Rants, Recipes, and Running

Today I competed in my first Triathlon! It was a sprint Tri - which consists of swimming 750 meters, biking 12.5 miles, and running 3.1 miles! Initially when I signed up, I wasn't too excited about those distances because I figured, "those are such short distances, this will be a breeze!" But I must admit it was one of the bigger physical challenges I've done! Because I actually took the "sprint" to heart! Starting April 1, I started triathlon training. And my totals for the month of April were: Run = 85.9 miles Bike = 220.7 miles Swim = 8.6 miles It was one heck of a month for mileage, and I will never have another one of those I'm guessing.I didn't have a husband at home, and I didn't work overtime. So I had the time! I felt great physically -- all that cross training was amazing for injury prevention! I've joined a group called the Desert Tri Girls. It's a great group of women -- all different ages and fitness levels training...

I am in a severe moment of "looking forward". This short term phase I am in (short term meaning 1-2 weeks) is not the best time ever. I really can't complain, I have nothing valid to complain about. So we will just say that I am super ready for my husband to return to my all-too-empty home. I am ready to stop working every weekend - as that work schedule is incredibly socially isolating.The past week, every time I talk to my husband on the phone -- I start crying. And I am not a crier -- so this is weird. Wah. So let me tell you what is keeping me going these days! In 1 week and 2 days Ryan will be HOME!!!!! I cannot believe how much I am ready for his return. The 1st 6 weeks he was gone, time flew!! As it was something new . Now I am starting to feel like the creepy, old, lonely lady who talks to her plants. This Sunday I am participating in my 1st Triathlon! Not only is it any old triathlon -- but it includes an open-water swim. This totally freaks me out. T...

I learned how to ride a bike long ago. I remember my Dad taking the training wheels off that bike on the 1st nice spring day (usually occuring in April back when the Midwest actually got springtime). He held on to my bike, told me he wouldn't let go, and after a few seconds -- he let go and I was on my own! I remember that invigorating feeling of, "Holy crap, I'm doing this on my own! I'm really doing this!" and then that stark realization of, "Oh crap, how do I stop?!?!". Well, over a decade later, I went through this process again last night. My new bike came in the mail -- and a friend of mine has a cousin who happens to be quite the "bicycle guru". He graciously assembled my new bike for me, adjusted it, and had me test ride it up and down the street so we could adjust the handle bars and seat properly. Except there's one small problem..... my bike doesn't have pedals . It had these "clipless" little stubs you instal...

I have found something devilish. It is delicious and, unfortunately, difficult to stop at one. However, with the mildfulness that the main ingredient in this is protein powder and and peanut butter -- I must remind myself to stop. This recipe was sort of advertised as a "pre-workout snack". If you have a solid digestive track, and can eat on the run (literally) -- great for you!!!!! However, I learned that this is a better "recovery snack" -- when I noshed 2 of these down last week prior to swimming a mile. I felt like I was going to throw up throughout the entire swim. Or drown. Or both. So here is my POST-workout Recovery snack! It's a great combination of nutrients as it's high in protein and has a little bit a carbohydrate to keep feeding your brain (I am exaggerating the importance of carbs, as I know some athletes that try eliminating carbs for weight loss. And it's unhealthy. I'm not saying you need to nosh on donuts and spaghetti. Bu...

Well, my friends, I am currently not feeling incredible creative. Therefore, I have used the format from my sister's blog. Currently.  Current Book - The NRP book. "Neonatal Resuscitation Program" -- In other words, I work in an hospital that doesn't have "Labor and Delivery". Unfortunately, there are people who go an entire pregnancy with no prenatal care and roll (literally, ha) into an ER ready to birth that baby . And I want to know what I'm doing! Especially in case things go astray. So, several of my coworkers and I are getting certified. It is terrifying, and exciting. (babies scare me) I'm testing this week.  Current Drink - Diet Tonic Water with lime. (also goes great with gin. Duh). But it's refreshing!  Current Excitement - I just purchased my 1st Road bike! I have been riding my husband's bikes. I have never owned my "own" bike in . Always had hand-me-downs (I was the only kid with a banana se...

com·fort [ kuhm -fert ] Show IPA verb (used with object) 1. to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to: They tried to comfort her after her loss. 2. to make physically comfortable .  Comfort is a profound part of our well-being. Essentially, I spend about 40 hours a week helping people to reach "comfort". Somtime's they are unconscious and unresponsive, and so we use medications to prevent anxiety (because we even feel discomfort in the deepest of comas). There are days where I could give all the medications, pillows, hot tea, and hot-packs...and they won't feel "comfortable" because their state of discomfort is emotional or a mental illness.  When we complain or are unhappy with current conditions , it is usually due to a lack of comfort. "Too cold". "Smoldering hot". "Tired". "Anxious". "Hungry". "Stuffed". "Lonely". "Overwhe...

My initial disclaimer is that if the following information I'm about to post about is old news to you -- sorry. It's new news to me! And I'm pretty excited about it. Greek Yogurt. (G.Y.) Lately with all this triathlon training - I have been putting many hours in the pool, bike, and running trails. Weight training and foam rolling in between. Although most of it is fun for me (especially the run, bike swim). Heck, swimming doesn't even feel like a workout to me since it's so fun and natural to me to swim (I've always been a fish). This high activity level cannot be achieved with out proper fuel ! Hmmm..."Fuel".... Isn't that how Lance Armstrong was such an awesome athlete? Success = fuel = supplements = Blood doping........ No. I don't even dabble in taking protein - I haven't found any protein that doesn't make my stomach feel queasy. The closest thing to a supplement I take is my B Complex vitamins and Calcium & Magnesium. ...