Homemade Iced Coffee is a good idea

45min run (5miles)
45min swim (1650yds)

I had a good run with Steph this morning and then we hit the pool.  Getting both workouts done in the morning feels so awesome.
Until about 3pm.
Then that 4:50 alarm really bites ya in the butt.

Thank goodness for this vat of remarkable liquid.
That's coffee concentrate, baby!  I can't find the lid to that jar.  I think it is possibly a martian ship that has landed in the sandbox.  Thank you Press and Seal.  
That jar of awesome means I can have an iced coffee whenever the toothpicks fail to keep my eyelids open the mood strikes.  Thank you Pioneer Woman!
The woman is a genius.  I think I will send her a thank you.
Get her recipe here.
I made mine this afternoon with a bit of vanilla soy milk and a drizzle of (fat-free) sweetened condensed milk.  Amazing.
Plus it WAY cheaper than Starbucks.
Double Amazing!
I'm always looking to save a buck.

Well at least until this kid gets drafted.
Swing batta batta batta!

I think I should golf

1hr bike (15.2miles) I was suppose to to have an easy ride and focus on my cadence and pedal stroke.  Being a runner, I mash my pedals sometimes all the times.  That isn't very efficient. 
So I try to keep my cadence between 80-90 and concentrate on making full circles with my pedals. 

Totally rocked the cadence bit today. That's the 83 number you see.  I really need to work on my speed though.  :-)
My computer died so I had no idea how fast I was going until I got home.  Apparently I'm taking the rest week a bit to seriously.  I need to pick up the speed a bit.

Or take up golf.  The course looked so lush and green this morning.  Perfect for taking a nap golf.
Those golfers might be on to something.  I wonder what would happen if you mash the petals on a golf cart?  I hear there is beer.
I should take up golf.
In other news:
Check it out!

I was so shocked to see this on the road I had to turn back and make sure it was real.
I thought these only existed in museums but there it was.
So rad!
I did a quick scan of the area to see if there was a DeLorean parked near by.  Maybe Marty McFly was doing some more time travel and dropped it.
I'm old.
I should take up golf.

I made a mess today.
Wait, I do that everyday.  Messy Missy, doesn't just rhyme.  It's truth.

If the long arm of the law happened to stop by I would have some explaining to do.

They would have to let me go.

Unless bagging sugar and flour is illegal.  With the mess I made, it should be.

I belong to a craft exchange group.  Every summer we get together and exchange kids crafts, science experiments, baking kits, games, etc; to keep our kiddos busy over the summer.

I am not super creative when it comes to those types of activities so I am so grateful for this exchange.

I came home with 12 fun activities to do with my kids!  They really look forward to these.  It is like Christmas when I walk in the door.

I took the ingredients for these and turned it into a kit.  I made 12 kits, plus one for us. I take my 12 kits to the exchange party and come home with 12 fun activities.

It is genius really.

Thank goodness for genius friends.  My kids get real sick of coloring and play-doh, fast (that's me being creative).

What is one of your favorite summer activities?

Are you crafty?

More importantly, do ya need a golf partner?

Taco Skillet

51min run(5.5miles) 
50min swim(2200yds)
I had a nice easy flat run and a good swim with lots of drills.  I don't mind doing swim drills but I always feel a bit like I'm drowning.  I guess I need to work more on my swim drills so I get more skills.
I'm a dork.
Sorry.
This week is a rest week for me.

Um, not that much resting.  
That means that I survived the first few weeks of training and after this week my first block of training is done.  Only 4000 or so more to go. Joking.
Kinda.
After this week of rest I will have 24 weeks left of training.
Piece of cake. * sarcasm*  
Actually, I want cake.
This first block of training was to ease back into training and get the body used to regular workouts.  Nice and easy was the theme.
I nailed the nice and easy part.  I feel good, strong and healthy going into this next block of training.
Bring cake it!

I don't have a cake recipe for you.  I wish I did.  I should remedy that.
Soon.
Anyway.  I do have a fairly fast dinner that won't heat up the kitchen.
Unless you like it hot.
Then ya can heat it up with some hot sauce. Hot stuff. ;-)


Taco Skillet
1 package (20oz) lean ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper,chopped
1 package taco seasoning
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5oz) petite diced tomatoes
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups water
1 cup picante sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
crushed tortilla chips
Toppings:
avocado or guacamole
lettuce, tomato, sour cream


In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook turkey, onion and green pepper until the turkey is no longer pink.
Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, macaroni, water and picante sauce.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat;cover and simmer for 10-15minutes or until the macaroni is tender.  
Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let rest for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
Top servings with crushed tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.
Serves 8


Missy's Notes
I make my own taco seasoning but I use roughly the same amount that is in a taco packet.  Sometimes I add a bit more so maybe buy two taco packets so you can adjust to your families tastes. 
The picture is without the lettuce.  I only had mixed lettuce with herbs, that didn't sound Mexican to me.
Let the kids top it the way they like it.  They dig that stuff. ;-)


Enjoy!

A weekend of fun

Sunday- 2:05 bike(32.2miles) It was a flat easy ride.

And cool.  I had to dig my arm warmers out of hibernation.  They have never seen the month of May before.  I can't speak for them but I would love to have them along for more rides.

If only it would stay like this all summer.  Sigh.

We had a great weekend.  We were very busy enjoying the awesome weather and the extra day with dad home.

I am so grateful for the men and women who have sacrificed so I can live in a free country.  

Thank you, thank you and God bless you and your families!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. 

And than you to Christy over at My Dirt Road Anthem for turning me on to picmonkey.  I can now photo bomb you all with a ton more bad photos of me sweating.

You should probably send her a thank you. :-)

I think I'm a fish!

1:20run (8.7miles) It was a beautiful morning.

I knew the weather was going to be cooler so I slept in for probably the last time before the weather gets too hot.  The first few miles were horrible.  I was certain I was in for a crappy run but I eventually settled into a grove.  It ended up being A OK.

Thumbs up for the run.  I would give the unattractive sweat marks a thumbs down.

I have always wanted swoobs. :-)
1:08 Swim(3000yrds) I figured out why my run was a bit off at the start.
Because fins are horrible for running. I'm a freaking fish!
I had a great swim.  The water and I became one.  It was glorious.
I'm gonna have Todd check to see if I have gills.


I think they said the high today was going to be 82.  It was absolutely amazing.
Us Arizonans know this is a true gift.

We took full advantage of it.  
Hope you had a wonderful Saturday.

Getting off on the right foot

1:19 bike(21.3miles) I over slept so I had to ride solo.  Boo.  I still had a good ride even if it was a bit lonely.
55min swim(2400yd) Swimming,swimming,swimming! It was a good day in the pool.


Our summer got off on the right foot.

Recipe Here
Make these with your kids.
ASAP!

Albeit a goofy foot.


Hope you had a super Friday!

The world is still turning

Wednesday- 1:21 bike(22.5miles) It was a good ride.  We hit some hills and had a few spurts of speed, possibly while trying to hunt down some other riders.  I get a bit competitive sometimes.  When training you need to follow the training plan and in my training plan it didn't say to go balls out trying to catch a pack of riders.  I'll follow it more closely......tomorrow.
I will TRY to follow it more closely. ;-)
Tuesday-50min run (5.5miles) Hill run My legs needed a bit of convincing this morning as we hit the hills.  Perhaps that is why you should following a training plan.  Hmmm.... If you hammer your legs they will feel like crap the next day.  Got it.

After my run I did a little barefoot running back and forth through the grass.  I swear I could be a barefoot runner.
If there was a fluffy grass tracks all around the world. ;-)
I love running barefoot in the grass.  It helps me connect with my mid foot and it makes me feel like a kid.  
Then you step in a squishy spot and you go running for your shoes. Ewww


SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER!!!
HOORAY!!

The class of 2024!  Can you believe it?  
Remember when people thought world was gonna shut down in 2000?
Funny.
These little guys are gonna really get a kick out of that story when they are older.

My little girl is no longer a kindergartner.  On to 1st grade.
Wow time flies. 


BRING ON THE SUMMER TIME FUN!!

Lemon Caper Tilapia

Monday-weights and core work I had to put together a workout at home since I had sick kids.  
Tuesday- 1hr run(6.5miles) 50min swim(2300yds)
I was a nice easy run.  I felt really good this morning. 

7am.

What's a girl to do when it starts heating up?  

Run through the sprinklers!  Of course.

Field of dreams relief  sprinklers.  I might have to run here all summer.


It has been crazy busy around here, as is always the case at the end of school.  When things get crazy I'm thankful for fast dinners.

Fish is one of my go to for quick dinners.  I like to buy the ones that are  individually packaged (they come about 10 or so fillets to a bag).  I can take out as many fillets as I need from the freezer and throw them in a sink of cold water and they will thaw in about 15min.  Just enough time to get the rest of the ingredients ready and some rice going.

Not the prettiest piece.
I served it with roasted broccoli (it roasts at 425 too),
fruit and a slice of sourdough.

This is one of our favorite ways to eat Tilapia.  I think most fish would work with this recipe though.


Lemon Caper Tilapia
From Simple and Delicious

• 5 tilapia fillets 
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika

• Place tilapia in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, garlic powder and salt; pour over the fillets. Sprinkle with capers, oregano and paprika.
• Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 10-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. 

Enjoy!

A weekend of workouts

Saturday- Bike 1:41(30miles) plus 21mile for the Not One More Foundation (1:30) 

The first 30miles was a nice fast pace ride with rolling hills.  I felt pretty good and the weather was lovely.

The last 20 miles was for the Ride Of Honor.  Cyclist gathered from all around the valley to ride to the capital building.
It was a rally to bring awareness to bicycle safety, promote sharing the road, and to show the legislators that we need laws to protect cyclists and other users of the roadways in this state. 
Last but not least it was ride to honor those that have lost their life or been injured while cycling.
I was glad I got to take part in this.  I believe that cars and cyclist can get along if we just remember what we all learned in Kindergarten.  
Share and play nice. 


Sunday-1:10mile run(7.6miles), 45min swim(2000yds)
This morning I ran the canal behind the gym so I could hit the pool after my run(my gym doesn't open until 8 on the weekends, suckish). I wanted to knock both workouts out before church so I could have the rest of the day free.
I love running south into the town of Gilbert.  There are lots of older small farms that I'm sure were once out of town farms before the city grew in a blink of an eye.
You can hear roosters crow, cows moo, and horses whinny.  
It's a wild kingdom down there.
Check it out.

I love the large mature trees and all the green grass along the canal.

I got to figure out what kinda bird that is.  It doesn't seem to fit in the desert.

I took this picture for the boys.  This is a drool worthy tree house.

Noisy roosters. 

That would be a Llama.  I really need to work on my photog skills. In my defense I was getting tired.
I was worried about today's run.  I took it easy and it wasn't bad.  My legs definitely felt heavy but not as bad as I expected them to be.

 Triathletes are messy have a lot of crap.
I was worried about my run but it was the swim that I should have worried about.  It was horrible.  My arms were really tired and tight and I have know idea why.  I should have taken in some fuel on my run since I was swimming right after.
It's a learning process.
I'm very grateful to have those two workouts behind me.

I did refuel with Huevos Rancheros.  I learned a long time ago Huevos is always a good idea.  So good.  
Then off to church.

In compression?

Compression undercover.  No one was the wiser.
I hope it's the picture that was unflattering and that's not what I really looked like.
Hmmm.

Unflattering picture or not, there is pie!
We always have cherry pie on May 20th.  Today is my husbands birthday!!  
I really LOVE pie him.