The bigger the better!

The Griak meet has a tangible force behind it.  When I walked across the lush golf course grass I could feel the excitement pumping through every capillary in my body.  Each breath of fresh fall air, each footfall on the soft but hilly ground, each passing runner with concentrated mental energy-- all contribute to the pulsing live animal that is the Roy Griak invitational.  With five kilometers of hills, this spectator-saturated course is uniquely intoxicating.  I was fortunate enough to race it yesterday, and I have yet to come down from the rush.

Though it was hot and verging on muggy the weather really wasn't all that bad.  I started my day with a tall mug of vanilla chai mixed with caffeinated green tea, then proceeded to down the most fluids I've ever drank in the span of four hours.  When we got to the course I was raring to go but had to keep my cool dozing under the tent for two hours before the warm-up.  By the time we'd finished our routine and the race finally came around I was in an amazing mental state.  I knew I had nothing to lose going into the race and could simply get out on the course and show what I've got.  That mentality brought me up and over the infamous 3k hill and into the downhill stretch to the finish.  I even passed over twenty runners in the second half of my race!

I am so humbled and blessed to have run in such a huge and exciting race.  Yesterday was, for me, what running is all about: having the courage to step up to the line, challenging myself to go beyond what I believe I can do, and appreciating the sport for all it is.

To decompress from the emotional tidal wave of racing, I made a chocolate cake with Swiss meringue buttercream icing.  Here's a quick idea of how to make a Swiss meringue:

First, separate three eggs.  Save the yolks for a future pudding, but place the whites in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring constantly.  Add to the whites one cup of granulated sugar and stir until dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch (careful not to burn yourself!)

Then, take the mixture off of the simmering water and place on a hot pad.  Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form and it comes to room temperature.  Then, very slowly, add one tablespoon of butter at a time, beating constantly, until you have added three sticks total.  Make sure to beat in each tablespoon fully before adding another.

The resulting frosting should be the smoothest, dreamiest buttercream you've ever tasted.  Be careful though: because this is such a light frosting it will not keep well, especially on a cake.  Be sure to eat the cake quickly!

We've got chemistry

The race today was the epitome of fall and cross country.  Set at a beautiful park full of rolling hills and multicolored leaves, it embodied the crisp, excited atmosphere of the season.  Though I didn't race I felt the energy and loved being around it.  To add to the enjoyment, the girls not running the race took a detour to Target to stock up on some snacks.  Zebra Cakes, Goldfish, Oatmeal Crème Pies, and fruit snacks all made their way into our shopping bags, to the delight of all involved. 

For our workout, we did some pretty easy shorter distances at mile race pace, first some 150’s and then a couple 200’s.  Some girls didn't even break a sweat.  My form looked a lot better as I focused on staying on my forefoot as opposed to heel striking and really tried to drive my knees.  Now all that’s left is to correct my arm motion and I’ll have officially conquered the worst of my running habits.  All around, it was a pretty successful day. 

On a completely different note, I created some alum crystals in chemistry over the past week and the process taught me a lot about my method of making caramel.  So, if you've been using my typical recipe for caramel, this is something you might want to pay attention to!

First off: before melting the sugar be sure to put in about a tablespoon of corn syrup or honey and skip the tablespoon of water.  Even this small amount will prevent the melted sugar from recrystallizing. 

Second: after the sugar mixture melts, don’t stir it as it cooks to a nice golden brown.  This will help keep the sugar from recrystallizing since stirring can reintroduce small seed crystals to the mixture or create small scratches that would act as crystallization sites.  Wait until the mixture has reached its golden stage to stir, and then make sure to quickly add the other ingredients. 

Lastly: if you decide to make a ‘wet caramel’ (one that begins as a mixture of sugar and other wet ingredients) it’s a good idea to use one that involved cream of tartar to stabilize the mixture. 

I would highly suggest trying out these tips this weekend and making caramel apple cookies.  I made them a few weeks ago, so here’s the recipe!

Caramel Apple Cookies (Original recipe!)

1 ½ sticks butter, softened

¼ cup sugar

¾ cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp cinnamon

1 ½ cups flour

6 packages caramel apple oatmeal, or 1 ½ cups oats

3 tbsp caramel

¼ cup diced apples (very small)

Cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs one at a time until smooth.  Add soda, vanilla, and cinnamon, then slowly stir in flour.  Do not overmix.  Pour in packages of oats (or oatmeal) and the caramel sauce, stir just until combined.  Fold in apple slices.  Form into one inch balls and bake on an ungreased insulated cookie sheet for 12 minutes or until no longer shiny.  Enjoy!

Falling in love

Frost speckled my window this morning when I woke up.  I was actually planning on making my way to the kitchen for some morning hot tea before school (no morning practice today!) but when my alarm went off I could barely roll over to reach it.  There was no way I'd make it all the way to the kitchen.  So, as the minutes ticked away all too fast, I lay in my new flannel sheets in a state of hazy semi-consciousness enjoying the feeling of warmth.  When I finally fumbled out of bed I selected my thickest woolly sweater for school and set off for a day full of comfort.

All these feelings are so indicative of Fall for me.  Cozy, relaxing days filled with heady scents and comfort foods.  Therefore, I decided it was the perfect day for pumpkin bread!  I used a recipe from Alton Brown because he tends to have really great classic comfort food recipes.  I made sure to use a chemical leavening agent because I have found that works best for making quick breads that aren't too light.  To keep it moist I decided on using vegetable oil in stead of butter since butter has water content which can actually dry out a cake.  Here's the recipe!

 This is the batter before adding the pumpkin seeds the recipe calls for.  I substituted them for chocolate chips because I personally much prefer chocolate to nuts or seeds, but you can put in whatever you fancy!  

 My loaves were done before the full thirty minutes was up, so check yours early!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (I added a dash of allspice)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups shredded fresh pumpkin (I used canned)

• 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and fold in the shredded pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Once the ingredients are all incorporated pour into a non- stick 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan. If your pan is not non- stick coat it with butter and flour.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. At this point a knife inserted into the middle of the loaf should come out clean. Cool for 15 minutes and turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely. For muffins temperature should also be 325 degrees F., but bake for 30 minutes.

After much ado

I am so so pleased to say that I'm officially rekindling the blog1  I've missed it but have had my share of writing for the past couple months-- college essays provide plenty of opportunity to muse and vocalize thoughts. 

Either way, it's been a great couple months of running and baking.  I've decided that since I've posted on many of my running passions it may be the time to switch to more of an emphasis on baking.  Don't worry, there will still be plenty of both to go around, but I'd really like to post more recipes!  So, without further ado, here's the update:

Since you heard from me last, I embarked on and completed a 400 mile training plan this summer.  predominantly long, base-building miles, this foundation has gien me the strength and development to endure longer, harder workouts this season.  In addition I attended CC camp where activity after activity wore down my body but invigorated my summer.  From there, some of my teammates came with me to my cabin in Montana where we hiked, ran, and horseback rode.  The altitude was tough but after returning to thicker air we were all able to sustain a stronger pace for a longer time with much less huffing and puffing.  Overall, such a great experience. 

The team is looking so good.  As the leaves crisp up and form a crunchy surface for out fall training, we continue to move up in the MN state rankings.  We've made our way from 10th to 5th in a matter of weeks, and it seems our trajectory is dependable  All we need is some team love and affection and a little bit of passion and I think we can really make it onto the podium. 

With such a good team, though, comes a disadvantage for a runner like me  I'm definitely not the fastest, and with so much improvement from everyone, my spot on the team has seriously taken a beating.  However, I keep my head up by remembering that I'd much rather be a member and captain of one of the best teams in state than a top runner for a mediocre team.  What is happening now on my team is bigger than just me; we are laying the groundwork for a legacy, and that fact is very humbling. 

On the baking front, I continue to try my hand at new and ever more complicated recipes and techniques  I've mastered the art of caramel and made some caramel chocolate crunch brownies tonight!   They were delicious.  I also made mozzarella cheese which I baked onto homemade pizza for a delicious dinner after this weekend's homecoming extravaganza.  altogether some great exploits.  I'll have a recipe post next, but I feel I've overwritten already, so I'll sign off with the promise of tantalizing food to come.  Happy fall, everyone!

Summer running

As the humidity sets in and the heat descends like an inescapable fog, the epitome of summer running in Minnesota is about to arrive. We had a three day cool spell to ease us into the summer running months, but with over fifty days still to go we will receive our first true picture of what we're in for. And, of course, I love it. I love the solitary early runs to beat the heat, the relaxed team runs filled with flowing conversation, and even the sweaty long runs that seem to last forever. Sometimes I even wish they really would. We've been running as a team. These first weeks are all easy miles as we adjust our bodies to the wear and tear of distance running. This is a crucial part of training because the body needs ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles that are strong enough to withstand pounding in order to complete training and ultimately get faster. The thing to remember is that these runs are not for speed, they are for strength. No muscular strength, like weight lifting, but for bodily strength in all ways. They should be run at a comfortable but strong pace, resulting in increased stamina and better tissues. They also help with mental strength. Distance runners need to train themselves to simply run, even when it's not desirable. Getting out of the house on a stifling summer day teaches the mind to push away the excuses of bad weather, sore legs, or general discomfort and just put one foot in front of the other. I'm very excited to see where this summer takes me and all the girls I run with because many seem very dedicated to this notion of paying summer dues for fall payback. Hopefully we'll see the fruits of our labor come the CC season!

Still (not) going

I am officially going stir crazy! I haven't run in so long and it's finally getting to my head. I was walking around the park that I usually run at and saw three people from school on runs. This madem e surprisingly jealous; all I wanted to do was fall into step and go for a nice, long run. Alas, I'm forcing myself to complete the non-running assignment my CC coach gave me. It's maddening in the moment, but his cocaching proved amazingly effective last year so I'm choosing to trust his judgment. For the time being, the distraction of my garden is very enticing! It's been expanded to about twice it's original size so I'm choosing some new vegetables to plant in it. I was advised against zucchini and squash because they take over, but I really want to grow cucumbers. We'll see what ends up getting planted. I used the basil to make a pesto that I put over pasta. I started with about a cup of basil leaves and three tablespoons of pine nuts, which i began to puree in my food processor. I streamed in two and a half tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of water, then finished it off with two tablespoons of parmesan cheese. My own personal twist was to add another two tablespoons of dubliner cheese, which brought a nice richness and tangy flavor. It turned out very nicely! I also made Rosemary flatbread that I stuffed with the leftover chicken salad. For flatbread, I warm a cup of water and two tablespoons of orange juice to 110 degrees farenheit. Then I dissolve about a teaspoon of instant dry yeast in the water and let it sit until it's foamy. Then in my mixer (but you can also just use a wooden spoon) I still in a cup of flour and two tablespoons of chopped Rosemary and a pinch of salt, then gradually add more until it's at a dough like consistency. From there I merely knead it with extra flour and then cut it into two inch balls. After rolling each ball out into a disk and set it onto a greased griddle on the stove on medium high heat. When the dough starts to bubble up I flip it, then only leave it on for about a minute. When the flatbreeads come off the stove, they have nice little air bubbles inside that can be stuffed with just about anything! Altogether it was a successful cooking day! Now I'm just looking forward to the day where I can run again.

Cool foods

With the summer heat and my lack of running, I'm going to be posting a series of hot-weather recipes.  These don't require an oven so you won't heat up your house!  I used the basil from my garden for the chicken salad... It was lovely.  

• Mocha Ice Cream (from Southern Living)

  Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package semisweet chocolate squares, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee $
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided $
• 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules $
• 4 egg yolks

Preparation

1. Microwave chocolate in a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 minutes or until melted, stirring twice; stir in brewed coffee. Set chocolate mixture aside.
2. Bring whipping cream, half-and-half, 1/2 cup sugar, and coffee granules to a boil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar and coffee dissolve.
3. Beat yolks and remaining 1/4 cup sugar at high speed with an electric mixer until thick and pale. With mixer at low speed, gradually pour hot cream mixture into yolk mixture; return to saucepan.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats a spoon. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate mixture. Cover and chill 2 hours.
5. Pour chilled mixture into freezer container of a 5-quart hand-turned or electric freezer. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
6. Pack freezer with additional ice and rock salt, and let stand 1 hour. Serve ice cream with cookies, if desired.

Chicken Salad (from Allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 2 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Roast at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 35 minutes, or until juices run clear. Let cool, and chop into chunks. (I just boiled mine)
2. In a food processor, puree the mayonnaise, basil, garlic, and celery.
3. Combine the chunked chicken, pureed mixture, and Parmesan cheese; toss. Refrigerate, and serve.

No Bake PB Bars (from Sixsistersstuff.com)

Ingredients
1 cup butter melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (use the boxed kind, or grind them in a food processor. Tiny granules.)
2 cups confectioners’ sugar (aka powdered sugar)
1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. (I did mine in a 9X9 square pan because I wanted them thicker) In the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring every 30 seconds until melted until smooth. Spread over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

Cooled off

After a nice rollerblading stint, I was feeling really overheated. I had rinsed off in pretty cold water but my insides still felt hot, like I was heated through the core. This icky feeling made me twice as happy that I'd frozen the necessary components to make blubbery lemon frozen yogurt! It turned out really well, nice and cool and creamy and soft. It was just the right food for lounging in my porch. Here's the recipe! I'm certainly going to make it again. Ingredients 1 pound frozen blueberries, thawed and drained 1 tablespoon plus 1/3 cup honey Two 3-inch-long sprigs fresh thyme 2 cups chilled reduced-fat 2-percent plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup agave (I used 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 cup of sweetened cream in stead) 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Directions Combine 1/4 cup of the blueberries, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon honey and the thyme sprigs in a small heavy saucepan. Coarsely mash the blueberries using a fork or a potato masher. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let the mixture stand for 15 minutes. Uncover the pan and let the syrup cool slightly. Discard the thyme sprigs. Place the remaining blueberries, remaining 1/3 cup honey, yogurt, agave, lemon juice and cooled blueberry syrup in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is almost smooth. Transfer the yogurt mixture to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours or overnight (the frozen yogurt will still be slightly soft). Scoop the frozen yogurt into bowls and serve. Incidentally, the thyme came from my garden! All the plants are at least a couple inches tall and it's so exciting!!!

Getting stronger

A couple of weeks ago I embarked on a strength training routine. Since then, a couple times I week I have trekked it down to my weight set to isolate specific muscle groups for some strength training. I looked up some helpful running strength workouts online and have since succeeded in dedicating a bit of time each week to completing said routine. In just the few weeks I've been working on it, my number of reps has increased (from almost nothing to almost something...) and my weight capability has also drastically improved, though it's not hard to improve from the level I was at! No matter the weak state of my muscles at the outset, though. The point is that this weight training is showing some results. It may seem counterintuitive to weight train as a runner, but the truth is that weights can really improve performance in a number of ways. First, they give power. A powerful runner can get more out of each movement and stride, resulting in faster times. One article I read said that weight training can cut over a minute off a 10k time... Seems worth it to me! Another benefit is more efficient energy conversion. This means that less oxygen will be used to create energy, making the system more efficient, making you faster, and pushing the body's capacity farther to ward off exhaustion for longer. In addition to these benefits, weight training wards off injury. I know I've said this before, but just to jog your memory (haha) resistance training strengthens muscles to take some of the stress off of joints and bones and keeps muscles strong enough to work hard. It's been shown that calf size and strength corresponds with health of an athlete; the larger the muscle, the fewer the injuries. Weights can improve bone density, muscle mass, and many other bodily functions. They even improve metabolism! One thing you may not know, though, is that weights can also make the injury less severe and the duration shorter. In all, the benefits of weight training seem well worth the slight effort it requires. Even better, I'm seeing drastic improvements in my biceps when I flex. I'm basically jacked already, and on my way to getting huge! With even more time off running, I'm focusing on getting my strength up, and I'd encourage you to do the same! No matter your situation, resistance training has a benefit for you.

Let them eat cake! But no running...

Banned from running until summer training officially starts, i have to turn to other outlets for my energy. Today, I spent a good couple of hours making a cake! Chocolate cake filled with Carmel and frosted with a vanilla cream cheese frosting and drizzled Carmel. Needless to say it was pretty darn tasty and my parents and I crashed on the sugar roller coaster after about an hour. It was great. I used my favorite chocolate cake recipe, but the Carmel was a new trial. I melted a cup of granulated sugar over medium heat until it was smooth and amber colored, then added two tablespoons of butter and a couple pinches of salt. On low heat, I then added a quarter cup of cream until the mixture was somewhat thin. It was a great pouring consistency and stayed within the bounds of my frosting dam to fill the cake, then set up to a nice thickness. The remaining Carmel I drizzled over the top of the frosted cake, and I have to say it looked pretty good. I think tomorrow I'll try making some lemon blueberry scones since I got some fresh blueberries at the grocery store. On a different note, I'm hoping to distract myself from not running with a good rollerblading stint! I'll have to start preparing for Nordic at some point, so I may as well begin while I'm on running restriction. I know it's necessary to go into summer running with a recovered body, but it doesn't make it anybeasier. I'm so used to running every day, having that time to think, and using all my excess energy, and now I dont have that routine to fall back on. With school getting monotonous as ever, I need something like running to keep me engaged. If you have suggestions, comment!

Chuckles

We ran 100 meter races today as a last hoorah for the season. I can't even begin to describe how horribly they went, but they were also incredibly fun. Thanks once again, girls. In keeping with the silly attitude of today's practice, vie compiled a couple of my favorite funny running quotes. Enjoy! "The faster you run the faster you're done." "If we were playing tag, you'd be it forever." "My mascara runs faster than you..." "It's rude to count people as you pass them... Out loud." "Running is a mental sport, and we're all insane!" "If it were easy it'd be called your mom." "My sport is your sport's punishment." "Will run for chocolate." "Running: Cheaper than therapy" "I overtrain so I can overeat!" "Kick assphalt" "Your pace or mine?" "Fast girls have good times." "The faster I get there, the faster I can start eating." "See Dick Run. See Jane Run Faster." "I bust mine so I can kick yours!" "Running: Cheaper than plastic surgery." "Athletes run. Everyone else just plays games." "Why are all these people following me?" "Endorphins: Runners' drug of choice" "I found my happy pace."

After the fact

In addition to being a good competitor, all runners must learn the graceful art of losing. No matter their talent level, even the best sometimes don't come out on top. On the days when asthma acts up, pneumonia clogs the lungs, a dog dies, or it's just a plain old terrible race, it's important to remember that the competition isn't just about winning-- it's also a test of personal character, and this character shows through very distinctly in times of failure. Truly embracing the sport of running means handling a loss with poise, control, and respect. When the inevitable second place comes, a true competitor is able to gracefully accept the results. I've seen every manner of failure, from the first seed girl who drops out of the race to the struggling first-year runner frustrated at being stuck in the back of the pack. I struggle with perpetual discontent at what i feel is inadequacy, so I personally understand the inclination to yell, cry, pout, or lash out. But running is about so much more than just the act of running; it's about the mentality, the challenges, the lessons learned, the progress made. I've had some wonderful examples of gracious athletes in my time to guide me through these aspects of the sport. One graduated a couple years ago but, in the time that I knew her, taught me how to separate the athletes I knew from the competitors I saw in races. In a race, the other girls are meant to be passed, but after the race is over, they become human beings again, with thoughts, feelings, and a desire to win just like everyone else. Though they may have been competition a few short minutes prior, across the finish line they are to be respected with a handshake and a congratulations, no matter if they beat me or not. The other role model is still on my team and reminds me constantly, through not only words but also actions, that runners must have a short memory. It's okay to be disappointed but dwelling on a poor race will not help anyone. She shows me how to conduct myself in all situations and I really look up to her. Through my experience and the lessons I've learned from these girls, I've constructed some rules for myself that help me keep my emotions in check in times of disappointment. 1) The finish line is in a public place, so remember that you are being watched. Tears, while sometimes inevitable, are better shed in your own room later that night. At the very least try to postpone the waterworks until the cool down. 2) Sportsmanship is not an option, it is a requirement. You will shake hands if necessary, congratulate your competitors, and look them in the eye while doing so. This is the bare minimum requirement. 3) Don't let people know you want to beat them. This general rule encourages me to remember that after the brace, we are no longer competitors. We are all human beings with the desire to win but we also have feelings, and being competitive outside of the race can lead to really catty, hurtful behavior. 4) No passive aggressiveness, and no silent treatment. Though you may want to just curl up in a ball or hip check that annoying girl for drafting off you and then passing you at the last moment, remember that the rules are different during the race. Going into it you accepted the stakes, and you must now accept the outcome. Snarkily taking anger out on others won't change it. 5) Don't be fake. People can tell if you're blowing smoke, and finish line congratulations should be real or shouldn't be said at all. 6) Don't make excuses for a bad race. If there was legitimately something wrong, it's fine to acknowledge, but constantly blaming others or the conditions ruins your credibility and makes you seem like a whiner. It's best to accept the honest truth that not all races are perfect and it's okay to accept your own shortcomings. 7) Most importantly, have a short memory. Take a lesson from each race, but otherwise don't let one failure bring you down. It's no good to dwell on something in the past; take the energy and put it towards something useful to improve future races. I hope that someday I can follow these rules as well as the girls I run with. Graceful competition is a much more productive and enjoyable experience than poor sportsmanship, and if we could all accept a bum race and move on, the running world would be a much brighter place. I'm making a personal commitment to have a better post-race attitude because, though often overlooked, what happens after the race is as important as what happens during it.

Go pro(tein)

Whether you're a recreational runner or an Olympic athlete you should never underestimate the power of protein. This simple chain of amino acids composes not only your muscles, but also the vast majority of the rest of your body tissues. This means that in addition to helping build strong, fast muscles, protein helps maintain the entire body including nails, hair, skin, and even organs. Athletes need to consciously intake enough protein to support their trAining, a fact often overshadowed by the sheer demand for carbs. In fact, much of the benefit of a workout can be lost if adequate protein is not provided to repair muscles. The guideline is to have a good source of protein with at least 5g within an hour of working out. This way, broken down muscles can rebuild stronger. Daily, an adequate protein intake is about 25 grams, an easy target if you know where to look. The obvious choices are meats. A serving of beef, pork, turkey, or chicken all contain at least 7g of protein and are very popular and easy to get into your diet. However, for those of us who are less prone to meat, beans and legumes are a greatvplace to start. A serving of most beans contains at least 5g of protein, a very respectable amount. In addition, quinoa, tofu, and eggs all pack a protein punch. Milk contains both protein and carbs and is thus a perfect drink for after a workout. Nuts, easily eaten as trail mix, are a protein powerhouse. There are many other adventurous options for the protein conscious runner, and you don't need to buy protein bars or special supplements to hit your target. If all else fails, however, or if you're simply looking for an easy way out, a protein powder such as provasil can be quickly mixed into drinks for a shot of protein. I'm currently trying this and will report back with results. The point is, no matter where it comes from, protein helps muscles rebuild and the body keep running strong. Keep an eye out to make sure you're getting enough of it to get the most out of practices and in turn perform well in races.

The first taste of summer

Running through the dense woods of northern Minnesota, I finally hit the groove I've been looking for.  Summer running is where I excel, mostly because I enjoy it.  Memorial day at the lake signified the beginning of one of my favorite seasons, especially the time off from competition and the opportunity to enjoy wholeheartedly the opportunity to run.  The cool gray skies hung low overhead as I trekked over the rolling hills and down the twisting gravel road away from my grandpa's cabins.  The birds had just begun their morning chatter when my mom and I set out for our usual six miles.  As the clouds lifted and light began to filter through the leaves and pine needles, gaining intensity with every minute, I felt my legs waking up with the world around me.  We started out slowly, relaxed, getting into the groove between scattered bits of conversation.  It was interesting-- neither of us felt the need to talk much, only to enjoy the sound of the other's footfalls and the light tap of residual water dropping from the trees above us.  Comfortably warm and finally in my stride, we hit the turnaround point and my mom told me to go my own pace on the way back.  We've done this for a long time now, where we run together until I break off to do a bit more speed.  She likes it that way, says she doesn't want to feel like she's holding me back.  And no matter what I say about liking a conversation pace, she pushes me to push myself for the last few miles to get some real training benefit.  With this in mind, I slowly broke away, lowered my arms, sprung a bit more on the balls of my feet, and tapped into my aggressive stride.  With each half mile or so I felt better and better, progressively getting faster until I reached almost race pace for the last quarter mile.  It felt amazing to accelerate through the woods, a long and sustained run but hard at the same time.  Most cabin-goers were still comfortably tucked in their beds, dead to the world but helplessly content while I experienced the thrill of strength.  It's always invigorating to run at those times, when nobody's up save for early forest life.  The fire came back to my belly as I encountered the excitement of feeling powerful.  The runs I went on this weekend brought back another dimension to my love of the sport.  The purity and vitality, the wholeness one feels when traipsing through the woods, achievable through strong running.  This was a tiny taste of summer running, just enough to make me greedy for more.

Memorial day

I apologize for the lack of posts, I will be out of town and wonderfully isolated, but am working on a post for when I get back and have enough Internet connection time to actually post! In the meantime, celebrate America!

Coming to a close

As the season comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to recognize the amazing girls I've been running with for so many months. Many of us have been together since cross country, but no matter the timeframe, you've all made trebling, tough training more than worth it. As our coach said today, we would not all be here if not for the support and companionship of the girls surrounding us. We began the year unsure of ourselves, stepping into the shoes of those who came before us and worrying that they may not fit. In the midst of that, theree were a couple ground-shaking changes to contend with that were neither predictable nor controllable, yet we managed to take each of the turns and adapt, ultimately succeeding beyond what we ever thought possible. Then, despite the adverse conditions in our second season, we persevered and made the best of each situation. The leadership of our captains and many others kept us focused and motivated, if only for the sake of dedication and discipline. Finally, we looked ahead to this final season together. Yes, I will have another year of high school sports, but this year's experience was unique and cannot be replicated after our seniors have moved on. Faced with the final stage of a finite time together, we have embraced both eachother and the sport for what they're worth, not letting fatigue or impatience wear us down. Though I will have finished my season by this time tomorrow, those who remain will have the chance to fully realize the potential they've been honing for the past three months. I wish them all the best as they wrap up one of the craziest, most awesome years. Girls, I am so blessed to know each and every one of you. You are amazing people with great hearts. You're willing to sacrifice both for yourselves and others, keep going when the going gets tough, and encourage eachother sincerely through the whole ordeal. Though we all have our good days and bad, you are always simply there, teammates, companions, and friends, which is all I ask. Getting to know you all has been one of the best things ever to have happened to me, and I thank God that you are all in my life. Thank you for making my runs worth running and my day so much brighter. Those leaving next year, I will sorely miss you and will be rooting for you in whatever you choose to pursue. Those who remain, I'm grateful and excited to have another year to share with you. It's going to be another wonderfully hectic year in an amazing journey, but for now, I'm content with where we've arrived. I hope you are too.

Rumor has it

There's a distinct running grapevine that I've experienced morer and more this year. It started with inter-cross country relationships in the fall and has evolved into a complex network of hearsay and gossip that is facilitated by the ample time we runners have to spread the word. When not out of breath from workouts, we are constantly talk. Often, this talk centers on fellow runners. I recently heard about a certain middle school boy who has blown the competition out of the water. I initially took this to mean he could run a sub-six minute mile, and was determinedly unimpressed. However, my brother kept saying he could run under five minutes. Yeah right. But today, running 150s on the track, I saw it first-hand. This kid was running at least 100 meters in front of the pack and continued to open the gap. As I head the times announces over the speakers my jaw literally dropped and I was so distracted I missed the start of my next sprint. But seriously, this kid was good. It's funny how this runners' line of gossip travels so quickly, but also that it is relatively accurate. My theory is that there is a lot of fact checking in a big group of runners flitting down the road. We are all subconsciously listening to eachother and unafraid to pupe up or butt into another conversation to out in our two cents. This provides for a bit of accountability and really cuts down on tall tales. Also, we're all really interested in the hearsay and want to get to the bottom of it... And the actual bottom of it, the reality-- not just sensational news. This intererst crosses grade boundaries, as illustrated by this impressive middle schooler; social boundaries, because we come from many different groups; and even school boundaries, seeing as many of us keep up to date on the high profile, competitive highschoolers from our conference and section. In all, the running community is much more than just a group of individuals sharing a hobby. We all become linked incidentally though this network of athletes.

Recipe roundup

I decided that today will be purely recipes and photos for your viewing pleasure. Try these out!

Oatmeal Cookies
*I will add one comment here-- these are THE BEST oatmeal cookies I've ever made.  Perfect texture, feel free to add as many or as few chocolate chips as you'd like.  I like a lot!

Ingredients
1 stick plus 3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups flour
2 cups instant oatmeal
1 cup chocolate chips (or more!)

Directions
Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Mash the butter and sugar with a fork or potato masher until smooth.  Mix in eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and salt, stirring until smooth.  Gently fold in the flour in two additions, mixing only until combined.  Add the oatmeal, stirring with a wooden spoon until combined into a soft and sticky dough.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on insulated cookie sheet (this helps for more even cooking) about two inches apart.  Bake for 9-11 minutes or until set.  The cook time varies depending on your texture preference.

Cranberry Almond Biscotti (courtesy Martha Stewart)

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups dried cherries
• 1/2 cup amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur), plus more if needed
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (3 whole, 1 lightly beaten)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole blanched almonds, chopped
• 3 tablespoons coarse sanding sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Heat cherries and liqueur in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries have softened, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. If liquid equals less than 2 tablespoons, add enough liqueur to make 2 tablespoons.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Put butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in 3 whole eggs, one at a time. Mix in reserved cherry liquid and the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in cherries and almonds.
3. On a lightly floured surface, halve dough. Shape each half into a 12 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch log. Flatten logs to 1/2 inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with a parchment paper. Brush logs with beaten egg; sprinkle with the sanding sugar.
4. Bake 35 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to wire racks to cool, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
5. Cut each log on the diagonal into 16 to 18 pieces. Transfer pieces to racks, laying them on sides. Set racks on baking sheets. Bake 8 minutes; flip. Bake 8 minutes more. Let cool until crisp. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

*If cranberries and almonds aren't your thing, you can add whatever you'd like!  I occasionally add peanut butter and coca powder for a chocolate-pb biscotti that goes great with hot chocolate!

Basic Whoopie Pies (Courtesy Food Network)

Ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups flour
• 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk
• Filling, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, and eggs together until well combined. Add the oil and vanilla and beat again.

In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Add half of the dry mixture to the egg mixture and beat or stir to blend. Add 1 1/2 cups milk and beat again. Add the remaining dry mixture and beat until incorporated. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and beat until blended.

With a large spoon, scoop out 32 circles of batter onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool.

Spread filling onto 16 circles and place remaining circles on top, to make 16 Whoopie Pies.

Filling:

1 1/2 cups shortening

3 cups confectioners' sugar

1 1/3 cups marshmallow topping

Dash salt

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1/3 to 1/2 cup milk

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine all ingredients except the milk and beat well. Add just enough milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Spread filling across cooled cookie circles.

Pump that iron!

As many runners know, iron is integral to performance. Iron deficiency and anemia can cause serious setbacks in training anywhere from pure fatigue to more serious injuries. Especially for women, getting enough iron is difficult. Runners need iron for training, but this is complicated by the striking motion which actually depletes iron further. As a result, athletes, especially runners, unknowingly lack the basic minerals to perform optimally. To help combat this problem, it is first suggested that runners take a blood test. Depending on the results, an iron supplement is suggested, however there are other supplements that can help increase low ferrenin levels, which is an underlying cause of iron deficiency. In addition, simple nutritional changes can help increase iron levels and absorption. Most basically, vitamin c helps iron absorption while calcium compromises it, so don't take both a calcium supplement and iron at the same time. Red meat is a good source of iron, though that's not really my deal. In stead, I've found that dried herbs such as thyme contain iron as well as beans, spinach, other leafy greens, fortified cereals, dried herbs such as thyme, and some interesting options such as whale (beluga, specifically). The overarching idea of running nutrition is to get enough of the right foods to fuel and repair the body, and iron is a big part of this. So next time you reach for a fuel food, consider making a choice to help boost your iron levels!

The very beginning

The seeds have sprouted! I didn't believe it myself when my mother told me to go out and check my garden, but low and behold there were tiny green sprouts in the exact rows I'd planted poking through the earth. They're just beginning on their precarious journey into the world and I know that when the day comes that I'm steaming my home grown carrots, I'll look back on this humble beginning and smile. It may seem excessively cheesy, but this small-scale representation of life is similar to running. They say that running is the best metaphor for life because you get out of it what you put into it, but I think it's much deeper than that. There are aspects of running that symbolize every part of life, and I'm going to take a moment to recount the beginning of my running and the lessons it mirrors in life. I began running one hot, dry day in Phoenix. We were on spring break as a family, reclining at the pool and hiking up desert mountains. Despite the fact that I'd been a dedicated theater member for three years, I was peer pressured into jointing track as well. Despite the relatively small time commitment of both activities and the fact that I was little more than a chorus member in the musical, the director told me I had to choose which was more important. Needless to say, I switched my allegiance to track, taking a gamble that it would be more fun, successful, and accommodating than the theater. As the first day of practice approached, my sister kept nagging me to get my basic stamina to the point where I could run two consecutive miles. My silent response was to think fat chance, but when I realized that I would be expected to actually run during practice, I consciously put off "getting in shape" hoping that lacing up my newbie tennis shoes and hitting the pavement would become more attractive. It didn't. Thus, on one of the last days of my vacation, I tentatively asked my mother to take me running. I can honestly say this was one of this biggest achievements of my life. Never having sustained an increase in heart rate for more than about five minutes, it took guts just to appeal to a dedicated runner to take me with her. Furthermore, when I felt ready to give up halfway through my almost twenty minute slog, I learned my first lesson in willpower. Feeling tired doesn't mean you give up. Fast forward three months to the end of summer. I had been dutifully running throughout the summer, not just because of dedication, but also because I genuinely liked the feel. There is a perception one gets from running that is unique; a part of everything in the landscape, ceaseless movement forward nonetheless kept me apart and able to observe the whole without filter. The beautiful exterior and the raw back streets, pristine landscapes and cramped cities, everything was open for exploration after I stepped into my running shoes. With the start of school, though, I was sad to lose this opportunity and unable to hop back into theater life. That's when my dad mentioned cross country. I had never heard of this sport where girls run over "hill and dale" but they sounded like exactly what I was looking for. The problem? I wasn't fast. My dad called the coach, much to my chagrin, but the resounding response was that the team welcomes all runners of any level, unlike almost every other sport out there. I signed up and reported to practice. From there, I made new friends. I was pushed so far out of my comfort zome of books, play practice, and math that I was forced to adapt to my environment and make it fun, which really wasn't difficult. At the end of the season, i was wanting more. ER pushed me into trying Nordic. The Nordic season cinched my affinity to the silent sports. Finally, I was seeing some tangible success and not just getting participation points. Since those first three seasons, it has been a whirl of practices, races, times, and community. It was a great twist of fate that pushed me into that first season, and I see the unpredictable opportunities of life reflected in the crazy journey vie taken to become a runner.

Next steps

The year is just about over. The season is coming to a close, as I mentioned before, and I have only one more meet before it's officially summer running time. Conference went well; it was actually a very fun race. As Molly pointed out, it didn't look like I was having fun, but it was enjoyable to feel so little pressure and be able to have only opportunity, no expectations. After the race I didn't feel as tired as I should have, as tired as after a cross country race, but either way it was a good experience. From here there is only one more race for me, either a JV race or the varsity relay race. I'm not going to be running sections but am excited to cheer on my teammates! It's an interesting position to be in, running either at the back of a faster pack or trying to push the pace in a slower pack. I often feel like I'm in limbo between being a real competitor and just tagging along for the fun of it. Which brings me back to my point from yesterday: running in college. I talked to my coach about it today and she told me about some of the different options. Obviously I'm not division one material, as that's for the people that can make state and do well there. I still don't know of any division two schools in existence, so those are completely out of the question as well. This brings me to division three. According to my coach, this form of college running allows runners to find a group of like minded people and sets up lasting friendships. The training is basically more mileage than high school running, but very doable. It provides an opportunity to be very competitive but also accommodates a broad range of intensity levels. She also mentioned other divisions that weren't as selective as D3, which include school that I have been looking at. My main goal if I ran in college would be to continue competing, running, and connecting with other runners because, quite frankly, they're often my favorite type of people. I used to think that college sports were only for the star athletes, but it's a great realization that there are still opportunities for the runners from the middle and back of the pack. My coach encouraged me to check out the programs available, and I would encourage everyone too! There's only one winner, but that doesn't mean the rest of us can't step up to the starting line.

The sweetest spot

Theree comes a time in any season that makes me ache. I cant describe the feeling accurately, but it's like a cavity opens up in my chest and I start wishing so badly for something unintelligible and unidentifiable. It may be described as nostalgia, but there's no real memory I'm yearning for. Rather, it's the expectation of something beautiful to cmme, the promise of contentment and happiness that seems so illusive. I have hit that sweet spot in track; races seem enjoyable, but only a shadow of the joy that should come with running. Right now, I have made the mental shift into summer, and there's no going back. I'm looking forward to solitary runs through the wooded park by my house, relaxed group runs over the hills fields at the park center, and lake runs complete with a post- workout dip in the water. But more than just these simple pleasures, there's the element of freedom that I cannot grasp until track and school are over. Oddly enough, this isn't killing my motivation to race. My race today seemed like a step towards liberation, the beginning of the last few bittersweet challenges to complete before rounding out a season and moving on to the next exciting thing. Maybe it's the weather, or the sudden taste of freedom I have after AP tests, or the promise of new life budding in my garden. Either way, I can't shake this feeling of the promise of what is to come. Hope is a crazy thing. Speaking of what is to come, though, the college question is close on the horizon. I'll have to decide where to go and what to do there, and college running is always a question. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to run really competitively, but a club or a d-three school would be really fun. I'm planning to research some different options and post on that, but with a meet lasting until nine tonight, I'm very tired. So... Until tomorrow, happy running!

Let it grow

In celebration of Mothers' Day, my mom and I worked out in the garden. I'm very new to the hobby, but it was paased down from my mother's mother, who learned from her German-Russian farming mother, who learned from her German farming mother, back through a matrimonial line probably dating back to the garden of Eden. In essence, this cultivation gene should be in my DNA, I just have yet to have attempt it. My mom knew I wanted to plant vegetables on my plot of land so she picked up an array of edible plants: carrots, peas, summer squash, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and numerous leafy greens. The seeds are, at this moment, sitting under a layer of rich black dirt, nicely doused with water and in the company of numerous worms. They could even have rhizomes curiously breaking out of their seed coats, using the reserves of energy from their endosperm to germinate and eventually sprout tiny leaves. I'm so excited for the day when I see little baby plants poking out of the ground! I started researching gardening in an attempt to ensure I would measure up to the standards of my lineage. While poking around on the web, I found a site detailing the benefits of gardening. Who knew-- in addition to yielding beautiful and delicious crops, tending a garden is really healthy! Obviously getting some fresh air is good for anyone, as is the mental relaxation that comes with playing in the dirt, but there are far more benefits. Bending over the garden incorporates stretches almost akin to yoga, gently working the muscles withou having to take the time to sit down and stretch for a painstakingly boring period of time. Also, squatting can be a little bit of strength along with the weightlifting involved in moving a 40 pound bag of fortified soil from the shed to the distant vegetable patch. Overall this new hobby of mine is seeming better and better with every new aspect I learn about. I'll keep occasional updates on days such as this where I don't run. Also check out the updates to the site if you'd like and check back tomorrow for a great cupcake recipe! Until then, happy Mother's Day!

More or less?

Saturday running is officially my favorite. The conventional long run that comes on the weekends is always so relaxing. As the mikes melt by under my feet I feel the stress of the week falling away with every footfall. We went for our long run this morning at the nature reserve nearby, filled with rolling hills and soft paths to ease the stress on our legs. The run was also shorter than my recent long runs on account of the impending taper, thus my whole body feels slightly less worn down that it has lately. Running up the continuous hills, however, I noticed a difference in my stride. I know that during cross country I consciously changed my gait from low, smooth steps to more aggressive movements, but I never noticed that between the fall and springing had subconsciously switched back. Literally, I have some old pictures from races where I look like I'm speed walking. I attribute it to Nordic, since classic technique involves long and low movements to allow the body to almost fall forward. Running, on the other hand, requires mid-foot strikes and driven knees. Lately I've been running like I ski. Running form is a widely popular topic in the running community. The recent spike in barefoot running and natural shoes raises questions about the traditional function of shoes. Way back when, many people believed that shoes were meant to correct poor form. Neutral shoes were for people who didn't need corrections, while pronators and supinators bought shoes to encourage better motion. In the past few years, people have begun to favor shoes that allow the foot to move naturally-- often to the chagrin of other runners. Personally, I am of the opinion that traditional shoes with plenty of cushioning are the best bet. I am a tried and true Asics fan, and would never jeopardize my health to try the new fad, but am curious about the relative benefits of each style. Here's what I've learned: The natural craze: This includes minimalist shoes and completely barefoot running. Born to Run, a book about shoeless running, brought this option into the limelight and it has since taken hold. It's potential benefits include strengthening of the feet and leg muscles, possibly resulting in fewer injuries, and it encourages footfalls on the forefoot as opposed to heel strike. Critics say that minimalist shoes, and especially barefoot running, are impractical and dangerous because of human adaptation to shoes and the lack of support, cushioning, and stability. It also seems like it would just plain hurt. Traditional running shoes: these include all the basic brands and styles, anywhere from extra cushioning to a neutral lightweight shoe. Typically accepted as the expected running footwear, these shoes have been popular throughout the history of running, albeit in different forms (movies such as Across the Tracks feature high performance runners in Converse-- classy stuff). Benefits are the ability of shoes to correct and supplement the feet and are commonly accepted by the running community. Some, however, argue that allowing shoes to supplement feet weakens them and will ultimately lead to more injury. The third way: Sorry for the shout out to Tony Blair, but I wasn't exactly sure how to categorize this novel footwear. Somewhere between a minimalist shoe and a traditional running shoe, they do away with much of the heel structure and cushioning and focus on the forefoot. Newtons popularized this method, claiming that it encouraged a more natural stride while not compromising the traditional benefits of a full fledged shoe. Many people swear by them and believe they can help both form and speed, but others aren't able to make the switch to primarily toe running. I personally tried them once and didn't like the change they affected in my stride or the calf soreness that came with it, but I can see how different runners would really like them. In all, the shoe issue has not been resolved and will continue to be the focus of debates. I, for one, will stick to traditional shoes, but I hope this discussion gave a bit of enlightenment on the subject as a whole!

Surprise surprise!

Some days are just terrible.  Some days just rock.  Others are terrible and then suddenly, unexpectedly, start to rock.  Today was that kind of day.  It was hot, I had yet another AP test, and I was not at all excited to race.  In fact, walking up the five steps to the community center for testing left me out of  breath and awakened my legs to their utter exhaustion.  I don't think it's the running, I think my body is just breaking down from all the taxation it's experienced.  Nonetheless, I boarded the bus to the meet and dutifully cheered on all my lovely ladies until it was time to warm up.  Now, sitting in the warm sun and reminiscing about past and potential summers, feeling far away from any sense of competition, and completely content to just sit on the turf soaking up some vitamin D is not conducive to any desire to race.  In fact, by the time of my warm up, I just wanted to melt into the long grass and assimilate with the sun-worshiping blades of grass, forget about the world around me, and go into a complacent coma.  This didn't end up happening, though, and I suddenly found myself near the starting line conversing with a sweet older woman and the girls from our competing teams.  The woman herself would have made my day; she was so sweet and complimentary of the dedication of the two milers, telling us that it was "such a healthy race!"  Well, it doesn't feel so healthy sometimes, but I wasn't going to rain on her parade.  In addition, as one team walked up to check in, I recognized a girl I've raced with consistently for the past couple of years.  She's always been slightly faster than I am, and I love racing with her because she's dependable for pacing.  We said hi, talked a bit about our seasons, and compared goals for the day.  It was really cool to see how tentative friendships can form in the midst of competition.  Even more inspiring, however, was our interaction at the starting line.  In the midst of the mayhem, I heard her ask her teammate to pray.  I felt an inclination to join in, so I asked if my teammate and I could.  She said a quick graceful but unadorned prayer and ewe began our race.  It was such a small event but nonetheless felt very inspiring.  All these seeds of kindness and connection growing in the garden of a hectic life.

The race itself went well, too.  We ran consistent splits and had respectable times coming in first and second.  It was even slightly fun, except for the body check aimed my way on the third lap.  The real success, though, came after I got home from the meet.  I was in the midst of folding some flour into a batter when I saw my phone light up.  My coach's name was on the screen, so I quick tucked the phone under my chin and continued folding while I listened to see what she had to say.

I MADE CONFERENCE!!!

This isn't a huge deal in the grand scope of successful high school runners, but I am completely psyched seeing as I had no expectation of making it.  It was a distant goal tucked in the back of my mind, not allowed to the forefront for fear of disappointment.  But what do you know, fortune smiled and I get to run (at the back of the pack) in the conference race.  And I couldn't be more excited.

I feel like I've been saying this constantly, but every time I feel on the brink of a complete breakdown, some occurrence or series of events helps me get through the next phase of the journey.  These weeks have been hectic and challenging, but then a day like today comes along and reminds me that people look for a silver lining because, usually, there is one.  For me, it's come in the form of running, baking, and the lovely people that keep me going.

Green thumbs up

Yet another activity to add to my plate: gardening. Ive been thinking about it for s while now, wanting to start a small vegetable patch from whence to harvest some crisp, fresh ingredients. Finally, I have begun to put my plan into action. It all began when I was looking around my fridge for some cauliflower. I wanted to make this really tasty looking vegetable primavera with cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, and a number of fresh herbs. I already have home grown basil, cilantro, and rosemary available as the fruits of my mother's labor, and the thought of being able to cook with my own raw vegetables as well was enticing. I put the idea on the back burner, however, and buckled down to prepare for these few overwhelming weeks. After my calculus test today, however, I was in dire need of decompression, and the open air, methodical prospect of gardening seemed to glow on the horizon until I finally surrendered and began to plan my assault on nature. Yes, this will be a violent attempt by someone with distinctively non-green thumbs to finagle something edible out of the ground, I am sure, but can I really be faulted for wanting to try my hand at yet another distinctively domestic but very alluring, therapeutic pastimes? I think not. So, we'll see how this endeavor ends up, but no matter the outcome, it has already been worth the excitement of planning where to place my tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. And if all else fails, Cub foods is always there to catch my fall. On another note, today's run was a bit uncomfortable. Not because we were going fast, seeing as the relaxed lope for an easy 3 miles was very easy due to the meet tomorrow. It was painful because I had a bowl of cookie n cream ice cream before practice. I should have learned my lesson by now, but I really cant have ice cream before I run-- it messes with my stomach and I cramp up after about thirty seconds of jogging. Not good. Tomorrow, I'll have to remember not to jeopardize my race with any impromptu snacks too close to when I run. I'm psyched for the two mile, and am hoping to get around 12:40. I should get some sleep to prepare for a long day, but I'll check back in with an update on my race tomorrow. Happy running, and sleeping!

Short and sweet

Sixteen minutes. That was the total duration of today's run. While I was not particularly inclined to do more, this pleasant surprise has me curious and slightly concerned. While I understand the need to taper, I didn't expect it to come this soon, but I guess that's part of the track season. Really only about eight weeks long, it comes short and sweet, like one of those butterscotch hard candies that once on the tongue dissolve within moments no matter how much you try to savor it. In the end, it's impossible to prolong the taste, and it's better that way; too much of the intense sweetness would just sour the taste. This is how I've been feeling about track. It is truly exhausting to always want something more, feel the need to be better, but to have no ability to reach the goal I'm aiming for. This is also what I love, a challenge like none other, but trying too hard for too long breaks me down. At this point, with a breakthrough cross country season and two more seasons of pouring my heart into just about everything, there is not much left to give. This is as it should be, but it tells me that the end had better be in sight. Despite this, I am conflicted over the sudden taper. Maybe I'm used to just pounding out more miles to get faster, and maybe this period of rest will really help me cut time. Maybe I need a couple days to muster up the intensity I need to round out this final season. I hope so, and am looking forward to seeing what happens. On another note, my blog is coming along fabulously! Thank you all for reading, especially my supportive and lovely teammates. I couldn't ask for better competitors and friends. As we approach 400 viewers (woohoo!)I wanted to take just a moment to acknowledge your support. So once again, thank you thank you thank you for supporting my somewhat nerdy endeavor. It's been really fun and very good for me, and I look forward to continuing. With that, I will conclude, seeing as I need my rest for the terrible trifecta to come.

Payback time

Finally, the week is here!  Everything I've been working towards for the past couple months comes to a head in these next couple days: AP tests, finals, and the last opportunity to get a bid in time for conference.  The last one is a stretch, but with the season coming to a close, this is the time I've been waiting oh-so-patiently for.  During our workout today, that was my focus.  We set out today for a warm-up run, knowing about the 200s, 100, and 1200 we were in for.  Oddly, however, I was excited to tackle both some speed and race pace intervals.

The warm-up not only prepared me physically, but I felt that I also was able to mentally bring in my focus.  My new favorite position during warm-ups is to hang at the back of the pack.  Letting the conversation drift back to me, settling in and letting the girls pull me along, not having to talk but being able to chime in-- that is my form of relaxation.  With occasional snippets of interaction to break up short periods of meditation, I was able to move past the schoolwork and stress and gain a drive to work hard to tackle the next thing on my plate.  I guess that's one reason I love running:  it helps me compartmentalize and gives me a break from existing solely in my mind.

That was another refreshing thing about today, the way this run was almost out of body.  I finally gained an escape from the complex tangle of my overstretched thoughts.  With calculus and the Cold War and poetic devices all battling for supremacy, it was liberating to focus merely on the movement of my feet and the position of my arms, completely removed from the world of the intellectuals.  During our 200s I felt the wind hit me as I turned the curve and welcomed it rather than resisted.  It felt raw and inscrutable, contrary to how my life has felt for the last couple weeks.

In all, it was a successful workout.  But more than that, it helped relieve some of the stress I've been under.  And, as of now, I feel that my preparation for this week is adequate.  All that's left is to see how well I can perform, and I'm curious and excited to finally complete the trials I've been working towards.

In celebration of reaching the cusp of completion, I made chocolate peanut butter cookie bars!  Here's the recipe!

Ingredients (Courtesy Sugary Sweets)

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 Tbsp milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cup flour

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 15 oz peanut butter morsels, divided

• 1 cup Reese's pieces candies

Instructions
Beat butter and sugars for 3 minutes. Add eggs, milk and vanilla. Add in flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Mix completely. Fold in 10 oz peanut butter chips and Reese's pieces candy.
Spread dough (with fingertips) into a large cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 18-20 minutes. Remove and cool. Cut into 24 bars.
Melt remaining peanut butter chips according to package directions (I used the microwave at 30 second intervals). Put melted chips into a ziploc sandwich bag, snip off the corner and drizzle over cooled cookie bars. Allow to set, about 15 minutes. Enjoy!