Reliving my Life from Present to Past

I am reliving my life from present to past. This means I am going backwards and spending four days reflecting on each year of my life. I go through old journals, my Google calendar, read old blog posts, look at pictures. It is going to take me a long time. I started in November and I should finish around May 2021. I am not a particularly nostalgic person. I like to think about the present and the future mostly so this is a stretch for me. 

It is an interesting exercise, however, a gift that allows you to reconsider your own personal best of's and worst fails for each year and decide how you want to see them from now on.  Each year that I go back, I feel younger, more alive, and I can see so clearly how the past plays into the present. I feel so thankful for the lessons I keep learning. 

I had been looking forward to 2009 from the very beginning. It was the year I ran my first marathon, and I did it with Laura. It was a kind of reunion 18 years after spending an academic year in Liege, Belgium in 1990-1991. We did our training on this very blog. She lives in LeRoy, New York and I live in Trieste, Italy, so it was the perfect solution. We picked up friends along the way who ran with us. It was truly a magical time.  

Laura and I are still partnering up on impossible projects, by the way. We spent most of 2020 writing together from a distance. We are getting close to submitting our first short story to a contest at the end of this month. We hope to finish our full-length play at the beginning of 2021. 

She continues to inspire me and remind me of how much joy there is in trying new things. She is the embodiment of the Just Say Yes movement we started back in 2008. 

Going back through our blog reminded me of how much running together gave me. It also reminded me that it hurt back then, too, that I also struggled with my diet and my weight back then, and that the same things that made me feel like crap then still make me feel like crap. So I decided to take the best of from that year and try to apply it to my life now. I started a 30-day get back to running program for people in their 40s and I am going to follow it to the letter. When I finish the thirty days I am going to make a marathon plan for 2021. These are the races I am looking at. 

I just added the third after looking back at our blog. 

1. Tromso Midnight Sun Marathon in Oslo, Norway. June 19, 2021

2. The Venice Marathon, October 24, 2021

3. Rochester Marathon, September 2021

I think we need something to work for in 2021. It's such a dreary and depressing time with all of this Covid stuff. Let's take the best of 2009 and make it happen in 2021. 

Laura? What do you think?

Halfie in May, you say!

I upped my mileage today by a full half mile. So far to go before I can even think about going a half marathon, but, I think May is a good goal. Last year this time, I was in Albany, NY preparing to run a half with my father-in-law and my friend, Mary Karen. That half marathon was wonderful for me - I served as motivational speaker for everyone around me....lol. I then ran the Williamsburg Half with Francine ...that was another great half marathon! Any excuse to go to Virginia to meet up with our friends. After that, I ran the Rochester Flower City half with my fellow local running freaks, Jenn, Russ, Judi, Melissa, Derrek, Curt, Sean, ... last, I made good on my word to a college friend, Rob, and ran the Buffalo half with him and his wife. I suppose it should be a good year, right? 4 half marathons? The year prior, I Ran two full marathons - all amounts to the same.

Sidelined since June has not been all that bad, I've actually enjoyed the rest BUT, I am ready for another half in May...or two. Here's what I think: Flower City Half on May 1st with all my locals; possibly Cleveland half on the 15th with some college crazies...then down to Utica again to run the Boilermaker in July with anyone in the area who wants to join me for one of the most amazing times one can have during a race.

Oh yeah, I had a fun time on my run. I really wish I had my camera, it was a day for running!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Go Judi and Russ!

Loved reading about the Disney challenge and can't wait for the FULL race report. I'm trying to imagine the shock of running in hot weather after all that cold training!! You guys are awesome! I too wish I could have run those last few with you today, although all that snow doesn't sound too appealing.

I am having a hard time getting out there but am totally craving it, so today on a rare walk with the dog (usually I'm with the baby and Sweetie is on Luna duty) I ran and walked. I looked silly with my jeans kind of falling down and I was hiking them up every few steps,and  my silly wool hat and street shoes didn't make me look much like a runner, but hey, I'm a runner inside and this was better than nothing and Luna was PSYCHED!

So, like work, I'm doing what I can and as Baby gets bigger and more independent (want that/dread that!!) I will be able to do more.

Laura, how about a halfie sometime in May? That would have us start training (back at zero, novice program, I'm afraid) in January. The Bavisela in Trieste is the first weekend in May. A couple weeks before that there's another half that I use as a practice in Slovenia. Sweetie and I are planning to make running appointments on a calendar so that we can both get our training in.

Think about it.
Also, the rest of you, our virtual training club, What do you think? You up for a halfie in May?

Disney Marathon would be nice

I'm certainly a cold weather runner. I love it...love it. Today was a balmy 20 degrees. The east coast was getting slammed with 20 inches of snow, we were facing gale-force winds, and I caved....couldn't do it. I just couldn't.

My friends Judi and Russ did, though. When I read that they were scheduled to run 24 miles today, I hurt for them. I considered heading to Lima to run the last few with them but, as I said, I caved. You see, Russ and Judi are scheduled to run the Disney Marathon in a little over a week. I talked Russ into running his first marathon last year and he signed a pact with Judi to run Disney with her...her first marathon. I am so proud of them for sticking to their training schedule today, of all days, because it was COLD!!!!! As I read Judi's run report today, I chuckled at her comment that her water in her water bottle froze. I know what it is like to feel an obligation to get out there and run. When Kari and I received so many generous donations for Rotary during our training, there was a certain sense of higher obligation. Russ and Judi must feel the same, as they have done an exceptional job raising funds in memory of Judi's brother, Jim, who died several years ago of cancer. I believe that they are only a few dollars short of their goal!!!

So....good luck Judi and Russ!!!

As I said before, I love running in the cold, but I have to admit that Disney wouldn't be bad after a day like today.

That used to be me

Not that long ago, I was consumed with blogging, Twitter, facebook, running, and everything that tied them all together. The everything that tied them together was the running that I did, and the encouraging of others to run. Well, for the past 6 months, I have been sidelined by a nagging Achilles tendon injury. I say sidelined quite loosely, as I will admit that I enjoyed the break. I will admit that now, but I won't scream it from the mountaintops. For the most part, I have not missed the running and the sweating, and the endless piles of sweaty laundry. But, enough is enough. I've gained weight, I've become self conscious of my weight again....and so, I return (happily) to running. I am happy to be out there...I am happier running in the cold weather than the heat, so I feel that I have timed my comeback perfectly.

So, I'm back on Twitter, I'm back blogging, back on dailymile, back at it!!! Back running....that used to be me, I think I miss her! I am running my measly 2 milers -ever cautious of that Achilles, but I can feel the urge to "up" those miles...I see a halfie in my near future.

I DID IT

FIRST POST-NATAL RUN

16.02 minutes
2.25 miles

Dreadmill. Now if you'll excuse me, there is a 1-month old getting her diaper changed screaming her head off. I must go...

THANKS, LAURA!

I love those jeans

A few days ago, I squeezed into my favorite pair of jeans. I call them my skinny jeans. Well, not that I'm skinny now, but I was when I wore them the day after I finished my first marathon. When I say that I squeezed into them, I mean that literally. I can wear them but I must do so with a baggy top (better cover up the squeezed-up love handles.) anyway...

I spoke with Kari last week. We both pledged to start back at our running TODAY!!!!

I DID! for the first time since June, I tied up my running shoes and headed out for a good old fashioned run. I had no garmin, no iPod, ... Just me and my headlamp. I felt unusually strong and the Achilles felt non-existent. NICE!!! (2 miles and felt great!)

Thoughts? I thought about all of my running friends: Russ and Judi (running the Disney Marathon in two weeks); Mary Karen (getting back on the P90x wagon tomorrow); Al, Ms. Fool, Jenn (all nursing injuries); Michael (getting back into the VFFs after some time away); Minken (expecting the 2nd baby soon ...that will keep him running); my husband (an obsessed runner now...OMG!) and all the rest of you out there in running-land.

Now, lets all see when Kari gets out there.


Ahhhh....it feels good to be here again.

Born to Run Guy in the Times Today

After reading THIS  in the NYTimes today, I CAN'T WAIT to get back to Running. BTW the kid is over a week overdue. No biggy. I'm fine, kid is fine. It's all good.

Are you getting out there? If you are, I'm out there with you, in spirit at least.

This made me think of you all!

There's a great article in the NYTimes today that may speak to some of our friends, the compulsive runners who keep going in spite of medical injuries, etc. It made me think of myself as I'm currently benched for a 9-month pregnancy stint that I know I would absolutely be running through if I lived in the States and not in Italy. Telling me not to run (doctors, peers, friends, husband) and following orders (I'm a rule follower when it comes down to it) felt like part of what makes ME ME was being taken away. Even now, after seven months, I feel like a big phoney if I even bring up the fact that I ever ran in my life! That's how fragile the runner's ego can be! Like if I'm not doing it now then I am just not a tough enough person to call myself a runner.

But on the inside, I know that I will always be a runner.

My latest shenanigan was agreeing to take in my friend Leslie's treadmill that she got when she moved to Trieste for a year with a newborn baby (she's one of those elite runners who wins just about every race she enters. I love her). She used it for runs during baby's naps and now just wants it to have a good home.  I am secretly elated, honored, profoundly greatful that she chose mine!

My husband wants to know where I intend to put it. Did I tell you I live in a small apartment and have no idea? No biggy. It'll fit. And that is what is so exciting today!

p.s. Now I REALLY feel sucky about NOT running while pregnant!! BTW GO KARA!!! I love her. And to think we'll have kids about the same age!!! I'm about to put my my Vibrams and kick some asphalt up to the bike path. Shhh!

15 Things You Don't Want To See When Running a Marathon

A little background:

In high school, I dated the same guy for, oh....gosh.....FOUR years.  Which basically meant I spent a lot of time with his family. In high school (need I remind you) when you are THAT into a guy nothing else really exists, right? So, I became good friends with his entire family.  I will say for the record that I did not end up marrying the same high-school sweetheart (which is an entirely different lesson for an entirely different day)..... ON WITH THE STORY.  This boyfriend's family was very nice to me, his younger brother,Craig, and I had quite a bit in common and shared many interests.  As a matter of fact, one of my favorite memories is when the two of us worked together at McPherson's Apple Orchard - (anyone who has worked there will lay their hand on the Bible and swear that it was the best job they ever had....TRUTH) ANYHOO - - - Craig and I reconnected on facebook (of course) and I have since come to understand the extent to which his life revolves around being fit, active, and outdoors. Before I ran my first marathon, Craig helped me understand some of the basic strategies for completing such an event.  Now, I frequent his blog for what is usually a bit of athletic humor or advice.  In any case, I wanted to share with you his most recent post that he borrowed from a friend who just ran Big Sur.  ENJOY, because I certainly did. (and maybe I can drum up some hits to Craig's blog....it's worth the read)

15 Things You Don't Want To See When Running a Marathon. 
(the link is to his blog. Click on the link within his entry...sooo funny)


and while you're at it, take a look at this video, too.

It's Fun Photo Day - enjoy!

Flower City Challenge - Half Marathon

April 25, 2010

The CULT!

Jennifer, Laura, LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa

I try to get more people to use my stretching method - they all just look at me like I'm a goof ball instead.

First time Half Marathon for Melissa

Looking happy in the cemetery - SHE'S JUST PASSING THROUGH!

Giving a wave to my peeps.

Nothing but business for Derek - he deserves the kudos.

He finished this halfie in something like 1hour 12. (I could be a few minutes off)

Check out this happy face - still looking good.

Even happier to be done "THAT WAS AWESOME"

Everyone at the finish with their BLING BLING BLING

Here's why I haven't been running in a while!

It's been awful not running, but it's for the greater good. For now I'm on the sidelines but trying to walk up a storm and cheer on my running buddies. Let's hope that I'll be kicking it again in November. For now, Laura, keep running for two, please!
www.sugarbloggy.blogspot.com

Rochester Flower City Challenge

As you may well have guessed, life is typically busy this time of year. I wake up at 5:00 to get ready for work. Out the door by 6:20. Go straight from work to track practice. Make it home by 6:00 on a good day.  Try to throw together some food for the kids. Leave some time for baths (sometimes). Put the boys to bed. Put myself to bed. REPEAT.

It's no wonder that the lead up to today's half marathon left me a bit nervous. If you notice, there isn't a 'time slot' for running in my daily schedule. This has been a bit problematic but I've begun to employ a new training technique "MIND OVER MATTER."  I'm not lighting the world on fire with any of my long runs, but I get them done on the weekend. I wouldn't advise this kind of training for anyone, but it has worked for me. 

My third half marathon of the year and I finally have some BLING. (thank god!)  The organizers of this inaugural half-marathon did a fantastic job with this event.  Jen and I parked close to the start, walked past the Dinosaur BBQ to reach the registration, picked up our timing chips, met our friends LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa, and made our way to the start line.  We were all so excited for this race because Russ's wife, Melissa, was running her first half marathon.... YAY!

The course was outstanding, truly.  I felt quite strong and posted some negative splits for the first 10 miles. We passed Susan B. Anthony's house, George Eastman's house, Highland Park, Mt. Hope Cemetery (soooo many hills), and then passed through the University of Rochester campus to make our way to the finish.  My last two miles were tough, I left it all on the track, for sure, but it felt nice.

At about mile 10, we were in the middle of the cemetery. It had occured to me that it took a sick sense of humor to take us through a cemetery - I kept saying "JUST PASSING THROUGH, NOT PLANNING ON STAYING."

Crossing the finish line in 2:15 was my goal and I nailed it.  I hope to post a 2:00 soon, but I know that I have to put more effort in my training. That will not happen until I free up some time in my schedule - so this is going to have to do for now.  Aside from some of my training runs for Paris, this is a PR for me. WOOT WOOT. 

The highlight of the day came when Melissa crossed the finish line in under 3 hours. She looked over to me just short of the finish line as screamed "THAT WAS AWESOME."  I love it!

I know that there will be more time to train in a few weeks, so I am going to keep registering for races. It's the only thing that keeps me running.

Final thought: when this race comes around next year - don't hesitate. REGISTER and run it. It's a great race. KUDOS to FleetFeet of Rochester for creating an awesome event.


(I'll post photos soon)

Race Report - Johnny's Running of the Green 5 Mile

(not the greatest picture of us, but it had to be posted)

Our friend, RJ, in the center wearing his kilt - ready to take on the day!

Katrina and I were sort-of friends in high school. She graduated a few years ahead of me, so we obviously had different circles of friends. In retrospect, she and I would have probably been the 'bestest' of friends, though, because there is literally nothing that she and I don't have in common (ok, maybe a few things, but you get the picture.) Her connection to this fun story of Kari and I is kind of cool, too. Four years before we were Rotary exchange students to Liege, Katrina was one as well (welcome to our small little world.)

Anyhoo - a few months ago, Katrina told me that she wanted to 'up' her running game. I threw down the challenge of the Johnny's 5 mile run on St. Patty's Day. (I actually thought at the time that it was a 5k, but she seemed game.) She continued her training, and I tried to keep up with mine.

Last monday, I fell off the curb in front of a friends house and thought my race was in jeopardy. Last monday, Katrina fell victim to a horrible stomach flu.  OH NO, Atalanta must have turned her back on us. Well, my ankle started to feel better by Wednesday and her stomach began to feel better.......ummmmm. ....maybe Friday night???? When she told me that she was still eager to run the race, I knew that it was going to be a struggle but all of us runners have seen some amazing feats of courage out there on the road. I figured, she can do it!

Katrina and I headed into the city with the windsheild wipers on high and the heater on full blast - crimey it was shitty out! GREAT!!  Our arrival at the registration booth was about 30 minutes before the thousands of Rochesterians arrived to prepare for this popular event.  One of the first people we saw was my friend Derrick (winner of the Rochester Marathon that MichaelB ran with me) - followed by a whole slew of gree-clad GOOF BALLS from all over the greater Rochester area. While Katrina and I admittedly had difficulty finding anything green to wear, the remainder of the field must have simply bought every single article of St. Patty's Day paraphanalia available in the area. WE SAW IT ALL. I saw a bright green plaid running skort that I secretly CRAVED ( you know my fondness for skorts.)

On with the story. . . Kartina said that she wished to finish in under an hour. Our pace for the first 2.5 miles was well under that. She and I enjoyed some nice conversation - I tagged on the tale-end of an indian sprint team of high school track runners (of course, we played a game of cat and mouse with those boys for the entire run.) They were a good time. Katrina and I planned some of the details for our upcoming trip to Belgium to watch the Tour de France. (I can't wait to get there.) At about mile 2, Derrick passed us on his way home - WOOT WOOT! ( he ended up winning his age group.) Mile 2.5 marked Katrina's WALL - poor girl. She told me that she simply felt like there was no energy in the tank. So, we walked for a few minutes and then took to a simple walk-run tempo. It was about mile 3 where we were joined by Bill (self-proclaimed FAT POKER PLAYER.) He and his two other FAT POKER PLAYERS had challenged eachother to this 5-mile race. Bill tagged along with our run-walk for as long as he could (poor guy hadn't trained at all.) Katrina and I decided to pull away from the back-of the packers for the last 1.25  miles. She was committed to running the remainder of the way - which she did. This was the same last section of the Rochester Marathon that I struggled to finish in September. I could completely sympathize with Katrina and her empty tank (remember, this is about when I started craving italian sausage?) 

Katrina and I turned the last corner to head for the finish line - the crowd was fantatstic (and, of course, there was a sausage stand at the finish line. Where the heck was that when I wanted it in September?)

We crossed the finish line 58 minutes. Katrina was happy to finish in under an hour, shocked that she could do such a good job coming off a stomach flu. 

Her facebook post yesterday was this:
We finished just under my goal and I didn't have to crawl any part of it nor did any rescue vehicle need to scrape me off the road!

I was so proud of her and found myself wondering what she could have done if she were 100% (kind of like I found myself wondering how Francine would have done 2 weeks ago with an easier course.) The determination of the human spirit has never been so obvious to me as it has been this past month. First, watching my friend Fracine complete her first half-marathon, then watching Katrina push herself to the finish of a very cold and rainy 5 mile run following a week-long illness. I think that those competitive front-runners would question my resolve to run with my newbie friends. I'm telling you this much, it's so much fun and a feat to behold.

My friend, Jenn, (who I talked into running her first half-marahon in Rochester last September) just sent a message to Katrina "welcome to the lrc: Laura's running cult."

HAHAHA - call it whatever you want. I love it! What is really cool is that I am now seeing that all of the people who have begun running with me are now gaining a following of their own. Get out there and run, walk, crawl. Just get out there!

Race Report - Williamsburg Half-Marathon

The Pied Piper and the Fife and Drum Corps.

After the amazing friend-frenzy that was Rochester Marathon, it became quite clear that the focus of my late-thirties running fetish HAD to be running with friends. I mean, let's face it folks, no matter WHAT the distance, the last 1/5th of any distance is the LEAST favorite. Why not run those last steps with someone who you know? RIGHT?

Well, I think that my Lima friends will laugh at this (maybe if only a little) but I kind-of fancy myself as being the "pied-piper of running virgins." It seems that the last year of my life has been spent telling our tale of training and running- of reading and writing- of eating and living ... I never intended to convince my friends to join us in our running frenzy, but I would be a liar if I said it didn't bring a smile to my face. The fact of the matter is that I really only thought that a few of you would join in - NOT SO MANY OF YOU!!! You are making it hard for me to slack off (and for that, I thank you)

ON WITH MY STORY...

In July, when I was still FRESH FRESH FRESH with tales of our maiden marathon, our family took a trip to Virginia to visit the best man at our wedding, Todd,  and his fabulous wife, Francine, and their four daughters. Francine and her eldest daughter, Bailey, had begun running and were very interested in our tale. I was in the midst of my Rochester Marathon training, so I headed out one morning for a pre-heat-wave run from Williamsburg to Jamestown Settlement and back. 9 miles later, I returned to find my husband and Todd jamming on their guitars (could have cared less that I got lost out there....)- BUT, I vowed to come back to run in the fantastic historical corridor that is Williamsburg.

As so many of us runners do, I searched the internet and found the Williamsburg Half-Marathon on the calendar, placed the bait for Francine and Bailey, and LANDED the fish. Francine and Bailey decided to begin training for their first half-marathon. (the third time that I convinced someone to run a race - now I, TOO, was comitted to the race.)

The weather this winter has been BRUTAL, and my husband and I knew that would be a factor for this run. Not only did the unusualy cold winter hinder my abilty to keep up with my training, but the nasty winter storm that hit our area on Friday hindered our ability to get to Williamsburg safely. ALL SCHOOLS in our area were closed on Friday - but as proud Western New Yorkers, we decided to get an early start to our trip. OK - H O R R I B L E driving conditions for about three hours and then H O R R I B L E traffic back-ups around DC and Richmond..... it took us over 10 hours to reach Williamsburg.

WORTH IT WORTH IT WORTH IT WORTH IT.....

Sunday morning arrived. Francine and Bailey were certainly nervous for their first race, and I enjoyed being in the midst of their excitement. What to eat, what not to eat, what to wear, where to register, how to drink on the run, when to arrive at the start, how to meet up with the supporters, logistics, etc..... LOVED IT. Francine draws strength from her faith in God and the teachings of the Bible. While this is not the source of strength that I look to, I did take a quiet moment of the morning to share with her some passages from my new "Bible" of running, Born to Run, the book that I look to for insipration and strength. I knew that she was worried about the 2hour 30 minute cut-off for the race. I knew that Francine was concerned about running too slow.....

"You were amazing," Scott said.

"Yeah," I said. "Amazingly slow." It had taken me over twelve hours, meaning that Scott and Arnulfo could have run the course all over again and still beaten me.

"That's what I'm saying," Scott insisted. "I've been there, man. I've been there a lot. It takes more guts than going fast."

ARE YOU WATCHING ATALANTA???

(Me **wearing my skort**, Francine, Bailey)

The start of this halfie was on the beautiful campus of William and Mary College. We were marched to the starting line by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps - AWESOME!!!!

(the three of us marching to the start with the Fife and Drum Corps)

I am kind of glad that we didn't know the course before this race - we heard shallow whispers of  'hilly course' but we did not listen. What could we do about it, right? I remained focused on psyching up my running partners. We had a plan, and we were sticking to it. ... I insisted that Francine and Bailey run this half with the goal of finishing and having fun. We were going to try and stay under a 10:30 pace and feel it out as we run.

Francine and Bailey started out strong, almost too strong for me. We were down near 9 minute miles for the first several minutes (even through the NASTY hills in the first mile - our first indication of what the end would be. Did I mention that this race was an out-and-back??? I know how much Michael loves that!!!) I pulled them back a bit and let many people pass us. The run through Colonial Williamsburg was gorgeous. While we never actually ran through the historical section, the houses and sights were pleasantly distracting. Our run quickly took us to a very hilly golf course that reminded me of the Boilermaker in Utica. By the first 5 miles, I would guess that we spent the vast majority of that distance climbing hills. (did I mention that this was an out-and-back?Ughhh)

Some of the most severe hills were coming up from some of the water crossings (over boardwalks.) At one particular bridge/hill, Francine and I passed a man who seemed to be struggling. We gave him a "WOOT WOOT YOU GOT THIS" .....and we found ourself a new running partner. Nick joked that it was my SKORT that got him motivated - he grabbed onto our energy and helped us through the majority of the race that was ahead of us. (Bailey latched onto another younger runner and they were off ahead of us like the hare to the tortoise.) Nick was great. He would put his hands to his mouth, forming a make-shift megaphone, and yell "GO FRANCINE"....."GO LAURA"...."GO NICK".... Nick was running his first half-marathon, too. He made us laugh and brought a great vibe to those HILLY middle miles. (particularly when Francine and I lost our sense-of-humor.) Francine and I held back a bit to reserve some energy for those hills that we knew were ahead of us. As we approached the water stations, we were greeted by members of the William and Mary athletic teams yelling "GO FRANCINE" .... Nick had been there. AWESOME!!!

I can't lie - this race was difficult. I was hoping that it wouldn't be. I needed it to be easy, particularly following my difficult winter training and my nasty drive to Virginia. LEAST OF WHICH, I really needed this race to be easy for Francine and Bailey. I needed them to finish strong and be happy with their race.

Francine and I took to walking the steeper hills in the last 3 miles. My achilles tendon started reminding me that it hates hills and Francine's knees were starting to require some tlc.  As we approached the finish line, and climbed the hills, we were feeling strong and were anxious to turn the corner to the indoor stadium finish. 2hours and 20 minutes after the starting bell, we finished. Bailey was five minutes ahead of us, Nick was two minutes behind her, and we crossed the finish line to cheers from our family and friends.

Facing a 9-hour drive home, Justin and I were in our car within a half-hour of finishing and were heading home. I didn't LOVE the idea of a long drive after a hard run, but the chance to run with Francine and Bailey for their first half was worth it.  

(I did a little searching for some results/reviews of this half marathon.  While the word on the street is generally mixed about the organization of the run, one thing is for sure: "An exceptionally challenging course - beginners beware. If you're looking for a PR, its not going to happen" - couldn't have said it better myself.  "This is by far the my most challenging race of the season. It's hilly but a very scenic route"  This is a race that challenges the veteran runners. To finish with the strength that we did is a testament to the strength of Atalanta and her fellow Running Femmes!)

Today's text from Francine when asked how she felt:

" a little achey in the knees, otherwise told Todd next time I will take AM off to recoup a little"

To which I said:

"So, that sounds like there will be ANOTHER?"

 Response:

"He he... YES."

AND THAT MY FRIENDS, is how the Pied Piper does her magic

We are waiting for a race report, Laura!!

How did your half go, Partner? I've been thinking of you all weekend. Can't wait to get all the details!! Spill 'em!!

WE ARE FRIENDS WITH A FAMOUS PERSON!

Way to go to our coolest blogging buddy ever, MICHAEL B!! We knew you would get famous sooner or later and Laura and I love to surround ourselves with greatness! Thanks for continuing to be our inspiration!

Here's What is Cooking for This Week

Week Two of the Vegetarian Lifestyle:
Hubby and I have enjoyed our first week of the vegetarian lifestyle. We both feel healthier and more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. I am amazed at the hightened energy level - without the meat.

I am curious how my other bloggers and bloggistas are faring with their New Years resolutions.
Eggplant Parmigiana

1 Medium Eggplant sliced thick
1c. Panko Breadcrubs
1/2 Cup Parmigiana Cheese Grated
1/2 Cup Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
2 eggs - beaten

Dip the sliced of eggplant in the egg wash, then into the panko/cheeese/breadcrumb mixture
Saute them in a non-stick frying pan sprayed with a small amount of vegetable spray until they are nicely browned on both sides

Arrange them in a baking dish that has a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom. Cover the eggplant with a thin layer of additional sauce. Sprinkle the entire pan with a liberal amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle some oregano, basil, and grated parmigiana cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes. ENJOY

Minestrone Soup

Olive Oil
2 cups chopped Onion
5 medium cloves of Garlic - minced
2 tsp salt
1 stalk celerey - minced
1 medium carrot - diced
1 cup eggplant - diced
1tsp oregano
fresh black pepper
1 tsp. basil

Saute all of the above ingredients in a large stock pot (15 minutes)

add
1 medium bellpepper diced
4 cups water
15 oz can tomato puree
simmer for 15 minutes

add
2 cups cooked or canned beans (chick peas, kidney beans, etc...)
simmer for 5 minutes

bring soup to a gentle boil
add
1 cup dry pasta of choice
stir and cool until pasta us tender

top with parmesan cheese. ENJOY.


Marinated Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

3 medium sized sweet potatoes

peel the sweet potatoes, cut in quarters, then into thin slices. Cook or steam potatoes on the stovetop.

1/2 cup walnut or olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 Tbsp honey
freshly ground pepper

Combine the marinade mixture and add the sweet potatoes to the marinade while they are still hot.

Steam 1 large bunch of broccoli *(cut into small spears)
Cool the broccoli off by running cool water over the spears.
place broccoli on top of marinatd sweet potatoes, cover tightly and marinate for several hours.

Mix broccoli into the sweet potates just before serving.


(optional garnish: slices of green apple and chopped toasted pecans)

Other options for the week:
Waldorf Salad
Baba Ganouj
Lentil-Walnut Burgers
Apple Strudel

Please make our friend "LimaRuss" feel welcome in blogland!!!!!

As mentioned many times, Kari and I have been very blessed to meet and run with some pretty amazing people this year. LimaRuss has become a fixture on our blog, and is now a great running friend to many.  When I asked him to write his story for our blog, it didn't go over as well as I had hoped. Like many of us, he doesn't like to pat himself on the back, or publicize that which makes him so great. Finally, with the help of his equally wonderful wife, Melissa, he has sent us his "story."  He wanted me to post it in installments, but it is something that should be read in one sitting. I'm sure there is nothing in his story that isn't foreign to many of you - it is kind of what brings us all together.  And without further ado - here is Russ.

How I became a runner.

Just before Christmas of 2007 I weighed 258-260 pounds. My combined cholesterol was 258 and my triglycerides were 110. This was the wakeup call! These numbers were the result of living large while traveling for my job. I travel with large teams of people so this means lots of group dinners. Let’s just say that I took full advantage of this. It was so much fun! I was soon called “DC” (Dinner Coordinator) by my coworkers because I took on the job of coordinating our little outings when on the road. I have always been heavy and weighed around 240 most of my married life. People always said I carried the weight well! Well, I decided not to carry it anymore.

Right after the first of the year I started walking. I walked around the block to start. Eventually I was walking through town and out on the country roads. I worked up to doing 5 mile walks. I started watching my diet. Gave up all fried foods, potatoes and limited myself to wheat bread only. I drank wine instead of beer. I stopped eating off my kid’s plates. By June I had lost almost 25 lbs.

Before                           After

The walking was great and it was working. However, it was taking too long to get the distance and pretty boring on the tread mill. All this time I was walking, my wife Melissa and my neighbor, Judi, were running. They would start with me and then off they would run and I would continue to walk. One day in July they walked with me as usual and then started running. I got the urge to run, so I followed behind them for my first attempt at running. They were doing a 2 miler that day. I remember this because I actually did pretty well. I ran all but maybe a ¼ of a mile. Not bad for the first attempt. I have been running since that day.

I did not know anything about running, I just went out and ran. I did the 2 mile route for a number of weeks. I slowly worked to running 3 miles and decided to run my first 5k. On Sept 28th 2008 I ran the Buchanan Brothers memorial 5k race. I ran the race in 30:02 which was better than I expected.

Not sure when I got “The bug” but it was probably when I decided to run the Lilac 10 with Judi. We needed a goal and this race was it. While training for this, we agreed to run the Rochester Half Marathon in Sept. 2009. (This was about the time I met Laura.) She visited our Lima Rotary Club to share the Road to Paris story. I did not know that evening how my journey would change. I started to follow the journey of Laura and Kari and the Road to Paris.

After the Lilac 10K, we turned our sights to the Half Marathon. I mapped out a plan and away I went, excited to do my first half marathon. Then I started to see the signs. The first sign was on the TV show, the Biggest Loser. I had been following the show all season and one night the contestants ran a marathon for their challenge. During that same episode I was reading the Road to Paris blog when I saw this challenge from Laura “Russ - you're doing the half, what do you say about running the full with me???? If I can do it, anyone can.”

I rebuilt my training plan for the full marathon and continued to train though the summer hitting the ups and downs of training. Melissa had to pick me up on my 16 miler when I hit the wall at 14. I continued to train with Judi. We planned our routes so we finished our long runs together. Laura came out and did a 7 miler with Judi and me. It was awesome because she did something that Judi and I never did (up until then). She ran alongside Judi and I, allowing us to talk the whole time we ran. Before this run with Laura, Judi and I used to take turns following each other. Now we run side by side on every run. I like to call it the Laura effect.

At the time, I had no idea how big the running network was. I have met some really great people along the way. My family, daily mile friends, Facebook friends have all played a role in keeping me motivated through this. I think I have actually motivated a number of people to either run or set a bigger goal.

Finally, race day. I got up at 5 am to shower for the initial wake up as they say it warms the muscles and had I the usual pre-run coffee. We headed to Frontier Field to get our timing chip and mingle with the other runners. Judi and her husbnad, Mark, followed in the motor home which would serve as base camp for the spectators and the runners. Mark kept us all happy with drinks, breakfast sandwiches and a private bathroom! Our running group slowly gathered around the camper as we awaited the start. We even met the eventual winner of the marathon (Derrick Jones) as he jogged by doing his warm up. Of course it was Marathon Laura who introduced us to Derrick.

Judi, LimaRuss, Michael, Laura, Derrick, Jennifer at the start of the Rochester Marathon

The race started at 7:30. I told myself all through the training that I would run my race and not let the crowd push me along. I did not have Judi with me to talk me through the run, which turned out to be an issue. I started out at a faster pace than I had planned for the first couple of miles. Thought I would settle down as I warmed up. I hit the downhill on East Ave and was still keeping with the crowd around me and once again at a faster pace than planned. We hit the canal in Fairport headed back to the city. Up to this point I felt strong but was glad to see some of my family at Schoen Place waiting to root me along. The kids came down the path and ran a short way with me. It was a nice to have them there. My mother in-law offered me a banana and a water bottle. (Looking back I should have taken the banana.) I ran the first 17 miles without walking. I wanted to do the entire run without walking since this is what I trained for. All along I was drinking my water and eating the beans as planned (at least that is what I thought). After mile 17 I decided to walk through the water stations. I felt my first hint of cramping around mile 18 but stopped and stretched through it and continued to run. I continued on and Miss and Judi and the rest of the clan were there to route me on at mile 19. Another pick me up that I really needed at that point. I continued on down the path knowing that I would see my cheering section again near U of R. At mile 20 the cramping got worse. It first I thought I could run through it. I walked and stretched from 20.5 to almost 22.5 when I felt I could run again. After mile 23 Melissa took to the trail with me to help me get to the end. They were waiting at the U of R spectator location. The cheering helped but I needed the extra support running with me. I walked a few more times before the Ford Street bridge turn but after that I had lost the cramping but was running on stiff legs and collapsing in the mid section. I managed a decent pace to the end with my arms pumping to move me along. I remember crossing the Ford Street Bridge and Melissa telling me to look to the right to see the view of the city. I looked left and she corrected me. They say the last six miles is all mental. I guess so. Miss ran with me until we saw Judi and Colleen just before the turn to the finish. I was on my own and found new energy as I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I finished as strong as I could at that point and completed the goal that I set out to do. I finished my first Marathon! Yes, 26.2 miles! Everyone was waiting for me at the finish after 5 hours and 38 minutes. The kids were laying in wait with cans of silly string to attack me. It was great.

**Here is Laura's Race Report***Here is Michael's Race Report***

We all headed our own directions to shower, ice and sleep. Later that afternoon we all met up again at our house to celebrate our victories. Mark did the cooking! With all the other dishes we had plenty of food and beer. The food was so good Laura took pictures!

I think we made our friend Michael from California feel at home. It was great to have him here as part of his 12 in 12 challenge. There was a lot of talk that day about when the next 26.2 would be run. Looks like Disney 2011 at this point (which, in case your are wondering, is a year from this weekend!)

I really like this running thing.

Here's What's Cooking This Week:

Week one of running vegetarian-style:

Poor man's Caviar:
This one is easy- just mix everything together, let it sit for 24 hours, grab some tortilla chips or other favorite dredging device. I'm adding avacados upon serving. Yummo!!

1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can white corn, drained
1 cup finely chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or amount to taste
**of course, you can substitute kidney beans or white beans, or any other kind of beans**

RAMEN NOODLE CABBAGE SALAD
This a favorite "go-to-recipe" of my mom's.  She served it at Christmas Eve get-together and even my kids loved it.


1 head cabbage, shredded
8 green onions, sliced
3/4 c. sunflower seeds/chopped walnuts/almond slices/etc...
2 pkgs. Ramen noodles oriental, uncooked

Crush the Ramen noodles and brown them in a skillet with slivered almonds or walnuts (and sunflower seeds). Let them cool slightly and add them to the shredded cabbage. (I might add shredded carrots here, too)  I also added a few handfulls of raisins.  ***I'm all about building from the basis of a recipe**
Mix the following together and pour over the cabbage salad.

1 c. oil of choice

2 tbsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
**I also added a generous amount of soy sauce, perhaps as much as 1/4 cup***

Toss it all together and enjoy!!!

Cream of Asparagus Soup  (borrowed from a cookbook I have)
2 lbs. fresh asparagus
1 1/2 tbs. butter
2 cups chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp flour
2 cups water
2 cups hot milk (lowfat/soy/etc...)
2 tsp dill
1/2 tsp tarragon
white pepper to taste

saute chopped asparagus and onions in melted butter and salt for about 10 minutes.  Sprinke 2 tbsp flour while stirring constantly over low heat. (5-8 minutes)  Add water, stirring constantly and bring to a boil. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Add remaining flour and cook for another 10 minutes.  Puree the soup with the milk and season with dill, tarragon, and white pepper. 

**I am making this right now and I think that I will add some cooked diced potatoes after it is purreed.**

Other ideas for the week:
I bought some great cilantro/black bean veggie burgers that we tried last night on whole wheat rolls, vegan mayo, onion....they were great.

I have lots of sweet potatoes and plan to use them liberally

I also bought some Tempeh that we love to slice up into small sticks, saute them up, and use as dippers for hummus

I'm going to try the new Acai smoothie packets that I bought with some frozen berries and bananas - just to see how they go.

THOUGHTS????