Go ahead, poke the bear...

Sharon and I rocked our 4-miler today!  We both came to the run very irritated with other people and basically sprinted our anger out in the 1st two miles and then felt so darn good, we ran strong for the last 2. 
The new training plan is now to pick a fight with loved ones and co-workers before our runs - our husbands will be so happy to hear this. 

It was a good run for me also because I've felt those similar aches and pains that accompanied my previous injuries coming back.  Now, thankfully, because I've been a good girl and visited my doctors, I know what to do to help avoid those injuries. 

However, once you've been through an injury, it leaves a little fear in your head.  That gnawing worry that you will be taken off your course again and will not finish the races that you want to finish this year.  My patience might not last another round of physical therapy.

I will work on quieting that fear because I don't want to hold back in my training this year.  I told Justin last week that I will force my body into cooperation with my training goals.  I really am a doctor's worst nightmare. 

Today's carbs - Dixie Chicken Nachos at Thomas Street Tavern!  Just a little hint for any beginners out there - don't eat them two hours before you run.  Maybe there was another reason I ran so fast.....

My apologies to my Midwestern Roots

When I moved to the South oh so many years ago, I laughed at those who shivered when the temperatures dipped below 50.  But I was downright whiny showing up to run my 8 miles with Sharon last Sunday. In my defense, it was 32 degrees.  I spent the rest of the day bundled up in my camping booties (goosedown filled - so wam!) and my Christmas fleece blanket.  Today, I was equally as whiny but thankfully it was only 4 miles and up to 38 degrees. 

But I was still a wimp.....Missouri weather would crush me now.   I hang my head.

FYI, today's carbo load was via Baked Mac n' Cheese made with whole-wheat pasta and a layer of spinach (recipe here)

Here's hoping this weekend's run is a little warmer!

Accountability and Endurance

Never start a blog during the holidays.  :-)

So now that I'm back to a regular schedule, I can devote more time to training and writing.  I know I'll talk a lot about running and cycling right now but really endurance started for me with hiking, backpacking and paddling (as much as I could fit in while growing up in Missouri).  I trained for a marathon in 2000 with Team In Training to honor my cousin Paige in her battle against leukemia.  After that, I pretty much took running off my list until 2005 when I ran San Diego Rock n' Roll (again with the Team) to honor Paige's 5 years of cancer free!  After that, I even went to work for Team In Training for a couple of years and got to meet some extraordinary participants, coaches and cancer patients!

Part of the purpose of this blog is to keep people (all 3 of you who are reading!) updated on my training. Part of the purpose of the blog is to share amazing stories of fellow athletes and the many honored patient heroes I've met through Team In Training.

The other reason I'm sharing is that I tend to stick with things when I have people holding me accountable for them.  It's why I train with Team In Training to raise money for LLS and honor cancer patients nationwide.  It's why I love that I have a new running buddy in my friend Sharon - we rarely let each other down.  And it's why I'm excited that my wonderful hubby, Justin, has agreed to focus more on getting us back on track with our backpacking fun!

And of course, this blog remains a homage to the wonderful carbohydrate!  I love them so.....
Check out the pics below to see my Christmas Carbohydrate fun! 

Please keep coming back to check out the blog - as usual with me, everything is a work in progress so there will be changes and updates weekly. 

Training goals for 2010 (so far):

1 - America's Most Beautiful Century Ride - June 2010
2 - Cooper River Bridge Run - March 2010
3 - Derbyville Half Marathon - April 2010

Will there be a marathon this Fall?  Maybe.......
Will there be backpacking ahead?  Definitely!!!

Part III Christmas Carbs

Christmas Morning Berrylicious Baked French Toast

We used Stollen for some exta yumminess!

Part II of my Xmas Carbs

I'm happy to report that I'm still working on my chocolate stocking stuffers.

 Soon I'll have to start working it off!

Part I of my Christmas Carbs

Courtesy of my wonderful hubby - what we nibbled Christmas Eve

Because I can

Hello and welcome to my tribute to carbs!

For years, the often maligned carbs have fueled me through runs, hikes and paddling trips and have helped me celebrate my accomplishments as well. Many thanks to the state of North Carolina for finally making Fat Tire available to us.

This blog is also a tribute to the Team In Training (TNT) program, a fundraising effort benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I wasn't a runner until I trained for my first race with them and participants and Honored Patients in the program continue to inspire me.
My TNT link is posted to the left - please take a moment to visit.

For the past few years, running, hiking and paddling have taken a back seat to home ownership, wedding planning and injuries but I'm finally back in the swing of things!

Bookmark this blog and visit me often for updates!