Hello lovely bloggies!! I have moved my whole operation over to wordpress due to many reasons.
Please update your google readers, and rss feeds. I would hate for you to miss anything! Because you just never know what's going on with Destination 26.2!! :)
My new home is www.destination262.wordpress.com
Come over and say hello! Even if you don't normally comment I would love for you to at the new place so I can finally say HI back. Since wordpress allows you to comment back easier. I think? Oh gosh, I have ALOT of figuring out to do.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Just me and the mill
Last night I embarked on a solo run. It was the lonely treadmill and I. After a few moments of running in silence trying to find my groove I ended up plugging in my ear phones and zoned into The Bachelor for a bit until I couldn't stand it anymore.
Immediately thoughts started popping into my head. Darn! I instantly thought of Kim at iLaxStudio. A few days ago she said that she usually keeps a pad of paper and pen at her treadmill just for these moments. I tried to remember whatever it was I thought was so interesting at the time, but as I fell into the rythm of the treadmill all thoughts were lost.
But then around mile 2 another thought hit me... I am currently reading "Runner's World's Complete Book of Women's Running" by Dagny Scott Barrios.
I just finished chapter 6 which opens up the question on When do you decide to call yourself a jogger or runner? Because to a lot of people this is a big deal. I know it is for me.
I was thinking about this question as I was huffing and puffing my way through mile 2. Does running on a treadmill make me a runner? Does running in a race make me a runner?
I personally have never even thought about labeling myself a jogger. I think of joggers as those who go out in their sweat pants, maybe with a dog on a leash just breezing by without a care in the world.
I think of runners as the intense ones. The ones who have that look of determination and focus. They may not be running fast but they are in the zone and are running with their hearts.
Now I am noone to judge the difference between a jogger and a runner. Hell, people probably pass by me and label me a 'jogger'. Whatever, they can call me whatever they want.
I think the important thing is what you call yourself. I have never once called myself anything other than a runner. Because ulitmately that is what I am and what I strive to be.
I run in races. I will run in many more races. I may have only clocked in my longest run at 6 miles but to me that is success. Some may have only a 5k under their belts, but to them that is a running achievement.
So as I finished up my 3 mile run with the mill I decided that as long as my feet are litteraly moving toward my goal of running in a marathon then I am a runner.
What are your thoughts on runners vs joggers? I am curious to hear what you call yourself and why.
Immediately thoughts started popping into my head. Darn! I instantly thought of Kim at iLaxStudio. A few days ago she said that she usually keeps a pad of paper and pen at her treadmill just for these moments. I tried to remember whatever it was I thought was so interesting at the time, but as I fell into the rythm of the treadmill all thoughts were lost.
But then around mile 2 another thought hit me... I am currently reading "Runner's World's Complete Book of Women's Running" by Dagny Scott Barrios.
I just finished chapter 6 which opens up the question on When do you decide to call yourself a jogger or runner? Because to a lot of people this is a big deal. I know it is for me.
I was thinking about this question as I was huffing and puffing my way through mile 2. Does running on a treadmill make me a runner? Does running in a race make me a runner?
I personally have never even thought about labeling myself a jogger. I think of joggers as those who go out in their sweat pants, maybe with a dog on a leash just breezing by without a care in the world.
I think of runners as the intense ones. The ones who have that look of determination and focus. They may not be running fast but they are in the zone and are running with their hearts.
Now I am noone to judge the difference between a jogger and a runner. Hell, people probably pass by me and label me a 'jogger'. Whatever, they can call me whatever they want.
I think the important thing is what you call yourself. I have never once called myself anything other than a runner. Because ulitmately that is what I am and what I strive to be.
I run in races. I will run in many more races. I may have only clocked in my longest run at 6 miles but to me that is success. Some may have only a 5k under their belts, but to them that is a running achievement.
So as I finished up my 3 mile run with the mill I decided that as long as my feet are litteraly moving toward my goal of running in a marathon then I am a runner.
What are your thoughts on runners vs joggers? I am curious to hear what you call yourself and why.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Confessions of a non-food blogger...
I have a confession to make...
I think I secretly wish I was a food blogger.
I say I think because I am not always so sure. I might have a commitment problem. Sometimes I know that it would be a good thing for me because then I would be more aware of what I was eating. As well as be more accountable for what I was eating. I also think it would tempt me to make more fun, healthy and interesting meals.
Then sometimes I am glad I haven't committed because then I wouldn't feel so conflicted when I have eaten Ben & Jerry's or frozen pizza. Which is exactly what I ate for dinner last night - case and point.
So I guess I will just do what I have been doing and that is showcasing my favorite meals. The ones in which I think are fun, look pretty, or have some spunk to them.
Which brings to me to my sunday funday breakfast! I knew I was going to hit up my favorite cardio kickboxing class today and wanted to be full of energy. I was inspired by an episode of Iron Chef where they made these mini dessert pancake sandwiches. Sounds a little bizaar I know.
To which I created my EggPanwich.
You may have wondered to yourself what's the dealio with this girl and pancakes? Who really knows? I hated them my whole life. Seriously. Then in the past few months I started experimenting with bananas, pumpkin and pretty much whatever I can find.
So the EggPanwich was created this morning and was ridiculously amazing.
My pancakes had a little maple kick.
Once you make the pancakes, you top with a fried egg.
Then add one strip of bacon and a tiny squirt of maple syrup for taste.
Holy yum! This breakfast was incredible and it filled me up! It also gave me tons of energy to kick and punch it up at my cardio kickboxing class.
What a great way to start my sunday! Now I can't honestly say that I won't be turning into a food blogger any time soon, as it has been something in the back of my mind. But for the next few months I will just keep you all on your toes, as I will be a lot more focused on mine. Well my feet anyways. Since this blog is supposed to be about the marathoner in the making!
I think I secretly wish I was a food blogger.
I say I think because I am not always so sure. I might have a commitment problem. Sometimes I know that it would be a good thing for me because then I would be more aware of what I was eating. As well as be more accountable for what I was eating. I also think it would tempt me to make more fun, healthy and interesting meals.
Then sometimes I am glad I haven't committed because then I wouldn't feel so conflicted when I have eaten Ben & Jerry's or frozen pizza. Which is exactly what I ate for dinner last night - case and point.
So I guess I will just do what I have been doing and that is showcasing my favorite meals. The ones in which I think are fun, look pretty, or have some spunk to them.
Which brings to me to my sunday funday breakfast! I knew I was going to hit up my favorite cardio kickboxing class today and wanted to be full of energy. I was inspired by an episode of Iron Chef where they made these mini dessert pancake sandwiches. Sounds a little bizaar I know.
To which I created my EggPanwich.
You may have wondered to yourself what's the dealio with this girl and pancakes? Who really knows? I hated them my whole life. Seriously. Then in the past few months I started experimenting with bananas, pumpkin and pretty much whatever I can find.
So the EggPanwich was created this morning and was ridiculously amazing.
My pancakes had a little maple kick.
Once you make the pancakes, you top with a fried egg.
Then add one strip of bacon and a tiny squirt of maple syrup for taste.
Holy yum! This breakfast was incredible and it filled me up! It also gave me tons of energy to kick and punch it up at my cardio kickboxing class.
What a great way to start my sunday! Now I can't honestly say that I won't be turning into a food blogger any time soon, as it has been something in the back of my mind. But for the next few months I will just keep you all on your toes, as I will be a lot more focused on mine. Well my feet anyways. Since this blog is supposed to be about the marathoner in the making!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fruity Friday: The Hawaiian Inspired Edition
You probably eat it all the time, but did you ever wonder what it tastes like straight from the nut? Well I am here to tell you how it is!
Meet Coco, The Coconut! 
But before I go into depth on the fruit of the week I have tell you what inspired me to buy Coco in it's full form.
J. Alabama (the bf) and I decided to branch out of our normal routine and try this Hawaiian Restaurant called Ono Hawaiian Cafe.
We decided to start our dinner off with an appetizer. When I looked at the menu I saw that they referred to it as PUPUS. Teeheehee...this made me laugh.
Our Pupu of choice was the coconut shrimp. (This may have been the start to coconut adventure.)
After we indulged in the delicious coconut shrimp it was time for my main entree. I settled on the Moanalua.
(the flower was my favorite part, oh yeah besides all the yummy stuff!)
Moanalua: Chicken Katsu Curry marinated chicken breaded in panko fried til crisp served with coconut curry sauce. I can't forget to mention the side of coconut infused rice!
Okay, so it probably doesn't sound all that healthy but the meal was amazing. I am a huge fan of curry too, so this was a perfect combo for my taste buds. It was also alot of food. It took at least two meals for me to finish it off.
So needless to say, after this coconutty experience I decided that I had to have one all of my own. And I was really interested in experience the task of opening one.
So folks, I welcome you to the Coconut Experience.
To open Coco you need tools. Seriously? It's a fruit right? Or is a nut? Heck I don't know and quite frankly I don't really care. I just want to get this thing open!
Get your pliers, hammers, nails, drills... whatever you think you will need ready. It's gonna be a chore!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they now sell the "easy to open" coconuts!
First step: You must really nicely convince your boyfriend that he has now been dubbed 'opener of thy nut' as you act as the assistant taking lots of pictures and maybe handing him a tool or two if he needs them.
The goal is to puncture Coco in three spots. We used a hammer and nail. It's very important that you see Coco's face. (Do you see it? Eyes, nose, mouth?)
By hammering in nail holes you are relieving some of the pressure. After that J. Alabama actually had to take the thing outside. Because pounding really hard on my counters with a hammer and coconut probably sounded really horrible to my neighbors. Once outside he cracked that baby open. I was squealing with delight.. ooohh coconut milk. Yeah! Like real coconut milk from a real coconut!
This is what he brought in with him.
An empty nut. :(
I got ripped off. My coconut was milk less. There was not a drop in there.
After I pouted for about 30 seconds I grabbed a knife and helped deshell Coco. We were now down to the fresh coconut meat.
I put a small piece into my mouth to savor the experience. What I tasted was coconut.
I mean what did you expect me say? It wasn't juicy, it wasn't sweet.
It was just coconut.
But it was kind of disappointing. Maybe because my coconut was milk less it was dryer than usual? But I didn't even think Coco tasted as good as it does out of the bag from the store. (that is the saddest part I think).
Well I was definitely determined to put Coco to good use. So I had a plan.
Coco meet cheese grater. Cheese grater meet Coco.
I will just make my own coconut flakes. Because quite honestly I did not know what else I was going to do with a bunch of dry pieces of coconut. You will have stayed tuned to see how I creatively use my very own coconut. YAY!
In case you really wondered, this source refers to Coco as a fruit. But there are many debates on whether it actually is a fruit, nut, or seed. Interesting huh?
And don't forget to stop by Aneta's Blog to check our her take on the Coconut!
But before I go into depth on the fruit of the week I have tell you what inspired me to buy Coco in it's full form.
J. Alabama (the bf) and I decided to branch out of our normal routine and try this Hawaiian Restaurant called Ono Hawaiian Cafe.
We decided to start our dinner off with an appetizer. When I looked at the menu I saw that they referred to it as PUPUS. Teeheehee...this made me laugh.
Our Pupu of choice was the coconut shrimp. (This may have been the start to coconut adventure.)
After we indulged in the delicious coconut shrimp it was time for my main entree. I settled on the Moanalua.
(the flower was my favorite part, oh yeah besides all the yummy stuff!)
Moanalua: Chicken Katsu Curry marinated chicken breaded in panko fried til crisp served with coconut curry sauce. I can't forget to mention the side of coconut infused rice!
Okay, so it probably doesn't sound all that healthy but the meal was amazing. I am a huge fan of curry too, so this was a perfect combo for my taste buds. It was also alot of food. It took at least two meals for me to finish it off.
So needless to say, after this coconutty experience I decided that I had to have one all of my own. And I was really interested in experience the task of opening one.
So folks, I welcome you to the Coconut Experience.
To open Coco you need tools. Seriously? It's a fruit right? Or is a nut? Heck I don't know and quite frankly I don't really care. I just want to get this thing open!
Get your pliers, hammers, nails, drills... whatever you think you will need ready. It's gonna be a chore!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they now sell the "easy to open" coconuts!
First step: You must really nicely convince your boyfriend that he has now been dubbed 'opener of thy nut' as you act as the assistant taking lots of pictures and maybe handing him a tool or two if he needs them.
The goal is to puncture Coco in three spots. We used a hammer and nail. It's very important that you see Coco's face. (Do you see it? Eyes, nose, mouth?)
By hammering in nail holes you are relieving some of the pressure. After that J. Alabama actually had to take the thing outside. Because pounding really hard on my counters with a hammer and coconut probably sounded really horrible to my neighbors. Once outside he cracked that baby open. I was squealing with delight.. ooohh coconut milk. Yeah! Like real coconut milk from a real coconut!
This is what he brought in with him.
I got ripped off. My coconut was milk less. There was not a drop in there.
After I pouted for about 30 seconds I grabbed a knife and helped deshell Coco. We were now down to the fresh coconut meat.
I put a small piece into my mouth to savor the experience. What I tasted was coconut.
I mean what did you expect me say? It wasn't juicy, it wasn't sweet.
It was just coconut.
But it was kind of disappointing. Maybe because my coconut was milk less it was dryer than usual? But I didn't even think Coco tasted as good as it does out of the bag from the store. (that is the saddest part I think).
Well I was definitely determined to put Coco to good use. So I had a plan.
Coco meet cheese grater. Cheese grater meet Coco.
I will just make my own coconut flakes. Because quite honestly I did not know what else I was going to do with a bunch of dry pieces of coconut. You will have stayed tuned to see how I creatively use my very own coconut. YAY!
In case you really wondered, this source refers to Coco as a fruit. But there are many debates on whether it actually is a fruit, nut, or seed. Interesting huh?
And don't forget to stop by Aneta's Blog to check our her take on the Coconut!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
My Purple Monster
Well this morning was definitely not as productive as yesterday, that's for sure! However, I still managed to find a wee bit of time this morning to try out one of my christmas presents that I have been dying to use. (A big thanks goes out to my mom & dad!)
I present to you the Smoothie Blast!
I was complaining that my blender was acting up and probably going to die on me any day. I don't know what I would do if that happened because I pretty much start everyday with the infamous green monster smoothie.
So my parent's take good hints and got me this awesome smoothie blender. Well this morning I decided to try something new in my new blender. It's not too far from my usual, but when I looked at the fruits I had to work with I thought what a better way to break in the smoothie blast then by switching it up a bit.
Well the base is always good ole spinach. A few handfuls does a body good!
This little guy was looking like he needed some smoothie love today.
To change it up I added about 1/3 cup of frozen blueberries. This was new and exciting for me.
A handful of fresh blackberries for good measure.
Oh and an unpictured scoop of protein powder for added ooomph!
Then blend away! The best part about the Smoothie Blast is the stir stick thing in the middle. It helped alot to push all the spinach down. With my old blender it was not such an easy process to do this and I usually ended up making a huge mess!
Check it out, it even has a convenient pour spout!
And look, no hands!
And then the purple monster was born.
My Purple Monster!
Okay the straw didn't work so well in the wine glass. I like to drink out of classy glasses sometimes because it makes me happy. Funny huh? I sometimes think it's the little things that can bring so much joy.
P.S The Purple monster was berry-licious! It's a keeper of a recipe.
What is your favorite fun smoothie concoction? (I am usually a peanut butter & banana girl).
I was complaining that my blender was acting up and probably going to die on me any day. I don't know what I would do if that happened because I pretty much start everyday with the infamous green monster smoothie.
So my parent's take good hints and got me this awesome smoothie blender. Well this morning I decided to try something new in my new blender. It's not too far from my usual, but when I looked at the fruits I had to work with I thought what a better way to break in the smoothie blast then by switching it up a bit.
Well the base is always good ole spinach. A few handfuls does a body good!
This little guy was looking like he needed some smoothie love today.
To change it up I added about 1/3 cup of frozen blueberries. This was new and exciting for me.
A handful of fresh blackberries for good measure.
Oh and an unpictured scoop of protein powder for added ooomph!
Then blend away! The best part about the Smoothie Blast is the stir stick thing in the middle. It helped alot to push all the spinach down. With my old blender it was not such an easy process to do this and I usually ended up making a huge mess!
Check it out, it even has a convenient pour spout!
And look, no hands!
And then the purple monster was born.
My Purple Monster!
Okay the straw didn't work so well in the wine glass. I like to drink out of classy glasses sometimes because it makes me happy. Funny huh? I sometimes think it's the little things that can bring so much joy.
P.S The Purple monster was berry-licious! It's a keeper of a recipe.
What is your favorite fun smoothie concoction? (I am usually a peanut butter & banana girl).
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Success = Pumpkinchip Pancakes
Do you set yourself up to succeed?
If you haven't noticed I love to make goals. And I love to achieve them. But what I have found to be the best method to success is that you still must put a lot of effort in before you even start.
Yes, this may mean to simply pull out my workout clothes from the dryer and set them neatly in a pile ready for me to grab in the morning.
It means to dig through my closet to find my designated spinning shoes ahead of time.
And this refers to the lovely task of finding two matching athletic socks and putting them in range of the shoes.
Now this doesn't seem like such a chore to most people, but at 5:00 am in the morning it makes all the difference in the world. I am not usually a happy camper until the spinning class is over. But then I'm high on life!
So this morning was a test. A test of my strength and will. I set myself up to succeed. I laid out my clothes the night before. I set my alarm clock for the earth shattering time of 4:50 am and went to bed before the strike of 10:00 pm, all in efforts to get in a 50 minute morning spin class.
Well let me just assure you that it worked wonderfully! I was excited when I woke up and it was easy for me to get ready and make it my spin class early. I am so glad I was so prepared because when I got there I only saw 2 available seats left. And class didn't start for 10 more minutes. These spinners are hardcore!
I was excited to see a familiar face upon my arrival to spin class, Paige from The STP Experiment. She is the person who first got me started on running and spinning! She is currently training for her own adventure of riding 206 miles on bike from Seattle To Portland in 6 months. Now that is intense!
Well the class kicked my butt. I was sweating up a storm in a matter of minutes. But I remember how good I felt last year when I regularly attended these early morning spinning classes. I have noticed that is really helps my endurance when running. I was also especially excitable when the spin instructor said to stand up on our bikes and run. I did envision myself running with purpose and intensity, though I was still on a bike. It rocked!
Being done with my workout and showered before 7:00 am gave me lots of extra time to do things I wouldn't normally do on a work day. I had time to eat a real breakfast.
I was craving pumpkin & chocolate so that's what I had. I had a little pumpkin left over and threw in a handful of carob (which tastes similar to chocolate and seems more healthy to me). But it hit the spot nonetheless!
And let me just preface my breakfast by saying I have actually never, by myself, made pancakes. I usually pawn this job off to the boyfriend, because he is SO good at it. But today it was just me, all by myself.
So the first batch was a little over done. Oops!
Second batch, a little battery in the middle. Double oops!
But all in all I could taste the sweet pumpkiny-chocolaty taste of success in my mouth. I accomplished more this morning (and feel amazing) than I do in most days. I found that taking the extra time to set myself up to succeed really made all the difference in the world.
What are tips you do to set yourself up for achieving your goals?
If you haven't noticed I love to make goals. And I love to achieve them. But what I have found to be the best method to success is that you still must put a lot of effort in before you even start.
Yes, this may mean to simply pull out my workout clothes from the dryer and set them neatly in a pile ready for me to grab in the morning.
It means to dig through my closet to find my designated spinning shoes ahead of time.
And this refers to the lovely task of finding two matching athletic socks and putting them in range of the shoes.
Now this doesn't seem like such a chore to most people, but at 5:00 am in the morning it makes all the difference in the world. I am not usually a happy camper until the spinning class is over. But then I'm high on life!
So this morning was a test. A test of my strength and will. I set myself up to succeed. I laid out my clothes the night before. I set my alarm clock for the earth shattering time of 4:50 am and went to bed before the strike of 10:00 pm, all in efforts to get in a 50 minute morning spin class.
Well let me just assure you that it worked wonderfully! I was excited when I woke up and it was easy for me to get ready and make it my spin class early. I am so glad I was so prepared because when I got there I only saw 2 available seats left. And class didn't start for 10 more minutes. These spinners are hardcore!
I was excited to see a familiar face upon my arrival to spin class, Paige from The STP Experiment. She is the person who first got me started on running and spinning! She is currently training for her own adventure of riding 206 miles on bike from Seattle To Portland in 6 months. Now that is intense!
Well the class kicked my butt. I was sweating up a storm in a matter of minutes. But I remember how good I felt last year when I regularly attended these early morning spinning classes. I have noticed that is really helps my endurance when running. I was also especially excitable when the spin instructor said to stand up on our bikes and run. I did envision myself running with purpose and intensity, though I was still on a bike. It rocked!
Being done with my workout and showered before 7:00 am gave me lots of extra time to do things I wouldn't normally do on a work day. I had time to eat a real breakfast.
I was craving pumpkin & chocolate so that's what I had. I had a little pumpkin left over and threw in a handful of carob (which tastes similar to chocolate and seems more healthy to me). But it hit the spot nonetheless!
And let me just preface my breakfast by saying I have actually never, by myself, made pancakes. I usually pawn this job off to the boyfriend, because he is SO good at it. But today it was just me, all by myself.
So the first batch was a little over done. Oops!
Second batch, a little battery in the middle. Double oops!
But all in all I could taste the sweet pumpkiny-chocolaty taste of success in my mouth. I accomplished more this morning (and feel amazing) than I do in most days. I found that taking the extra time to set myself up to succeed really made all the difference in the world.
What are tips you do to set yourself up for achieving your goals?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Weighing the Costs
Who knew that the sport of running would be such a costly hobby?
Seriously?!
I thought by picking running out of the many other hobbies my wallet would be safe. I mean really - when running what else do you need besides a pair of running shoes?
The shoes are the most important part, I agree. They are the soul of your sole.
I just realized though that my new "investment" aka my pink runners are not going to do it for it me. I mean, they will get me through a good chunk of pre-marathon training, but they will only be pair 1 of shoes that get me through 2010.
I am sure atleast 1-2 more pairs will purchased between now and October 17th, 2010. And that is not all. There is the changing seasons to account for. The new running shorts, wicking tanks, wicking shirts, running skirt (must have), running socks, sports bras, the glide, the gu AND the race entry fees (to name a few)!
Do I sound like I am whining? Maybe a little. I guess I just thought I was buying a pair of shoes. I thought I might run in one little 5k race because well who buys a $100 pair of shoes and doesn't show them off? Duh! So naturally I had to sign up for that race.
I didn't head the warnings. People said I would get addicted after the first race. The rush of hundreds of people swarming past you. The sounds of feet patting the pavement. The smell of sweat and determination in the air. And let's not forget the feeling of accomplishment and excitement when you cross that finish line. Whether it be the first time or the 49th time, it's a damn amazing feeling.
I actually started this running adventure as a way to lose a few pounds. I thought what the heck, running seems like a great form of cardio and it's a great excuse to get outside once in awhile.
It's been about 9 months since I first slipped on my old New Balance running shoes. I don't miss the shin splints, the chaffing ( I hadn't received the memo of cotton being the devil yet), and the feeling that my chest was going to expode out of my body.
But I am loving the feeling of freedom as I run through the greenbelt. I am loving the comraderie that was formed with The Will Run For Wine running group. I am amazed everyday at how I am able to push my body in new ways. And I am thankful for the support of people in my life.
Running may be slowly draining whatever life savings I might have had, but in the long run (pun intended) I know it's the way to go! My body, mind and spirit seem happier after each and every run. So I have to conclude that for me running makes sense. If only I could find a way for it to make cents, I'm sure my mindbodyspirit would be even more delighted.
Happy Running!
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