Chilllllllllli

AKA it’s chilly outside. For real. With no intent of getting warmer.

Amy told me that I should do some baking.  And I have been and will be.  But first I wanted to share a real meal that I did considering the last “I made something” post was apple cinnamon muffins. I have some recipes that I want to try out so all in good time my pretty, all in good time. I have lots of goodies to share!

Lindsay asked me “what’s up with you being in the kitchen all the time? sheesh. tryin’ to find a boyfriend or something?”. Hahahah. Ummmm I work at a clinic with volunteer med students and volunteer doctors.  What do you think?

Therefore I combined both a warm meal with trying to land a date with a doctor in one night.  Multi-tasking at it’s finest? In any case the chili recipe that follows is a made-up recipe.   I just kind of realized that A LOT of the cooking and baking stuff I do is recipe free.  I suppose it’s because, if I fail miserably, then I have a reason: I didn’t have any directions to follow hahah!

Chili ( to be eaten with tortilla chips. Duh. And rice, although I just used Minute white rice so no picture or recipe of that because I’m sure y’all can read a box hahah!) This is veggie friendly but if you wanted to add meat you totally could.

And eh picture while it was simmering

Ingredients:

• 2 large peppers, one green and one red (*cough*christmasspirit*cough*) and one yellow because I needed more veggies
• 1 large onion
• 4 large celery stalks
• 1 large can of stewed tomatoes ~30 oz
• 2 cans of beans, one kidney and one black ~30 oz ( I threw out the can before I looked at the exact size and I used the jumbo sizes of cans to make up for the lack of meat and to balance out the large can of tomatoes)
• jalapenos
• brown sugar (unknown amount. I just threw it in until it tasted right)
• salt and peper
• water

Directions:

• Chop up the onions, celery, peppers and jalapenos (I chopped them up not-so-finely so they were big pieces.  There’s apparently a technique or method to chop onions so you don’t cry.  While I knew this at the time I couldn’t for the life of me remember so I was crying.)
• In a large pot add the stewed tomatoes and beans and water and bring to a boil

Large friggin pot

• Add the veggies and beans after the pot is boiling
• Add the brown sugar and salt and pepper and then turn the heat down to low or medium and let simmer for maybe 10-15 minutes
• Transfer to a crock pot to keep warm until you’re ready to eat it or eat it straight up
• ENJOY

I don’t actually know if this is really a chili because there’s no chili powder, although there is jalapeno in there.  I’m not a real foodie or anything so I don’t know if that counts.  And I know that picture doesn’t make it look too good. But it was. And it was hearty which is also good because I am still famished post-WR. That’s all that counts.

In terms of running / recovering I got a good 6 miler in.  I foam rolled the living bejeezus out of my legs last night after getting home from work (HELLO EARLY NIGHT!) and actually got to stretch as well.  And then lay in bed with a book in my hand but not reading because I was hungry (again) and didn’t want to get out from my warm covers to get something to eat.  I need a snack bag next to my bed.

The run itself was, well, cold but what else is new.  I’ve actually stopped looking at the predicted forecast because it’s just depressing. But I did check when I got back and it was 19* outside and it felt like 8*.  Needless to say I still was in shorts, as I keep resisting breaking out the winter gear because once I do that it’s really winter and I’m not cool with that. I did have on two tops, earmuffs and my snowplow gloves though. 

Jess, jokingly I think, suggested I go out for the Austin marathon in February and it’s very tempting to have another trip of getting out of here this winter.

But I digress.

Like I said the run was okay.  I’m keeping with my theme of basking in the glow and going easy. I got tired by the end but that’s sort of to be expected because today’s run was a bit overzealous! I tried to go further today because I woke up with NO SORENESS.  As soon as I tried to walk down the steps outside my quads let me know they were still there though. And all the mini downhills (I’m trying to stay on the flattest route I have) told me the same. As did the pace: slow and steady.  It was the exact same pace as the past two runs; nice because I increased my distance today.

I’m having some tightness in my right leg, right behind the kneecap (maybe my hammy? it’s the lower part of the kneecap though) that popped up during the last mile or so.  Likely from the cold but I’m going to have to stretch out all day today.

But I’m encouraged that I’m feeling on the way to recovered. So much so that I really want to think about what’s next hah! This is so weird because after my first two marathons I vowed “never again”

I also did pushups (20, 25, 15, 15, 26) and situps (30, 38, 23, 23, 40). If you noticed this is a step back from what I’ve done lately.  I decided to go back and re-do weeks 3 and 4 because, with the travel over the weekend, I didn’t get to finish week 4 and just felt like I needed an extra week of numero tres.  On Tuesday I did W3D1 and today was W3D2.

And SUAR posted this last night and I have to copy it because tears were steaming down my face while watching it.

It was 19* outside at 0800 and it felt like 8*.  Needless to say I still was in shorts as I keep resisting breaking out the winter gear because once I do that it’s really winter and I’m not cool with that. I did have on two tops, earmuffs and my snowplow gloves though.

Apparently The Countdown is Now in Single Digits

…as of today.  T-9 days!!

Well I said an early Happy Thanksgiving on Wednesday and I’m saying a belated Happy Thanksgiving today.  Suffice it to say, the fact that I turned my computer on for the first time in 36 hours just now means I had a busy holiday.  And it was pretty good too.  I don’t think I’ve kept it a secret here that my relationship with my family has been tenuous in the past, so I was really mixed about going home for the day.

But I had a blast and even went to the extended family portion of the day (my family eat the dinner as nuclear families and then meet up at one person’s house for dessert), something I haven’t gone to in 6 years.  I think moving out on my own has really matured me and I’ve rethought skipping the family portion of Christmas.  After all: this is going to be my “last” in New England (a fact I’m acutely aware of every day — although my last snowstorm will be cause for celebration hahah)

The best part of the day? Nope not the food (although that was pretty good). Having a dance-off with one of my sisters. To which song you ask?

Luckily no one brought a camera.  So I still have some dignity left in the world.

By the time I got back to my apartment I was bushed! I also arrived home with more leftovers than I can probably eat.  I pulled major rank and said “I’m a poor VISTA and you (my two college sisters) have dining halls. I win”

In light of the fact that I had a great holiday I sincerely hope that you did too

Since I last left you my running has been…highs and lows? On Wednesday after work I did get some miles in before going to the theater to see “A Christmas Carol”  (which was a really fun musical version!) and then a couple of drinks after.

Still my favorite version. I need to actually buy a copy this year! (thanks google)

The miles were pretty good and, despite still having some allergy problems when I went out, the pace was faster than anything I could have pulled off at 0500.

Thursday was, duh, Thanksgiving and I hit the streets for a “long run”.  After the past four weeks being: 20.3, 20.4, 20, 17.6, the 15 I was scheduled for putting in felt measly.  The first half was slower and sluggish (the thought of “oh great” eyeroll passed through my mind) but I picked it up and finished WAY strong.  I think the final overall average pace was about 8:45.  Which is roughly what I’ve been doing on my long runs — at least when I’m by myself as I had that killer one two weeks ago with a friend.  And the later portion was about 8:20 on this particular run. So YAY.

The weather wasn’t the greatest either: 28* but sunny.  On a whim I checked what the temperature in Dallas was at that time and it was 69*. Ummmm that’s 41* warmer? I’m pretty sure that was a freak day for them but that was still at 0615 CT.  Crazy.

I also got in my pushups (20, 25, 15, 15, 26) and situps (30, 38, 23, 23, 40) before heading to my mom’s house.  I can’t tell if they’re making me stronger yet. They’re certainly not getting much easier but I’m able to handle the increases so far.

The weather on Friday was warmer here (and I think it was actually colder in Dallas hahah. Suckers ) but drizzly.  Since I had gone over what I should have done yesterday (silly me for thinking about the run as a long run!) I decided to take it slow and steady for a few miles.

Well I guess I didn’t factor into the equation that Thanksgiving has food that I normally don’t eat (not that I wouldn’t like to enjoy them year round but I’m lazy and don’t make anything hahah!) and, while Chocolate Creme Pie and Gingerbread Pudding = sugar = carbs, my legs might not have liked having new foods. I don’t care what anyone says, my legs know the difference between pie carbs and apple carbs.

Because my legs felt like sludge. So I guess I didn’t have to worry about forcing myself to take it slow and steady and easy. [Edit: I just calculated the pace for the run and it was the very slowest possible recovery run pace according to McMillian.  While I still believe that recovery runs should just be run without pace guidelines (the point is to recover and that's done by what your body wants) I shouldn't complain about the pace because it wasn't, in fact, as slow as I thought]

It was one of those runs where you *know* how slow you’re running and even if a rabid dog came after you, your legs would not go faster.

Thanks google

So I cut the run WAY short, ate some breakfast, foam rolled and am debating about going back out to hit the street for 2 more miles in a hour or so bringing my grand total to the day to about 6. Then again, I’m in taper (and likely still a food coma) so I might not.

Speaking of foam rolling (yes I’m aware this is a mish-mash post!) I’ve really gotten into it lately. With the exception of yesterday (because I was running late to get to my mom’s house), I’ve rolled every day for the past 7 days.  And, while my legs aren’t magically faster or anything, I’ve noticed a subtle change in how my legs feel.  They no longer feel wicked tight or sore or cramped.

Yes they still are tight and fatigued and they do still twitch sometimes.  But there’s something that I can’t quite put my finger on that makes me feel good about it.  Not enough to be a zealot for this foam rolling action.  But enough of something to keep doing it until I figure out what the heck that something is.

Aaaaaaaand that’s it?  I sure hope so because this post is already running long

Just finishing up some breakfast and coffee.  The sun’s actually out now which is exciting although annoying because I ran in the drizzle and overcast. I like the sun. After I finish up eating I’ll do some more rolling and stretching and relaxing until later tonight.  One of my friend’s from high school is visiting me as she spent Thanksgiving in our hometown (she lives in PA so I don’t get to see her that much).  We’re going out for dinner then (lots of?) drinks.

Good golly gee whiz this is shaping up to be a great holiday break

Rolling, Snowing and Trying to Cling to Fall

Hey all.  YAY for sunlight on my morning runs from now on thanks to DST ending.  Last night when I was out running some errands the sun was setting at 1633?? Oh well.  The fact that the sun rose at 0626 this morning makes up for it. I guess.

Hopefully y’all feel well rested from this weekend.  I do? I actually felt like a slug this weekend because I slept for 10 or so hours Friday night and then, because of the time change, ELEVEN hours on Saturday night.  Which was even more miraculous because I went out that night as well.  Who am I?! I NEVER sleep in like that.  I’m going to call it a good thing though.  Although I will say that I totally squandered that extra hour in the day. I’m always complaining about how I wish there were more hours in the day and then when I get one, what do I do? Sleep.  Figures

After my repeats on Saturday, which I did edit the post with an addendum saying that I was pleased with the workout and know that I’m in the right place with my training, I basically DID NOT MOVE until going out.  Instead I curled up with a good book I’ve been reading (*cough*IamsuchaNERDbecauseit’soneofthosebooksyoureadinhighschool*cough*) and lounged.  After a while my legs started feeling more than a little tight.  So I finally broke down and broke out:

And yes those are two laundry baskets. I actually have three. I use a very complicated system

Now I know that many of you have been on the foam rolling action for a long time.  So have I … in theory.  I bought this baby back in March or so but only have used it a few times.  Mostly because I’m lazy and partly because I know how tight my muscles are.  Roller + tight muscles = pain.  Duh.

I will say that I neither cried nor screamed as I was doing my thing.  I had a friend over and complained a lot.  Aloud of course — that’s the only time complaining is really ever fun HA.  But my voice never rose and I’m pretty sure no cuss words were uttered.  I did sweat though.  Which tells me I was doing something good and putting my body through some type of stress.

This translated, I think, into a muy bueno recovery run on Sunday.  Sunny skies and cool temps.  It felt great.  I even ran a wicked hilly route and felt fine.  Encouraging and I used the darn thing Sunday too after a long day of laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning the apartment.  See? I can do more domestic things than cook

Monday morning brought SNOW.  And..well not a recovery run per se…but an easy one at that and “fast” easy (aka I looked at my watch at the end and smiled because it was faster than I thought).  The only remarkable thing was the weather and, well, I’m afraid I’m dangerously close to using up my complain-for-free passes.  It actually ended up not being too bad (it was mostly sleet and it stopped early on in the run) except my shoes were soaked 100m into it.

I will say that if it snows, or I guess this morning was more of a sleet, at WR I will be ready.

Just because the sun rises earlier doesn't mean 0500 is any lighter! So a bad picture but YES that is snow on the railing, in the tree and on the road!

I was sent this article on How to Deal with the Cold from a friend who thought it’d be funny to send this to me.  I’ve been living here my whole life so I think, despite my complaints about winter, I’m pretty cold savvy.  For those of you who aren’t here are some excerpts (and my thoughts on said excerpts):

The Physical

• “Don’t underestimate the power of sunshine” Duh but with .43453453453 hours of daylight (yes that’s a decimal point out in front of those numbers), and all of those during working hours, how am I supposed to get this?
• Take your vitamins. Duh.
• Stay hydrated Okay so this one I get because heaters = dry air. Which also equals nosebleeds for me.
• Get outside and stay active. But. It’s. So . Cold. I actually do get outside (I think last year I ran in 12* weather) but it’s soooooooo hard to do.

The mental

• Be mindful of your mood and mental health Unless of course this makes you even angrier for not getting out of the NorthEast when you had the chance.
• Stay social. Ummm this is really hard to do when you’re A) too cheap to pay for a cab and B) to intoxicated to drive yourself.  AKA walking is how I roll.  Let me tell you: heels and dresses in freezing weather? Not a good combo. I guess we’ll just have lots of house parties?
• Evaluate your winter pitfalls to guard against them This might actually depress me because it’s basically telling me to make of list of why I hate winter.  And I’m pretty sure (as I know you are) that it’s a pretty lengthy list.

I think you should probably be doing these things year round.  And I bet you can totally tell how bitter I am about winter.  I’m going to spend the rest of this…rain/snow/sleet/whatever it’s doing out there daydreaming about my move to somewhere warm. Because I’m 100% serious about making like a leaf and getting the f$%# out of here.

Anyone? I know I chose a random picture but anyone on that quote that's italicized?

And hey, check out this giveaway from Matt (Kitchen of a Runner) and Janae (Hungry Runner Girl) because everyone likes a giveaway.

And what’s a post without wicked awesome pictures?! (and by wicked awesome I mean Halloween-y and NOT snow and not a random guy from a great movie)

I actually forgot to share this last week! But over Halloween weekend some friends and I went to a “Jack-o-Lantern” festival in the city. It was way fun to see all the creative ways people carved pumpkins.  Here are some of my favs:

Betty Boop!

I <3 Dinosaurs

Monopoly Man!

I know it’s a week late but I feel the need to say “Happy Halloween” anyway. I mean, it is my favorite holiday after all. But I can say (and have it be 100% true) “hope you enjoyed the weekend “

And enjoy your Monday too.  I sure am considering that A) I haven’t done any work all morning because the software I use won’t download the new version and we had to call in IT people B) the network is being backed up so I can’t work on any of my files and C) my friend made the coffee this morning so strong that I’m afraid to stand up because I’m pretty sure that my legs are so twitchy that I don’t think they’ll support me hahah.