Rants, Recipes, and Running

February 25 I'm running another marathon. Did you know that I have fully trained from 4 marathons, yet only actually run 4? Not because of injury, but because of work schedules. Well on Feburary 25, Abby is running The Phoenix Marathon -- and nothing is getting in the way. And Abby really would like to qualify for Boston. Last year I had goals of qualifying for Boston, but now as I look back - I wasn't ready. I wasn't strong enough. My pace was just starting to peak. With lots of speed work, research, drills/strength training to keep my muscles balanced, talking to various running coaches.....I think I'm ready to go for it. The qualifying time for my age group is 3 hr 35 min. However, it is recommended to at least give yourself a 10 minute window. Every 10 minutes below your qualifying time, the sooner you can put in your registration for the lottery. One cannot just qualify - you had to crush your qualifying time these days! My goal is to finish in 3 h...

Once upon a time, I was a little girl who had all these dreams. But then life got sort of comfortable. College was really quite easy for me. Then I got into the career - and there were moments where I obviously struggled and said "This is REALLY hard", and perhaps I would come home some nights shedding a few tears because nursing can suck.  But the reality I found is -- as long as I worked a little harder than those around me -- it was pretty easy to advance and be known as a top performer.  So why go to grad school? Why become a Nurse Practitioner like I originally planned? Why not just sail through my career - stay comfortable - accept the opportunities I find - and just enjoy life? The past few months have been kind of a struggle for me mentally. I work 40 hours a week. And life is busy! But my brain is feeling a little, well, under-used. (I don't even think "under-used" is a word. See?? I'm turning to mush!!)  There is this voice...