Let the Unnecessary Chafing Begin!

The husband and I apparently decided at some point that we are going to partake in the Austin Marathon next February.  For the next 30 weeks, I'm totally Hal Higdon's devout follower.  If anyone wants to join in on the fun, I made a more printer-friendly version of Hal's Novice Supreme plan available HERE.  

26.2?  Challenge, accepted.

<insert inspirational photo montage here>

Finishing strong at my first half marathon in Virginia Beach, VA in March, 2008

Crossing the finish line of my first full marathon in Portland, OR in October, 2008

</inspiration>

2008 was kind of a glory year for me.  I finished 7 half marathons and 2 full marathons (even landed a trophy for taking the Athena category at Portland).  I PR'd several times in 2009 breaking an hour in the 10K and pulling in a 2:13:34 half marathon.  Then, I kind of fizzled.  I kept running 5K, 10K and half marathon distances randomly through 2010... even got married at a marathon in 2011.  2012 and the first bit of 2013 was full of more regret than rejoice, and even though I kept taking home finisher medals, I was crossing the finish closer to the cutoff time than one would like to admit.

It took a long time to realize what was holding me back.  Truth be told, I think I'm still trying to figure all of the factors out.  In the meanwhile, I'm going to focus on fixing a few things around here.  

Awhile back, I doodled this in a journal one night when I was really feeling down and out.  Work sucked.  My relationship was rocky.  Finances... pssht... no comment... 

By "Comfort Zone," I mean locked in my house, on my couch, with my blankie, beer, and Shih Tzu.

Point is, I have the coping skills of a dung beetle.  I'll just keep shoveling the same old crap around until I collapse, then wake up the next day and do the same thing over again.  

So, I did something about it.  Slowly, but surely.  We started working on the communication barriers in our relationship.  We moved into an exponentially cheaper neighborhood.  I even landed a new job that has great promise and already motivates *slash* inspires me to develop myself mentally, physically, and emotionally.  In the spirit of keeping positive momentum, I think returning to the glory days of sweat-wicking urban loin cloths, over priced sneakers, and lust for finisher's bling is totally warranted.

Game on.

The "Taste not Waste" Guide to Veggie Lovin'

I have to admit, I'm a total produce whore. There is nothing better than a fresh clump of tomatoes, bell peppers, and berries to help boost a meal!

After many failed attempts to eat all the things before a science experiment erupts, I finally found advice that is actually effective!  Behold:  The Mighty Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse!!!!

 

 

 

All you have to do is fill a big bowl with cold water, splash a few tablespoons ACV into the bowl, then let produce soak 15-30 minutes stirring/flipping occasionally to ensure optimal ick-removal.

 

Does it work?  Well, let's just say I've never had a clamshell of blueberries last in the fridge longer than a few days after purchase.  After doing my ACV rinse, I was still snacking on these babies well over a week later.  A few of these tomatoes are still red and firm on the vine in our garden window 10 days later.  Green bell peppers don't have a shelf life in this house, we are total addicts and devour them instantly.  But this wash took off all of the waxy residue without scrubbing or soap! 

 

I am so in love with creating light and refreshing refrigerator pickles like my signature kim chi.  It has increased my ability to "waste not" just having the option of throwing random veg in vinegar and spices and hoping for pickled goodness later!

 

 

 

 

Now that I have sufficiently made myself hungry, it's totally nosh time!  Later!

 

-Che Angela