Marathon Complete!!

I suppose it is time for an update. I completed the Seattle Rock N Roll Marathon on 6/27/09 in a personal record! Ok, so it's my first marathon and it's an instant PR--but nonetheless...6 hours 50 minutes and 3 seconds to complete 26.2 miles. I raised almost $6000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I've ever done in my life. I plan on doing the Disney World Marathon through LLS in January. The picture is of me just before finishing. I think I look pretty damn good for just running almost 7 hours! :)

Fundraising

Whew...it's been a crazy couple of months. I am recommitting to Team in Training tomorrow. I'm really nervous, as I am just about halfway done with raising the money. I am thinking of having a big event soon, so keep your eyes peeled! In running news, my toenail is about to fall off. It's super cute, I assure you. It comes with the territory, I guess. More updates on that later. I'm insanely hungry all the time now...and whoever said running is a good way to lose weight is full of crap. There, I said it. They're lying! :) My whole team (including myself) has gained weight. Oh well, it's for a good cause. We'll just say that we're gaining muscle.

NFL Experience

As part of Sean's anniversary present from me, I got him tickets to the NFL Experience. It was really nice--they have autograph signings, games, food, and lots of fun. I brought a football to be signed to include in the raffle to raise money for the LLS (read post below for more info). I got some big names, including Alstott and Garcia (of Tampa Bay Bucs).

I was supposed to run 10 miles on Sunday, but didn't. I ran 6.5 miles yesterday. I am going to start running with my friend Emily so I don't get so bored. She has been thinking about asking me to run with her, too for the same reason!

The fundraising is coming along...just SLOWLY! I have some things in the works, including a raffle and a yard sale...so hopefully those work out.

Team in Training

I made the commitment and joined Team in Training on Wednesday. They train me for an endurance race (I picked the Rock N Roll Seattle Marathon, 26.2 miles!) and I raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My goal is to raise $6000 before June. I know that I can do this.

To donate, go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/cfl/rnrseatl09/sodle

It's 100% tax deductable and 75% goes DIRECTLY to the cause.

I am so excited about this. My paternal grandpa had a brain tumor, paternal grandma had breast cancer, maternal grandma has skin cancer, and maternal grandpa is continuously battling bladder cancer. The big C is something that effects so many people. If you don't know somebody that has cancer, I can guarantee that someone you know knows somebody that does. Let's help find a cure together!

I appreciate your support--whether it's financial or moral.

My before

This picture is frightening...but it will give you an even better picture of what I used to look like. I'm on the left in a blueish top. It was taken January 21, 2006 at a friend's wedding...exactly one year before I got married!

9 miles on the open road

Let me be the first (or maybe not the first) to tell you that running on the treadmill is NOT the same thing as running outside. It is VERY different. Today was my first ever long run outside. I got all my "gear" ready last night so I'd be prepared...but I went to sleep way too late and didn't wake up until 8:30. I finally got out the door at 9:15 (I wanted to eat breakfast first). Bad idea. It was really hot which made it much more difficult. I did make it, though! 1 hour, 54 minutes. I think it came out to about a 12:48 minute mile, and I am perfectly fine with that. My goal is under 13 minutes for the half marathon. I am going to continue the rest of my training outside unless the weather absolutely doesn't allow it.

In other news, hubby and I also gave blood today. I am really glad that we did and that we now know where the actual place is.

Also--for his 30th birthday my present to him was an HDTV of his choosing. His family also chipped in. We keep going to the store to look, but I think we're finally settled on one! So we're pretty excited about that.

One last thing (I really need to update this more)...if any of you have the opportunity, check out your digital cable channels. We have a channel with a bunch of exercise videos on demand. Everything from strength training to cardio to yoga and belly dancing. I was pretty excited to come upon it.

Tata for now!

Yummy Recipe

I got a new Weight Watchers cookbook for Christmas called Take Out Tonight. I made spicy orange beef with vegetables earlier in the week (it was tasty) and then I made chicken with black bean sauce for dinner last night. Hubby and I really enjoyed it. It tasted like something from a chinese restaurant. We had it with rice.

Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons black bean sauce
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger (I left this out because we don't like ginger.)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 pound white mushrooms, quartered
1/4 pound snow peas, trimmed and halved lengthwise
1 carrot, thinly sliced

Combine chicken and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a medium bowl, tossing well to coat. Set aside.

Combine remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with broth, black bean sauce, soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl, stirring well to combine. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add oil to pan and then carefully add the chicken. Stir-fry until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms, snow peas and carrots; stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add the broth mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.