Heart Mini 5k Update

I finished the race! That's right...this morning we ran in the Heart Mini 5k race in downtown Cincinnati. It was awesome, despite the weather! Here's a quick video of how I felt after the race. I'll post more about the run and some pictures soon. Thanks to everyone for your support!

Sunday's the day - Heart Mini 5k

So, the 5k run/jog is just 6 days away! This Sunday morning, I'll be in downtown Cincinnati pounding the pavement with hundreds of people running in the 2009 Heart Mini-Marathon & Heart Walk. JJ and I have joined the Local 12 team and have signed up to run/jog the 5k run which starts at 9am. So as you're enjoying your upcoming weekend on Sunday, say a prayer for me to finish the 5k! I'm sure I'll be shuffling at a snail's pace, but the goal here is to finish (even if it means I have to stop and walk a few blocks, then pick it back up to a light jog!)

Over these last few weeks, I've realized how dedicated you have to be to see improvement with running. It takes real commitment to get out there everyday and jog a bit more or a bit faster each time you head outside. Jogging outside is so much different than being on the treadmill. It is so much harder! Don't get me wrong, the scenery is much better outside, but the pavement is harder on your feet & knees.

For last night's run, JJ and I did a 2 mile jog together around our neighborhood. It has been really great to have him for support while I'm taking on this new challenge. He's been helping me push just a little further each time we've been out jogging. That's what it's about, setting small goals, like okay - I can make it to the mailbox, then continuing to push more as we jog up the hills. I'm thankful that we've decided to run the 5k together this weekend! It's going to be very helpful to have him by my side as we line up for the start of the run. His pace is faster than mine, so we may or may not finish together, but I'm really pumped for everything and know that we'll have a great time on Sunday.

Where have I been?

I've been a bad blogger...haven't posted lately...just haven't had much to say really. Life is good, which in these tough economic times and so on, is a nice thing to be able to say!

My training for the 5k is harder than I anticipated. I'm still following the Couch to 5k program, though now, I'm trying to jog outside as much as I can to get more comfortable on the pavement rather than spending time on the treadmill. Technically I'm only on week 5 of the program (which is crazy since I started in January, you can tell I haven't been as hard core about it as I should be!). I have hit the track a few times and completed a 2 mile jog (let's be honest, it was more like a shuffle!). But it was outside, against the wind, and today I plan to shuffle my way through the neighborhood near my gym before I do my strength training.

Spring has almost sprung here in the tri-state and there are loads of projects to be done around the house. Project #1 - Fix the garage ceiling. Over the winter months, I opened the garage door to find part of the ceiling had fallen, Bummer. It was patched when I purchased the home, so it's not too suprising that the patch tape finally gave way. Project #2 - Clean the windows....this task is part of most people's spring cleaning, but I admit that in the almost 4 years I've owned our house, I've never cleaned the windows....Oops! Project #3 - Find a good grass seed to put down in the back yard. Miss Ella has totally destroyed the backyard by running around like a maniac everytime a ball is thrown or she spots another animal roaming through nature's beauty! But no matter how much I dislike seeing all that dirt in what used to be our grassy backyard, it's hard to get mad at a face like this...

So, that's the latest with me...oh yeah, and JJ and I are planning a wedding, but that's just a side note! Hope life is treating your and yours well, remember to give thanks for life's daily blessings and not to sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the day, Thanks for checking in!

MS Bike Ride Update

Just found out that the 2009 MS Bike Ride has been moved from July to August and it's not going to work out for me to ride this year because of another commitment. I'm viewing this news as a challenge to myself to "stay in the saddle" as they say and continue riding as much as I can this summer.

The Dolce deserves time out on the road and I'm going to give it to her! I'm planning on switching to clip less pedals, so that will provide for some interesting rides out on the roads. I'll definitely start off on the Loveland bike trail with the clip less pedals, then at least when I fall, I don't risk falling into oncoming vehicle traffic!

My employer, Local 12, is having a team again this year for the ride and it is a great event to participate in if anyone is interested. Please send me an email and I can hook you up with the team captain for more details.

They say Spring is just around the corner, and I have to admit, I can't wait for the warmer temperatures & the chance to get back to some outdoor activities. Here's to hoping those temps get here sooner, rather than later!

Brunch Recipe

A few weeks ago, I purchased 2 rolls of Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations (With one roll, I made the Bacon & Cheese Tartlets for a party, which turned out great!), so since other roll had been sitting in the fridge, I decided to search for a new recipe using the pastry dough....

I came across a blog called Our Best Bites, which has some great recipe suggestions. I've added a link to the blog on the right side of the page. Here's the link for their recipe called Easy Breakfast Crescent Braid. I made this over the weekend and thought it turned out great! I changed a few ingredients to adapt to what I had on hand...and came out with a tasty Veggie brunch dish.

Here's my take on the recipe...

1 Roll Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations

Scrambled Eggs (whisk together 3 eggs & a few splashes of milk, I undercooked the eggs since they'll bake more in the oven)

1 Red pepper, 1 Green pepper, 1/2 carton of fresh mushrooms (slice & dice veggies and saute in pan)

1/2 Cup chedder cheese (shredded)

* Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, and fill the center of the dough with the egg/veggie mixture...

* Fold each side of dough to close in ends of pastry roll...

* Use a pizza cutter and cut strips into remaining sides of dough...

* Fold over dough strips, alternating each side, to hold in egg/veggie mixture...

* After dough is folded up into a tight braid, bake in the oven at 375 degrees for around 15-20 minutes.

* Let cool for a few minutes ... I served mine with some skillet fried Red Skin Potatoes for breakfast.

Fun in the Snow

Over the past few weeks, the 'Nati has been hit with some snow and ice.  Also know as "Winter"! Thankfully, as I type this post, I see the sun shining and all the white stuff melting away (yah!).  

I did snap a few shots of Ella enjoying the snowy conditions!  Enjoy....

I'm registered...

The date is set for my 5k run...
Sunday, March 29th, the 2009 Heart Mini-Marathon & Heart Walk.
The run starts at 9am, with the starting line at 5th & Main St in downtown Cincinnati.

Anyone wanna join me? My work, Local 12 news, is having a team and all are welcome to join! Let me know and I can get you in touch with our team captain. Registration for the 5k is $40 per person and proceeds go towards the American Heart Association.

Today, I'm starting Week 3 of the C to 5k program. This week starts with the 5 minute warm-up walk, then 2 repetitions of the following: jog 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, jog 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes, then a cool down walk for 5 minutes.