tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61258463166575501782024-03-13T11:01:48.709-07:00the healthy cupcakeMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-65887585415808896942016-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:002016-09-13T03:04:41.235-07:00Angel Baby<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">It is with a heavy heart that I share this news. Shane and I were expecting a baby due in March, but at our first ultra sound appointment we were heartbroken to learn that there was no heartbeat. We are devastated, and although we are still grieving our loss, we are healing. I went back and forth about sharing this. I would have announced our pregnancy next week... Today, driving home from my follow up appointment, I realized that I didn't want to carry this secret any longer. I had a baby, who is no longer with us. But my baby was real, and I loved Baby C with all of my heart. Through this tragedy I have spoken to many women I know in real life and joined a few online support groups. And I was I shocked to learn just how many lives are touched by this type of loss. Yet no one talks about it... I share this as part of my own healing process, and to help fight the stigma associated with miscarriage. I wrote the entire story here (which I haven't used in years), but thought would be the best place to share my very personal story. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s been 2 weeks and 6 days since the absolute worst day of my entire 30 years of existence. On what was supposed to be a joyous day, our first ultrasound, I saw my baby for the first time. And then the lines followed… I knew in my gut that was supposed to be the heartbeat but I didn’t say anything. The ultrasound tech told us that the doctor was there and she would go get her. I knew. But it didn’t help when they walked back in and the doctor said the words no expecting mother wants to hear. “I’m sorry, but the baby stopped growing at 7 weeks. There is no heartbeat.” The next few minutes are a haze, but I clung to Shane for dear life and sobbed gut-wrenching, primal sobs that only come from the deepest grief. I was supposed to be almost 10 weeks and there had been no sign that a miscarriage had occurred. After careful consideration, Shane and I decided on a D & C, and it was scheduled for that Friday. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Driving past the labor and delivery building, we arrived at the surgery unit . There were people there for knees, and hips, and who knows what else. They probably thought I was crazy as I wept on Shane’s shoulder, waiting to be called back. I had a general idea of what was going to happen to me, but I tried not to focus on the details. I couldn’t. It was all so unfair. There are stages of grief, and I began to feel anger. Through my tears I bitterly cursed being in surgery and not labor and delivery. I vowed my next time at the hospital, I would be bringing home a healthy baby. I had the doctor assure me that I wouldn’t remember anything, and tears streamed down my face as I drifted under the anesthesia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For one magical second, as I woke up, I forgot where I was. Then, like a sucker punch to the stomach, it hit me. The nurse told me to take deep breaths as I cried for them to give me back my baby. I was empty. Officially not pregnant anymore. And I hated it. I still do.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For a week I wasn’t sleeping. I couldn’t. Miscarriage is physically and emotionally traumatic. After my D&C, I had some of the side effects of having a baby. Just no baby to show for it. And although my baby was “only” 7 weeks, my body underwent a massive transformation on the inside, preparing to support a growing life. And then in an instant it was all gone. I’m healed physically now. I have no more symptoms of pregnancy, although I yearn for them back. I also can say that I am doing better emotionally. I’m functioning in my daily life, but it still hits me and knocks me down when I least expect it. Grief is unpredictable and hurts in unimaginable ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will never forget my first baby and will always grieve this loss. But I hope in time I can begin to move on. I think writing and talking about it helps. I find comfort in knowing that people know about my angel baby. And although I’ll never get to hold my baby in my arms, they will always be in my heart. No one should have to endure this type of loss alone. I am lucky enough to have an incredible husband and amazing support system of close family and friends and was shown compassion and kindness by all the medical professionals I’ve come into contact with. But many other women have not had that experience. After my miscarriage I talked to women who I know personally who experienced a miscarriage, and I hadn't even know! I also joined a few support groups online, and it opened my eyes to how many women this happens to. One in four. That is an insanely high number. And yet no one talks about it. I know it’s taboo, but I can’t stay silent any longer. I can’t carry this secret. It’s too heavy to carry alone. I don’t want to talk about it all the time either. But I want everyone to know. I have a baby in heaven. I am a mother. Hopefully one day I will be a mom to a baby I can hold in my arms and whisper to them how much I love them. But until then, I need to share my story. This is part of my grieving process. I am one in four. I am not alone. If you are going through this, you are not alone. We will make it through this. </span><br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-5818608059887008882013-05-27T18:11:00.000-07:002013-05-27T18:11:06.318-07:00An Inspiring Experience<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://theseedexperience.com/events/" target="_blank">The Seed Experience</a></b> is "two full days of vegan immersion"...and it truly is. So many amazing vegan products to sample, from beauty care to <b><a href="http://www.chicagoveganfoods.com/teese_vegan_cheese/" target="_blank">Teese cheese</a></b>. (Oh my word, you haven't lived till you've had some teese nachos!) There is vegan fashion, jewelery, demos, and did I mention the food? There are just so many vegan options out there and it is <i>wonderful</i> to see them gathered in one place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Besides the <b>a w e s o m e </b>vegan food, there is so much to <i>do</i> at The Seed. When I arrived, JL Fields of <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/" target="_blank">JL goes Vegan</a> had just began her presentation, <i>Blogging 2.0 - From Your Blog to Main Street: How to Expand your Vegan Activism. </i>So before making my way around for the food, I grabbed a seat in the back and quickly became enthralled in what she was saying. Or more like asking...simple questions really. But they got me thinking. What IS my blog's niche/voice? It's kind of all over the place; running, yummy plant based food, random goings on in my life, oye! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you've probably noticed it's been a little bit since the last time I blogged. A lot has happened in my life and I'm so excited to share it! JL's talk seriously inspired me to start back up with blogging. And as I move forward on my blogging journey I plan on refining my niche and truly find my voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But all in good time. <i>First,</i> I want to tell you more about The Seed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got my <b><a href="http://thriveforward.com/" target="_blank">THRIVE Foods</a></b> book signed by Brendan Brazier! If you haven't heard of Brendan you much click on the link. He is an amazing plant based endurance athlete and creator of <b><a href="http://myvega.com/" target="_blank">Vega</a></b>, a completely vegan supplement line with only the highest quality ingredients. I swear by my Vega!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">His talk was so inspiring and jam packed with information on how to maximize your athletic potential on a plant based diet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I attended The Seed last year for the first time, and knew I had to come this year. The food, speakers, information, demos, products and so many like minded people all in one place...looks like I'll be attending The Seed again in 2014!</span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-22657006390091073132012-05-19T11:56:00.002-07:002012-05-19T11:56:16.322-07:00NJ Marathon Part 2<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Saturday night I prepped everything I would need for race day. Now, my alarm is set for 5:30 every (week) day, however marathons are generally held on the weekend... I'm sure you can guess what happened. Thankfully I woke up by myself and I made it to the race on time. Like, announcing "Runners to your corrals" on time, but there before the race started!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And we even had time for pictures! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I went into this race with a clear fueling strategy. Fueling began a week prior to race day. I made sure to feed my body whole foods with plenty of high quality carbs and protein, but not really changing it up too much. The day before I </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">didn't chug water, but made sure I was fully hydrated. My race night dinner was early, light and I've eaten it a million times before with no stomach issues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Race morning I had my usual PB and banana sandwich. Then I had my first GU in my corral waiting for the race to start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After my first GU I made sure to take a GU about every half hour. Unlike my last marathon I was consistent and made sure I didn't forget to take any. I also drank Gatorade and water at each station, spaced about 1.5 miles apart from each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And of course I had to take a picture with the Elvis(s).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In my race day strategy Lou gave me great advice, which stuck with me. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><i>You
can’t set a PR during the first 10 to 30 minutes but you can
defiantly lose it. </i>He told me to zone out, block out all the excitement, focus on deep rhythmic breathing, and RELAX! And that's what I did. I listened to 3 podcasts, Marathon Training Academy, Vegetarian Food For Thought, and Marathon Talk. On Marathon Talk they interviewed ultra marathoner Scott Jurek. He's won 100 mile races, so it put my 26.2 in perspective! </span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hit mile 13 feeling great! At 13 I turned on my jams. Fun. really gets my heart pumping for the record! At the 1/2 way point my race strategy switched. It was time to </span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">kick
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><i>It’s now time let’er rip.</i> <u>It’s
“hurting time” </u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> My race strategy now was to pick a
runner in front of me and focus on catching them. After passing them,
pick another runner and pass them. It was actually a fun game and it helped the miles go by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Spread out along the course there was a good amount of people cheering, and I always love a funny sign to get me smiling! They even had a couple bands playing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we finally hit the boardwalk I knew I had almost made it. Of course I felt tired but the boardwalk gave me some renewed energy. After the boardwalk came what I thought was the hardest part of the race. The sun was beating down and all around you could see people digging deep to keep going. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure my Mom and Matthew were REALLY close to the finish line, but when I saw them I just assumed the finish line would be a hop, skip, and a jump away. I was wrong. Seriously, those last .2 miles are rough! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Matthew was shaking his moroccas and yelling "Go Melissa! You're almost there!" I picked up the pace but I didn't see the finish line. I kept up the pace and thinking it would be around the next bend. I was getting SO mad. Where was the finish line?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I finally saw it I sprinted and gave every ounce of energy that was left in my body. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mile 26 was my fastest mile of the whole marathon. <i>Negative splits</i>, what what?! As soon as I stopped running all the muscle pain hit my body. My lower back ached and my legs felt like jelly, but I was SO. HAPPY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know I did not PR, but I felt strong, accomplished, and oh that runners high! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After my last 2 marathons I felt burnt out. Not this time around. I really think that if I give myself enough time to build up a solid base, and stick with Lou's training plan I can PR.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each race we always learn something new, but I think we need to have the right attitude going into it. I knew this race for me was not about pace and being fast. Instead I wanted to find a way to finish strong and still love running the next day. I think I achieved this, and am excited for what the running future holds!</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-4070895465483992032012-05-11T14:20:00.000-07:002012-05-11T14:20:47.140-07:00NJ Marathon Recap Part 1<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Hi! So um, remember that marathon I signed up for back in January and then I dropped off the face of Blog Land? Well...I ran it!<br />
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But before I can tell you about the glorious moment I crossed the finish line, I'll have to back it up a bit since I haven't talked to you in about 4 months. I mentioned in my last post I signed up with a running coach at my gym to help me with training. He is an iron man and really knows his stuff, so I felt very comfortable putting my training in his hands. I had done the usual, circle the race date on the calendar, decorate it with colorful markers and stars ((oh wait, you don't do that?)) and count backwards...I had plenty of weeks to build up to a 22 mile long run, or so I thought. </div>
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Lou's approach was that of "Train smarter, not harder". For someone who has always prescribed to the traditional mid-mileage during the week and you can't miss your long run on the weekend type plan, this threw me for a loop.</div>
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I sent Lou what I was currently doing (my new love, hot yoga, had to be included in this plan I told him) and how much I could realistically train each week time wise. What I got back was a comprehensive plan that included 7 days: hot yoga, various types of runs (all based on training in a specific heart rate zone), strength training, rest (of course!) and the "long" run to be done in an ideal heart rate zone. I say "long" run and not long run because the runs were just not long. Seriously, this running gal was thrown for a loop.<br />
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After a couple weeks of following this plan I emailed Lou with my concerns. Thankfully he is seriously passionate about running and fitness and there was a method to his madness. He explained it like this,</div>
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<i>"Time is a much more beneficial and useful way of training. Studies have shown that cardiovascular improvement increases steadily
with little risk of injury up to the
two hour mark, after the two hour mark the risk of injury starts to
increase significantly while the cardiovascular improvement diminishes
significantly. </i></div>
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<i> The reason mileage is a poor way of training is because it does not take into account how long a person
exposes their body to stress. You said you ran 20 miles in preparation
for your last marathon. I think I would be safe in assuming that 20
miles took you a lot longer then 2 hours to run and therefore exposed
you to a high risk of injury. I have a client
who is doing the Boston Marathon in a few weeks. He qualified by
running a 2:57 marathon. If I had him run for 20 miles I know it would
take him a lot less time then you and therefore exposed his body
to a lot less stress. Here you have two people running
the same 20 miles but the stronger more experienced runner is running a
lot less and not stressing his body as much as the weaker
less experienced runner. See the flaw in training based on mileage? </i></div>
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<i>You need to train smarter not harder if you want to achieve your goals."</i></div>
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I still wasn't 100% convinced, but I kept going and put my faith in the training. The workouts I did during the week were fantastic; I loved the very specific Fartlek and tempo runs. I especially enjoyed my new strength training routine, which is so so so important to runners. In the past I had always made the excuse that if I lifted weights I'd be sore and not be able to run...silly Melissa. Another component to the plan were balance exercises to strengthen and stabilize my weak ankles and really, entire core. He also made sure I used my foam roller consistently!<br />
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The plan was broken into two phases, the first being a 3 to 5 month training cycle based upon strengthening and building a solid base. Then the training intensity was turned up a notch for the last few weeks. However I didn't have enough time to build up a base, so my training plan moved at a faster pace.<br />
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I'm gonna tell you something that I'm not proud of now. Sometimes I slacked a little in the training department...</div>
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Two times during training I was legitimately sick, however there <i>was</i> a vacation to Florida and a few days of hitting the snooze button and just going back to bed. </div>
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With all that in mind; less running, a new approach to training, and a general "Oh my goodness, I'm not gonna be able to do this attitude" I didn't feel very hopeful going into it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday I went to the expo and picked up my bib and race swag (great long sleeve technical tees!). I met up with my friend Stacey, a 2 time marathoner who is unfortunately side lined from marathons with an injury. However on NJ Marathon day she rocked a 60 mile bike ride; go Stacey!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After we bought some goodies from the expo and were saying goodbye, Stacey gave me great advice. <i>Just enjoy it</i>. Gee, I hadn't thought about that! It's so true, but sometimes you can loose sight of the reason why you sign up to run 26.2 miles...<span style="font-size: large;"><b>we love to run!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">With Stacey's advice and Lou's *Race Day Plan* I went to bed Saturday night feeling newly optimistic about my 3rd marathon.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">...to be continued... </span><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-73478007369862243542012-01-23T18:54:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:54:47.362-08:00Operation Marathon Nutrition<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So with marathon training underway, I thought I'd track what I ate throughout the day, to see how I'm doing nutritionally. I find it tedious to track my meals all the time, but once in a while I'll plug my eats into Livestrong.com's MyPlate. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Breakfast: 1/4 c. rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tsp. TJ's organic hemp protein powder</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tsp ground flax seeds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tsp chia seeds</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(ran out of bananas and forgot other toppings and it was quite boring!) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lunch: 1/2 cup red quinoa & chick peas + nooch</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 1/4 c. steamed broccoli</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 c. walnuts + 1/8 c. raisins</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 red bell pepper sliced</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Afternoon snack: 1 small green apple</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 TBSP peanut butter </span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This picture is from lunch the other day. My big ole batch of slow cooker soup lasted me until tonight!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dinner: 3/4 c. carrot/lentil/cracked wheat soup</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 slice baked tofu </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not too shabby. I'm not taking this as 100% accurate, but I like having a general idea. As a vegetarian/vegan you always get asked, where do you get your protein? And although I know I get enough from plant based sources...it's nice for that to be reaffirmed! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tomorrow when I go to the gym I'll have more calories, today was a bit lighter than usual. </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-55936970101972894192012-01-22T09:04:00.000-08:002012-01-22T09:10:44.940-08:00Did I really just do that?<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, I really did just sign up for the <a href="http://www.njmarathon.org/">NJ Marathon</a> in Long Branch on May 6th. </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>May 6th people!!!</b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I signed up before I made a training plan. I signed up before I had a chance to go into Google Calendars and count the weeks backwards...and find out today is the start of week 15. Oh my goodness, 15 weeks to train for this marathon! I signed up before I could remember the pain I was in on November 20th. I signed up before I thought it through.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">But you know what? </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm really freakin' excited.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since running before and after school isn't an option for me (hello winter darkness), I've been stuck on the treadmill/taking some pretty super classes at the gym which I'll tell you about later. And to be honest, I've been sort of wimpy on the weekends; coming up with lame-o excuses like "It's too cold", "I'd rather go to the gym", "Actually I'd rather go eat vegan pancakes at <b><a href="http://www.thepopshopusa.com/">The Pop Shop</a></b> and cuddle on the couch in front of the fire all day". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today I channeled my inner toughness and went out for a run in the snow. Wearing this shirt as one of my layers may have helped, thanks Mom!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ready to rock it! LOVE that putting a marathon on the calendar makes me remember how much I adore running :) <strike>Pop Shop who?</strike></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scratch that, Pop Shop <i>after</i> a run!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After living in San Diego, I was sort of dreading snow. It wasn't too bad, and the crunching under my feet made me feel...<i>happy</i>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx67uGQd1vE/Txw9oBvKC1I/AAAAAAAABI0/V0PskgTJ74Q/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx67uGQd1vE/Txw9oBvKC1I/AAAAAAAABI0/V0PskgTJ74Q/s200/photo%25286%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9E6UFRhaR4/Txw9mBBes4I/AAAAAAAABIs/aYx_powk4TQ/s200/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="150" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a few miles my legs, lungs, and body were feeling great...minus my fingers. I was wearing those 2 pairs for a dollar cute gloves that look pretty but serve no purpose and I was literally worried that my fingers were getting frost bite. The hurt so bad when I got home and took at least 5 minutes to finally feel normal. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Besides that my FIRST TRAINING RUN (wow so excited to say that again!) went great!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In another post I'll fill you in on my new gym, the classes I've been taking, the personal trainer/running coach who's going to help me become a better runner, the amazing running app I used today, and much more. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PS: Yesterday I ordered a Road ID tag and they sent me a coupon to pass along to friends. Use the coupon code to receive $1 off any Road ID order. In these times, every dollar counts, right? This code can be used up to 20x within the next 30 days (until 2/22/12), so if you've been thinking about investing one, here's your chance. Enjoy friends :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Use: ThanksMelissa11395552 at www.RoadID.com</span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-22515008833416163652011-11-25T14:36:00.000-08:002011-11-25T14:36:43.733-08:00Lesson Learned: Don't Slack During Marathon Training<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh blog friends, how I've missed you! My new job as a kindergarten teacher has taken over my life. I'm not complaining, and I absolutely love my school, colleagues, and students; but if I let myself, I could spend all hours of the day/night/weekend planning and prepping for it. But now that I'm getting more and more in the swing of things, and conferences are over, I'm going to make time for blogging because I love being a part of this amazing community! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sure I've had no time for blogging, but you may be asking if I've made time for other things in my life. Actually no; I've had no time for running (or a lot of other real life activities for that matter). Which may not have been such a bad thing; except for the fact that I ran a marathon on November 20th!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw2XBMKWsQk/TtAE-o6jZwI/AAAAAAAABGA/-omokOEEKzE/s1600/204670_1937444679613_1347260376_32194596_41360_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw2XBMKWsQk/TtAE-o6jZwI/AAAAAAAABGA/-omokOEEKzE/s400/204670_1937444679613_1347260376_32194596_41360_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I started off my marathon training pretty gung ho, and had my mind set on PR-ing. I ran quarter mile repeats on the track, completed my first ever tempo run, got in two 20 milers, and even ran the morning of a hurricane! But after I got my job at the end of October, I ran maybe 5 times on a treadmill. I never doubted that I would finish, and a hopeful part of me still thought I may be able to PR by a few minutes. However it didn't quite end up that way...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All smiles at the start....</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The Philadelphia Marathon got sold out, so I signed up for <a href="http://www.runbucks.com/index.html"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bucks County Marathon</span></a> in Pennsylvania (awesome decision as this was a WONDERFUL marathon!). It was this marathons first year and the smallest race I've ever done, capped at 500 participants. The course was extremely scenic, winding mostly along the Delaware Canal Tow Path. Shout out to all the volunteers, they were great!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se9VvdB7W-A/TtAE91uE8ZI/AAAAAAAABF4/cNyKs-K90Q0/s1600/Canal-New_Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-se9VvdB7W-A/TtAE91uE8ZI/AAAAAAAABF4/cNyKs-K90Q0/s320/Canal-New_Hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just joined a gym and I was talking to one of their trainers. He's a seasoned marathoner and iron man, so he knows his stuff. He told me that going into a marathon and not being at my best, I should focus on achieving negative splits (well you should always do this, but especially if you're under trained) and really listen to how my body felt. And the first half I took it easy, although looking back I should have taken even <i>slower</i>, and I felt super.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seriously happy <b>before</b> the running began</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> As I ran past the 15 mile marker I distinctly remember thinking to myself, "Wow, it sure doesn't feel like I've ran 15 miles! This is great! Maybe I will PR!" <-----hah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mile 16 is when I began to feel a few aches and pains, but nothing alarming.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSKZpklwVGs/TtAFC2AUVuI/AAAAAAAABG4/6e73LQxByLE/s1600/339668_240012406061907_100001594489373_680856_338487768_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSKZpklwVGs/TtAFC2AUVuI/AAAAAAAABG4/6e73LQxByLE/s400/339668_240012406061907_100001594489373_680856_338487768_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had been rockin' a pretty steady pace (on track for 4:45 to PR) and had been doing well with fueling about every hour. Had my GU's about each hour, starting from 1:00. 2:00, and 3:00. But for some reason, around the 3 hour mark, when I took that 3rd GU my stomach began to have major issues. I felt like I needed to throw up, and I came close to doing it a few times. After that I *dumbly* did not take another GU. </span><br />
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<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">NOT.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I went from feeling great to utterly blah, in a matter of 2 miles. By the time 20 hit, I was in pain. Miles 20-26.2 are a blur and I mentally started to doubt myself at that point. Here are a few snippets of my thoughts.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"Who the h e double hockey stick would sign up for this? I am NEVER EVER EVER doing another marathon again!"</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"Ow...ow...ow...ugh...owwwww" </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"I can do it. I can do it. <i>I don't care how slow I am.</i> I can do it."</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"Never mind. I can't do this. What if I just called Shane and asked him to come get me?" </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>"If I stop taking walk breaks and pick up the pace, maybe I'll still PR???"</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> "Get real Melissa. WHO CARES ABOUT PR-ING!!!!! "</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Things also got a little scary in those last 4 miles. I felt terrible, due in part for not taking another GU, and I started to get a little spacey. I was close to tears a few times because my body felt <i>bad</i>. I hyperventilated 2 different times; I couldn't get in more than a shallow breath, my airway constricted and I could hear myself wheezing. I was not running fast enough to be out of breath, I just kept getting into these tearful, unable to breath, episodes, and it was scary. I'm a hard headed person, and wanted to finish so after it passed I continued on, walk/run/walk/run. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The last mile an extremely nice girl came up behind me and I started to run with her. We were chatting and she was so motivating! However my sick stomach did not enjoy her quick pace, so I wished her luck and she continued on. As I left the towpath another runner came up next to me and he also shared some much needed positive energy. He kept repeating, "We're almost there! We can do it!" As my feet hit the pavement, I knew we were close, but my body was giving up on me. I begrudgingly gave into my bodies demands and began to walk. As though there was a light at the end of the tunnel; a literal tunnel we had to run through to get to the finish, I saw my Dad, Kelly, and Shane cheering me on! It was the extra oomph I needed to get my butt running, ahem, hobbling again. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I couldn't wimp out with the finish line in sight!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrBFmc_GMkw/TtAFFHustbI/AAAAAAAABHg/Y9DTcUhYZsg/s1600/390451_758369290016_31500894_36647730_508932642_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrBFmc_GMkw/TtAFFHustbI/AAAAAAAABHg/Y9DTcUhYZsg/s400/390451_758369290016_31500894_36647730_508932642_n.jpg" width="298" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It took every fiber of my being to make it across that finish line...but I did it! <span style="font-size: large;"><b>5:05:11</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kueIyMrIi7w/TtAFAMnw1rI/AAAAAAAABGY/dQeT80nC9nQ/s1600/307184_758369469656_31500894_36647732_1141054774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kueIyMrIi7w/TtAFAMnw1rI/AAAAAAAABGY/dQeT80nC9nQ/s400/307184_758369469656_31500894_36647732_1141054774_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> So what did I learn from my second marathon experience? </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>TRAIN!</b> This one is obvious, but it still needs to be mentioned. Even though *most* of my training had been completed, not running for a month completely threw me off. And thankfully I made it across the finish line and a few days later I feel great, but maybe it could have taken a scary turn for the worst. Check out <a href="http://sportsdoc.runnersworld.com/2011/11/sudden-deaths-in-races.html">*this*</a> article from Runner's World about sudden death in races.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Have a fueling strategy.</b> Sure my stomach hurt, and just the thought of a GU made my stomach queasy. But I should have sucked it up and taken another one around hour 4. I think my breathing difficulties, mental haze, and overall fatigue could have greatly been reduced if not completely gone, if I had fueled properly. I sort of "go with the flow" but next marathon I will have my fueling strategically planned. No ifs, ands, or upset stomachs about it!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Know your limits</b>. As much as I would have loved to beat my previous time, I could tell my body was not going to do it. At the end maybe I could have skipped the walking and pushed through the pain but I knew my limit had been reached and in order to finish I had to run/walk. I'd rather be a bit slower than not finish at all!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Never make a bet on pre-marathon adrenaline</b>. I bet Shane 1,000 dollars he would not run a marathon by next year. We shook on it and it was posted to Facebook. He's running Philadelphia next year (so he says) and wants it delivered in a brief case...in one's. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Any suggestions for my next marathon ;) The amnesia has already set in!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">**And Happy Thanksgiving** A little late, but I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.</span></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-90773739083968719032011-10-20T17:19:00.000-07:002011-10-20T17:19:03.318-07:00Blog Hiatus<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hi Friends! Guess what?? I GOT A JOB! </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's my dream job, *kindergarten teacher*, in a dream school with a dream staff. Everyone is great and I'm so looking forward to beginning teaching on Monday. I've been going in early and staying until 8 these past few nights prepping my classroom for my students. I'm going to take a week or 2 off from the blog so I can focus my energies on my new class! I haven't run at all this week either...eeek! Hoping to get in 22 miles on Sunday though. Well, I'll be back soon. I'll miss you all <3 xoxoxo</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-83556600439265109922011-10-10T08:53:00.000-07:002011-10-10T08:53:59.194-07:0020 Miles + Plenty of Candy Corn<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">20 miles is a long time to run by yourself. Back when I was training for my first marathon, I was lucky enough to be a part of Team in Training. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayw9BybG8jk/TpMNi8-VLzI/AAAAAAAABE8/Swl8sa4FRbg/s1600/nj+strong+save+lives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayw9BybG8jk/TpMNi8-VLzI/AAAAAAAABE8/Swl8sa4FRbg/s400/nj+strong+save+lives.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> While fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and running my little heart out, I had the opportunity to meet a group of amazing people. We would meet each weekend to conquer our long runs, and boy was it fun! Chatting about running, life, and the cause we were running for made the miles fly by. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1jbMd8bXfs/TpMNiqtZXMI/AAAAAAAABE4/QmsYBD1owv8/s1600/TNT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1jbMd8bXfs/TpMNiqtZXMI/AAAAAAAABE4/QmsYBD1owv8/s400/TNT2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This time around I'm training by myself. Although one day I see myself joining back up with Team in Training, for now I am training sans a team. But training for a marathon with out running buddies can get monotonous and can even be dangerous. During a 17-miler I ran out of water and was super thirsty when I got home. Sure I made it home, but what if it had been hotter? After hearing this my mom promptly got online, looked up a local running group, and signed me up. Thanks Mom!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday night, after carbo loading with sweet potatoes, I got all my running gear together in preparation for my big day. This running group is very organized and has routes posted online, so I figured I'd run the 10 mile loop with everyone, and then do the other 10 by myself. Due to some events going on, the turn out was small, and only one other person was doing the 10 mile loop + a 6 mile loop. It was so great! About 15 minutes before we started I ate a banana, then we all started out together, and at mile 3, 2 runners split off to finish the 6 mile loop, while Barbara and I continued on to complete 10. We arrived back at our cars in 1:46:39! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When running with a buddy, your mind doesn't have time to second guess itself and the thought "I can't do this" never surfaced. Instead we talked about our love of running, how awesome it was that we had the same running pace, and just got to know each other. Mentally it was also easier to think of this as two separate 10 mile runs. After hydrating we set out again, and Barbara split off at 3 miles, which left me only 7 miles by myself. My second 10 was run in 1:51:51, slower than my first 10 but I was just happy to cover the distance with no ankle pain!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Refueling wise I took some of your advice and tried new GU flavors. Espresso Love at mile 7 and Chocolate at mile 14. It was like eating dessert while running! Really enjoyed the flavors and so happy I'm over my non-fruity GU fear. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I got home Shane had an ice bath waiting for me, and I soaked for 20 minutes. I really feel a difference in my recovery when I use an ice bath! It may be hard getting in, but it's totally worth it for me! And then I enjoyed a recovery shake. (recycled this picture...they all look the same!)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIV44hYrU00/TpMRjR31SCI/AAAAAAAABFA/22wp1n0OmuQ/s1600/good+i+swear+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIV44hYrU00/TpMRjR31SCI/AAAAAAAABFA/22wp1n0OmuQ/s400/good+i+swear+smoothie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 medium bananas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">large handful spinach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups soy milk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 packet chocolate Amazing Meal</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a long run all I want to do is nap, eat, repeat. I filled my body with lots of nutritious eats, but I also indulged in my favorite fall candy...CANDY CORN!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHXYvWpRjVY/TpMSC8ezQvI/AAAAAAAABFE/ZUQ6GEMNL5c/s1600/candy+corn+witch+plus+the+count.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHXYvWpRjVY/TpMSC8ezQvI/AAAAAAAABFE/ZUQ6GEMNL5c/s400/candy+corn+witch+plus+the+count.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yea, I'm pretty much obsessed with candy corn. Shane and I first started dating in the fall, and one day he surprised me with flowers...and a bag of candy corn. He knew the way into my heart even then <3</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And if you ever want to show your love of candy corn through the art of baking, make <a href="http://iheartcuppycakes.com/2008/10/15/candy-corn-cupcakes/"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>these</b></span></a> cupcakes! Instead of water I used Candy Corn flavored soda from Target. They were so cute and tasty!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One more candy corn related note, mix dry roasted peanuts with the autumn candy corns (white, orange, brown) and the sweet/salty flavor is the bomb.com!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you prefer to run by yourself or with a group?</b> A lot of days, I find running to be my "me" time and enjoy running alone. However long runs are wonderful with a group! And although I haven't done it myself, I've heard having a friend to do speed work is super fun and is really helpful motivation wise.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What's your favorite fall candy?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-40239197028562617252011-10-05T08:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T08:09:20.849-07:00Family Time<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before moving to California, I guess you could say I took my family and friends for granted. You can basically drive from the top of NJ to the bottom in about 4ish hours. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUtGAA16z8c/ToxpBD6WJFI/AAAAAAAABEg/Psed-DHW9LY/s1600/geology.com+2011-10-6+10-24-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUtGAA16z8c/ToxpBD6WJFI/AAAAAAAABEg/Psed-DHW9LY/s320/geology.com+2011-10-6+10-24-52.png" width="186" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's not <i>that</i> big.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But with my fam in north Jersey, and friends spreading out all over NJ after college, I didn't always make the time for them.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Before I left for Cali I met up with fam and friends who I hadn't seen in ages. All because there was never time or they were "too far away". When I left I questioned myself, why did it take moving 3,000 miles away to start making coffee dates to see the people I love?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friendships take work. And when I got back from Cali, a state so large it takes up most of the west coastline, I made a decision to <b><i>make the effort</i></b>. The effort to drive to see family. The effort to call up an old friend. The effort to get over my tiredness on a Friday night and be social. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This weekend I went home and spent some quality time with my 9 year old brother and the rest of the fam. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CnqGM0O58io/ToxvNvxEpEI/AAAAAAAABEk/NOS3BPKkVQY/s1600/wash+rock+state+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CnqGM0O58io/ToxvNvxEpEI/AAAAAAAABEk/NOS3BPKkVQY/s400/wash+rock+state+park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>I had never been to this park, but we had a blast!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U91XG3FsxCs/ToxvOq5zprI/AAAAAAAABEs/1IpKLD5crXY/s1600/matt+and+dusty+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U91XG3FsxCs/ToxvOq5zprI/AAAAAAAABEs/1IpKLD5crXY/s640/matt+and+dusty+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Matt and Dusty had fun exploring. Matt even found a salamander, the highlight of our hike!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2E1_NmTmGw/ToxvOFTNvnI/AAAAAAAABEo/a4SBMNnFMdA/s1600/dust+bunny+too+cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2E1_NmTmGw/ToxvOFTNvnI/AAAAAAAABEo/a4SBMNnFMdA/s400/dust+bunny+too+cute.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This place has a lot of history. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbcPNMAh1Tk/ToxvP9Je_JI/AAAAAAAABE0/29tVsiW7DEQ/s1600/wash+rock+collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbcPNMAh1Tk/ToxvP9Je_JI/AAAAAAAABE0/29tVsiW7DEQ/s640/wash+rock+collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The American Studies major in me just loves it! During the Revolutionary War, Washington used this rock to watch for the British; you can see as far as 30 miles out!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After we got home we enjoyed sugar cookies that had been baked with Grandma earlier! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx5d-r-XJ80/ToxvPdMMEII/AAAAAAAABEw/3QYZCRoNB6M/s1600/nom+nom+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx5d-r-XJ80/ToxvPdMMEII/AAAAAAAABEw/3QYZCRoNB6M/s400/nom+nom+cookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sure, it's not always fun driving 2 hours up the Turnpike...but it's worth it :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you live close to your family?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you get to see your friends as often as you'd like? </b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-86456972147638460482011-09-21T15:45:00.000-07:002011-09-21T15:57:08.637-07:00WIAW: MTE<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What is MTE, you ask? It's Marathon Training Edition! I ran 17 miles on Monday and thought it might be fun to show a day of Long Run Eats. </span><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/wiawphotobutton.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monday morning I woke up around 6:45 to be out the door by 7:30. I fueled up with a banana and peanut butter. That's right, no bread. Sometimes it makes me feel too full before a long run. I got outside and was greeted by crisp, fall weather. I layered up with running tights, tank, and long sleeve shirt; about 45 minutes in I tied the long shirt around my waist. I felt prepared with 3 GUs and 20 oz water bottle. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I struggled again with my water bottle conundrum. Although 20 oz of water ended up to be perfect for the distance/weather, the bottle felt heavy in my hand. I was also juggling the water bottle in one hand and my cell phone in the other because my SPI belt was too full with the 3 GUs to fit anything else.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I took </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blueberry Pomegranate Roctane 45 minutes in and around 1:45 I took my 2nd GU, Strawberry Banana. I tend to stick with fruity GUs, the thought of espresso or chocolate on a run just turns my stomach! </span></div></center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center><center></center><br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I got home I did as much streching as my muscles would allow and then made myself a smoothie. I call this a *Super Smoothie* because it gave my body the nutrients it was craving! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 cup baby spinach</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tbsp ground flax seeds</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 packet Amazing Meal Vanilla Chai</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 medium bananas</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 cup frozen blueberries</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CY3MR0hr9Yk/TnpY5mC0DyI/AAAAAAAABD0/5icj30BwDE8/s1600/www.livestrong.com+2011-9-22+5-36-40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CY3MR0hr9Yk/TnpY5mC0DyI/AAAAAAAABD0/5icj30BwDE8/s640/www.livestrong.com+2011-9-22+5-36-40.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This <b>super</b> smoothie is full of nutrient packed calories and plenty of protein! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lunch time I ate some delicious soup and 2 slices of Trader Joe's sprouted multi-grain bread. Seriously, how did I ever live before a crock pot!? The other day I threw in lentils, pearled barley, veggies, spices, water, and had a hearty soup 8 hours later! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH3e5OF0CDg/TnpbCLO_d8I/AAAAAAAABD4/Glm6_oBUrGE/s1600/lunch+plus+snack+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rH3e5OF0CDg/TnpbCLO_d8I/AAAAAAAABD4/Glm6_oBUrGE/s640/lunch+plus+snack+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If I've ever said anything negative about TJ's seaweed snacks, I take it back! I love wasabi and couldn't resist buying these. They did not disappoint.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dinner was soup...AGAIN! With one slice of Trader Joe's sprouted multi-grain bread with a side of roasted turnips, brussel sprouts, and a big ole squirt of ketchup! Even WIAW: MTE couldn't stop me from repeating meals! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGyLO88ogPE/TnpoDPzcmXI/AAAAAAAABEA/NOeWY1MzXMU/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGyLO88ogPE/TnpoDPzcmXI/AAAAAAAABEA/NOeWY1MzXMU/s400/IMG_1987.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Soy Creamy is dreamy. For reals. This stuff is so delicious, and has none of that funky soy taste/funky texture. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Are you a meal repeat offender? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I cook, I like to make big batches because I honestly don't mind repeating meals. And it makes my life so much easier. Plus, I tend to like the things I make, so it's enjoyable to eat the same thing for a week straight! The lovely Jenn at Peas & Crayons calls this being in a "<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/2011/09/food-jags.html">food jag</a>"!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>How do you fuel your long runs/exercise? </b> This run the GUs worked well. I experimented last week with natural fuel, but it was too messy! At least with GUs it's quick, simple, and I can focus my energy on running. I used to do a PB Banana sandwich, but now find the banana and PB to be much better.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>How do your taste buds feel about Trader Joe's seaweed snacks?</b> My taste buds didn't know what to expect, and so I was a bit grossed out at first. Then I tried the wasabi and fell in love! I think they have such a strong ocean-y flavor, but once you get used to it, it's really tasty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-15166396978271748172011-09-13T15:52:00.000-07:002011-09-13T15:52:50.771-07:00Ohh, We're Halfway There {Sorta}<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm in week 7 of a 17 week marathon training plan. Eeeek! I know I'm not even halfway through, but it seems like it's sneaking up on me! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Like I said in an earlier post, I'm using this book</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyT3YREmgBQ/Tm-1Asv1BAI/AAAAAAAABDk/zQDwXa-Rq20/s1600/4+months+to+a+4+hour+marathon+-+Google+Images_1311872630438.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyT3YREmgBQ/Tm-1Asv1BAI/AAAAAAAABDk/zQDwXa-Rq20/s400/4+months+to+a+4+hour+marathon+-+Google+Images_1311872630438.png" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And so far I've really like this plan. A typical week looks like this:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monday: Jog 40 minutes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tuesday: Cross train 30 minutes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wednesday: 400x___ quarter mile repeats </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thursday: Cross train 30 minutes or rest.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Friday: Jog 30 minutes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday: Long Run</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunday: Rest</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During training plans I'm always good about getting in my long run, and this time around the speed work out. However, I ALWAYS have trouble sticking with the plan during the week with those jogs and cross training. Looking back at my <b><a href="http://www.dailymile.com/people/HoneyB029#ref=tophd">Daily Mile</a></b> I've definitely switched days around and not followed the plan to a T, but I have gotten in miles and some cross training.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Weeks 1-8 are part of the Endurance Phase and so every Wednesday I've been increasing my endurance with quarter mile repeats. Starting in week 9 through week 14 I will enter the Stamina Phase, and my Wednsday quarter mile repeat workout will be replaced with tempo runs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During weeks 1-7 so far I've been using some of the "jog 40 minutes" day as a very loose tempo run. Basically just running fast. Since I don't own a Garmin, I have to just run at a pace which I perceive as being "fast" and then when I get home I plug my route and time into Daily Mile and get my average pace. Not the <i>most </i>accurate, but it's been working. I'm a little wary of the Stamina Phase and setting out for a "real" tempo run! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I don't think I'll be able to just drop the quarter mile repeats. As much as I don't look forward to them, I've grown to enjoy <strike>them</strike> how I feel when I'm <b>done</b> with them. So I think that they'll sneak their way into the stamina phase.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you look at week 6 on my Daily Mile (this past week) it was so terrible. In my last post I mentioned I took a break from blogging...well I also took a break from running. Not because I was injured. Not because I was tired. But because I just gave up on myself for a little period of time. I hate to admit it, but I was a weak person last week. Mentally I knew running would make me feel better and help lift me out of my funk, but instead I had a pity party. But I'm over it and on Monday I got in 15 miles!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These 15 miles were important for two reasons. One because this is the furthest distance I've ran since last year. And second because this was a key run in my fuel experimentation. I have been toying with the idea of fueling my runs naturally and I made my own sports drink and energy gel. <a href="http://www.nomeatathlete.com/running-fuel/">No Meat Athlete</a> is a great resource.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Natural Gel from <a href="http://www.nomeatathlete.com/thrive-energy-gel-recipe/">No Meat Athlete</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I didn't have all the ingredients so this is what I used:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6 dried apricots (soaked in water)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 cup light agave </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">lime juice</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">sea salt</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b>My thoughts</b></u>: It tasted alright, but it had some teeny apricot chunks in it. Also, it was really messy. I used a small ziplock bag (like in No Meat Athlete's picture) and tried to eat it out of the top corner. I had to walk while taking it and it got my fingers sticky! Also, this amount was too much and I only ate about 2/3 of it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sports Drink from <a href="http://www.nomeatathlete.com/tarahumara-pinole-chia-recipes/">No Meat Athlete</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is actually called Chia Iskiate. I mixed it in a 16.9 oz Poland Springs bottle so I could hold it with me on my run. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u>My thoughts</u>:</b> By mile 11 I had finished it and was feeling thirsty around mile 13. I'm debating between investing in a fuel belt or a camel back for extra hydration on training runs. The jelly like consistency of the chia seeds was a bit strange, but if I took a big gulp I didn't mind it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Overall, I think I had enough fuel but not enough water. Afterwards I took an ice bath and I think that definitely alleviated soreness! Today I feel great!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you actually read all of this, thanks for sticking with me! And sorry for the lack of pictures.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you follow training plans 100%?</b> I've never been able to follow them exactly, but I'm okay with that. Although this marathon I have a time goal (my first marathon I ran just to finish) I believe as long as I'm completing the most key workouts(i.e. quarter mile repeats/tempo and long runs) and staying active during the week I should be fine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>How do you hydrate? Camelback or fuel belt?</b> Hand held bottles are out for me! I really don't like having my hands full while running!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-25608927904823267802011-09-12T18:29:00.000-07:002011-09-12T18:30:23.572-07:00Back from a Break<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My last post was August 25th, can you believe it? I've been reading blogs but just haven't had the urge to update my own. Sorry little bloggy!!!! I have been keeping busy though!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I drove into Philly all by myself since Shane was working and navigated my way through an unfamiliar part of the city. Anyone who knows me can attest to my terrible sense of direction and uncanny ability to ALWAYS get lost! I of course <i>did </i>get lost in Philly, but thankfully made it to Aimee's SURPRISE party in one piece. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0XCRG2gTG4/Tm6ffEEYGwI/AAAAAAAABDM/TP_ppPErFVM/s1600/suprise+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0XCRG2gTG4/Tm6ffEEYGwI/AAAAAAAABDM/TP_ppPErFVM/s400/suprise+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Delicious Italian food and plenty of vino was enjoyed by all. I brought <span style="color: red;">red velvet <span style="color: black;">wine from Cupcake Winery, and it was heavenly.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">In case you didn't notice, we survived Hurricane Irene. {Feels like so long ago} </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9N0eNxBeR8k/Tm6jBKcRGAI/AAAAAAAABDY/ez48iAfq-rI/s1600/hurricane+party+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9N0eNxBeR8k/Tm6jBKcRGAI/AAAAAAAABDY/ez48iAfq-rI/s400/hurricane+party+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">We headed to Allison and Nick's {love that they're now 5 minutes away!} for dinner, wine, lots of Storage Wars...and then the power went out. So we enjoyed playing Clue by candlelight.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">And of course this weekend Shane and I attended Christina and Chris's wedding! She was such a gorgeous bride and it was such a great time.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZk-qCjM-ek/Tm6ff4baE-I/AAAAAAAABDU/2b_p9vF8XXo/s1600/wedding+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZk-qCjM-ek/Tm6ff4baE-I/AAAAAAAABDU/2b_p9vF8XXo/s400/wedding+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> <i>Taste the rainbow :)</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The weather was perfect. And look at us, we look like pretty Skittles!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCSQXvBUhI/Tm6ffoOv--I/AAAAAAAABDQ/aCnVJgjJ-IY/s1600/table+16+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCSQXvBUhI/Tm6ffoOv--I/AAAAAAAABDQ/aCnVJgjJ-IY/s400/table+16+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Allison got our table hooked on wine spritzers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eONcrofXPLo/Tm6feiW5oLI/AAAAAAAABDI/zDmGv8GiQrI/s1600/wedding+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eONcrofXPLo/Tm6feiW5oLI/AAAAAAAABDI/zDmGv8GiQrI/s640/wedding+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> What a fabulous night with long lost Phi Sig loves!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvKU1yI6wQg/Tm6lCbqZ9RI/AAAAAAAABDc/7PtEYmDiSIQ/s1600/LITP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvKU1yI6wQg/Tm6lCbqZ9RI/AAAAAAAABDc/7PtEYmDiSIQ/s640/LITP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>Congrats and thank you Christina and Chris!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bloggers, do you sometimes just need a break from blog world too?</span> When I'm feeling over whelmed in real life, the last thing I feel like doing is blogging!! </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-22000473352436469262011-08-25T05:01:00.000-07:002011-08-25T05:17:30.609-07:00It's WIAW Time!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/wiawphotobutton.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let's get right to it, shall we?</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VXIo0s_Si8/TlY07xPZR_I/AAAAAAAABCk/EjnzZJEQkJE/s1600/bfast+prerun+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VXIo0s_Si8/TlY07xPZR_I/AAAAAAAABCk/EjnzZJEQkJE/s320/bfast+prerun+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I finally went to a track to do my speed work. And can I be honest here...I'm not a big track fan. All the other days when I couldn't get to the track I was kind of bummed and didn't feel like a "real" runner doing my speed work by measuring out a quarter mile on DailyMile.com or using a treadmill at the gym. But now, I think I liked those better. First, I don't even know if the track I used was 400m, my times were <i>way</i></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">too fast. And even though the track may have been shorter than 400m it felt like longer!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unpictured post-run smoothie, as per usch.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*banana, soy milk, chocolate Amazing Grass, ice*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love summer because I CRAVE veggies.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMz1gX02-_o/TlY08IlzIkI/AAAAAAAABCo/HQAdqyOxwJg/s1600/eat+yo+veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMz1gX02-_o/TlY08IlzIkI/AAAAAAAABCo/HQAdqyOxwJg/s400/eat+yo+veggies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And when you don't have much else left to eat, you make it work. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*sliced radish, zucchini, carrot, Whole Foods spicy thai dressing, nooch*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6Z5MzCjvM0/TlY08oHHdSI/AAAAAAAABCs/LGpZEOOpT38/s1600/snack+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6Z5MzCjvM0/TlY08oHHdSI/AAAAAAAABCs/LGpZEOOpT38/s400/snack+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dinner included my fave root vegetable....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>sweet potato!</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven't had the chance to order sweet potato sushi rolls, you don't know what your missing. My fabulous sister,<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://chubtales.blogspot.com/">Alli</a></b></span>, introduced these to me when we went out for sushi last month. For the longest time I ate fish just because I couldn't give up sushi. But veggie rolls, including this one, satisfy my craving and go above and beyond my expectations for sushi!</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp6jKPKsT88/TlY551v5c2I/AAAAAAAABCw/rFZO8BtClls/s1600/sweet+potato+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp6jKPKsT88/TlY551v5c2I/AAAAAAAABCw/rFZO8BtClls/s640/sweet+potato+roll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">After dinner I got to meet up with my friend Kerry and her 5 month old baby, err, I mean puppy, Tucker. We took Tuck on a nice long walk around a gorgeous lake by her house. It brought back memories of Team in Training because that's where we would meet for long runs!! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I almost forgot the un-pictured late night snack I ate...frozen mangoes! Seriously. I got home and Shane was eating ice cream and all I wanted was something cold. So I took out some frozen Trader Joe's mango chunks, and as they thawed a little they were the perfect cool treat! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone enjoyed their Wednesday...</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">now go make Thursday a great one!</span> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Have you ever tried a sweet potato sushi roll? </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you like to use a track for speed work? If so, what are some tips for making it more enjoyable?!</span> </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-81104351267569100352011-08-21T18:39:00.000-07:002011-08-21T18:39:42.027-07:00I love my friends.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">obvi.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know it's a pretty obvious statement to make, but I just wanted to throw it out there. Like I told them yesterday, if it wasn't for them, or my wonderful family, I would most likely still be living in the palm tree wonderland of San Diego. But the past few weekends I was able to get together with my BFFs "just because" and it was seriously fabulous to see their beautiful faces. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h003JyuO8LM/TlGqRD6JFII/AAAAAAAABCI/WPXStkZX5nY/s1600/kelly+bday+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h003JyuO8LM/TlGqRD6JFII/AAAAAAAABCI/WPXStkZX5nY/s400/kelly+bday+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had great dinner at a cute little Mexican place in Freehold. It was BYOB and Kerry made some fantastic sangria! Good food, good people, good drinks.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zRKnoWUyhc/TlGqQ1Z5GUI/AAAAAAAABCE/8K-arM6WqG8/s1600/sangria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zRKnoWUyhc/TlGqQ1Z5GUI/AAAAAAAABCE/8K-arM6WqG8/s400/sangria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This past weekend Shane and I hosted a little BBQ and lake party.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkM8MmMh7l0/TlGuMKjPMEI/AAAAAAAABCM/egYD-iiUWPM/s1600/312460_662988763136_9502195_35230435_2362241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkM8MmMh7l0/TlGuMKjPMEI/AAAAAAAABCM/egYD-iiUWPM/s320/312460_662988763136_9502195_35230435_2362241_n.jpg" width="271" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MdbiOkUP0k/TlGwQKK07pI/AAAAAAAABCc/bVh3ogVB2Y0/s1600/lake+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MdbiOkUP0k/TlGwQKK07pI/AAAAAAAABCc/bVh3ogVB2Y0/s400/lake+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-umh488HME/TlGwD0E37oI/AAAAAAAABCY/TwI_-ykhwRY/s1600/lake+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epqjElQ967k/TlGuMMStqwI/AAAAAAAABCQ/h_832fL7CIQ/s1600/317032_662988453756_9502195_35230424_8092714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epqjElQ967k/TlGuMMStqwI/AAAAAAAABCQ/h_832fL7CIQ/s320/317032_662988453756_9502195_35230424_8092714_n.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-umh488HME/TlGwD0E37oI/AAAAAAAABCY/TwI_-ykhwRY/s1600/lake+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-umh488HME/TlGwD0E37oI/AAAAAAAABCY/TwI_-ykhwRY/s640/lake+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully the rain held out and we had a gorgeous day!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c0mHaMxaC_k/TlGqK8mmQKI/AAAAAAAABCA/hAyypJgGe74/s1600/burgers+for+the+boys+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c0mHaMxaC_k/TlGqK8mmQKI/AAAAAAAABCA/hAyypJgGe74/s640/burgers+for+the+boys+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Shane was the ultimate grill master and made jalapeno/monteray jack & bacon/cheddar stuffed burgers. All the meat eaters said they were the best burgers they ever had!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had a wide array of delicious food and I made a salad from Jenna at Eat, Live, Run.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OehY5WGMWFA/TlGvCqAusmI/AAAAAAAABCU/OPuEMct3A6w/s1600/quinoa+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OehY5WGMWFA/TlGvCqAusmI/AAAAAAAABCU/OPuEMct3A6w/s640/quinoa+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/black-bean-quinoa-and-citrus-salad/">black bean, quinoa and citrus salad</a> </span></b></span></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This salad was so light and fresh, the ultimate summer salad if I do say so myself!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I LOVE being close to my friends and I'm so happy I have got to see them the past few weekends. Thanks girls, love you<3</span></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-36594429257092811722011-08-12T15:11:00.000-07:002011-08-12T15:11:45.657-07:00Peachy Keen<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I baked a <i>fabulous</i> vegan peach pie the other day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oW_qjOG_XXE/TkWg9oNDucI/AAAAAAAABBw/SeAINUYQDP8/s1600/peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oW_qjOG_XXE/TkWg9oNDucI/AAAAAAAABBw/SeAINUYQDP8/s400/peaches.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh yea, and I promised you the recipe! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRcG66Ec-OY/TkWg8yYF41I/AAAAAAAABBs/7TqoxelcOcM/s1600/pie+what+a+mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRcG66Ec-OY/TkWg8yYF41I/AAAAAAAABBs/7TqoxelcOcM/s400/pie+what+a+mess.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The mess you make while baking this pie is well worth it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NnoedVzpkiY/TkWjhXB7xyI/AAAAAAAABB0/i8pm__QKAWM/s1600/pie+yum+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NnoedVzpkiY/TkWjhXB7xyI/AAAAAAAABB0/i8pm__QKAWM/s400/pie+yum+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trust. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kathy over at <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2011/07/kathys-summer-peach-pie-how-to-video.html">Healthy Happy Life</a> </b><span style="font-size: small;">posted her recipe for summer peach pie. And there's a video how to also! So get on over there and get baking!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-86502996573821249782011-08-04T16:14:00.000-07:002011-08-04T16:14:48.971-07:00Say What: Jicama<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you know what jicama is, raise your hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">...</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hmm, I have a feeling there are quite a few hands <i>not</i> raised. And that's okay! The first time I ate jicama was only a few months ago. Until that time I would wander the produce section of Henry's, stop at jicama, ponder for a moment what in the world that weird vegetable was, and then walk right on by.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By I didn't know what I was missing! And pretty soon you will too.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_dpTVZWIluM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_dpTVZWIluM?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_dpTVZWIluM?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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I hope you found the video helpful! And below you'll find another delicious way to enjoy your new favorite veggie!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irt-8bUgUmE/TjsmoMsel_I/AAAAAAAABBc/7OMOxKD9-qs/s1600/jicama+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irt-8bUgUmE/TjsmoMsel_I/AAAAAAAABBc/7OMOxKD9-qs/s400/jicama+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Apple & Jicama Salad</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><i>What you'll need</i></b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>This simple salad is easy to adjust to your personal taste. Mix and match quantities until you reach desired sweetness and tartness. Shredded carrots would make an excellent addition as well!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 medium jicama</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2-3 apples- any type: I used Washington, I bet Granny Smith would work too.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3/4 c. walnuts- can toast for added flavor</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2/3 c. raisins- dried cranberries would work also</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tbsp lime juice</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4 tbsp agave nectar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4LRIBJZ0js/TjsmobvveEI/AAAAAAAABBg/BW5qKdOk4jQ/s1600/jicama+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4LRIBJZ0js/TjsmobvveEI/AAAAAAAABBg/BW5qKdOk4jQ/s400/jicama+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><i><b>What you'll do</b></i></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-Julienne your jicama and apples.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Mix in raisins and walnuts.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Mix lime juice and agave together and mix with salad. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Eat right away or put in fridge to let the flavors mingle!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1qdtkByCwU/TjsmnQxPcMI/AAAAAAAABBY/a6RNXJof_6s/s1600/jicama+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1qdtkByCwU/TjsmnQxPcMI/AAAAAAAABBY/a6RNXJof_6s/s640/jicama+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-16329330375729278912011-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:002011-08-03T16:02:53.307-07:00Happy Hump Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hello, and welcome to another edition of WIAW!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/wiawphotobutton.jpg" /></a></center></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today was a pretty awesome day if I do say so myself. I woke up early to get in Day 3 of <b>Marathon Training</b>. I ate at around 6:20 to give my body about an hour to absorb the CARBS!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzFy5bfC9is/TjnLtAtVExI/AAAAAAAABBE/2_d8UDguqDs/s1600/wiaw+bfast+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzFy5bfC9is/TjnLtAtVExI/AAAAAAAABBE/2_d8UDguqDs/s400/wiaw+bfast+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The plan called for quarter mile repeats, and I was a little scared. For those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about, it's basically a .25 miles or 400 m, or 1 lap around a track, ran at a quick pace with rest in between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The plan called for 6 x 400 m at 2:15 to 2:25 pace. I just mapped out .25 miles on DailyMile instead of going to a track. After each .25 mile I walked for 2 minutes and did that 6 times. It wasn't as bad as I thought. We'll see how I feel during Week 8 when I'm doing 16 of them!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2XXJHdA4AA/TjnLt7WLdKI/AAAAAAAABBM/zREVaAkWn1A/s1600/good+i+swear+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2XXJHdA4AA/TjnLt7WLdKI/AAAAAAAABBM/zREVaAkWn1A/s400/good+i+swear+smoothie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Post run smoothie was a delicious blend of:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">handful spinach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 frozen banana</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">handful fresh strawberries </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 cup unsweetened soy milk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 packet chocolate <b><a href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/amazingmeal.html">Amazing Meal</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Around 11 I headed to the lake to get in some sun time. Unfortunately I wasn't there long when the sun decided to hide behind some clouds. I still enjoyed reading Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella (LOVE all her books!) in the sand. I came home and had this monster salad.<b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nP7jf6ywWHY/TjnLuh7bSyI/AAAAAAAABBQ/QTgmywQM-QU/s1600/kale+salad+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nP7jf6ywWHY/TjnLuh7bSyI/AAAAAAAABBQ/QTgmywQM-QU/s400/kale+salad+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b>Followed by left over corn, peach pie (recipe to come), and some chopped veggies. All over the span of the entire afternoon.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58-B9gxsH9E/TjnLtXq6LaI/AAAAAAAABBI/TgsbJr_f1BM/s1600/123+snackage+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58-B9gxsH9E/TjnLtXq6LaI/AAAAAAAABBI/TgsbJr_f1BM/s640/123+snackage+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dinner was yummy, but sounds so cliche. Brown rice and steamed broccoli sounds lame-o. But in actuality it was a brown rice pilaf with lots of yummy veggies and spices.<b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDKrP4fLTjw/TjnQOJa2ljI/AAAAAAAABBU/8uBZUe1-Mbk/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDKrP4fLTjw/TjnQOJa2ljI/AAAAAAAABBU/8uBZUe1-Mbk/s400/dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And that's all she wrote! I'll be back with the peach pie recipe I used. It's a winner!!<b> </b></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-71801307635194489602011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T08:15:07.837-07:00Turning Dreams into Goals<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"It's a <i>dream</i> until you write it down, </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and then it's a <b>goal</b>." - Anonymous</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_br6U5UKwmE/TgCqKKKNcBI/AAAAAAAAA0g/5qlmx0UvRjU/s1600/set-goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_br6U5UKwmE/TgCqKKKNcBI/AAAAAAAAA0g/5qlmx0UvRjU/s400/set-goals.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gomediazine.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">I have some running dreams. And I'm ready to turn those dreams into goals. They've been written on my calendar, but I think they'll become even more real once I write them for the whole world to see.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfKDEZn-0xs/TjgJcZf42MI/AAAAAAAABAo/x6wszoqvyng/s1600/motivation+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfKDEZn-0xs/TjgJcZf42MI/AAAAAAAABAo/x6wszoqvyng/s400/motivation+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The first event on my calendar is the <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/philadelphia">Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon</a>. I love the Rock 'n' Roll series, probably because I had such an amazing experience during my 1st marathon. So I'm really looking forward to this one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwOpVP74SG0/TjgMc2fDQGI/AAAAAAAABA4/aDbN3npDmjg/s1600/runrocknroll.competitor.com+2011-8-2+10-38-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwOpVP74SG0/TjgMc2fDQGI/AAAAAAAABA4/aDbN3npDmjg/s400/runrocknroll.competitor.com+2011-8-2+10-38-4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another reason why I am so excited for this event? My sister,<b> </b><a href="http://chubtales.blogspot.com/"><b>new blogger</b> </a>(<---check her out) and newbie runner, is signed up too! This will be her first 1/2 marathon and I am so proud of her training so far!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Now here is where things get tricky. I am <b>most definitely</b> running a full marathon this fall, but I have 2 choices a week apart from each other. Basically it's dependent on if I get a <u>big girl</u> job for the fall!</div><br />
Choice number one, is the Philadelphia Marathon on November 20th.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If__i6a8PcY/TjgJbrsIkgI/AAAAAAAABAc/BGtMoOXeLsw/s1600/Philadelphia+Marathon_1312303329927.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If__i6a8PcY/TjgJbrsIkgI/AAAAAAAABAc/BGtMoOXeLsw/s400/Philadelphia+Marathon_1312303329927.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In 2009 this was my first ever 1/2 marathon. I distinctly remember around mile 12 the full marathoners split off to continue running and in my mind I asked myself, "They are so crazy; who would ever want to run 13 more miles after this?". Guess I've gone a little crazy...<br />
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If I do get a job it would be a dream to run the <a href="http://stripatnight.com/">Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon</a> on December 4th. Who gets the chance to run the strip at night? There are also plans for a blogger conference!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMw2x9uIHCw/TjgKD18-YAI/AAAAAAAABAs/5h7VqjdfZ54/s1600/stripatnight.com+2011-8-2+10-29-26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMw2x9uIHCw/TjgKD18-YAI/AAAAAAAABAs/5h7VqjdfZ54/s400/stripatnight.com+2011-8-2+10-29-26.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This sounds like it would be an AMAZING marathon to run. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI9XgqETJUU/TjgKJ3jeWaI/AAAAAAAABAw/bLhbeXEHvr8/s1600/stripatnight.com+2011-8-2+10-29-56+night.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sI9XgqETJUU/TjgKJ3jeWaI/AAAAAAAABAw/bLhbeXEHvr8/s640/stripatnight.com+2011-8-2+10-29-56+night.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The only part I'm scared about is the 4:30:00 cut off time! I ran my first marathon in 4:58, and I was focused solely on finishing. This time around I have speed work and tempo runs incorporated into my training. I'm thinking I can do it and this marathon would be the push I need to break the 4:30 barrier!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvbaqjB_OoM/TjgJb3coH7I/AAAAAAAABAg/x1PhxYiXd-Y/s1600/forget+meaning+of+cant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvbaqjB_OoM/TjgJb3coH7I/AAAAAAAABAg/x1PhxYiXd-Y/s400/forget+meaning+of+cant.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">After my second full marathon the sky's the limit, right? I'll have to see how it all goes. But if I'm feeling good I may begin training for a 50k or 50 mile-er. Being honest with myself, <span style="font-size: large;"><i>running is my passion</i></span>. At the beginning of the summer I thought I would train for a sprint triathlon for the end of August, but my heart wasn't in it. For right now, I think I will stick with running and save swimming and cycling for cross training activities 2x week, as per my training plan :p</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1zzxY9-_sE/TjgJcIk68iI/AAAAAAAABAk/qAzx3IMvIXg/s1600/miles+dont+go+away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1zzxY9-_sE/TjgJcIk68iI/AAAAAAAABAk/qAzx3IMvIXg/s400/miles+dont+go+away.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Awesome motivational pictures from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/benefitsofgiving">I <3 to Run</a> <--like them on Facebook!</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What are some of your dreams? Come on, write them down and turn them into goals!</b></span> </div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-5426591165530292672011-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:002011-07-28T10:24:32.042-07:00It's WIAW Time<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Whoa, I haven't been to a WIAW party in a couple weeks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/wiawphotobutton.jpg" /></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been feeling really fatigued lately and have been plagued with headaches. Seriously annoying and definitely showing in my weekly mileage! Next week I start my <b>MARATHON TRAINING</b> plan :) Since I'm not officially signed up yet (need a real job yo!) I haven't mentioned it, but I will tell you all about it in an upcoming post!!!!!!!!!!!!! <~~~ can you tell I'm <i>SO</i> excited?</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I started my morning off with some K-Cup Coffee Shop coffee, NuNatural Stevia (new fave) and some vanilla almond milk.</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As I dilly dallied around instead of just going for a run, I realized I would need some type of fuel and that it was getting hotter and hotter out, wah!</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enter pre-run nanner. Like my neon orange shirt from Target?! I'm in love, and not only because it's super cute. It doesn't have that annoying built in bra, which usually I don't mind but for me it serves no purpose. Instead, on long runs it chafes and I have a faint scar from a 12-miler to prove it! And can we get real for a minute? It's not like I actually <i>need</i> the extra support, the girls are pretty self sufficient. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anywho, the first mile was r o u g h ! I couldn't find my ipod charger so I couldn't download new podcasts and was forced to listen to music. <i>Does anyone else just get in the mood to listen to something specific on their run and if you can't, it kinda just throws you off?</i> Then one of my ear buds blew out so I had music in one ear. There was a house fire (terrible and I hope everyone is okay!) but my route was thrown for a loop, literally. My back and shoulders were achy! And of course I had a faint headache.</span></div><br />
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</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enough complaining for one post! After a while I found my groove, a slow groove, but I found it none the less! And I did 6.85 miles. At about 2 miles I thought I should turn around because I wasn't feeling my best. But guess what?! We won't always feel our best on race day. So I pushed through and I think this run helped me realize that I can be strong mentally! Very important for running, which is a big part mental strength!</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I got back it was a little past 11 so I ate a simple b-fast.</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdkc17FUyWg/TjF_tIMdj2I/AAAAAAAABAA/NOXXfe74NW0/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdkc17FUyWg/TjF_tIMdj2I/AAAAAAAABAA/NOXXfe74NW0/s320/IMG_1705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">other 1/2 of morning coffee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 c. oatmeal</span></div><br />
<center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 heaping TBSP Chunky PB</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 TBSP raw cacao brazil nut bliss from my <b><a href="http://thehealthycupcake.blogspot.com/2011/07/ello-govna.html">English goodies </a></b></span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAxdcZYvFxQ/TjGA0UpIbNI/AAAAAAAABAQ/ytHATLB1lss/s1600/cannon+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAxdcZYvFxQ/TjGA0UpIbNI/AAAAAAAABAQ/ytHATLB1lss/s400/cannon+ball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shane and I headed to the lake to get some sun and swim. There's a diving board in the middle of the lake and I feel like a little kid every time I jump off! So much fun! When we got back I was starved and made myself a simple, quick, and satisfying lunch.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xOkpUOsvss/TjF_PqgYrWI/AAAAAAAAA_o/Ew_joiPgBp0/s1600/wiaw+lunch+collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xOkpUOsvss/TjF_PqgYrWI/AAAAAAAAA_o/Ew_joiPgBp0/s640/wiaw+lunch+collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 slices whole wheat toast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">creamy roasted red pepper spread</span></div><br />
<center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">sliced Jersey tomato</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 can chick peas + nooch</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">carrot sticks </span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">strawberries + grapes</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Time out. Let me tell you about the Whole Foods Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Dressing, which I've been using as a spread on my sandwiches.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>tofu, red peppers, soy milk, onion, cilantro, green onion, parsley, dill, garlic, dijon mustard, black pepper. </i>I love how although I don't really eat dairy anymore, I can still enjoy <i>creamy</i> dressings! This has led to a bit of a ...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFIZQ5JRN1Y/TjGLAKA4WXI/AAAAAAAABAY/nkWjjEDJ9qc/s1600/sandwich+obsession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFIZQ5JRN1Y/TjGLAKA4WXI/AAAAAAAABAY/nkWjjEDJ9qc/s400/sandwich+obsession.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before our softball game I wanted a light snack to keep my energy levels up. At first I reached for these....but they have a sneaky ingredient hidden in them.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSPgEmxZSF0/TjF_uz33TLI/AAAAAAAABAI/ggCksuUoIMk/s1600/IMG_1711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSPgEmxZSF0/TjF_uz33TLI/AAAAAAAABAI/ggCksuUoIMk/s200/IMG_1711.jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why in the world is there gelatin in these peanuts? Do ground up hooves really add to their flavor? Now that I'm more conscious about reading labels, I find it disturbing how many animal products are used in most main stream brands. You'd think dry roasted peanuts would have simple ingredients...not so much.</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Instead I ate an apple, which was delicious and has one ingredient!</span><br />
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</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Right after softball Shane and I headed into Philly for a much needed hair cut, so I packed dinner. Please don't make fun of me. I was in a rush and didn't have anything fresh or pre-made. So I made a...let's call it a bean salad ::wink, wink::</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zY5S4z44eXU/TjF_Q7HCTSI/AAAAAAAAA_w/rKnCKj1cK4s/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zY5S4z44eXU/TjF_Q7HCTSI/AAAAAAAAA_w/rKnCKj1cK4s/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 can canellini beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">frozen peas</span></div><br />
<center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">nooch + black pepper</span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">surprisingly yummy and satisfying </span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And of course I made some mini cookies and cream cupcakes which I took to the game and to Philly, so Shane and I each had one in the car. Yum! </span></center><center><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe_FyoT527g/TjF_QQ7eQHI/AAAAAAAAA_s/xKEswSw0z_w/s1600/i+love+minis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe_FyoT527g/TjF_QQ7eQHI/AAAAAAAAA_s/xKEswSw0z_w/s400/i+love+minis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I finished my night with a hair cut. I think this is the shortest my hair has ever been!</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a great Thursday :)</span></b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-3645936720092831772011-07-22T20:48:00.000-07:002011-07-24T05:51:46.861-07:00Picniking is Fun<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hi chick-a-dee's!! I have been super duper busy, hence the lack of posting. There are exciting things happening in my life, and I'm soooooo close to finally beginning my career!!! I won't say anything else yet because I don't want to jinx it...</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I <i>can</i> talk about how excited I was to bust out the KitchenAid Mixer and finally bake some <u>cupcakes</u>!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALd9AehC6-M/Tim524eU_TI/AAAAAAAAA-0/JU255ujFHPk/s1600/cupcake+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALd9AehC6-M/Tim524eU_TI/AAAAAAAAA-0/JU255ujFHPk/s400/cupcake+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I made <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.culinate.com/books/collections/all_books/Vegan+Cupcakes+Take+Over+the+World/Golden+Vanilla+Cupcakes">vegan vanilla</a></span></b> softball cupcakes with a vanilla "<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/03/08/vegan-chocolate-cupcakes-with-vanilla-almond-frosting-and-raspberry-glaze/"><span style="font-size: large;">buttercream</span></a>" and my new <b>favorite</b> vegan <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/10794-basic-vegan-chocolate-cupcake">Cookies 'n' Cream</a></span></b> cupcakes! They are boyfriend, softball team, and family approved; no one could tell they were "vegan". </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Note: For Cookies 'n' Cream I followed the chocolate cupcake recipe, however I used the Vanilla recipe measurements for baking soda, baking powder, and corn starch.*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6aCjq-RVDc/Tim9E_qln9I/AAAAAAAAA-8/Rgjoty6w2mA/s1600/mixer+lickin+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6aCjq-RVDc/Tim9E_qln9I/AAAAAAAAA-8/Rgjoty6w2mA/s400/mixer+lickin+good.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The best part of baking vegan cupcakes? You can lick the mixer and not worry about salmonella!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I made an unexpected trip up to my Mom's house in north jersey and got to spend some quality time with my sis and one of my brothers (we missed you Nick!). We had dinner at</span><b><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/wild-greens-westfield"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Wild Greens</span></a></b> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in Westfield and it was super cute!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfsUBF4WxDk/TinEcDl7VWI/AAAAAAAAA_A/642dca-TBeY/s1600/wild+greens+collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfsUBF4WxDk/TinEcDl7VWI/AAAAAAAAA_A/642dca-TBeY/s400/wild+greens+collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They have soup and sandwiches, but Alli and I opted for the create your own salad. The options are AWESOME and they go beyond your typical cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. I'm talking jicama, beets, asparagus, smoked tofu, and a variety of greens! And the dressings, oh the dressings. I got the spicy thai and Alli got a delicious basil-y dressing, mm mm good!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1nEdZaVk7w/Tio3jF_XDTI/AAAAAAAAA_E/oyv3DVUFbEA/s1600/wild+greens+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1nEdZaVk7w/Tio3jF_XDTI/AAAAAAAAA_E/oyv3DVUFbEA/s400/wild+greens+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All the chairs are made from recycled material, and they </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">were all about finding sustainable ways to run their business. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzJvgo5Um9c/Tio9DM5qEyI/AAAAAAAAA_M/d_GMi8GuNP0/s1600/sista+sista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jzJvgo5Um9c/Tio9DM5qEyI/AAAAAAAAA_M/d_GMi8GuNP0/s400/sista+sista.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Westfield is a lovely little town to stroll around. And Matthew enjoyed taking pictures.<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sofw3knwfQg/Tio6HIQl8mI/AAAAAAAAA_I/9lhLzpZNSdY/s1600/Italian+Ice+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sofw3knwfQg/Tio6HIQl8mI/AAAAAAAAA_I/9lhLzpZNSdY/s400/Italian+Ice+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let's see, Matt and I spent a really long time playing catch. That boy has got an arm!! We attempted to cool off with some Italian Ice. It didn't really work, but it sure was delicious! I also tried a Tofutti "Ice Cream" sandwich for the first time. AMAZING! After giving up ice cream, I was really sad because ice cream sandwiches are my fave. Sad no more!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Can you tell I just found Picnik and am having way too much fun? </b>I'm newly obsessed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I swear I've been up to more, but I don't feel like making more collages! I'll be on a more regular schedule this week, I promise! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-51907364774038143392011-07-11T20:12:00.000-07:002011-07-11T20:12:22.000-07:00I'm a Person Who *attempts to* Make Stuff<center><a href="http://www.love-life-project.com/2011/07/people-who-make-stuff-link-party.html" target="blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIEdmWOTF1Q/Thj6Mr1iQKI/AAAAAAAABhU/H2rvNQcsdbs/s400/pwms.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh yes I <strike>try to be</strike> am.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>**<a href="http://www.love-life-project.com/2011/07/people-who-make-stuff-link-party.html"><b>Stephanie</b></a> is having a PWMS link party! Check it out!</i></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish I had more time and more money to put into making <b><i>stuff</i></b>! There's just so much stuff I want to make. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Beyond the dishes...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KE5w0EVtyxw/Thu32czyIZI/AAAAAAAAA8c/8IltmpzEPlw/s1600/spilled+water2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KE5w0EVtyxw/Thu32czyIZI/AAAAAAAAA8c/8IltmpzEPlw/s400/spilled+water2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and messes... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siLtjezUt9A/Thu33o0sjzI/AAAAAAAAA8g/z-GlYwLioT4/s1600/spilled+water3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siLtjezUt9A/Thu33o0sjzI/AAAAAAAAA8g/z-GlYwLioT4/s400/spilled+water3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that I <u>already</u> make! </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I would love to own a sewing machine. Because really, who hasn't walked through Target or purused the internet for a sweet little sundress and thought... <b>I could totally make that! </b><i>If only I knew how to sew...</i>and had a sewing machine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But that's neither here nor there. I want to focus on what I can create and share one creation I'm pretty proud of.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUGgXTsA4KQ/Thu5ok9GaGI/AAAAAAAAA8o/TK-zsEFh4DE/s1600/0819101205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUGgXTsA4KQ/Thu5ok9GaGI/AAAAAAAAA8o/TK-zsEFh4DE/s400/0819101205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This project came about because I had a big living room wall. And no art work to fill it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N26dg89X2P8/Thu5pDL11dI/AAAAAAAAA8s/M797dt22pIU/s1600/0819101206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N26dg89X2P8/Thu5pDL11dI/AAAAAAAAA8s/M797dt22pIU/s400/0819101206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzNenLohQHs/Thu5pknhQ0I/AAAAAAAAA8w/uEsCvo2y6Ec/s1600/0819101212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzNenLohQHs/Thu5pknhQ0I/AAAAAAAAA8w/uEsCvo2y6Ec/s400/0819101212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Klfe0z2cCro/Thu5qMY3DFI/AAAAAAAAA80/Q2rV75qrLPg/s1600/0819101228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Klfe0z2cCro/Thu5qMY3DFI/AAAAAAAAA80/Q2rV75qrLPg/s400/0819101228.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ta Da!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hqPg7Qvt8/Thu5oF9I5qI/AAAAAAAAA8k/iJ13jbjKG6c/s1600/0819101232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hqPg7Qvt8/Thu5oF9I5qI/AAAAAAAAA8k/iJ13jbjKG6c/s400/0819101232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's a messy job, but someone's got to do it!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pp8Lk7c4uLE/Thu6hofZCcI/AAAAAAAAA88/-y1moW2kOEY/s1600/IMG_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pp8Lk7c4uLE/Thu6hofZCcI/AAAAAAAAA88/-y1moW2kOEY/s400/IMG_1272.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Awww, our little apartment in San Diego. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Right now my paintings don't have a home, but I will find a place to hang them in New Jersey soon enough!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What have <i>you</i> made that you're proud of?</b></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-73318278171873365472011-07-03T16:14:00.000-07:002011-07-03T16:14:17.740-07:00Ello Govna!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm feeling so British right now.</span><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CS9-J8kVFYU/ThDe6pE4VhI/AAAAAAAAA7M/kRsVsxrKWbo/s200/Tableau-numerique-So-British_L11462.jpg" width="199" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decotaime.fr/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've never been to England. I've actually never been to <i>any</i> country across the Atlantic. However I did receive a package from England the other day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyOQYU-OAnE/ThDfnMn7BMI/AAAAAAAAA70/pr9Crl5vpq0/s1600/no+address+mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyOQYU-OAnE/ThDfnMn7BMI/AAAAAAAAA70/pr9Crl5vpq0/s320/no+address+mail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Royal mail. Yes, <b>royal</b>. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBn2oVXxk1E/ThDfhPh8JFI/AAAAAAAAA7g/aTPiCm_EcFM/s1600/IMG_1584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBn2oVXxk1E/ThDfhPh8JFI/AAAAAAAAA7g/aTPiCm_EcFM/s320/IMG_1584.jpg" width="260" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jemma over at <b><a href="http://celeryandcupcakes.com/">Celery and Cupcakes</a></b></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">set up an amazing</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Foodie Blog Swap!</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was paired up with the super fun and gorgeous Freya from <b><a href="http://www.britchickruns.com/">Brit Chick Runs</a></b>.</span><b> </b></span> </span><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She sent me a bunch of amazingly delicious English goodies. Let's take a looksie, shall we?</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYtbgttlViM/ThDfhyEJKtI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Plno3onENg4/s1600/IMG_1587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYtbgttlViM/ThDfhyEJKtI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Plno3onENg4/s320/IMG_1587.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cacao Brazil Nut Bliss. They got the bliss part down, am I right?! I have yet to try it, but it looks heavenly and I am so looking forward to it!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--P8QE5Sol0Q/ThDfk3qVsCI/AAAAAAAAA7s/PgkBFG0HBME/s1600/IMG_1590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--P8QE5Sol0Q/ThDfk3qVsCI/AAAAAAAAA7s/PgkBFG0HBME/s320/IMG_1590.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look at all these bars!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epOdypGrC7c/ThDfjZmXYjI/AAAAAAAAA7o/bybssYQJFTk/s1600/IMG_1588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epOdypGrC7c/ThDfjZmXYjI/AAAAAAAAA7o/bybssYQJFTk/s200/IMG_1588.jpg" width="150" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70LC_PXJeUU/ThDhKHls4qI/AAAAAAAAA74/z6G2W3EeR7o/s200/IMG_1575.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I already had the nakd Cocoa Mint and boy was it yummm!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afNejL_jaV0/ThDhpIfDXqI/AAAAAAAAA78/Auv4OIP3XkE/s1600/IMG_1596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afNejL_jaV0/ThDhpIfDXqI/AAAAAAAAA78/Auv4OIP3XkE/s320/IMG_1596.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I tried to zoom in, but it wouldn't let me focus. So let me share what the Trek Cocoa Brownie bar says on the back:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Cheerfully Made in Wales"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Best before: (a friend nicks it!) See side of pack"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How cute!<i> </i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqlqXfE7MbI/ThDfmMFbGsI/AAAAAAAAA7w/4vbmyD_gp2M/s1600/IMG_1597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqlqXfE7MbI/ThDfmMFbGsI/AAAAAAAAA7w/4vbmyD_gp2M/s320/IMG_1597.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I got a really sweet letter. Freya thought she'd send a healthy cupcake, but then thought it might not travel well ::wink, wink::</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Thank you so much Freya!! I love all the goodies you sent!!</b> <b>And I had a blast shopping for you!</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WifbeY0OAaQ/ThDfcQVFtXI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/6xjAvjcaRmU/s200/IMG_1425.jpg" width="200" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOeomK8Igr4/ThDfd87UyTI/AAAAAAAAA7U/goQpQOo8t80/s1600/IMG_1426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOeomK8Igr4/ThDfd87UyTI/AAAAAAAAA7U/goQpQOo8t80/s200/IMG_1426.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got <i>almost</i> everything at Whole Paycheck, but made a stop at my favorite, Target, as well.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA_2SLFKl2w/ThDfexC458I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/3JAViZ8FAls/s1600/IMG_1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA_2SLFKl2w/ThDfexC458I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/3JAViZ8FAls/s200/IMG_1445.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQveUHPmaPQ/ThDfgleWKiI/AAAAAAAAA7c/3aaw2cMmSIM/s200/IMG_1446.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I was <u>so</u> nervous and was overly <i>detail oriented</i> while filling out the customs form. My worst fear was for customs to open up the package and ruin my goodies/return them! But after a ridiculously long time at the Post Office it was officially sent out! Thumbs up for that!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The <span style="font-size: large;">Foodie Blog Swap<span style="font-size: small;"> was a great success and I hope to participate in another one sometime in the future! Thanks Jemma and Freya!!!</span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-8031922511964671512011-07-02T19:22:00.000-07:002011-07-02T19:22:15.398-07:00Say What?!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A long time ago</span>, when I didn't know what a "healthy living blog" was, when I thought eating a Lean Cuisine was the best choice for my body, when I believed vegetarians and vegans were a little...weird, way back when I couldn't pronounce quinoa (KEEN-wah)</span>, <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">if you asked me to try <b>**insert random <i>foodie </i>superfood here**</b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I would have tilted my head, raised my eyebrows and said, "Say what?!"</span></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ElifGsbck/Tg_OupjxPiI/AAAAAAAAA64/hUEMqAdzL3w/s1600/superfood636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ElifGsbck/Tg_OupjxPiI/AAAAAAAAA64/hUEMqAdzL3w/s400/superfood636.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fitandfresh.wordpress.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seriously, the thought of tofu, chia seeds, green smoothies, kale and other somewhat intimidating vegetables used to puzzle and kind of scare me. 1) WHAT is that? 2) WHY would I want to eat that? 3) </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">WHO has the time to prepare that? 4) <i>SAY WHAT?!</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2MQMS8WIio/Tg_Ot8z9KzI/AAAAAAAAA6w/CoLX5TxFXbs/s1600/beet-greens-potassium-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2MQMS8WIio/Tg_Ot8z9KzI/AAAAAAAAA6w/CoLX5TxFXbs/s400/beet-greens-potassium-lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedailygreen.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I first started to blog I had been vegetarian for about a year, but I still had (and have) a lot to learn! Reading blogs and starting my own blog helped introduce many new and exciting nutrient packed, delicious foods into my diet that had once made me wee bit squeamish. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e26XAseQ-U/Tg_Ouwt4yDI/AAAAAAAAA68/DwVSaI_f4cM/s1600/superfood+powders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e26XAseQ-U/Tg_Ouwt4yDI/AAAAAAAAA68/DwVSaI_f4cM/s400/superfood+powders.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.superorganicfoods.com/index.php?cPath=3">sourc<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">e</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've learned that there are healthy meal options beyond steamed broccoli with a side of brown rice. Once I got over my fear of new foods and began researching through blogs, cookbooks, and trial and error, my food repertoire expanded so much! And my taste buds are happier than ever.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOt8AJX4iu8/Tg_O3NJL96I/AAAAAAAAA7A/9baYXlH30v4/s1600/Copy+of+DSCI0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOt8AJX4iu8/Tg_O3NJL96I/AAAAAAAAA7A/9baYXlH30v4/s400/Copy+of+DSCI0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TFVlwZIInM/Tg_QtKlQECI/AAAAAAAAA7E/VFz_5qcjs0A/s1600/IMG_1569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TFVlwZIInM/Tg_QtKlQECI/AAAAAAAAA7E/VFz_5qcjs0A/s400/IMG_1569.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNVXCn3i86Q/Tg_RBmG90zI/AAAAAAAAA7I/FLRdQKyPNgs/s1600/1+15+romaine+sauted+dandelion+slow+cooker+wheat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNVXCn3i86Q/Tg_RBmG90zI/AAAAAAAAA7I/FLRdQKyPNgs/s400/1+15+romaine+sauted+dandelion+slow+cooker+wheat.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I originally set out to do a weekly post, spotlighting a new vegetable each week. But life got in the way and I never made it a priority. But the idea has re-emerged and instead of just veggies, as I use my fave ingredients I'll post about them in my <b>Say What?! Series</b>. I think it will be fun to share <b>my </b>experiences using these new ingredients and showcase favorites that bring me to <i>foodie bliss</i>. And since blogging is a <i>conversation</i> I am so so sooo excited to learn about all of YOUR ideas, recipes, tips, and experiences using different ingredients. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Now I need to ask, what foods do <i>you</i> want to see featured? </b> </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6125846316657550178.post-80418129510396764292011-06-30T15:18:00.000-07:002011-06-30T15:21:55.396-07:00Fashionably Late<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm only a whole day late to the WIAW party. I like to make an entrance, what can I say?</span></div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f210/klutzycutie16/wiawphotobutton.jpg" /></a></center></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wednesday started out with a great 9 mile run. I wasn't really planning on it since I had just done 9 on Monday, however I switched it up from my usual music to podcasts. And this podcast got me going; I had frustration and anger pulsing through my body. I felt that I had to keep running or I wouldn't know what to do with all the emotions. Tears mingled with sweat streaked my face. Mazzy's story, along with countless other hens, filled my heart with sorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've listened to many podcasts on these topics, however this is a beautifully written narrative of one woman's experience visiting two "free-range" egg facilities that I feel I should share. You can check it out <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/compassionatecooks/narrative_free_range.mp3">here</a></b></span> if you'd like. For more podcasts you can visit <span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.compassionatecooks.com/">Vegetarian Food For Thought</a>. <i>**</i></b><i>I'm not trying to convert people to be vegetarian or vegan, however I feel it is important for all of us to hear the information that is out there and to make educated decisions about our own food choices**</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After my run I was drained, and the only thing I wanted was a cold, filling, breakfast smoothie.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HXRr_W7O_0/TgzrrgH8aQI/AAAAAAAAA58/XXN1xDUkiRA/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HXRr_W7O_0/TgzrrgH8aQI/AAAAAAAAA58/XXN1xDUkiRA/s320/IMG_1547.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1BX3g--lHQ/Tgzrsx8WJwI/AAAAAAAAA6A/PL-lkFacOtk/s320/IMG_1549.jpg" width="240" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfMEPhDVw7s/TgzruDhK6UI/AAAAAAAAA6E/RwMRF34Z98A/s1600/IMG_1550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfMEPhDVw7s/TgzruDhK6UI/AAAAAAAAA6E/RwMRF34Z98A/s320/IMG_1550.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> After bfast it was time to say goodbye to Natalie's butterflies!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSd7_t2K9Co/TgzrvtCii-I/AAAAAAAAA6I/0Zna4--_y_k/s1600/IMG_1554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSd7_t2K9Co/TgzrvtCii-I/AAAAAAAAA6I/0Zna4--_y_k/s320/IMG_1554.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0XgIjZcLSA/TgzrwwPBI5I/AAAAAAAAA6M/7PsiQPmljFM/s320/IMG_1556.jpg" width="240" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm ashamed to admit it, but I spent a good portion of my morning hooked on TLC. How can I resist A Baby Story and Four Weddings? It's almost impossible I tell ya!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lunch was quite delicious. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Myu9Oz0tBLs/TgzrzsRZlsI/AAAAAAAAA6U/HY1MDd1G1X8/s1600/IMG_1564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Myu9Oz0tBLs/TgzrzsRZlsI/AAAAAAAAA6U/HY1MDd1G1X8/s400/IMG_1564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sbhdv5AEXU/Tgzr1dcQxTI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Hw6jc_b3otM/s1600/IMG_1569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sbhdv5AEXU/Tgzr1dcQxTI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Hw6jc_b3otM/s400/IMG_1569.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 1/2 cup bulgar with cilantro/black bean pesto</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 cucumber</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">chick peas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">black beans</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">nooch sprinkled on top</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a very productive morning (I wish) I headed to work, and brought along this delicious bar since I knew I'd be ravenous on my way home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17laaJlsa6k/Tgzr3NvNbcI/AAAAAAAAA6c/lX6zsu2pTYw/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17laaJlsa6k/Tgzr3NvNbcI/AAAAAAAAA6c/lX6zsu2pTYw/s400/IMG_1575.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is that bar from England? Why yes it is! I'll do a full post on all the goodies I received in the <b>Foodie Blog Swap</b> with <a href="http://www.britchickruns.com/">Freya</a> tomorrow!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I can't stand to waste food, and the other night Shane and his parents got Chinese take-out, and there was a lot of white rice in the fridge. So I used it! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2V1f6u10Z8/TgzryHjgKAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/r4n1LWOjTyU/s1600/IMG_1559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2V1f6u10Z8/TgzryHjgKAI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/r4n1LWOjTyU/s320/IMG_1559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ate a handful of these while prepping din. Then it was finally ready!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V--FNOIZKgE/TgzrqNNlBHI/AAAAAAAAA54/wx0dGtuseRk/s1600/IMG_1580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V--FNOIZKgE/TgzrqNNlBHI/AAAAAAAAA54/wx0dGtuseRk/s400/IMG_1580.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">white rice</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">baked tofu and zucchini, marinated in this:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIqH830mcY8/Tgz0MXRy2gI/AAAAAAAAA6g/GBPA30rix5E/s1600/IMG_1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIqH830mcY8/Tgz0MXRy2gI/AAAAAAAAA6g/GBPA30rix5E/s400/IMG_1429.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>nom, nom, nom</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope everyone had a fabulous Wednesday, and uh, Thursday! </span><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01763496074201861416noreply@blogger.com0