Happy New Year

Workout- 13mile run (2hr on the nose) I would like to say that I kicked 2011 to the curb with a killer run this morning.

I can't.
I think it kicked me in the shin, or tummy, or hip or....everywhere.   I didn't quit though.  Oh, I thought about it.  I really did but then I couldn't whine to you about how sucktastic my run was.
And suck it did. 

The sunrise didn't suck.
I think my legs were still wore out from the hilly Wednesday ride.  You don't hear about marathoners cranking out 30 miles of climbing in the middle of marathon training.  Really.  I may wear a cape but I don't really have super powers.  Shhh, don't tell the kids.  My legs felt dead the whole blasted run. 
Then there was the little fact that I didn't really eat much of anything yesterday, and forget about drinking water, that wasn't happening much either.  What gives?  That is really unlike me.  I payed for it for 2 whole hours.  Lesson learned.....again.  Smarts and super powers evade me.
Oh, and somebody added a few hills in the last few miles. That was pretty crapalicious.

She wasn't crapalicious but I think she is the one who added those hills.  Ok, ok, it wasn't her.  She did throw a good elbow at the one who added them.  My arm still hurts. :-)
I have had some darn good runs lately so I need to shut it.  You have good and bad runs, it is the nature of running.  I just know that I could have made better choices and this run wouldn't have sucked so bad.

Our run finished at Starbucks!  Whoever mapped that run (me) is a genius!


I wanted to do a post with a reflection on 2011, it was a pretty stellar year for me full of PR's and fun.
I wanted to end the post with a few thoughts about heading into 2012, it looks to be pretty exciting.
I wanted to do all that, I did. But......

I started throwing sugar and butter into booze and this happened.

And this.

It ended with Baileys added to a buttercream. Swoon...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

I hope you all have a safe and fun evening. 
My resolution is to write a long meaningful blog post and comb my hair. 
I am hoping to knock those out tomorrow.
Dream big!

Hot swim on a magnificent day

Workout- 2000m swim.  The pool water was so warm it was tough to get those laps in.  I just wanted to take a nap. 
Do hot tubs make you tired like they do me?  I always get so sleepy.
So imagine what it was like for me trying to swim.  Yawn, sigh....it was a stellar performance. 
Hey, at least I remembered where the pool was.  It's been awhile. 
Since it is right next to Dunkin, I will never forget.

Got out my trusty old mountain bike and pulled about 80lbs of kids and equipment to Sonic and then the park.
Yeah, I wear a cape.  Don't you?
You should.

The crazies used other modes of transportation. 

It was a magnificent day to test playground equipment. 
I think Jocelyn and I should rent out our kids.  If anyone can figure out whether or not something is durable our kids can. 
Did you have a magnificent day?   I hope ya did.


I have a 13mile run in the morning.  I think it is a perfect way to say good bye to 2011. 
What are your plans?

New years food and drink

Workout-3mile run(26min, 16sec) Flat easy run with music.

54 degrees!!!! How could I not go for a run.  Do you believe that forecast?  High five!
Yes, I went running at 11.  When I sleep in, which I did, it takes a lot to get me motivated to get out the door.  
My run started slow but I finally got into a grove just in time for it to be over.  Lame. 
I was glad my legs didn't seem to tired after yesterdays climbing. Score.  
I could have kept going but the training plan says 3miles, so I run 3 miles.  I have a 13 miler looming on Saturday so I'm ok with it.  I'm lazy that way.

I was a running billboard for the sport of triathlon today.  If anyone is looking for a spokes model, I'm your girl.
Yeah, I was doing the old school sleeve roll.  It got warm and I wanted to be kewl.
Moving on before I embarrass myself anymore with bad slang and fashion. 
So the word on the street is Saturday is New Years Eve!  I also hear that people enjoy yummy food and drink as they ring in the new year.  I don't want you to be left out so I have two recipes for you. 
Make these two and you'll have a party right in your kitchen.
Or take them to your friends and share the love. 
Either way I hope you enjoy.

Cape Codder Punch
adapted from myrecipes
3 cups 100% cranberry juice
3/4-1 cup vodka (to your desired taste)
2-3 large limes, juiced (to taste)
1/2  (1-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled
Ice cubes
Garnish: fresh cranberries and lime wedges on swizzle sticks
Stir together the first 3 ingredients. Stir in ginger ale just before serving. Serve over ice. Garnish if desired.  
Missy's Notes
This is just a rough recipe. You can adjust it to suit your tastes. 
For the kiddies just leave out the vodka.

Pickled Shrimp 
from Holidays and Celebrations cookbook

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons celery seed
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 pound cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
• 2 bay leaves
• 
  
• In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first 11 ingredients; add the shrimp, onion and bay leaves. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Drain and discard marinade and bay leaves. 
• Serve shrimp with toothpicks. 

The ride I love to hate

Workout- 29.3mile ride (1 hr, 56min) It was a windy, hilly ride.  This morning we did the ride I love to hate. Destination Tortilla Flats. 
I think it is actually considered a town but it is a restaurant out by Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is a beast to get to and Tortilla flats is only two miserable miles past that. The whole ride you are either climbing or you are climbing.  It is a tough ride no doubt, that is why I hate it.

And that's why I love it.  Since it's a holiday it was a bit busy, normally it is really quiet and peaceful.  All you hear (beside me gasping for air) is the wind howling through the canyons and the coyotes celebrating the morning with a few yelps.  It is a nice reprieve from the city and I just love it out there, even though I will whine relentlessly about getting there.

 I tried to get a pic of the wind, it was brutal in some parts. 

Well, that is a real bummer.  

Froyo with fruity pebbles and gummies is not a bummer.  She says it is awesome.  Ok.

The whole fam thinks froyo is awesome.

We took the crazies to the zoo today.  It was just too gorgeous to be inside.  I don't make the boys dress alike.  They actually hate looking alike, since they are three years apart and all.  They need to be more aware of their surroundings when getting dressed, I guess.  I really don't think they noticed until we were at the zoo.  How is that possible?

I think I have mentioned before that the orangutan exhibit is my favorite.  I really enjoy it.

It is just like home.  Bradon can you stop swinging from the....oh sorry Bradon, thought that was you.
It is fun to watch all their antics and how similar they are to the crazies in my house. 

I really like the zoo and every time I go I see something or learn something new.
Blue frogs?  Who knew?


Hope you all had an amazing hump day. 
Did you learn anything new?

Record breaking run, I swear

Workout- run This genius forgot Mr. G and Steph's Garmin died  before we started. We are a pretty amazing team. It was a course we have ran before so I am pretty sure we got in 6 miles. I don't have the exact time but I know we probably broke a record. If only we had proof.

source

We broke the land speed record though. I'm sure of it.

We went out later so we got to watch the sunrise on this brisk morning. 

Wow, so that's what we look like in the light.  6 mile run in the bank!  Nice work ladies. 

For this I will rise early. Good morning!


I have to show you a Christmas present I got from my racing peeps!

Love! 
I just can't decide where to put it.  I'm thinking by my bed since everyday is a race day at my house. 
A rat race.
Now I need to get Todd to put a metal over my head and say congratulations every night.

They also got me some reusable Red Solo cups.  I think that sends a mixed message.  I guess I will have to fill them with Emergen-C spiked with vodka.
I told ya I was a little bit country.

I'm number, um...I'm a genius...I think

Workout- 3mile run (28min, 12sec) Flat canal run. 

These two guys went with me today.  The company my husband works for is closed from the 23rd till Jan.3rd. How cool is that?  Today we slept in and went for a late morning run. It was wonderful.  Todd doesn't run much but every once and awhile he will go out with me. He takes one step for every three of mine. Not fair. 

So I push the pace until this happens. I win. Take that long legs!

If daddy takes up running he is gonna kick mommy's.... Mommy's number 1!

This grass that daddy planted is napalicious.

The leaves he raked are sooo fun.
Ok, daddy's number 1.
Too.


I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was really good to you.
My Christmas was excellent.  Lots of fun and food. Smiles and calories. A perfect Christmas.

I ate a giant salad today in hopes it would erase some damage   from yesterday.  I followed it with cookies and candy so I think I'm back where I started. 

So I tried a pedicure. It's kinda like detox, right?  
My second toe is bigger. Obvi.  It means I use bad teenager slang I'm a genius. 

The inside of my purse. Having a spoon and kitchen string in my purse means I have to return them to Jocelyn I'm a genius.

I'm doing this! You should too. 
Cause I'm a genius it's fun and will get you off the couch.
Do it!

Merry Christmas!

Workout- It's Christmas people, cut me some slack. :-)


Hope you are enjoying the birth of Jesus with family and friends!

MERRY

um, MERRY

ugg, 

MERRY

Chri

Dang it!

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!!

Really.

Running on Christmas eve

Workout-12mile run (1hr, 50min)

It was 39 degrees this morning.  Brisk baby.  
I listened to Beat it by Fall Out Boy to get fired up for my long run.

These ladies really light up my life. They look cold but they are smokin. 

We started off  on a pretty flat route and ended the last four miles on a few hills.  I cursed a little.  Oh, how I love those bleepin hills.

I sang a few songs, the classics like, "I can't wait to get to my car, I'm tired of running so far".  It was my Christmas gift to the ladies. 

Another good run with the ladies. 
I love starting my Christmas celebrations with a good run and great friends. 

I drove home listening to one of my favorite Christmas songs. 

I celebrate the day that Jesus was born!

Merry Christmas Everyone! God Bless.