#10: Finish a half marathon in 2 hours or less

For the fourth year in a row, my parents and I spent the first weekend in January in Orlando for marathon weekend at Disney!  This time we brought Shannon along - she didn't run, but was there to cheer us along...well...sorta...but more on that later!  We are by no means Disney aficionados or fanatics but we continue to go back year after year since we still feel there is something magical about the entire experience.  In regards to the parks, as adults, we have found that we don't worry as much about hitting every single ride - but rather we focus on our favorites, utilizing the Fast Pass system to our advantage.  We eat delicious dinners and relax with some drinks in our hotel room.  As far as the marathon, I would say that of all the runs I have done over the years, Disney continues to be my favorite.  There is something to be said about being surrounded by 27,000 other people (from all ages, heights, weights, etc.) - all gathered for the same purpose:  to cross that finish line!

Now onto the race details!  In order to interfere as little as possible with traffic for people trying to go to the parks (I am assuming), Disney has the earliest start time of any race I have participated in thus far:  5:30am.  This means that you have to board transportation to the race start by 4am - meaning you must wake up around 3am.  It's QUITE the task to get up that early in general, let alone having to get up that early and then run 13.1 miles.  Yet, I have a better perspective on the entire situation after getting up at that time last year and running 26.2 - so I was in pretty good spirits!

After scarfing down a bit of coffee, water, and a bagel with peanut butter, we were on the monorail headed for the start.  Once we arrived, we immediately got into a porta-potty line and tried to stay warm with our plastic trash bags and body heat.  The next hour or so was pretty boring - so I'll spare you the details - but eventually we made our way over to the corrals.  My dad and I (somehow) were put into corral A - way near the front, right behind the elite runners.  When I got my corral assignment the day before, the woman who gave it to me commented that I must be a really fast runner.  I wanted to inform her that there obviously must have been some mistake!  At any rate, after the national anthem (sung beautifully by a Disney cast member), a little show by Mickey, Donald, Minnie, and Goofy, and some fireworks, we were off running!

Prior to starting the race, I was aiming to try to keep up with  my dad as much as possible.  He ran a sub-2 hour half marathon last year and since I thought it was an attainable goal for myself after running 2:00:47 at Hershey in October, I knew I'd be able to pace well with him.  My dad unfortunately was just getting over a cold and was not his normal running self.  I ran with him until about the 5-6 mile mark before leaving him in the dust...hahaha...just kidding, he definitely had the elements against him on this particular run!  I myself actually felt really great during the run.  I ran the course before, so that made me feel more calm knowing that there weren't going to be any unexpected hills and that I was aware of the points where there may not be as many spectators.  I also knew to look for Shannon around mile 5, which was right outside of the Contemporary Resort (where we were staying), and was ready to wave at her while she cheered for me!  When I got to that point, I realized it may be more difficult than I anticipated for her to spot me (and vice versa) as spectators were positioned on both sides of the road and it was still dark outside.  Just when I thought all hope was lost - I saw her - and had to shout her name about three times before she turned to look at me.  I actually think she may have been sleeping with her eyes open - that's how super psyched she looked to be outside at that hour...  only kidding!  It was absolutely wonderful to have her there supporting me.

I knew that I was doing pretty well in terms of speed - although I made the mistake of forgetting my new running watch that Shan bought me for Christmas!  I stupidly left it in my hotel room so I wasn't sure exactly how I was doing time-wise - but I had a feeling (based on the clocks that were positioned at every mile) that I was going to be REALLY close to the 2 hour mark by the finish.  Needless to say, once I was a 1/2 mile or so away from the end, I started to PUSH IT.  When I crossed the finish line, the clock said 2:01:48, so I figured I either made it or missed it by SECONDS in regards to what my actual chip time would be - since I was pretty sure I started just a few minutes after the elite runners.  Turns out,  my official time was 1:59:49 (originally 1:59:51 according to the text message they sent Shannon - but I later found out it was 2 seconds slow)!!!!  WOO HOO!

HALF MARATHON CHAMPIONS...okay, maybe just "finishers"

I am not going to lie, I was/am pretty darn proud of myself!  Honestly, I think what makes me the most proud is when I think about how far I have come in terms of my running career.  Let me break it down for ya'll...

• 2008, Country Music Half Marathon (first half marathon) in Nashville, TN:  2:18:15
• 2009, Walt Disney World Half Marathon in Orlando, FL:  2:25:05
• 2009, Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA:  2:20:45
• 2011, Walt Disney World Marathon (first marathon) in Orlando, FL:  4:36:37
• 2011, Hershey Half Marathon in Hershey, PA:  2:00:47
• 2012, Walt Disney World Half Marathon in Orlando, FL:  1:59:49

So over a five year period, not only did I lose (and maintain) a 25 pound weight loss, I also shaved over a minute/mile off of my pace!  And I promise all of you, my goals of challenging myself to be faster and stronger don't stop here - I want to work more on my overall fitness and strength which will hopefully help my running as well.  And, not to be TOO cliche, but if I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!  Just don't give up!  It might difficult at first, but it WILL get easier.  You just have to believe in yourself and push through the hard times.  I have found that running is as much a mental task (if not more) than a physical one.  My long runs are really just cheap therapy and I'm at a point where I'm not sure what I'd do without a couple of hours on an open trail or road.  I love it!

After a successful Saturday half marathon experience, we were able to treat ourselves to a much deserved mini vacation!  One of the highlights for me was our Sunday night "Drinks Around the World" experience at Epcot - a tradition that we will definitely continue in the future!

CHEERS!

#19: Cook 5 new-to-me dinner recipes (recipe 4)

In honor of saying farewell to 2011 and welcoming in 2012, Shan and I decided to have a fiesta for two! We donned some amazing mini yellow sombrero headbands and set out to whip up our last meal of the year!  

In addition to some delicious chorizo/shrimp/pepper/onion quesadillas, nachos, homemade guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, we also created a delightful ceviche.  We found a recipe for Red Snapper Ceviche compliments of Food & Wine - although we substituted scallops for the red snapper.  We also sliced then chopped some fresh mango and added that to the mix as well for a nice, sweet addition. Everything was amazing, if I do say so myself!

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, but here are some of my goals for 2012:

• Continue to cook healthy meals for dinner
• Pack my lunch consistently 
• Continue to incorporate the Insanity workout into my routine
• Work to be the best possible version of a partner, family member, and friend that I can be

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

#26: Bake something from scratch once a month for 6 months (month #6)

Well, my six months of baking has come to an end and I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed testing my skills and sharing my wares with friends and family.  Although my waistline will likely thank me, I will miss having the opportunity to create something new and delicious month.  I do plan to continue baking (as I honestly think I'm pretty darn good at it).  

I wanted to bring a tasty treat to the student organization I advise at Dickinson's last meeting of the semester.  The chair of the organization, Maria, suggested that I make red velvet cake (one of her favorites).  I took her advice but decided to do it a little differently and whipped up a batch of Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies using a recipe from the one and only Paula Deen.

 

 

 

Cookies aka Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Baking a sweet treat for my students was the least I could do to thank them for all of their hard work!  Two of my colleagues were out of the office this semester on maternity leave, so all of us were feeling stretched a little thin with lots of work to do! My students took everything in stride and were extremely self-sufficient, helpful, and understanding.  They are THE BEST!

My chair and assistant chair, Maria & Hector, enjoying their dessert!

I'll end this post with a little tune from the acts my students brought to campus as the fall concert this year... :)

#54: Try 5 "classic" cocktails I have never tasted (Manhattan)

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the wedding of one of my best friends from college, the wonderful Ryan!  I have so many fond memories of times spent with Ryan over the years.

Serious faces, per usual

I can't think of anyone else who would host a party with me that had the theme "Broadway Musicals" - complete with Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Jell-o shots, Audrey II Dirt Dessert, and guests dressed in costume screaming show tunes at the top of their lungs!

Okay, Mariah Carey hand...get it, get it

We've done karaoke, talked in our sleep, quoted movies over and over again, modeled a jingle thong, bootlegged with the best of them, and owned the Thumper table.  Ryan's one of the most loyal, kind, and amazing people I have ever met - so obviously I was THRILLED when he met someone so perfect for him, in the form of the lovely Lauren!  Ryan and Lauren met via JDate (holler!), the premier Jewish singles community online.

Success!

Ryan & Lauren

It was great reuniting with a bunch of my college friends to celebrate the union of such a great couple.  During the cocktail hour, I took the opportunity to tackle #54 on my list:  to try 5 classic cocktails I have never tasted.  Brett and Jake suggested I try a Manhattan.  I have MADE a few Manhattans in my day, but never actually tasted one.  I followed Jake's cue and ordered mine with a little cherry juice in it - which definitely takes away a bit from the "classic" nature of the drink but, whatever, I do what I want! Overall, I enjoyed my Manhattan and probably wouldn't hesitate to order another should I find myself hankering for some bourbon!

Manhattan!

Surprise Face!

#26: Bake something from scratch once a month for 6 months (month #5)

My November baking challenge was to create a yummy celebratory dessert in honor of the birthday of my wonderful sister-in-law, Kate!  We have had some fun times together...

Being the coolest people on the boardwalk

Downing oysters

Dressing up

I think Kate fits in just fine with our fun, loving, sometimes unpredictable family!  I am so glad my brother found someone who loves him as deeply and unconditionally as Kate loves Tom - and I will say for certain that the feeling and sentiment is mutual from Tom to Kate.  She has an eye for the aesthetics, a undying love of animals and nature, a deep care for others, and a knack for imitating accents (especially Irish ones!).  I am so privileged to call her my sister - I LOVE YOU, KATE!

When I asked Tom what Kate might like for her birthday dessert, he told me that she tends to enjoy pie over cake.  As I wracked my brain for ideas, I remembered many fun times spent roasting marshmallow Peeps over the fire pit at my parents' house and making s'mores - and recalled reading a recipe online for s'mores pie!  I decided upon a recipe from Gourmet that did NOT disappoint!  I will be honest that I did not make the marshmallow topping as the recipe suggests.  For one, I don't have a candy thermometer - and the recipe seemed to suggest that this might be important.  Not to mention the fact that I had this picture in my head involving marshmallow goo and my hair, culminating in me crying as Shannon came at me wielding scissors...  That being said, I opted instead for marshmallows cut in half as my top layer.  If I ever make this again (and I probably will, as it was SO GOOD), I might try a combination of marshmallows and marshmallow fluff.  Once again, I only took ONE picture of my pie - and it was only of the graham cracker and chocolate components!  Another photography fail on my part!  Just try to picture the top of the pie covered in beautifully browned marshmallows!

I think the pie was very well received and it topped off an AMAZING (as always) dinner prepared by my mom.

HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY, KATE!!!!

#35: Visit 5 restaurants I've never been to in my hometown/surrounding area (ShakeDown BBQ)

I am currently back into training mode as I prepare to run another half marathon in Disney in January - with hopes of accomplishing one of my goals of finishing in under 2 hours!  Because of this, Saturday morning consisted of a nice 8 mile run around Harrisburg.  I'm not big on eating too much before running longer distances, and normally I consume a good mixture of carbs and protein following a run.  My usual routine was thwarted this past weekend, however, as Shan called me to let me know she was on her way to pick me up so we could finish up her car shopping experience.  It wasn't an unexpected call by any means - but I opted to get dressed and put on makeup over eating so that I could be ready in time.

I began this blog entry with the above story to explain how after hours of car negotiating, finance jibber jabber, and jokes about camels, I was absolutely FAMISHED and probably would have eaten a tray of celery if it had been available.  [for all of you who don't know - I loathe celery]  After Shannon worked her magic and became the proud owner of a 2012 Honda Fit, we were finally free to go obtain some much needed sustenance.

Since neither of us are the best at making decisions about dining options, it took us a good while to decide to head over to ShakeDown BBQ in Grantville.  This establishment only recently found its permanent home in Grantville after its humble beginnings in a church parking lot off of Route 39.  

I love how you can see the sun setting!  :)

I am absolutely terrible at remembering to document with pictures - especially when I'm super hungry and dreaming of delicious BBQ fare, so I don't have any to post.  I can share that the food was absolutely delicious!  Shannon and I ordered three meats that came with two sides.  We chose to enjoy brisket, pork, and ribs with the sides of coleslaw and baked beans.  We also requested two rolls - which were honestly the only disappointing part of the meal - if anyone from ShakeDown is reading this, you'd get an extra star in my book if you got more fresh tasting rolls (maybe even cornbread)!  :)  My favorite part of the meal was probably the ribs - they were super tender and fall-off-the-bone.  We chose two sauces to accompany the meat, I believe they were just called "spicy" and "regular".  Word the wise - the spicy is pretty freaking spicy. I mean, I've definitely had worse, but if you're not expecting it (or if they mislabel the containers....hehehe), you might be in for a surprise!  

I will definitely make another trip (or two, or more) to ShakeDown in the future - especially once the weather starts getting warm again.  Central PA is lucky to have a place that is committed to creating and serving fresh, simple, and tasty food.  

#19: Cook 5 new-to-me dinner recipes (recipe 3)

As most of you know, my family is extremely important to me and since I am living in Harrisburg (my hometown) I try to have dinner with my parents at least once a week.  Usually dinner involves an amazing meal cooked by my multi-talented mom, or an occasional venture to one of our favorite restaurants.  This week I decided I would contribute to our weekly gathering by preparing something in my crock pot.  I am a big fan of food blogs and stumbled upon A Year of Slow Cooking a while ago, which is written by New York Times best selling author, award-winning blogger, and mother of three, Stephanie O'Dea, but never actually made anything from the site.  The commentary on the recipe I ended up choosing was very positive - plus I happen to think that pork is extremely tasty when prepared slow and low!  I assembled the recipe for Hirino Psito at night and then set it to cook while I was sleeping.

In prepping the pork for its overnight simmer, I did make a few adjustments as well as paid homage to a local Central Pennsylvania staple.  To start, I realized that I did not have Worcestershire sauce - so I substituted that with 1/2 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of hot sauce.  The recipe also called for 1 cup of beer.  In an effort to save myself an out of the way trip to the beer distributor, I opted to use the only beer I had on hand in my apartment:  an oversized bottle of Mad Elf Ale from our local Harrisburg brewery, Troegs.

This stuff is a seasonal brew, usually available from October until December - and at 11% ABV, it sure packs a punch!  My uncle Jeff always make sure to have lots of it on hand for the holidays (tis the season, afterall)!  I will never forget the one Thanksgiving not so long ago when my brother, Tom, didn't realize quite how potent Mad Elf could be and consumed more than two of them.  His night may or may not have looked something like this...

I added a cup of Mad Elf to the crock pot (and then consumed the remainder...hehe) and I think it was a good choice!  The cherry and honey flavors of the beer definitely complimented the rest of the ingredients and tasted delicious!  

mmmmmmm! :)

This recipe was SO easy - definitely a winner and a keeper in my book!