Dark O'Clock is Dang Early

Yes, I woke up at that early hour. You'd think after two full seasons with TEAM I'd be used to the 5AM alarm. At least it wasn't raining. Once I got myself out of bed, fed & in the car I started to get excited about running again. I forgot how good it feels to finish a workout. I ran 1.25 miles in exactly 15mins. For the first time in all my TEAM runs I got a negative split on each lap. For those not in the know of running lingo a negative split is when you run slow on first lap (or distance) & sequentially faster on each following lap. I dropped 1-2 seconds on each lap. Yay me - I do finally figure it out.

So now I'm at work, I've been up for over 5 hours, I've got energy to cruise through all the stuff in the "to do" pile. Watch the "in-box" empty! Tonight I'll hang out with the girls & catch up on Project Runway. Friday is a day of RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate)so I'm sure there will be nothing to post. See you back here on Saturday!

Here are all the brave souls who made the early workout

Fuel for the Running

Turkey Chili
After the buddy run last night I stopped by the grocery store to pick up some "high potassium foods" in hopes of avoiding leg cramps this season. I grabbed some dried apricots, an avocado and bananas (obvious). By now it was after my usual dinner time & I was getting hungry - never shop when hungry, right? I wanted something quick & easy but I also wanted to cook something that would make good leftovers for meals the rest of the week. Ground turkey was on sale... I was inspired. What's got more protien, fiber, flavor & spice than a pot of chili?

So here's my recipe:
1.25lb ground turkey
2 pkts of Chili spice (one wasn't enough)
1 14oz can of black beans (rinsed)
1 14oz can of dark red kidney beans (rinsed)
1 14oz can of whole kernel corn (rinsed)
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (with liquid)
1/2 small can of diced jalepenos

Brown the meat, add spice packs & all other ingredients. Heat & serve or simmer until the flavors meld to your preference.

If you want to fatten up the dish top with chopped red onions, sharp cheddar cheese &/or sour cream.

Go Team

Are you looking for something to do?

I'm Doing OK

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	8.5
Mind:	8.3
Body:	8.2
Spirit:	9.2
Friends/Family:	6.1
Love:	7.7
Finance:	8.1
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

I'll retake the quiz at the end of the season and see how life improves with a little bit of running & good deeds. I'm pretty lucky. I'm suprised that my "family & friends" line is the lowest. I'd rate them darn high. They are the best!

Third Time's A Charm

(thanks to Phil for the photo inspiration)

On Saturday I attended the Spring Season Kick-Off event & was once again moved to tears and laughter. I am co-mentoring this season and we met over half of our mentor group. They have great positive energy & I think we'll all have an amazingly successful season.

I look forward to lacing up my shoes & hitting the trails with these people.

Coach Al led us through the cheers and gave us our team name: "Because We Can"
We can and we will!

10 Days Ago

I can't believe it was 10 days ago that I ran my 2nd 1/2 marathon. I'm still enjoying the post-race "high". I have agreed to mentor again in the spring. I hope you will continue to check in on this blog. In February I'll get back to regular frequent posts but until then I'm going to enjoy the freedom of my schedule. No obligations to run - if I go out for a few miles it will be for fun.

I'm still accepting donations.

Donating is easier than running, I promise. I ran... it was beautiful, awesome, inspiring. It was not easy.

If you are interested in training for an endurance event please check your local TNT chapter. It is SO worth the experience. You will be so proud of yourself.

My Big Disappointment

I just read the SFGate.com article about the Nike Marathon and am kicking myself. I was so close to one of my heroes, Brandi Chastain
So close yet so far. What a bummer.

Scroll down two posts for a recap in pictures of the big day!