Let the hard work begin

HI have set my goals for 2015 and they are not going to be easy to achieve, however I am a hard worker and know that I can do it.  I have been taking it easy the last couple days, because I have been experiencing pain in my calf area.  I went to the doctor about it and they suggested that it could be a stress fracture, however being stubborn, I still continue to push past it.  Tomorrow is my first race of the year and I have my hopes set pretty high. It is a hilly course, hense, the name Hill and Dale, and I have struggled on hills.  Lately I have incorporated them into every run.

A couple months ago I started to cook from Julia Childs Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  It was going well, until I realized that Zachary was not enjoying the food AT ALL.  So I decided that it was not a good idea right now to continue with the project.  So I am currently looking for a cookbook that contains food that an eleven year old will actually eat. I already own Americas Test Kitchen Family Cookbook and am leaning towards that.  I need projects to keep me focused. Since I love to eat and cook this challenge seems to fit.

 

So far I have planned my races out until June 2015.  Along with these races I also have some smaller triathlons planned.

January 3, Hill and Dale 8 Miler - Tennessee

January 25, Rock and Roll Marathon New Orleans - Louisiana

February 14, Hot Chocolate 15K - Tennessee

March 1, Little Rock  Marathon - Arkansas

March 15 Germantown half marathon -Tennessee

March 28 Whispering Woods half marathon - Mississippi

April 18 Ouachita Trail 50K - Arkansas

April 25 Country Music Marathon - Tennessee

May still looking

June 7, Navy ten miler - Tennessee

Well have a great day and I will post after my race tomorrow

Have you planned your runs for the year?

Have you ever cooked through an entire cookbook?

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?

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?

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?

Fantastic Friday

I have had two great days of running pain free, which has been few and far between lately. I have been plagued with injuries since March.  Broken tailbone, torn hamstring, blisters, lost toenails, runners knee, and lastly the ingrown toenail.  I am grateful for the last two days. 9 miles yesterday and 12 today, averaging an 8:13 mile.  

After about a year of contemplating whether or not I should attempt to cook my way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking I have decided to go for it. So I bought the paperback copy.  Does anyone know where I may be able to get a first edition autographed?

Academy sports is having their grand opening all weekend,ms cored a free pair of Crocs, which will be very useful for the pool.  Tomorrow is a free tackle bag. I will be there because I love to fish.  It is another favorite past time of mine.

So I am training for an Ironman, several marathons, and cooking my way through a cookbook. I will never say I am bored..

Why doesn't anyone comment? I would appreciate a comment good or bad 😜

Have a great weekend, keep sparkling🌌