I know I said I was going to be all good for the last month before the race. Eat healthy, cut out sugar and alcohol. Well, I have cut out the alcohol. No problem. I've been eating healthy for the most part and I've significantly decreased my sugar intake, but come on. A girl can't live on gels alone!
Last night I made cupcakes. These were no ordinary cupcakes. They didn't even have chocolate in them for crying out loud. (I had gotten chocolate for another recipe just in case these sucked cause how good could they be without chocolate!) They were fabulous. Lemon raspberry cupcakes. And they were easy - except of course grating the skin off my knuckles while I was zesting the lemons. Tasty! Bon Appetit, April 2008. I'm sure you can find them on the website someplace. Just one word of warning, when they say to wait 30 minutes while they cool - LISTEN. This recipe they aren't kidding. Not for flavor, but there's hot jam in the middle. And it's DAMN hot when it comes right out of the oven.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Yesterday
Time changes all things. Dislike something? Don't worry. It will change. Like something? Don't get too attached. It too will change. This is why the buddhists, the spiritualists, people in the know all tell us to live in the present.
Why is this important?
10 years ago yesterday... I was in a beautiful place with a wonderful man saying yes to the rest of my life. It turned out to be yes for the rest of his life. It turned out to be not nearly long enough. So while I have happy memories, sometimes these memories can turn against me - point out how different the present is, how lonely and sad compared to the past.
I've gotten better. I've made adjustments. I don't dwell on these things any longer. For the most part, these memories are happy and part of who I am, who I was. They are, however, not who I will be. So yesterday was tough, but today was better. Today is the present. Today there is nothing to worry about, nothing to dwell on, nothing to fear. Today there are no problems. Today just is.
Why is this important?
10 years ago yesterday... I was in a beautiful place with a wonderful man saying yes to the rest of my life. It turned out to be yes for the rest of his life. It turned out to be not nearly long enough. So while I have happy memories, sometimes these memories can turn against me - point out how different the present is, how lonely and sad compared to the past.
I've gotten better. I've made adjustments. I don't dwell on these things any longer. For the most part, these memories are happy and part of who I am, who I was. They are, however, not who I will be. So yesterday was tough, but today was better. Today is the present. Today there is nothing to worry about, nothing to dwell on, nothing to fear. Today there are no problems. Today just is.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Going for a run
I'm going for a run today. I'm so glad today is not a bike day. Today is my birthday and while I am getting to know the bike and appreciate it's efforts in keeping me injury free... I'm a runner at heart. So my birthday present to me... I'm going for a run. And I'm glad because I find the need to get out of my head today so after this first meeting of the day, I'm headed out into the crisp, sunny, and yes, windy day to take it all out on the road.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Days like today
I'm so glad I am a runner. So glad there is something to do with my body to relieve my mind of stress. Today there was an announcement that the very large company I work for had "entered into an agreement" to be bought by a much larger company. The opportunities are endless. The possibilities overwhelming. The unknowns very scary.
So, like any good runner, I went for a run. A run to clear my head, to think over the possibilities, the options, the "what ifs". And then to let that all go and just focus on the workout, feet hitting the pavement, arms swinging on that invisible track, breath regulated. Count the foot strikes, stay in the zone. It was supposed to be zone 1/zone 2 today. I figured zone 1 could wait for another day. I'm officially in taper so I didn't want to ruin other things like the fine training schedule the coach has me on, by overdoing it and going into zone 3 or 4. So I hung out in zone 2. Up the hills, into the wind, pounding the pavement, counting the foot strikes.... one. two. three. No worries.
And it worked. For a while. I have a hard time shutting off my mind, but I've gotten so much better at it this year with the training regime the elf has me on. I feel so much more connected to my body. I am able to get out of my head more. And it is such a relief. A relief to realize, I am not my thoughts, I am not my past, I am not the endless possibilities of the future. This moment, right here, right now... this moment is all that is. This moment is all that I have. I will make the most of this moment.
So, like any good runner, I went for a run. A run to clear my head, to think over the possibilities, the options, the "what ifs". And then to let that all go and just focus on the workout, feet hitting the pavement, arms swinging on that invisible track, breath regulated. Count the foot strikes, stay in the zone. It was supposed to be zone 1/zone 2 today. I figured zone 1 could wait for another day. I'm officially in taper so I didn't want to ruin other things like the fine training schedule the coach has me on, by overdoing it and going into zone 3 or 4. So I hung out in zone 2. Up the hills, into the wind, pounding the pavement, counting the foot strikes.... one. two. three. No worries.
And it worked. For a while. I have a hard time shutting off my mind, but I've gotten so much better at it this year with the training regime the elf has me on. I feel so much more connected to my body. I am able to get out of my head more. And it is such a relief. A relief to realize, I am not my thoughts, I am not my past, I am not the endless possibilities of the future. This moment, right here, right now... this moment is all that is. This moment is all that I have. I will make the most of this moment.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Running in the rain
Saturday was beautiful. Sunday, the day of my long run? Not so much. Why did I waste my Saturday on weeds???
I knew it was going to rain on Sunday, but not until the afternoon. So I got up early, ate, waited around for the requisite 2 - 3 hours, put on my shoes, the fuel belt, the gels, watch, sunglasses (purely for keeping the wind out of my eyes)... and headed out the door.
Temperature was perfect - in the 50's - so I was a little warm because I was anticipating rain at some point so I wore a long sleeve shirt. I was really happy about that shirt later on. The first few miles were great, pure bliss. Cool, no wind, pavement, no hills, not a lot of traffic. I love running in the spring.
Then I turned onto a dirt/gravel road. I've run this road before on my long runs. I like this road. It has a few rolling hills, lots of scenery. The horses were out. The farms all looking their Sunday best. None of the dogs chased me. People said hi. Oh, did I mention? They just gravelled the road. So this lovely surface that I was looking forward to? It was like slogging through a rocky beach. Okay, so that sucked, but I did it. It was only a zone 1 / 2 workout at that point so time was not an issue.
Turned onto the pavement again and, geez, where did all that traffic come from? Dodged potholes and cars intermittently for the next few miles, but in between that, just enjoyed the scenery. Then back onto dirt. Now, this was a good surface! Hard pack, not a lot of gravel, not a lot of traffic. Waved to the nice lady burning leaves. Chugging up the hill... hmmm... was that the wind at my back? Felt good, but it was getting a bit chilly and a little darker. I got to the top of the last hill I had decided to climb and realized the wind was going to be either in my face or a nice cross wind the rest of the way home. Well! Did I mention by this time I'd been at race pace for about 30 minutes and had another 30 to go? Race pace - up hill, into the wind, on dirt... and oh yes, it started to rain. HARD at times.
And you know what? I grinned. I laughed. I used to love running in the rain at college. Especially if I was upset about something. There is no better way to get over yourself than to go for a run in the rain. I have to admit though that running in the rain is a lot more fun when it's just for say 15 or 20 minutes. Not so much fun when it's twice that long and it's at the end of a LONG run. Oh well.
I got it done. And I kept telling myself that if I could run at race pace in these conditions, the marathon is going to be easy. I'm going to do it! I maintained close to race pace in crappy conditions so I can do it for the race. No problem! Can't wait! Oregon, here I come!
I knew it was going to rain on Sunday, but not until the afternoon. So I got up early, ate, waited around for the requisite 2 - 3 hours, put on my shoes, the fuel belt, the gels, watch, sunglasses (purely for keeping the wind out of my eyes)... and headed out the door.
Temperature was perfect - in the 50's - so I was a little warm because I was anticipating rain at some point so I wore a long sleeve shirt. I was really happy about that shirt later on. The first few miles were great, pure bliss. Cool, no wind, pavement, no hills, not a lot of traffic. I love running in the spring.
Then I turned onto a dirt/gravel road. I've run this road before on my long runs. I like this road. It has a few rolling hills, lots of scenery. The horses were out. The farms all looking their Sunday best. None of the dogs chased me. People said hi. Oh, did I mention? They just gravelled the road. So this lovely surface that I was looking forward to? It was like slogging through a rocky beach. Okay, so that sucked, but I did it. It was only a zone 1 / 2 workout at that point so time was not an issue.
Turned onto the pavement again and, geez, where did all that traffic come from? Dodged potholes and cars intermittently for the next few miles, but in between that, just enjoyed the scenery. Then back onto dirt. Now, this was a good surface! Hard pack, not a lot of gravel, not a lot of traffic. Waved to the nice lady burning leaves. Chugging up the hill... hmmm... was that the wind at my back? Felt good, but it was getting a bit chilly and a little darker. I got to the top of the last hill I had decided to climb and realized the wind was going to be either in my face or a nice cross wind the rest of the way home. Well! Did I mention by this time I'd been at race pace for about 30 minutes and had another 30 to go? Race pace - up hill, into the wind, on dirt... and oh yes, it started to rain. HARD at times.
And you know what? I grinned. I laughed. I used to love running in the rain at college. Especially if I was upset about something. There is no better way to get over yourself than to go for a run in the rain. I have to admit though that running in the rain is a lot more fun when it's just for say 15 or 20 minutes. Not so much fun when it's twice that long and it's at the end of a LONG run. Oh well.
I got it done. And I kept telling myself that if I could run at race pace in these conditions, the marathon is going to be easy. I'm going to do it! I maintained close to race pace in crappy conditions so I can do it for the race. No problem! Can't wait! Oregon, here I come!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Trees and weeds
My arbor day trees came in the mail this week. I was so excited when I ordered them.... lots of different flowering trees, even a lilac. Memories of childhood abound when I smell a lilac. Playing at grandma's house with all the cousins, aunts and uncles. Running up and down hills, climbing trees and rock piles. Chasing dogs. Going to the river. Shucking corn. Picking peas. Summer!
Then this week I realized, holy cow! I have to plant these trees. Figure out where they go, dig holes, PLANT. I hate digging. But okay, I'll figure it out. So on my run this morning, I mapped out the yard and where all these cute trees would go. When I got home I thought I'd read the directions just in case. I'm no expert on these things by a long shot.
Hmmmm.... find someplace safe from critters and weeds and the lawnmower. Dig holes 2 feet apart for each of the 11 trees. Watch them grow for about 2 years. Transplant to the location you'd like the trees to live. 2 years? 11 holes? 2 feet apart? Without weeds? Who are they kidding?
I looked at the gardens. Well, let's just say weeding isn't my favorite pastime and you wouldn't be hard pressed to figure that out. So step one: weed. I spent two hours on hands and knees weeding that garden. I filled up 5- 5 gallon buckets with weeds. And it's still not done!
Maybe mom wants to plant the trees in her garden.
Then this week I realized, holy cow! I have to plant these trees. Figure out where they go, dig holes, PLANT. I hate digging. But okay, I'll figure it out. So on my run this morning, I mapped out the yard and where all these cute trees would go. When I got home I thought I'd read the directions just in case. I'm no expert on these things by a long shot.
Hmmmm.... find someplace safe from critters and weeds and the lawnmower. Dig holes 2 feet apart for each of the 11 trees. Watch them grow for about 2 years. Transplant to the location you'd like the trees to live. 2 years? 11 holes? 2 feet apart? Without weeds? Who are they kidding?
I looked at the gardens. Well, let's just say weeding isn't my favorite pastime and you wouldn't be hard pressed to figure that out. So step one: weed. I spent two hours on hands and knees weeding that garden. I filled up 5- 5 gallon buckets with weeds. And it's still not done!
Maybe mom wants to plant the trees in her garden.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Things I've learned from the women in my life
1. Most women are tougher than most men
2. There is no cure for a broken heart, but a good cry, a good hug and good chocolate are a nice bandaid
3. Flour, sugar, and butter... the three major food groups
4. Smile at your enemy. It throws her off.
5. Experiment
6. Take care of the earth... plant a tree, or a flower
7. Take care of animals... they are frequently better companions than most people
8. Take care of each other
9. You can do anything you put your mind to
10. It is possible to be smart and beautiful
11. You can have it all... just not for very long
12. We don't glow, we sweat!
13. Sports aren't just for boys!
14. No one can pull you out of the abyss but you
15. Learn to say please and thank you in the language of the countries you visit
16. Learn how to read a map
17. There is a difference between smart and paranoid
18. Don't live your life in fear
19. Quality clothes are worth the extra expense
20. Quality ingredients make the best dinner
21. If you have to choose between fashion and comfort, choose comfort
22. Sisters make the best friends
23. Women hold grudges
24. Don't drink alcohol on an airplane
25. Treat yourself to a bubble bath once in a while
26. The laundry can wait
27. Always use sunscreen
28. And moisturizer - not just on your face
29. The most important tool in the kitchen is a good knife
30. Crying is not a sign of weakness
2. There is no cure for a broken heart, but a good cry, a good hug and good chocolate are a nice bandaid
3. Flour, sugar, and butter... the three major food groups
4. Smile at your enemy. It throws her off.
5. Experiment
6. Take care of the earth... plant a tree, or a flower
7. Take care of animals... they are frequently better companions than most people
8. Take care of each other
9. You can do anything you put your mind to
10. It is possible to be smart and beautiful
11. You can have it all... just not for very long
12. We don't glow, we sweat!
13. Sports aren't just for boys!
14. No one can pull you out of the abyss but you
15. Learn to say please and thank you in the language of the countries you visit
16. Learn how to read a map
17. There is a difference between smart and paranoid
18. Don't live your life in fear
19. Quality clothes are worth the extra expense
20. Quality ingredients make the best dinner
21. If you have to choose between fashion and comfort, choose comfort
22. Sisters make the best friends
23. Women hold grudges
24. Don't drink alcohol on an airplane
25. Treat yourself to a bubble bath once in a while
26. The laundry can wait
27. Always use sunscreen
28. And moisturizer - not just on your face
29. The most important tool in the kitchen is a good knife
30. Crying is not a sign of weakness
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