Friday catch up

Pre-race

Yesterday was a great day. Started off with the Memphis Turkey Trot.  I have a difficult time in the cold because of Raynaud's disease.  It was 39 degrees, I sucked it up and did better than I hoped. The only part of me that was affected by the cold was my ears.  They came back to life after about thirty minutes.

Stopped for a hot coffee on the way home. I only place I drink coffee from is Dunkin Donuts. America RUNS on Dunkin, seems fitting.

After I got home I was in the kitchen for hours.  I don't think I was ever as happy to be out of the kitchen as I was last night.

I slept ALOT.  I knocked out a quick seven mile run right at sunset today, it was beautiful. There was no way I was going anywhere other than running.  The greediness of people never ceases to amaze me.  Black Friday is a perfect example.  I would never fight over anything other than my children.  Seriously to fight over a bra at Victoria's Secret?  

I have two long runs scheduled for this weekend, and a whole lot of relaxing with my friend wine. 

I got mail today, two months late, my prescriptions from the VA. This is an example of why the VA has such a horrible reputation. When I don't have my medicine, I actually withdrawal off of it, which is horrible. I have called and complained a number of times. This is what came in the mail (multiple bottles of the same medicine) 

I guess I should be happy???

How was your Thanksgiving?

Did you spend too much time in the kitchen? 

Did you brave the crowds today?

Gratitude,, procrastinaters

Does it drive anyone else crazy when people wait to the last minute to do things?  I have always shopped, planned, and prepared for all holidays.  People act like the holidays have never happened.  Then you see the same people get mad because they can't find a parking space or they can't  get what they want.  Seriously???

As I was defrosting my turkey, I noticed the following tag attached:

I was shocked to see that an average serving would be 1 1/2 pounds.  That seems like a lot of turkey, doesn't it? Plus all the sides. 

Having my usual pre-race meal Mac and cheese.  I always get nervous before a race no matter how much I have prepared.  I'm the kind of runner that does not run for fun, I run to win.  I am too competitive.  

What are you having for Thanksgiving dinner? We are having turkey, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, roasted vegetables, stuffing, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes.  

Are you shopping on Black Friday? I'm not

Are you competitive?

Last run before race, prepping meal

I had my last run before The Turkey Trot on Thursday. I'm pretty confident that I will do well.  This will be the first "real race" I have run and felt good about. 

I have set out the ingredients for each dish I am making for Thanksgiving dinner. My menu-list of demanded items-includes grown up Mac and cheese, corn casserole, sweet potatoe casserole, roasted vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey and pumpkin pie.

This is a short blog my head is killing me

Turkey humor, awesome runs

Just a little turkey humor:

I've included a how to on cooking a turkey correctly:

I had to take a trip into Memphis, to get my BOBOS oat bars. Memphis is such a run down city, which is why it is ranked third in the nation for its dangerousness (new word).  I will never understand why they chose to put Whole Foods right in the middle of the city.  Picked up a case of the maple pecan flavored bars and headed home.

I hear people always commenting on other people's success. It is usually negative, like it was just given to them.  I can tell you that nothing comes easy and without perseverance.  I have worked so hard to get back on track with my running.  If you are not willing to work your ass off for something then you really don't want it.

I logged more miles last week then I have in a long time. 

Looking forward to spending time with Zachary this week. We may go to the Memphis zoo, which is the only attraction this city, has gotten right.  There a lot of interactive things for kids to do.  Plus they have there Christmas lights up.

How was your weekend?

Do you have to drive far to get the things you love?  How far?

Have you started to defrost your turkey?

Flours Banana Bread recipe

This is the best banana bread I have ever had. Super easy to make.

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed
2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift together first four ingredients. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy. Drizzle in oil. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla. Fold in flour mixture and nuts. Pour batter into a buttered 9" x 4" loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 12 servings.

Celebration time

A few weeks ago, I took a leap of faith and applied to get on a triathlon team, a national team.  Yesterday, emails were sent out, after several hours of waiting I accepted the fact that I wasn't chosen. I am new to the sport so it was not a huge letdown.  While I was sitting watching Diners, Drive ins and Dives I heard my notification for email and what do you know I received this message.

Thank you for applying to be a part of Team BSR for 2015. 

 Should you accept, you have been selected to represent the 2015 Team BSRX3! 

It certainly was a welcomed surprise.

The team is BSR Big Sexy Racing, which is just a name, I am neither big or sexy...

So I will certainly be having some wine to celebrate today.  I have worked very hard and overcome many obstacles to get where I am. So I am very proud to represent this team.

My favorite wine!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

What is your favorite wine?

Have you ever had an unexpected surprise? What was it?

What are you doing today?

Nothing better than baking, rest days suck

Baking has to be one of my favorite things to do in the fall.  I love the smell of baking in the house. I am sitting here loving the smell of banana bread baking in the oven.

  I used a recipe from Flours bakery.  I will post it tomorrow. It is the moistest banana bread I have ever had, because they use sour cream in the batter.

Taking a rest day today, stomach not feeling it today.  Tomorrow will be my last speed work before the Turkey Trot on Thursday.  I hate rest days, I know I need them but I feel so lazy.

I did a marathon yesterday, lol.  Do you people watch?  I am guilty, I watch people too much.  So as I was sitting in the theater I had a great opportunity to watch people. What did I see?

1) Obesity is real,  I could not help but to notice for every one average sized person there were five    obese people.  Bad enough, but do you really need that large popcorn, large soda, and candy? It is not funny to laugh at yourself because you can barely fit into the theater seat.  That is called a sign, to do something about it!!!!!

2) Sagging.  I have never heard anyone say "look at that man with the sagging pants isn't he sexy."  Why not? Because that has to be the most ridiculous thing ever.  Sagging actually started in the prison system as a way to let other inmates know you were "available."  Police officers love sagging because when a "sagger" tries to run, they can't.

3) Obnoxious people. Seriously must you rattle that effing bag the entire movie? Must you chomp food so loud I can hear it over the movie?  Are you so important that you have to check your phone every five minutes, I doubt it.  Where was this guy yesterday?  

Mockingjay was an awesome movie, the ending left you hanging on the end of your seat. Can't wait for part two.

What are your weekend plans? 

What is your favorite thing to bake?

Do rest days make you feel lazy?

Mocking jay release triple play, hug a runner day

Today is hug a runner day, so I chose a male and female runner that I would love to hug if given the opportunity.  Steven Prefonte and Kara Goucher.

Two awesome, push the limits runners.  Now if I was going for the runner I personally know, who is motivating even though a few hundred miles away and is just an all around great person I would have to say, Jennifer Chaffin from Nashville.

Today, at 1430 hrs (230pm) I will be watching the entire Hunger Games series with Zachary. I don't try to be a friend to my kids, however how awesome is it to leave school an hour early to hang out all night with your mom!!!!!

Yesterday I had a GREAT run and I am feeling confident that at next weeks Turkey Trot I can beat my PR of 32 minutes for four miles. My goal is under 30!!!

What keeps me motivated

Several years ago, I hated running so much that if I looked at someone running I would start having trouble breathing.  I'm not sure if it was because for eight years I was forced to run every morning.  I remember taking my U S Army pt test and falling to the ground after two miles. How times have changed.

When I became a civilian police officer, I realized how important being able to run was.  My fellow officers needed me to be there for them. Many of them did not feel the same way, once they made it out of the police academy they let themselves go.  I specifically remember when I was in field training, jumping out of the patrol car and tackling a man who was running from us.  My training officer was so proud of me.  What did that do to me? Well now I had a reputation to uphold.  I began running regularly mostly for physical fitness, not racing.  When other officers said they would not chase perps on foot, I thought they were weak.  I loved it when the bad guys ran and I caught them.  Not only was I usually older then they were, I also had about twenty pounds of gear to carry.  I usually always caught them!!!!

After I got out of law enforcement, I thought well maybe I can run competitively. Wow, I was winning ALOT.  Then I thought I wonder how far I can run.  Well turns out I can run far!  So I fell in love with running for necessity, to test my limits, and for the improvement of my mental health.

My favorite motivational movie is The Gabby Douglas Story.  I can watch a few minutes of that movie if I am in a rut and find myself pushing myself further then before.

The admiration of my children always gives me a boost.  I have the most appreciative children.  They are my biggest fans!

Knowing that I have a full race schedule in 2015 is very motivating.  I find that if I have races scheduled I will push myself harder.  2014 proved to have a great start, followed by several cancelled races because of injuries. I finished a few difficult races CUMBERLAND PLATEAU STAGE race was by far the most difficult race of my life.  I had not trained for it at all. I was happy with finishing even though I came in third. 

I am fortunate enough to have my own workout room, which I love...

What motivates you?

Do you have your own workout area? 

Have you ever hated something and then turned it into a love? 

Treadmill Tuesday, Turkey Tuesday

I know I was not supposed to run for a week.  I made it five days lol. Got on the treadmill legs felt great knocked out 8 miles no pain.  Getting ready for the turkey trot next week.  Having a strong core is a must when running.  I could feel the difference when I wasn't doing abs, because of my broken tailbone. Finally been able to work on the abs and it makes a huge difference when I run.  

Prissy had a rough day. Isn't she so effing adorable. I love her.  Over the weekend, she had a nosebleed.  It scared me to death. I tried to apply pressure, however her face is flat so she couldn't breathe, it was a mess.  Finally got it to stop now every time she sneezes I panic. 

Anybody else pick up their turkey yet? I found one I liked today, 21 lbs.  I decided that since Thanksgiving is a major holiday, I would cheat on my "no meat" diet.  My son wants me to eat turkey with him so I caved.  He could probably ask me to do anything and I would.  He is so cute that I have taken apart plumbing in two sinks to get a tiny Lego out.  There is nothing that I wouldn't do for any of my children....

Tomorrow is my speed training day, probably on the treadmill, yuck.  Lobster ravioli for dinner.

How big is your turkey?  

What is the craziest thing you have done to keep your child/significant other happy? 

Do you have a pet that just flops over the furniture?

I love grocery shopping, brrrrr outside

I love grocery shopping, alone.  It is so much fun, I know that probably sounds crazy.  I visualize meals I am going to make while in the grocery store.  Usually they are not for me since I don't eat meat, but I know the family appreciates my extraordinary amount of time in the store.  I have always loved to cook but more importantly I LOVE TO EAT...  My kids always tell me what a great cook I am!!!! I picked up a bunch of baking supplies today. Baking is a stress reliever for me.  Could not find a turkey large enough, so I guess I will have to go back. Julia Child was such a smart lady, I love Julia Child. 

Does anybody else suffer from Raynauds Phenomenon? Weird that a medical disorder is called a phenomenon. It is a circulatory disorder that causes the nose, ears, fingers, and toes to lose circulation in the cold. Usually the cold turns them white, sort of like frostbite. As I was walking through the store looking for toe warmers, I found myself wondering why, I couldn't feel all my toes!!!! Ironic.  I have suffered my whole life from it, hence the hatred towards cold.  A comfortable temperature for me is 80 degrees and up.  I want to go running, but don't want to lose any body parts along the way. 

As I have mentioned a time or two, I suffer from major depressive disorder. I feel like I have control of it right now.  There have been times when all I thought about was dying. I had friends who didn't understand and would make hateful comments.  Many times I thought, "would you say these things to a person suffering from cancer," I did not ask to be depressed, it just happened.  Why do we have do much compassion when it is a famous person who has depression?  I was able to hide it for years, then my life fell apart piece by piece.  My father passed, I lost my job, my older two boys graduated and moved on, lost my home, and my fiancé at the time didn't want to deal with my illness.  I was completely devastated, when I thought I had hit rock bottom, boom another blow.  It has taken me a couple years to feel happiness again. So I don't take any of my "good" days for granted.  

Have you ever suffered from depression? Do you know someone who is?

Do you enjoy grocery shopping?

Is it cold where you are? 

Turkey trot, trip to New York City in December!!!!

I am beyond excited to be running in a holiday run. I have had to work holidays for so many years as a police officer.  Eating Thanksgiving dinner at Ryan's, having to go to calls, leaving the kids with relatives. I don't think people realize the sacrifices law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS actually make.  I loved the career except for holidays.  This run is four miles through the Memphis Botanical garden.  I plan on setting a PR in this race!!!!  

This year I am making my own holiday decorations.  When I moved here from Atlanta I left my holiday things behind. There are so many cute ideas here are a few I plan on making:

Aren't they adorable?  

We went to a Mexican restaurant yesterday and I was not impressed.  Lack of seasoning, ruins an entire meal.  Salt and pepper people, it is that easy.  Their pico de gallo was horrible. Fail for El Mezicale.  

I have never been to New York City, let alone for Christmas!!!!!  This is something that is on my bucket list. I have been invited to a Christmas Party in New York City on December 13.  I am leaving Memphis on the 11th and returning on the 14th.  Any suggestions on what I NEED to see?  I want to visit ground zero, run in Cental park, and just walk around.   

My life has definitely taken a turn for the better, for the first time in years I am so hopeful and happy.  I spent a number of years dreading the holidays and wishing my life would end, just being honest.  With the help of positive people, new friends, and medication. I am functioning as a normal person.  I still have an occasional "bad" day.  My good days far outnumber my bad ones.  

Words to live by.....

Have you ever been to New York City at Christmas?

What is the worst restaurant experience you have had? 

What did you do this weekend?

Do doctors know anything? Holiday runners gits....

I went to the doctor yesterday because my legs have been hurting. I know as a runner there will be pain but this was a never ending ache.  After several weeks I decided enough was enough.  I took hot salt baths, ice baths, compression, rubs, rollers, and over the counter pain meds. What did the doctor say, "well, we don't know."  Seriously, gave me some 600mg Tylenol, baclofen (muscle relaxer) and said take a break.  I'm fine with the meds, however I am running with a training group tomorrow 22 miles,  no pain no gain.  And the killer comment "you know you are aging!!!!"  What the f$&@.

I love running magazines!! So many ideas. This month is my favorite, the "runners holiday gift guide!!" 😜. I go through the guide and mark everything I want, then carefully list where to buy such goodies and leave the list in various places for others to see.  Let's be real we all love gifts, especially ones we want. I cannot even pretend to be happy if I get something I don't like. I hope that doesn't sound selfish. I rationalize this by highlighting the fact that as children we were told to make a list and send it to Santa.  Makes sense lol.

I've gotten over 1000 views on my blog but not one comment!  

I would appreciate any feedback good or bad.

I hope you have a relaxing Saturday, stay warm, drink hot chocolate.

Feeling much better, Julia's first recipe completed!!!

Yesterday was a blah day for me, not motivated at all.  With that being said I still managed to run seven miles.  Came home from the gym and just kept wondering why I felt so down.  Then the light bulb came on, Veterans Hospital had not mailed out my meds...

Decided to make artichokes with holandaise sauce.  It was from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  I roasted the artichoke in the oven on 365 for about thirty minutes, peeled it apart and sautéed it in olive oil and garlic.  I really don't know what it so difficult about making holandaise sauce, I personally thought it was quite easy.  It tasted so good, like a cheese sauce.  I really enjoyed it.

I have felt like I have hit a wall running lately, so I have decided to join the Breakaway running group this Sunday, November 16, 2014 for a twenty two mile run.  I run by myself all the time, I'm thinking maybe I am just so lonely?  Do group runs seem more fun/motivating? The only time I have ever run with others is races😳. Kinda excited to meet new people.  Are you guilty of the above quote? Sometimes I make excuses.....

Going to the doctor about some chronic leg pain I have been having.  I hope it is nothing serious. Feels like restless leg syndrome all day long.  It has really been bothering me.  When I leave there I plan on a short quick run lol.  

Then I plan on getting my sparkle on.  I am donating a bunch of puzzles and personal hygiene items to the VA hospital.  I have spent some time there because of depression.  They are not female friendly at all, most of the supplies are men's. I have accumulated tons of lotions, soaps, deodorants so they are going to the ward where the women soldiers stay when they have bouts of depression/PTSD. The puzzles and decks of cards will definitely entertain the people there. I can only relate the VA hospital to "prison like conditions." I have stayed there a couple of times, please don't judge, every privilege is taken away from you. No phone, no computer. Nothing all because you have an illness.  Mental illness has such a negative image.  There are millions who suffer from various mental illnesses.  Imagine going to the hospital for a different illness, for example, the flu, and having every right stripped from you.  Do they not remember that the VA hospital is a privilege that only those who served this country are entitled to? To be treated like prisoners is unacceptable. The workers at the VA, have zero respect for anyone, and are obviously working there only for the paycheck.  Anyway, enough of that.  I plan on doing whatever I can to bring some sparkle to the VA hospital!!!

What do you have planned for this weekend?

Would you be willing to donate items to your local Veterans hospital?

Have you ever had severe leg pain? What caused it?

First pancreatic cancer awareness day November 13, 2014

Today is the first ever, worldwide, pancreatic cancer awareness day!!! I lost my father to this disease, so I am grateful that it has finally been recognized.

I just had a blah day, knocked out seven miles on the treadmill.  Wished I was anywhere else but there, I seem to have lost my desire to run lately.  I know that the weather has a lot to do with it. I now why people call it the dreadmill.  

It is a pick up and eat at home kinda day.  The wonderful veterans hospital, has screwed me up again. My medication ran out over the weekend it was supposed to be here on the ninth so I am just feeling like a pile of $&:,   They are all about, hurry up and wait.  Certain anti-depressants can cause withdrawals, which sucks.

Did I mention how much I dislike the cold? Lol. I never seem to be warm.

On the bright side tomorrow is a new day and I will be fine. I know this is rambling so have a great evening.

Do you like/dislike the cold?

Do you often feel blah and just want the day to end?

How is the weather where you are?

Always up to try something new

They opened a new workout facility called Orangetheory, close to where I live.  They are offering a free visit so I am going to give it a try.  I don't really do too much strength training, I do abs and pull-ups at home.  Today is a run day.  If I complete my three hour run, I am going to treat myself to a Starbucks in the red cup.

Have you smelled this?  OMG I tried some on and had to go back to buy it x 2. I always feel like I have to have extras of everything. I feel like as soon as I find something I like, it is taken off the shelf.  Fresh brand, brown sugar scent.

HATE HATE HATE the cold. I left Pennsylvania because of the cold and now it is here, dread winter.  I would be fine if it snowed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then warmed up.

My new favorite show just finished season two, now I have to wait until June for season three, kinda bummed.  I don't watch a lot of tv because I am always busy. 

Run, sparkle, and eat: Veterans Day

Run, sparkle, and eat: Veterans Day: I am a proud veteran. I served in the UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE for eight years, active duty.  When I enlisted at the age of eighte...

Veterans Day

I am a proud veteran. I served in the UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE for eight years, active duty.  When I enlisted at the age of eighteen the first war in Iraq was going on and I wanted so badly to do what I could.  As soon as I got to basic training I remember seeing the front page of a newspaper saying the war was over and I was devastated. Now what?  I was sent to Germany for three years, at my age I was actually going to be able to drink lol.   I was stateside for the remainder of my service where I served in an Honor Guard Unit.  The reason I only spent eight years was I did not want to leave my two young children for someone else to raise.  I knew that it was only a matter of time before I was sent to Korea.  So I got a civilian police job in Atlanta.  

I am the proud mother of a United States Army Scout, Marcus Davis, who is stationed at Ft. Carson Colorado.  My other son, Jordan, was injured while in Marine boot camp, twice and had to take a medical. Their father, Perry Davis III, was also a military police officer.  

I thank God everyday for our veterans, and those currently serving.  Without these selfless people we would not be afforded all the luxuries we take for granted.  I think that every American has a duty to visit a Veterans hospital and see with their eyes the sacrifices these men and women have actually made for us.

Take a moment today to give thanks for your freedom, because it is a priceless gift.

Do you have veterans in your family? 

Do you respect our veterans?

What do you do to show your appreciation for your freedom?

What an awesome weekend, feeling great

The weekend was awesome, got a lot done and had fun.  On Saturday we went to see Hero 6, which is a children's movie.  It was super cute and we enjoyed it.  Had breakfast at Perkins, I had a Belgian waffle with powdered sugar, it was just OK.   After you master cooking, eating out loses its excitement.  Many times I find that my food tastes so much better. Also went to Eat well for sushi. Had a great run on Sunday. 

Today I have planned a two hour spinning session, and run a few errands.  Then make Julia Child's chicken Fricassee, for dinner.  I will post pictures tomorrow. 

Here is my eggplant Parmesan recipe.

Ingredients:

Salt, pepper, flour, breadcrumbs ( I use garlic breadcrumbs), eggs, milk, large eggplant, spaghetti sauce (I use Bertollli roasted garlic) sliced provolone cheese slices( get the 8 oz pre sliced) and frying oil.

I don't use measurements so you just have to eyeball it.

Peel the eggplant and thinly slice.  

Get you breaking station ready.  I use cookie sheets because it is easier to clean up.  Place enough flour to make a small mound and then mix in salt and pepper.  On the other half of the sheet put the breadcrumbs in a small mound.  Mix at least three eggs, with a small amount of milk in a bowl.

I have an electric deep fryer in my garage because a I HATE the smell of grease in my house.  I heat it up while reading you could use a pan if you wanted with oil. It is your preference.

First I cover the slices in flour, then dredge in the egg wash, and finally dip in breadcrumbs.  It is important to make sure through all three breaking components you cover the entire eggplant.

After I get done breaking them I fry them until golden brown,met usually takes about three minutes per slice.

Drain the fried eggplant on paper towels.

Preheat oven to 375'

I use a twelve by eight baking dish to construct the Parmesan.  Place a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the dish then start layering eggplant slices, cheese, and sauce.  The cheese may be broken and arranged in any manner you like to ensure even coverage.  Bake in oven for about twenty minutes, you will notice the sauce bubbling and the cheese melted.

I cook to my taste so you may have to adjust to what you like, however this is the best eggplant Parmesan I have ever eaten.  Try it and let me know how you like it.

Have a great Monday and spread your sense of sparkle wherever you go.

Do you have workout plans today?

Do you have a favorite dish you make by eye? Share!!!!

How was your weekend?