Motivation Monday- Lolo

December 11, 2012

If this doesn’t inspire you… then I don’t know what will.

Last year, her story made headlines…

Meet Lauren Scruggs. Her friends and family call her Lolo. She is a model and fashion blogger. She is a daughter and a twin sister. One night, last year, accompanied by her mother, she went on a short small plane ride to see holiday lights, light up Dallas, from a bird’s eye view. When exiting the plane she walked into the night, and accidently hit the plane’s spinning propeller. She lost her left eye and her left hand, but God spared her life.

Doctor’s told her loosing a hand is like loosing a family member because it has always been with you. But now look what she is doing…

Look at this strong woman! She isn’t just recovering from an accident that could have easily taken her life, but she is living, thriving, and doing push ups. She is thankful everyday, and adapting to her new body. So next time when you are exercising and feel like giving up… think of Lolo. Why? Because she is doing it beautifully and one handed.

Both this one, and the above photo were found in People magazine. I am totally amazed by today’s technology. Lauren not only has a prosthetic eye, but she has multiple prosthetic arms. She chooses which one to wear depending on what activity she is doing. Because Lolo is so athletic, she has one for swimming, and another for other physical activities. She also has one for everyday use. This one looks almost as natural as a regular real human arm.

To learn more about Lauren Scruggs read her book Still Lolo or check out her blog Lolo Magazine. Guess what? She also has a wordpress blog, follow her at LOLO.

Hot.. Steamy… Sweaty… Love affair.

December 7, 2012

Let me tell you a secret…

I have had an on again, off again, now on again, love affair with Bikram.

It is a hot…

It is a steamy…

It is a sweaty…

type of love.

So I am back on and this is why?

This week was the first week of December. Where I live, it is not unusual to have unpredictable, sporadic weather conditions. So earlier this week, when the sun began to shine and the daily temperatures hit a lovely 65- 70 degrees, I wasn’t totally surprised. With that being said, there was no way I was going to skip out on a run. I couldn’t waste these beautiful days. I had to take advantage of this fabulous December weather.

So I did.

I ran fast.

I ran in shorts.

I ran testing my new Brooks PureConnects.

This morning however, the temperatures began to drop. Although, the sun was out, it became a breezy and cold 45 degrees. So instead of running, I hit up Bikram.

For those that don’t know what Bikram is let me explain…

Five years ago, I had a desire to try yoga, but for those that know me well, know that I crave intensity in everything I do. I didn’t want to pay for a yoga class, where I would be meditating and relaxing. I wanted to a challenge. I wanted to sweat. I wanted to see results.

For those that know me well, also know, I research everything. So of corse I looked up different forms of yoga, and came to the conclusion that Bikram would be the best fit for me.

Bikram Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga, created by Bikram Choudhury. The class is a 90 minute class. It consistes of 26 postures and 2 breathing techniques (26 +2). The postures are preformed in 105+ temperatures, working the whole body. Bikram is extremely detoxifying and healing. You will leave drenched with sweat and totally rejuvenated.

Bikram is always the same routine. Because of this, over time, you really get the opportunity to improve your body, and prefect the poses.

My first Bikram class…

I was super excited and just couldn’t wait to try this new type of exercise. So five years ago, on a cold winter night, I got off work and stopped by my mom’s house. She was the only person I knew that would try anything with me on such a short notice. I told her that we were going to try a hot yoga class. I told her to grab the shortest shorts she had, and the biggest water bottle she owned.

In the last few years three new Bikram studios have opened in Northern Virginia alone. But back five years ago, the studios were limited, so my mom and I headed to the one in Falls Church. Like most Bikram studios, this one was a hole in the wall. My mom was a tad freaked out at first, but we completed the first class, feeling amazing afterwards.

My Bikram experience continues…

I began to practice regularly 4-5 times a week. When my best friend, Mariana, came home from college, I convinced her to come along with me. She too fell in love with it and began to practice regularly. We loved it so much, that on the rare occasion we would complete a double – meaning we would practice two times in one day.

It was amazing, how much our bodies changed. Our upper bodies- mainly arms and shoulder became toned. Our posture improved. Fat melted away from our midsections. We became more flexible. Our skin improved. We drank more water/coconut water, and craved a healthier diet. We felt rejuvenated, more energized. Everyday, I wanted to sweat buckets, and craved the heat.

New Studio’s opened…

Bikram Tysons: One of our favorite instructors from Falls Church, opened his own studio out in Tyson’s Corner. A lot of the regulars from Falls Church followed him. My friend and I would make the drive as well. The studio is by far one of the prettiest ones in the area. The classes are always packed full, with tons of regular yogis, some so amazing that they could teach the class. Because of this, the classes have a really awesome energy, but make sure you go early to reserve your favorite spot to lay your mat. The heat is always cranked to the max temperatures. You are guaranteed an intense class.

Birkam Yoga Arlington: This is another one of the newer studios in the area. I recently moved, so this location is way more convenient for me. So although, I love Falls Church and Bikram Tysons, this year I plan to go to the Arlington studio more often.

When ever I go to the Bikram Tysons, I have to arrive 20 minutes early just to get a spot in the room, at Bikram Yoga Arlington, this is not the case. Every time I have participated at the Arlington studio, I have gone to the 10 am class and it hasn’t been too busy- which is a kind of nice. This studio is also the cleanest studio I have been too.

Today’s Yoga Class

L and I at Bikram.

When I drive out to Bikram Tysons, I have to leave my house an hour before class started, hoping and praying I will make it in time. (That is how bad the traffic is here.) I am totally stressed out when I arrived.

Today, I hit up Bikram Yoga Arlington and it literally took me five minutes to drive there, and I found parking right away- score! L and I had plenty of time to set up and relax before class started.

At first I didn’t think the room was that hot, but now I am thinking I was really dehydrated, and just didn’t begin to sweat until the middle of the standing postures.

Because it was my first time back in a month or so, I didn’t want to push myself too far, over stretch, and injure myself. Plus my muscles were tight from all the running.

In the end, it was a really good class. I felt so energized after. It felt like a full body massage. I definitely want to fit Bikram back into my schedule at least 2 times a week, if not more. I also want to try some other forms of yoga. I have a feeling that inverted poses are in my near future, what can I say – I just want to be upside down.

Questions for You…

Have you tried Bikram?
What kind of yoga do you practice?

Comparing Running Shoes

December 5, 2012

Lets talk about my obsession…

For those of you who have been following my blog, you may already know that I am shoe obsessed. But for those that are new readers let me clue you in.

In April/May 2012 I caved… and made the switch from a traditional running shoe, (Asics Nimbus and Brooks Glycerin) to a barefoot running shoe called Newton.

So ever since then, I have been wearing either my Newton Distance U or my Newton Gravity, only doing one long run in my old Brooks Glycerin (over a 7 month period.)

In the Newton shoes, I have focused on running form. Working very hard to change my stride from a minor heel striker (slight over pronator/over strider) to a forefoot/mid-foot striker (neutral runner with a higher cadence.)

Was I successful? Yes, I was, and I had the opportunity to prove it, by racing two 10 milers in them. And just this weekend, raising the bar, by setting a new PR in my half marathon I ran.

However, last week, I went into my local running shoe store, Pacers, and bought the Brooks PureConnect running shoe. This shoe’s resale value is normally $90, but because it is a 2012, it was on sale for $75. The 2013s should be out in January, but you can pre-order them now, if you want them!

Brooks barefoot running series.

Lets talk about Brooks PureConnect shoe. This is what Brooks says…

The PureConnect was named “Best Debut” in Runner’s World’s Winter 2012 Shoe Guide in the December issue. The editors said the PureConnect “strikes a balance between barefoot-inspired minimalism and cushioning-required training. It has a lightweight, barely there feel yet is substantive enough to handle long tempo runs.”

The design of the shoe allows you to have the freedom to feel the ground and connect with your run. It has toe flex technology which gives you flexibility in the forefoot and activates your big toe and aligns your toe off. It is a 4mm heel to toe drop. The material the shoe is made from keeps the foot balanced and creates a glove like fit, allowing the shoe to work more naturally with your foot. The shoe weighs 6.5 oz, being super light weight and breathable.

PureConnect

Why I was tempted to try them…

Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE MY NEWTON SHOES! Just how your body will adapt to certain work outs, your body can adapt to your running shoe. When you repeat the same work out over and over, you stop seeing results, the same can happen in running shoes. Because of this fact I don’t want to allow my body to get too comfortable/use to one type of shoe. Different shoes work the body in different ways. I want to be well rounded. I also want to experiment with a shoe rotation. I have used Brooks and Asics in the past, and have enjoyed their shoes, so I thought I would look into their barefoot running shoes.

When researching, different barefoot running shoes I realized that Asics was the last ones to take the plunge. But they finally did, unfortunately, it is not quite good enough.

ASICS

Their barefoot running series is called the 33 series, named after the 33 joints found in your foot – very cool name. However, their lightest out of that series, the Gel Lyte33, only has a 6 mm heel to toe drop. This is good for those runners, who are still running in a traditional running shoe with a 12 mm heel, who wants to try a lighter shoe and a lower heel to toe drop. This shoe will give this runner what they desire with out messing to much with their running stride or body. Some runners claimed they barely felt a difference.

However, because I am already running in the Newton Gravity that has a 3 mm heel to toe drop and the Newton Distance U which has a 2 mm heel to toe drop, to try the Gel Lyte33, with a 6 mm heel to toe drop is pointless. So I moved on from Asics and took a close look at Brooks PureProject, and found the PureConnects.

Three things sold me on this shoe…

The heel to toe drop is 4 mm. There is a little bit more heel in these shoes compared to the Newtons, but not by much. Newton: Distance U has a 2 mm drop. Gravity has a 3 mm drop.
These shoes are 6.5 ounces. This is by far the lightest running shoe I have ever tried. Newton: Distance U weighs 7 ounces. The Gravity weighs 7.6 ounces.
The biggest sell point. These shoes are known for their Cushion. A little more cushion is what I was looking for, and that is what I found in these shoes.

SAUCONY

(just mentioning this for all the Saucony lovers out there…)

Saucony’s Kinvara 3 is the Brooks PureConnect’s biggest competition. So for those who love Saucony. The Kinvara is similar to the PureConnects weighing 6.7 ounces and having a 4 mm heel to toe drop.

On a different note…

So here is something to think about… Less is More.

I was talking to another runner. Demanding him to give me answers and tell me which shoe is the best shoe. He told me, “It is not about which shoe is better than the other. This is a running shoe store. All the shoes are good, designed by runners, for runners.” I questioned him. “Even the most minimal shoe in the store?” I asked. He informed me that the point of a running shoe is to absorb shock when the runner’s foot hits the ground. Even the lightest most minimal shoe is now made from such high tech materials, that even they are capable to absorb the shock, just as well as a traditional running shoe. So it is not whether one shoe is better than the other. It is about you, and your own personal opinion, about what you like and what you are comfortable running in.

My Experience in the Brooks PureConnect

Although, I had my shoes for a week, I didn’t want to jump right into them because my half marathon was coming up over the weekend, and I didn’t want to take any chances (injury/being sore) during my taper. So my first time running in them was yesterday. Wow! They definitely were different.

THE FIT… THE TOE BOX…

The Newton shoe along with most barefoot running shoes have a wide toe box. This design is suppose to allow your foot to naturally spread so your toes can grab the ground, the way they would naturally if you were running barefoot. The Brooks PureConnect took a different approach. While other runners, found this shoe to be a bit narrow. Brooks wanted this shoe to feel like a second skin, and hug your foot like a glove.

narrow toe box? nope! it fits snug like a glove.

Narrow toe box? Nope! it’s just snug like a glove. And I am wearing shorts in December. It is 65 degrees here!

When wearing the PureConnects, I did feel a bit snug in them, but are they really narrow, or am I just use to a wider toe box? Well unfortunately, I only ran four miles in them, so I can’t fairly judge whether I liked this “glove” feel or not. I do know one thing though – The wide toe box that my Newtons have, is one of the reasons why I love my Newton shoes.

When running in the Newton shoe with it’s wide toe box, you not only have the opportunity to really feel the ground, but your toes actually have room to spread and grasp the ground. However, at first this was very uncomfortable for me because my second and third toes are slightly crossed. I also continued to get a reoccurring blister on my third toe on my left foot. But practice makes perfect and over time, my toes stopped bothering me, and now I love the idea of my toes grasping the ground, because it is natural. This is what your toes would do if you were barefoot running on the sand at the beach.

The PureConnect does not have a wide toe box but rather has toe flex technology which gives you flexibility in the forefoot and activates your big toe and aligns your toe off. Honestly, during my four mile run, I didn’t feel my toes engaged at all or activated in any way. But then again, it was only a four mile run, maybe in a longer run I might be able to feel my toes do some work.

CUSHION

I have always run in a high cushioned shoe (Asics Nimbus and Brooks Glycerin.) So when I made the switch and started wearing the Newton, cushioning is the one thing I really missed. I don’t feel like the Newton shoe is very cushiony. Plus I sometime experience sesamoiditis very mildly in my left foot. Sesamoiditis is nothing too serious, it is just inflammation or irritation of the sesamoid bones found underneath the big toe, in the forefoot area. Wearing a more cushioned shoe, along with icing, can help a runner with this condition. So when I heard the PureConnect was a barefoot running shoe, known for its cushion – I had to try it!

When wearing the PureConnect for my four mile run, I could feel the cushioning right away. I felt super BOUNCY and light on my feet. In the end, I absolutely LOVE the cushion and bounce in this shoe – this felt really good. However, I wouldn’t say I felt like it was more flexible than my Newtons. I actually felt like they were a bit stiff, but I know they are not, maybe it was because they were snug like a glove.

Look at that Cushioning!

So this is what I have so far, on this review. It is hard to judge since I have only had the chance to run four miles in them. One very important thing about these shoes is that they do not last long. Most runners can only get 250-300 miles out of these shoes before they have to replace them. Because of this aspect, I am planning on only wearing these shoes a couple times a week, mainly for shorter runs.

If you over pronate…

When you change your shoe to a minimalist/barefoot running shoe, and change your stride from an over strider/ heel striker to a shorter strider who lands on their forefoot with a quick cadence, your over pronation should disappear. However, some may have a body imbalance they can’t help or weak ankles. If this is the case, they may still need some stability in their shoe. If this is the case, an orthotic may help, or instead of purchasing the PureConnect, you would get the PureCadence. The PureCadence is from the PureProject by Brooks, but this shoe provides a stability crutch, while the PureConnect does not.

L wears the PureCadence.

PureCadence for those that want a barefoot running shoe, but needs a stability crutch.

PureCadence

If you are interested in a stability shoe in Newton, you would start with the Motion ( for those that need stability) later trying the Distance U (which is for both the neutral runner or the runner who needs a stability crutch.)

TIP…

If you are not running in a barefoot running shoe, always remember, it is good to keep one on hand as a strengthening tool – they work the muscles in your feet, when traditional running shoes protect them. They work the muscles in your lower legs, different than the way a traditional running shoe would.

Questions for You…

Have you tried Newtons, Brooks PureConnects, Asics 33 series, or Saucony Kinvara? If so what did you think?
Have you tried a minimalist shoe or barefoot running shoe? If so which one?
What do you think of minimalist – just a trend or is it the future of running shoes?

I crushed it!

December 3, 2012

This weekend was absolutely fabulous! I ran the Annapolis Half Marathon. And although, I am beyond excited to share how the Annapolis 13.1 rocked my world, I cant – not yet, not until I can get the professional race photos to post. So until then, I’ll just tell you this – I crushed it!

And this is what they gave us at the end of the race…

One of my close friends commented on this photo on fb. He said, “Good Swag.” Yes I agree.

~ race photos should be posted on 12/4… so look forward to reading an exciting race post from me.

Annapolis 13.1 (the night before)

December 1, 2012

For those of you who have been following my blog, you may already know my night before a race ritual. But for those who don’t know, I won’t leave you in the dark.

The night before every race I always prepare by laying out the clothes I will run the race in. Because I am not a morning person, this helps me stay organized in the dark early hours before the race.

Now for the ridiculous part… I then take a photo of my race outfit and upload the photo to facebook and Instagram. For my friends who are not runners, they may think this is crazy, braggy, or annoying. But I do this, because it gets me pumped up for my race, and it allows my friends and family who are runners to show their support.

So here it is – my night before race ritual photo of my race outfit. I will be wearing Lululemon, Newton’s Gravity Shoes, my iPod, my garmin. I have my bib pinned to my shirt. I have my fuel- sports beans and honey stinger waffle. Last but not least my Run like a Girl hoodie.

The race starts at 7:00 am, and it will be a cool 43 degrees tomorrow.

So bring it Annapolis. I’m ready to tackle 13.1 miles if hills!

Pumpkin!

November 30, 2012

I know… Thanksgiving was soo last week.

But I can’t help it, I have to share with you, this amazing pumpkin pie I made, ate, and now keep wishing I still had some left.

It is funny, how the mind works… When I was thinking about what I was going to prepare for my portion of my family’s thanksgiving dinner, I kept thinking about the Oprah show.

Back in the day, I remember watching Oprah, and this amazing pie was made on her show. So I went to her website and with a simple search of the word pumpkin, there it was… I was so thankful the recipe was still there on her site.

PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE

click here for recipe found on Oprah’s site.

INGREDIENTS – exactly the same from original recipe on Oprah’s site, except for those in bold text.

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. giner
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 cup milk
2 large egg yolks, beaten
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (I used organic, or better yet make your own pumpkin puree with a real pumpkin.)
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust ( I did not store buy my crust, I made mine from scratch. I will teach you how below.)
Whipped cream for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Now this is how we do it…

Part 1 – Pumpkin

In a pan, over the stove, combine gelatin, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg.
Then stir in egg yolks, milk, pumpkin.
Cook over heat, until bubbles and thickens.
Remove from heat, chill in fridge until it is partially set, no less than 1 hour.
Remove chilled pumpkin mixture and give it a stir.

And this is what your pumpkin filling should look like so far.

Part 2 – Whipped Cream

Pour heavy cream into a bowl.
Use an electrical better and whip it until whipped cream forms.

Whipped Cream

Part 3 – Pumpkin Filling

Use a different bowl and beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Add sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine both fresh whipped cream and egg whites and sugar with pumpkin.
Fold ingredients together until totally combined.
Pumpkin filling should be light and fluffy.
Set aside.

Part 4 – Crust

In the recipe found on Oprah’s site, they used a store bought crust. I made my own. This is what I did…

Take a box of graham crackers, remove two packs from the box.
Crush and crumble graham crackers.
Melt one stick of butter in the microwave, or over the stove. Whichever method you prefer. I quickly melted my butter in the microwave.
Add graham cracker crumbs to a pie pan.
Add melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs in the pie pan.
Use your hands to mold the graham cracker and butter combo in shape of the pie pan. Making sure the bottom and walls of the pan are completely covered. Make your crust as thick as you want by adding more crushed up graham crackers.

Part 5 – The Pie

Pour pumpkin filling mixer into pie crust.
Chill for at least one hour.
Top the pie off with extra whipped cream when serving. TIP: If you put the whipped cream on to soon and it ends up sitting out the whipped cream may melt. So I always just put the whipped cream on each slice when serving.

Pumpkin Pie! Yum! Enjoy!

I hope you choose to make this pie. Enjoy it during your next holiday party!

My sister and I on Thanksgiving! Finally you can see me without my running clothes on.

Questions for You…

What is your favorite holiday food?
Is it pumpkin pie?

12 mile training run

November 25, 2012

I just got home from my 12 mile training run. It was 40 degrees out, with a lot of wind so I prepared myself, and dressed in my winter running gear.

My pants and coat are from Lululemon. My hat is from anthropologie. My scarf is from lucy. I did not wear my Newton Gravity shoes, instead I wore my Brooks Glycerin. This is the first time since April that I wore anything but my Newtons.

Lately, I have been curious about how I would do in my old shoes. I actually forgot what they felt like. I just wanted to have a little more cushioning on my feet. I wanted to get lost in the run and take a break from always focussing on form. However, I don’t think my form suffered, and after I removed my scarf at the end of mile 1, I felt perfect on the trail – not too hot, not too cold.

Don’t be afraid to switch up your shoes. It is actually really good for your body. Just how your body can get accustomed to a certain work out- and you stop seeing results. Your body can become accustomed to your shoe, if you always wear the same one. Plus different runs might need a little bit of a different shoe, so switch it up and work different muscles. My legs have changed shape since wearing the Newton shoes, and having a shoe rotation.

12 miles

Anyway, this 12 mile run was awesome! I ran this 12 miler on the south side of the MVT, because I don’t have to stop for street lights. It has some slight rolling hills, and some beautiful views of the Potomac. My legs did get a little tired at some points, but I reminded myself to take short strides and land on my forefoot/mid-foot.

RUN ANALYZE

SUMMERY from my Garmin

Distance: 12.01 miles

Time: 1:41:06

Average Pace: 8:24 min/mile

Best Pace: 7:46 min/mile

Calories: 977 C

Cadence: 96 – which can’t be accurate.

This was a pretty good long run for me, super fast. I drank water every 2 miles. I ate a Honey Stinger waffle right before the run and refueled with Honey Stingers at mile 6 and then again at mile 9.

I am starting to get excited for my race next Saturday. This coming up week consist of shorter runs, and lots of rest. The taper begins.

What is your favorite winter running gear?

Food… doesn’t have to be fatty.

November 24, 2012

I hate to admit it, but I was getting into a rut, ordering the same take out food, from the same Thai restaurant everyday. The only reason I didn’t get fat was because I was only having time to eat one meal a day. But just because I wasn’t fat doesn’t mean I was healthy. A person can still be skinny, by eating processed meats, fatty dairy, and simple carbs, if the calories consumed don’t exceed far from their BMR. However, being skinny does not equal to healthy, with a diet that consists of daily Thai take out. With a diet like that, one will have a high body fat percentage, high LDL cholesterol- clogged arteries, an unhealthy heart.

But thankfully I am an athlete. Being a runner saved me from the health risks. But I still needed to find a way to get out of these bad eating habits, because they were making me feel bad about myself. Yes, I was so busy at work, that finding time to plan meals began to seem nonexistent, so I decided to make meal planning a priority.

In the beginning of January 2012, I, along with everyone else in America made a New Years Resolution. But this time, I was not going to be typical. I wanted to choose a challenge that I could be creative with. So I decided my New Years Resolution would be to try a new exotic food once a week. This was actually a really fun and easy resolution to stick to. It forced me to explore Whole Foods, MOM’s Organic Market, the local Farmer’s Markets, and Trader Joe’s, in search for a new and different flavor.

Most of the time, I bought a unique piece of produce, beets being on the top of the list. However, I also tried Almond Milk, different types of tea, grains such as quinoa, beans such as lentils, and many more. I cooked with organic pumpkin for the first time. Sometimes I picked up a piece of produce and pondered what it was, but most of the time I was familiar with the food, but never stepped out of my comfort zone, to purchase it and try to cook with it. Trust, me I have read all of the books, watched all of the documentaries, and although I learned a lot from them, what I really needed were recipes. So I started following tons of vegan and food blogs to get ideas.

Boy, what a difference a year can make. Now I can’t remember the last time I had Thai take out. And when I do have any sort of heavy unhealthy food like that, I regret it and feel sick. My stomach just can’t tolerate it. By having that New Years Resolution, I am now planning more meals, cooking more, eating clean healthy whole foods.

So now to the point of this blog post…

Although, everyone now is probably just finishing up with their Thanksgiving leftovers and starting to shift into the Christmas/Hanukkah spirit. I wanted to share with you the dishes I cooked this Thanksgiving.

I cooked a side dish of Roasted Root Vegetables.

I didn’t use a recipe. I just kind of made it up along the way.

Ingredients

purple beets
golden beets
shallots
garlic
carrots
turnip
olive oil
sea salt
pepper
rosemary
sage

Directions

Preheat oven for 350-400
Wash the beats and cut the ends off.
Peal the skin off. Some people cook the beets with the skin on. It is okay to eat the skins.
Wrap each beet in foil with olive oil and salt.
Place each foiled beet on a baking sheet or cupcake pan.
Place beets in oven – cook until beets are soft and sweet, about 1 hour 45 minutes.

turnip and foil.

Cook Turnips the same way as beets.

Wash and peel carrots.
Cut off ends
Place carrots in a glass baking pan with olive oil, garlic, shallots, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper.
Cover with foil.
Place in oven.
Cook for 1 hour.
Unfold beets and turnip from foil.

Cut beets and turnip into small chunks
Combine with carrots and other vegetables.

Greens

Wash the greens from the beet tops
Place greens in a stove top skillet with olive oil.
Let greens wilt.
Add balsamic vinegar.
Combine with other root vegetables.

Final Result

This was a pretty healthy and delicious, side dish! Not to hard to prepare. I highly recommend you try it!

SOME Turkey Trot

November 24, 2012

I don’t start enjoying a run until mile three. My body needs time to warm up. By the time I am warmed up, found my rhythm, and begin enjoying myself, my 5K race is over. And that is why I hate running 5Ks.

However, the Turkey Trot is by far one of my favorite races. Running a Turkey Trot is one of the few, if not the only, 5K I run a year. It feels so amazing, to wake up bright and early on Thanksgiving morning and start the holiday off with a race.

I have run a couple different Turkey Trots in the area, but SOME is the best one. The race is located in DC. The route use to be down near Hains Point, but this year the race started on Pennsylvania Ave. I liked this route better, but parking was hard to find. The race is $35, but the money goes to SOME – So Others May Eat.

Although, just a 5K, I still did my normal night before race ritual – laying out my race outfit.

Ready to run SOME, on Thanksgiving morning. Then jumped in my car. Picked my sister up. Headed to the start.

The start was well organized with a view of the Capitol.

We lined up near the 8 min/mile pace group.

I wore my Newton, Gravity shoes, and my new barefoot running socks.

These are the socks that I wore the day of my race. They felt really good, and helped me avoid a blister I get regularly on my third toe when wearing the Newton Gravity shoe. I learned about this product from the blog, Barefoot Monologues. Read a more detailed review on this product here.

My sister and I at the race. The race was easy, short, flat, fast. A typical 5K. A typical Turkey Trot. I ended up with a PR of 24:33. Thats a 7:55 min/mile. The best part was that Panera Bread handed out bagels at the finish line.

If you are ever in the DC area on Thanksgiving day, I highly recommend this race.

Questions for You

Did you run a Turkey Trot?
What is your favorite type of run? 5K, 10K, 15K, 10 miler, 13.1, 26.2

Breathe. Relax. Appreciate.

November 22, 2012

I finally found time today, around 8 pm, to sit down. This has been a nonstop busy day, week, month, year. Life, my body, started to be painful and exhausting. After so many busy days in a row I finally was able to squeeze in a night time run, since my long run on friday. Although, it was just a short, fast, easy 5k – it felt amazing. It was just what my body needed. I usually don’t run at night, but tonight I did and it was peaceful.

In the morning, I will be running a turkey trot. It is a Thanksgiving tradition for my sister and I.

I will be wearing my new socks. I can’t wait to try these out.

I am looking forward for the next three days off to just relax, breathe, appreciate.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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