Gym Brag

I have to give my new gym some props. I've been really active there for a week (since I was sick for a good 2 weeks in November) and I love it! Spin, Circuit, Weights, etc... they seem to have exactly what I want without being overly complicated. All of the people that work there are awesome, and so nice. There is never a wait for anything and they keep the place in prime condition.

But today, I hated them for a little bit. They whooped my ass in the Calorie Crushing, post-Thanksgiving workout. Somehow I kept up, and even better some of the big macho men that joined in on the class. Not surprisingly most of the women kept up better than the men (thanks to us not doing weights ALL the time).

I got to the class, and as I was setting up my space where I would be tortured for the next 75 minutes, I saw a professional camera being placed in the corner. Great. No makeup, Saturday morning, and about to sweat. Yes, I loved seeing the camera (sarcasm for those who can't catch it too well).

I survived, barely. Here is what we did:

Run in place
Lunges
Ski
Squats
Squat Thrusts
Curtsy Lunge
Vsit-up
Pushups
Mountain Climber
Jumping Jacks

Each set was for 1 minute, then do it again, minus the last exercise on the list (so 9 minutes for the second set and no jumping jacks). We did that until we only had one- running in place. It was intense, especially the squat thrusts which were not soon to be knocked off the list. But it was awesome, and definitely a burn that I was looking for!

So, what was I burning off? This carmelized pecan apple pie. Recipe is quick and easy (and mine). Here goes.

Carmelize a bag of pecans: Mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan (you can add a squeeze of honey too, I just didn't have any on hand). When boiling, pour pecans into mix, coating. Using a spoon with holes, place the coated pecans sans the sauce on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for a few minutes. Watch so they don't burn! Let cool until hardened then chop

For the pie: I used a store-bought crust for ease (and money saving). One pie is about 4 apples, so I used a mix of McIntosh (my favorite apple ever) and Granny Smith apples. I also left on the skin and just sliced up the apples into smaller pieces.


Mix the following for the filling:
- 4 apples cut up
- The carmelized pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- dash of salt
- dash of nutmeg
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

Add more spice if you like the stronger spice of pie (typical of my mom). So, dump all of that into the crust, place the second crust on top, pressing the crust edges together and putting slices in the top of the crust.

Finally, bake for 15-20 minutes until browned, place tinfoil over top so the crust doesn't brown too much, then bake for another  30 minutes or so (total cook time about 45 minutes)

Let cool then serve with some vanilla ice cream! This turned out way yummy!

THE Marathon, and What I Learned Along the Way

Heading to Savannah, I couldn't have been more excited. Music was blaring, the weather was beautiful for road trip viewing, and I was about to complete the biggest feat of my physical ventures. Then I hit traffic and over an hour of crawling towards my destination. You know what happens when you have lots of time? Thinking...

I couldn't help but sit there and question myself. Through 5 months of training, a visit to the hospital, hearing of other runners' hearts exploding before the finish line and another stress fracture scare, how could I not sit there and truly decide if I could do this? I was mentally nervous, but ready to get this race over with.

After arriving at the hotel late that night and just meeting my two roommates for the weekend, Hooman and Todd, I passed right out. That is not normal for me before a big event. Usually I am up all night, thinking, tossing and turning. But that night was a little different. Maybe it was a good sign.

The morning was early, 5 am early, dark, cold, and jitters running through my body. Was I really doing this? Was I really running 26.2 miles today? AM I INSANE??! We headed out, and after driving, a school bus ride, and some pep talks all around the race began as the sun was just coming up.

Slow and steady, following the way I trained, the first 13.1 miles went by like a breeze. After breaking off from the half-ers at mile 11, those running the full were welcomed by a never-ending stretch of highway. It was intimidating. We ran through the slums of Savannah, through Spanish Moss canopies and through parks filled with people cheering "Go random stranger go". My personal favorite sign was "Your feet hurt from kicking so much ass". Truth.

The last two miles involved me kicking it, using the energy I had left to "sprint" through the finish. It was exhilarating, and really special when they called out my name as I was running down the final few yards and lines of people to the finish. Those 5 months of training were completely worth it, knowing I had just completed something only 0.1 -0.2% of the world's population has completed. I was part of that club now and overcome a long run of self-doubt.

So what training tips did I learn?

1. Run like you train - don't run faster, don't run slower. Run as you have been for the past few months
2. It's ok if you skip some of your training. I tried not to completely wear myself out. Listen to your body.
3. But DON'T skip your long runs. Every other Sunday would be my day. I would plan my schedule around it, and I had to. Those are the runs that count- mentally and physically.
4. If you can run 20 miles by yourself, you can run 26.2 with a group. People, even strangers, always push you
5. If you didn't use Gu or other gels during training, don't take them during your run. You'll find yourself running to the nearest porter potty. I used chews- they're a lot better on the tummy.
6. Drink your water. Along the way, make sure you are hydrating. If you take the gatorade, take a water too.
7. These races are more mental than physical. If you think you can, you will
8. Weight gain will happen, but watch it. Extra weight also means extra weight on your knees.

So what is the next challenge I am taking on? Getting myself toned. The marathon really changed my body's shape, for the 3rd time this year. It all depends on what I'm training for (or lack of training for).

So, what is my first step to changing my shape AGAIN? These chocolate muffins. Seriously, they are amazing and sans eggs/oil. I'll be posting and creating some new healthy recipes, so look out! I'm also now a member of Urban Active in Buckhead. I took my first spin class tonight and I may have to admit I'm in love!

For anyone that wants to run a half with me, I've already signed up for the Georgia Publix marathon in March. I would love you to join me (and train with me). Please let me know if you are interested!

Southern Travels Part 1 - Charleston

This blog has been long overdue! I am trying to revert back to my weekly post goal, but it just is not happening. My life has been go go go go go and I am really trying to get used to it. It's like back in high school days, except real effort has to actually be put forth. Gone are the days of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights downtown. No more Tuesday/Thursday class schedule. Hellllooo real world and responsibility! It's exciting, fast-paced and a whole new learning process in itself.

There is some time for fun though. After a full 3 months of missing my best friend, I finally made it to Charleston! It was the longest drive possible, totaling almost 6 hours, but great to get to the city I've never really visited. I stayed on a navy boat docked in Charleston for a night once when my brother was a cub scout, but actually visiting the city had yet to be done. Caroline managed to push me into her car and out to a dive bar to watch her friend's band play at 12 that night. Half-asleep, with a good 3 red bulls in my system, we somehow met new people- as usual- and had some potential Halloween plans for the next night.

Saturday was the first time I had been to a football game this season, and it wasn't even the Dawgs! Citadel vs. VMI is the big game of the year, and lucky for us we had been invited to one of the best tailgates thrown by older alumni. There was a ton of food, blood marys, mimosas, and even decorated cookies (of course I judged, and they were spectacular looking!). Citadel took the win, and the games of cornhole continued until later in the afternoon. Caroline and I needed to watch the Cocktail party, and cheer on our team. Unfortunately, we were so wiped out that most of the game was watched when we woke up from our naps, only to pass right back out within 2 minutes. At least we were alive enough to watch the end and see UGA defeat Florida for the first time since our Freshman year in college.

For Halloween, we managed to make plans with my new friend Hunter, and headed out as a Bunny and Bear. After shuffling bar to bar and walking past the long lines of people waiting to get in, Hunter's friend managed to sweep us right into one of the busiest. Luckily the Ron Burgandy crew knew the owner. Success. The drinks were perfectly Halloween themed. I think they placed a piece of dry ice in the bottom to get them smoking on top. Spooky!

The weekend ended with chicken and waffles for breakfast and a tour of downtown Charleston during the day. Can't wait to get back there soon!