could later be returned for store credit by the receiver.
Part of the weekend was spent cleaning out my closet. As I went through and organized my workout gear, I realized there are some things that really work well and others, usually bought in a frenzy, that haven't worked for me at all.
Things that work well for me:
1. nike shorts. These things are the bomb. I have tons of other company pairs that i purchased over the years--but only the Nikes don't ride up my bum as I run. they are nice and loose and comfy. I have three pair now and I love each and every one.
2. skirt sports shirt. I have one skirtsport shirt that I got at a race a couple of years ago. It is by far my favorite shirt. It is not too loose, it is an awesome color -- a nice teal--ish blue--perfect for wiping my nose while I run or sopping the sweat off my neck. It also is tight enough to make me, well, look a little well endowed and sporty at the same time. Go figure! Here's a pic of me wearing the shirt. I'm on the left.
3. Balega socks. Ok, these socks are great. I actually wear them all the time, even when I am not in running shoes. I don't know why but they cling to my small feet really well, don't stink, and no matter how hard I sweat, they never get wet or icky.
4. Nike hat. I love my nike hat. I. LOVE. My. Nike. HAT. I have no explanation.
5. Nike Triax. These shoes work so well for me. I've tried every other road shoe known to woman. These work for my bunioned-yet-narrow feet.
6. Asics Trabuco Trail shoe. As far as trail shoes go, nobody can touch the Asics Trabuco. Wide enough to fit my bunion. Sturdy enough to run hills in Auburn. They are great.
7. Ultimate Water bottle holder-- Ok ok, I know. There are some devotees of the systems that have 7 little bottles on a belt around your waist. Granted, I haven't tried those yet. I am sticking with my ultimate water bottle holders. I have 10+ ultimate bottles. Small ones, large ones and ity bitty ones. I have holders for each. I like them cause I can usually carry some Gu and my cell phone in a little pouch. Someday I might change to the amphipod/fuelbelt system but only after all my Ultimate bottles melt in the dishwasher or break.
8. Gu. I love Gu. It doesn't upset my stomach and they taste pretty darn good.
9.Mittens for really cold days. I have a pair of blue/white striped mittens I bought at Target for 50 cents on clearance last year. I wear them anytime weather is below 40 degrees. Who needs stinkin' $70 gloves???
10.Headband. I must have my headband to run. No, not the kind from Napoleon Dynamite. Just something to hold my hair out of my face, and off my neck. It is a necessity. I have a pack of 10 from Target. They have silicone grippers so that my unruly hair doesn't come loose and end up in my face. That would be a problem.
See this is what I really look like when I wear the headband to run. Really.
Part of the weekend was spent cleaning out my closet. As I went through and organized my workout gear, I realized there are some things that really work well and others, usually bought in a frenzy, that haven't worked for me at all.
Things that work well for me:
1. nike shorts. These things are the bomb. I have tons of other company pairs that i purchased over the years--but only the Nikes don't ride up my bum as I run. they are nice and loose and comfy. I have three pair now and I love each and every one.
2. skirt sports shirt. I have one skirtsport shirt that I got at a race a couple of years ago. It is by far my favorite shirt. It is not too loose, it is an awesome color -- a nice teal--ish blue--perfect for wiping my nose while I run or sopping the sweat off my neck. It also is tight enough to make me, well, look a little well endowed and sporty at the same time. Go figure! Here's a pic of me wearing the shirt. I'm on the left.
3. Balega socks. Ok, these socks are great. I actually wear them all the time, even when I am not in running shoes. I don't know why but they cling to my small feet really well, don't stink, and no matter how hard I sweat, they never get wet or icky.
4. Nike hat. I love my nike hat. I. LOVE. My. Nike. HAT. I have no explanation.
5. Nike Triax. These shoes work so well for me. I've tried every other road shoe known to woman. These work for my bunioned-yet-narrow feet.
6. Asics Trabuco Trail shoe. As far as trail shoes go, nobody can touch the Asics Trabuco. Wide enough to fit my bunion. Sturdy enough to run hills in Auburn. They are great.
7. Ultimate Water bottle holder-- Ok ok, I know. There are some devotees of the systems that have 7 little bottles on a belt around your waist. Granted, I haven't tried those yet. I am sticking with my ultimate water bottle holders. I have 10+ ultimate bottles. Small ones, large ones and ity bitty ones. I have holders for each. I like them cause I can usually carry some Gu and my cell phone in a little pouch. Someday I might change to the amphipod/fuelbelt system but only after all my Ultimate bottles melt in the dishwasher or break.
8. Gu. I love Gu. It doesn't upset my stomach and they taste pretty darn good.
9.Mittens for really cold days. I have a pair of blue/white striped mittens I bought at Target for 50 cents on clearance last year. I wear them anytime weather is below 40 degrees. Who needs stinkin' $70 gloves???
10.Headband. I must have my headband to run. No, not the kind from Napoleon Dynamite. Just something to hold my hair out of my face, and off my neck. It is a necessity. I have a pack of 10 from Target. They have silicone grippers so that my unruly hair doesn't come loose and end up in my face. That would be a problem.
See this is what I really look like when I wear the headband to run. Really.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Neither Rain, nor sleet, nor snow....
Saturday was a bust in terms of exercise. It was hubby’s birthday so I went ahead and spent the day with him. We hung out, went shopping, got dinner, watched “Angels & Demons”.. It was a lot of fun.
Sunday, I rode the infamous Shirland Tract in Auburn. This area is a part of the Auburn Half Ironman Bike course.
The part I covered yesterday has average 4.7% elevation grade.
Total climbing yesterday 3000+ feet
Mileage= 13
Time to complete=1.25 hours
OUCH!
There are sections that are 45% grade. I rode everything. I did not walk up any hills. My speed sometimes went down to 4.5 mph and I was in granny gear, but I did it!!! During the decent down Auburn-Folsom Road, it began to rain/slushy snow pelt us and the wind gusts picked up. But we finished our ride before the storm really struck. I have to say—I feel pretty darn studly for riding in that weather. Yeah me!
Riding also helped take my mind off the fact that I was missing my marathon yesterday. CIM went on without me. :( Next year????
My riding partner suggested I ride Shirland Tract and the first part of the Auburn bike course every weekend and slowly add distance so by May, I have ridden the whole bike course a few times. I think this is a good suggestion –I would also like to do a little bit of transition run after the bike—to get my legs ready for trail running after a long hilly bike ride.
Anyway, that’s it for today. It snowed in Sacramento last night and our front lawn was covered in snow/ice. Very pretty!
Friday, December 4, 2009
TableRunner pics
Tonight we're going out for dinner for my mom's birthday. I made her a gift..it's a table runner.
Here's pics. I'm getting all crafts-y in my old age.
I ran 3 miles this morning at 5 a.m. It took me 29:32 to finish. Not too bad. My right hip felt a little weird but I realized that I haven't been doing my PT exercises all week. I'm such a weenie. Back onto those tonight after dinner. Oh, and I am picking up my CIM bib/t-shirt today. I tried to sell it but nobody wants to buy it apparently. Oh well, that's ok.
I will also be riding my bike in auburn on sunday. Auburn hills are notorious for kickin' the crap out of people. My riding buddy, Judy, said she is going to 'kick my little @$$' on sunday. Great. I can't wait. I have to get some hill workouts going if I am going to be ready for the Auburn Half Ironman in May.
In any case--I hope to make it a good weekend of running and riding.
Hope yours is good too!
Here's pics. I'm getting all crafts-y in my old age.
I ran 3 miles this morning at 5 a.m. It took me 29:32 to finish. Not too bad. My right hip felt a little weird but I realized that I haven't been doing my PT exercises all week. I'm such a weenie. Back onto those tonight after dinner. Oh, and I am picking up my CIM bib/t-shirt today. I tried to sell it but nobody wants to buy it apparently. Oh well, that's ok.
I will also be riding my bike in auburn on sunday. Auburn hills are notorious for kickin' the crap out of people. My riding buddy, Judy, said she is going to 'kick my little @$$' on sunday. Great. I can't wait. I have to get some hill workouts going if I am going to be ready for the Auburn Half Ironman in May.
In any case--I hope to make it a good weekend of running and riding.
Hope yours is good too!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Yummy Recipe for Blue and Yellow Indian Cornbread
Enjoy!
Hopi Blue & Yellow Indian Cornbread
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Meredith McCarty, www.healingcuisine.com
Makes 16 servings
The intriguing swirl of marbled color in this cornbread comes from
a combination of blue and yellow cornmeal batters. The special
qualities of this recipe are the lack of dairy products and eggs
in a main dish that is attractive, light and delicious. Soymilk
acts as a mild leavening agent in addition to the baking powder.
Baking cornbread in cast-iron pans makes for the best crust.
Blue Cornmeal Batter:
3/4 cup blue cornmeal
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons light vegetable oil (I prefer Spectrum walnut oil)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt syrup
1 cup soymilk (I prefer Edensoy Original)
Yellow Cornmeal Batter:
3/4 cup yellow corn flour (preferred) or cornmeal
3/4 cup unbleached white pastry flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons light vegetable oil
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt syrup
1 cup soymilk
Kernels from one small ear of corn (optional, in season)
2 small serrano or jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded and very
thinly sliced (optional, in season)
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Brush a 2- or 2 1/2-quart baking dish or
a cast-iron skillet with oil. Heat the pan in the oven while you
make the batter (this is an optional step).
2. To make each of the batters, in two bowls mix dry ingredients.
Mix wet ingredients in separate bowls and gently whisk with dry
ingredients. Batters should be thin and pourable.
3. Pour blue cornmeal batter into baking dish. Pour yellow batter
on top. With a utensil, draw a large spiral through to the bottom
of the batter. Bake until cornbread tests done, 30 to 35 minutes.
Variation: Barbecue Beans and Cornbread Casserole: Visit Meredith's
website for this recipe that contains just 14% calories from fat.
For 16 servings, per serving:
Calories: 182 Protein: 4gm Saturated Fat: 0.4gm Fiber: 2.5gm
Carbohydrates: 27.4gm Fat: 6.4 gm Cholesterol: 0 Sodium: 178mg
Calories from Protein: 9% Calories from Fats: 31% Calories
from Carbohydrates: 60%
Hopi Blue & Yellow Indian Cornbread
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Meredith McCarty, www.healingcuisine.com
Makes 16 servings
The intriguing swirl of marbled color in this cornbread comes from
a combination of blue and yellow cornmeal batters. The special
qualities of this recipe are the lack of dairy products and eggs
in a main dish that is attractive, light and delicious. Soymilk
acts as a mild leavening agent in addition to the baking powder.
Baking cornbread in cast-iron pans makes for the best crust.
Blue Cornmeal Batter:
3/4 cup blue cornmeal
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons light vegetable oil (I prefer Spectrum walnut oil)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt syrup
1 cup soymilk (I prefer Edensoy Original)
Yellow Cornmeal Batter:
3/4 cup yellow corn flour (preferred) or cornmeal
3/4 cup unbleached white pastry flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons light vegetable oil
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt syrup
1 cup soymilk
Kernels from one small ear of corn (optional, in season)
2 small serrano or jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded and very
thinly sliced (optional, in season)
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Brush a 2- or 2 1/2-quart baking dish or
a cast-iron skillet with oil. Heat the pan in the oven while you
make the batter (this is an optional step).
2. To make each of the batters, in two bowls mix dry ingredients.
Mix wet ingredients in separate bowls and gently whisk with dry
ingredients. Batters should be thin and pourable.
3. Pour blue cornmeal batter into baking dish. Pour yellow batter
on top. With a utensil, draw a large spiral through to the bottom
of the batter. Bake until cornbread tests done, 30 to 35 minutes.
Variation: Barbecue Beans and Cornbread Casserole: Visit Meredith's
website for this recipe that contains just 14% calories from fat.
For 16 servings, per serving:
Calories: 182 Protein: 4gm Saturated Fat: 0.4gm Fiber: 2.5gm
Carbohydrates: 27.4gm Fat: 6.4 gm Cholesterol: 0 Sodium: 178mg
Calories from Protein: 9% Calories from Fats: 31% Calories
from Carbohydrates: 60%
Chad Gurlach encounter
Hubby talked to a panhandling Chad Gurlach this afternoon in front of Target.
So very sad.. Chad was on US Postal Team with Lance but fell into drugs.
He was featured on an episode of Intervention...
Check Season 5 , #64
As of today, he's still looking for drugs and a place to sleep every night. He hasn't seen his baby daughter.
How very sad.
So very sad.. Chad was on US Postal Team with Lance but fell into drugs.
He was featured on an episode of Intervention...
Check Season 5 , #64
As of today, he's still looking for drugs and a place to sleep every night. He hasn't seen his baby daughter.
How very sad.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Biggest Loser is... me??
Last night on the Biggest Loser, the last four contestants ran a marathon.
Oh, you read correctly...
People, who barely moved except to get the remote control, just ran a marathon.
I've been trying for YEARS to run a marathon and I have not succeeded.
:(
Hubby told me to turn it off because he could see, with my PMS looming, that it was going to end up an ugly week if I continued to gape at the TV.
Really? I don't begrudge these people because they were/are overweight. More power to them and I hope they accomplish every single one of their goals. I am frustrated that I train for years and can't do something that recently sedentary people can do after 6 months of training. What is wrong with me??? Am I a big loser?
The fastest --Rudy-- completed in 5:10 I think.. The slowest two took over 7 hours.
Hmprhummmmpph.
In any case, I signed up for two short races. Both are trail runs--6 miler on December 13th and a 10K on January 1.
Is it too early to think about racing again? Probably. But I've got to put something on my short term calendar or I'm not going to run at all.
And one last query--WHY oh WHY is the biggest loser on the channel next to the food network? I think it is a consipiracy... :)
Oh, you read correctly...
they.
ran.
a.
freakn.
marathon.
People, who barely moved except to get the remote control, just ran a marathon.
I've been trying for YEARS to run a marathon and I have not succeeded.
:(
Hubby told me to turn it off because he could see, with my PMS looming, that it was going to end up an ugly week if I continued to gape at the TV.
Really? I don't begrudge these people because they were/are overweight. More power to them and I hope they accomplish every single one of their goals. I am frustrated that I train for years and can't do something that recently sedentary people can do after 6 months of training. What is wrong with me??? Am I a big loser?
The fastest --Rudy-- completed in 5:10 I think.. The slowest two took over 7 hours.
Hmprhummmmpph.
In any case, I signed up for two short races. Both are trail runs--6 miler on December 13th and a 10K on January 1.
Is it too early to think about racing again? Probably. But I've got to put something on my short term calendar or I'm not going to run at all.
And one last query--WHY oh WHY is the biggest loser on the channel next to the food network? I think it is a consipiracy... :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Good Eats. Good Fitness. Good Times.
Ok, I have to say several things are making me feel better about my injury.
1. It is projected that a rainy/stormy CIM. Check out http://cimweatheroutlook.blogspot.com/ for details.
2. I know other people who are having the same exact injury/issue and are just as frustrated. They also have the fun of being told in a public forum that they shouldn't run CIM. Check out Steve from Roseville's question here.
3. I ran 3 miles this morning in 29:10. I. kick. ass.
4. I have been biking like crazy. I'm getting a little faster. I look awesome in my new Ophir Milan kit. Knee warmers are on their way.
5. Life is good and shiny.
6. Thanksgiving went off without any problems. I stayed calm while I cooked a huge meal. Everyone loved it. I did a new turkey recipe and it turned out AWESOME. Even though she's a felon, Martha Stewart has some great turkey recipes.
7. I drank a lot of wine with turkey dinner.
8. I drank a lot of wine after turkey dinner.
9. RR#1 came over. We all got along fabulously. I realized, she doesn't have to agree with my viewpoint on every issue. We can be happy and ignore the differences.
10. Hubby and I getting along really really well. I mean really well. It's kind of a Romance Renaissance. After 10 years of marriage I guess things can re-bloom?
1. It is projected that a rainy/stormy CIM. Check out http://cimweatheroutlook.blogspot.com/ for details.
2. I know other people who are having the same exact injury/issue and are just as frustrated. They also have the fun of being told in a public forum that they shouldn't run CIM. Check out Steve from Roseville's question here.
3. I ran 3 miles this morning in 29:10. I. kick. ass.
4. I have been biking like crazy. I'm getting a little faster. I look awesome in my new Ophir Milan kit. Knee warmers are on their way.
5. Life is good and shiny.
6. Thanksgiving went off without any problems. I stayed calm while I cooked a huge meal. Everyone loved it. I did a new turkey recipe and it turned out AWESOME. Even though she's a felon, Martha Stewart has some great turkey recipes.
7. I drank a lot of wine with turkey dinner.
8. I drank a lot of wine after turkey dinner.
9. RR#1 came over. We all got along fabulously. I realized, she doesn't have to agree with my viewpoint on every issue. We can be happy and ignore the differences.
10. Hubby and I getting along really really well. I mean really well. It's kind of a Romance Renaissance. After 10 years of marriage I guess things can re-bloom?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday Five
1. I haven't run in almost two weeks. I'm scared to run. I'm scared of knee pain. Tomorrow. I'll run tomorrow. Really. Tomorrow.
2. I have been riding my bike quite a bit. I rode both saturday and sunday--30 miles each day. I also rode on the trainer on Wednesday morning--watched Spinervals DVD on endurance but only did 30 minutes or so. It was too boring. Maybe another dvd will be better.
3. I'm still trying to work out the swimming thing for the winter. New aquatic center opened nearby. But it is opposite direction from my work and traffic is awful before work. There is a gym I want to join that is near my work but it is $134/month. A bit pricy. I'm still trying to figure this out.
4. I joined a cycling group called Ophir Milan. They are hard-core. I hope I can keep up with them when we ride.
5.I bought the OPHIR jersey and shorts. I also tried on an OPHIR tank. Hubby said it wasn't very flattering to my figure since it shoved all my back fat to the side.. uhm. Yeah. thanks.
2. I have been riding my bike quite a bit. I rode both saturday and sunday--30 miles each day. I also rode on the trainer on Wednesday morning--watched Spinervals DVD on endurance but only did 30 minutes or so. It was too boring. Maybe another dvd will be better.
3. I'm still trying to work out the swimming thing for the winter. New aquatic center opened nearby. But it is opposite direction from my work and traffic is awful before work. There is a gym I want to join that is near my work but it is $134/month. A bit pricy. I'm still trying to figure this out.
4. I joined a cycling group called Ophir Milan. They are hard-core. I hope I can keep up with them when we ride.
5.I bought the OPHIR jersey and shorts. I also tried on an OPHIR tank. Hubby said it wasn't very flattering to my figure since it shoved all my back fat to the side.. uhm. Yeah. thanks.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
From Velo News
Foolish foolish man..
Landis to leave OUCH
By VeloNews.com
Published: Nov. 17, 2009
Landis has struggled through much of the 2009 season.
Photo: Graham Watson
Floyd Landis and the management company running the OUCH professional cycling team have agreed to end his contract a year early.
Landis and the Momentum Sports Group (MSG) announced Tuesday that they have mutually agreed to terminate his contract – originally slated to expire at the end of 2010 – releasing both sides from their respective obligations for the remainder of the 2009 and 2010 racing seasons.
"I wish to thank all of the sponsors for their support this year. I would also like to thank everyone at Momentum Sports Group," Landis said. "While I'm excited to pursue other opportunities, I will miss all of my teammates and everyone on staff."
Those opportunities, said Landis, include a hoped-for return to the European stage racing he’s missed since his two-year suspension for doping at the 2006 Tour de France. Landis returned to racing at the start of the 2009 season as a member of OUCH and has not enjoyed the level of success he saw before his ban.
According to a release issued by MSG on Tuesday, Landis told the team that he hopes to ride to ride “the longer, tougher stage races offered in Europe and internationally that better suit his strengths.”
The release went on to note that since the team will continue to focus on a domestic schedule, “MSG and Landis mutually agreed that it would be best for both parties to part ways at this time and allow Landis to seek a position with a team that could better accommodate his desires.”
Neither Landis nor the team mentioned if Landis is in discussions with other teams that might afford him the opportunities he hopes to pursue.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Dratsdratsdratsdratsdratsdrats
Sports Med doc says no CIM. She said that I have a significant right leg weakness and there isn't enough time before CIM to correct the imbalance with weight training. The weakness is in turn totally screwing up my gait and causing my IT Band problems--
She said if I try to run CIM I probably would cause enough damage that I wouldn't be able to run for 6 months.
Drats!!!
So I guess I'll do the strengthening exercises she prescribed and see what happens. I don't really have a choice. I did indulge in half a glass of wine last night. I've been a teetotaler for the past few weeks because of my training. I guess that's a silver lining.
Double drats!
She said if I try to run CIM I probably would cause enough damage that I wouldn't be able to run for 6 months.
Drats!!!
So I guess I'll do the strengthening exercises she prescribed and see what happens. I don't really have a choice. I did indulge in half a glass of wine last night. I've been a teetotaler for the past few weeks because of my training. I guess that's a silver lining.
Double drats!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks
So for some great news. Doc said I can run starting Thurs or Friday.
Yeah! My knee already feels better I am soooo thankful !!!
Onto other, more important business.
Thanksgiving.
IT
IS
MY
FAVORITE
HOLIDAY
Even better than Christmas. Even better than Fourth of July. I think it is because I have such good memories of being a child and having a house full of guests, yummy smells coming from the kitchen, watching “chitty chitty bang bang” on TV and stuffing myself with cranberry jelly and dressing until I thought I might throw up. And then eating pumpkin pie slathered with Cool Whip.
I <3 thanksgiving!
I start planning thanksgiving every year around August. Seriously.
I plan the guest list, plan how we’re gonna make it all happen. Plan the food.
Hmm.mmm food.
This year, even though I am trying to eat more vegan-like, thanksgiving is going to be a time that I will still indulge.
I’ve drafted the menu.
Turkey
Dressing
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Canned Cranberry jelly
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Candied Yams
Stir fried Green Bean with toasted almonds
Apples-n-onions
Brussels Sprouts cooked in bacon fat with pine nuts.
Gravy
Apple Pie (2)
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Mincemeat Pie
I am also getting the Tofurkey Supermeal . It contains a tofurkey, cranberry sauce, vegan stuffing (yes the Tofurkey is stuffed), “wishstix”, vegan gravy and some sort of potato/cranberry dumplings.
I am having 15+ guests over for Thanksgiving . It is going to be a BLAST!
All food is made entirely from scratch. I make the pies, including the crusts from scratch. Dressing is made from bread I bake at home, Gravy made from a roux, etc. Almost nothing ‘packaged’ other than the turkey and the canned cranberry jelly.
All this cooking and planning means I will take two days off from work to shop, make pies, clean house, etc. I won’t be able to do any of the local Turkey Trots because the cooking schedule is so tight, even with a double oven.
I am considering deep frying the turkey outside—this will make a yummy turkey plus it will free up one of the double ovens for all the other goodies.
I cannot wait!
Yeah! My knee already feels better I am soooo thankful !!!
Onto other, more important business.
Thanksgiving.
IT
IS
MY
FAVORITE
HOLIDAY
Even better than Christmas. Even better than Fourth of July. I think it is because I have such good memories of being a child and having a house full of guests, yummy smells coming from the kitchen, watching “chitty chitty bang bang” on TV and stuffing myself with cranberry jelly and dressing until I thought I might throw up. And then eating pumpkin pie slathered with Cool Whip.
I <3 thanksgiving!
I start planning thanksgiving every year around August. Seriously.
I plan the guest list, plan how we’re gonna make it all happen. Plan the food.
Hmm.mmm food.
This year, even though I am trying to eat more vegan-like, thanksgiving is going to be a time that I will still indulge.
I’ve drafted the menu.
Turkey
Dressing
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Canned Cranberry jelly
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Candied Yams
Stir fried Green Bean with toasted almonds
Apples-n-onions
Brussels Sprouts cooked in bacon fat with pine nuts.
Gravy
Apple Pie (2)
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Mincemeat Pie
I am also getting the Tofurkey Supermeal . It contains a tofurkey, cranberry sauce, vegan stuffing (yes the Tofurkey is stuffed), “wishstix”, vegan gravy and some sort of potato/cranberry dumplings.
I am having 15+ guests over for Thanksgiving . It is going to be a BLAST!
All food is made entirely from scratch. I make the pies, including the crusts from scratch. Dressing is made from bread I bake at home, Gravy made from a roux, etc. Almost nothing ‘packaged’ other than the turkey and the canned cranberry jelly.
All this cooking and planning means I will take two days off from work to shop, make pies, clean house, etc. I won’t be able to do any of the local Turkey Trots because the cooking schedule is so tight, even with a double oven.
I am considering deep frying the turkey outside—this will make a yummy turkey plus it will free up one of the double ovens for all the other goodies.
I cannot wait!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Spreadn' the funk
warning--this post contains some foul language. Be advised.
Several bloggers have noted a decrease in energy, an increase in sadness (funkitude), or general illness/injury.
The funk has now spread over here.. I got the H1N1 and regular flu shots so it is not illness. I am not 'sad' per se. No peeps, I am INJURED.
During 4 bridges my right IT Band started to flare a bit. I rested it afterwards, Iced, rolled-- I even took 4 days off and cut my speed workout.
On sunday's 20 mile long run, the IT Band kicked me in the nads.
Two miles into the 20 miler it woke up and said, "uh, no. we're not going to do this today." I yelled the the ITB, "fk u. We're going to finish 20".
At 15 miles, I'd had enough. ITB won. I called hubby and asked him to pick me up on the bike trail and he did.
I am sad and depressed. Went to doc. He says, that technically, my IT Band is ok.. Good flexibility, stretch, and movement. So what's the problem? My old lingering ankle injury has screwed up the shock absorption of my right leg. The issue is really a combination of bad shock absorbers in my calf and a slight pulling of my Tensor Facia Lata. This is causing my IT Band to have to pick up the shockabsorbing slack and it is quite angry.
After doing some deep tissue/fascia work, my A.R.T. guy said I should try to run again today. I think I'm going to wait until tomorrow morning and see how a few short miles go. I was able to walk down stairs today (hurray!)and the side of my leg is extremely sore (uh, hurray???) from the work he did yesterday on it.
I did tell my A.R.T. guy that if I need to wrap my knee stiff straight and peg-leg it to the finish of California International Marathon, I will do that. I don't care. I just don't want the stabbing pain.
In any case--blah fkn blah.
So now for some good news--my MA diploma came in the mail yesterday! Honestly, I was still half expecting that I would get a letter from the Graduate office saying that they made a mistake and I was a unit short or something. But alas, the fools sent me a diploma so I can add a MA after my name..
Tri-Karen-Tri, M.A. (aka Peg-leg)
Several bloggers have noted a decrease in energy, an increase in sadness (funkitude), or general illness/injury.
The funk has now spread over here.. I got the H1N1 and regular flu shots so it is not illness. I am not 'sad' per se. No peeps, I am INJURED.
During 4 bridges my right IT Band started to flare a bit. I rested it afterwards, Iced, rolled-- I even took 4 days off and cut my speed workout.
On sunday's 20 mile long run, the IT Band kicked me in the nads.
Two miles into the 20 miler it woke up and said, "uh, no. we're not going to do this today." I yelled the the ITB, "fk u. We're going to finish 20".
At 15 miles, I'd had enough. ITB won. I called hubby and asked him to pick me up on the bike trail and he did.
I am sad and depressed. Went to doc. He says, that technically, my IT Band is ok.. Good flexibility, stretch, and movement. So what's the problem? My old lingering ankle injury has screwed up the shock absorption of my right leg. The issue is really a combination of bad shock absorbers in my calf and a slight pulling of my Tensor Facia Lata. This is causing my IT Band to have to pick up the shockabsorbing slack and it is quite angry.
After doing some deep tissue/fascia work, my A.R.T. guy said I should try to run again today. I think I'm going to wait until tomorrow morning and see how a few short miles go. I was able to walk down stairs today (hurray!)and the side of my leg is extremely sore (uh, hurray???) from the work he did yesterday on it.
I did tell my A.R.T. guy that if I need to wrap my knee stiff straight and peg-leg it to the finish of California International Marathon, I will do that. I don't care. I just don't want the stabbing pain.
In any case--blah fkn blah.
So now for some good news--my MA diploma came in the mail yesterday! Honestly, I was still half expecting that I would get a letter from the Graduate office saying that they made a mistake and I was a unit short or something. But alas, the fools sent me a diploma so I can add a MA after my name..
Tri-Karen-Tri, M.A. (aka Peg-leg)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Four Bridges Half Marathon Race Report
Doing a second half marathon in 3 weeks seems crazy, doesn't it? But I promised my mom that we would participate together so we both signed up. A great bonus was that my brother also registered the day before the event so it was going to be the three of us participating together! Whoo hoo. Family stresses and crazy dynamics be damned!
I got to the run early because I had 17 miles on the training plan and I wanted to get the additional 4 miles in before the race. I ran 4 miles early at a pretty slow pace (10:45-11 min/miles). That was all good.
I had a 45 minute wait until the start of the race so I called my brother and mom to gauge their ETA. We hooked up about 10 minutes later. Mom was really nervous.
I was originally assigned to wave 2 based on my estimated finish time (2:10) but I switched to wave 3 so I could start with mom (2:15+). Bro started in our wave too. He was very irritable for some reason. Whatever.
The horn blew and we were off. The biggest thing we coached my mom on was for her to slow down during the first 5 miles. She kept trying to speed up and we were telling her that the first 3 miles were downhill and she would blow it if she sped away. It was like trying to keep my dogs from chasing a squirrel. I on the other had was trying to keep a slow steady pace. I did sprint up the hills because I enjoy it--but then I waited at the top of the hill for mom and bro.
I felt great all the way to mile 7 (which for me was really mile 11). By mile 8/12 my right IT Band was KILLING ME! I couldn't believe it! I hobbled on through miles 9/13 , 10/14 and 11/15. I saw my husband and RR#2 at mile 12/16. O M was i in pain!
At mile 12.5/16.5 my mom and brother started arguing on the bike trail and my mom, now really angry, took off on a sprint, leaving us (her support team) in the dust.
Bro and I almost caught up to her (we stood with our mouths open staring at each other for a few seconds) by the finish. We were about 2 seconds back.
Finish line photo of all three of us will be posted soon. But you can see it here
Find Bib #217
Finishing time was 2:27 -- but for all 17 miles it took me 3:09
I got to the run early because I had 17 miles on the training plan and I wanted to get the additional 4 miles in before the race. I ran 4 miles early at a pretty slow pace (10:45-11 min/miles). That was all good.
I had a 45 minute wait until the start of the race so I called my brother and mom to gauge their ETA. We hooked up about 10 minutes later. Mom was really nervous.
I was originally assigned to wave 2 based on my estimated finish time (2:10) but I switched to wave 3 so I could start with mom (2:15+). Bro started in our wave too. He was very irritable for some reason. Whatever.
The horn blew and we were off. The biggest thing we coached my mom on was for her to slow down during the first 5 miles. She kept trying to speed up and we were telling her that the first 3 miles were downhill and she would blow it if she sped away. It was like trying to keep my dogs from chasing a squirrel. I on the other had was trying to keep a slow steady pace. I did sprint up the hills because I enjoy it--but then I waited at the top of the hill for mom and bro.
I felt great all the way to mile 7 (which for me was really mile 11). By mile 8/12 my right IT Band was KILLING ME! I couldn't believe it! I hobbled on through miles 9/13 , 10/14 and 11/15. I saw my husband and RR#2 at mile 12/16. O M was i in pain!
At mile 12.5/16.5 my mom and brother started arguing on the bike trail and my mom, now really angry, took off on a sprint, leaving us (her support team) in the dust.
Bro and I almost caught up to her (we stood with our mouths open staring at each other for a few seconds) by the finish. We were about 2 seconds back.
Finish line photo of all three of us will be posted soon. But you can see it here
Find Bib #217
Finishing time was 2:27 -- but for all 17 miles it took me 3:09
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Speed Work
Just a quick note. I did my speed workout last night
2 mile warm up.
6X800's at threshold pace w/ 90 second recovery
2 mile cool down.
My TOP SPEED while running???? 6:28 min/mile!!!!!!!!!
Don't MESS, er, with Kalyfornya.. (as our illustrious governator stays).
Woot Woot!
2 mile warm up.
6X800's at threshold pace w/ 90 second recovery
2 mile cool down.
My TOP SPEED while running???? 6:28 min/mile!!!!!!!!!
Don't MESS, er, with Kalyfornya.. (as our illustrious governator stays).
Woot Woot!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Kickn' A$$
Working long hours has kept me incredibly busy -- too busy to post anything lately.
This weekend (Sunday) is the Four Bridges Half Marathon. I am set to run it. I am hoping for a 2:15 time or better. My mom is running with me, despite a slight calf muscle pull. My brother is planning to run it too--as a surprise for my mom.
I wish there was a lot more to tell but there isn't.
I ran 15 miles last week. My longest run ever in my life. I felt like crap afterward but by the next day, it was all good.
I am looking forward to the cheering spectators on Sunday. I am going to run 13.1 miles for the race, then another 4 miles (2 mile warm up/ 2 mile cool down) after--in order to reach my 17 mile training goal.
That's it for now. Tonight's workout is 6 half mile repeats at intensity pace + 1.5 mile warm up/1.5 mile cool down for a total of 6 miles.
I'll post after Sunday's race!
This weekend (Sunday) is the Four Bridges Half Marathon. I am set to run it. I am hoping for a 2:15 time or better. My mom is running with me, despite a slight calf muscle pull. My brother is planning to run it too--as a surprise for my mom.
I wish there was a lot more to tell but there isn't.
I ran 15 miles last week. My longest run ever in my life. I felt like crap afterward but by the next day, it was all good.
I am looking forward to the cheering spectators on Sunday. I am going to run 13.1 miles for the race, then another 4 miles (2 mile warm up/ 2 mile cool down) after--in order to reach my 17 mile training goal.
That's it for now. Tonight's workout is 6 half mile repeats at intensity pace + 1.5 mile warm up/1.5 mile cool down for a total of 6 miles.
I'll post after Sunday's race!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Cowtown Race Report
First my sincerest apologies—I have no pictures. I was too lazy to carry the camera with me.
However, here’s report.
I woke up at 5 and had coffee and PB & J toasted sandwich and water.
Read the weather report—40 degrees outside--Perfect for shorts and shortsleeve top when running. I donned skirtsports skirt with compression thigh length shorts underneath. Wore my blood sweat and beers top and also brought my hat.
Did the usual ‘bodily functions’ packed up my stuff and left the house by 5:45. Fleet feet said to reach their tent by 6:45 for a warm up.
Met at a friends house who lives close by the race location and parked the car in front of her house. Went in, used her bathroom and then we walked to the race start (about a mile away).
Oh.
My.
It was cold. Walking in shorts in 40 degree weather (remember this is California and it was 110 high only 1.5 weeks ago) is difficult. I forgot gloves. Drats.
Anyway, got to the fleet feet tent in time to see the group leaving for their warm up. I warmed up with a mile on my own. Talked with a few friends and then stood in the 10:00 min/mile section behind the start line.
At 7:15 I ate a GU Espresso Love.
At 7:33 a.m. the gun went off and I started pretty slow.
First mile split was 10:30. All felt pretty good. No ankle pain. Breathing was regular.
Second mile split 9:20. WTF? Ok, slow down slow down… I kept thinking I have to slow down.
Third mile split was 9:25. SLOW DOWN!
Fourth Mile split 9:15. Ok this is ridiculous. Right then my shoe lace came untied. Perfect!! Never have I wished for an untied shoelace, but I was happy to stop and tie so I would force myself to slow down.
Fifth mile split –10:20. I also half-rolled my bad ankle in a pothole. I kept running—was it hurt???? No, it was ok. I kept going.
Reached the half way point—6.5 miles. Mile split was 9:40. Fk.
At this point, I should have eaten some GU but was so focused on trying to slow down, I forgot to eat. This would come back to haunt me later.
Mile 8---Why do my legs hurt??? They feel like they are filled with concrete. Split was 10:00
Mile 9---This is a long freakn’ mile. Side stitch started and wouldn’t quit. Saw some friends on the sideline and got some much needed, “GO KAREN!!!” and high-fives.
Mile 10---Only a 5K to go. Why does this hurt? Just keep moving forward. No walking. At this point I noticed a man behind me continue to cough and cough as if he had some sort of contagious (SWINE FLU) disease. He was also telling his running buddy that he’d had a bad fever [Cough cough cough hack]. Lovely. This was a good incentive to run faster. Noticed my overall time was 1:38. I could make 2:10 if I kept up the same pace.
Mile 11—I had to walk for a minute or two. The lack of calories at halfway point and 10-mile marker (forgot that fueling point too) was really starting to hit me hard. I heard the cougher coming up behind me and took off.
Mile 12—cheery high school students were handing off water and cytomax. I tried to smile and say thank you, but I think it might have come out as a grunt. Mile split was 11:22
Mile 13---I could see the finish line and started to sprint with a smile on my face. ,I grabbed the finisher’s medal at the end of the chute-- the finishers medal is a COWBELL (of course)!
Final time 02:11:37. All things considered this was a good race for me. My goal was about 2:15 so I beat that.
Things to learn: EAT EAT EAT when I need to eat. I kept forgetting to eat because I was so focused on going faster and putting one foot in front of the other. Maybe I can figure out how to set a timer on my Garmin.
Other than that I was pretty happy. I am surprised at my fast mile splits in the beginning. I wanted to maintain 10:00 min/mile splits the whole way. This is a great race, nice and flat and even though I love hills, I enjoyed the flatness of it. I discovered later that they had a gear check (I didn’t see that info on their website) so next year, I’ll definitely wear my sweats to the start …
However, here’s report.
I woke up at 5 and had coffee and PB & J toasted sandwich and water.
Read the weather report—40 degrees outside--Perfect for shorts and shortsleeve top when running. I donned skirtsports skirt with compression thigh length shorts underneath. Wore my blood sweat and beers top and also brought my hat.
Did the usual ‘bodily functions’ packed up my stuff and left the house by 5:45. Fleet feet said to reach their tent by 6:45 for a warm up.
Met at a friends house who lives close by the race location and parked the car in front of her house. Went in, used her bathroom and then we walked to the race start (about a mile away).
Oh.
My.
It was cold. Walking in shorts in 40 degree weather (remember this is California and it was 110 high only 1.5 weeks ago) is difficult. I forgot gloves. Drats.
Anyway, got to the fleet feet tent in time to see the group leaving for their warm up. I warmed up with a mile on my own. Talked with a few friends and then stood in the 10:00 min/mile section behind the start line.
At 7:15 I ate a GU Espresso Love.
At 7:33 a.m. the gun went off and I started pretty slow.
First mile split was 10:30. All felt pretty good. No ankle pain. Breathing was regular.
Second mile split 9:20. WTF? Ok, slow down slow down… I kept thinking I have to slow down.
Third mile split was 9:25. SLOW DOWN!
Fourth Mile split 9:15. Ok this is ridiculous. Right then my shoe lace came untied. Perfect!! Never have I wished for an untied shoelace, but I was happy to stop and tie so I would force myself to slow down.
Fifth mile split –10:20. I also half-rolled my bad ankle in a pothole. I kept running—was it hurt???? No, it was ok. I kept going.
Reached the half way point—6.5 miles. Mile split was 9:40. Fk.
At this point, I should have eaten some GU but was so focused on trying to slow down, I forgot to eat. This would come back to haunt me later.
Mile 8---Why do my legs hurt??? They feel like they are filled with concrete. Split was 10:00
Mile 9---This is a long freakn’ mile. Side stitch started and wouldn’t quit. Saw some friends on the sideline and got some much needed, “GO KAREN!!!” and high-fives.
Mile 10---Only a 5K to go. Why does this hurt? Just keep moving forward. No walking. At this point I noticed a man behind me continue to cough and cough as if he had some sort of contagious (SWINE FLU) disease. He was also telling his running buddy that he’d had a bad fever [Cough cough cough hack]. Lovely. This was a good incentive to run faster. Noticed my overall time was 1:38. I could make 2:10 if I kept up the same pace.
Mile 11—I had to walk for a minute or two. The lack of calories at halfway point and 10-mile marker (forgot that fueling point too) was really starting to hit me hard. I heard the cougher coming up behind me and took off.
Mile 12—cheery high school students were handing off water and cytomax. I tried to smile and say thank you, but I think it might have come out as a grunt. Mile split was 11:22
Mile 13---I could see the finish line and started to sprint with a smile on my face. ,I grabbed the finisher’s medal at the end of the chute-- the finishers medal is a COWBELL (of course)!
Final time 02:11:37. All things considered this was a good race for me. My goal was about 2:15 so I beat that.
Things to learn: EAT EAT EAT when I need to eat. I kept forgetting to eat because I was so focused on going faster and putting one foot in front of the other. Maybe I can figure out how to set a timer on my Garmin.
Other than that I was pretty happy. I am surprised at my fast mile splits in the beginning. I wanted to maintain 10:00 min/mile splits the whole way. This is a great race, nice and flat and even though I love hills, I enjoyed the flatness of it. I discovered later that they had a gear check (I didn’t see that info on their website) so next year, I’ll definitely wear my sweats to the start …
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