Monday, March 31, 2014

Marathon Monday

Great things have happened this week. Great things. At Wednesday's Girls on the Run I was determined to get as many laps of my own in as I could. We started a new system this season with the girls counting their own laps. It has been awesome. They get a nice visual on how they are doing and all the coaches can be running the track at the same time to 1. get them moving a little bit better, and 2. get our own exercise in. I think it only works so well because we have a smaller team this season and we also have really good girls on our team. I'm thankful. After practice I talked my friend into just doing two more miles with me...well that turned into 3.4, so I had a little over five done on Wednesday afternoon. I wanted to go out on Thursday too because it was supposed to rain all day Friday and we had company coming to visit. I knew I probably wouldn't get any more miles in until Sunday when I planned to do my longest run ever. Turns out I wasn't as motivated on Thursday, but we still did a couple of miles after school.

Like I said I planned to do my longest run ever on Sunday morning. All week my weatherman friends kept making the weekend forecast more and more dismal. I had hope that maybe, just maybe, the weather would get itself together in time for Sunday. I was extremely hopeful and positive. It didn't work. The good news is that the decision to continue with our plan for Sunday happened so quickly, I didn't even really have time to think about it, or there is no way I would have done ay miles at all. Upon exiting my house I realized there was rain, but thought maybe it would be manageable. We were maybe about halfway up my street when the first wind gust came, and I thought we might not actually make it a mile let alone ten. Truly. We kept going. Why? I really don't know. At about mile two the rain got so much worse, and not only was it pouring rain, it was pouring sleet. I really couldn't believe this was happening. I kept thinking about how much I complain about this type of weather at bus duty, but was now choosing, on purpose, to do these 10 miles. By some miracle, my calves and other parts of my legs, had little pain, or maybe I just couldn't feel them. At about mile three I was completely soaked. My clothes felt so heavy. Every time the wind blew I swear we were running into it and it was brutal, my eyes were involuntarily crying. Miles 4 and 5 didn't seem so bad cause we had some tree protection from the rain, but we were forging some serious puddles and overflowing water from various places on a regular basis. My feet were sloshing around inside drenched shoes. Mile six was a loop back to my house where we made a pit stop for the bathroom and to change clothes and shoes. First portion, done.

Another thing I had on my to-do list for this run was to try my first running snack. Saturday I went to the store to buy a bunch of options. Before the run on Saturday I tried a few pomegranate Sports Beans with caffeine. They were good, tasted like jelly beans, really. During the pit stop I was going to try my first gel. I tried the salted carmel Gu packet. Not as terrible as expected. I would do that flavor again.


After our stop we did a big hill for mile 7, as we were doing the downhill portion we kept seeing cars stop. That's when I realized we had friends waiting for us on the trail. Two deer stood in our path. This is when I entitled the run, "The Mother Nature Run." I was getting nervous as we were approaching and they were going nowhere fast, but they did get moving eventually. Thankfully, after our pit stop the weather seemed to get a little bit better. It was still raining and very windy, but not nearly as bad as the first six miles. During mile eight I got a little confused about the route I planned so we had to take a little detour, but really I didn't care as long as all these miles were getting done. The ending of the run wasn't nearly as exciting as the first parts. Though, I think somewhere along the last few miles is when I discovered I had frozen, crunchy hair. When we finished we ended up with 10.18 miles for the day. I actually still felt good both mentally and physically, minus being wet and cold. While this weather was way less than ideal, I feel way more confident about completing the half marathon in Pittsburgh after surviving the elements and the 10+ miles.


We ended our pouring rain/sleet, 10+ mile day with a celebratory dinner at Katerina's. I think it was well deserved and I ate my entire dinner - I was so starving all day! To round out this week I did some laps at GOTR giving me 19.16 miles for the week. I also crossed the 200 mile mark this week since my training began in the fall. I'm also very pumped about my month of March activities. I did miles 19 of 31 days for a monthly total of 83.1 miles. Only 33 more days until Pittsburgh. I can't believe the days start with a three!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Friday Love

{ONE}

Love, Teach. I have recently starting following the blog Love, Teach. Previously I had only occasionally read it, but not I'm a follower. She's got some great posts. My most recent favorites include the 16 ways to monitor testing and Cardigans: A Love Story. The cardigans one really hits home.

{TWO}


Radioactive. I finally downloaded a couple new songs from iTunes earlier this week. Radioactive included. It just brought back some really good memories from summer when I clicked on it and I couldn't resist.

{THREE}

Toms. I wish I was rich and could buy all the Toms I ever wanted. Toms and, you know, lots of other things, but now that spring is coming (finally) I wish I had so many pairs.

{FOUR}

Exceeding Expectations. This week I was testing with fidelity once again and my friend was such a fabulous star I was smiling the whole day! It's just so nice to see my friends rise to the occasion. Sometimes my job really has some benefits!

{FIVE}

A Clean House. I consider myself a nice and neat, orderly person, but truth be told sometimes I really lack the motivation to clean our house. There's just a lot of other things I would rather be doing. Once it's done though, there really is no better feeling.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Marathon Monday

I've had some ups and downs this week. And I'm talking ups and downs in the same run. I mentioned last Marathon Monday that we had the day off because we got about 7 inches of snow. That meant that miles were out for both Monday and Tuesday due to snow removal problems. One of my major concerns at the beginning of training for this half marathon was that the bulk of the training would be during the winter, but then I thought to myself at least its "Virginia winter." Apparently not. This is the most ridiculous winter I have seen in my eight years in Virginia. Not normal. Of course it would be the winter I need decent weather. Anyways, Wednesday I thought I might be able to do a couple of miles at Girls on the Run, but it was awful rain all day so we resorted to doing Just Dance and relay races.

Then came Thursday. I knew I had to do something. I thought maybe I could go do two or three miles after school, but I was so tired. I made myself go out and start. I also stupidly did major hills the first 2 miles. I really felt like there were concrete blocks tied to my feet. I also almost cried twice it was so hard. Then there was a downhill stretch and I felt like I might make it. Then after a second downhill I was feeling really good and convinced myself to do 5 miles because then I would feel really accomplished for the day.

Saturday was beautiful weather. I wanted to only do a 5k because I was planning to do my long run on Sunday. I was really excited because my pace was good and the three miles seemed to go by quickly. My high didn't last long. Sunday came.

Sunday's plan was to do my eight miles with a friend. I was nervous, but I was excited. My friend woke up sick. My motivation went down quickly, really quickly. I wanted to go back to bed. Matt tried everything in his power to get me to do miles, including reciting quotes and proverbs, showing JoePa giving inspirational speeches on YouTube, and offering dinner at Katerina's if I did eight miles. I was having none of it. I told him I didn't even care, I wasn't doing any miles. Then he offered to go with me. I negotiated a bike ride. Then I thought that might be too much so I suggested a leisurely walk. That's what we left the house planning to do.

We started the miles the way I always start my miles when I'm in my neighborhood. And I just decided to follow the interval training the way I had been doing it, but told myself that for the rest of the time I would just run when I felt like it and walk if I felt like it if I didn't feel like doing the miles anymore. We got to about 3.5 miles and I decided I was going to complete the 8 that I had planned. Matt decided to go back home, so we parted ways. That's when I realized I didn't have my headphones. I was worried about how it would go with no one to talk to and music to listen to for 4.5 miles. It was a very quiet run. There was hardly anyone outside. It was weird, but a nice change of pace. Thank God for Matt forcing me to do something. It's most of the battle just to get started.


Lastly I leave you with some of my running buddies from today. I completed my weekly miles with some laps today at Girls on the Run. We talked about gratitude. This week I am grateful for Matthew, mental toughness, and my 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade runners :) I'm also thankful for 17.48 miles and 40 days until Pittsburgh!

Two of the most grateful runners I have ever experienced...they were seriously non-stop with their gratitude today!




Sunday, March 23, 2014

Life's a Happy Song

I never got around to my {Friday Love} post on Friday. It was my turn to host game night, so I was a little busy. And usually I prep that post throughout the week when I have a good thought, but I guess that never happened either. It seems like the whole month of March has flown by.

There were some highlights this week. We had a snow day on St. Patrick's day. Matt got to stay home too, so that was nice. We watched a movie and just hung out. At school we have been giving the 5th grade writing SOL. Typically I just help out with the logistics of testing, and maybe test a small group here and there. Well, I really lucked out for this test. I got to test one of my very special friends, and because there were multiple special accommodations for my friend there was a second grown up in the room watching me give the test with fidelity. My friend is just the happiest person. He sang the entire time I was trying to test him. My favorite song that he sang to me was "Life's a Happy Song." I have a lot of funny moments from my two mornings of testing, but I think you all should just take my friend's advice and listen to his jam below.


Game night on Friday was a nice end to the week. Instead of making dinner for everyone, I finally found a Virginia fish fry. It was no Pittsburgh fish fry, but it sufficed. I don't think people outside of PIttsburgh really know what a fish fry is, but it's a start. I'm also having a hard time describing to people the ambiance and menu of a fish fry in the 412. Then instead of playing a game we watched March Madness and ate dessert. It was nice to change things up a little bit. 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Recipe of the Week!

Lemon Caper Salmon with Asparagus & Pasta
So I love salmon. We eat it once a week probably. I typically make salmon and broccoli or salmon and asparagus and brown rice. I wanted to change things up a little for my salmon, and being a lover of all things lemon, I decided to try to make some lemon caper sauce. It was super easy, and turned up pretty delicious as well. I haven't made it since, but I would definitely make this dish again. It had lots of yummy flavors and was very satisfying. The recipe below is for 2 people. I would say there was a lot of sauce (I didn't use all of it), but if you like a lot of sauce that might be OK :)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon drained capers
2 pieces salmon
1/2 pound asparagus, cut into bite size pieces
pasta

Directions:
Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange asparagus in even layer on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Roast until salmon is just opaque in center. Meanwhile cook the pasta and divide among plates. Toss roasted asparagus with cooked pasta. Place the salmon over the pasta and spoon sauce over salmon and serve.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Marathon Monday

Guess what?! I ran almost everyday this week! Today hardly counts since there was yet another snowstorm in the Northern Virginia area. The only other day I didn't make it out was Friday. I thought about it, but decided it should be a rest day to get ready for the weekend and I was so, so tired after my trip to Charlottesville. Tuesday was the most beautiful day outside, and because it was still light out after work (yay spring forward) I took advantage of the spectacular conditions and did a quick run around my neighborhood. Wednesday I did a couple laps at GOTR before a torrential downpour and my drive to Charlottesville.

Thursday I was really excited for some new scenery. After our time sitting all day at our conference my running friend and I took a little run around UVA and some residential streets nearby. It was quite an interesting few miles. It started out as what we referred to as "the Rocky run" because all we did for the first mile was navigate and run up stairs. I was terrified the whole time I was going to fall. It was also difficult to figure out where to go when you are unfamiliar with the area. It all worked out though, and after all those stairs we had a nice downhill at the end.

Run around the Rotunda...happy for a change of scenery.
This weekend, Saturday was beautiful weather again so I changed up my usual medium run around my neighborhood to try to keep things interesting. Sometimes the miles are getting a little boring. I think I need new songs on my playlist...any suggestions are welcome. Finally on Sunday I did my long run of the week around Manassas to finish out 18.91 miles for the week. In case you are wondering...it's hilly like my neighborhood. Good thing because I've hear Pittsburgh has some hills too. Only 47 days!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Friday Love

{ONE}

Spring Forward. I just love Spring Forward! It makes me so happy. I will gladly lose one hour of sleep for a longer period of light any day. The time change has also really helped my motivation to do some after school running this past week. If given the chance I might actually lobby to abolish the fall back time change in the future.

{TWO}

Charlottesville. I spent Thursday and Friday this week in Charlottesville at a conference about leadership. After some very anxiety provoking changes in the plans we arrived in Charlottesville and began our sad excuse for a "Marchcation." The speakers at the conference were more entertaining than anticipated and I did get to travel with a friend. Thankfully, we also had some free time. We enjoyed some collegial fellowship with our co-workers around town. The first night we went to the corner, and the second night we went to the downtown mall. We found a really good restaurant near the mall that I would highly recommend to anyone who might be in Charlottesville. Maya had a very cool atmosphere and excellent food. Each one of us ordered something different and everyone was very pleased! We also had time for some miles through UVA on Thursday afternoon. More on the miles on Monday.

{THREE}

Food Maps. Have you seen these? We all know I really enjoy food. What you might not know is how much I love maps. I know - another weird fact, but really, I could look at a map for while. I guess I just like to know where stuff is and planning fun trips to go there. Out of these food maps I think Italy, India, and Africa are the most beautiful, and France looks the most delicious with all that yummy cheese!

{FOUR}


Man in the Mirror. Man in the Mirror is on my running playlist. Mostly because I haven't downloaded music since about 2004. And because I do love some Michael Jackson. I do love every time it comes on when I'm running. I don't know why, but I do. I do think good old MJ has some really good points in this song....something to think about. Sorry for the slightly intense music video.

{FIVE}

Sleeping in your own bed. I had fun on my trip away this week. It was a nice change of pace, but there is nothing like being away and then coming home to sleep in your own bed.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Marathon Monday

I took my own advice this week and went out Thursday after work for a run. Thank goodness. After last weekend's disaster, Thursday was a much needed step in the right direction. It was cold outside, but the 3.25 miles went well and I was very happy to have done them. Saturday morning I completed another 4 miles. It was a beautiful day and there were lots of people out and about. My favorite person that I came across was a very physically fit gentleman, probably about my age, running toward me. He was at the top of a hill coming down. I was going up the hill, walking (it was one of my walking intervals...I swear). I could tell the guy was saying something to me so I took out my ear phone. Apparently he was trying to be my personal trainer...the first thing I hear is, "push it!" Followed by, "let's go!" and "give me five!" At least he provided some entertainment.

Sunday I had planned to go 7+ miles with a friend for my longest run yet. I kinda felt like it was a good idea, but at the same time I felt like maybe it wouldn't really happen. I had done 4 miles on Saturday so I thought I might be tired, and just feel like going for a leisurely walk. Thank goodness for miles with friends to keep you motivated. I planned the route and knew it was going to be hilly, but didn't really take into account just how uphill the first three or four miles were. It was a little brutal. Every time I am out alone doing miles I swear that all I do is run uphill. At least on Sunday I got some outsider validation that I am, in fact, doing a lot of uphill running. On a positive note it made for negative splits :) We finished with 8.3 miles total Sunday afternoon, and I was tired. I was super excited for my longest miles ever, though. I feel like the laps I did around Wegmans shortly after should really count as mileage, though, because all I wanted to do was sit on my couch.

Add all these miles to a walk I went on with Matt Saturday afternoon, and a few laps around the track at Girls on the Run this Marathon Monday and I logged 18.27 miles this week! Good thing because it's only 54 days until Pittsburgh!

Friday, March 7, 2014

Friday Love

{ONE}

Modern Family. I know I am late to the game on this one, but this show is just too funny. We recently just started really watching it at my house. I so badly wish I could just watch all the episodes right in a row. Maybe someday when I win the lottery.

{TWO}



The Geico Owls Commecial. Seriously, it cracks me up every time it comes on. Matt thinks I'm ridiculous. Now you probably do too.

{THREE}

The Wizard of Oz. Did you see the Wizard of Oz tribute on the Oscars Sunday night? I am so excited! I love the Wizard of Oz. I think it's probably the best movie ever. When I was growing up I played the Wizard of Oz pretty much every single day. I had a Dorothy dress and my sister was the cowardly lion.

{FOUR}

Homeownership. We got a lot of snow Sunday night into Monday. Naturally, I was loving my snow days Monday and Tuesday. Then Wednesday morning I was enjoying my two hour delay until I saw the large water spots on our second floor ceiling. I almost burst into tears. (Right now you might be thinking "isn't this Friday LOVE?" Yes, it is...there's a positive here.) I was really upset, but then I convinced myself that I'm really happy to own a home and have this problem! There's a lot of people out there that would like to be able to have a house with a little bit of water coming in the roof. Side note...it's all fixed, and it wasn't a major problem.

{FIVE}

Girl Scout Cookies. Need I say more? I consider it a miracle I haven't eaten every single last thin mint in my freezer. So good.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Recipe of the Week!


Baked Spaghetti Squash with Tomato and Ricotta
I found this recipe as part of a list of vegetarian recipes for Thanksgiving. I made it awhile ago. I think we ate is as a side dish to something, and then I took leftovers for lunch for a few days. I liked it. It was something different. Matt, on the other hand, not a fan. The good news is that it was super easy. I think I used leftover tomato sauce from making pizza and then supplemented with some Wegmans tomato basil sauce. I'm sure any tomato sauce would do. 

Ingredients:
1 large spaghetti squash
½ cup tomato sauce
½ cup ricotta
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat the oven 375°F. Place the spaghetti squash on a baking sheet. Pierce it on all sides with a knife. Bake in the oven for about an hour, or until easily pieced with a knife. Allow to cool enough to touch. Then cut the squash in half and spoon out the seeds and pulp. Using a fork, scrape out the spaghetti squash, separating the strands as you go. Place the spaghetti squash in a dish towel, and squeeze out some of the moisture, Place in a mixing bowl, then toss together with the salt and tomato sauce. Add half of the ricotta and gently toss until the ricotta is just slightly broken up but not totally incorporated. Pour the squash into a small casserole dish or oven-safe bowl, dot with the remaining ricotta, and bake under the broiler until browned on top, about 5 minutes.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Marathon Monday

Oh friends, it's been a rough week. No weekday runs. I felt bad enough about that as it was, but then the weekend came. I planned to get miles in both Saturday and Sunday. I went out on Saturday and wanted to do 4 miles. It was a struggle from the moment I left the door. My shins, my knees, and my calves were not pleased. Then I started getting the stupid side stitch in my right side that has been plaguing me for the last couple months. I aborted my originally planned route because I was scared I might strand myself too far from home. I have never been so happy to make it home after 3.6 miles. Even after I got home I was still mad about the whole thing. Usually I'm just so happy I did miles.

I still had hope for Sunday. Too bad it was close to the same experience. Painful shins and calves until about mile 3.5 or 4. So we did a lot of walking up until then. I guess my legs decided to liven up after that so we completed the rest of the 5.7 with a little more running. At least Sunday was a little less painful and a lot more fun than Saturday. I also got to see new parts of my gigantic neighborhood on this run.

I think I learned a valuable lesson in marathoning this week. Weekday runs are really important even if they are short. I think I had such trouble this weekend because my legs were just so stiff and I couldn't loosen them up until the very end of my miles this weekend. It was so depressing after the fabulous weekend of training I had last weekend. My goal is to keep that lesson in mind this week to keep myself motivated. For now that I will take my 9.3 miles for the week with 61 days until Pittsburgh as a valuable lesson learned.