First Run Since Marathon

And I had to stop after 3.67 because my KNEES hurt. What the heck? I've never had knee problems... Ugh. Frustrating. I rarely stop. But, it felt like I was doing irreparable damage, so I did. But, other than severe pinched-nerve-like pain, I felt good, and glad to be running again, so that's a positive sign.

Still trying to figure out the whole back to school thing. Had an interesting conversation with a lady who is a Health Coach at the Bronxville Wellness Spa. There are so many cooler jobs out there than the one I currently have. And yes, I'm totally a grass is greener on the other side kind of girl. I mean, hello, I grew up in the Bronx. We don't even have grass here. Well, we do, but not the kind that grows in public.

Anyways, I'm protein-shaking it up (chocolate milk, banana, frozen strawberries, protein powder, magic bullet) hoping to get my knees functioning. Probably some light stretching is in my future as well, if I can motivate myself.

Got the new Runners' World. It talked about sneakers. Again. Definitely want to use my New Balance gift card that I won for coming in 3rd in my division at the Woodlawn 5K on the new NB zero drop sneaks. They'll go well with my NB minimus trail shoes that I love. Again, I reiterate, the book "Born To Run" is awesome. Not that I think barefoot running is the be-all-and-end-all of the world, trust me, my gel-Nimbus 13 Asics got me through that marathon. And no, the book doesn't mention Bruce, unfortunately. But it's very inspiring and I found it fascinating. Or, for a great, motivational quick "beach"-esque read, "Ultra Marathon Man".

Still contemplating my slow cooker recipe of the week. I'm thinking soup... Open to suggestions on recipes!

Pulled Chicken, Sweet Potato Muffins, and Flowers for a Rainy Day

Ok. I made pulled pork, and it was extravagant. So, when I saw chicken on sale at the grocery store yesterday, I figured, why not?

Same recipe as the pulled pork:

3-4 onions, chopped
8 boneless chicken breasts (You can easily replace this recipe with a pork shoulder)
2 cups gingerale
BBQ Sauce--I used an entire bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ and had extra for the sandwiches.

Put half of the onions on the bottom of slow cooker. Add the chicken. Put the rest of the onions on top. Pour the gingerale over everything. Set for 10 hours on low.

After 10 hours, it should resemble this:

Strain the chicken and onions and place in a pot. Shred the chicken using 2 forks. Now doesn't this look scrumptious?

Now, put the chicken and onions back in the pot, and toss it with BBQ sauce. Let it cook for another hour on low.

Then, I made a sandwich using whole wheat rolls, cheddar cheese, extra BBQ sauce, and the chicken. Deliciousness!

Next, sweet potato muffins. This comes from Runner's World Mag.

First, I threw 2 sweet potatoes in the oven at 400 for an hour.

Then, turn oven down to 375

Next, I added:
the insides of the sweet potato, mashed
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
1/2 cup buttermilk

to a bowl and mix.

Fold in:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp salt

Mix it up:

Put cupcake liners into the muffin tin, and fill about 2/3 of the way. Put in oven for about 20-25 minutes.

Voila:

And to make your day even brighter, Bradford flowers!:

Career Change: Why We Should Sweat The Details

Hi. I'm 28. Almost 29. That's a year away from thirty... Three decades of living. Wild. And what have I done career-wise? I've taught English in NYC for the past 6 1/2 years, which is pretty shocking to me considering I did not go to college to become a teacher (alternate route--almost free masters!).

Now, I'm considering going back to school for at least 3 years, maybe more. Full time (with a part time job on the side?) to become a registered dietitian. (Food has always been my passion, and I love being active, healthy, and outdoorsy, so I figure it combines the best of both worlds.)

Which means: all those science classes I didn't take--I'll have to take them. Chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy, biology, et cetera. Then, I'll have to apply to a masters program. Then, I'll have to involve myself in some sort of internship. Then I take an exam. THEN, I can be a contributing member of society again.

Pretty scary prospect, eh?

I've run a marathon. That was scary in the beginning. I've zip-lined in Costa Rica. That was terrifying at first. I've bobsledded at Lake Placid--not the safest thing to do. I've snowboarded backcountry at Verbier, Switzerland. I've flown Ryan Air AND Easy Jet (if you've ever flown them, you know what I mean). I got over my intense fear of dogs by OWNING one (I had nightmares for months at first). I've taught middle school and high school in the Bronx. Seriously, this should be a cakewalk, right?

So when is it too late? Health benefits, rent, tuition, Con Ed, cable... They all add up. Plus, many people still believe in the idea of "staying with a company" and "being vested in the pension program." Paying money instead of making money is a daunting concept.

I teach the play "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder. One of the play's major themes is the idea that people don't understand life; we place value on the wrong things, we complain and focus on the negatives, and we watch life fly by without truly appreciating the details--like coffee, food, and sleep. We only remember big events--the day to day stuff goes unrecognized. (Ex. We remember the marathon, but not the training) Yet, most of our living is in those small details. A fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee in the morning with whole milk. A crisp fall apple straight from the tree. Sleeping in on a rainy Saturday morning.

Why are so many people afraid to live? Why do people associate "comfortable" with "safe"? We're so afraid of failing that we don't even try. Details add up. Perhaps it's time to make the details count for more. Perhaps it's time to take that first step, whether it be a couch to 5k program, a first half marathon, a marathon, or a career change. The details=the work, the event=the memory. Maybe we should start thinking about how awesome the details can be--the reading, the training, the studying... Sweat the details, cause sweating rocks!

Organic Chemistry better bring it.

The Charleston Marathon Experience

6:45 AM the alarm goes off. I slink out of bed, and throw on the clothes that I had picked out the night before, following Hal Higdon's advice. Knee high neon socks of various hues, sky blue running shorts, a royal blue t-shirt, and a long-sleeved 5K Dog Trot shirt I figured I'd toss when it warmed up. And of course, my Asics and my new Garmin running watch. The yellow bib ticket with my city and name had been placed on the t-shirt the night before. I then ate the cardboard peanut butter chocolate chip Cliff bar, (cardboard more because I did not feel like eating, not because it necessarily tastes bad), and washed it down with some cherry/grape juice.

I hopped into the car on fresh legs, and headed to East Bay street in Charleston, SC. My uncle dropped us off and we quickly realized that it wasn't just cold, it was NY cold. It was freezing! So we briskly walked (I refused to run more than I had to, knowing what was to come) to the Harris Teeter 24 hour grocery store down the street. Lovely store. Right before race time, we headed to the starting line, found a crazy Australian lady in a chartreuse running jacket holding a sign that said 4:30, figured that'd be our best option, and fell in line.

They gave a little political speech, talked about the primary coming next weekend, sang the national anthem, and we were off. At a very leisurely pace.

We ran down East Bay, toward the battery, then up King Street all the way to North Charleston. And if there is anything I will remember about this race, it was:

THE WIND.

Oh my goodness. I remember watching an episode of The Biggest Loser where the contestants ran a marathon. The winner finished in over 5 hours, and they showed the wind whipping around the desert, forcing the contestants to stop in their tracks. I used that image numerous times during my training, figuring, hey, if they can run a marathon, so can I. So I had a very vivid picture in my mind, and this Charleston wind wasn't much different. I swear, without exaggerating (although, I love a good hyperbole), we probably ran at least 18 of the 26.2 miles INTO the wind. My cheeks are still red, three days later.

At first, I thought it was because we were next to the harbor. Then, I figured, well, we can't go in this direction forever. Boy was I wrong. The wind kept coming.

Around mile 11, the half marathoners started speeding up, shouting and frolicking in their tutus. It was all I could do to stay on pace and not get caught in the frenzy. The course split, and about two minutes later, I see "Tom" sprinting towards me. At least, that's what his bib said. Poor Tom in his glasses and middle age-appropriate outfit was really sprinting. At first, I figured one of his friends or family members probably got hurt. Then I realized Tom had a motorcycle in front of him. Guiding him. Tom was going to win! And I wasn't even at mile 12 yet. Well, so much for a chance at the gold. But I chugged on. And on. And On. Like a bad Journey song.

I felt great. The wind wasn't quitting and neither was I. I felt alive. I felt proud. And then I hit mile 17. Ughhh mile 17. The panic of, "well, in my last training run, I'd be about a 5k away, but now I'm 9.2 miles away" began to set in. I turned to Brad, "What if I hit the wall at 17?" He replied, "Keep running." Okay. Nothing else to do. Then, miraculously, at mile 20, I began to feel better. I felt strong again! I can do this! I'm so close!

And then, the Charleston Marathon played a dirty, dirty joke.

A switchback for the end.

Why? WHY IS THAT EVER A GOOD IDEA?

So, at mile 21, we had to run to 23 1/2 facing those that were ahead of us. Listening to crowds cheer "You're almost there!" to people who WERE almost there. And I still had 5 miles. Which, at the end of a marathon, is a LOT.

Well, I made it to 23 1/2. The turn around. I'm still running. And then, I turn to face victory, the last stretch, and what do I get? WIND. In my face. Stronger than ever.

Sigh.

I wanted to cry. I didn't want to run into the wind. I wanted to run across the finish line. The last few miles were the worst I've ever run. My legs began to break down. Even the coca cola the roller derby girls offered me did little to lift my spirits. The one pretzel I grabbed wasn't satisfying. I was in pain. I watched the 4:30 lady skip past me, cheering louder than ever. I felt like I was in a movie watching her dance away from me. Comedy, I'm sure. It looked so funny; sort of like slow motion.

We ran the last half mile. We crossed the line! 4:35. Not awful for a first time. We took a picture at a Finisher sign. We got our medals.

And they offered us rotten bananas, brown apples, and shrimp and grits. We searched for liquids, and finally found a small table that had water in Styrofoam cups. And that was it. They had run out of beer, not that that was my first choice. So I swallowed some shrimp and grits, and contemplated my first marathon. Rather uneventful at first glance. I didn't feel changed; I felt hungry.

I went home, showered, and ate an entire Hawaiian pizza. Brad had a Mighty Meaty. (C/O Mellow Mushroom)

So, do I feel different? Do I feel changed? Have I experienced life? Well, I've certainly done something most people will never do. And that is pretty awesome.

So would I do it again? Yes, I guess I would.

My students asked me if I "won." I teach high school in the Bronx. They were serious. I told them I won by finishing. They asked me my time. I told them. They asked the winning time. I told them. They looked at me funny. "Why'd they give you a medal?" they wanted to know. And I suppose, it's the same reason they get a diploma. Because sometimes finishing is winning. It's all about setting goals, big or small, and accomplishing them. Take that, Charlie Sheen.

What It Feels Like to Be A Non-Marathoner

(Picture c/o Runner's World)

Right now, I am a non-marathoner.

The next time I write, I will be, fingers crossed, a marathoner. And perhaps I'll better understand the quote at the top of this page.

Amazing what a little time can do! So right now, I haven't run since Sunday. I'm still fighting off this cold. I'm exhausted from work and shootings and lockdowns. I'm befuddled that my cell phone autocorrects TO lockdown. Sad world. Either way, I'm going to a Ranger game tonight with my dad, and I'm dealing with packing tomorrow since I took off. Yes, that's right, I took a day OFF of work. True story.

Man, I'm totally stoked to go down to Charleston and wreak havoc, but for some reason, right this instant, all I can picture is the Parker House Raw Bar, everyone sandy and in flip flops. Beach hair, lobster, and Landshark bottles. Music pumping, everyone smiling, pure peace in the chaos. Beach town, no worries.

And that's where my happiness is hiding. Next to a white plastic chair, under a cheap hunter green napkin, along a railing overlooking gravel.

There are many things I will probably end up visualizing during this crazy marathon on Saturday, but right now, that's my happy spot. So throw me some fairy dust, Tink, and let me fly!

Balance

(Photo c/o Runner's World)

How does one balance:

Family/Friends
Work
Fitness
Obligations
Sanity
????????????????????????????????????????????

Don't look at me. I certainly don't have the answers. Too much time is spent on focusing on the negative; more time needs to be spent on examining the positive. Or at least in my world, I spend too much time focusing on the negative. Like my hopeless career. Everyone expects a miracle cure, and nothing is ever "good" enough. Little successes (like getting a student to take off a hat) or big successes (like a structured essay) don't matter. The kid with no hat still wants to get water and the essay is still lacking higher level analysis.

Seriously?

And like the little kid with the abusive parents, I still keep waiting for the pat on the back. The "Good Job!" I'm not asking for much, here, people!

And then, after being thoroughly exhausted from entertaining students like a circus conductor all day, picking up after them (literally, candy wrappers, soda bottles, pieces of paper), rearranging desks forty-million times (WHY CAN'T THEY NAIL THEM DOWN?!?!), talking over them for 45 minutes at a time, I come home and run.

And then, by the time running is over, there's cooking.

And then, just when I sit down, it's 10:00 and I know that if I don't go to bed, I'll be exhausted in the morning when I have to repeat the same commands, demands, expectations, and exasperations. But, I can NEVER fall asleep. School runs through my mind constantly, my lesson isn't good enough, what IS my lesson, how do I get the students to pay attention to me, can I still perform cartwheels? My mind certainly can, turning and twisting all night into restless "sleep" with school-related nightmares abounding. Because, no matter what I do, and no matter what I have to show for it, it's still not enough. It's not the student's fault for being lazy, or the parent's fault for not disciplining, it's mine. And there are absolutely no consequences for anyone--student, parent, or me. But I'm always the one who feels guilty in the end. Like I haven't tried enough, or done enough, or worked hard enough. And I start to feel guilty for my own "leisure time" as if I should be working 24-7 to assist students who for the most part won't pay me no mind and will put me down and curse me out.

But, I'm still going to run that marathon. This Saturday. And I'll deal with the rest of it later. Like Scarlett O'Hara. Tomorrow sounds good. Yes, I'll worry about it tomorrow. When the beer is free.

The 2 Day Slow-Cooked Incredible, Delectable, Cherry New York Style Cheesecake

So last night, I decided to test-run Brad's birthday "cake." Brad lovesss cheesecake, which would never be my first choice for a birthday, but to each his own. So since he's turning the big 3-0, I figured I'd make it myself and make sure it was approved. So Brad technically gets 2 birthday "cakes." Lucky birthday boy.

Anyway, I never heard of making a cheesecake in a slow cooker, so I figured, what the hay, let's give it a whirl.

So, first, I went to Stew Leonard's. To get the good stuff.

Then: in a bowl, mix 2 packages of 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup white sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Now, this is serious, and by far the most difficult part. Mix this until creamy smooth. Not easy to do. Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature; makes life easier.

Once it's as smooth as a pick-up artist, add 2 eggs, mixing them in one at a time to make sure they're completely incorporated. Then, mix in one large egg white. Next, pour in 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (never skimp on price with vanilla extract!) and 2/3 cup sour cream. I don't own a springform pan, so I just buy a pre-prepared graham cracker crust. Pour the mixture into the crust and set your slow cooker on high for 2 hours. Let it sit in the slow cooker (turn to off) for another 30-60 minutes until it begins to set. Then, take it out and let it cool completely. Patience, my friend. Put the plastic lid from the pre-prepared crust back on top, and put it in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

Holy cheesecake Batman! So rich, creamy, and tasty! I don't even really like cheesecake, but this is definitely more pudding-like with a cheesecake taste. True New York Style. Pour some cherries on top and enjoy. Oohhh la la!

Fighting the Common Cold, T-4 Days 'Til Marathon!

Today is Tuesday.

On Sunday, I will (hopefully) be able to call myself a marathoner.

Hasn't really hit me yet.

But, I'm sick. Boo. Common cold, sick. Stuffy/runny nose, sore throat, headaches... nothing major, but nothing that makes me want to run. I've been on a mission to consume vitamin C, swallow some cold medicine, and sleeeeeep! Because I will NOT let anything get in my way come Saturday!

So, it's nap time. Curl up with the puppy, some food network TV, and a warm blanket.

VCTC

Bradford and I are now Purple People Eaters.

Or, members of the Van Cortland Track Club. Whose color is purple.

Figured we've become pretty serious about our running lately, so why not make it:

1) social
2) coached
3) discounted

So, Tuesday night speed workouts at the track, coached (followed by pizza)

Thursday night tempo runs (followed by beer)

Saturday morning long runs (followed by breakfast)

Plus, added perk of various discounts to local businesses, race fees, and entrance to summer BBQs, January awards nights, et cetera. Plus, maybe make a few friends along the way who are fitness minded as well.

Here's the webpage: (vctc.org)

And in other major accomplishment news: we ran our last 5 miler. Now, it's nothing more than 3 miles until Saturday when we attempt the insane: the 26.2 journey. And, I hooked up my new kindle tonight (c/o Brad's family!) and purchased "Run" by Dean Karnazes using the amazon gift certificate. Awesome. So inspired. But first, I need to finish "Marathon" by Hal Higdon, the ultimate training guide. And then watch the running movie I ordered off of Netflix, "Running America."

Ok, yes, I need some last minute motivation. But, I'm totally stoked!!! Go Purple People Eaters!

Pulled Pork Masterpiece

Brad called this the best pulled pork he ever had.

My dad scarfed it down.

My uncle Jimbo said, "If you want to quit your job, maybe you could have a career in BBQ in NY."

And I'm going to be kind, benevolent, magnanimous enough to share the recipe.

So here goes: the best pulled pork you'll ever eat. And no, it's not from Tennessee, Kansas City, Charleston, or Texas.

1 pork butt/shoulder. (I used an 8 lb shoulder)
3-4 large onions, sliced
2 cups of ginger ale.
1 large container of Sweet Baby Ray's honey BBQ sauce.

Yup, that's it.

So, take the onion and layer it on the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the pork butt, put more onion on top. Pour the 2 cups of ginger ale over everything. Set it on low, and go to work.

I let it cook for 10 hours.

Then, the meat will fall right off the bone. Shred it in a separate bowl. Strain out the onions. Dump out the now fatty sauce.

Put the shredded meat and onions back in the pot. Add 1 large container of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce (delicious!) Mix it all together, and put it on low for 1-2 hours.

Serve on a fresh hoagie roll with cole slaw and extra BBQ sauce. Insanely, unbelievably amazing. Oh man. Soooo good. Neil Diamond was definitely singing about this recipe!

3 Miles, 22 Degrees, Feels Like: 7 Degrees

Brad, Shea-dog, Jamie. Completed. Yup, Yup. True Story.

Back to the Grind. The Coffee Grind

Iced coffee in a magic bullet--yum! Ice, milk, coffee... simple. And makes going back to work that much more bearable. So let me take a minute to discuss Christmas gifts. Basically, my dream of avoiding a wedding is one step closer, as I received everything I could possibly imagine at a bridal shower for Christmas this year. (Except maybe a heavy duty mixer, which I really don't need right now.) Which is greaaaaattt!!! So, I have decided to cook my little heart away. First, I slow cooked some delectable chili. Then I chopped up some egg salad and made ten sandwiches for lunch this week. And tomorrow, I'm whipping up some pulled pork for the Orange Bowl. I will be sure to post the pulled pork, but let's just say that the chili was even better than I imagined. My new slow cooker browns the meat in the very pot that is slow-cooked, so I started by sauteing the onions, peppers and hot chilies, then added the meat and spices. Browned it all together, then added the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, and beans. Awesomeness. So, I now have the following arsenal: steamer, blender, food processor, magic bullet, and slow cooker. And Brad got a pretzel maker that we tried out yesterday and was very cool. Game on!

Vacation: Running and Nashin' It Up, AND WE BOTH WON THE LOTTERY FOR THE NYC HALF MARATHON IN MARCH!!!

So Merry Christmas to us, winning the lottery to run the NYC Half. Start in the park, run through the Square, and u at the Seaport... pretty cool! But, as for the vacation... First, we ran 20 miles on Christmas Eve. And we DID it. Awesome. Then, Christmas at the Cositores'. Then, the next day, Brad and I went to go visit his family in Franklin, Tennessee (right outside of Nashville) during the holiday vacation. We stuffed ourselves full of delicious BBQ care of Hog Heaven, Whitts, and Jack's. We went to a hockey game to see the preds beat the Minnesota Wild in an awesome shoot-out. We honky-tonked and line danced at Wild Horse Saloon, and had some JD at Losers after eating dinner at Winners. And, of course, we ran. First, a nice, easy 5 miler in the rain followed by some ice skating and wings at McDougals. (Free ice cream!). Then, the 10 miler around the streets of Franklin, on a beautiful, warmer, sunny day. Saw the Parthenon, learned that Nashville is the "Athens of the South." Had some Sweet CeCe's Frozen Yogurt. Had a blast. Nashville is an awesome city--small town feel, but a lot of events. We were there during a crazy busy time, considering there was the Zac Brown band in town, the Music City Bowl between Mississippi State and Wake Forest, and of course, the Battle of the Bands and New Year's Eve shindigs. Driving there was a little more than 15 hours, with puppy in tow, through the rambling nothingness of West Virginia and Kentucky. Driving back, we took 81 S the entire way to switch it up, and ended in Tabernacle to celebrate Christmas with Brad's other family. We also ran, again, another 10 miler. Then, we ended with a super fun 80s themed New Year's party, tighty whities and all. Loved it! photo tour: "The Melissa" at Athens
Hog Heaven, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. BBQ!
Temple to a Goddess
Hog Heaven 'Que
Honky Tonkin'
The Fam
preds, in awesome seats!
pbr truck
Titans Stadium, and still flooded in background!
JD Sunset
Open Tennessee highway
Wonderful and Wild
Getting Ready for Battle of the Bands + Music City Bowl + New Year's!
So The Training Continues, with us continuing our taper for the next 2 weeks until Marathon Saturday!!! So proud of me and 'ford. We rock!