Finished!

This weekend, I ran (and walked) my first 1/2 Marathon! There were MANY hills, especially at the end, so I did walk very briskly around mile 11 for a bit, but I did run for a good long while! It was challenging, but I finished! And, I raised over $2,500.00 for Marlene's Mission! I could not have done it without so much support from my husband, family, and friends!

Here's some photos of the medal and celebration cake from Sugarbakers.

Finishing medal:


Celebration flowers from my husband. Yellow cake with Raspberry filling and Amaretto buttercream. Best bakery cake ever.

1/2 Marathon Training Progress Log!!!!

Well, it's been a long, but enjoyable winter! (When is the last time anyone has said that?) Tonight is the last track workout before the big race on Sunday. I have been dealing with some tendinitis in my ankle, but all looks to be well to run this weekend. I would like to thank everyone for all their support! I'll check back in next week for a full race report.

1/2 Marathon Progress Log!

This is a depressing progress log! I sprained my ankle in a 10K last week, so I've been forced to rest. BUT, I should be taking baby steps back to running this week, and it looks like I'll still be able to run the 1/2 marathon. I've been back in PT, and they're helpful.

I miss my running group though. I can run 2 miles tomorrow, and it will be good to see them.

Too Much Cuteness

Mental Health Break

NYC Eats - The Spotted Pig

Our second stop of the day was the Spotted Pig. We got there at the totally senior citizen hour of 4:30 for drinks, and decided to eat an early supper when they started to serve their full menu at 5:30 (we had a show to get to, hence the early dining hour). My lovely cousin met us there to hang out with us, which was awesome.

I didn't take pictures of our drinks, but I loved them. My friend objected to putting bitters in a Tom Collins, so I got to finish hers. At 5:30, we were seated upstairs. I'm glad we went early because by 5:30, the wait for dinner was already one hour. Go here early, folks. This place is small and crowded.

We started with a plate of Gnudi, otherwise known as little pockets of cheese heaven. I could have had 3 plates of this for dinner and been satisfied. Amazing.


I went for the burger, which was supposed to be one of the best. It was definitely good, but super salty! Most of their food was salty, my friend couldn't even finish her pretty scallops. The fries were the real star on this plate, with awesome fried rosemary. Just perfect!!!!

Too Salty, but pretty scallops

Burger and Fries

Closeup

NYC Eats - Katz's Deli

My friend and I ventured to New York City last weekend to attend the LAST LCD Soundsystem Show. It was wonderful, and we had a few eating adventures while we were there!

First up, Katz's Deli. Yes, it's pretty touristy there, but the pickles are good and the sandwiches are terrific. It's one of the best hot dogs I've ever eaten, and I was excited to go back.

There is usually a line to get in at lunch time, but it moves fast, as most people order from the counter.
Sign!


Don't forget your ticket! Their seltzer is awesome, just don't call it sparkling water.


The menu


If you wait for table service, you not only get a seat right away, but you don't have to wait in an extra line for these terrific pickles.


My "light" lunch! Also my first ever bowl of matzo ball soup. Why have I never eaten this fantastic soup before?

10 Miles!

I hit the 10 mile mark this weekend on my long run! It was surprisingly not terrible, although I was pretty much finished at 10 miles. I have been chewing on these clifbar shot bloks as I run, and they've really helped keep up the energy. This week, our long run is supposed to be 12 miles, but I'm cheating a little and only running 6 because I have a 10K race on Saturday. I am determined to run this race without stopping this year! (There is an infamous insane hill at mile 4).

My IT bands are acting up again, but I'm stretching and getting through it, I think. I'm going to check out these fancy tights to see if they help at all. Someone in my running group has had success with them.

That's all for now! Only a few more weeks until the race!!!

1/2 Marathon Training Progress Log - Week 7!

I just completed week 6 of my 1/2 marathon training and am full steam ahead into week 7! I think I'm finally used to getting up at 6:30am on Saturday mornings to run. This past Saturday, I completed 8 miles without stopping! From here on out, all distances will be the farthest I've ever run, so that feels like an accomplishment. 13.1 is feeling doable now!

I also had what will hopefully be my last PT appointment yesterday. The doc said everything with my IT band is looking good, just to keep stretching and icing after runs.

Thanks again for all the support!

1/2 Marathon Training Progress Log #5

I am a few weeks into training now! I have discovered a few new running routes around local lakes, and it's finally beginning to warm up a bit here. Big thanks to Under Armour coldgear for getting me through the winter months! This week will be the farthest I've ever run, with a long run of 7 miles. I'll be a little over 1/2 way to 1/2 marathon distance! The people in my running group are great.

I am almost finished with physical therapy for my IT band. As long as I ice it for a little while after runs, it hasn't caused any pain, but it still feels tight. The foam roller is my new best friend.

That's about all for now! I'm glad these progress logs show actual progress!

Sprinkles Cupcakes (finally!)

You may remember a few years back when I posted about driving to Sprinkles in LA only to discover I left my wallet way back in my hotel room. The folks at sprinkles were nice enough to invite me to a free sneak peek of their new store in Georgetown. We were each allowed to pick 2 cupcakes from their Sunday menu. These are some of the best bakery cupcakes I've ever eaten. The girls down the street at Georgetown Cupcakes sure do have some competition now!

The vanilla/vanilla is fantastic, with just the right amount of sweetness. I think it is a hot milk cake.

The others were also great. The peanut butter chip was a little rich, but still very tasty. I liked that the cinnamon sugar didn't have icing, like my Nana's cinnamon cake.

Candace was there, but I didn't get to talk with her. Too many people in the bakery.

Here's some pics!

Boxes


Cupcakes in boxes



Vanilla closeup and cut



Chocolate Marshmallow closeup and cut

1/2 Marathon Training Progress Log

Well, the first week of official training was last week! We began with a 2 mile time trial at a local track on Tuesday and met on Saturday morning at 7:30am for our first long run. Things are going pretty well so far, and the people in the running group seem nice.

The great news of last week is that I've met my fund raising goal for Marlene's Mission! Once my cupcake bake sale total has posted, I will have raised over 2,000 so far! Even though I've made my goal, I am still accepting donations. Thanks to everyone who's contributed thus far!

1/2 Marathon Training Progress Log #4

Well, I am back to running longer distances! I am back to 4 miles, and am ready to start official training on the 15th! It looks like there are about 15 people in my group, and we're all at about the same level (running between 10-12 miles a week, and have finished a bunch of smaller road races). Thanks again to everyone who has donated to Marlene's Mission!

Stay tuned!

Perfect Pancakes

I love a good, simple pancake.I always have a little trouble getting the temperature of the pan correct when I make pancakes. I haven't yet invested in an electric griddle. Last week, during a snowstorm, I managed to get pancakes right on the first try!

Perfect pancakes in pan!

Table setup!

Closeup with syrup!

Just Awesome

I'm a fan of the "real" Office, and this is just fantastic.

1/2 Marthon Training Progress Log #3

This weekend, I ran on the treadmill for the first time in 2 weeks! My PT says everything is looking good and I can keep running indoors, about 2 miles at a time. Formal 1/2 marathon training starts in 2 weeks, and he thinks I'll be ready to start with everyone else.

Very good news!

NYE Food

This year, for NYE, we hosted a little get-together for some friends. As usual, it was a super fun crazy time. Some photos of the event before the mayhem. (Note: I made slow cooked pork tinga tacos from Rick Bayless' Mexican Everyday, but forgot to take pictures)

Flowers from our friend!


Party Hats!


Fridge Before


Drinks


Dips

Christmas Candy Making

I realize I am a bit behind the times with this post, but I wanted to post pictures of my Christmas candy making efforts! Everyone loves my peanut butter balls :) They are a recipe from my good friend, Meri!

Chocolate melting on my fancy double boiler, aka rice cooker


Sprinkles!


Finished


Closeup!

1/2 Marathon Training Progress Log #2

Last week, after running 3.5 miles, I noticed that my IT band (a wonderfully difficult to stretch and maintain length of connective leg tissue) had flared up considerably and decided to rest and go to see a sports medicine doctor. I went on Monday, and he informed me that I did have an IT band flare up in my right leg. I was worried this injury was going to sideline me for a while, but they seem pretty confident that with 2 weeks of rest, and a few weeks of physical therapy, I'll be able to get back my training feet.

So, it looks like I'm still on pace to begin 1/2 marathon training the second week in February! I am really glad to not be sidelined and promise to keep working!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to my Marlene's Mission page so far.

She Caught the Katy

My Phish show going days are long gone, but it's nice to know there's a song with Katy spelled with a "y".