Tag Archives: Atlanta

So Good

30 Jun

“He is good, so good.  And he treats your little girl like a real man should.” ~Carrie Underwood  

I know, I just quoted Carrie Underwood.  No, I’m not sure what wrong but I just couldn’t get enough of that song when I was driving home from Nashville this weekend.   

Maybe it was driving through the rolling hills of Tennessee…  

Maybe it was because I just had a great weekend with my boys in Nashville…  

Or maybe it’s because for the first time, I stopped worrying about it and just let it be…  

But as I was driving back from Nashville, thinking about the weekend, what’s ahead, new jobs, dreams, struggles, time together and time apart, family, friends and home, I came to the conclusion that everything is going to be good.  So good.   

I know it sounds simple, and it is, but sometimes that’s the hardest stuff for me to figure out.  Sometimes I overcomplicate and over analyze things.  I sometimes ask the wrong people for advice or psych myself out.  

The second question people ask when they hear I’m going to law school is about the Boy.  What is he going to do?   (Here’s the most asked question)

Ziplining this weekend in Nashville. I know, the hats are hot. Safety first kids.

It’s been just over a month since I packed up my life and headed south for the summer before making the trek up north for school in the fall.  So many new things were happening.  I was moving, going back to school in a new city and the Boy was graduating, and starting a new job.  I was torn between excitement for both of us and wishing we would be there together going through it all.  Some people had horror stories of long distance relationships going array and this did nothing to calm that nagging fear in the back of my head.  Again, sometimes I over think things.   

The Boy and I have definitely been a part.  He’s spent summers back home, or in Spain.  I had to travel for work a lot and holidays have been spent with respective families, he’d travel for running etc. And it’s always been good.  Not “good” like fine/so so or any other watered down version of this word that people toss around but good.  So good like the Carrie Underwood song.  Really really good.  It’s always been a time where we learn about ourselves and each other going through new things.  It’s when I get back from the day and can’t wait to hear from him, talk with him and hear what he’s up to.  It’s always tough not having my best friend around all the time to hang out with but it always makes me realize what I have and so excited to be there again.   

I know, I know.  I don’t normally share this type of stuff on my blog…nor do I normally quote Carrie Underwood.  I don’t know.  Maybe it’s the heat.  

The boy when we went to the GA Aquarium

Or…maybe it’s because I haven’t heard very many encouraging words about all this so for anybody else who has ever or will ever go through this…it will be something for you to think about and hold on to.   

I also write this to say thanks to those who have been amazing and so supportive through all this.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you.  

One of these people is the Law School Wife.  I read this post a couple of weeks ago and I think it hit the nail on the head.  The circumstances are different but the point remains the same.  She talks about how people would say they’d never stay together through law school cause it’s so hard blah blah blah, but after a year, she’s found that’s not the case.  She says law school didn’t break those people up.  Deeper issues or an incapadability did, not law school.  I think the same applies to long distance. She says,  

“Either you tackle the issues together, or you don’t. It’s not about law school. It’s just life. The couples who can’t handle the speed bumps, the curve balls, the stress of being an adult–those are the couples who will break up. The couples who know how to work through problems together, to work through stress together, to speak to each other with kindness even when the going gets tough, those who realize law school is just a phase and that work is just a job, those who know how to play together will stay together–”  

I love it. It’s not law school, or the distance or anything else that’s hard, life is hard.  She says some people/couples sink and some swim.  Law school, and I’d say anything tough like long distance etc., weeds out the sinkers.  And makes the swimmers stronger.    

 
 

Enjoying some of Sweetwater's Brew and watching the World Cup

 This coupled with talking with the boy and another dear friend’s comments I saw this weekend about long distance relationships being a great experience to learn about each other and grow has made me…dare I say it…excited.  

I have loved our weekends together, out having fun, exploring, laughing, seeing friends and doing things we’ve never done before. I love our talks during the week and how he can make me smile miles away.  I look forward to growing together as we learn about each other as he is starts a new job, I’m at law school and so much more.  

So…on the windy road home from Nashville, with Carrie Underwood playing as the backdrop after a perfect weekend behind me and infinite possibilities ahead of me, I decided no more overthinking, overcomplicating or worrying.  I came to the conclusion that I knew was the right one all along.  

So, to the people who doubt and ask about me and the Boy and how we’ll make it though, I can say with conviction and confidence that no matter where we are, these challenges and weekends and long nights are going to be so good.  

I can’t wait!  

Thanks Carrie ;)   

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Stories of the Sweaty Runner

21 Jun

“Out of the silver heat mirage he ran.  The sky burned, and under him the paving was a black mirror reflecting sun-fire.  Sweat sprayed his skin with each foot strike so that he ran in a hot mist of his own creation.  With each slap on the softened asphalt, his soles absorbed heat that rose through his arches and ankles and the stems of his shins.” ~James Tabor, from “The Runner,” a short story 

Tabor makes it sound so epic, so heroic.  All I know is that I went on a run at 5:30 am this morning during the “cool” part of the day and still came back a sweaty mess.  

Because of this, and because it is the first day of summer, I thought it fitting to write about running in the heat.  By now, whether you live in Maryland, Atlanta, Texas or Oregon, you’re feeling it…amd if you’re like me, it doesn’t feel too good. 

I had big plans this summer.  I would be in the best shape of my life after my first marathon and ready to work on my kick in summer speed sessions but apparently, my body had other plans, as did my piriformis. So instead of running like a glistening gazelle, I’m sluggishly sweating it out in this sauna otherwise known as Atlanta, as I claw my way back into getting in shape.  

Let’s face it, running in the heat is no walk in the park.  It sucks.  There’s just no way around that.  BUT, I have learned some things to make it easier on yourself.  

1. Stay hydrated: This is the most important and easiest thing you can do to beta the heat while running.  It’s critical not just for performance sake but for your health. Heat related illnesses such as dehydration leads to muscle fatigue, cramping, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.    

I don’t know about you but I hate drinking water.  I know this is going to sound strange, but I just don’t like the taste.  Although I was noticing that during the day I would get these nasty headaches and I would feel light headed after my run.  I thought it was just because I was out of shape.  Wrong.  I wasn’t hydrating.  It’s so important for us as runners to watch how much we drink before, during and after exercise.   It’s also important in the summer to watch what you drink that dehydrates your body such as coffee, alcohol etc.  

I have gotten into the habit of always having a water bottle at my desk and making sure I drink at least three throughout the day.  And as for not liking water, slice up some lemons, grab some crystal light OR, try cucumber water. Yes. Cucumber water.  Beth Eats got me hooked on it.  It’s so refreshing!  Check it out.  

As for during the run, I need to get better at that.  The rule of thumb I go by is…if my body tells me I’m thirsty, drink water.  I hate drinking too much and then feeling it slosh around so I wait till my body tells me I need it.  

2. Replenish: During longer workouts, especially in the summer, you not only need to replenish water after a workout but the electrolytes and salt that you lose.  After a run, some of your fluid intake should be something like Gatorade or Powerade.   This will give your body back the electrolytes and salt you lost on your run.   

Some people also use salt tablets or even salt packets (like from McDonald’s) during a run.  I have a good friend who fell over and fainted after her half marathon in record heat  because her body was so depleted of salt.  We don’t want that happening kids so lets keep that salt and those electrolytes flowing! 

3. Wear only what you need: Time to talk clothes.  It’s summer which means absolutely no cotton.  I know, running clothes and tech gear can be expensive but splurge on some nice running tees or check out your local running stores sale rack because you will need a moisture wicking fabric to run in.  

4. Sunscreen: Wear it.  I love to be tan just like the next person but keep it safe kids.  I used to run without sunscreen and just let it burn because eventually it would turn to tan but I’m trying to be better.  It might sound harsh but I came to the conclusion that I’m running to stay healthy so I don’t want to die of skin cancer just because I didn’t take time to put on sunscreen.  

I use Aveeno or Neutrogena 15 on my face and put it on about a half hour before I run to make sure the sweat doesn’t make it run.  Stinging sunscreen in your eyes isn’t fun for anyone. 

5. Run Early or Late: I know, running at the crack of dawn isn’t the most alluring thing on a Monday morning but when you are driving home and watching the steam rise off the pavement, you’ll be glad you did it.  Make the extra time in your day to run when it’s cooler out, either in the morning or late at night.  

Run routes that have shade during the dog days of summer

 

6. Go Slow: This is the lesson we all as runners try to learn but can’t seem to master.  This will help you start out slow in a race too so you don’t go out too fast.  It is so important during the summer to start out slow.  Starting out too fast will make your core temperature skyrocket and then it’s hard to bring it back down in the 90 degree heat and humidity.   ALWAYS remember to stop running immediately if you feel faint, find some shade, take a breather and drink lots of water. 

My running buddy...I miss him so much :)

 

Also, for those of you who have a four-legged running buddy like me…these rules apply to them too.  Make sure your friend gets plenty of water before and after running and pay close attention during the run to make sure they aren’t getting fatigued.  

Hopefully that will help take the edge off the heat!  I’d love to hear your tips on how you make running in the heat bearable.

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I Simply Cannot Help Myself

3 Jun

“We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves…The human spirit is indomitable.” ~Sir Roger Bannister, first runner to run a sub-4 minute mile 

I could get used to these

Welcome to Hotlanta, where the peaches are sweet, the kudzu grows, sweet tea is a natural resource and boiled peanuts are the way to go.  It is truly living up to its name.  I’m afraid that with all the humidity, I might actually grow gills soon. Truthfully though, those actually might come in quite handy while running.  

Speaking of running…I am happy to report I put my first run in after a month and a half off due to a pain in the a$$ injury.  Literally.  I took the time I needed to to let the muscle relax, stretch it out and get ready to gear up again.  Truth be told, I probably could’ve started running two weeks ago but with leaving my job, packing, moving, the Boy’s grad party, starting a new job and not being in the same state for more than a day or two until now.  I just didn’t want to make starting up again any harder than it had to be so I decided to wait…you know, till it was 90 degrees outside ;)  

So, I decided that this week was my D-day.  Time to get back in shape.  As much as I dreaded the coming two weeks where running would not be fun, ok, it would be flat-out dreadful…I missed running. Training for the marathon made me a junkie. I craved it.  I couldn’t help myself.  I missed how great I felt during and after a hard run after a long day.  I missed conquering miles and each time going longer than I had before. As hard as it is, you get past the tough part and then running is relaxing and enjoyable.  

Never have I ever been a "cute" runner. The people who work out and don't sweat are freaks of nature in my book.

Tuesday was my first day of work and afterwards I was beat.  I got out of the car at home and couldn’t imagine running. As I was debating in my head about what to do (I mean, today was the first day back, I couldn’t just skip it!??) my dad asked if I wanted to run with him.  Perfect.  I warned him that I hadn’t run for over a month and he might have to drag me.  He told me not to worry about it cause he ran slow so it would be a nice easy run.  

We set out for a 2.5 mile run.  It’s hard when you first start not to talk yourself into going longer, my last run was my 20 mile training run so 2.5 seemed piddly at first but boy am I glad I didn’t up it.  It’s so important when you first start running to listen to your body.  If you set an unrealistic goal you’ll never be able to meet, you just set yourself up for failure.  Be smart when planning your mileage especially when you start out.  I have learned this lesson the hard way.  It’s just not worth being a stubborn runner then being discouraged because you can’t meet your goal.  

What I pretended to see on the road to keep me steady

Alright, so back to the 2.5.  First of all, how is it still 87 degrees at 5:30 in Atlanta.  I walked outside and started sweating.  Ugh.  I just keep telling myself this will help me get in shape faster.  So we set out and I was bracing myself for my piriformis to hurt but it didn’t.  I was running pain-free!  I was ecstatic! I went out slow, much slower than my regular pace but I was running! The hills and heat got to me around 1.5 and I had to stop for a second with my dad but then he started two seconds later and I followed suit.  

I know so many people have commented on this blog while I was training for the marathon about how they wanted to get out and get running but just couldn’t get past that nasty two weeks.  So, I am going to share the good, the bad and the ugly about me gearing back up in hopes that people see that yes, it does hurt and it’s not pleasant at first but if you stick with it, you WILL get through it and find that yes, running can be enjoyable! 

Soon I'll be like this where I run for fun

I am so glad my dad went with me and encouraged me to get out there.  As hard as it was to put one foot in front of the other, it was easier knowing someone was leading the way  and way more fun (ps…he’s not slow ;)   I think he was only being nice to me ha). So here’s what I’ve learned so far about starting to run: 

1. Don’t plan to go too far, start with something you can do.
2. Start out slow. (Why is this always the hardest rule for runners to follow)
3. Find someone to run with or hold you accountable. It was great running with my dad and of course knowing I need to keep in shape so that when I get back to Nashville, I can run with the Nasties is keeping me on track.  And of course, even though she’s not right beside me, my TPFL is keeping me accountable every step of the way :)
4. Give yourself a pat on the back when you’re done.  The first steps are the hardest but be confident in your plan and you’ll get past the tough part in no time. 

What would your suggestions be all my runner friends to those starting out? 

Oh and even though it’s a day late, happy National Running Day!  What did you do to celebrate?  Go for a run?  Decide to start running?

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Home to Me

25 May

“Isn’t it perfect how the memories feel the same” ~Josh Kelley

Home is more than the house

Hello friends!  So much has been going on lately! It’s been great to have my friends help me out with the graduation series this month to give me time to pack, finish up at work (tomorrow is my last day, agh) and try to get my life in order to go back to Hotlanta for the summer before law school.  But I’ve missed you all!

Being faced with leaving my home here in Nashville, I’ve thought a lot about the idea of home and what makes something a home.  Sure, it’s the location, but it’s so much more than that.

Grandad's Bench

This past weekend I went up to northern Michigan, through Traverse and up M22 to the lake house for my lovely cousin Katie’s wedding.  I’ve been going there for the summer with my family since I was little and it has always  been my favorite place on earth.  It’s waking up to lake, the air, the beach, and the small town where the place to do business is the bakery over a hot cup of Leelanau Coffee yes, but this house holds so much more.  It’s family dinners around a huge cherry table, cousins running rampant, and the well-loved bench that sits overlooking the lake.  It’s the laughter that fills the vaulted ceilings, my grandfather’s books that fill the bookcases and my grandmother’s easel with her latest painting on it.  It’s the love and the memories that make this home.

View from the bench. Best compliments are a hot cup of coffee, a cool morning and conversation.

A couple of years when my grandparents died, the house had to be put on the market  which absolutely broke my heart.  There are five brothers and with all of them living far away, the upkeep and cost of the house would get too burdensome.  I understood but secretly hoped it wouldn’t sell.  One economic downturn and housing market fail later, we still have the house.

It’s been good and bad.  Of course, I love being up there but grandparents weren’t there, the books were left untouched on the shelves and the paintings left unfinished.  It’s been a lot of work for the families.  Kids went to college, people went up at different times and things just changed.  I just had a different feel.

I’m not going to lie, I was excited to go to Michigan this past weekend because I ached to be at the lake but I was a little nervous about being up there with all these people I didn’t know.  What would it be like?  Well…let’s just say that this weekend reminded me why I loved this place in the first place.

Cousins

Katie’s wedding was absolutely gorgeous and I had the honor and pleasure of standing next to her as she starts this new adventure with Justin.  That’s what family is.  Her parents were up as well as my Uncle and his wife who married Katie, my cousins and my great  uncle and great aunt.  There were big dinners around the cherry table, laughter filling the room and late night talks that lasted till 2-3 in the morning.

The wedding party were awesome.  Stephanie and Jeff, you are hilarious and I had a blast getting to know you. Road trip soon? And Lady Logan, thank god you were there giving me direction :)

Two Aunts

It was making new friends and connecting with family I haven’t seen in so long.  I loved staying up late and laughing with my aunt.  I’ve missed these people! And apparently my boy cousins are all giants and somehow I am STILL the shortest in the family even though I’m the oldest.  It was so great to see them and hang out with them.  I got to meet Ellie, Katie’s cousin on the other side who rocks and who does crazy long distance running.  We’re going to have to get her to write a post.  Ellie, I think you are fantastic!

Ladies!

I am so excited about the lake this year after that trip.  I’ll be able to be up for two weeks this year with my family, uncles, aunts and cousins I haven’t seen in years will be up to play king of the bongo and the Boy will be up with his family! I can’t wait to show them my home. Justin, Katie’s new husband said something up at the lake at the wedding that has stuck with me…my family are my friends and my friends are my family.  I couldn’t agree more Justin and to me, that’s what makes a home.

So as I get ready to leave Nashville soon I am comforted by the fact that home is the people.  Home can be in different places.  Home is where the heart is is taking on a whole new meaning.

What makes a place home for you? Where is your home? Is it different than where you physically live?

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Have I Mentioned Yet That I Love These People?

20 May

“As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” ~Joan Benoit Samuelson

East Nasty Water Stop at Tom King

You probably know by now that I run with a fabulous group of people, the Nasties.  And you may also have gathered that these have become not just running partners but great friends.  This has proven to be the most difficult part about leaving. I will miss my city but it’s the people who I haven’t quite figured out how I’ll live without.  I keep saying, I’ll just be displaced for awhile!

I’ve gotten some unexpected practice with that since I haven’t been able to run for a month but I’ve still managed to get my Nasty fix.

This past weekend when I was inducted into the Ring of Honor at Flying Saucer (yes my parents were proud) some came out to celebrate and we were all talking when Rod announced, “Jack I know I have something to tell you. I think it had to do with writing…” Hmmm.  We all carried on and Rod later enthusiastically announced, “Oh, I remember.  You’re going to be East Nasty of the Week.”  He could hardle finish because of the screams of myself and Christy :)  I’m pretty sure we gave someone a heart attack.  It’s ok, it was worth it.

So check out the new ENOW…soon to be displaced but still will come back for runs and of course true to East Nasty style…other very important celebrations.  I love these people! Love love love them!

Come on back over tomorrow to read what my TPFL has to say to the Class of 2010.

Are you in a running group or have  a certain group of friends you always run with?  How has it affected you?  How has it affected your running?

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I Have a Confession to Make…

11 May

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ~Thomas Edison

…I have been keeping a secret from you.

It’s been killing me.

But do you ever have a secret that you are almost afraid to utter for fear of failure?

For fear that it won’t happen?

Well, it’s happening.

I’m going to law school.

There, I said it.

I’m quitting my job,

going into debt,

leaving my friends,

leaving my city,

and pursuing my dream.

I am so sorry I’ve had to keep this secret from you.  I’ve wanted to tell you so many times.  ”A publicist to a law school student?” you’re probably saying.  I know, sounds weird but they are surprisingly very similar.  I’ve wanted to write this post so many times and couldn’t and now that I can I am overwhelmed with what I want to tell you.  We need to catch up! Ok, let’s start at the beginning.

J. Bruce Johnston

It starts with this guy. This is James Bruce Johnston, vice president of labor relations for US Steel.  This is not how I knew him though.  I knew him as Grandad.  I was fortunate enough to grow up with both sets of grandparents nearby and saw him often.  I was in high school when he passed which was way too soon but I am so thankful for the time I had.  I didn’t know the Grandad that moved mountains professionally.  I just knew he played sea monster in the lake with us, kicked our butts in monopoly, the songs he sang with his deep voice that would fill every room in the place just like his laugh…and his hugs.

I will never forget his hugs.  You would walk in the door and he would greet you with a smile on his face and a bear hug.  I remember his kindness, his cat naps on the couch with a book propped on his lap, his support and sitting with him on the lake bench having coffee in the morning in michigan as the water lapped the shore.

Grandad

When he passed away though, I learned a lot about what he did in his former life.  You know, B.G. Before grandkids. Isn’t it funny how you just assume your grandparents have been grandparents their whole life.  I wish I would have unearthed these stories before he passed.  The stories of his travels, meeting presidents, the speeches he made.  Even though I never knew him as an attorney, it has been amazing to talk to those who worked with him and hear how great he was at what he did.

Dad

That’s probably where this guy gets it.  Dad.  I knew what he did.  In fact, I knew enough that I made a list of reasons why I didn’t want to be what he was…an attorney.

I knew Dad went to work early and came home exhausted. I also knew that mom said if we didn’t move Dad would have a heart attack.  You see, with my dad, it worked the opposite way my experience with my Grandad did.  I saw and remembered all the hard days but forgot the good.  I didn’t see all the good he was doing, the people he was helping and the lives he was changing.  If dad was late for a soccer game, that was another reason on my long list of reasons why not to become an attorney.

So, you can imagine my dad’s surprise when after two years out of school and in a secure job, I call and say, “Hey dad. Uh, I’ve kind of been thinking about law school.”

Trust me. It was a surprise to me too.  When thinking about school and what I wanted to do, I immediately took “law” off my list because I thought, like my dad, I’d be on call 24/7.  Who wants to do that?  How silly.  What I soon realized was, most jobs can be like that (I mean, come on…publicist) so you better be doing something you love.  The more I realized that, the more I really thought about what I like to do and what I’m good at.

Monkey with my dad. Yes, I am responsible for putting him in the pumpkin suit. Now you're worried about my judgement aren't you.

That’s when the idea of getting into “law” started rearing it’s head again.  Who invited him to the party?

Alright, like I said, I’m overwhelmed with everything I want to share with you but since statistics tell us that most people will not even get to the bottom of this post :) (Congrats to those who did) I’m going to break this life change up into separate posts. Quite frankly, I’m still processing this too.

Have you ever made a life change like that where you feel like you are about to do a 180?

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Weekends are for (food)lovers- That’s My Kind of Vegetable

5 Apr

“Vegetables are a must on a diet.  I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.”  ~Jim Davis

Don't check out yet, promise we'll make these little buggers delicious. Image by Fran Henig

It’s Springtime in Nashville, my windows have been open all weekend, the fan has been running and the sun has been out everyday. Well, besides that pesky thunderstorm that threatened to ruin Saturday but the sun chased it away before I had my first cup of coffee. After this weekend, I’m in a good mood.

I’ve been a little down recently after my not so peachy half marathon in Atlanta, followed by a week and a half long flu. It’s been miserable and no training was being done. I kept thinking I was getting better only to go out for a run and have to cut it short after feeling like someone was throwing bricks on top of my chest. It was an extremely frustrating week and with a celebrity booksigning at work, I was busier than ever. I couldn’t wait for the weekend to relax, recoup, get my life in order and hopefully squeeze in a 10 mile run and a 14 mile long run to get me back on track.

Instead of going on a 10 mile run on Saturday morning I sidelined those plans because turns out, when I don’t run, I eat. Well, I cook.  Makes sense right? You’re not running so obviously filling your home with delicious treats is the next logical step. But hey, at least it was healthy…it had carrots in it.  When The Pioneer Woman posted her favorite Easter treat, Sigrid’s Carrot Cake, I knew I had to try it. I have always been unjustly prejudice against carrot cake. I think the carrot threw me off.  Like most things I judge too quickly, I was wrong.

They taunt me with their cream cheese icing.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes- Originally from The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

For the Cake:
-2 cups sugar
-1 cup vegetable oil
-4 eggs
-2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 tsp salt
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tsp ground cinnamon
-2 cups grated carrots

For Icing:
-1 stick of butter, softened
-1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
-1 lb. powdered sugar
-2 tsp vanilla
-1 cup pecans, chopped finely (I decided to leave these out)

Directions

Cake
-Mix together the sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl
-In another bowl sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon then add it to the first mixture and combine
-Add carrots and mix well
-Pour into greased a floured cupcake tin and bake until done (25-27 minutes)
-Cool Completely

Icing
-In large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese
-Add sugar and vanilla and blend
-Mix in the nuts
-Spread on cooled carrot cake. (NOTE: This is one of the best icing ever, so a word or two of warning. 1- don’t eat the whole bowl with a spoon and 2- wait till the cupcakes are completely cooled before you put the icing on or it will all run off. Trust me, you don’t want it to all run off)

One of my favorite warm weather vegetables

Oh but that wasn’t all my friends. It’s not enough to have carrot cake cupcakes, I needed to add ricotta cheese to the mix. Again though…it included sweet peas, asparagus and zucchini…so it’s healthy right?

I got out of my 10 miler but I knew that bright and early Sunday morning I’d have to wake up and do 14 so I wanted to get my pasta in and why not throw in some cheese and greens. This dish was delicious and perfect for a Spring night.

Springy Shells- Recipe originally from Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients
-16oz.  medium pasta shells
-1 lb. asparagus (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)  discard tough pieces
-1/2 lb broccoli, cut into small florets (I left these out since the Boy doesn’t like cooked broccoli, still had two three greens though so I was ok with that decision)
-1 medium zucchini diced
-1/2 cup frozen peas
-3 whole green onions sliced (white and light green parts)
-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Tbls butter
-2 Tbls olive oil
-20 oz. ricotta cheese
-1/2 teasp salt
-2 eggs
-1 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
-black pepper
-extra olive oil for drizzling

Springy Shells Photo by Ree Drummond

Directions

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-Cook pasta until extremely al dente
-Melt butter with olive oil over medium heat, then add garlic
-Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for five minutes
-Add the broccoli and cook for one minute
-Add zucchini and cook for one or two more minutes
-Add the frozen peas, stir together then turn off the heat and set aside
-In separate bowl mix ricotta, eggs, salt and pepper until well combined

-Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish
-Add half the pasts, then spread 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture over the surface
-Sprinkle 1/3 of the parmesan over the ricotta, then 1/2 of the vegetables
-Repeat with the rest of the pasta, then the rest of the ricotta and another 1/3 of the parmesan.
-End with the rest of the veggies and the rest of the parmesan
-Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes on 350 or until nice and hot

This was so yummy! I think the Boy liked it too but not as much as the cupcakes. It was sans meat but have no fear because I have a three ingredient brisket marinating in the fridge for tomorrow to remedy the meatless weekend. Mmm.

The springy shells must have put an extra spring in my step because I went out Sunday morning and got my whole 14 miler in! It was the first time in two weeks I finished the run I set out to do and it did a world of good for me mentally. I can’t believe that after next weeks 20 miler, It’ll be taper time. Now I’m off to sit outside, soak up some sun, relax, have a cupcake and watch some more Office, which me and the Boy have been going through at an alarming speed.

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?

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The not so peachy ING 1/2- Race Recap

24 Mar

“Tomorrow is another day, and there will be another battle!” ~Sebastian Coe

ING 1/2 March 21, 2010

It was supposed to be a cinch, an easy 13.1, a taper week, a chance for my family to come see me run and a mental boost for me to run an easy 13.1 through Atlanta. Turns out, it was one of the toughest runs I have had in awhile.

I went to Atlanta this past weekend to see the family, relax and run the ING Half Marathon.  Even though the half didn’t go nearly as well as I had hoped, I learned a lot.

The night before the half, we went to dinner at some friends house. They were wonderful, beautiful people. It was only hard because I couldn’t eat my normal pre-race dinner. I didn’t think it would be a problem but I could tell during the race that something was off. It’s so funny how when you run those distances, something little can make such a huge difference. Lesson #1: never mess with the pre-race meal.

ING pre-race

The morning of the half, I rode with neighbors downtown. We left at 5am which meant I had to wake up at 4am eastern (3am my time). Woah. My body had no clue what was going on. I had decided the night before to add a banana to the lineup that morning for some extra energy. Normally I just have a Luna bar. I’m not sure if this was a good idea or not. I’m still trying to perfect the morning race meal but as you’ll see later, something just wasn’t right during the race and the banana may be to blame in part. We’ll see- the verdict is still out.

When I went to the corrals at 6:50 (the half started at 7) 18,000 runners were already on the move! Since when do races start on time, let alone early!? I was supposed to be in corral B but I was back by K and knew I wouldn’t make it. I pushed my way up to corral D. I probably could’ve made it to corral C but figured since I really wasn’t trying to race this half, it would be good to start farther back so I couldn’t go out fast. Wrong again. There I was dodging runners, all the while averaging right under a 9 minute mile for the first five. Oh brother. Lesson #2: Get a corral number close enough up so you aren’t dodging people for half the race. You add mileage (and time) that way.

Around mile five when I looked down at my watch and realized the pace I was keeping on what was supposed to be a long run on my taper week…I had what’s called here down south, a Come to Jesus talk with myself :) I reminded myself that I’m in training right now and this was not my race. I couldn’t be sore for the next week because I had to hop right back into training. This was supposed to be  my easy week. Even after the talk, it was easier said (or thought) than done. I felt like a stick shift car- jerky (or at least the way I drive one). I kept running as if it was a race and then had to pull back. Over and over I had to keep my competitive edge in check. I think that’s why I got SO tired. By mile  8 I was done.

Thank God I wasn't doing the marathon

How silly of me to think that  Atlanta was flat. Wrong again! It was SO hilly. The good news is that after Dante’s Peak, I knew that no matter what the course threw at me, I could make it to the top. Mile 11 came and they started separating us for the half and full marathon. I can’t tell you how thankful I was that I wasn’t doing the full. I almost knelt down and kissed the ground. The last 2.1 were nasty rough and once I was done I felt awful. There was a lurching in my stomach, my head was stuffy and my legs hurt like hell.

On the way home I felt like I was going to throw up. My whole body was in revolt. I hated that my family had to see me like that. On my 4 hour drive back to Nashville I was upset. Really upset. Why did I have such a bad race? Luckily I have great friends, including a wonderful running buddy and a fantastic and knowledgeable boyfriend to listen to me as I hashed out what I learned from ING.

My new compression socks will from here on out be called sausage casings

Lesson #3: Run the race you set out to run.
-I should have decided long before I was in my start corral, what my strategy was. It was a taper week and I should have treated it as such from the very start.

Lesson#4: You are tired at your finish line, no matter the mileage.
- Let’s be honest…I was terrified that the thought of breaking off to do the marathon almost made me cry. During the half, at mile 11 I was beat when just the week before I ran close to 19. How would I ever run twice with I did at ING?! Well, cause that’s where the finish line is. My line was 18.something the week before and that’s what I did. It was 13.1 for the ING. It’s all where the finish line is.

Lesson #5: Compression socks or as I call them, sausage casings, should be in everyone’s running arsenal.
-I got some CEP Compression Socks this weekend.  I have been hearing from everyone how great these are but quite honestly didn’t want to spend the money. I finally gave in because I knew I’d be driving 4 hours right after the half and heard that compression socks are especially great for traveling after a race since you can’t ice and put your feet up. I love them (even though they are UT colors). My shins have felt so much better this week.

I ended up with a time of 2:03:19, not my best time by any means but for a long run, not bad. I was 3,531 out of 10,481 runners, 1.264 out of 5,863 females and 149th in my age division. Not great but not bad.

My body is just now recovering, just in time for a killer hill workout with the nasties tonight. I still don’t feel 100% and my body still doesn’t like anything I put in it but I am giving it till 6:00 to get it’s act together. The sun is out, the weather is beautiful and I’m ready to run.

What lessons have you learned from a bad race?

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Live. Dream. Love. and Smiling at the Future

19 Mar

“The purpose of life is not to be happy.
It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate,
to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Earlier this month a beautiful friend, Chelsea Smith or as I knew her in college, Chelsea Swab, sent me a blogger award. It was the “You’re Going Places” award. Upon receiving it,  you are supposed to say where you want to be in 10 years. Now honestly, I’ve never been about these blogger awards but this one intrigued me and made the planner in me go nuts. There really should be some sort of rehab for planners and to-do list makers like me. “Hello my name is Jaye and I plan.” To which everyone sitting in creaky metal chairs would reply, “Hello Jaye.”

From Le Love's blog 3/18

My plans used to be a compilation of things to “do.”  What’s odd is that although my list still has some things to do, it focuses more on what or who I want to be. People are always evolving and so, as I have learned, are to-do lists.

10 years from now, sure there are things I want to do…have a couple more marathons under my belt (hopefully from different countries), learn another language, continue to succeed in a job that I love and since I’ll be almost 35, maybe I’ll have some rugrats running around (eek), but what about who I want to be.

I want to keep learning, listening and laughing. I want to be more understanding, more compassionate. I want to keep dreaming and help others achieve their dreams. I want to encourage, challenge and love those around me better than I do now. I want to do things I’m afraid of to make me more fearless and brave. I want to struggle so that I can become a stronger person. I want to try new things and meet new people but never forget where I came from and always honor that.

Like the quote says above, I want to live well. I want my life to mean something, I want to make an impact. I want to find out what it really means to live beautifully which to me doesn’t mean that everything is perfect and in it’s place, but that I always seek to find the beauty and joy around me in places, people, things and situations so matter how messy it is on the outside.

10 years ago

Proverbs 31:25 “Strength and dignity are her clothing. And she smiles at the future.” I have no idea where I’ll be in 10 years, but I welcome it. Bring it on because I’m going to smile at the future no matter what it brings.

When you get a second, stop by Chelsea’s blog, The Adventures of Mrs. Smith. She has mouth-watering Menu Monday’s and I love her inspiring thoughts for the day.  She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet and I have so enjoyed reading her blog since we don’t see each other very much which I hope to remedy soon.

Some people say social networking takes away something from friendships because you aren’t sitting in front of them. I respectfully disagree. I think reading, connecting and sharing everyday makes those personal connections stronger when  you do meet. You connect over similar passions, attitudes and a way of going about life than merely experiences. Another thing I hope in 10 years is to continue to connect with these fabulous people.

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

Have a great weekend everyone! I am headed to Atlanta to run the ING Half Marathon and to hang out with the family. Wish me luck!

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