This is one of my most favorite trails to run on...and after having the chance to slow down and look around...I remember why even more!
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Monday, June 24, 2013
Views on a Hike
Yesterday, the hubby and I set out do some trail work and the bonus is I get to enjoy a hike with him at the same time. While he worked and worked, I enjoyed the view...
This is one of my most favorite trails to run on...and after having the chance to slow down and look around...I remember why even more!
This is one of my most favorite trails to run on...and after having the chance to slow down and look around...I remember why even more!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Weekend Perfection
Yes, it is only Saturday. Yes, there is one more day in this weekend and I am certainly NOT trying to rush it along....however....so far perfection is the best word I've got. Yesterday I was just feeling blah. Not like myself at all. Actually, I'd been that way since Thursday. It's been a bit of a rough feeling few days, alot of discussion about future, what-ifs, that sort of thing. It tends to wear on a person, or in our case, both of us. Having a chronic condition that will, in a matter of time, turn everything upside down is frustrating. Most of the time, it's just there, in the background, and we go about our lives, but sometimes it just is right there, blocking the view of anything else and it has to be talked about. And prayed about. I know that God has a purpose for our lives and I know that wherever we're headed is HIs plan and I trust that, but it doesn't mean I don't sometimes ask why.
So, this was the attitude I went into the weekend with. And, seriously, I was letting it really get to me by Friday evening. So, we decided to head out to dinner. Our favorite Mexican restaurant always does the trick and this was no exception. We started looking at all the positives in our lives, focusing on all that God has done for us and trusting that He would see us through this too. We came home and had ice cream and just watched a bit of TV before heading off to bed, knowing an early morning wake up awaited us. We decided at dinner to do a long run/hike today. And by long we mean really, really long. I knew it was going to be at least 26 miles, so I chose the Appalachian Trail for my pick. Some parts of the AT are really rocky, difficult to traverse, but a small section near our home isn't that bad. So, at 5 am we headed out.
Early on, we ran a lot of the trail. I rolled my ankle badly three miles in, but was able to stretch it out a bit and run it out. Just about 10 miles brought a stop with a water refill, and a chance to eat a bit. Then we headed up another almost four miles, climbing the mountain, hiking interspersed with running. By the time we got almost to the mountain peak, I was hiking. And then, coming back down was too loose of rock for decent footing, so we hiked it. Once we got back on the nicer trail though, running felt so good. I really love running. It is just the best, most free feeling. And that's not just the runner high talking! By mile 22 though, we were dragging. I had blisters and some serious foot swelling going on (that's what I get for opting for the old shoes) and hiking was necessary until we had a flat place to sit and I could put some body glide on the blisters to at least stop the rubbing. And, as I stood up, ready to start running again? A bee stung me. You might be thinking, big deal, a bee, but I'm super sensitive to all stings. Not allergic but they are very painful to me. I felt a bit woozy, so we walked a bit and I was able to walk it out. But mile 24 I was ready to run and I did. I finished running at mile 27 when we found the car. I dipped my feet in the creek running by the parking lot to help the swelling and we headed home.
To the average non-runner this might not sound like it is the definition of perfection. But, for me and my hubby, it was. We spent all day with no tv, no computers, just chatting and laughing and enjoying our time as a couple. There really isn't much more on this earth that I would rather do and I am thankful I have a hubby who loves the outdoors (and me!) as much as he does. I know I'm blessed, no matter what lies ahead.
As long as we can spend a day running and hiking together and count it as a good day, we're enjoying a pretty perfect life!!!
So, this was the attitude I went into the weekend with. And, seriously, I was letting it really get to me by Friday evening. So, we decided to head out to dinner. Our favorite Mexican restaurant always does the trick and this was no exception. We started looking at all the positives in our lives, focusing on all that God has done for us and trusting that He would see us through this too. We came home and had ice cream and just watched a bit of TV before heading off to bed, knowing an early morning wake up awaited us. We decided at dinner to do a long run/hike today. And by long we mean really, really long. I knew it was going to be at least 26 miles, so I chose the Appalachian Trail for my pick. Some parts of the AT are really rocky, difficult to traverse, but a small section near our home isn't that bad. So, at 5 am we headed out.
Early on, we ran a lot of the trail. I rolled my ankle badly three miles in, but was able to stretch it out a bit and run it out. Just about 10 miles brought a stop with a water refill, and a chance to eat a bit. Then we headed up another almost four miles, climbing the mountain, hiking interspersed with running. By the time we got almost to the mountain peak, I was hiking. And then, coming back down was too loose of rock for decent footing, so we hiked it. Once we got back on the nicer trail though, running felt so good. I really love running. It is just the best, most free feeling. And that's not just the runner high talking! By mile 22 though, we were dragging. I had blisters and some serious foot swelling going on (that's what I get for opting for the old shoes) and hiking was necessary until we had a flat place to sit and I could put some body glide on the blisters to at least stop the rubbing. And, as I stood up, ready to start running again? A bee stung me. You might be thinking, big deal, a bee, but I'm super sensitive to all stings. Not allergic but they are very painful to me. I felt a bit woozy, so we walked a bit and I was able to walk it out. But mile 24 I was ready to run and I did. I finished running at mile 27 when we found the car. I dipped my feet in the creek running by the parking lot to help the swelling and we headed home.
To the average non-runner this might not sound like it is the definition of perfection. But, for me and my hubby, it was. We spent all day with no tv, no computers, just chatting and laughing and enjoying our time as a couple. There really isn't much more on this earth that I would rather do and I am thankful I have a hubby who loves the outdoors (and me!) as much as he does. I know I'm blessed, no matter what lies ahead.
As long as we can spend a day running and hiking together and count it as a good day, we're enjoying a pretty perfect life!!!
Monday, April 15, 2013
I am a Runner
Today has been one of those days. All morning, as soon as preschool time was done, I had the Boston Marathon streaming on my laptop and would watch, checking in on the elites and cheering for the start of the rest of the field. I marveled at the sheer amount of people and the runner in me wished so badly that I was there. Just to feel that rush, the adrenaline, even for a moment that the runners on the screen had. I guess my excitement must have been contagious, because I was quickly joined by 6 little faces, all craning for a better look. They asked questions about the wheelchair finish, and cheered as runners overtook other runners and asked me if these were my friends. I guess they know I'm a runner, and figured I must run with people like Kara Goucher on a regular basis. I love kids. I tried to explain, but in the end, I think they thought I would be hanging up there in the front, ready to win, and there wasn't much I could do to dissuade that line of thought. So, we sat, watching and enjoying it until it was time for lunch, and then naps and they forgot all about the people running for the moment.
I got a few glances in from time to time but had to take my hubby to the sports doctor mid afternoon for a running injury. Ironic, huh? So, while my daughter watched the kids, I was sitting in a doctor's office and not knowing that a whole different kind of excitement had overtaken Boston. I wasn't getting feed updates on my phone any longer and I just assumed it was overloaded. Until I got home and my daughter asked if I'd heard about the explosions. My hubby instantly went to the tv away from the daycare kids to see what was going on and I checked my facebook feed, my heart growing heavier and heavier with each post. I was angry, confused and scared for every person that was there, whether I knew them or not. I was able to sit down and watch the coverage after the last child left and just couldn't believe what I saw. I didn't even want to see it. We turned it off, watched Food Network and I made dinner. I won't say I didn't revisit Facebook throughout the evening, but somehow that made me feel better. The news coverage just felt so impersonal, but reading the updates from other blogs, from friends and even shared updates from people I don't know, reminded me that I am part of one of the most awesome communities ever. Runners are just amazing people. They're welcoming, helpful, do anything for others type of people, and I think that was represented today. We're mad as hell that anyone would do this to what is supposed to be a joyous celebration of a runner's hard work and dedication, but we will stand strong and together to show this won't stop us either. I am prouder than ever to be a runner, to be part of that community, and show my support any way I can.
Tomorrow I will be wearing a race shirt, something to show my support for every runner who was on the course yesterday, whether they finished or not, and to celebrate all of the volunteers, the emergency workers, the family and friends cheering the runners on and to Boston and the BAA for everything they stand for to the running community. You are all awesome. Thank you.
I got a few glances in from time to time but had to take my hubby to the sports doctor mid afternoon for a running injury. Ironic, huh? So, while my daughter watched the kids, I was sitting in a doctor's office and not knowing that a whole different kind of excitement had overtaken Boston. I wasn't getting feed updates on my phone any longer and I just assumed it was overloaded. Until I got home and my daughter asked if I'd heard about the explosions. My hubby instantly went to the tv away from the daycare kids to see what was going on and I checked my facebook feed, my heart growing heavier and heavier with each post. I was angry, confused and scared for every person that was there, whether I knew them or not. I was able to sit down and watch the coverage after the last child left and just couldn't believe what I saw. I didn't even want to see it. We turned it off, watched Food Network and I made dinner. I won't say I didn't revisit Facebook throughout the evening, but somehow that made me feel better. The news coverage just felt so impersonal, but reading the updates from other blogs, from friends and even shared updates from people I don't know, reminded me that I am part of one of the most awesome communities ever. Runners are just amazing people. They're welcoming, helpful, do anything for others type of people, and I think that was represented today. We're mad as hell that anyone would do this to what is supposed to be a joyous celebration of a runner's hard work and dedication, but we will stand strong and together to show this won't stop us either. I am prouder than ever to be a runner, to be part of that community, and show my support any way I can.
Tomorrow I will be wearing a race shirt, something to show my support for every runner who was on the course yesterday, whether they finished or not, and to celebrate all of the volunteers, the emergency workers, the family and friends cheering the runners on and to Boston and the BAA for everything they stand for to the running community. You are all awesome. Thank you.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Forty-one Years
So, it's just a few days away from my 41st year. I know, forty is the big 4-0 but I keep thinking, well, I am now IN my forties. That just seems different - not at all in a bad way though because I am not one of those people to get caught up on age and aging and all that stuff. I just try to keep moving forward and embrace whatever lies ahead.
I have enjoyed pushing my body to run, bike, hike and enjoy just being fit over the past 12 months. I am celebrating the fact that in my forties I am the fittest I have ever been, except maybe as a young child. Certainly since middle school on. I enjoy being active and being outdoors and it is amazing to me that just six years ago that wasn't the case. I was eating junk, feeding junk to my family and my daycare kids, not exercising other than the occasional walk and was always unhappy, feeling overwhelmed and anxious and just blah. I don't even recognize that life or that person any more. People sometimes ask what got me started on my journey and I don't really know. I know that I was unhappy. I know that I wanted a change but I'd tried so many diets, fads and thought that how I was was who I was destined to be. Now I know that was an excuse I was giving myself. I was destined to be whatever I was because of my own choices.
So, I started making better choices, little by little and then about a year or so ago, my choices got bigger and bigger to make me who I am today. I can't even stomach processed food - my body literally rejects it and I know that the food choices I make affect more than me, more than my family even. I choose to vote on what is important by giving my food dollars to companies that support what I believe in. Yes, it means things may cost more sometimes, but that is a choice I am making and I will continue to make.
So, it was in my thirties that I started making these changes but I will be living them through my forties, fifties, and on and on as long as God has it planned for me to be on this Earth. I am welcoming my first grandchild this year (I know you will all be SICK of hearing about that!) and I want to be an active grandma; one who can keep up with him or her and enjoy and embrace every second. I want to be the mom to my kids that helps through these adult years of change. I am ready for that next phase. And I am excited to be a wife to a husband who shares my love of being outdoors. I am ready for us to be empty-nesters, running all over the place, finding new trails and new adventures all the way together.
Being 41 to me means having more wisdom, more understanding and more of the ability to stand up for what I believe in, because I know who I am better than ever before. This year has been one with some changes and obstacles I didn't expect but I know that all things happen for a reason and God is directing my path. I trust where I'm headed and I know that, 41, although just a number, will still be a glorious year!
Sheri
I have enjoyed pushing my body to run, bike, hike and enjoy just being fit over the past 12 months. I am celebrating the fact that in my forties I am the fittest I have ever been, except maybe as a young child. Certainly since middle school on. I enjoy being active and being outdoors and it is amazing to me that just six years ago that wasn't the case. I was eating junk, feeding junk to my family and my daycare kids, not exercising other than the occasional walk and was always unhappy, feeling overwhelmed and anxious and just blah. I don't even recognize that life or that person any more. People sometimes ask what got me started on my journey and I don't really know. I know that I was unhappy. I know that I wanted a change but I'd tried so many diets, fads and thought that how I was was who I was destined to be. Now I know that was an excuse I was giving myself. I was destined to be whatever I was because of my own choices.
So, I started making better choices, little by little and then about a year or so ago, my choices got bigger and bigger to make me who I am today. I can't even stomach processed food - my body literally rejects it and I know that the food choices I make affect more than me, more than my family even. I choose to vote on what is important by giving my food dollars to companies that support what I believe in. Yes, it means things may cost more sometimes, but that is a choice I am making and I will continue to make.
So, it was in my thirties that I started making these changes but I will be living them through my forties, fifties, and on and on as long as God has it planned for me to be on this Earth. I am welcoming my first grandchild this year (I know you will all be SICK of hearing about that!) and I want to be an active grandma; one who can keep up with him or her and enjoy and embrace every second. I want to be the mom to my kids that helps through these adult years of change. I am ready for that next phase. And I am excited to be a wife to a husband who shares my love of being outdoors. I am ready for us to be empty-nesters, running all over the place, finding new trails and new adventures all the way together.
Being 41 to me means having more wisdom, more understanding and more of the ability to stand up for what I believe in, because I know who I am better than ever before. This year has been one with some changes and obstacles I didn't expect but I know that all things happen for a reason and God is directing my path. I trust where I'm headed and I know that, 41, although just a number, will still be a glorious year!
Sheri
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Just an Update...
What a week. I can't believe it's almost time to start another one already!
I've gotten all of the boy's college paperwork done and it just seems so final. He's going to go away in a few months. The time just goes so quickly. He turns 18 next month and I don't think it seems possible that he was just my little boy, coming to cuddle up on my lap dressed like Steve from Blue's Clues, or a Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtle, or whatever was his favorite that week. All those years can't possibly have flown by already. But, indeed, they have. Now I have a boy that towers about 6 inches above me and I barely know when he'll be here next between work and basketball. In spite of my fears of how much I'll miss him, I am excited for him and all of the changes that lie ahead in his life. So much excitement and he's so much better prepared for it all. I hope that he knows so much more than I did when I left my parent's house!
Last week, I made a big decision not to run the Hashawa Hills 50k. It was the right choice. I felt a bit like I was wimping out but at the same time, I am trying to listen to my body more and to know what it needs above all else. And I needed some rest. My knees just healed up from all of my falls leading up to and during the Squirrely Tail Twail Half Marathon. Add that to the cold forecast for next weekend and I just had to rethink it. And, by withdrawing early, I gave someone a shot at moving up from the waiting list, so the decision had to be made. It's funny that as I get older I become so sure of myself in some areas of my life, but in others I am just the same me I've always been...second guessing, wondering if this was the right choice, etc, etc and I have to admit that I feel pressure looking at the people around me and what I feel like their expectations of me are. But, I am trying to keep in tune with the changes I wanted to keep in 2013. Being more concerned about enjoying each run, and living through the life I want to be living are more important than what anyone else may think of me dropping out of the ultra, or even if I decide not to run one. Ever. I love running, I love working out and I love my life as is. So I'm going to go with that for awhile and let everything else sort itself out. Other people come and go, but I'm stuck with me. :)
I did however sign up to do a color run with my friend, Michele, in May. This is an untimed 5k run that seems to revolve around getting as covered in colored powder as possible. Not my usual type of event but I'm in. I am looking forward to it a lot! I am so thankful for all of my wonderful running friends. They have been the most awesome listeners, cheerleaders, therapists and coaches I could ever, ever ask for. Running with my friends makes everything better!! I do more than I think I can do, push my pace harder than I do alone and just all around am better at being me when I have time with them. So thank you to all of you. Big hugs.
Next week I am doing something extra super special and I cannot wait at all!! It's my 41st birthday and I am going to Hershey Spa with my friends Lisa and Jess. It has been years since I've been there and I am so excited that I've been counting the days since we made the appointments in January. Being pampered and spending time with them will be an amazing way to spend a day. Then I'm off for a long weekend with the hubby and we aren't sure what we're doing yet, but it will be nice to have a long weekend with him. :)
Today we spent a few chilly hours out hiking with the dogs. It was so cold my water bottle froze up! But it was still a fun way to spend a few hours and it gave his knee a bit of a rest. He's been on a running hiatus since Thursday and I don't know how much longer I can hold him off. I took this weekend off of running and instead have been enjoying some yoga and some nice relaxation. Yesterday was spent fighting a migraine most of the evening so rest was necessary.
And I've been cooking, cooking and even more cooking. But I've not been taking pictures. Hmm. I'm sorry. I do try and snap a shot with my phone and send to the facebook page as much as I can. We had bananas foster type french toast this morning, followed by a pretzel stromboli for lunch/dinner. I have to admit that's one of my new favorite meals. I think this week is going to warm meals and soups because it has been so cold! I can't wait for spring and all of the spring thaw and lettuces and early veggies that will soon be here. I'm not sure how much planting I'll do beyond that since we won't be home so much of July. I know that we'd lose a lot of things to weeds and dry conditions if we weren't here to manage them. But we'll see. I just hope we can get blueberries still.
So, what does your week look like...any new updates with any of you? I'm off to make a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter filling for the hubby while he's napping before work. Just for him. Not me. At all. If you believe that... ;-)
Sheri
I've gotten all of the boy's college paperwork done and it just seems so final. He's going to go away in a few months. The time just goes so quickly. He turns 18 next month and I don't think it seems possible that he was just my little boy, coming to cuddle up on my lap dressed like Steve from Blue's Clues, or a Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtle, or whatever was his favorite that week. All those years can't possibly have flown by already. But, indeed, they have. Now I have a boy that towers about 6 inches above me and I barely know when he'll be here next between work and basketball. In spite of my fears of how much I'll miss him, I am excited for him and all of the changes that lie ahead in his life. So much excitement and he's so much better prepared for it all. I hope that he knows so much more than I did when I left my parent's house!
Last week, I made a big decision not to run the Hashawa Hills 50k. It was the right choice. I felt a bit like I was wimping out but at the same time, I am trying to listen to my body more and to know what it needs above all else. And I needed some rest. My knees just healed up from all of my falls leading up to and during the Squirrely Tail Twail Half Marathon. Add that to the cold forecast for next weekend and I just had to rethink it. And, by withdrawing early, I gave someone a shot at moving up from the waiting list, so the decision had to be made. It's funny that as I get older I become so sure of myself in some areas of my life, but in others I am just the same me I've always been...second guessing, wondering if this was the right choice, etc, etc and I have to admit that I feel pressure looking at the people around me and what I feel like their expectations of me are. But, I am trying to keep in tune with the changes I wanted to keep in 2013. Being more concerned about enjoying each run, and living through the life I want to be living are more important than what anyone else may think of me dropping out of the ultra, or even if I decide not to run one. Ever. I love running, I love working out and I love my life as is. So I'm going to go with that for awhile and let everything else sort itself out. Other people come and go, but I'm stuck with me. :)
I did however sign up to do a color run with my friend, Michele, in May. This is an untimed 5k run that seems to revolve around getting as covered in colored powder as possible. Not my usual type of event but I'm in. I am looking forward to it a lot! I am so thankful for all of my wonderful running friends. They have been the most awesome listeners, cheerleaders, therapists and coaches I could ever, ever ask for. Running with my friends makes everything better!! I do more than I think I can do, push my pace harder than I do alone and just all around am better at being me when I have time with them. So thank you to all of you. Big hugs.
Next week I am doing something extra super special and I cannot wait at all!! It's my 41st birthday and I am going to Hershey Spa with my friends Lisa and Jess. It has been years since I've been there and I am so excited that I've been counting the days since we made the appointments in January. Being pampered and spending time with them will be an amazing way to spend a day. Then I'm off for a long weekend with the hubby and we aren't sure what we're doing yet, but it will be nice to have a long weekend with him. :)
Today we spent a few chilly hours out hiking with the dogs. It was so cold my water bottle froze up! But it was still a fun way to spend a few hours and it gave his knee a bit of a rest. He's been on a running hiatus since Thursday and I don't know how much longer I can hold him off. I took this weekend off of running and instead have been enjoying some yoga and some nice relaxation. Yesterday was spent fighting a migraine most of the evening so rest was necessary.
And I've been cooking, cooking and even more cooking. But I've not been taking pictures. Hmm. I'm sorry. I do try and snap a shot with my phone and send to the facebook page as much as I can. We had bananas foster type french toast this morning, followed by a pretzel stromboli for lunch/dinner. I have to admit that's one of my new favorite meals. I think this week is going to warm meals and soups because it has been so cold! I can't wait for spring and all of the spring thaw and lettuces and early veggies that will soon be here. I'm not sure how much planting I'll do beyond that since we won't be home so much of July. I know that we'd lose a lot of things to weeds and dry conditions if we weren't here to manage them. But we'll see. I just hope we can get blueberries still.
So, what does your week look like...any new updates with any of you? I'm off to make a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter filling for the hubby while he's napping before work. Just for him. Not me. At all. If you believe that... ;-)
Sheri
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Quick Peanut Butter Mousse
I think we've all figured out by now that the hubby likes dessert. And peanut butter. And we're usually running here and there and don't have tons of time for a full out dessert. Add to that the fact that I'm a sweets addict and I am not to be trusted with a whole cake of any kind. :) So, yesterday, the hubby asked about dessert and I suggested mug cakes which have been our go-to lately. I then went looking for a recipe. I am not even sure where I found it but the mug cake itself was not good. Ugh. I HATE wasting high quality ingredients on something that I won't eat. Does anyone else feel like that? But I couldn't do it. Into the trash the cake went. However....there was a silver lining to the cloud. I made a quick peanut butter mousse to go on top of it and it was amazing!!!
At least the cake looked for it's photo shoot. :)
Seriously though, that mousse was enough dessert all by itself. So much so that it was dessert today again after our run and veggie quesadillas.
How to make it? I used an 8 oz block of softened organic cream cheese, about 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup of organic peanut butter, a splash of vanilla and some almond milk. I used my mixer on high for about 1 minute and it was done. That is seriously an easy dessert that tastes heavenly!
I went for some great runs this week too! I tried out my new trail shoes (Altra Lone Peaks) for a 7 mile run on some of my favorite trails yesterday while doing the Virtual Run for Sherry. I was so glad to be a part of something that makes people aware of the dangers that can lie out there for us runners, and just people in general. Keep awareness up while showing that it won't stop us is one way to we can strike back. Living in fear is no way to live. I was proud to #run for Sherry yesterday and I want to thank Beth from Shut Up and Run for being open about her loss and organizing all of us to make something positive come from her cousin Sherry's death.
When I am doing something I love, I tend to get lost in it. Whether it's cooking, running or cleaning (yes, I really do love to clean) I am at peace, and have found my joy. Not every moment is like that but I really strive for it. And I'm learning that surrounding myself with people who care about me and who I care about is all the joy I need, because being a part of their lives is something I love as much as cooking and running. Life is imperfect and every day is not promised to us. Living life "fearlessly but aware" is the best I can do. So, my run for Sherry has reminded me of that. I will cherish and love my family and friends, take each day as the gift it is, and keep moving forward even when things aren't as good as they can be. There just is no other way to live. Lately I've been struggling with some things and I needed to remember all of that so badly.
I'll end today with some of my most favorite thoughts/quotes for how I want to live my life and what I hope people see when they see me...
1. She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails. - Elizabeth Edwards
2. There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.
3. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. - C.S. Lewis
4. When you choose to forgive those that hurt you, you take away their power over you.
5. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. Audrey Hepburn
I could go on and on, but I think you've heard me babble on enough!
Sheri
At least the cake looked for it's photo shoot. :)
Seriously though, that mousse was enough dessert all by itself. So much so that it was dessert today again after our run and veggie quesadillas.
How to make it? I used an 8 oz block of softened organic cream cheese, about 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup of organic peanut butter, a splash of vanilla and some almond milk. I used my mixer on high for about 1 minute and it was done. That is seriously an easy dessert that tastes heavenly!
I went for some great runs this week too! I tried out my new trail shoes (Altra Lone Peaks) for a 7 mile run on some of my favorite trails yesterday while doing the Virtual Run for Sherry. I was so glad to be a part of something that makes people aware of the dangers that can lie out there for us runners, and just people in general. Keep awareness up while showing that it won't stop us is one way to we can strike back. Living in fear is no way to live. I was proud to #run for Sherry yesterday and I want to thank Beth from Shut Up and Run for being open about her loss and organizing all of us to make something positive come from her cousin Sherry's death.
When I am doing something I love, I tend to get lost in it. Whether it's cooking, running or cleaning (yes, I really do love to clean) I am at peace, and have found my joy. Not every moment is like that but I really strive for it. And I'm learning that surrounding myself with people who care about me and who I care about is all the joy I need, because being a part of their lives is something I love as much as cooking and running. Life is imperfect and every day is not promised to us. Living life "fearlessly but aware" is the best I can do. So, my run for Sherry has reminded me of that. I will cherish and love my family and friends, take each day as the gift it is, and keep moving forward even when things aren't as good as they can be. There just is no other way to live. Lately I've been struggling with some things and I needed to remember all of that so badly.
I'll end today with some of my most favorite thoughts/quotes for how I want to live my life and what I hope people see when they see me...
1. She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails. - Elizabeth Edwards
2. There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.
3. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. - C.S. Lewis
4. When you choose to forgive those that hurt you, you take away their power over you.
5. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. Audrey Hepburn
I could go on and on, but I think you've heard me babble on enough!
Sheri
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Veggie Barley Stew
We're expecting more snow this weekend. I have to say, I usually don't mind the snow but this winter it just seems like it's always there. I look out the window and there are usually a few flakes blowing around. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it sure feels like it! Luckily, I really do like running in the cold and at least the snow looks pretty while you're running. Sucking a snowflake down your throat is surprisingly NOT a fun thing though. It sort of catches there and it makes you cough. Funny the things you find out being out there all the time. :)
Anyway, tonight was a beautiful night for running. Some sun to start would have been appreciated but I took a flashlight just to be sure the cars saw me against the gray sky backdrop of late afternoon. I decided on a new loop because I was really tired of running the same loops I always run. Plus, this loop was on roads that are a little more traveled than some of the neighborhoods I run in. Once it gets dark you feel a bit exposed as a runner because it's just you out there and you always want to be aware of where you are and make sure that other people are nearby if possible. Last year, I read the story of Sherry Arnold, a runner who was murdered while out on a regular run she did all the time. It hit home with me and I find that I think of her often while I'm out running alone. Not in a terrified, scared of the world way but instead in a way that reminds me that I do need to be aware; I do need to be responsible for being as safe as possible but still be fearless enough to run. So, I watch my routes. If something doesn't feel right, I do a different route or run a different direction or even call the hubby for a pick up. Awareness of your surroundings is so, so important. It's a big reason of why I broke the habit of headphones while I run. There is just no way to be as aware as you need to be while the sounds around you are muffled out. Now I can't even imagine running with music. So, the 2nd Virtual Run for Sherry is being held this Saturday by her cousin who writes the blog, Shut Up and Run. I have my bib printed out and am ready to go! I'm hoping that the hubby and I are doing 20-25 on the Appalachian Trail and it will be my last long run before I stand at the start line for Hashawa 50k.
I made it home, a little chilly but feeling good. My left knee is still pretty sore from being whacked on the ice two weeks in a row but it held up. And all I wanted was to EAT. I was starving!!! Luckily, I had made Veggie Barley Stew and Biscuits before leaving on my run. The hubby did 17 this afternoon and I made sure it was ready for him. I should have made more biscuits though because there only three left when I got home and the boy took one of those. Okay, so I only made 6 but maybe I should have made more because those biscuits are awesome!!! If you missed my biscuit recipe (it's not really mine, it really is one I found from a google search and have fallen in recipe love with it) here's my post with the link in it. I halved the recipe for tonight's dinner. The stew would have been good without the biscuit but I'll take any excuse to add a biscuit to a meal. :)
So, by now you know that I am a terrible recipe creator. I'm not even sure that I make anything of my own creation the same way twice in a row. Soups and stews are especially tricky because I'm tossing a little of this, a little of that into a pot and I'll check on it and tweak it the whole time I cook it. But I will try very hard to recreate this for all of you.
Directions
Easy but hearty. I love meals and soups that remind me of my grandmother and this one does that. Not only the aroma of the parsnips that she loved but the barley soup. She made that pretty frequently with whatever she had on hand. I love that I am able to continue some of her traditions and I feel so close to her when those memories are all around me.
I said that the soup was my reward and maybe I should have reserved that for dessert. I have been wanting brownies so, so badly lately and I refuse to buy mixes. All of the brownie recipes I've tried all come out cakey but I keep trying. And I think I finally found a recipe that lives up to it's name. The Best Brownies.
And they are pretty close to being the best. I am going to experiment on replacing the oil with melted butter or at least half butter/half oil, but other than that, definitely my new go-to recipe. Top it off with some red raspberry jam and...heavenly!! That's a reward!
Now, while hubby's still sleeping before work maybe I should head to the kitchen and grab one more brownie. Sssshhhh! Don't tell! :)
Have a great evening!
Sheri
Anyway, tonight was a beautiful night for running. Some sun to start would have been appreciated but I took a flashlight just to be sure the cars saw me against the gray sky backdrop of late afternoon. I decided on a new loop because I was really tired of running the same loops I always run. Plus, this loop was on roads that are a little more traveled than some of the neighborhoods I run in. Once it gets dark you feel a bit exposed as a runner because it's just you out there and you always want to be aware of where you are and make sure that other people are nearby if possible. Last year, I read the story of Sherry Arnold, a runner who was murdered while out on a regular run she did all the time. It hit home with me and I find that I think of her often while I'm out running alone. Not in a terrified, scared of the world way but instead in a way that reminds me that I do need to be aware; I do need to be responsible for being as safe as possible but still be fearless enough to run. So, I watch my routes. If something doesn't feel right, I do a different route or run a different direction or even call the hubby for a pick up. Awareness of your surroundings is so, so important. It's a big reason of why I broke the habit of headphones while I run. There is just no way to be as aware as you need to be while the sounds around you are muffled out. Now I can't even imagine running with music. So, the 2nd Virtual Run for Sherry is being held this Saturday by her cousin who writes the blog, Shut Up and Run. I have my bib printed out and am ready to go! I'm hoping that the hubby and I are doing 20-25 on the Appalachian Trail and it will be my last long run before I stand at the start line for Hashawa 50k.
I made it home, a little chilly but feeling good. My left knee is still pretty sore from being whacked on the ice two weeks in a row but it held up. And all I wanted was to EAT. I was starving!!! Luckily, I had made Veggie Barley Stew and Biscuits before leaving on my run. The hubby did 17 this afternoon and I made sure it was ready for him. I should have made more biscuits though because there only three left when I got home and the boy took one of those. Okay, so I only made 6 but maybe I should have made more because those biscuits are awesome!!! If you missed my biscuit recipe (it's not really mine, it really is one I found from a google search and have fallen in recipe love with it) here's my post with the link in it. I halved the recipe for tonight's dinner. The stew would have been good without the biscuit but I'll take any excuse to add a biscuit to a meal. :)
So, by now you know that I am a terrible recipe creator. I'm not even sure that I make anything of my own creation the same way twice in a row. Soups and stews are especially tricky because I'm tossing a little of this, a little of that into a pot and I'll check on it and tweak it the whole time I cook it. But I will try very hard to recreate this for all of you.
Veggie Barley Stew
- 2 cups pearled barley
- 1 32 oz container vegetable broth
- 2 cups of water
- 2 organic vegetable bouillon cubes
- 2 -4 cups of vegetables - whatever you have on hand. I had carrots, parsnips and green beans. Next time I'm sure it will be different.
- 2 cups of chopped and peeled tomatoes, or you could use canned or sauce even. Whatever you have. I had frozen peeled and blanched tomatoes from last summer's garden.
Directions
- Bring broth and water to a boil and add bouillon and barley.
- Boil uncovered for about 15 minutes and then turn the heat down to a simmer.
- Add all remaining vegetables and let simmer at very low heat for about 45 minutes. Sometimes I even turn my pot off after 25 minutes or so and just let the heat keep it cooking.
Easy but hearty. I love meals and soups that remind me of my grandmother and this one does that. Not only the aroma of the parsnips that she loved but the barley soup. She made that pretty frequently with whatever she had on hand. I love that I am able to continue some of her traditions and I feel so close to her when those memories are all around me.
I said that the soup was my reward and maybe I should have reserved that for dessert. I have been wanting brownies so, so badly lately and I refuse to buy mixes. All of the brownie recipes I've tried all come out cakey but I keep trying. And I think I finally found a recipe that lives up to it's name. The Best Brownies.
And they are pretty close to being the best. I am going to experiment on replacing the oil with melted butter or at least half butter/half oil, but other than that, definitely my new go-to recipe. Top it off with some red raspberry jam and...heavenly!! That's a reward!
Now, while hubby's still sleeping before work maybe I should head to the kitchen and grab one more brownie. Sssshhhh! Don't tell! :)
Have a great evening!
Sheri
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Squirrely Tail Twail Run Race Report
This morning I ran my third official trail half marathon. It was held at Gifford Pinchot state park, which isn't too far from my house, and one of the places we do run fairly frequently. Last year we missed this race because our whole household got hit with a nasty stomach virus so I was pretty excited to run it this year. Another bonus was that so many people we know were running it that it felt like just another run in the park. Unfortunately, the hubby didn't get to run it this year either. He got stuck working all weekend to help pay for our trip out west and while I appreciated his efforts tremendously, I felt bad for him that he wasn't able to run it.
My friend, Michele, and I were running this one together and I was super excited. Usually on a trail race I end up alone at some point. I don't mind being alone, but when you're tired, sore or whatever, being alone can sometimes be hard to manage. You start focusing on the things that are hurting the worst and it's hard to talk yourself back up. Having a friend to run with keeps both of you moving, one foot in front of the other and makes the miles and the time go faster. Last weekend, we ran this course with the race director and I took a nasty fall not even a mile in. I was determined that was not happening this time. And it didn't. Instead, I waited a full 5 miles before I got sideswiped by some ice on the trail and went down on the same knee I scraped and bruised up last week. Sigh. I got up, brushed myself off, and we set off again. We were headed out on a decent pace after finishing up our mile or so on the horse trails. Horse trails that are usually muddy but then flood and freeze are no joke to run on. Your feet just ache from being twisted and pushed around the ruts from the horse's hooves. Fun times for sure.
Michele and I were feeling pretty good running through the parts of the trail that are usually muddy and slippery and managing a decent pace. Then, after being so, so careful across a bridge that is notoriously slippery in good weather, I took another tumble on the ground. This fall was really the worse of the two. It just knocked the wind out of me and beat up the opposite knee, not to mention the fact that my hip and upper thigh had come down hard on a root jutting out. Ouch doesn't begin to describe what I was thinking. After a few moments, I collected myself and we headed out again. Last hill to climb felt really long and we talked each other up it, and then, before we knew it, we were out of the woods (literally) and running toward the finish. Michele's husband and children were waiting to cheer us in! That was a great feeling...actually we'd had so many cheerleaders at all the turns from volunteers. It was a really well organized, and fun race.
I was glad when we rounded the last corner and saw the clock was 2:55 because Michele had really, really wanted to beat 3 hours. And we did! It was her first trail race and she did amazing. We're doing another race together in May and I can't wait.
So, tonight I've been taking it easy on my body, letting my wounds heal a bit. I'm all scraped up but I'm sure I'll be back to running in a day or two. I made a simple potato hash for dinner with some kale added in and put an egg on top. I haven't craved an egg in about a year so I must have really, really needed it. Then, I made apple fritters for dessert. Those were way too delicious but I figured a few fritters is probably okay every now and then. Right?
Have a wonderful evening!
Sheri
My friend, Michele, and I were running this one together and I was super excited. Usually on a trail race I end up alone at some point. I don't mind being alone, but when you're tired, sore or whatever, being alone can sometimes be hard to manage. You start focusing on the things that are hurting the worst and it's hard to talk yourself back up. Having a friend to run with keeps both of you moving, one foot in front of the other and makes the miles and the time go faster. Last weekend, we ran this course with the race director and I took a nasty fall not even a mile in. I was determined that was not happening this time. And it didn't. Instead, I waited a full 5 miles before I got sideswiped by some ice on the trail and went down on the same knee I scraped and bruised up last week. Sigh. I got up, brushed myself off, and we set off again. We were headed out on a decent pace after finishing up our mile or so on the horse trails. Horse trails that are usually muddy but then flood and freeze are no joke to run on. Your feet just ache from being twisted and pushed around the ruts from the horse's hooves. Fun times for sure.
Michele and I were feeling pretty good running through the parts of the trail that are usually muddy and slippery and managing a decent pace. Then, after being so, so careful across a bridge that is notoriously slippery in good weather, I took another tumble on the ground. This fall was really the worse of the two. It just knocked the wind out of me and beat up the opposite knee, not to mention the fact that my hip and upper thigh had come down hard on a root jutting out. Ouch doesn't begin to describe what I was thinking. After a few moments, I collected myself and we headed out again. Last hill to climb felt really long and we talked each other up it, and then, before we knew it, we were out of the woods (literally) and running toward the finish. Michele's husband and children were waiting to cheer us in! That was a great feeling...actually we'd had so many cheerleaders at all the turns from volunteers. It was a really well organized, and fun race.
I was glad when we rounded the last corner and saw the clock was 2:55 because Michele had really, really wanted to beat 3 hours. And we did! It was her first trail race and she did amazing. We're doing another race together in May and I can't wait.
So, tonight I've been taking it easy on my body, letting my wounds heal a bit. I'm all scraped up but I'm sure I'll be back to running in a day or two. I made a simple potato hash for dinner with some kale added in and put an egg on top. I haven't craved an egg in about a year so I must have really, really needed it. Then, I made apple fritters for dessert. Those were way too delicious but I figured a few fritters is probably okay every now and then. Right?
Have a wonderful evening!
Sheri
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Catching up...
I can hardly believe it's already Wednesday...and it's Wednesday night too! I know my posts on the blog are getting less frequent, but at least our facebook page seems to be busy lately! I love all of our visitors - old and new - and enjoy spending a few moments out of your day with you.
There's so much going on around here lately that I feel like I am just spinning in circles sometimes. With the boy graduating this year and heading off to college in the fall, homeschool paperwork time is upon me. I have been working on getting his documentation ready and making sure we've got financial aid forms filed, housing plans made, etc. I'm sure you get it. I'm busier than ever with that. I have to say though that homeschooling my children has been one of my greatest achievements. I know that may sound silly but to be able to be a very real and integral part of their educational process has been a blessing. Sure, some days I have no idea how the heck I am going to be able to do it all but then, it all works out. The boy is ready to be done but I'm impressed by his ability to refocus, and do what needs to be done. He has really matured and I'm proud of him.
Speaking of the boy...he made me laugh today when everything went so crazy at naptime. I was on a roll - you know when you are just flowing through the to-do list, the kids are napping, you're in a fantastic mood? Well, I was in that zone. I had made bread, peanut butter granola, was soaking almonds to make milk, the daycare kids were all asleep (baby included!) and then...sigh...I put the pretzel bites into a very hot oven - 500 F and opened the door just a bit to check on them and all of the sudden, the smoke detector went nuts. And ours are the interconnected ones so it beeped in EVERY. ROOM. OF. THE. HOUSE. Double sigh. And then, my phone beeps. A text from the boy who is upstairs doing school work. "Way to go, Iron Chef." I have to tell you, it cracked me up. You're probably reading it and wondering why you're still reading anything I have to say but it was just in that moment of deciding whether to cry out of frustration. All of the sudden, the baby was up and I had disturbed the sleep of everyone else to the point that my two teetering-on-sick toddlers were wide awake and the other kids minus one soon followed. Now, the toddlers weren't sleeping well to begin with so that didn't take much on my part, but still...I felt bad. And his comment really lightened the mood. He even went and talked to the baby and helped butter the pretzel bites when they came out of the oven. And I realized he's a good kid. I knew that, but sometimes we all need reminders.
So, in addition to trashing naptime and prepping to send my baby off to college, the hubby and I have been working on a plan to head out west this summer. I am SO excited!! I have never been anywhere but the Eastern Seaboard from New York down and even then, I think I've missed a state or two. I mean, the only time I've been in New Jersey was the time I got stuck in the wrong lane, and crossed the Ben Franklin bridge in Philly with no cash. I ended up in Camden and had to beg my way back across into Philly. Fun times for sure. I sure hope this road trip is nothing like that. Yes, I said road trip. We are camping and running all over the northern part of the US from Pennsylvania to Montana and back. We've got 16 days and I know they'll go fast but I think it will be so much fun. There is so much I want to see and do, and having to pare it down to fit into those 2+weeks is a challenge but so worth it! The hubby and I never had a honeymoon, so maybe this makes up for it. We will be married 19 years in June, so I guess it's about time. If you live along the northern states we'll likely be traveling through, or know of some great nature type stops to make, please make a suggestion. I'm all ears! I will take lots of lots of pictures to share, I promise. I want to send a big, big thank you to my hubby's parents for coming up and staying at our house while we're gone. Our three big dogs plus their dog is no picnic...but it means a lot that they're coming anyway. It will be nice for them to have time with the boy and girl too, so there's a plus. And I know my house will still be standing when I get back which is a good thing.
Of course, this means that we won't be signing up for many races or anything this year because all extra cash goes into the road trip fund. The only races I'm doing are already paid for and they were pretty inexpensive ones. I'll be doing a half marathon this Sunday at a park near our house, Squirrely Tail Trail Half Marathon, and I'm running it with my friend, Michele. I promised her I'd stick with her and I am excited. Usually in races, especially trail ones, I end up alone, out of pace somehow with people I know. But I'm sure we'll just chat through the whole race. Next, I'll be running my first 50k in a few weeks. Please be thinking of me! I know I can do it, but I'll need those good thoughts! I am very nostalgic going into this race. It's the Hashawa Hills 50k Trail Run and it's in Westminster, MD, where all of my family is from, and some still live. I feel a bit like I'm going home to run and am excited to be in a park I've not seen since I was a kid and run my first 50K in it. It's emotional and my dad will be there to see me run! That is a huge big deal to me. Then, the next race is not until May and is the Farm Park Challenge, in Derwood, MD. Michele is running that one with me too. It's a 5+ mile loop that you do as many times as you can, keeping each loop under an hour. It would have been my first 50K attempt if I hadn't made it into Hashawa's lottery.
So, there's my race plans. Other than that, I'm just running and loving running this year. January has been good to me. Almost 115 miles and I'm happy with that, especially since I took the whole first week off. Let's hope February is just as good! :)
And, just so you don't think that I've forgotten this is a "food" blog...
I used a recipe from Laylita's recipe for my Empanada dough. I've used pie crust in the past, but I wanted something a bit more authentic. It was really easy to make and to work with.
I used a small plate and a sharp knife to cut around as a pattern.
I filled them with a mixture of corn, peppers, feta cheese, black beans and avocado, dressed with some salsa and taco seasoning.
Aren't they cute??? Seriously, this dough was flexible enough to mold and wasn't crumbly at all like pie crust can be.
Ready to eat! They weren't dry at all and really were a quick dinner. I froze some of them for quick meals later on too. The dough made about 12 empanada discs.
I hope you are all having a great week and I'll try really, really hard to not take so long to write a post again!!
Sheri
There's so much going on around here lately that I feel like I am just spinning in circles sometimes. With the boy graduating this year and heading off to college in the fall, homeschool paperwork time is upon me. I have been working on getting his documentation ready and making sure we've got financial aid forms filed, housing plans made, etc. I'm sure you get it. I'm busier than ever with that. I have to say though that homeschooling my children has been one of my greatest achievements. I know that may sound silly but to be able to be a very real and integral part of their educational process has been a blessing. Sure, some days I have no idea how the heck I am going to be able to do it all but then, it all works out. The boy is ready to be done but I'm impressed by his ability to refocus, and do what needs to be done. He has really matured and I'm proud of him.
Speaking of the boy...he made me laugh today when everything went so crazy at naptime. I was on a roll - you know when you are just flowing through the to-do list, the kids are napping, you're in a fantastic mood? Well, I was in that zone. I had made bread, peanut butter granola, was soaking almonds to make milk, the daycare kids were all asleep (baby included!) and then...sigh...I put the pretzel bites into a very hot oven - 500 F and opened the door just a bit to check on them and all of the sudden, the smoke detector went nuts. And ours are the interconnected ones so it beeped in EVERY. ROOM. OF. THE. HOUSE. Double sigh. And then, my phone beeps. A text from the boy who is upstairs doing school work. "Way to go, Iron Chef." I have to tell you, it cracked me up. You're probably reading it and wondering why you're still reading anything I have to say but it was just in that moment of deciding whether to cry out of frustration. All of the sudden, the baby was up and I had disturbed the sleep of everyone else to the point that my two teetering-on-sick toddlers were wide awake and the other kids minus one soon followed. Now, the toddlers weren't sleeping well to begin with so that didn't take much on my part, but still...I felt bad. And his comment really lightened the mood. He even went and talked to the baby and helped butter the pretzel bites when they came out of the oven. And I realized he's a good kid. I knew that, but sometimes we all need reminders.
So, in addition to trashing naptime and prepping to send my baby off to college, the hubby and I have been working on a plan to head out west this summer. I am SO excited!! I have never been anywhere but the Eastern Seaboard from New York down and even then, I think I've missed a state or two. I mean, the only time I've been in New Jersey was the time I got stuck in the wrong lane, and crossed the Ben Franklin bridge in Philly with no cash. I ended up in Camden and had to beg my way back across into Philly. Fun times for sure. I sure hope this road trip is nothing like that. Yes, I said road trip. We are camping and running all over the northern part of the US from Pennsylvania to Montana and back. We've got 16 days and I know they'll go fast but I think it will be so much fun. There is so much I want to see and do, and having to pare it down to fit into those 2+weeks is a challenge but so worth it! The hubby and I never had a honeymoon, so maybe this makes up for it. We will be married 19 years in June, so I guess it's about time. If you live along the northern states we'll likely be traveling through, or know of some great nature type stops to make, please make a suggestion. I'm all ears! I will take lots of lots of pictures to share, I promise. I want to send a big, big thank you to my hubby's parents for coming up and staying at our house while we're gone. Our three big dogs plus their dog is no picnic...but it means a lot that they're coming anyway. It will be nice for them to have time with the boy and girl too, so there's a plus. And I know my house will still be standing when I get back which is a good thing.
Of course, this means that we won't be signing up for many races or anything this year because all extra cash goes into the road trip fund. The only races I'm doing are already paid for and they were pretty inexpensive ones. I'll be doing a half marathon this Sunday at a park near our house, Squirrely Tail Trail Half Marathon, and I'm running it with my friend, Michele. I promised her I'd stick with her and I am excited. Usually in races, especially trail ones, I end up alone, out of pace somehow with people I know. But I'm sure we'll just chat through the whole race. Next, I'll be running my first 50k in a few weeks. Please be thinking of me! I know I can do it, but I'll need those good thoughts! I am very nostalgic going into this race. It's the Hashawa Hills 50k Trail Run and it's in Westminster, MD, where all of my family is from, and some still live. I feel a bit like I'm going home to run and am excited to be in a park I've not seen since I was a kid and run my first 50K in it. It's emotional and my dad will be there to see me run! That is a huge big deal to me. Then, the next race is not until May and is the Farm Park Challenge, in Derwood, MD. Michele is running that one with me too. It's a 5+ mile loop that you do as many times as you can, keeping each loop under an hour. It would have been my first 50K attempt if I hadn't made it into Hashawa's lottery.
So, there's my race plans. Other than that, I'm just running and loving running this year. January has been good to me. Almost 115 miles and I'm happy with that, especially since I took the whole first week off. Let's hope February is just as good! :)
And, just so you don't think that I've forgotten this is a "food" blog...
Vegetable Empanadas
I used a recipe from Laylita's recipe for my Empanada dough. I've used pie crust in the past, but I wanted something a bit more authentic. It was really easy to make and to work with.
I used a small plate and a sharp knife to cut around as a pattern.
I filled them with a mixture of corn, peppers, feta cheese, black beans and avocado, dressed with some salsa and taco seasoning.
Aren't they cute??? Seriously, this dough was flexible enough to mold and wasn't crumbly at all like pie crust can be.
Ready to eat! They weren't dry at all and really were a quick dinner. I froze some of them for quick meals later on too. The dough made about 12 empanada discs.I hope you are all having a great week and I'll try really, really hard to not take so long to write a post again!!
Sheri
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Saturdays are Made for Running...and Chores.
Anyone else exhausted out there? This was my first full week of working since Christmas break and it just seemed like the week and my to-do list were never ending. I'm so glad I was able to get out and run several times this week, and even allowed myself a full rest day on Friday to recoup. Then, this morning, I celebrated that week with an awesome trail run with some friends on the trails we'll be hitting next month for the first race of the year, a trail half marathon near our house, the Squirrelly Tail Twail Run. We missed it last year and we better all be healthy and running it this year! So we did 12 or so miles on the trails trudging through mud that sucked at your shoes, wet runoff streams and then just squishy mud and trails in general. It was a blast! I felt so strong the whole run and love and appreciate those runs so much. I sometimes still feel surprised when I head out to run that I can accomplish all that I can. Having friends to run and chat with always makes the miles go faster though. I'm thankful for great running friends!! And finishing a run with shoes looking like this makes you feel like you really accomplished something!
After I got home and got cleaned up, it was time to get busy running errands and getting the to-do list shortened. First up? Lunch. :) I cheated. We went and picked up some burritos from our new go-to place that is much closer. And, after a morning of running, those burritos were yummy! See, while I was out sloshing around on the trails with the girls, the hubby was doing a 20 miler on the roads. I couldn't believe he beat me back home. He's amazing. So, we were both pretty happy to just have some tasty food. Then we headed out to take a movie back that we rented for the daycare's Friday movie day, Ice Age Continental Drift, (Don't bother. It wasn't that great.), get gas in the car and then, after five long days with no coffee, we headed to Starbucks. Oh my, that mocha was heavenly. I paid a little for it with some heartburn and nausea but it was so, so good. I didn't even care. If I can only have it once a week, I can live with that but it will be a real latte. Well, except it's soy. And with no whip. But it was good. I can reset until next week again now. :)
So, after all that fun, it was home to do chores. Chores. Blech. Fun things like picking up all of the dog poop out of the yard. We have three big dogs...it's been 2 weeks since we cleaned the yard. Yeah, that was fun. And then I washed the dogs while the hubby washed the car (seems like a fair trade) and then I started in on laundry. Never. Ending. Housework. Seriously, when do you ever get caught up????
So, dinner time came and I wanted to do something different. One of the hubby's favorite meals we get out is cheesy grits and I've never tried it. I don't know why because it was super easy. Granted, I did use quick grits because, for some reason, there was a container in the pantry. I used 2 T butter, 2 cups raw milk, 1 cup grits, 5 oz of raw goat cheddar cheese, and a few shakes of old bay. Brought it to a boil while I whisked it and then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. While that was simmering, I made some sauteed kale with mushroom and onion and a few splashes of red wine vinegar. Perfect!
Of course, there had be a dessert! I made some red velvet cupcakes yesterday and that seemed like just the thing. Not the healthiest, except I am super skimpy on my icing, but they were a great end to a great meal. I followed Hershey's recipe pretty exactly to make the cupcakes and the icing was just organic cream cheese and sugar.
All in all, I think our Saturday was pretty productive and the lazy Friday night of doing nothing made it possible! We have to allow ourselves to recover and regroup sometimes. That was our Friday night but we sure made up for it on Saturday!
So, I wonder what we can do tomorrow...
After I got home and got cleaned up, it was time to get busy running errands and getting the to-do list shortened. First up? Lunch. :) I cheated. We went and picked up some burritos from our new go-to place that is much closer. And, after a morning of running, those burritos were yummy! See, while I was out sloshing around on the trails with the girls, the hubby was doing a 20 miler on the roads. I couldn't believe he beat me back home. He's amazing. So, we were both pretty happy to just have some tasty food. Then we headed out to take a movie back that we rented for the daycare's Friday movie day, Ice Age Continental Drift, (Don't bother. It wasn't that great.), get gas in the car and then, after five long days with no coffee, we headed to Starbucks. Oh my, that mocha was heavenly. I paid a little for it with some heartburn and nausea but it was so, so good. I didn't even care. If I can only have it once a week, I can live with that but it will be a real latte. Well, except it's soy. And with no whip. But it was good. I can reset until next week again now. :)So, after all that fun, it was home to do chores. Chores. Blech. Fun things like picking up all of the dog poop out of the yard. We have three big dogs...it's been 2 weeks since we cleaned the yard. Yeah, that was fun. And then I washed the dogs while the hubby washed the car (seems like a fair trade) and then I started in on laundry. Never. Ending. Housework. Seriously, when do you ever get caught up????
So, dinner time came and I wanted to do something different. One of the hubby's favorite meals we get out is cheesy grits and I've never tried it. I don't know why because it was super easy. Granted, I did use quick grits because, for some reason, there was a container in the pantry. I used 2 T butter, 2 cups raw milk, 1 cup grits, 5 oz of raw goat cheddar cheese, and a few shakes of old bay. Brought it to a boil while I whisked it and then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. While that was simmering, I made some sauteed kale with mushroom and onion and a few splashes of red wine vinegar. Perfect!
Of course, there had be a dessert! I made some red velvet cupcakes yesterday and that seemed like just the thing. Not the healthiest, except I am super skimpy on my icing, but they were a great end to a great meal. I followed Hershey's recipe pretty exactly to make the cupcakes and the icing was just organic cream cheese and sugar.All in all, I think our Saturday was pretty productive and the lazy Friday night of doing nothing made it possible! We have to allow ourselves to recover and regroup sometimes. That was our Friday night but we sure made up for it on Saturday!
So, I wonder what we can do tomorrow...
Saturday, December 22, 2012
1000 Miles? Check!
So, to recap, I have been buzzing right along with my 2012 goals. It has been a pretty amazing year. One of my goals that wasn't as simple to complete? Running 1000 miles. It's not a planned weekend thing like a race but a daily, weekly and monthly choice to keep pushing. I know that there are runners out there, even some I run with, who could run 1000 in only a few months, but for me, this is HUGE. I hit my 1000 on our Christmas Lights run last night and I was in the company of two of my favorite running friends, Stacey and Kathleen. Stacey also was my running partner when I completed another goal this year - to run a marathon. Yes, it was unofficial, but that also means no support, no aid stations, etc, and running it with a friend. So, maybe Stacey's like my good luck charm! :) So, anyway, I hit my 1000 2.14 miles into our run and I think the people around us thought we were crazy hooping and hollering like we did. It was like we won the lottery!
Add that to the running streak coming to an end in a little over a week and I am feeling on top of the world!
This morning was not spent recovering from last week's chilly runs but was spent instead in what might be the coldest and toughest run this year. Well, other than January when the temps were so cold my water bottle froze shut but at least it wasn't windy and there was sun. But with a real feel of 21 degrees we headed out to do 7 miles along the river. Brr! But a great way to maintain my streak...running with my fellow running streakers...all 5 of us! We're at day 31, and only have to make it 8 more days. Except, I'm running with friends for New Year's Day, so I guess I have 9 more days until I FINALLY get a rest day!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sheri
Add that to the running streak coming to an end in a little over a week and I am feeling on top of the world!
This morning was not spent recovering from last week's chilly runs but was spent instead in what might be the coldest and toughest run this year. Well, other than January when the temps were so cold my water bottle froze shut but at least it wasn't windy and there was sun. But with a real feel of 21 degrees we headed out to do 7 miles along the river. Brr! But a great way to maintain my streak...running with my fellow running streakers...all 5 of us! We're at day 31, and only have to make it 8 more days. Except, I'm running with friends for New Year's Day, so I guess I have 9 more days until I FINALLY get a rest day!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sheri
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Just Keep Moving
Let me preface this post with a statement that all runners will be able to identify with. I had a sucky long run today. There, you've been warned. And I am the type of runner who will analyze the crap out of my run when it sucks. Did I hydrate enough? Eat enough? Dress right? Etc, etc, etc. And it will be like that until my next run. I am an obsessive person. This really should not be news.
So, anyway, I was supposed to run the Harrisburg Marathon today. However, for months there was just this little nagging feeling that it just wasn't my race. But I trained, kept working and then after I ran my unofficial marathon on the AT in October, I seriously lost all motivation to run Harrisburg. I tried. I kept training. But it just wasn't to be. And I am completely okay with it. When I made the final choice to skip it and transfer my bib to a friend, I felt a huge weight off my shoulders. My runs this week have been fabulous, so I expected no less from today's long run. Well, I was sorely disappointed. Emphasis on sorely. Wow. Starting out my right ankle that has been tender since the AT run really starting flaring up and making itself known. So, I adjusted my gait and was rewarded with less ankle pain but left knee and hip pain. And so began my yo-yo of pain progression. I had positioned my car at the center of neighborhoods I like running in and stocked it with my "aid station" goodies. After the first six miles, I was in so much pain I had to really push myself back out there and away from the car. But I did it. And the next six miles was worse.
When you're out there with someone, pain is a little less severe because you can talk to someone and focus away from the pain. But alone? That's all you focus on. It's work focusing on anything else. I was studying houses, singing, working out my weekly menu in my head. ANYTHING to keep away from the pain. As I hobbled in for my second stop, I knew I wouldn't be able to head back out. The ankle was just too bad. So I will be resting, elevating and hoping that it calms down for Tuesday morning's group run. Luckily, Wednesday is massage night and I'm hoping she can get these muscles calmed down. But in the meantime, I will celebrate finishing that run and trying not to analyze it too much.
Something else to celebrate? I'm at 875 miles for the year for running...that means only 125 more to go to meet my goal! Starting p90X has made keeping on track for running more difficult but I still have been able to work in at least 3 runs a week, and I'm averaging 20-25 miles a week, so at that rate, I should easily meet my goal. Anything extra is just icing on the cake.
I know that posts like this aren't really what I had planned on doing when I started the blog, hence the name. It was supposed to be about making all meals from scratch, using whole ingredients, but there is so much more to that, and sometimes, I feel that I don't post as much as I want to because I don't want all of you to be sick of reading about my fitness adventures. I've thought about changing the blog's name to something fitnessy and catchy but what a pain. And I am still HSH, but like me, the blog is a work in progress, an evolution of ideas and thoughts. So, I will try and not shy away from sharing the fitness part of my life, because it is a HUGE part of who I am, who my family is and what drives my cooking and planning for meals. I hope that some of out there will appreciate it and jump into sharing too!
So, I mentioned the hubby and I are doing P90X...anyone else out there doing it? Done it? Want to share?
So, anyway, I was supposed to run the Harrisburg Marathon today. However, for months there was just this little nagging feeling that it just wasn't my race. But I trained, kept working and then after I ran my unofficial marathon on the AT in October, I seriously lost all motivation to run Harrisburg. I tried. I kept training. But it just wasn't to be. And I am completely okay with it. When I made the final choice to skip it and transfer my bib to a friend, I felt a huge weight off my shoulders. My runs this week have been fabulous, so I expected no less from today's long run. Well, I was sorely disappointed. Emphasis on sorely. Wow. Starting out my right ankle that has been tender since the AT run really starting flaring up and making itself known. So, I adjusted my gait and was rewarded with less ankle pain but left knee and hip pain. And so began my yo-yo of pain progression. I had positioned my car at the center of neighborhoods I like running in and stocked it with my "aid station" goodies. After the first six miles, I was in so much pain I had to really push myself back out there and away from the car. But I did it. And the next six miles was worse.
When you're out there with someone, pain is a little less severe because you can talk to someone and focus away from the pain. But alone? That's all you focus on. It's work focusing on anything else. I was studying houses, singing, working out my weekly menu in my head. ANYTHING to keep away from the pain. As I hobbled in for my second stop, I knew I wouldn't be able to head back out. The ankle was just too bad. So I will be resting, elevating and hoping that it calms down for Tuesday morning's group run. Luckily, Wednesday is massage night and I'm hoping she can get these muscles calmed down. But in the meantime, I will celebrate finishing that run and trying not to analyze it too much.
Something else to celebrate? I'm at 875 miles for the year for running...that means only 125 more to go to meet my goal! Starting p90X has made keeping on track for running more difficult but I still have been able to work in at least 3 runs a week, and I'm averaging 20-25 miles a week, so at that rate, I should easily meet my goal. Anything extra is just icing on the cake.
I know that posts like this aren't really what I had planned on doing when I started the blog, hence the name. It was supposed to be about making all meals from scratch, using whole ingredients, but there is so much more to that, and sometimes, I feel that I don't post as much as I want to because I don't want all of you to be sick of reading about my fitness adventures. I've thought about changing the blog's name to something fitnessy and catchy but what a pain. And I am still HSH, but like me, the blog is a work in progress, an evolution of ideas and thoughts. So, I will try and not shy away from sharing the fitness part of my life, because it is a HUGE part of who I am, who my family is and what drives my cooking and planning for meals. I hope that some of out there will appreciate it and jump into sharing too!
So, I mentioned the hubby and I are doing P90X...anyone else out there doing it? Done it? Want to share?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Happy Monday!
So, I guess as long as I can manage a post a week, I'm going to just have to be happy with it. I'd rather give you lots of good stuff than a few posts here and there! So, as usual, we've been busy around here. For once, it's not been as much running as usual though. Just enjoying life.
Thought I might start with giving a glimpse into our menu for the week ahead. I haven't done that for awhile, and thought it would be a good start to the week...
Keep in mind that breakfast and lunch are geared toward the daycare kids, and may include meat. Dinner is for the hubby and I, and occasionally the boy, and won't include meat. :)
Monday:
Breakfast: Banana Smoothie, Toast, Lunch: Chicken & Rice Bake, Dinner: Veggie Soup & Grilled Panini\
Tuesday:
Breakfast: Applesauce Baked Donuts, Lunch: Pizza Stuffed Pita Shells, Dinner: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadillas
Wednesday:
Breakfast: Pancakes, Lunch: PB Banana Wrap, Dinner: Veggie Stromboli
Thursday:
Breakfast: French Toast, Lunch: Egg & Potato Hash, Dinner: Large Salad, Corn Fritters
Friday:
Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal, Lunch: Spaghetti, Dinner: Out with Friends!
So, there's our plan for the week. I try to plan flexible meals and I change things up as needed. I have to say that I am looking forward to Friday night's dinner the most!! We're headed out with some very good friends to Gettysburg and going out to dinner and then are doing a ghost tour through downtown Gettysburg. The hubby and I did it last year and, besides the frigid weather of last year, it was a great time. We're doing a different tour this year, with a different company and there will be 8 of us. The weather is looking perfect too!! No hat, gloves and boots required! I will try and snap as many pics as possible to share with all of you. :)
Now, what have I been making this past week, you wonder???
A great sauteed veggie platter with potatoes, kale, feta cheese and some spinach and feta pierogies added in. Delicious and healthy!
And this was our Sunday breakfast...yummy!!
And while I was at it...I made some buns for Sunday lunch to use with our veggie burgers. :)
And these are the apple hand pies I made for the daycare kiddos breakfast last week...they were tasty!
And this was the inside of the apple pies. I used my Pampered Chef cut and seal tool to make them. I love that tool. I make my own uncrustable PB&J with it too. Kids (and the hubby love it!)
So, I've shared our menu, shared our past meals and I guess all that's left to do is share about my running. Of course!
I had a rough week last week. Healing up from running my unofficial marathon was a little time consuming. My ankles were the most sore I guess from running all that uneven surface of the Appalachian Trail. So, I did 2 runs - one on Tuesday that was only 4 miles and speedwork at a local park, and then the next day on the trails I love at Rocky Ridge I did 6 miles. Then I took Thursday and Friday off and had a great run at an alumni 5k for my high school. The cross country course was tough but I broke 30 minutes and I was thrilled. 29:59 is breaking 30, right!?! I did take first place in my age group too, but it was a pretty small field. But I got a trophy. My first one. Even more special that it was from my high school and my hubby paced me the whole run!
Then, I skipped my long run yesterday. I just wasn't feeling like running. WHAT!?! I hope that by listening to my body I can prevent injuries and hopefully I'll still hit my 1000 miles for running this year. I am at 816 miles. SO CLOSE! So, I really want to keep that momentum going. Fingers crossed I make it.
Anyway. Enough rambling. Time to wrap this up!
Have a fantastic week everyone!!
Sheri
Thought I might start with giving a glimpse into our menu for the week ahead. I haven't done that for awhile, and thought it would be a good start to the week...
Keep in mind that breakfast and lunch are geared toward the daycare kids, and may include meat. Dinner is for the hubby and I, and occasionally the boy, and won't include meat. :)
Monday:
Breakfast: Banana Smoothie, Toast, Lunch: Chicken & Rice Bake, Dinner: Veggie Soup & Grilled Panini\
Tuesday:
Breakfast: Applesauce Baked Donuts, Lunch: Pizza Stuffed Pita Shells, Dinner: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadillas
Wednesday:
Breakfast: Pancakes, Lunch: PB Banana Wrap, Dinner: Veggie Stromboli
Thursday:
Breakfast: French Toast, Lunch: Egg & Potato Hash, Dinner: Large Salad, Corn Fritters
Friday:
Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal, Lunch: Spaghetti, Dinner: Out with Friends!
So, there's our plan for the week. I try to plan flexible meals and I change things up as needed. I have to say that I am looking forward to Friday night's dinner the most!! We're headed out with some very good friends to Gettysburg and going out to dinner and then are doing a ghost tour through downtown Gettysburg. The hubby and I did it last year and, besides the frigid weather of last year, it was a great time. We're doing a different tour this year, with a different company and there will be 8 of us. The weather is looking perfect too!! No hat, gloves and boots required! I will try and snap as many pics as possible to share with all of you. :)
Now, what have I been making this past week, you wonder???
A great sauteed veggie platter with potatoes, kale, feta cheese and some spinach and feta pierogies added in. Delicious and healthy!
And this was our Sunday breakfast...yummy!!
And while I was at it...I made some buns for Sunday lunch to use with our veggie burgers. :)
And these are the apple hand pies I made for the daycare kiddos breakfast last week...they were tasty!
And this was the inside of the apple pies. I used my Pampered Chef cut and seal tool to make them. I love that tool. I make my own uncrustable PB&J with it too. Kids (and the hubby love it!)
So, I've shared our menu, shared our past meals and I guess all that's left to do is share about my running. Of course!
I had a rough week last week. Healing up from running my unofficial marathon was a little time consuming. My ankles were the most sore I guess from running all that uneven surface of the Appalachian Trail. So, I did 2 runs - one on Tuesday that was only 4 miles and speedwork at a local park, and then the next day on the trails I love at Rocky Ridge I did 6 miles. Then I took Thursday and Friday off and had a great run at an alumni 5k for my high school. The cross country course was tough but I broke 30 minutes and I was thrilled. 29:59 is breaking 30, right!?! I did take first place in my age group too, but it was a pretty small field. But I got a trophy. My first one. Even more special that it was from my high school and my hubby paced me the whole run!
Then, I skipped my long run yesterday. I just wasn't feeling like running. WHAT!?! I hope that by listening to my body I can prevent injuries and hopefully I'll still hit my 1000 miles for running this year. I am at 816 miles. SO CLOSE! So, I really want to keep that momentum going. Fingers crossed I make it.
Anyway. Enough rambling. Time to wrap this up!
Have a fantastic week everyone!!
Sheri
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