Chirp Chirp

It's been sounding like crickets around the blog recently. It has been some of the busiest months I have experienced, and it seems all of my activities just pounded me for the past month, and I really have been getting more active and out there, so blogging has taken a backseat, but I'm still here!

So, what has happened in the past month? I am not to a point where I am running 22 miles a week, at least, but still doing cross training activities on the off-run days. The most frustrating part is that I have a goal to lose an additional 15-ish pounds before this marathon, and it seems that it is a far cry away. How am I supposed to fuel my body and deprive it at the same time? It's a struggle that I am working on finding a solution to.

I got to attend 3rd Thursday at Road Runner Sports with a couple TNT members. It is a free event, where you run around Atlanta collecting raffle tickets at different designated check points (shops/stores). They raffled off amazing prizes, like Asics shoes, Jelly Belly energy beans, Garmin watches (which are about $300) and gift certificates to their store. I was really lucky and managed to be chosen for one of the shoes they were raffling. I haven't gone in yet to redeem my certificate, but I need to soon as I can get any Asics shoes, fit to me, up to $160!! I couldn't believe I won at first, and I am sure there will be more of these events to be attended.

A BIG accomplishment thus far is that I have raised a little over $600 so far, about 20% of my goal!! I can't even begin to describe my appreciation to those who have been supporting me this early out of the gate. I hope that knowing they are donating to an amazing cause, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, can make them feel truly special about their donations.

One great event was already hosted by Team in Training, the Fado Fundraiser, where my two friends from college, Ali and Amanda, attended. I hadn't seen them in almost a year, so it was a great setting to do some friend catch-up and have a good beer or two.

I also received a number for the Peachtree Road Race. A month ago I thought all was lost, but then one fell into my lap thanks to my Team in Training members. The PRR was the first race I had done sine April, and I forgot how much I love being in events. It was a fun, hot day and I felt really strong even after my run, which to me is a very good sign.

As we were walking back after the race, we even got to meet the 2nd place female, who finished just a second behind #1. I get giddy around these super athletes, and while I was running on Peachtree Street the Tuesday before the race, I ran by a pack of Kenyans waiting to take off. I'm glad they weren't behind me because I am sure they would have wiped past me in half my pace time.

Within the next week or so, I should have KOOZIES to be purchased to help with my fundraising. Please let me know if you are interested - I'll post pictures soon, and will be selling them only for $5 a piece. They may be a little edgy... but they're funny.

And of course, here are some foodie pictures of what I've been eating recently... Mmmm.

Homemade Lemon Bars

Fried Shrimp at Amrit's

Intense "V8", plus a few more veggies

Steamed Golden Beets and Kale

Chicken??

Today was my boss' birthday, and there is a running joke around the office, that's highly confidential (kinda), but I can say that it has to deal with chicken. If there is a birthday, party, event, anything really... you know that I'll be baking and the number one thing I make is a darn good cupcake. There are endless varieties, version, creations you can make and tons of decorations.

So, I made cupcakes that loosely resemble a chicken, having an orange slice as the beak. The frosting was absolutely insane though! I will be making this again.

Not too Sweet Caramel Frosting

8oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature
8 oz. (2 sticks) of Butter, room temperature
Caramel Sauce, about 2 tbsp, or to taste
Confectioner's sugar (about 4 cups or to desired consistency)

1. Using a hand mixer or Kitchen Aid, beat the cream cheese and butter together until well blended.
2. Add in the caramel sauce and beat in until blended
3. Pour the powdered sugar in multiple "waves", so adding about 1 to 2 cups at a time until frosting is desired consistency

Cupcake Chickens with Caramel Frosting

This whole week has been a whirl-wind, between TNT, work and and the BeltLine Committee getting geared up for the race in July. I was able to make it to my first TNT Track Training day, which was actually held at Piedmont Park, practicing our stride form and rate on rolling hills and a 1/4 mile measure of grass. It was hot, tough but gave me a great kick in the butt for my running. I realize that I need to get my timing and pace lowered in order to run the marathon, but it's a hard habit to kick right as 5K season is winding down.

It's hard getting used to the heat. I'm trying to run after work, but by that time it is blazing out around 90+ degrees. I've been limping around slightly the past two days, taking it easy on the run right after track. The running styles they teach are also going to take a little getting used to, but it's going to be much better once I get it down.

Be looking out for my ideas and announcements on fundraising - I've got some exciting things planned!

Fit Fact: ONE fortune cookie contains 210 calories. That blows my mind!

Pretty Perfect Potato Summer Salad

I was on a mission to find just the right potato salad, without mayo. Done! It's fresh, yummy, filling and a great side with all of the BBQ that's been going on now that the guy friends fire up the grill constantly.

Potato Summer Salad

This recipe was originally adapted from this EatingWell recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of potatoes (I did a mix of small golden and red)
• 1 celery heart, washed and inner stalks/base removed, chopped
•  1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• Dill seasoning, to taste
• 1 cup nonfat buttermilk
• lemon juice, about 2 tbsp
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 hard boil eggs, peeled and chopped
• Dijon mustard, about 2 to 3 tbsp
• Smoked ham (I bought Trader Joe's cubed ham, which was about 1 cup)

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, partially covered, until just tender, 12 to 20 minutes, depending on their size. Drain and let cool for about 15 minutes.
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces and put them in a large bowl
3.  Grind up celery, parsley, shallot for a short time in a food processor, so large chunks are still visible.
4. Add celery, ham, parsley, shallot and dill to the potatoes. Toss to combine. Add buttermilk, lemon juice, salt and pepper; combine. Gently stir in chopped egg. Serve chilled.

All ingredients, sans potatoes and eggs

The Finished Product