Christmas Reflections 2013

At 0630 I was up, put on my fuzzy socks & began reviewing again how to roast a stuffed goose. After many videos, blogs, and how to sites, I settle for this one: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/roast-goose-with-chestnut-and-leek-stuffing.html . I used my own stuffing because I don't have chestnuts nor leeks and my recipe is better. *smiles*  Calculating the cooking time to the number of pounds,  I realized I didn't have to get up this early!  So I washed off the dry rub, left on the goose over night, placed it back into the refrigerator, poured a cup of coffee, then sitting on the couch began to look back and reflect.

Dang it, you mean I could have slept in?

 

There's been so many good times this year even though I've had two surgeries, both successful by the way. Here are some awesome moments. Merry Christmas y'all, peace, love, and goodwill to all!

Carlsbad Marathon 2013, Crazy hair, fever, and still smiling. See what running does to you?!

April 2013, We will always remember Boston!

San Dieguito Half Marathon 2013, After several attempts to get pic with my running pal's eye's open,...well, I tried!

Girls On the Go Half Marathon 2013, a Saturday race, created brain a fart & I had to write a message to myself to

to "Get Bib" so I would remember to pick it on after work on Friday!

La Jolla Half Marathon 2013, My running pal & I goofing & Mac Cheesing! 

Rocks & Roll San Diego Half Marathon 2013, Tutu strong!

Whaaaaaaat cookies aren't on my runner's diet???

Coronado 15k 2013, I smile with my mouth open because I'm like a dog & need to pant!

October 2013, Must be the heat because I'm seeing a giant weenie!

Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon 2013, I'm nervous & giddy.

I'm clutching the Gatorade pouches because that's how I roll!

Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon 2013, My last race of the year!

Thanks to my running pal for an awesome time!

Bring on 2014 and Happy Health Running!

 

 

 

 

 

Have a Fun Friday Running Day! (Living Vicariously Through You)

This week, I had a conversation about when I should begin running with my husband.  My doctor gave me permission to run again after 6 weeks. My hubby wants me to wait until after 8 weeks. The Internet suggest I wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks. *sigh*
At the beginning of week 6, I am chomping at the bit! Currently I'm walking 3 to 4 miles 3 to 4 times a week with yoga. Hubby suggested, after 6 weeks, I should increase the number of miles I'm walking in lieu of running. Smiling, I told him I would get a note from my doctor saying it was okay for me to start running. He shook his head & still resolved I should wait.  I made a counter offer with 6.5 weeks, he came back with 8 weeks. This could go on & on! He hugs me and says, "please wait."  *sigh*
The rest of the week I've been sending out my Christmas cards, donating time to my doggies, household duties, walking (my absolute favorite time of day), & watching the Pioneer Woman: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ ; she is the ultimate blogger!

I'm doing a #HarryMetSally moment and putting each card in & checking to make sure it's in the slot!

I got another StrideBox : http://stridebox.com/ yesterday. Happy day! Every item in these boxes have been useful. Love the reflective laces in this month's box. My son & hubby will go through it & munch on anything I have an allergy to, so it works out for everyone!

Hope Snowman's bib isn't the expiration date!

Goodies!

Today's walk was fabulous! I imagine as soon as I can run again, I am going to run like Pheobe from Friends! : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-IVhJLD0sQ

December Post Surgery Recovery Plan

Into the second week of walking as my nonimpact exercise, along with yoga, & I feel my endurance improving. After my surgery, I ate like crap because I felt like poop. Surprisingly, I haven't packed on the weight. My abdomen has become less swollen, but I still have the nagging right abdomen muscle pain off & on. The muscles in my legs from the hills I ran in preparation for the Nike Marathon has long disappeared. This muscle loss could explain why I didn't pack on the weight.  Since I'm only walking, I've limited myself to roughly 1800 calories a day. I'm avoiding refine sugar, trans saturated fat,  & enriched flour. What does this mean? More consumption of perishable foods, whole grains, & lean proteins.

Selfie after walking up hill. Alive at 45!

 

 Note: I have a small electronic scale to ensure I'm not getting over my caloric intake. It's very handy for measuring 100% whole grain pastas, brown rice, & sweet potatoes. It's important for me since I'm not running.

I don't remember where I bought this. It's easy to use.

 

Once training/running, I'm not so strict about weighing my foods because my calories will increase to a 2000-2100 calorie diet. I still use a protein drink/shakes for my snack. It's quick and simple. I do take vitamin supplements: Centrum Multiple Vitamin, Iron, & Fish Oil.

Scoop, add water, & shake! Simple pimple!

 

My hubby & I decided we're not doing our annual holiday party. Sorry friends :( My kids & I only brought out half of the decorations & we'll trim the tree on Saturday. Keeping things simple & easy is my motto for the holidays ♫. Falalalalalaaaah!

Dang artificial tree. I would love it hate it! Takes forever to set up!

 

 

 

Yippee Ki Yay! I Walked 3/4 Of Mile!

Hope y'all had a wonderful time yesterday mac'in out and spending time with your families! I did too! We stuck with all the traditional fixings and turkey. I was hard to get my family sold on the idea of having a meatless Thanksgiving. Go figure! Same with what to watch on TV. Oh yes, the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade is on for about an hour until PREGAME football start! Yeee Haw! Love Troy & Joe.

Later that evening, I went on the longest walk I've done since my surgery. Afterwards, it felt like I just ran 10 miles. My doctor says the fatigue should really dissipate over the next few days. The weather was crisp and it was so quiet outside.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

If You Can't Run, Clean Your Closet!

When I'm training for a race, some things tend to get pushed to the waist side and I tell myself I'll get to it later. Later never seems to come because as soon as I'm done with one race, it's onto training for another one. My closet is one of those things.

On weekends, I'll decline going out with for girls night because I have to get up early to train.  I love reading about history, but instead spend extra minutes, reading blogs, books, & magazines about running. You see,  I can think of a dozen run related things to do besides cleaning my closet such as haunting the sports stores, figuring out how to explain to my husband how I needed another dri-fit shirt and a pair of running short. I get excited about finding a hat that has two LED lights on it allowing me to see during my night runs! Since I am currently can't run and barely able to walk around the cul-de-sac due to pain, I figure there's no better time to correct this problem. My son helped me out. On Friday, I'll call my favorite charity to donate clothes. Thanks to my son who sat there going through some memories and laughing as we sat in the mist of a mess! Here are some before & after pics.

Colby 5k and CrossFit Challenge 2013

My brother's wedding in Owasso, Oklahoma. Researching, I came across this benefit run to raise money for Angelman Syndrome:
http://www.angelman.org/

It's called the Colby 5k and CrossFit Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/Colby5kAndCrossFitChallenge  This race had something for everyone with a 1 mile dash, a 5k fun race, a CrossFit Challenge, and then a fire truck pulling contest! This would be the first race I've been in with anyone in my family. A couple of weeks before the race, my sister and mother agreed to attend this race. This race offered same day registration.

Saturday morning was cold and crisp outside. My sister and I met at my hotel room. We have this tradition of exchanging Christmas ornaments every year. After the exchange and thank yous, we met our mother in the lobby of the hotel to head over to Owasso.

 Using GPS we manage to find ourselves with 5 minutes to register for the 1 mile dash!

Due to my health issue, I was limited to walking and loved every moment! Lots of people came out to support this benefit. The company was fantastic and the fall season in Owasso is beautiful.
Thank you to the volunteers.
We had a great time. Love to come back again!

 

Preparing for Surgery

A week before I ran the Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon, I begin to have a female part problem. When all was said and done, I found out I will need to undergo surgery for the second time in one year. My surgery is next week. *tosses hands in the air*! Dang it!

Currently I can't run but can do low impact exercises. I have found this Yoga video that has 3 different fitness programs. One boost it's a Yoga conditioning for athletes. I'll do all 3 collections just to keep things changing.  Hopefully this will keep my legs in shape and so the return to running will not be too difficult. C'mon Rodney Yee don't fail me!

Although I don't practice being a vegetarian, this book, Easy Vegetarian Cooking intrigued me because I have been wanting to add a lot more variety to my families daily meals and keep my son from making a meal out of  a whole bag of chips and salsa! This cookbook states it's for people like me who are new to a vegetarian diet.

Last night I tried to make the Pioneer Women's recipe for Phyllo Mushroom Bundles. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/12/phyllo-mushroom-bundles/ .  The recipe called for Parmesan cheese. I didn't have any and tried Gorgonzola cheese . Not a good combination. My hubby said it tasted like it went bad! Don't hold back babe!

The next batch I went with basic Mexican cheddar cheese and change them to rolls. My families response?  "The paper around the roll is dry. Is there something to dip it in?" Lots of wrinkle noses and no seconds. Even my son, the hobbit, turned them down!
My doggies, Dallas and Cowboy, think these things are the shizzle, but they lick their butts!
Next week, it's Basil and Pea Pasta from the new cook book. Wish me luck!

Doggy treats!