MCM Review

Well, as you can tell, I spared you the training details for this marathon. In a nutshell, I ran more than I have ever run and chafed in places I did not know were humanly possible to chafe. So there. That's my training recap.

Yesterday was the big race and this is the first time I have sort of relived the event. I arrived in DC on Wednesday and spent the week in meetings for work. I didn't want to drive up there and then drive home to turn around and drive right back. I also didn't want to drive myself since I knew I wasn't going to be physically able to drive home. Here is how I managed: Ride up on Wednesday with co-workers, Have co-workers drop me off at a friend's after the conference, Get picked up by running partner's husband/our coach for race activities, Ride back with running partner with her hubs driving. It was a bit complicated but I managed...mostly.

Since my conference was over early Friday, I made my way to visit college buddy Stephanie Culberson Strand. Of course, she was at work until late. Luckily, my buddy from kindergarten (Yes, you read that correctly. Don't you love Facebook?) was off for the day and he now lives there. So he scooped me up for lunch and the meal turned into an entire afternoon of visiting. It was great to catch up with Matt and see what is new in his world. We have been friends for so many years and even when I moved to VA, we managed to keep up via email. I love hearing his stories about his very cool job. I hooked back up with Steph and spent an evening catching up with her. I really need to go North more often. That's a new goal.

Saturday morning, the Robinsons scooped me up from Steph's and we headed to the Expo to pick up our stuff. Riding into the city got me really excited for the race. I couldn't wait to run by everything and see the sites on foot. Since this is "The People's Marathon" there are a million people that run it. Well, a million is a bit of an exaggeration but about 30-40k do it. You can imagine the crowd at the Expo. Our wait wasn't as long as others since we were there shortly after they opened. Nonetheless, LOTS of people. I managed to do some damage in the retail therapy portion of the Expo and spent the rest of the day relaxing and eating. These are two things I am VERY good at. However, in the afternoon it began to snow. At first it was just a little and then it really started to come down...and stick. I just knew then I wouldn't be prepared. I didn't have snow gear for running! Of course, my concern led me to over dress.

The next morning we were out the door at 5:30am Metro bound and eventually getting off at Pentagon station. It was pretty cool to walk around there and it was a forever walk to the starting festivities. We waited at the port-o-potty for that last minute empty and then got to the start just in time. I was so excited when our corral crossed the start. The road was lined with soldiers holding flags from all over the world. I have a tendency to start off fast and Karen has to slow me down, but no problem this time. So many people and several hills kept me in check.

The first quarter seemed to be regular driving roads with LOTS of hills. That stupid elevation map is a bit deceiving. I did not prepare for all of that. Then we went into a park which didn't have much crowd support and then we were back in the city. It was really cool to run through Georgetown and very tempting to make a few shopping stops. Fortunately, no one was open yet. The very best was running through the mall and passing all of the museums and seeing different monuments along the way. I was thankful Karen had spent some years in DC so she could give me the local's tour. I felt good and we were ahead of our goal. I was certain I could beat last marathon's time.

Around mile 11, I discovered a very sharp pain in the back of my right knee. That made me nervous since we weren't even halfway. It was very bizarre because I didn't feel it when I ran, only when I walked. So, it was motivation to keep running. Plus, you look around and see all of these military men running with 50 pound packs on their back and you think, "What am I whining about? I'm not carrying a thing!" It went away by the time we "Beat the Bridge."

The bridge at mile 20 is when the 5 hour group passed me. Karen was already struggling with some stomach issues and I figured I could catch the pace group. I was within viewing distance for about 2 miles and then it happened. The moment you hear about but I had never experienced: The Wall. I switched up my "eating" schedule at the race and I'm extremely upset with myself over that. I was mentally done at mile 22 and I wasn't sure my legs could keep going. If someone I knew had driven by and offered me a ride, I would have taken it. In fact, I was secretly praying it would happen. I pushed through for about 2 miles and grabbed a Dunkin' Donuts munchkin at mile 24. I felt better, had a little talk with myself, and decided I could make it 2 more miles. I was good for another mile and a half and then I started to struggle again. Being that close and struggling was such a disappointment. When I saw the hill to Iwo Jima, the finish line, I wanted to just scream. All I could think was "DAMN MARINES! Always have to prove something." I struggled up the hill and stumbled over the finish. I looked at my watch to discover a 5:08 finish.

Talk about disappointment. That pitiful finish ruined my entire race experience. I mean, I realize it shouldn't. I finished and that was really the most important thing but for me I wanted to do this better than I did before. I thought I had prepared myself to shave time but found myself performing worse than I expected. I'm not on the high I was on for Shamrock and other than the fact that I can't sit on the toilet without bracing myself on the sink and I'm walking extremely slow and calculated, I don't feel like I ran a marathon. I'm trying to snap out of it and remember the fun first 22 miles of the race, but it is amazing how the last 4 can taint the whole thing.

Before the race, I said it would be awhile if/when I do this again. Now I am bound and determined to do it again and perform better. I will not go out with such a poor time. I plan to go back to the basics starting with 5ks. I'm going to do a few of those and work on my speed until a 9:30 pace is a normal Saturday morning long run. Then I'll work up until I'm ready for 26.2 again. Couldn't tell you when that will be or what city it will be in, but I'm not done. Right now, I just wish I could be proud of finishing this one.

Catch Up

So, I realize I have gotten even more slack in my blog postings. My apologies. Here's a little entry to catch you up.

Smocking - I attended my first smocking guild meeting last week. Yes, I said guild. I discovered the "younger" members show up for the evening program which makes sense. I spent the evening with ladies that all have children my age. The meeting was discuss the year's programs and they have offered to teach me whatever I want to learn. I'm super excited! So, first project is an adorable little dress that I need to find fabric for and a smocking plate. I'm sending the finished product to my cousin for her little girl's wardrobe. I can't wait!

Irene - She got us all nervous and then she chilled out before she hit us. Thankful for no damage. It was pretty uneventful except that I was sucked into watching local weather for about 12 hours straight. That was torture...

Training - I'm well into my training schedule for Marine Corps. This time, the focus is a little different. Before, I was training to finish...alive. This time, we have taken on a speed training component. Apparently, there is a running theory called "Yassos 800m". Some dude named Yasso says that your 800m time can predict your marathon time. For example, if you can do 10 x 800 in 4 minutes and 30 seconds, then you can run a marathon in 4 hours and 30 minutes. So, that is what we are working towards. Each week we add an 800 until we reach 10. Last week we did 6. I have requested that we make a celebratory pit stop at Cold Stone Creamery after we complete the 10 x 800. I have to have something to work towards!

So, that is my life these days: sewing and running with an occassional hurricane scare. Hopefully, I won't wait so long to check back in again.

Smocking Success

My smocking fascination has really blossomed. I have completed 2 classes and anxiously anticipate my final class in a few weeks. I continue to be the youngest person in attendance and realized last class I am also the only person that does not require reading glasses to see the work. In fact, a few of the ladies had their regular glasses AND their reading glasses. I don't mind though. It's kind of cool to hang with grandmas for a few hours.

Below is my sampler I am working on for class. We have learned most of the basic geometric stitches and I really enjoy practicing while watching my evening Criminal Minds episodes. Perhaps making adorable things for little babies helps to deter fear while watching serial killers on rampage. Or perhaps I'm dreaming of making these items for my love child with Dr. Reid. Either one could be true or both false. Nonetheless, I'm loving the stitching.

I figured with the knowledge I had gained (and numerous web tutorials and videos) I could attempt a project. I wanted to do a dress. However, I need a pattern and probably a little more experience on the sewing machine. I decided that a bonnet would be easier than a dress and give me an opportunity to get comfortable with construction post smocking. After reading a few articles and blogs online, I learned that gingham is the easiest to learn on for pleating and stitching. I had recently made some gingham napkins for my neighbor and had leftovers. BONUS!

I went to my fabric store and purchased some lace trim and ribbon to make this happen. I learned to hand pleat while watching TV and then found a FREE smocking plate (pattern) online that I played with a little bit. This bonnet is by no means fancy, but I think it was a good first try. I even taught myself to do what is called "bullion knots" to hold the ribbon in place on the sides. I'm pretty proud of this.

Since I don't have a kid, I had to use someone else to model. Mr. Bear was hesitant since he's a boy, but he cooperated. I would like to think a kid's head would be a little bigger than Mr. Bear's. It should fit a child in the size range of 0-3 months.

Last week I ordered a bubble pattern since that one can do double duty: boy or girl. I'm really excited to get it in the mail and try something a little more substantial. And if you play your cards right, perhaps I will send something smocked your way.

Our final class will be on picture smocking and I feel like that will be best used with little boys. Two of my VAB girlfriends just had little boys, so I can't wait to put something together for them soon. Plus, I love bishop necklines and this pattern includes that too! I love hobbies...

Oh, and you may wonder who gets the first bonnet. I'm keeping this one. :)

Southeastern Patriotic Tour

A few months ago I decided to enter the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race lottery on a whim. I'm not sure if I was more interested in "winning" a lottery or running a new race. Regardless, I got in. So, I decided to make a little trip of it. I called it my Southeastern Patriotic Tour. I haven't got a picture to prove any of these details, but trust me. I do not lie.

I left right after work on the Thursday before the 4th and drove to my folks house. From there, we traveled to my sister's house in TN the next day. I don't make it home too often, so I was pretty pumped to just be there again. My last few trips I have started a little tradition to visit with Sarah Washington Bragg and Kylee Miller Rayfield. I met these girls in the 7th grade in Pre-Algebra, so it is pretty cool to catch up with them 20+ years later. Sarah just renovated an old home, so we met there for a little coffee and chatting. Her home is gorgeous!

Well, since I'm in training I had to at least get a long run in over the weekend. So I attempted the hilly Cleveland terrain. Holy Cow I forgot about all the hills! And since my hometown is so tiny, I was able to see it ALL in 10.5 miles. Once I freshened up from the run, off the fam went to the ATL.

Most of my favorite people live in Atlanta and I was able to see many of them. My family hit up Stone Mtn and met with Ali and Jeff Krizner for a little picnic. Then the Dixon 4 joined about a million other people and watched the laser show and spectacular fireworks display. I've been to that laser show a lot as a kid and always felt like it was the same year after year after year. I can assure you, this year is different. So, make a trip!

One of my girlfriends from VAB recently moved to the ATL and her apartment was prime location for the race start. She went home to VA but allowed me to spend the night in her place. This was absolutely perfect! Joanna stayed with me and I was able to walk to the start no problem.

The purpose of this whole trip revolved around a few early morning hours on July 4th. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect in the PRR but admit I was pleasantly surprised. It was my first race to run alone. I normally meet people at the start or ride in with folks but this one was completely solo. I had an idea where the race was starting but when you are joining 60,000 other people it is guaranteed you can just follow the crowds. I did that and they didn't let me down. Once I found my corral I went on in and just hung out. Fortunately, they provided water at each corral. I just sipped and waited. I also learned that this was the largest 10k in the WORLD.

I met a nice lady right before the start also running alone. We ran together for the first 2-3 miles and that was nice. The race spectators were just as excited to be there as the runners. That blew my mind. I didn't even listen to music the entire way because I didn't want to miss anything that was going on at the sidelines. I loved all the excitement and hope to get in again next year.

I was super pumped to have Joel, Joanna, and Kelly on the sidelines and heard them cheer when I ran past. Afterwards, Joel and Jo scooped me up to have brunch with Whatup and Kit. I love seeing these folks and really enjoyed the little bit of time we had to catch up.

Shortly after my race, I met up with my folks and headed back to SC. I was able to spend another day with them and then back to VA I went. It was a much needed trip and I was very thankful to have made it. Life is changing for me in VA, and I believe that this trip has provided the encouragement that I need right now. Thanks for everything, friends and family.

And that, readers, is a rundown of the 2011 Southeastern Patriotic Tour. I didn't get t-shirts made this year. But if starts to be a regular 4th of July occurrence, I'm getting shirts with dates and venues on the back. And if you would like a place in the 2012 Tour, just let me know!

Smocking Delight

For whatever reason, I have this unusual admiration for smocking. I love the little dresses created for little girls and the craftsmanship behind it. It really is a lost art. Most folks think I'm crazy since I don't have children but have a desire to learn skills mostly used for children. Well, the way I see it, you can't wait until you have children to learn. I'm making the most of my childless days to learn something I hope to use in the future.

I shared my smocking adoration with a friend to find out her husband's grandmother has connections to the Seaside Smocking Guild. This is a group of women in the area that smock. I wasn't sure if I was more excited to learn about a smocking group or to be connected to a guild of any sort but her grandmother sent an email with all the points of contacts I needed to learn to smock. Just my luck, they were beginning a summer series to teach smocking...FOR FREE. SCORE!

I attended my first class on Saturday and I am super excited to learn all things smocking. It is no surprise I was the youngest person there...by at least 20 years (and I think 20 is being optimistic). Nonetheless, I think I was an interesting sort to them when they learned I have no children and just want to learn the needlework.

These pics are just my first sampler, so far. I'll update it as we learn new stitches. I think it will end up with a duck in the middle. This is just an insert and may never actually be inserted into any article of clothing, but it will be fun to put together.

I just need to start pleating some of my own fabric. The machines are ridiculously expensive, so I'm going to start teaching myself with some gingham scraps I have. Wish me luck!

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing!

I've picked up a new hobby over the last few months. Before March I had tried making a few easy items, but I officially learned to sew by taking a course in my community. My gal pal from work joined me and we successfully completed a skirt that was actually worn to work.

Well, the class piqued by curiosity about all things sewing and motivated me to attempt new

projects.

My cousin gave me a set of pillowcases so that I could try my hand (and sewing machine) at a pillowcase dress. I made one for her little girl and one for my neighbor's little girl. These things are so stinkin' easy I could make them all day long. I've grown quite fond of the pillowcase dress construction and I find myself looking at pillowcases where ever I go.

I found this material for like a buck fifty and thought I could come up with some sort of summer apparel. I made this shirt for weekend wear without a pattern and using the little bit of knowledge I have gained on a few other projects and internet tutorials. This even fits properly!!

My mother helped me put this little madras nightie together. This is where I learned the art of gathers. I sort of like gathers.

Since I'm a big fan of fat quarters, I have started to make crayon rolls for the various children of co-workers. I was really into these until I grew tired of sewing the little rows for the crayons. I think I'm done with those for a while.

I have more fabric than I know what to do with and currently am under restriction from fabric stores until I complete the projects that I already own material. This has created an interesting motivation and I've made progress. Got any ideas of things I can construct with fabric and a needle?

Not your Grandma's Trail

This morning I participated in my first ever trail run. Sure, we run trails on Saturday mornings, but we live in the flatlands. Our trails are flat in comparison to anywhere outside of here.

When Karen and I started to plan our Marine Corps training schedule, we stumbled on an inexpensive 21k in Richmond. "Coach" encouraged us to do it since it would be good on our legs. We registered a few months ago and to be honest, have done very little to train. Karen and Tim ran a half a few weeks ago, so the distance wasn't going to be an issue for them. I, on the other hand, hadn't run more than 10 miles since March. We were pretty confident it would be a "run/walk" kind of race, so I didn't sweat it too much.

To be quite honest, I wasn't altogether certain what I had gotten myself into. The website had little description and the pictures did not do it justice. At the start, it was a pretty typical sort of road race to get us to the trails. There was some crazy Mayan like staircase we carefully climbed and I was just certain I would get poison ivy at this point. Our last portion of the "road" race we ran through a tunnel, the sort you see under bridges, that was pretty dark with water streaming through and rocks lining the bottom. It was here that my race changed. Eager to get to the light, I ran rather carelessly and landed on the outside of my right foot. Immediately I thought, "Oh no! We just started! This cannot happen." It was more shock than pain but it stung. Runners behind me helped me climb the next wall so that I could get to the water station and just relax for a second. I was bound and determined to finish, pain or not. Thankfully, it was mostly irritated and not painful. So, a decided to take it even slower than planned. It's always better to finish last than not to finish.

I think it took me about 6 miles to settle into a decent rhythm. This was 3 miles after "the incident" and at this point we didn't have to step aside so the elite runners could pass us on their 2nd loop. We made friends with the back of the pack crew and had a great time running up, then running down, then round and back up, down, round...You get the idea. Lots of switchbacks but it was really awesome. I'm terrified of heights, so I wasn't thrilled with having to run across and narrow cement bridge without rails over a stream. Thankfully, I didn't fall.

The race included climbing boulders and a small gorge hopping. I'm glad I didn't know what to expect because I think it could have discouraged me from trying it. Typically, I rely on music the last few miles to carry me to the finish in a road race but headphones aren't aloud on trails. I understand why, but I was nervous about what I would have to "entertain" me when I needed it. Funny thing was I didn't need anything. My mind was completely engaged the entire race and I didn't even realize how long we were out there. That was my favorite part.

Once I crossed the finish line and literally hosed myself off, I made a stop at the medical tent for ice. About this time my ankle looked like it swallowed a golf ball. Still no pain, but definitely irritated. I can't believe I ran almost 10 miles on a sprained ankle! Here's what the ole' ankle looked like after two adorable firemen wrapped and iced it.

Overkill? Yes, definitely. I would have thought they knew what they were doing a little better. Oh well, it helped with the swelling and don't you worry that ice bag didn't move the entire hike to the car!

I would definitely do another trail run, but probably not for awhile. We are scheduled to begin marathon training on Monday, but it looks like this girl is going to have to postpone until Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm RICEing (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) it for a few days.

BTW, I'll catch you guys up on little ole' me soon. Sorry it has taken so long, but aren't you excited to read my marathon journey this time? I finished Shamrock in 4:59:43 with a goal just to finish. This time the goal is 4:30. Stay tuned!

A very special root veggie

How often do you walk by this little guy in the produce department and never even consider it? I cannot count the times I overlooked this root vegetable. I mean, what do you do with it? And doesn't it taste like licorice? I can't stand licorice!

My curiosity got the best of me when my recent Clean Eating magazine came to my door. They featured the lesser known edible and stated, "If you're still unsure about trying fennel because you're not a licorice lover, put your mind at ease..." OK. I was convinced. Because everything you read is truth, right? So, I bought a pair of fennel bulbs for the test.

Roasted Fennel with Parmesan
2 large fennel bulbs, sliced into 4-8 wedges
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 T. Olive Oil
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add fennel wedges and cook for 5 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly. Place in a square pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss with oil.
Cook in oven for 30 minutes or until fennel pierces easily with a fork. Sprinkle with Parmesan and roast for another 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

The smell alone is rather intoxicating when slicing and that hint of anise at your first taste is amazing. I have ventured into the world of fennel and my life will never be the same.

Fennel, Happy Valentine's Day. I love you!

Reading Nook

If you knew me in college, then you can recall this chair. It began as my parent's living room chair but became mine when I moved in at 20th Street. I recovered it this crazy yellow fabric to match my crazy bright blue couch. My style then was whimsical and colorful. It was college and I wasn't ready for "adult decorating." I brought the chair with me to VAB but hid it in a spare room. I wanted to use it again but just not in this shape. Both my style and taste have changed since college, needless to say.

I officially divorced the chair and ottoman a few weeks ago. The chair now lives in my bedroom and the ottoman will live in my living room once a few changes are made. I'll update you on those updates, but first the chair.

For a while, I have envisioned a little reading nook in my bedroom using the yellow chair. I weighed my options of recovering it, either by myself or hiring it out, or using a slip cover. My financial situation said "Slip cover." I purchased a black slip cover right after Christmas as the first step towards my dream reading nook.

I wanted to use my new love for sewing to dress up this little corner. Since I love houndstooth, I decided to make a pillow to use with my new favorite fabric pattern. I had a small side table I decided to use but needed to add something to cover the top. Its original top didn't match at all. My mother suggested using the leftover houndstooth and a solid color to make a small runner. I made that this weekend with scraps I found around my sewing corner. A reading lamp was purchased on sale and Chip finally hung a picture tonight.

I'm pretty excited about this little corner of my room. Now, I wonder if the reading nook will inspire me to, well, read.

It's an addiction...

Bread. Since receiving the book, I have made 4 loaves.

First off, the book arrived on my doorstep a full day prior to the expected delivery day. That was pretty exciting! I opted to spend the evening reading up on the method, make the dough the next day, and bake my first loaf the following day. Well, I made the dough right after work and let it rise for the evening. Around 8:30pm, the curiosity overtook me. I had to make bread immediately! And I did. The aroma in my home was amazing and the excitement that I made bread was incredible. It could have been Christmas morning for a 6 year old to see my reaction to yummy artisan bread coming out of my oven. Albeit, I was alone so there are no witnesses.

The first loaf was pretty good but a bit denser than I would prefer. The book says your first loaf from a batch will not taste the same as the last loaf. Boy were they right! I made the other loaf a few days later and it was better than anything you would ever purchase at a store.

This new found interest is entirely too easy to execute and may be my downfall. But on the upside, it definitely fueled me for my latest long run without any complications. So, learning to make my own bread may be just what the doctor ordered for Marine Corps training. Of course, that won't start until July-ish but those details aren't really important...right?

It's only appropriate...

As Christmas approached this year, I had grand plans of making lots of baked items and giving away to everyone I knew. Well, that didn't happen. As a result, I have more flour and powdered sugar than I know what to do with. So, I've been mulling over "items that require flour" since the beginning of the year. And then it hit me.

As you read from my last post, I made the greatest purchase of my life (so far) last Saturday. Yet to disappoint, I have already made 2 yummy soups and prepping for another one this week. Well, what goes well with soup? B-R-E-A-D.

I was reading Casey's blog this week and she referenced a new bread cookbook.

I was curious. Could bread really be prepared in 5 minutes a day? What's the gimmick? Well, I decided to go look through the pages at my local Barnes & Noble to see what this book was all about. I walked away knowing it would be the perfect accompaniment to my new Dutch oven. Tonight I ordered it from Amazon and it should arrive on Wednesday. That gives me just enough time to purchase the 2 items I do not currently own to make my first boule: yeast and an oven thermometer.

Remember the "Year of Pies" (which turned out to be the "5 Months of Pies")? I hereby declare 2011, the "Year of Artisan Bread."

Best Purchase of 2011...so far

For my last birthday, Chip surprised me with a very hefty gift card for Williams-Sonoma. Does he know me or does he know me? At first, I wasn't sure if I should buy several small items (as if I have the space to store them all) or put it towards a big purchase. I decided that I would save some money and purchase an item I have dreamed of owning for more than 5 years, a Le Creuset dutch oven. Well, I had a number of "needs" come up between September and December so the purchase never came to be. For Christmas, Chip's parents gave me another W-S gift card and told me to use it towards my dutch oven. Now the oven was in an affordable, I-can-go-buy-it-whenever price range. I've had it on my to-do list since then but whenever I was in the W-S area, I would forget to run by there or it would be after they closed. Plus, I needed to decide what color I wanted.

Saturday night Chip and I had dinner reservations in the W-S area with the Barfords. I decided I would stop by there on my way to meet him. Still uncertain of the color, I figured I would just look at what was available and make up my mind.

I walked into the store and went straight to the Le Creuset display. They had 3 colors: Cobalt Blue, Red, and a Greenish color they call Ocean. I wasn't wild about any of them. Then I looked at the prices. Apparently, when I looked online, they were on a discounted sale. These were significantly more than I expected. With my head hung low, I decided I would just walk around the store since I was there. As I glanced around the store, it was as if a light shone from above pointed me to a SALE table. Probably very similar to the North Star pointing shepherds to the Savior's birth. I speedily walked over, dodging an elderly woman on the way to see what the table had in store. Orange box after orange box were stacked on the table. One of the employees walked over to see if I needed help and informed me they were the discontinued colors that needed to be moved. I almost immediately heard the Hallelujah chorus and I could not stop smiling. I opened every box to see which one would become my new best friend. I had hoped they had the dijon mustard one but I was pleasantly surprised when I opened a box to see a 5 1/2 quart dutch oven in the color Flame (read: Volunteer Orange).

This was it! This was the one! Not only was it perfect, but also perfectly priced. It was marked more than $120.00 less than suggested retail price. Thank you, Jesus!

I went to the register to purchase beaming. I informed the lady this was my first. All the employees were commenting on how I got the perfect one for my first and how much they loved the color. She looked at me smiling and assured me, "Honey, this won't be your last." I sure hope so. I. Sure. Hope. So.