Cool Runnings

If you are my friend on Facebook you know that I along with a couple of girlfriends are training to run the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville on April 27, 2013.  For me it started out as just 10K training for a local race.  I have never been much for running, yeah it's a good workout but goodness who wants to run for more than 10-15 minutes at a time! So boring! I have always told myself I would NEVER run more than 5K (I guess I'm eating those words now!).  I started training in December for the 10K and that turned into well lets all do a Half Marathon together!  I'm not really sure how 'never' turned into 'Ok I'm going to do this', maybe it's because I have a wonderful support system of family and friends that keep me motivated with SnapChats and group-chat texting, who help me figure out what to eat and what to push myself to do next....Either way this journey has definitely changed my mindset on running!  When I started out in December let me tell you I hated it, I mean H-A-T-E-D it! It was cold I was tired and my running days just seemed like such a hassle! But to my surprise I stuck with it....And each week I was able to run father and faster and I was even starting to enjoy it (Can you believe?! Because I sure can't!).  This past Saturday I ran 10 miles, 10 MILES!!!!!! Did I have some amazing time record, well no, but I ran 10 MILES without stopping and without walking.  I'm still questioning if it really happened, I'm thinking maybe I just dreamed it...but no I have proof! 

I wish I would have chronicled more of this adventure, but at least starting this late we are almost to the exciting part! I'm so glad that I stuck with my running plans because I have grown to relish the moments during a run where you just feel so powerful so free, like you could accomplish anything in the world! Corny I know, but so true!  I saw this picture the other day that pretty much describes it completely.

I have had a couple of friends ask about what plan I have been using, so I will post the link(I started the 10K and went right into the 1/2 when I was done with it)

Women's Health 10K Plan here

Half Marathon Training Plan here

I'll leave you with this quote from John Bingham, 

"If your run, you are a runner.  It doesn't matter how fast or how far.  It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years.  There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get.  You just run"

T

Foodie

Ok guys, so I really suck at this whole blogging thing and have been trying to think of ways to work on that.  So I decided I could start posting recipes.  I usually try to incorporate some Pinterest recipes, some are my own.  I also work with some ladies who are absolute whizzes in the kitchen! So here is what I have tried out this week...

First up was cube steak, Spencer has been asking me to make it forever but I have never made cube steak before so I was a bit intimidated to try.  I found a wonderful recipe from The Pioneer Woman, who I will definitely keep in mind for future meals! She has some good recipes!  Here's the link:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/fried-round-steak/

  I think mine turned out well, they were thick so I cooked them for a bit longer than the recipe (about 3 minutes on each side) and made some gravy with the leftover.  Served it up with some sweet potato chips (they were quite crispy, but they tasted delicious)  that are super easy to make, just toss them in some olive oil and spices (whatever you enjoy, I usually add some chili powder for a kick) and bake them!

Tuesday night I made Chicken Parmesan, a recipe originally from Pinterest but the link has since been disabled.  But it's a pretty easy recipe, 2 chicken breasts (I usually cut them in half, but it's whatever you prefer), and flatten them out- I punch them haha but any method will work!  I dip them in flour, then egg, then Italian bread crumbs (I mix in some shaved Parmesan cheese with the bread crumbs).  Grease your pan with butter and bake breasts on 400 for 25-30 minutes until they are done on the inside(I have a hot oven).  Take them out and cover in your favorite pasta sauce, then I do a slice of provolone over each breast and then sprinkle some shredded mozzarella over that (if you can't tell we love our cheese!) and bake for another 10 minutes.  I serve with angel hair pasta because it's my favorite, but regular spaghetti works great as well! 

Also got a little wild this Sunday and made some Soup Beans and Cornbread! Whooo I'm wild I know! 

Those were super easy and turned out great! I just soaked pinto bean Saturday night, put them in the crock-pot with some water and 2 chicken bouillon cubes around 10 AM on Sunday and cooked them on low for 10 hours.  For the cornbread I just used a Martha White mix, it was pretty good for mix! I think as soon as I get some cast iron I'll try to make it from scratch!  

This week will be a busy week, so hopefully I'll get some cooking in! 

T

Food, so much food!

This weekend we celebrated the engagement of some close friends by throwing an Engagement Party at our home.  It was a great success and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves! There is now enough leftover food in our fridge to feed a baseball team.  I'll post some pic's below!  We also picked up our new king size bed this weekend and can I just say it's amazing!!