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