tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37041266777377888482024-02-20T03:20:43.216-06:00The Concrete RunnerEverything Food, Fitness, and Frozen CustardKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-12871636201053554712011-01-11T19:48:00.001-06:002011-01-11T19:48:48.880-06:00snow day<p>Living in St. Louis definitely has it’s seasonal ups + downs. White Christmas? Yes. <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_9722ce82-91b6-5930-ba21-20abe00b84c1.html">Tornadoes on New Year’s Eve</a>? Sure. Five inches of snow 2 weeks later? You betcha. And if you know St. Louis drivers, you know we freak out at the slightest talk of snow. The <a href="http://www.schnucks.com">Schnucks</a> Panic Aisle was definitely opened last night…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HDas7i8uyGiZD-6oq94-7uj23nFFlzJG4tQnt_9xyfTh200-WrN3_QjJShAbXf8y-AJxTqi6bx63W247pY5TaSyDcW3tJSf_BDIT97Kx1ouZgURVnZ3gF6Fi8CdWzq_nf7n_foPi9Js/s1600-h/100_3627%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3627" border="0" alt="100_3627" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0INqa_KGI/AAAAAAAAA90/t_x-TotAAWs/100_3627_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IOr8DDqI/AAAAAAAAA94/Gi9qscW1SEo/s1600-h/100_3628%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3628" border="0" alt="100_3628" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IP-0q8PI/AAAAAAAAA98/p-r3w1EHQag/100_3628_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Luckily, I was able to get a wonderful 3 mile run in outside before the weather turned too bad. I might not like running in rain, but I LOVE running in snow! And a little extra in the <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com">Vibrams</a> made it even more glorious!<br><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IQxicODI/AAAAAAAAA-A/w-2Ce3V4cs8/s1600-h/100_3625%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3625" border="0" alt="100_3625" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IR60nRmI/AAAAAAAAA-E/LUESYvjYodU/100_3625_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0ITJeDBZI/AAAAAAAAA-I/zj5LRpmPZZA/s1600-h/100_3626%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3626" border="0" alt="100_3626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-skpoQGkUANpYz8_MBny_0kgnA0LqZ67dl8cbOdJpa5uj9MC_OEUCnWlfpQrzCmP6zQBI1i4VqwjUOCj2VCjHyRA8AOmxeAGks6_Gg2RtiGdLIc_XBzVvFRj_L9r8nAfZv8Hl2wa5g50/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Both Matt + I had a snow day today. [Well, technically I did, but I still had to go in, but left after lunch.] And instead of doing the normal things people do in snow – build a snowman, go sledding, etc. – we took the suggestion of our local Fox station to make our own Snow Ice Cream!<br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IU6EC6zI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/4fBZHQ94_3w/s1600-h/100_3630%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3630" border="0" alt="100_3630" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IVWq9AhI/AAAAAAAAA-U/-xxwcYEDrHs/100_3630_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><strong><u>SNOW ICE CREAM<br></u></strong><em>Adapted from <a href="http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-making-snow-ice-cream-011111,0,7035182.story">Fox 2 News St. Louis</a>. Makes 2 servings.</em></p> <p>1/4 cup granulated sugar<br>1/2 cup unsweeted vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice)<br>1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br>5-6 cups fresh fallen snow (you probably won’t use all of this)</p> <p>Add sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to a large bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IWV21psI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/qqA8UEvhWGE/s1600-h/100_3633%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3633" border="0" alt="100_3633" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IXCdF__I/AAAAAAAAA-c/WAikbXIzDog/100_3633_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Slowly stir in snow in batches, until it reaches the consistency of ice cream. <br><br> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IXw5JqbI/AAAAAAAAA-g/YxhtX5rMvqI/s1600-h/100_3631%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3631" border="0" alt="100_3631" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IYvg2MdI/AAAAAAAAA-k/-Y0hBKKVBx4/100_3631_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IZeP8gxI/AAAAAAAAA-o/z-4Xhp5Di80/s1600-h/100_3635%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3635" border="0" alt="100_3635" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IaLyRdsI/AAAAAAAAA-s/ICT6OZn3bTw/100_3635_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.<br><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IbEG3qLI/AAAAAAAAA-w/JhLmrPfi33A/s1600-h/100_3637%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3637" border="0" alt="100_3637" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IcVG_ydI/AAAAAAAAA-0/0c5iaDMlRNA/100_3637_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0Idc4FSvI/AAAAAAAAA-4/WGzY7SVu5Ak/s1600-h/100_3638%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3638" border="0" alt="100_3638" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IeKtbMYI/AAAAAAAAA-8/h4ZuRda6-5k/100_3638_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>**If you don’t want to eat this right away, collect the snow and place in the freezer until ready to use.**</p> <p>This is probably the easiest recipe in the world! It took all of 10 minutes to make, including collecting the snow. Now, our snow had already fallen and we just scraped off our patio table (I know, real sanitary, right). Ideally, you should put a bowl outside while the snow is falling to get the freshest snow possible, but our way works too.</p> <p>Seriously, this was probably some of the best homemade ice cream I’ve ever had! Guaranteed, not creamy whatsoever, but when you think of homemade ice cream, it has the granulated, icy texture that I still really love. If you are craving ice cream and have snow, MAKE THIS RECIPE! Make it NOW! Well, IF you have enough snow…<br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0IfMyBIMI/AAAAAAAAA_A/TpJGaZLNNUc/s1600-h/100_3639%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3639" border="0" alt="100_3639" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TS0If1vXTuI/AAAAAAAAA_E/PLY4bb9jYaY/100_3639_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>We are now debating on going back outside and making some more… I might make this every night until the snow is gone. Just remember, don’t use the yellow snow…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-6021258813023299462011-01-09T19:41:00.001-06:002011-01-09T19:41:50.352-06:00major craving for custard<p>Last night, I had a major craving (<em>Major Craving</em>… ala <em>How I Met Your Mother</em>) for ice cream. I mean, like I wouldn’t be satisfied until I got my taste buds on some creamy, cold ice cream. Guaranteed, it was 15 degrees outside, but still… I needed some, and I needed some NOW. I blame it on the massive amounts of sweets I ate during the holidays.</p> <p><a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/12/closing-time.html">As I’m sure you all remember</a>, our most convenient go-to place, Fritz’s, is closed until February. Luckily, Matt remembered we had a gift certificate for <a href="http://www.blueskycreamery.com/">Blue Sky Creamery</a> located in <a href="http://www.paulsdonuts.com/">Paul’s Donuts</a>. So, we hopped in the car and headed out that way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpjsolGJkI/AAAAAAAAA8c/lot62jQ16ZM/s1600-h/100_3618%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3618" border="0" alt="100_3618" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpjtvaZxgI/AAAAAAAAA8g/0ulyC5Tjzos/100_3618_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpjuZpjhoI/AAAAAAAAA8k/D1moTC_ilSs/s1600-h/100_3624%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3624" border="0" alt="100_3624" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpjvQR2GFI/AAAAAAAAA8o/6gZDXXx2iXM/100_3624_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <br>[Sorry, Matt’s windshield is <em>really</em> dirty…]</p> <p>We’ve only been to Paul’s once for ice cream – back when we were dating, and very close to the beginning of our relationship. All I remember was that they had Twix to mix into your ice cream. And although that sounded like a winner to me, I noticed the pumpkin ice cream in the freezer and knew I definitely couldn’t pass that up!</p> <p>I decided on the pumpkin with M&M’s mixed in. So, maybe that seems like a weird combination, but that was my other craving. (Again, blaming it on the massive amounts of more specifically M&M’s I’ve eaten in the past 2 weeks.)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-hobH6_doGwhqkytJiBuDT8WUG4NsyWzqtfam2z1K5sYHRNXQlPzn6KdcThyphenhyphenXBOGviwd0moItnD-fIwrs7efPCX1Z6gq5j-ANCDFW3a9tAECR-zxUAcH6iO4TMxb5jkov0oywvWj1m0/s1600-h/100_3619%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3619" border="0" alt="100_3619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbLBQiiaVOISYV3n8LdbEslqWwwH_2ZUazOn7PTwQoXWb-GyTEXdEu4K2towcUBGVuwjADXc5Ch0-VNU9I3shD7lgItxkQk833UGhV08xY7yx1Gy3UoELmMquZwVjYZ4PJpH3IZ1jq04/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpjyZiL4AI/AAAAAAAAA80/qFdaIB7lr5E/s1600-h/100_3620%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3620" border="0" alt="100_3620" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpjzR9osoI/AAAAAAAAA84/vMWAGfYXrgc/100_3620_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>This was BY FAR the best pumpkin tasting ice cream/frozen custard/froyo I’ve had to date! So cinnamon-y + spicy… DElish! Of course, not nearly as creamy, given it is ice cream and not custard, but still dang good!</p> <p>Matt got my second choice – white cake ice cream with Twix mixed in. The cake flavor was strong + spot on, and with the Twix added, was stellar! I almost wish I would’ve gotten that, but oh, the pumpkin! (Mine’s much prettier too, doncha think?!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpj0cYSRSI/AAAAAAAAA88/rd55pQ2y1To/s1600-h/100_3621%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3621" border="0" alt="100_3621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5LgAyOP1tZ7kZozTYdbNxhmLiBcu8bE1B4V-2sETLWe15voGQ-XYmbjntS5ven6QJctDw8yO58TRPqjKCMBgDWaB1nNMmsX0HWjpyxptLO2DrHTUX7nrVOV3ChxUARAJu2rIViksy9M/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpj2aOIkCI/AAAAAAAAA9E/_5deC9ADqa4/s1600-h/100_3622%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3622" border="0" alt="100_3622" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSpj3PnK_YI/AAAAAAAAA9I/kTFDApXfOD0/100_3622_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> </p> <p>Unfortunately, Blue Sky Creamery has gone bankrupt and Paul’s is slowly phasing out Blue Sky to <a href="http://www.edys.com/main/index.asp?b=105">Edy’s</a>. So glad we went when we did! Now, if only I can figure out how to get that same pumpkin flavor at home…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-44904472194265657482011-01-05T19:31:00.001-06:002011-01-05T19:31:05.241-06:00diy: guinness frozen custard<p>So, it’s been <strike>awhile</strike> a week since I’ve written a post about frozen custard. Seeing as though most frozen custard stands in St. Louis are closed for the season, it makes it a little difficult to keep up with visiting new ones + trying out new treats. To make up for this, the Hubs + I decided we would try making some of our own frozen custard in our new handy, dandy ice cream maker!</p> <p>So, what makes frozen custard different from ice cream? Well, your typical run-of-the-mill ice cream is made of milk, cream + sugar. What makes frozen custard different is that it has egg yolks in addition to the milk, cream, + sugar, giving it a richer flavor and creamier texture. So, if you are ever making “ice cream” at home and need to use egg yolks, you are really making a frozen custard. [You can find all this on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frozen_custard">Wikipedia</a>.]</p> <p>And that’s your trivia for the day…</p> <p>I must admit, though, I actually had no part in this recipe except for buying the ingredients to make it. This was all the Hubs’ idea + development. Plus, it has one of my new favorite beers as the main ingredient, making it even better. What can I say, the man has good taste – he chose me, didn’t he?! ;o)</p> <p><strong><u><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSUbJzNuIoI/AAAAAAAAA8E/Lb9ASxy_I2M/s1600-h/100_3611%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3611" border="0" alt="100_3611" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSUbMklXqpI/AAAAAAAAA8I/M8Rc3YgUcgg/100_3611_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></u></strong></p> <p><strong><u>GUINNESS FROZEN CUSTARD<br></u></strong><em>From <a href="http://www.boston.com/ae/food/articles/2006/01/18/guinness_ice_cream/">The Boston Globe</a>. Makes approximately 1 quart. The only change made was using a whole vanilla bean instead of just half of one. I’m not sure if it really changed the flavor at all, but I like more vanilla than less!</em></p> <p>1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise<br>1 cup whole milk<br>1 cup heavy cream<br>2/3 cups Guinness stout beer<br>2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons molasses (we used blackstrap)<br>4 egg yolks<br>1/3 cup sugar<br>1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</p> <p>In a medium saucepan, scrape the vanilla bean seeds. Add the pod, milk, and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn off the heat, cover, and let the flavors infuse for 30 minutes.</p> <p>In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together Guinness and molasses. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.</p> <p>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the milk + cream mixture. You want to do this slowly, as you do not want to scramble the eggs in the process. [That would be very bad, and very gross!] Start by whisking in a few tablespoons at a time, and then slowly stream in the remaining milk + cream. GO SLOW! Pour the now egg + milk mixture back into the medium saucepan.</p> <p>Stir the beer mixture into the cream mixture. Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 6-8 minutes).</p> <p>Strain the mixture into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap so that it is lightly touching the top of the custard, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. </p> <p>When ready, process the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturers directions. Ours took about 5 minutes to freeze. You will then want to freeze the custard until ready to serve, or serve immediately if you can’t wait!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSUbONwuWbI/AAAAAAAAA8M/0mXT-NcVt20/s1600-h/100_3576%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3576" border="0" alt="100_3576" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSUbQWs2GdI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/F57zKe-nclg/100_3576_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMLvZBaV0RZQmUiLnFpb25nGSct9VIxGfg3rxRJYtqSi_zX0D3UIRxppHM4HqxeEfIE6HgE-74iFJEvpZgOp5nam7b2Dll0u0F0QN2A_2dQah5S8AZzH0tkHXLteqZwX9pxsRA440Sl0/s1600-h/100_3580%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3580" border="0" alt="100_3580" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSUbVTtkD-I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/RCVyCzSH0gs/100_3580_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> </p> <p>This has a wonderful coffee like flavor to it and is not beer-y at all! Don’t be scurred of the Guinness… it is not a beer-y beer to start with, and makes the custard extra creamy. If only I had my own industrial frozen custard machine to REALLY get that wonderful creamy texture I love so much!</p> <p>This is AWESOME with chocolate chips mixed in! Your own homemade Concrete Runner concrete! With that, I’m going to finish off the rest of the quart in our freezer!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-25369684946642744642011-01-02T19:25:00.001-06:002011-01-02T19:25:56.076-06:00…in with the new<p align="left">So, remember when I said <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/12/out-with-old.html">2010 was a hard year</a>? Well, my wonderful mother had the amazing idea to have a Calendar Burning Party. What better way to celebrate the new year than by burning away some of the bad memories from 2010.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElMMvENRI/AAAAAAAAA6k/iLwNJftekQM/s1600-h/100_3583%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3583" border="0" alt="100_3583" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElNnkhEVI/AAAAAAAAA6o/P8cjFX3l_YM/100_3583_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElOoyHHuI/AAAAAAAAA6s/oAjCz4oCtZ8/s1600-h/100_3586%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3586" border="0" alt="100_3586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV_mbDSECsjULTzgyx19Sf820qL0QkNVkigeLqIROuyb34juU91ZvzOCVqmbyX6MtoocwVXzKj3qKNG83iudmpjBuoR8zJXuL7GGs3SoYwe8e-cifRAn9oYZWQ9B3_Qf-MfnHrD3fM9E/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElQWJH38I/AAAAAAAAA60/bC5D9EyNdYc/s1600-h/100_3587%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3587" border="0" alt="100_3587" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElRO7MUYI/AAAAAAAAA64/yfm7m4fNSFw/100_3587_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElSbaSruI/AAAAAAAAA68/GrFAqnRygWI/s1600-h/100_3588%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3588" border="0" alt="100_3588" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElTwAk8pI/AAAAAAAAA7A/hfvqpV4MzqA/100_3588_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsEdtZqsxYuCCys8JAwIfcydEMzxtOQApIC1HHnA-oy5o56SfUixxod9CE6zF2D0wJzksOTVDysY2UTtGuhii6os1k3NKzKx0gxbkRTfccg-V-v86ReK1VVNVzxF8XJ_kzrHUgim4rec/s1600-h/100_3589%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; 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border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3596" border="0" alt="100_3596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenuCenAEXPnpkAgk0Y9Jhz4wJ3EZe0zOxSOZfRDkFdQk9bOCQRdJj5Few015gHnM_X5QEKzVK5dHVKmBuFlpHRK-T3Gfw7TfHimFHXGdCblHmnevLiCVDweHV_2-pT3T288OjC3Q0sOI/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmZKwppVyvWn1sQ_ZeZSTql1GV-zQBnK8On9o80zBgJCdXWRqnHL6bDY2jaJ-UtOQCqfnE0eLTfceyFGovT2hhlcmp7FCfZevWNfXNfmjcCWG0DbuyAxCDiyC3WzWYLFssAaRIh8MGaA/s1600-h/100_3598%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3598" border="0" alt="100_3598" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElkglVnWI/AAAAAAAAA7w/YD979uhT0Yc/100_3598_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNgYI0H71o4yjIXr2U97TsVULXnyvgL0Hzqg0wuNIVj8Ky8pBudRiMKIj7J1QtNSHX_4fe5bVtN9PtmYG2Gk6A1zBCor87Z4JeY4MDIs79At6x0BOqb_AYemC5df7A3UngnQcHRxXO9s/s1600-h/100_3599%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3599" border="0" alt="100_3599" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElmRxlgWI/AAAAAAAAA74/AyLKv0wHXeA/100_3599_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPKxtSMifDtrpjpRQ8taaQtO38NLBig2B4lxzGnfabzZ-DNgM2JhSGfu7TZNfpUgMeogq6yRv22uovb6XkV52GMhyphenhyphenxg-HtbHHfqOEDskUOAWIDaeWfbu6jwLXH49_z5-d72mbyp1vYGk/s1600-h/100_3600%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3600" border="0" alt="100_3600" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TSElojAmtJI/AAAAAAAAA8A/CB-cB2uxctA/100_3600_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> </p> <p>OK, so it still doesn’t change the fact that I still miss both my grandpa’s + dog terribly, but it definitely made me feel a little better and ready to tackle a new year!</p> <p><strong><u>MY 2011 GOALS</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Push myself in the weight room. </strong>I am a very highly self-motivated person. It doesn’t take much for me to keep to goals or challenge myself. But, when it comes to weight training, I typically keep the weights lighter than I should. I have dappled in A TON of different strength training routines since I tend to get bored easily – traditional strength training, body building workouts, <a href="http://www.crossfit.com">CrossFit</a>, Jillian Michaels’ <em><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=u-2QdYQ3siAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=making+the+cut&source=bl&ots=LkRMcUDTJI&sig=hP0Ot711QXgsES1qtlrMrSFzVz8&hl=en&ei=GiQhTY7nLM6UnweWpd3ODQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false">Making the Cut</a></em>, etc. etc. But very few have given me the results I have been looking for. And I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that I stick to the same poundage of weights every time I go to lift. So, my main goal with my strength training this year is to really start lifting more in terms of how heavy my weights are. Actually increasing the weight enough to the point I burn out at the end of the last rep on the last set. (A little tip from my <a href="http://www.nsca-lift.org">CSCS</a> background to you.)</p> <p><strong>Get back to running 7:30 miles consistently.</strong> I’m not going to lie. Marathoning makes me much, much slower than I prefer to be. So, <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/11/5k-training-for-winter.html">like I said before</a>, I’m going to start training for speed again. I just signed up for the <a href="http://www.gostlouis.org/">GO! St. Louis Half Marathon</a> in April so I have a specific goal to shoot for with that, but I am also setting time goals for the other races I hope to run this year. (Note: my PRs are when I was probably in the best shape of my life… my goal is to get back there!)</p> <blockquote> <p>5K - sub 21:00 (PR = 19:58)<br>5 Mile - sub 36:00 (PR = 35:48)<br>10K- sub 45:00 (PR = 44:53)<br>Half Marathon – sub 1:36 (PR = 1:37:43)</p></blockquote> <p>I don’t plan on running another marathon this year (I am more of an every-two-years marathoner), so I’m not even going to focus on that goal. And these can easily change as things change throughout the year. Who knows if an injury or other non-fitness related thing may come up to make these goals a little hard to reach. I’m flexible… ;o)</p> <p><strong>Dabble in barefoot running.</strong> After reading <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303">Born to Run</a></em> before the Chicago marathon, I have been really wanting to try running barefoot. One of the best things I read in the book was about why God (probably not his phrasing, but this is what I believe) make humans in perfect form except for their feet, the foundation of the entire structure? Why are feet so imperfect that we need to put shoes and orthotics on them in order for them to be perfect? That just totally clicked to me. Are shoes the reason why so many runners get injured? Maybe… maybe not. But, I want to use my new <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com">Vibram FiveFingers</a> as a tool to strengthen my feet. I will never be a “full-time” barefoot runner, but I will definitely be doing a lot more barefoot running in order to make me a stronger runner.</p> <p>The plan is to run 0.25 miles 1-2 times per week, building up by .25 miles every 2 weeks. I eventually would like to be able to do 1 training run per week in my Vibrams – probably a short, easy 3 miler. Hopefully by the end of the year I will be doing this consistently.</p> <p>So, there are my fitness goals for 2011. </p> <p>Don’t worry, the blog will be benefitting from several other goals this year too!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-66640718338434879072010-12-29T20:23:00.001-06:002010-12-29T20:23:00.863-06:00out with the old…<p>2010 was a hard year for my family. I can’t say it was the worst year of my life because really, it wasn’t awful. Just, HARD…</p> <p>Losing both my grandfathers, lots of cancers + injuries of family + friends, no job prospects for the first 9 months of the year, etc. Doesn’t make for the best year, to say the least.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsODhPjaI/AAAAAAAAA3k/jbY9puyzb3A/s1600-h/VANHORN0294%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="VANHORN0294" border="0" alt="VANHORN0294" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsQUtR0ZI/AAAAAAAAA3o/HeCuqI5VuoY/VANHORN0294_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="324"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsREzUOhI/AAAAAAAAA3s/wWHf6FuC6Ww/s1600-h/VANHORN0519%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="VANHORN0519" border="0" alt="VANHORN0519" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsR3eTqsI/AAAAAAAAA3w/LXjJ_j6CFHQ/VANHORN0519_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> </p> <p>But, there were several things that redeemed this year. First of all, I started this blog. What started as a fun little project has become a new passion. I love this blog and I hope that the few of you who read it enjoy it too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsSsce0pI/AAAAAAAAA30/SoV0R1vm0fI/s1600-h/100_2216%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2216" border="0" alt="100_2216" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsTXZ9lII/AAAAAAAAA34/4T1BdTw28Lc/100_2216_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RV9ketTNsmLOBF5N1ohAVr_LR_9mAPqEma_2ZyoH1shdnSJSEet_uvznPgWoL0Evm4uC-werh2Z48RIDkCIKe_EvJlEVjIX-XoniWshVq2nIv8c5k1ET1vzREgDq6iAdAd294KCSlJw/s1600-h/100_2303%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2303" border="0" alt="100_2303" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsVbi5IgI/AAAAAAAAA4A/_4hfXDndQAo/100_2303_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsWLD9NPI/AAAAAAAAA4E/7yALDoChyjg/s1600-h/100_2516%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2516" border="0" alt="100_2516" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsW9jfkHI/AAAAAAAAA4I/qrbfALfxb5Y/100_2516_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsX9bEaGI/AAAAAAAAA4M/heaPZsP6dPE/s1600-h/100_2578%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2578" border="0" alt="100_2578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMUSOFhyLrOlRFRFvVBd8Dt0oKRzzNGBRu0YvU9UUYr6HdsYMDbVCEzwhbwkdL6ZkLZJMrHwy2pZR8ckcUtnJ4AiZjvCUe2Zfa1meg_NiffD9hzUoJJqA5ASFF9ql-XtB4AqfMBazheU/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsaNhm-5I/AAAAAAAAA4U/HK9WQXRcZdE/s1600-h/100_2597%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2597" border="0" alt="100_2597" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsa6AN2II/AAAAAAAAA4Y/O-Yyx1CEoN4/100_2597_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsbzz3-yI/AAAAAAAAA4c/-Bm1hQXphF0/s1600-h/100_2605%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2605" border="0" alt="100_2605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPVtKCltDxKdWxGpJMZJW2CXygfbxxIyWlDD9Gzpvuad2MaZxBom9lXyQE5sax0icgpdDYODdvgIrS7IYJKtp7D0vaO-JsZJWGghR0Ik2fQlT1F4LGq7yL6ORW45n52vYbcuiCK32dY8/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsdlTWYxI/AAAAAAAAA4k/q-rq0ReFmkI/s1600-h/100_2632%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2632" border="0" alt="100_2632" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvseVrxZhI/AAAAAAAAA4o/mA-Vclw1fbs/100_2632_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsfNWzoDI/AAAAAAAAA4s/bJ5EXkTEIbA/s1600-h/100_2656%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2656" border="0" alt="100_2656" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsfjZk7GI/AAAAAAAAA4w/4loaSHU4nLs/100_2656_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsgv-LudI/AAAAAAAAA40/nOjaKrzHIyQ/s1600-h/100_2661%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2661" border="0" alt="100_2661" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJScBB4ZCEgTdb1Mq6nlmn36Jro7gjo_yBwusNnAmdIZqhpBqDsuzyyzuGA6rgWC8EpVrJDuFXxhL57AQyBNcDtEa_oSbdfjMLIOWLLq3kKH9GCeZcw1v7XWS1dHlaDUX8_6OJDkNvZg/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsifb5EZI/AAAAAAAAA48/NTLyE4Za2Q8/s1600-h/100_2995%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_2995" border="0" alt="100_2995" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsjJGs0II/AAAAAAAAA5A/wPs9IS0TaOs/100_2995_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsj4G-0sI/AAAAAAAAA5I/TZLq12aWMOk/s1600-h/102_3357%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3357" border="0" alt="102_3357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfs3dYDmjlWx8YvCvBAT53ram6jOon6b5MaFOOzyemQw3qmzQXArQH1MIDQ0x6S3blmraWAbrPNqOt4Z6iouFLfjmucmaVo4XAcJ7xCgOEt_PfhaJomUdwU03-N4PBzfiq71a-VGJ1_U/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvslR072AI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/d_7iEgkzz4U/s1600-h/102_3378%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3378" border="0" alt="102_3378" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsmFZbyrI/AAAAAAAAA5U/Gocj2xzkklE/102_3378_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdw-RC9aG13b3jxkussp_UDJzkDM8bIkWlOzz5iXZ4pkLrBbvlk8_IOucp8Ndu0hgDIzVuYbUpVVPeLrejo7RmdYbg-cJeuz9scY0m6wpSmYKtZ0WCXR2e2xSgFK6udDjQHWNXsqDRq0/s1600-h/100_3568%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3568" border="0" alt="100_3568" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsnw7mn8I/AAAAAAAAA5c/niolwpt-idc/100_3568_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>Although I started off the year without a job and several interviews with no job outcome, I did finally receive a phone call about a job that I absolutely love! Sure, it’s not exactly the ideal job I have been looking for, but I love what I do, I love the people I work with, and I absolutely adore the kids at my school.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsp9PxBcI/AAAAAAAAA5g/YiZ-OSk8tgU/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsrMv4ccI/AAAAAAAAA5k/lf7C54yYuBU/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="484" height="242"></a>[<a href="http://www1.cbsd.org/sites/teachers/elementary/ahendershot/Pages/PhysicalEducation.aspx">source</a>] </p> <p>Throughout my summer with no job outlook + a very ill grandfather, running is what saved my sanity. Training for + <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/10/chicago-marathon-101010.html">running</a> the <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com">Chicago Marathon</a> was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I don’t regret a single mile logged and it helped me fall back in love with the sport of running. And believe me, I plan on running Chicago and a few more marathons in the future, just not anytime soon!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsr5_ZJ-I/AAAAAAAAA5o/cxNJbvRRCsA/s1600-h/100_3029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3029" border="0" alt="100_3029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsskUK51I/AAAAAAAAA5s/XBGTEBR17Oo/100_3029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvst99ZOzI/AAAAAAAAA5w/zu3VsywXinU/s1600-h/100_3045%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3045" border="0" alt="100_3045" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsu2Z1D4I/AAAAAAAAA50/9pVUAll9Q_U/100_3045_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvsv2iudjI/AAAAAAAAA54/Sm7AGOQFVxg/s1600-h/100_3049%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3049" border="0" alt="100_3049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvswRkoDbI/AAAAAAAAA58/gDV1PU1jZt0/100_3049_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygA-l2167cpz7QA2r3VHx1styPC_5p-CAJMgSCGCVtZFUwDE-ldbdBdcsGv6eZKfV2k6NamES-08zNJSdItsmIKa_3dbdeDzGVc7dBurM8S4zLuIsJz-VIDyVnSBzp_gZKjH_A__Y4VU/s1600-h/102_3350%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3350" border="0" alt="102_3350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzYz5FmDUQqkWrDXWNCpBgdHFOiuOt121MeX8yhtv0nKIbTwkQQqd4F0vI52sgGKJETvi93o6agKbXyx-7O8-PHDCgSzvwY_4_KW4lKKz3V8OHjFAsaHqxrChzlTQEdBRx3tDStcXwdo/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69XkvL0VskPqekFy9qUYDJiD8fvuixk3J_hvKUPOrFj1xbHzh_xV8OP13mK1TNRKtju1FYGw6NVcYvlQzTLNw_QZyUNpS-xMSM2yHUDdOSnhd1dQ01lfZBzsdrQuoiogC9YLiYZGu0po/s1600-h/IMG_1092%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_1092" border="0" alt="IMG_1092" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvs0pyJ-1I/AAAAAAAAA6M/3MFz-HyZmac/IMG_1092_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvs3buuVlI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/hh2PoCY02aw/s1600-h/image%5B11%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvs6fhyyUI/AAAAAAAAA6U/nOAYd8C5y9g/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvs9YiMFNI/AAAAAAAAA6c/Ny2TyiVsuRc/s1600-h/image%5B12%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRvtAk2xPYI/AAAAAAAAA6g/kextlas2JwY/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>So, even though the year was tough, it helps to look at the positive things that did happen to put a better perspective on life. The year is coming to an end, but I have so many amazing things to look forward to already in the New Year.</p> <p>Stay tuned for “In With The New”…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-57527097122557530352010-12-28T20:29:00.001-06:002010-12-28T20:29:08.462-06:00christmas visits<p> Happy Holidays and a very [late] Merry Christmas to you all! I hope the last few days have found you happiness + good health, and God as blessed you with time with family + friends!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcSTTLTUI/AAAAAAAAA1k/sUCww69nJT0/s1600-h/100_3510%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3510" border="0" alt="100_3510" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcURqsPmI/AAAAAAAAA1o/eiqjGe-8-L0/100_3510_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcWH25a1I/AAAAAAAAA1s/h4Ybp_MUOtE/s1600-h/100_3513%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3513" border="0" alt="100_3513" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcXn0VU7I/AAAAAAAAA1w/AnGCQDUwBsg/100_3513_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcY_GNi-I/AAAAAAAAA10/sgxM88G_nQA/s1600-h/100_3520%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3520" border="0" alt="100_3520" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcaS9zGvI/AAAAAAAAA14/TVcxKK6zLmM/100_3520_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>Our Christmas was wonderful! We spent our Christmas with both sides of our family, eating until we were stuffed and having a jolly good time! Some of my favorite gifts included a new <a href="http://www.coach.com">Coach</a> purse from my in-laws, diamond earrings from the Hubs, an ice cream maker from the bro, and my new <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com">Vibram FiveFingers</a> from the Hubs! (I will be posting sometime about how + why I plan to incorporate barefoot running into my routine.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcgdkWBdI/AAAAAAAAA18/vz3QhRVXAew/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqck35NO6I/AAAAAAAAA2A/5Hfc-XZWiqk/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcmXtzwGI/AAAAAAAAA2E/592K7Nyc3N4/s1600-h/100_3535%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3535" border="0" alt="100_3535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB2NUcSpIrPotOwENm11SJZdySCc9foaYkAbFnGBiFkib6QyjQvMf31G-HQgT-MOtc3EKJuNkGYWV5d30VU9Y6oMMDZ_n0WNGX3kEz5kypLvhfMNdvdoqXvc6MaXLWeV4oaebbhbZkoQ/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>And a certain someone just so happened to celebrate his 30th birthday on the 26th! I can’t believe I’m married to a 30 year old! CRAZY!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcok09PTI/AAAAAAAAA2M/AcakDJUvKEQ/s1600-h/100_3536%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3536" border="0" alt="100_3536" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcppB2f-I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/4nu9MTAvfr0/100_3536_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>And for his annual “gift” for his birthday, we headed down to Matt’s “Happy Place” – <a href="http://www.explorebranson.com">Branson</a>! Or more specifically, <a href="http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com">Silver Dollar City</a>…</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3565" border="0" alt="100_3565" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcqtbrIxI/AAAAAAAAA2U/X6rR3aHlX1U/100_3565_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3567" border="0" alt="100_3567" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcrjCWiEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/GhzMcYkzEX8/100_3567_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLr-CQE6yvVxQhk_HjkPTaQ3ysC6L_glkYHjdDA7I6WwRblFXsjQb-Gzv8owc7CjfvO0DJrT2eC4YoW0_xoylsI7EV5QG2ivvAXm0CDjMFQIxcn3oXyC0J1c_5v3H5potnuIOXv7hH-M/s1600-h/100_3556%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3556" border="0" alt="100_3556" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqctMwB9gI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Q16KhPuiWHU/100_3556_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> </p> <p>We were also able to visit a fairly new distillery about 10 miles north of Branson – <a href="http://www.copperrundistillery.com/">Copper Run Distillery</a>. They make small batch moonshine, whiskey, and rum. It was delish and of course we ended up taking a bottle of whiskey home for the Hubs.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlmdq9szXeWV6hU3cA74PDtloEflTR82YroglL3hA2qdKg_2MKGJaZ783Ker4LbGcw2OnFaBVKWCHyyh7sbvvXcloBm2fPWZw6hq4fxEaoiC8qjRQl9awjWJQcTpodl4gyqCs6Kd2HmQ/s1600-h/100_3561%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3561" border="0" alt="100_3561" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcvPRnK-I/AAAAAAAAA2o/eslFQzFIroA/100_3561_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXIju8fgKvFGAZwS4mYpG33nrqtz2yAktZ-Q1tH4DckJCi71mU-B9y2ccjbByeFBmSAO2Z65rIIzPss6if_3nReAe7GoJIDxmlGuXVloALd7VZshchzIdOBc4RiEvKL4PM8ek0whLaS4/s1600-h/100_3562%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3562" border="0" alt="100_3562" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqcwkayIXI/AAAAAAAAA2w/sXhQkXlIoj8/100_3562_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>And of course, no trip to Branson could be complete without a stop at my absolute <a href="http://www.eatandys.com">FAVORITE frozen custard place</a>!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoZ0wW61IBeeM8jbEDNIuJibF2KYdSMNuDps2g8ApPpnzm9gaNCvn7VkWmbtxtRIlPAEKjgzmGxoDE8KWKDxRagP90w4amZOkvymcwc3TLQJ10jnDwt85-ne6BOgdi-aW522kXi3xgGU/s1600-h/100_3568%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3568" border="0" alt="100_3568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81kiA0LfA_9z3EnBH7lIVoPxzFci45A15dgDF5OVL4J9ySNNUKurmR8OVS3ODeeaKEj4CMndwj6qffqPWZoMs5-8x0OQ5Js2rZKX_judNq8fx7i6fuSTxrOmv_R1_dLx-UBn_gBpGkMg/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>Yes, I know, it’s the 3rd time we’ve been this year, but it’s a definitely treat since there is not one in STL. Plus, we went to one in Springfield instead of in Branson… so at least it was a different location, right?! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqc0rpMIVI/AAAAAAAAA28/l0B6kMzgvo0/s1600-h/100_3569%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3569" border="0" alt="100_3569" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqc16K7ReI/AAAAAAAAA3A/2LTNccpEYxo/100_3569_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3573" border="0" alt="100_3573" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqc2ikqo_I/AAAAAAAAA3E/zE14gzCMWfI/100_3573_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></p> <p>I decided to try something new that I had never seen before. The Askinosie WooHoo Concrete.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wY15oKu9kTHScHlM8iKHeZLu5mMdH4nkE00n8iTmZ_USW_VtZVxvj5sALdtGfJ0YhJXTVOkvFpVfL0DyJxgkwQM949Q8nDKjZVwfJRGTxQeEVReBYnWyotNo0-dy33RIE4FW9xNzeS4/s1600-h/100_3571%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3571" border="0" alt="100_3571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW9bo-bTa0N2oZCH29Bgpo0H4oBX8GSsYnAtgIxm8KeGAPgYhbuLUzNsWReckbnq3GuV93J11tQESTh-3ne3BHqCLWEqd0DwrwBLwmVzsCqV0bLbOCIyI1BtRkodxUWPKbBH-JQxOlzA/?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p>A wonderful blend of bitter chocolate blended to pieces with Andy’s incredibly creamy vanilla custard. And check out <a href="http://www.askinosie.com">Askinosie Chocolate</a> – they have a really great story.</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3574" border="0" alt="100_3574" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqc5BOxt-I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/mWYAqAwoJj0/100_3574_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></p> <p>Matt chose to get the Boomer Bear in support of local <a href="http://www.missouristate.edu">Missouri State University</a>. A new combination that seems a bit weird but totally worked. Sweet + buttery + crunchy = delish!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqc6GxCr8I/AAAAAAAAA3U/YsfXIFNQR1o/s1600-h/100_3572%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3572" border="0" alt="100_3572" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRqc7APfCkI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/Y6GLA0XqgC4/100_3572_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsQnH5_Lmt9HOp6RuxS_ksYDe0DzeIfqlzjDgqRWkLyZ7Y0GM-e_hJVkowvU1outywKlxU3R9dQohMaiS-XPqwyFWJEv8nyY1Pk_8KupbSVXHu9awgSbIglyQIxFCFrO61WPkhT1JXhM/s1600-h/100_3575%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3575" border="0" alt="100_3575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4g84eAMBkDG1sdco9xMhMfs9SjiT3hlTU3hVgjw3JwIQZd30cfHebTfOgcC673kTMH5LoY8iKaHxjqbzGcBVU__l5hVMxvPqI9dp_EvnHYshh9eaeZzHE6MlJvmX_xY9QHTe9Mf4u24/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p>Another successful Andy’s visit. And although they are opened through the winter (GO if you have a chance), we won’t be back until SDC opens up again in the spring.</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-77164095600836945222010-12-23T10:41:00.001-06:002010-12-23T10:41:08.846-06:00eskimo balls<p>Back in college, before my friends got married and moved away, we would always get together for one big New Year’s potluck party. Each person would bring a different dish to share – somehow I was ALWAYS in charge of salad. (Do my friends know me or what.) One of the main features at these parties were Stefanie’s Eskimo Balls, and of course all the ball jokes you could ever think of to go with them.</p> <p>They are probably one of my all time favorite cookies! Not only do they taste absolutely DElish, they are also super easy to make! I think I could easily wolf down 10 of them, they are THAT good! </p> <p>And yes, you MUST call them Eskimo Balls AND tell ball jokes as you serve them…</p> <p><strong><u>Eskimo Balls<br></u></strong><em>Adapted from <a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/63816/eskimo-balls.html">this recipe</a>. Makes ~2 dozen balls.</em></p> <p>3/4 cup Earth Balance (or butter)<br>3/4 cup granulated sugar<br>3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (dark chocolate is the best!)<br>1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br>1 tablespoon rum (I used coconut but you can use any flavor, or just water)<br>2 cups quick oats or semi-processed rolled oats (see below)<br>1/4 cups powdered sugar</p> <p>Gather the necessities. The original recipe calls for water, but I gave it a little twist by adding coconut rum. You can skip the rum if you want, since I don’t really think you can taste it that much.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7dHOulxI/AAAAAAAAA0c/MvlSJPh_PJU/s1600-h/100_3498%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3498" border="0" alt="100_3498" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7eMN8uXI/AAAAAAAAA0g/OuY4dQyfwtk/100_3498_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>If you are using rolled oats, you are going to need to grind them up a bit in a food processor. About 10 pulses should do it. You don’t want them to be completely ground, just broken up a bit. If you have quick oats, just use those – I but the HUGE bag from Costco to fit my everyday oatmeal habit.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW5noJuaDXTM_ViYT8Z-09xFKnUd5HleT2dvZkQhuba0OjT6giYlmr7lbtSLkforcWwXKrVIf95Z9bHL7mDHsDJnIRsd3yQprNwZxQ2ph1_Lt-DdlIw601_GXfXaP0zEfwt9gOpu8wtw/s1600-h/100_3495%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3495" border="0" alt="100_3495" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7fyqrHgI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Vx2O9i0SRh8/100_3495_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Mix all the ingredients except the powdered sugar in a bowl. Refrigerate the dough overnight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7g93tjdI/AAAAAAAAA0s/1lHlBo88YNg/s1600-h/100_3496%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3496" border="0" alt="100_3496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL93yC7u05cbUKWGaX4gqfA6X-MqzJ9GiIeM_G_NjJ_p5wfpBTJ1m3I38w6CD9Tlv7igPAcLQEkbxY792ntB3EdLI6ZKeeO_MouDkaWg5h2Z8PO6FN3bZBQLkxcFAZEAJon-1Yjjf8Nc/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p>Once thoroughly chilled, form 1” balls. I use a cookie scoop because I am a perfectionist and like them all to be pretty much the same size.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7iee2b8I/AAAAAAAAA00/-h04V8LSais/s1600-h/100_3499%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3499" border="0" alt="100_3499" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7ixpqT4I/AAAAAAAAA04/14CBYuViWI8/100_3499_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8piQIWiro2TFCUenCybTiKyTKBTtmxgdg-KhcV-u-yDf91eRNwtks-7sxsRGNhdT3QXaD8eFfmigMAVyPJwuQajnAvhrxzahmmIxzC3GzD4p0BbhwUuz_Ud_t2PY_kVbn3MAfqKEfXk/s1600-h/100_3500%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3500" border="0" alt="100_3500" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7kghzGCI/AAAAAAAAA1E/R36sg8ZN-lY/100_3500_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Roll in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. I only used 1/4 cup but you are more than welcome to use more if you’d like. Place them back in the fridge for a little while longer.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-9l2kx5N2eFaUjeId4wlWddzdAerlwxnw0lcOAfSYHUk3wYrCeNuX8ouLg0noTLDVF5vMZOYsgpzCooJsHWSE04sEmiB6bEU1kf6Ink5uVPQXwDZqAQrW61g92bbAQnHzaFvnvDuUg8/s1600-h/100_3501%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3501" border="0" alt="100_3501" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7l_pgO6I/AAAAAAAAA1M/5nMcIMw1Gnk/100_3501_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TRN7m3qKhcI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/p2tfWTYnJXA/s1600-h/100_3502%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3502" border="0" alt="100_3502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlEKmoHg5RgI_ZXpzM8nTNl60t6kEobhWPJfknoSzdP8_HecFU6bxUn__A0xj-HJTpp_W3q7Kb1PjFXtEyBiJQ365VTPGFfMDc3EU86GwSs1pJSsqoQgVt8xQaxH3k9wYKaaAMgaoGFE/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3GtURPVjfjk58PkYo1ZrSSmEPlDV8G9neqnY7v97WlvmVtyCPgX5voPrCGJqNwAw9BSJe_hzSMUvWXXoaAWfQ9F8X4spoyrILxiu6ZDf2_LlYeFKcQXHRF_Uwe4IClL_NKSQdcRZFbM/s1600-h/100_3504%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3504" border="0" alt="100_3504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYtFT3WdJLSWoswuPO9vbN2XqffQAAceyfXITARaX6dBKvVWOwIbiAp7d4q4I6Rk1wkEnNReHPIYtY0ahsUYitZ9nr_Uex1Ngdh9L5fE1rM1TopiVS0pGopBegILf_NqaetKqa0aVaZ8/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>ENJOY!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-74780500177008514092010-12-21T21:52:00.001-06:002010-12-21T21:52:13.141-06:00taking it easy<p>Today, I went out for a nice 4 mile run. That might not seem like a big deal, since I know anyone who reads my blog and knows me KNOWS that this is nothing out of the ordinary.</p> <p>But, to me, it was. It was my first run in over a week.</p> <p>OK, OK… I know, still not a big deal, but again, it is very rare that I EVER miss a run. In fact, that last time I remember actually taking time COMPLETELY off from exercise was almost 2 years ago, when I had sinus surgery and followed doctor’s orders not to exercise.</p> <p>So, to me, this run was a big deal. <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-i-learned-from-marathon-training.html">Like I said with my marathon training</a>, I have been listening to my body a lot more. My stuffy nose, aching sinuses, and nagging cough was telling me that time off would be a good thing. And a trip to urgent care for some antibiotics…</p> <p>So, yes, today was my first run since last Monday, and it was glorious! But, it also let me know my body has limits. Just a few weeks ago, I talked about dropping my 5K time. That goal has been put on hold for a little longer. Not only do I believe my body won’t quite be ready for another sub-20 5K time, but I’ve also got things to do (which I will talk about at a later date) on the day of that scheduled race.</p> <p>So, I’m taking it easy the next couple weeks and <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/11/5k-training-for-winter.html">completely scrapped my training plan</a>. Now, I’ll be running to maintain my fitness (and weight over the holidays) and gearing up for a busy race schedule in the spring of 2011. And believe me, the New Year has a lot of amazing stuff in store and I CAN’T WAIT!</p> <p>(Plus, I’ll have a few more recipes to share as Christmas approaches.)</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-34791267324127586452010-12-20T16:53:00.001-06:002010-12-20T16:53:57.140-06:00cookies of christmas past<p>Today I bring you a recipe from my Christmas past. This is the one cookie I remember making every Christmas, and pretty much only at Christmas time. It is actually my deceased grandmother’s recipe, which gives it just so much more meaning to me. Plus, it is a super easy recipe and tastes wonderful! Of course I couldn’t just make the original recipe… I had to “health it up” a bit.</p> <p>But first, let’s talk about the cookie press before we start. A cookie press is a device used to easily make cookies in to pretty shapes. Sort of like a cookie cutter but 10x easier. Your dough has to be a soft dough without a bunch of stuff in it though. Therefore, perfect for these cookies.</p> <p>There are several different types of presses. A hand press (like mine or <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=cookie+press&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1446368165867155761&ei=TtgPTZmKA9HdngfejfnPDg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CDkQ8gIwAA#">this one</a>) or an <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=72132&CatID=72132&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=19e254a&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-Google-_-Kitchen%20%20%20Dining-_-Cuisinart%20Electric%20Cookie%20Press%20%20Pink%20White%20Yellow">electric press</a>. I am lucky enough to have my grandmother’s antique hand press and it still works perfectly. My mom and I have tried newer versions and an electric, but they don’t work nearly as well. But, that’s just my opinion and you can find one you love using for yourself.</p> <p><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eCiuTMqI/AAAAAAAAAyc/ln3XsVVpdoQ/s1600-h/100_3469%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3469" border="0" alt="100_3469" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eD6m1qbI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ma7W3HWb4IM/100_3469_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8l9RPSnIhpoSX_cTO2hrwpLexhxcagFZOY7fHs2Ni2jZ3Sv_jHx2HwnDwZaLAakseJYV7rpBxAbfV_1Md84Qo0Xkih1xRIQT9_AWbENaTnN-BU5G_YALsWz3n0XFUL9sy6Ep6Zp9QD8/s1600-h/100_3472%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3472" border="0" alt="100_3472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_vbc0Q-kgkpTGaT2_tErOJBGqeyGMTnldmEcd46sjGyS1fnn9o9cuQHyp6khAzVVBa2Jw_citNavIB1eeY_OfEV4Oc42yECXsyrsuN-Ldj7Mi40O75JFEL7e61pHwThCV-ICJotlAjk/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eGKaXSFI/AAAAAAAAAys/MCDrgr1JqV4/s1600-h/100_3473%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3473" border="0" alt="100_3473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhT_1upgdVY6pZ6qF0ouZwlgcvNTbs6hTXW7TVRYImjwsr2FxivtNvpJm7hHbo6ItW-DZR3idfngN3lM6zLAo2gkLiy6WiSLqzYDdm0FyHL0qSuEp38NzSSmnZOpRzItDgeoBzNgx488/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Vegan Cream Cheese Press Cookies<br></u></strong>Makes 6-7 dozen cookies. Original recipe adaptation in brackets.</p> <p>1 cup Earth Balance [1 cup butter or margarine]<br>1/3 cup Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese [3 oz. cream cheese]<br>1 cup sugar<br>1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2 tablespoons water [1 egg yolk]<br>1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br>1 cup all purpose flour<br>1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour<br>[Or just 2 1/2 cups AP flour]<br>Cookie press</p> <p>Grab all your ingredients.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eHlsxVpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/hI4Xod6hQtU/s1600-h/100_3447%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3447" border="0" alt="100_3447" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eITiy42I/AAAAAAAAAy4/_Z0vB2Gdams/100_3447_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p>Make a flax egg by adding 2 tablespoons water to 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed. It will gel nicely after you let it sit a few minutes. Or, you can just use 1 egg yolk.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-TP0FL4TyOtbJ4X8ICSCUI6z__Bc8UBu3_W9XZgSGArZsZbuO5YUNEgRwJajC_FIVVwNigK-wFfuJtoh4S229y609w2eqZ_q9VPKyV8RJMyZTOLhNO-A3spbUTWvdhiBqtwzogzoRts/s1600-h/100_3446%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3446" border="0" alt="100_3446" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eKLX4__I/AAAAAAAAAzA/Hpqgns_C8to/100_3446_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Cream together butter and cream cheese. Add the sugar and flax egg and cream well. Then add the vanilla and mix until incorporated.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eLOL1D5I/AAAAAAAAAzE/MtyWN8bvuaM/s1600-h/100_3454%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3454" border="0" alt="100_3454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eL-1-YqI/AAAAAAAAAzI/NJn8RolU38o/100_3454_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eN3u0DdI/AAAAAAAAAzM/mNEXzv97lh8/s1600-h/100_3458%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3458" border="0" alt="100_3458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eOf435YI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/anoLu7sgrVQ/100_3458_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Slowly add the flour. Mix until all is incorporated until adding in the next batch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eQIsmqqI/AAAAAAAAAzU/C34-lgwSpAs/s1600-h/100_3462%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3462" border="0" alt="100_3462" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eQ1D-ckI/AAAAAAAAAzY/mpm22LszQwo/100_3462_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>If you want, you can add some food coloring to make the cookies a bit more festive. I used green food coloring because I wanted to make Christmas trees. (You will notice that mine look more like shamrocks than Christmas trees.)</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuD9GBPjZxHuFtOx0Qi_EIOVrwY2ZtLj_er7nw0gzq90fiZv54-yVoL0G4_4gl1eeGw8zcE7PdfJyHEEFOsVPXb1jKHejfIn_13H06Hhtd3OvTVd9C3iKGk1UQFPzKy7XUAFoD0xgDo8/s1600-h/100_3465%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3465" border="0" alt="100_3465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSwEtM8vXCul9-ca_lDMV0tTgOlgN_kZ1WOaZJYTDzpEMBupROJWA7HGoIZMzERqQVNxYWlnNhWGt78_Y1NVV9rO8hGOFKz_oN9XlNp6AMRXqyjBkiOk1LbPOZWJ9NsdA_tfVeVVRE2Y/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30-60 minutes. You don’t <em>have</em> to do this, but we always have in my family.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eTmcMEBI/AAAAAAAAAzk/6ZQuflwKvz0/s1600-h/100_3467%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3467" border="0" alt="100_3467" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eUB2Y2cI/AAAAAAAAAzo/lZRKgGL0kkU/100_3467_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p>Fill cookie press and press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet (OK, I greased mine). Add sprinkles if your heart desires.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eU5MKL0I/AAAAAAAAAzs/-5v13o2yIOk/s1600-h/100_3474%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3474" border="0" alt="100_3474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7suRWwHHq0zO09Nlzx3Z-c64VXJClSZ_Hz41XQosA-sh8d5RXKwY8YNrL4aIkq8MVcUz_NhyphenhyphenR9hXmqwWuFooJnnTEzwe7CecZZ5pLmPb5pV3G0MLv8udGPWxkpr3DnVqtBHSlGhLt46E/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eWdZbe9I/AAAAAAAAAz0/-Q8hiVFooZQ/s1600-h/100_3475%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3475" border="0" alt="100_3475" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eXcAySsI/AAAAAAAAAz4/rM6rQw__K70/100_3475_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFOn4U7g3euPdoqsPO-dW-nY_O_2qGIKaffoa_peo5XBuO8kNLBRpZMtSEuvna5QZG26VYMoyiF83MYd3Et-ixdw5bkU-ELnZGINWb4v_IQdABpm2InM9t3Id-08N4D0hWc4VceY8Zzw/s1600-h/100_3478%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3478" border="0" alt="100_3478" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwmfGhKO53rejbWjioLDM8m3zIW2ZTxiwHk_6OBp0-mVudt-QsTwAeJVGgOXvFwN0spPgc4OHtn44zJmt3tgv9oJxaMtwjNLi_B4qC1piXdoaGuHK3YpMIRPmNaHx_S0QpHtc3bjXIcM/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="192"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on tray for 2-3 minutes and then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.</p> <p>So, mine definitely don’t look like the Christmas trees I was hoping they would, but oh well. Shape doesn’t effect the taste! I would’ve done red and make poinsettias like we used to when I was a kid, but I was out of red food coloring. </p> <p> <br> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_eanG_k_I/AAAAAAAAA0E/4fWpdLLWHOk/s1600-h/100_3485%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3485" border="0" alt="100_3485" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_ebvRI40I/AAAAAAAAA0I/MhtdLCcnRxM/100_3485_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_ecpKw7nI/AAAAAAAAA0M/aClW9IezWqs/s1600-h/100_3488%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3488" border="0" alt="100_3488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXvCGOTGc5-m5x70spYpafY4P0kV3NXv_FpRdG00milbMzJlOyInb9xWX_1vBlqIOlJP5Z0QpbSp9geTWLE91LjegCWZONB2MCuo6CARg3d8atoGQaye35iQCidR-kEcJYYcZojtkcrc/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><br> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQ_egOCmJ_I/AAAAAAAAA0U/uhnXQoH2w1E/s1600-h/100_3489%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3489" border="0" alt="100_3489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJarK4PDW77yD4LOOjHs0hdJjrTEPWFJW63n1pp_nD3MzVI47u2SCoyIQDYTv8zdxtF87HRe11Y373J9jIiSSNA9eKQuDyC_hdUWiqacyusnOdMaVyP0T43iK5bAjdWrBAmE-5yubbqsc/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>These aren’t the sweetest cookies in the world, but they are still delicious. And they make the BEST tasting cookie dough in the world. OK, that might be an exaggeration, but my dad, brother, and I would seriously eat this by the spoonful when my mom would make them every Christmas. Soooo goooooood!</p> <p>I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-63379383414145951992010-12-12T14:42:00.001-06:002010-12-12T14:42:47.926-06:00closing time<p>Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Also, unfortunately, this includes frozen custard. Well, not for good, but just for the season.</p> <p>With the range of hot + humid in the summer to bitterly cold in the winter, St. Louis doesn’t exactly provide the best climate for frozen custard stands to stay open year round. Of course, there are those few stands that do stay open year round because they serve indoors, but the classics (<a href="http://www.teddrewes.com">Ted Drewes</a>, <a href="http://www.fritzsfrozencustard.com">Fritz’s</a>, etc.) must come to a close come December. Luckily, February is the typical opening date, so we don’t have to wait very long!</p> <p>We decided to go on the very last day Fritz’s was open because (1) I’ve had a very busy weekend with my church Christmas program, (2) they were closed yesterday for their staff appreciation day, and (3) I wanted to get it the last chance I could so I don’t have to wait very long until February.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA_-OKVziNur2buInGGLxrHwQ1zd-MJ7008I2ItxaRM6_u-7wQTJVNnDdUGtEyoIOYG8lqIYDlf3b7JaMdjAmQNbRLbiypcbAVRlkkaG7mhnWOl9tI8wSvRI4eQDcPgvvMaitjZ5FON8/s1600-h/100_3419%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3419" border="0" alt="100_3419" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzn_lKE4I/AAAAAAAAAxo/UWvCuQ6DaA0/100_3419_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>It was almost the trip that didn’t happen given the weather conditions: bitterly cold (high 22* and low 6*) with gusty winds and SNOW! But, with the store being less than a mile from our house and the fact they have a drive-thru, we braved the cold to get in my car and get some delicious frozen custard.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJwyC3VlZWijlFo7lQQi3XNKQtB_zRz_NqnSrXb-gJIL2f0d9KHgBSsYmzlh9LjpZeRNbffJ4TFJdG3825jtknkRio3z3Hl0-u7vUfK8bials4q7l9Hb2gY3AUyOR5eGgYyCzNsoKYAI/s1600-h/100_3424%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3424" border="0" alt="100_3424" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzpp9UhrI/AAAAAAAAAxw/c0jZA04tvT4/100_3424_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>I’ve been eyeing their newest concrete for a few weeks now – vanilla custard mixed with pumpkin pie filling + cinnamon granola. Seriously, my 3 favorite things all rolled into one delicious concrete. However, I was a little disappointed that the granola flavor didn’t come out more. The pumpkin flavor was of course amazing, but that’s all I could taste with the crunch of granola. Don’t get me wrong through, it was still yummy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzqe6C9JI/AAAAAAAAAx0/ziS3dZd-ltc/s1600-h/100_3425%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3425" border="0" alt="100_3425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzrOifJ3I/AAAAAAAAAx4/ea9cL7u66_0/100_3425_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>The Hubs decided on the Caramel Apple sundae, which pretty much explains itself.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzsIGFHDI/AAAAAAAAAx8/2_iHqo9aISA/s1600-h/100_3426%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3426" border="0" alt="100_3426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzthcT2XI/AAAAAAAAAyA/LqfWmrFwewE/100_3426_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p>It might be cold outside, but it’s warm enough in here to eat some frozen custard!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzvMsiBcI/AAAAAAAAAyE/_KmNrngC93g/s1600-h/100_3422%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3422" border="0" alt="100_3422" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzv1LB30I/AAAAAAAAAyI/judzIWyVi5c/100_3422_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzxKoZcwI/AAAAAAAAAyM/ggmj633K-QU/s1600-h/100_3427%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3427" border="0" alt="100_3427" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQUzxlpK_bI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/JJMFCzaMMfc/100_3427_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p>And don’t worry, there are still a few stands that will be open through the winter, so we will definitely be hitting those up… along with hopefully a few homemade concoctions I have in mind.</p> <p>But, it is a sad day to know that I have to wait until February to get my delicious Fritz’s concretes again…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-56711820347931713442010-12-11T12:03:00.002-06:002010-12-11T12:07:05.995-06:00why i don’t race in rain<p>In September of 2008, I stood at the starting line of the <a href="http://www.fleetfeetstlouis.com/lewisandclarkmarathon/">Lewis + Clark Half Marathon</a> in St. Charles. This would be my 3rd half marathon and I had trained hard the entire summer hoping to PR and finally get below 1:50. This would be my first race since my first marathon in April and I was ready to rock this half.</p> <p>I had anxiously been checking the weather all week. Rain was in the forecast for the entire weekend, but Saturday remained beautiful and I was hoping the rain would hold off just a bit longer.</p> <p>Boy, was I wrong. Did I mention I was standing at the starting line in a torrential downpour?</p> <p>Remember Hurricane Ike that went through Galveston, Texas in September 2008? Well, you think that living in St. Louis you would never have to deal with a hurricane. A tornado, maybe… but a hurricane? Never.</p> <p>Unfortunately, after Ike made landfall in Texas on September 13, 2008, it swung it’s way up into the Midwest, bringing its hurricane winds and rain along with it the next day, Sunday, September 14, 2008.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8feIACAR2e7BZ0MmOISVMrL3BFynqW8x2C6fTo0jXiSe-K6SXRJr0_K-2ds5U8NOfImHIF7Xc0QpeoixYzXanKc2GjzCF1E1eZQm0mMhj7ZHbZgkmfRqPK7ze7vMwR-2nK3NqrLh0f3Y/s1600-h/Hurricane%20Ike%20Path%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hurricane Ike Path" alt="Hurricane Ike Path" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQO82W0wUlI/AAAAAAAAAxI/YRcOgNGXjFI/Hurricane%20Ike%20Path_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="555" border="0" height="344" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYQiUX-ocPG07immXrgUYqv17vcfksFrYCW0GgHDEngViwlT98p_V-pLPb_bsmuXcGHHpgqkWg_1Dnlxxt1oYowlwDvwZxnIIrzia3o544XQ3hjyAKfADfVeMLRTBD-C1pMXsEEO81w0/s1600-h/Hurricane%20Ike%20Radar%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hurricane Ike Radar" alt="Hurricane Ike Radar" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQO897BD2yI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/oGLxAtGN73E/Hurricane%20Ike%20Radar_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="375" border="0" height="344" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5Ne3eChd5XxSoqEtKjkK6P3YjdYs0MptFy4jTqMZiKp_x5-SVrSL-cnHDpm18UiDZcE31U1rEz6iK3LdMhPGwx8v1pL7ER1b8RrrUI8meYFaZj3KuWQAXXgIKF_hkGCzOM6N5HmTMeo/s1600-h/Hurricane%20Ike%20Satellite%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hurricane Ike Satellite" alt="Hurricane Ike Satellite" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQO9ABcM_1I/AAAAAAAAAxY/15_mLSdUNpE/Hurricane%20Ike%20Satellite_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" border="0" height="344" /></a></p> <p align="center">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Ike">Image Source</a>]</p> <p>The morning of the Lewis + Clark Marathon and Half Marathon.</p> <p>To this day, I still ask myself why I toed the starting line that morning. It’s not like it started raining after the race had started. Nope… I woke up to that rain and still chose to brave it out there. The rain pierced my face like needles and the wind gusts made it hard to stay on my feet. Plus, very few spectators chose to stand out in this weather, making it even more difficult to stay motivated to keep pushing toward the finish line.</p> <p>I had been looking forward to seeing some coworkers who would be at mile 8 working the medical tent. However, when I reached that point, they weren’t there, making it even more disheartening to keep going. When you expect people to be cheering you on at a certain point and they aren’t there makes it tough.</p> <p>I still had 5 more miles to go and it was getting difficult. I couldn’t feel my face anymore, I was soaked to the core, and freezing. I figured I ran this far already, I might as well finish.</p> <p>Little did I know that part of the course was flooded, branches were down on the Katy Trail, and the conditions just didn’t seem to be getting any better. As I came up to Mile 10, I saw the finish line up ahead. What was going on? I still had 3 more miles left…</p> <p>In order to keep everyone “safe”, the race directors decided to reroute everyone, marathoners included, to end the race with only 10 miles under their belt.</p> <p>Although I was happy to be done with the horrendous race, I was still disappointed not to have the chance to PR since I somehow, despite the conditions, was still on goal pace. I finished the 10 miler in 1:50, and it’s still the only 10 miler I have ever run. It took me HOURS to get warm again, but it taught me that I will never RACE in rain again.</p> <p>Which brings me to this morning and waking up to this:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQO9BC3QfxI/AAAAAAAAAxc/BSsNBjZjBA4/s1600-h/100_3417%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="100_3417" alt="100_3417" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TQO9CVMH-TI/AAAAAAAAAxg/WvoiNlQUcZA/100_3417_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0" height="484" /></a></p> <p>Remember that <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/11/5k-training-for-winter.html">3K I was planning on doing</a> a few weeks ago? Yup, sticking to my guns on not racing in rain (especially when I didn’t pre-register and wasn’t going to be getting a shirt anyway). So, instead I spent 60 minutes on the treadmill and staying dry.</p> <p><strong>Anyone have a race I can run next week?</strong> Only if it doesn’t rain or snow though! </p>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-31257705074590303762010-12-07T21:40:00.001-06:002010-12-07T21:40:42.941-06:00red velvet<p>It’s officially winter weather in St. Louis. The blue box in the right hand corner of my computer reads 24 degrees. COLD.</p> <p>So, what does a couple do on a boring Tuesday night in blistery cold weather?</p> <p>Go get frozen custard of course! Well, drive through to get frozen custard…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TP7-Jx2c1fI/AAAAAAAAAwE/nif33GIk1Zg/s1600-h/102_3405%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_3405" border="0" alt="102_3405" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TP7-KpNnMiI/AAAAAAAAAwM/IdANLl72OpU/102_3405_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>This is the last week <a href="http://www.fritzsfrozencustard.com">Fritz’s</a> will be open for the season, and seeing as we have only been twice this year [probably the least amount ever], we definitely had to make a trip.</p> <p>And after I saw this on the sign, I knew we had to try it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TP7-LklLFkI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/Z8dJtzUgZTQ/s1600-h/102_3408%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3408" border="0" alt="102_3408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDhNHPWkALX8D4oxm0c7CN-TF0q-R__NYLsrd_fzXSkV3TcDnbk-buw2ejHZro0cvY_fUk4Y8-H9P7kDgt4OjAJa3iBognraITGZJK7LEfrgmknxP7lMU5-Xjw2BtYAT31qI5aIooHr0/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>I’m pretty sure this is the only time Red Velvet Cake has EVER been the Flavor of the Day. It definitely didn’t exist when we worked there, and believe me, we tried EVERY combo possible. Red velvet cake was NOT one of them.</p> <p>However, seeing as this is one of my favorite flavored cakes [and remember, I am NOT a cake person], we absolutely had to check it out! And that meant breaking the habit of always getting a concrete. Sorry if I no longer live up to my “concrete runner” name after this…</p> <p>After we got settled in back at home, I plopped down on the couch to taste the deliciousness that is red velvet cake. And Fritz’s definitely didn’t disappoint! Smooth + creamy as always, with just the perfect amount of red velvet chocolately flavor.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzOiwvbbtgvcN8NvnmjffkxWrAVc-7U9HCxNgiCWiXB13_A_bwkThBB7lDZJO9fMeid9vWioZixwa9RajvemYpQ2lpZ1MR4kKePDY27Q43VBh7uwsgF5GgZMVoSKwsJy2AsvHIq5Fn30/s1600-h/102_3412%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3412" border="0" alt="102_3412" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TP7-OX-aDgI/AAAAAAAAAwc/5QtL2CSt_EY/102_3412_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>It definitely didn’t warm me up, but it certainly tasted delicious! Too bad I’ll have to wait until the spring to get it again…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-81325625645777580492010-12-04T22:59:00.001-06:002010-12-04T22:59:30.597-06:00christmas on main street<p>One of the reasons I absolutely love where I live is <a href="http://www.historicstcharles.com">Historic Main Street in St. Charles</a>. Roughly a mile of cute little shops and some of the best restaurants in town, not to mention right along the Missouri River and celebrates the state’s first Capitol and the voyage of Lewis + Clark. It’s so cute + quaint, probably one of my favorite places on the planet.</p> <p>At Christmas time, Main Street lights up with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Christmas lights on the trees, shops open late, Christmas characters all around, chestnuts roasting on an open fire… no, really! It is a must see, and we always make it a point to visit every year.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb4HXLJtI/AAAAAAAAAu0/I3C4pmO8SR0/s1600-h/102_3384%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3384" border="0" alt="102_3384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXlvqgQ7kknYjU4yAW8RnH5nyRjuIKCjKUx5zlbupyqjVnED91XAVtJYX-CuawbXWrMkdph87qbVxq_7D5aeSHSfR7Tv_Fd_lsBBkdVBKx3zQ8tLZ3hXwzDWiZGNKaYAceC_KiBOjG7U/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>We started our night at <a href="http://www.trailheadbrewing.com">Trail Head</a>, which is slowly becoming one of my favorite restaurants. Our visit this summer was less that stellar, and after speaking to the manager about it, we ended up with 2 free dinners (minus alcohol + gratuity). When we arrived, it was an hour + 45 minute wait, but we lucked out with some open seating at a table in the bar area. I started off with a Raspberry Ale, and the Hubs, an Amber Ale.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb5wNoONI/AAAAAAAAAu8/TFzufQF7FfI/s1600-h/102_3388%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3388" border="0" alt="102_3388" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb6sf-gZI/AAAAAAAAAvA/c_1VamYHzWc/102_3388_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl26FJkQruVjzDyJ_a7CZ0vMsHtLRh54c5obbWcy6oszp0Iv6B8PoLTTC-zjpT-WjXpoGJcpzJ-nukghRiDSwMNQ03sHzb4oWI9B-40-W6VPvOIMlGc-Sp87Gp7vKIF6nL-yeFXGqFm0/s1600-h/102_3389%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3389" border="0" alt="102_3389" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb8MrM33I/AAAAAAAAAvI/TDKvEUp3AbI/102_3389_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb9rg_e1I/AAAAAAAAAvM/jVpiDCV06Co/s1600-h/102_3390%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3390" border="0" alt="102_3390" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb-dyYdFI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/C5AZjKhSkRI/102_3390_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Dinner involved a pretty amazing vegetarian pizza, with carrots, onion, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, and a napolitano sauce. Although it wasn’t nearly as good as <a href="http://www.deweyspizza.com">Dewey’s</a>, it was pretty gosh darn delish!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPsb_UdyQ7I/AAAAAAAAAvU/_FOcvWGEsVA/s1600-h/102_3391%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3391" border="0" alt="102_3391" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscAF2e9mI/AAAAAAAAAvY/_CYfDc-5AC0/102_3391_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>The Hubs order the sausage platter, with bratwurst, Knockwurst, and Weisswurst. I thought it looked gross, but he said it was pretty gosh darn good too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscBEDiPXI/AAAAAAAAAvc/VKMeDCV_sGg/s1600-h/102_3392%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3392" border="0" alt="102_3392" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscCSAAjeI/AAAAAAAAAvg/-90WcXTPCMw/102_3392_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>We also decided to order their Brown Ale, since it had hints of coffee + chocolate, which is also quickly becoming a replacement for all the pumpkin ale I will soon be missing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscDhjcXII/AAAAAAAAAvk/0rfc-Tx7tww/s1600-h/102_3393%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3393" border="0" alt="102_3393" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscEz7lXiI/AAAAAAAAAvo/n8mNaU488ek/102_3393_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>We made our way slowly down Main Street, stopping at a few shops on the way, including one for a short beer tasting (with all Missouri brewed beers) and of course, Grandma’s cookies! (Cookies were unphotographed, as they were consumed in bed after we got home.)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6j0Z2k-Dm8M4ASWrzSbmNiurr8p25oRjn-8LgEVXh68gqbxvNgBywFyF-x2ZKw3y0DVa3e0OagtrWmNtQFpJUZkv8Dkyd0cyeygziRnPzqr_AGgga402r2XCaEjRHmXCdfGWLxl1-DI/s1600-h/102_3396%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3396" border="0" alt="102_3396" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscINaajMI/AAAAAAAAAvw/HqPJe7Er3wk/102_3396_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscJ5n8I4I/AAAAAAAAAv0/MsyPeuvvD7U/s1600-h/102_3400%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3400" border="0" alt="102_3400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscKl8n1DI/AAAAAAAAAv4/rnYlhp4AzYM/102_3400_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8h07ICRadW2re0sWX225u879mCO2C87z-2sdPqFvjvlx46vb6at3H3FVFvbpBC8blbUi5hdyfPJTrYKcJT7GWEZ4Yk2ND_lPixxQVmgNWCfG7HMN8V3vrGjsB5GU1bZKXLaGXaG32nI/s1600-h/102_3404%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="102_3404" border="0" alt="102_3404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TPscMD9mbaI/AAAAAAAAAwA/wEvRWNRUQ6g/102_3404_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <p>Oh why oh why must Christmas on Main Street only come one month a year?! Probably one of my favorite “Matt + Kristen” traditions! But, we will have to go back to get some of the chestnuts since they weren’t there tonight! Just an excuse I suppose…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-66783986904006442542010-11-29T17:39:00.001-06:002010-11-29T17:39:26.383-06:005K training for winter<p>I haven’t talked too much about my training, well, since pretty much the marathon! Not a lot has happened since the <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com">Chicago Marathon</a>, but I am back in training mode again. But, this time, NOT for a marathon!</p> <p>I learned a lot from training for + running Chicago. First of all, and probably most importantly, I fell back in love with the sport of running. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from speedwork and monotonous workouts and just run far. It helped me clear my head and love every second of running long distances again.</p> <p>But, one big thing [for me at least] that I learned is that I LOVE to run <em>FAST!</em> Don’t get me wrong, 20 mile runs are great, but I would definitely rather run 3 miles as fast as possible, and come out with a little hardware. Selfish? Maybe a little, but I just love the satisfaction I get out of being <em>FAST.</em></p> <p>Really, the turn around point was after running the <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/11/girls-on-run-st-louis-5k.html">Girls on the Run 5K</a> and telling the Hubs that the overall female winner ran it in 18:06. [Yes, super duper fast…] He thought about it a second, then said, “Wouldn’t you want to run that fast? Wouldn’t you rather run a fast 5K time than a marathon?”</p> <p>It got me thinking. Sure, I want to <a href="http://www.marathonguide.com/news/regfeatures/BostonQualifying.cfm">qualify for Boston</a> <em>sometime</em> in my life, but I think I would rather focus on getting faster at shorter distances first. Currently, my PR is a 19:58 – a PR I am over the moon about! But, I would love to get down below a 19:30. [OK, so this will probably keep getting lower if I can break it… just like I keep wanting to drop my marathon time.] I don’t know… I guess that just makes me feel like a super-athlete, a dream I never thought I’d be able to achieve. And too bad I figured out I actually had some speed <em>after</em> college, otherwise I’d have run in college!</p> <p>Anyway, that brings me to my current training. Luckily for me, there is a great race series during the winter to help motivate me. The <a href="http://www.stlouistrackclub.com">St. Louis Track Club</a> puts on their <a href="http://www.stlouistrackclub.com/entry_forms/2010-2011-FrostbiteSeries.pdf">annual Frostbite series</a> – there are 2 races about every 2 or 3 weeks on Saturday morning, with distances ranging from [I think] 1 mile to a half marathon. With my current training plan, this will allow me to run at least 2 races, 1 in December + 1 in January, before I start training for the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon.</p> <p>My plan right now is the run the 3K race on December 11 and the 5K race on January 8, then take a week off completely before half marathon training begins.</p> <p>Here is the current training plan. I am already 2 weeks in, but better late than never, right?</p> <div align="center"> <table style="border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-bottom: medium none; border-collapse: collapse; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">MONDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">TUESDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">WEDNESDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">THURSDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">FRIDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">SATURDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">SUNDAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><br>Week 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Nov. 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5x400<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">30 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">60 min easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">4M fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr style="height: 5.35pt"> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">22<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">23<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">27<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; height: 5.35pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">8x200<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">30 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">65 min easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">4M fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">29<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #ffcc00; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">30<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Dec. 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr style="height: 3.5pt"> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6x400<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">35 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">70 min easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5M fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">9x200<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">35 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3K race<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">2M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">19<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">7x400<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">40 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">75 min easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5M fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">22<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">23<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">10x200<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">40 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">85 min easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6M fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">27<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">29<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">30<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: lime; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Jan. 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">8x400<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">45 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">90 min easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6M fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top" rowspan="2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Week<br></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #00ccff; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right" align="right"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">6x200<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">30 min tempo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">3M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">rest<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">5K race<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: medium none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">2M easy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: white; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td> <td style="border-right: windowtext 0.5pt solid; padding-right: 5.4pt; border-top: medium none; padding-left: 5.4pt; background: #0c0c0c; padding-bottom: 0in; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0in; border-bottom: windowtext 0.5pt solid; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center" align="center"> <b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>[Adapted from <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/5-Kadv.htm">Hal Higdon’s Advanced 5K</a>. I swear by his training plans – good mileage buildup + keeps me injury-free. This is what works for me; it may not work for other folks!]</p> <p>So, there you have it. How I will be spending my afternoons + early Saturday mornings for the next <strike>8</strike> 6 weeks!</p> <p><strong>Are you training for anything during the winter to keep motivated? </strong>I would love to hear some race recaps if you have them!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-16100843194394658992010-11-20T10:24:00.005-06:002010-11-20T10:43:09.022-06:00thankfulI am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>it's the weekend.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>that it is less than a week until Thanksgiving.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>there are only 2 days left of school before a 5 day break.<br /><br />But, I am also <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>for my awesome job.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>for a Friday night with nothing to do.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>for the Hubs being home on a Friday night now that cross country is over.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>we had a chance to check out <a href="http://www.sheridansfrozencustard.com/">Sheridan's Frozen Custard</a> for a 2nd time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OoJNkqI-YkKJXSF_FBjC5BAlgvintCAWoCrJj6ocC-zLbtOdPH0kjJdGGEFgWDgr4sEAFb-wIyRiGYW-tiuaU_davOXV5f6DJcmibtWrwdGrA0ktvOFXgKd-LAoIjZxsf_WSn07kJeM/s1600/102_3375.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OoJNkqI-YkKJXSF_FBjC5BAlgvintCAWoCrJj6ocC-zLbtOdPH0kjJdGGEFgWDgr4sEAFb-wIyRiGYW-tiuaU_davOXV5f6DJcmibtWrwdGrA0ktvOFXgKd-LAoIjZxsf_WSn07kJeM/s320/102_3375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541672763729220610" border="0" /></a><br />And that they had a Pumpkin Pie concrete still on their menu.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7WRZiw4uI4tL8NCpLzT1o80LPLp5-fA8WUQpiu98PwozyWfj75-6O4ACGUAKQd1-1ptE7JIjZT_ghkS-SooBoIwGb02TADz-yW94ypsvgJ8asYXWZro6iGUKZrB7nj2FQ4kAdNgSnI0/s1600/102_3378.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7WRZiw4uI4tL8NCpLzT1o80LPLp5-fA8WUQpiu98PwozyWfj75-6O4ACGUAKQd1-1ptE7JIjZT_ghkS-SooBoIwGb02TADz-yW94ypsvgJ8asYXWZro6iGUKZrB7nj2FQ4kAdNgSnI0/s320/102_3378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541672774216490754" border="0" /></a><br />And that the Hubs let me have the last 2 bites of his Caramel Apple Pie sundae.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNOyxZyNQ9bcARRDoOphDbcaKLYuAXXg6Q7FTOKNJxTUFd89lWa0cp6ZPmFD7OzHRpw0dxtwx1-AmqoNrRAdJZ6Fhf0Y1b3lHxfdZwKggeIzUPt92zsggEsI6_XNO75bcNNOqPLcK2Jo/s1600/102_3379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNOyxZyNQ9bcARRDoOphDbcaKLYuAXXg6Q7FTOKNJxTUFd89lWa0cp6ZPmFD7OzHRpw0dxtwx1-AmqoNrRAdJZ6Fhf0Y1b3lHxfdZwKggeIzUPt92zsggEsI6_XNO75bcNNOqPLcK2Jo/s320/102_3379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541672790035072194" border="0" /></a><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">thankful </span>that their custard was still <a href="http://theconcreterunner.blogspot.com/2010/07/happy-7-11-day.html">as good as I remembered</a>.<br /><br />And for spending a wonderful Friday night with my husband.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are you thankful for?</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-71658280124737800312010-11-15T21:26:00.001-06:002010-11-15T21:26:23.206-06:00friday night out<p>Lately, I’ve been getting some slack about being a boring married couple who falls asleep on a Saturday night at 9 PM. Although this is partially true, I was a bit offended. It’s not that I don’t <em>like</em> going out… but after working with kids all week long, the weekend is kind of our time to just breathe + relax.</p> <p>So, I was on a mission to prove them wrong. We decided to have a semi-date night this past Friday. No dinner + a movie was involved, but at least we were out of the house, right?</p> <p>We started out at the <a href="http://sam.soulardartmarket.org">Soulard Art Market</a> for their All Media Gallery opening. Our friend <a href="http://matthewjayphotography.blogspot.com/">Matt</a> is an up-and-coming photographer who was displaying some of his pieces at the gallery. His <a href="http://matthewjayphotography.blogspot.com/">photography</a> is pretty awesome + unique, if you ask me. Plus, I love going to galleries with the Hubs since he is an artist and has a great eye for amazing art + what is um, not so amazing. But, again, Matt’s work is excellent!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH5phiikmI/AAAAAAAAAtg/VRCDfnO72Nk/s1600-h/102_3355%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3355" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrszi51IsEC0zsONGxTeE-qk2b2SbaUIq7xs1CQFvcfiPBua4YULVPdhO3kxTp1fF5kSebXNrD_MNg-lQBSwLq7xg9N6GvrlmTbLKJQ2PoCZ5k7KNXwEWvwXXXVZj4hPDhkiQrxGqETdc/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>[And it’s always nice to drink some free <a href="http://www.schlafly.com/brewpubs.shtml">Schlafly</a> beer while we’re out!]</p> <p>Since we were out already, we figured it was a great time to hit up some frozen custard. We drove past <a href="http://www.stlouiscustard.com">St. Louis Frozen Custard Factory</a> after our trip to <a href="http://www.deweyspizza.com">Dewey’s</a> a few weeks ago and ever since, I have been wanting to try it out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH5siZ_TII/AAAAAAAAAto/YWZk8PCTypM/s1600-h/102_3356%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3356" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3356" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH5tbYRCeI/AAAAAAAAAts/GggIGwyOFIU/102_3356_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH5u3m6ZpI/AAAAAAAAAtw/xBW-IPQQ_mU/s1600-h/102_3357%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3357" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi0CESaS5Xa42FDaUxp2RrgyzncZn1aH870YjdhvC-1dU292rlTd4ZObLvDSxIJBMJFp90S5NKeFJ8JEEIJ9rB6sUyegw9HXAwblbllbTqE8Eqm6YVR-Fhs3rFiR8Jk0JnuEGs9TFXyM/?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>The desserts were all named different “tropical” names and, luckily, had descriptions of each dessert, which is always helpful going to a “new” place. Of course, it didn’t take me long to decide on the pumpkin pie concrete!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFQ1TFKYItefSw2vbeQvdjwD9htL_Iz_qYIi1Sb4Z_pRd6hiYYGOZT57EYIqDBN-7CrZ4MYm_gvpPp0l9YBhmTheUE8Slzz-5FqonralOQQAlY2vd6CPzAqrHNkdq3-3EfrOUdbmjpKY/s1600-h/102_3358%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3358" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3358" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH5zL_5ZzI/AAAAAAAAAt8/H0Ubdu0m3gQ/102_3358_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Factory’s pumpkin concrete is similar to <a href="http://www.fritzsfrozencustard.com">Fritz’s</a> in that they mix pumpkin pie mix with pie crust pieces. I am not a huge fan of pie crust, but the Factory’s was more of a graham cracker crust, which sweetened things up a bit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH50CBuZlI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Dh8p79QE8yA/s1600-h/102_3359%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3359" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3359" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH51OsKE1I/AAAAAAAAAuE/kL5L64V49tE/102_3359_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Hubs went for the Steel Drum-stix sundae [cute, right?] with pecans + waffle cone pieces + chocolate hard shell.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH52NohDuI/AAAAAAAAAuI/o5xPc1mJ7so/s1600-h/102_3361%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3361" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3361" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TOH53bOoU8I/AAAAAAAAAuM/zG-ueU0KxpU/102_3361_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>The vanilla custard I tasted from the Hubs sundae wasn’t anything too memorable. It wasn’t bad, but we’ve definitely had better before. Smooth, but not nearly as rich or creamy as some other places we’ve tried.</p> <p>After we had our fill of custard, we headed toward home. </p> <p>I fell asleep in the car.</p> <p>It was 9 PM. </p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-47000069584730799972010-11-13T12:59:00.001-06:002010-11-13T12:59:10.534-06:00girls on the run st. louis 5K<p>After I finished the <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com">Chicago Marathon</a>, I knew I needed another goal to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of marathon recovery. [Typical recovery from 26.2 miles is said to be equivalent to 1 day for every mile run.] I gave myself 5 weeks to recover: 1 week right after the marathon with very little, light running, and then 4 weeks of progressive training, with each week getting a little harder. [Check out <a href="http://www.halhigdon.com/postmarathon/zeroweek0.html">Hal Higdon’s Marathon Recovery</a> to view what I used to recover from Chicago.] </p> <p>This meant I <strike>needed</strike> wanted a race to do at the end of those 5 weeks. My original plan was to run the <a href="http://s122036257.onlinehome.us/images/race_apps/run%20to%20the%20lights%20flyer.pdf">Run to the Lights 5K</a> in Branson, MO, which was a 10 PM race running the streets of <a href="http://www.silverdollarcity.com">Silver Dollar City</a> on the opening weekend of their Christmas festival. The Hubs and I have been dying to do this race, but by the time I went to sign up, it was already full. Boo.</p> <p>So, I was in search of a new race, and luckily, I already had one in mind for the weekend of November 13: the <a href="http://www.girlsontherunstlouis.org/5k-run/">Girls on the Run St. Louis 5K</a>! <a href="http://www.girlsontherun.org/">Girls on the Run</a> is an after-school running group for 3rd through 8th grade girls where they meet up not only to run, but to learn things about self-esteem, responsibility, and overall well-being. Some of my 5th grade girls are part of this fabulous organization, so I wanted to show them my support as they ran their 5K.</p> <p>I picked up my race packet the night before, and actually had to take my D-tag from Chicago off my shoe. :o( But, the shirt + water bottle make up for that!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7fy-Vm9MI/AAAAAAAAAss/WDcC6FNBhe4/s1600-h/102_3350%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3350" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3350" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f0FgrliI/AAAAAAAAAsw/pl3pr_qpNUQ/102_3350_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCDCvOUAyasC9Y46ZxM0K4P7C2QqtbV2WA1nXPkbyk1oooNv3D_FZwVMERuP9YfxZdhJgo8ilXN5Q6DGjFSGyPaVboPZi_zhtVJaoM9vBPO-qoRWTnAj-p2wvRiwvl7hwAPTJISEyDcg/s1600-h/102_3352%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3352" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3352" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f2K9msOI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ShGBbPxaPvo/102_3352_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f39fMvZI/AAAAAAAAAs8/4EfLCk5b0pg/s1600-h/102_3353%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3353" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3353" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f5Fl1qjI/AAAAAAAAAtA/gWe6XhjZQJc/102_3353_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f6c-6umI/AAAAAAAAAtE/4FSC3yEeubw/s1600-h/102_3354%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3354" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3354" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f6xSDhLI/AAAAAAAAAtI/5weJZgPWpO4/102_3354_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Fortunately, the race didn’t start until 9 AM this morning, so I had plenty of time to sleep in and head down to Forest Park for the race. I ate a banana + peanut butter [I can’t decide if I’m a fan of <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com">Trader Joe’s</a> Valencia PB… it’s a little too savory tasting for me – I like my PB SWEET!] before leaving so I would have plenty of energy for the race.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f7mRYU4I/AAAAAAAAAtM/oRgHq7868I0/s1600-h/102_3364%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3364" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3364" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f8XXd5cI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/h2BzKn1sCic/102_3364_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Since I am still technically recovering from Chicago [believe me, I feel 100x better than I did 5 weeks ago], I didn’t want to go all out for this race. When it comes to racing, I have an all or nothing mindset. “Why would I enter a race if I didn’t have a chance to PR or win?” I usually enter small races because I know I can finish well in them, but with 5,000 people running this one, winning wasn’t going to be happening. So, instead, I wanted to go out, have a good time, and race comfortably… push myself, but not KILL myself.</p> <p><img title="102_3367" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXRwYFrs6bYhyphenhyphen2uWwdgKw5geOTWOjJg5jXzeDznn_JNSppdBjgUrt_C24T9bSrKQyVycHfIIGxqLE7wjBngpAaOEZedafE5dcj2jwehZhqwIsFEzP6Z9fgLBAxUVXbL5N8cRoy2Gm-IQ/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></p> <p>I moved my way up to the front of the pack, just behind the elite runners – anyone planning to run under 20 minutes, and although I’ve just barely broken 20 minutes before, I knew it wasn’t going to happen today.</p> <p>When the gun went off, I settled in to a comfortable pace – something I knew I could keep for 3.1 miles. I ran my first mile at a 7:10 pace, way faster than what I felt like, but I was happy. I passed a couple people and finally caught up to a sweet little girl decked out in all pink at about the half way point. We ended up running the rest of the way together, as I gave her some encouragement along the way.</p> <p>All of a sudden, it wasn’t about time or medaling anymore. I ran the last half of the race with a huge smile on my face! It felt amazing to be pushing and encouraging this girl I didn’t know. At the 2 mile, this tiny little girl and her dad flew past us. I encouraged my girl to keep up with her, but she stayed along side me, right on their heels the rest of the race.</p> <p>Once I saw the finish, I told her to pick it up and go. We sprinted the last 0.1 in together and I gave her a pat on the back. I didn’t even know her name, but I still felt… I don’t know… empowered? I guess. It just felt good to be helping her along the way, and she thanked me for pushing her. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment, even though I didn’t PR [I ran a 22:28, which I am so happy with] and missed placing in my age group [I was 4th].</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPJ7dj7bNIhQEf3xy0k8QVs311KYQiWscwsrlSA8ZQyPbZdAV90shlu2-381x7l92TpGVnqz4Z-8Qx6qlNeNgoWbq3eI1jmdsER21y-4UNybEoJAiHoGxj1izwgw7tAExK_n1EOEKS4U/s1600-h/102_3373%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3373" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3373" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TN7f_TGBukI/AAAAAAAAAtc/wafxMhKSAFs/102_3373_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>Overall, it was an awesome race! I LOVED the signs along the way… “You are strong!”, “You are responsible!”, and my favorite, “You don’t have to brush all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!” Ha! I will definitely be doing this race again, and hopefully dragging some people to run it with me to support this amazing organization!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Sidenote:</strong> You can support <a href="http://www.girlsontherun.org">Girls on the Run</a> by donating your time as a coach or money to go toward the school of your choice. Or become a <a href="http://www.girlsontherunstlouis.org/charity-running/">Solemate</a>! Raise money for GOTR as you train for your next race – I plan on becoming a Sole Mate for the <a href="http://www.gostlouis.org">Go! St. Louis</a> Half Marathon in April – plus, you get a discounted entry fee!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-77185970944251813792010-11-10T20:22:00.001-06:002010-11-10T20:22:23.963-06:00emotional eating<p>After writing that post last night, I needed a little something sweet to make me feel better. Call it emotional eating if you must, but I haven’t had my silky smooth frozen custard in WEEKS! A good cry + some pumpkin custard can make any day feel better.</p> <p>And we still have a few places we need to get to before they close for the season. [Some custard stands are outside and/or drive-thru only, where as others – think <a href="http://www.culvers.com">Culver’s</a> – have indoor sit-down areas.] One of the places I have been wanting to revisit was <a href="http://www.silkys.com">Silky’s</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczcEg8uQ6p1jT58zw8o-S-_mTXbtf5_aqlkHFzFr2GTSHuul8NWt8M2kFL-s9CnQhrXp1aUre-pqLCUGF6JSNbtEhwEfdbcGJWkskMxWIukbYxaRedKBOL65jooXed4M8tfgPuu_-vCo/s1600-h/102_3340%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3340" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6dXHi_5WlKXse5GGfIAPjDL4WAX8tbxmBe3gge6PHMjnO30_P0eoGUj2qMTeJLpyM0w5jXk1Gc-gsKzORybgSyZTk7o5t-qA6UFUgY-aVPgvdxZs7-XTkwn8PVJfCZzPdL-Dfsu69E0/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Not only because their custard is the “world’s smoothest” [it’s pretty darn close!], but also because their pumpkin concrete is completely different than any other frozen custard stand that I can think of. And, you know, I must try EVERYTHING pumpkin flavored – but that’s a whole other post…</p> <p><a href="http://www.silkys.com">Silky’s Frozen Custard</a> doesn’t put pumpkin pie mix or a piece of pumpkin pie in their custard. No, they came up with their own version of the pumpkin concrete by mixing a pumpkin cookie into their deliciously smooth frozen custard. I’m thinking it is like the Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNtTPFYf6yI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Z8ZnuJKhZQg/s1600-h/102_3341%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3341" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3341" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNtTQKUViCI/AAAAAAAAAsY/-5mcU58IsPM/102_3341_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNtTTFUcy2I/AAAAAAAAAsc/mJ9oFj9VsCo/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="177" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNtTVjpisTI/AAAAAAAAAsg/7QABvzMDYLE/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="454" border="0"></a> [<a href="http://www.retroist.com/2007/10/25/partially-hydrogenated-evil-yummy-yet-sinister-pumpkin-delights/">source</a>]</p> <p>Vanilla custard + pumpkin oatmeal cookie + whipped cream… It definitely wasn’t the best pumpkin concrete I’ve had, but I did like it a lot. The best 3 bites were the last 3 – a big chunk of oatmeal cookie in each bite. YUM! Seriously, if there is any frozen custard stand actually reading my blog [which is doubtful], an oatmeal cream pie a la Little Debbie would make an amazing concrete mix-in. I’m just sayin’…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNtTWzpcmhI/AAAAAAAAAsk/HOqpwo6oLMo/s1600-h/102_3343%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3343" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3343" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNtTXswFzbI/AAAAAAAAAso/Zylle2QiPko/102_3343_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Hubs of course came a long and broke his sundae habit and ordered a Grasshopper Concrete, with Oreos instead of chocolate chips. [The picture was terrible… nighttime + dark car doesn’t equal good food photography].</p> <p>I just love the creaminess of Silky’s. They still top my list as one of my favorites. Too bad they’re only open for a couple more weeks… but I have plenty of other places to try and more to get to before they close for the season!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-47413513961806612882010-11-09T18:49:00.001-06:002010-11-09T18:49:02.076-06:00grandpa<p>I’ve been putting this post off for far too long. I think I’ve been afraid to be vulnerable on this blog, but honestly, I think this is the closure I need. Blogging is my creative outlet and a way for me to get out my thoughts. So, please bare with me as I get a little emotional with this post…</p> <p>Last week was a roller coaster of emotions. From the happiness + tears of joy for one of my best friends on her wedding day to grief + tears of sadness at the loss of my grandfather the same day. But, I don’t really think the weight of my grandfather’s death really hit me until we started walking down the aisle behind his casket at the funeral.</p> <p>When my aunt asked us to share some Grandpa memories, I honestly couldn’t think of any… and I think that is because there are too many to count. He was the best grandfather I could have possibly asked for and I am so blessed to have gotten to spend 26 years of my life with him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnrutW7BLI/AAAAAAAAArc/8upzuBThnso/s1600-h/100_0225%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_0225" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_0225" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnrwWA5fmI/AAAAAAAAArg/KhBfxq9ZjVs/100_0225_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>This past summer, I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time visiting him in the nursing home. Although I hate that my last memories of him are of him in pain and telling us some crazy [albeit pretty funny] stories, I loved that I got to spend that much time with him before he passed away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnrxgj0TgI/AAAAAAAAArk/sW-nHQck3rE/s1600-h/100_1738%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_1738" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_1738" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnrzBh1m6I/AAAAAAAAAro/vu-rP_D54Ro/100_1738_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>At one point this summer, Grandpa was put on some appetite stimulants, so I brought him cookies pretty regularly to help him put back on some weight he had lost while in the nursing home. He actually called me one morning and told me to hurry up and bring him more cookies! Luckily, I love to bake, and had some time on my hands [since I was jobless], so that was never a problem!</p> <p>So, in memory of my grandpa, I made one last batch of cookies this weekend. I had some extra ripe bananas that I really needed to use and it just so happened that <a href="http://www.ohsheglows.com">Angela [Oh She Glows]</a> posted a recipe for some Oatmeal Banana Cookie Bites that sounded amazing. [You can check out her blog for the <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/11/02/healthy-cookie-bites/">recipe</a>. Her photos are also extraordinary + put mine to shame.]</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnr12XfZ_I/AAAAAAAAArs/r3FI5Vs_LWc/s1600-h/102_3337%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3337" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnr4V6nynI/AAAAAAAAArw/m2caR3kVJHA/102_3337_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> </p> <p>These taste just like chocolate chip banana bread and they are DElicious! The only change I made was that I used sweetened coconut, just because that’s what I had on hand + because I think it tastes WAY better. I also used a cookie disher to put them on the pan, so they ended up making 25, instead of 17. </p> <p>They are the perfect one-bite cookie… great for Grandpa since he had difficulty holding things after losing some feeling in his hands + feet.</p> <p>I will truly miss my grandpa more than I thought was possible. He was an amazing man. Of all the things I will take away from my 26 years with him were that FAITH + FAMILY are the most important things in life. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NFeQwUS5bTZQIDZbdfTNx_roYUsNjt15MzyK4gzGE66ny7BQcJYzfz1CxmQy0BqRjMGvAjsX_nAooTj4aGeFDJEFb6ls0jPebOXMo_ydiVG0iiej823TXUsii39zag95VVrxGdBt78Q/s1600-h/Pictures007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="Pictures007" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="Pictures007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44hVVW5N-WgB8JzFy2dJQefvm4Rq6kTxig0FqE1Su28ZSx6ffQCVObIQ1-CFx-uIEzdxLpnBMUGIzu_diMEUSe__FU0tJhem0LrFXfwbf6aRCYk6GDhNUXbONA_SdHB9Bkbmag9lpQtk/?imgmax=800" width="484" border="0"></a></p> <p>All 9 of his grandchildren [I’m smack-dab in the middle] went to Lutheran grade schools and he was actively involved in both his church + the local Lutheran high school that my aunts + dad went to and where my brother now teaches. His Bible was tattered + torn from writing sermon notes every Sunday in the front pew of church. He taught Sunday School for years and I don’t think he EVER missed a church service until the bus broke down and couldn’t pick him up at the nursing home.</p> <p>If it wasn’t for my faith in God, I don’t know what would be getting me through this difficult time. My grandpa has so much to do with my faith and I will never forget that or let that go by the wayside. Unfortunately, my future children will probably not go through the Lutheran school system, but you better believe they will be raised in a loving, Christian household the way I was and the way my parents both were. It’s my faith that keeps me afloat day in and day out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnr70ZRKYI/AAAAAAAAAr8/GVgObeiCwKo/s1600-h/VANHORN0519%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="VANHORN0519" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="VANHORN0519" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnr9ObAQUI/AAAAAAAAAsA/eNd-aVCnLIQ/VANHORN0519_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" border="0"></a></p> <p>Grandpa, you will be dearly missed. As our Grandparents Day assembly at school approaches, I will be thinking about you. I know you would’ve been there to share your wonderful stories and brag about how you have the oldest grandchild in the school. Thank you for everything you have taught me and for loving me unconditionally. Not a day will go by that I won’t think of you… </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnr-QyunRI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Ff0PdOMPP6U/s1600-h/DSCN0370%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="DSCN0370" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="DSCN0370" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TNnr_PTtLWI/AAAAAAAAAsI/F36fL-kGEn4/DSCN0370_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-20362037522144073322010-11-01T20:33:00.001-05:002010-11-01T20:33:42.729-05:00wedding weekend<p>First, it started off with a wonderful rehearsal dinner at Spiro’s…</p> <p>Jon + Nichole</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p1kXHdgI/AAAAAAAAAok/4to5cz8z9ho/s1600-h/102_3227%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3227" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3227" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p2UXtizI/AAAAAAAAAoo/DuXYuPfbKy4/102_3227_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Jessie + Luke</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p3WYgoVI/AAAAAAAAAos/MK4yYTma3Fs/s1600-h/102_3228%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3228" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3228" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p33lzVJI/AAAAAAAAAow/4S_xsmuV4Hw/102_3228_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Matt + Julie</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p495x0FI/AAAAAAAAAo0/07sH8y-rw5o/s1600-h/102_3229%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3229" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3229" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p5rdHcJI/AAAAAAAAAo4/oy693L146qI/102_3229_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Hubs + myself</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p6cY1a-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/Sa8i3TamW7Q/s1600-h/102_3230%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3230" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3230" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p7SQxUKI/AAAAAAAAApA/XIanWGHajvw/102_3230_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>And the Happy Couple – Kristin + Craig</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p7_8mhLI/AAAAAAAAApE/7hfS_vKCbxI/s1600-h/102_3236%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3236" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFkwQ3PTSz_Qghz9DJIYEEPx3-Hg9iUq3DWHsSV3X7aokkMDfVv1v7sycRX_x19EuloY-rsueuaAPR8b9OBopHG6v_uM8DLKXimpKH2rMqrQQ3JMvk3Iz5PTtdxIf32whrl4DNt-4lFU/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The Groom’s Cake [Craig is a fantastic cyclist – and it was a delicious DQ ice cream cake]</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdid6T-8c3q2vz6Br8UJYVaZXU79_jECw-dFt_6QTSoUGnMpA7U3fEdPm9ssLa3QR8W4UQYW5mgNyrRpb7TE1cJCxOkSlgGlAQAxsdn4KRyooxtDKMYUS5BSTauSyMh7fJ0agDvMu-9V8/s1600-h/102_3232%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3232" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3232" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9p_GW0drI/AAAAAAAAApQ/fi_YevvAN4k/102_3232_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p> The Gals</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qAOS2eFI/AAAAAAAAApU/d4TG8ypTr9I/s1600-h/102_3235%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3235" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3235" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qAzFihjI/AAAAAAAAApY/nUCDosUqtrM/102_3235_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Then, it was time for Kristin + Craig’s Big Day! Kristin was an amazingly beautiful bride…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qB3KRjKI/AAAAAAAAApc/8kq0kqWoV18/s1600-h/102_3239%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3239" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="297" alt="102_3239" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qCSf8q6I/AAAAAAAAApg/2hWSoquSTKE/102_3239_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qDZfGIjI/AAAAAAAAApk/CckzqcQSbXM/s1600-h/102_3240%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3240" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="297" alt="102_3240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qD2D1o8I/AAAAAAAAApo/L_iuT7r31jE/102_3240_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qE8CBtfI/AAAAAAAAAps/u-jnWzhUYxI/s1600-h/102_3242%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3242" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3242" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qFhLF0qI/AAAAAAAAApw/g6PubwoKxv0/102_3242_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qGSIA1BI/AAAAAAAAAp0/1mmHux0fNuM/s1600-h/102_3247%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3247" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3247" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qG8tKE-I/AAAAAAAAAp4/vKei7DKOMz8/102_3247_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qIJLc2YI/AAAAAAAAAp8/3RBLNdhMB10/s1600-h/102_3248%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3248" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3248" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qI_ZKodI/AAAAAAAAAqA/XPmSDRVIP_c/102_3248_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And we had perfect weather for some absolutely gorgeous photos at Forest Park…</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qJ0KV6JI/AAAAAAAAAqE/q1M_v3aDxvk/s1600-h/102_3294%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3294" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3294" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qKylomxI/AAAAAAAAAqI/BUgY1-mCaiY/102_3294_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qL_uTCqI/AAAAAAAAAqM/l1kWSmprKNw/s1600-h/102_3274%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3274" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6eWFY57eIV-wtRPfdfUQmIoSJv4rjAnAsj_7fZrokxfNK6LlnmVhEbtuwyFJAiqROSWoQfYJcAExJqgkIrutlotuzpQST4ZZIFoGLyXdG9kiDfCHVfBHOYpsJ_sOGMsPydoW9Rlf1rI/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qNhl8L8I/AAAAAAAAAqU/QMW-47dub1k/s1600-h/102_3277%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3277" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3277" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qOm_YSXI/AAAAAAAAAqY/eu2wrctacHI/102_3277_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qPquTESI/AAAAAAAAAqc/7hFRT1-UXXU/s1600-h/102_3281%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3281" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3281" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qQc_AoLI/AAAAAAAAAqg/ogCGNbgHIrk/102_3281_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qReqYRDI/AAAAAAAAAqk/-QJK-QDu_VU/s1600-h/102_3286%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3286" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qSZgZFOI/AAAAAAAAAqo/S1OiRRQkaUc/102_3286_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qT21JJSI/AAAAAAAAAqs/d_3fyUbIc_Y/s1600-h/102_3288%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3288" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqXAFJ0RZkaNjjY9uJjvzp7ZK8s42yCmJ6QUzl6CfYUYPEIAcu6cZ_5kjRuGdbMZH4jcW9EzOj1ITRZINl0KfErPmNqtTPdfC4lw-WbCkIBjsC9NmTm-hTndIz8JXwwrzzw8CgQFdYA0/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>And of course dancing ensued at the lovely Norwood Hills Country Club. It was a flawless wedding and probably one of the nicest I have ever been to/in! I feel so blessed to have been a part of their special day! I have known Kristin my entire life and I am so happy she has found such a wonderful husband! Congratulations you two!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qVmhhzNI/AAAAAAAAAq0/qxwmID0rVoc/s1600-h/102_3292%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3292" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3292" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qWTYxMyI/AAAAAAAAAq4/T33fO5Ys6Vs/102_3292_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> </p> <p>That was Saturday…</p> <p>On Sunday, Matt + I had another wedding to attend. Let’s just say it was much different than the Niehaus-Hoeflinger wedding…</p> <p>The cake</p> <p><img title="102_3317" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3317" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qXHm4flI/AAAAAAAAAq8/nfQj9h0AMkI/102_3317_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></p> <p>Garden Gnome [or Travelocity Gnome]</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qYkyU7cI/AAAAAAAAArA/4wS-KdQkQZs/s1600-h/102_3330%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3330" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpiD24AQv3F40aBEgXLFfcb9J_2lHgHRsKAwNLoWRaxNIXt8oPYRJSXFc3ISSoo6cpvF_rKkKcp5lopjySTmqj9Qw_3gAVuCIo7XD6IffOfTakEhQA8l0LKVlXt0hVhrZJbIdAHLvxuU/?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Fat Bastard</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFZE9XjyarDssgyv3HE36aPuzSL_oLWzzXIAKbx3tcIS7tF34jgY49sCUvvz1ljDXlBJ-RR7_x6W2IPcbwCx7_3Qyb_lxTYnsWwR5uVcwVTHb1yyFgEibLm04b1uvthQBmUd2RrugQLw/s1600-h/102_3328%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3328" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF_3Nwqgup-DkZuMF0pPe_0EoX9oLHZ_Tt-nBnxb0nsEMRo-ZB3GOGY-Dal79yoHbQ6p5mIUq3oicGM6yjbyEzzhy-JVk7RsY6VDc0HOVr6twyYtVzTwiuM7M4SbbrP1CubtRiIMyy8s/?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>A really awful picture of a Chilean Miner [he told me his wife didn’t want to come, but his mistress came instead… bahahaha!]<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TM9qcCHjjTI/AAAAAAAAArU/T8rQesGcvHo/s1600-h/102_3322%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3322" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlJS0Ly694sB4g8-X-gpXJ5-WhO0IBUCHBalDMFVWnwePmc5XVp9G0li_0Clcp1XCufoSHLZ3SB0QZB_Kwvu5t_5Cv-FE-SOTFoCnwjkVED9A6vy2lJjw7o0SPP4ufVqbmzRkkIuKPxg/?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>No photo of the bride + groom, but she was a witch in white and he was Harry Potter. [And no, the Hubs + I didn’t get dressed up… but I think next year we are going to be Sue Sylvester + Mr. Will Shuester!]</p> <p>Thus ends the 2 weddings…</p> <p>And unfortunately, I have a funeral to attend this week. My grandfather passed away Saturday night, but we are thankful that he is no longer in pain and reunited with my grandmother in heaven.</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-30125642725584530392010-10-25T21:07:00.001-05:002010-10-25T21:07:47.831-05:00cheater cheater<p>Yeah, that’s right…</p> <p>I’m a cheater.</p> <p>I cheated on my beloved frozen custard for something new + sexy in the “ice cream” world.</p> <p>But, first, the Hubs owed me a date since I spent most of my birthday evening alone, and I requested pizza. But not just any ol’ pizza…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNkZCtuX4z-MkBKTD58oFf83SAawkRgUXXzMIji1SL9T0o0sVoPueljFdNx-8uI30FKQvU7NyOZ9XTmtWNnYY4ZYNxq0u2BAvOimuGcUv5tJ-AKJpHWt7o96vD5XNbSZsjJVW886d-Zc/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY3pn4YJZI/AAAAAAAAAng/i8tSBQXyfpU/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="454" border="0"></a> </p> <p>[<a href="http://www.deweyspizza.com/stlouis/webster">source</a>]</p> <p><a href="http://www.deweyspizza.com">Dewey’s Pizza</a>! Only the best pizza place out there! And we are so fortunate to have several establishments in the St. Louis area!</p> <p>Started dinner off with an <a href="http://www.ofallonbrewery.com">O’Fallon Wheach</a> [wheat + peach] beer, and split a pizza – Southwest BBQ Chicken for him + a Billy Goat for me. Delish! I only ate about 1/2 of my side, and took the rest home [which I devoured for dinner tonight].</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY3rBcHYtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/zGkD1fiBt6o/s1600-h/102_3195%5B17%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3195" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2QJ0lxz6c_xt5cEGxYmU1K-exra-JA4wmDTlVIGfQa7m9y0L5GnjnYQMDqcHBVHZiZPH7hG0CUhC4LYejLrEFYPVo8LBwSedvszALq1IzUe80V54ZYb2AZcbmWbtAM91-iy2zxLV16E/?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_GVgOxxU8rwYkMqEh8Y0NeHUt0fhVh79r6vcqMH15XoPzdztSQlr_C8qhtg1gi-yeCMa57Fly72WThnVnrFHg28HxPLmQAVbnW6XLkRcl0P26iPk-VU3Whx-WH6UUsX_aGIHZH6suBA/s1600-h/102_3194%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3194" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3194" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY3vK0qnTI/AAAAAAAAAnw/ileUhxceRgE/102_3194_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Then we headed to a place I have been dying to try since it opened up this summer.</p> <p><a href="http://www.yomystl.com">YoMyGoodness Frozen Yogurt</a> in Webster Groves. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY3wBZL2sI/AAAAAAAAAn0/fZKeRiRwWKg/s1600-h/102_3196%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3196" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExLg55XXckkIfn9Mjhz7YxkUd04ipg_O8-TfAez7p7JPDXqmnSHDI40dStd9EITFq4VrNj8c7WsaF3_QSyQB9-ajWAv2k42PRPfpcqPvRcSSrV6OmjoMfgiaNpkg01xFLbs5lpdS_eOg/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>A high school friend + former <a href="http://www.fritzsfrozencustard.com">Fritz’s</a> coworker helped open YoMyGoodness this summer [and actually just opened up a new one in Crestwood this past weekend]. I am in love with the self-serve frozen yogurt concept – as many flavors of yogurt as you want [they serve 10 different flavors that rotate pretty much daily] and a choice from 20-ish different toppings to add on top. And you pay by the ounce, so you can add as much or as little as you want and won’t feel like you’re getting ripped off.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY3zDINEmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/XrGzLBrmHXc/s1600-h/102_3198%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3198" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3198" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY30AklvDI/AAAAAAAAAoA/5eLwZWb9fYA/102_3198_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY32JuHsnI/AAAAAAAAAoE/qVUQ-oauJHI/s1600-h/102_3197%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3197" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3197" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY33DiCBEI/AAAAAAAAAoI/7xzvxvg8AHs/102_3197_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY34CjUuCI/AAAAAAAAAoM/QXJGHDLFB3M/s1600-h/102_3201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3201" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3201" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY340waBnI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/3v26OQ-S68w/102_3201_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>I chose pumpkin [duh] + white cake batter [duh] + sugar-free peanut butter [duh] frozen yogurts and topped them with granola + white chocolate chips, plus a few mochi just to see what they were all about [not much flavor, more of a textural thing, like a bland gummy bear].</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY35xKP0xI/AAAAAAAAAoU/8pObxG0vfuA/s1600-h/102_3199%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3199" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvIShpGE0JOWbDM9wzLqzMKFqiCcj3Spe8u4uFq6LiW4yl5fXv4XHGH5eu0ljNwTFtk32Mr9s-bJbd5YXIvovYLgvaaR0YpZSl0PvcRN7dlTGZNLlhWDNMaRdHzq9LDKfbzTu5gNkWlo/?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Hubs got pumpkin + cake batter like me, but also tried out Irish cream, caramel, and brownie batter frozen yogurts. Brownie batter was his favorite, but I really LOVED the cake batter! The pumpkin was a bit too nutmeg-y for me.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnA3DbR0zmfuVaMY0s9xHB8BPowkV8NiHUPZjz63VBiig_rTaF6ppkmza1B7JyWxXifXhtJA5JxGIHoh7yr3LChzj_M7wTbmnwTTOFdsCMw1C5HHYDBqvnjsRQbDs0onPDL_LYOM2rYQ/s1600-h/102_3200%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3200" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3200" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMY38e2mudI/AAAAAAAAAog/M3tSUujp5Eg/102_3200_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>I can TOTALLY tell the difference between [fat free] frozen yogurt and [full fat] frozen custard. Fro-yo is much more icy tasting and not nearly as smooth and creamy as frozen custard. I guess I’ll stick to my true love after all…</p> <p>I think that will make Matt feel pretty good too…</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-78802340285895446392010-10-23T14:59:00.001-05:002010-10-23T15:03:46.088-05:00a frozen custard love story<p>Earlier this week [Wednesday to be exact], I celebrated my 26th birthday. Although I spent the day at work and most of the evening at home by myself, I still had a wonderful birthday! Thank you so much to everyone for all the Facebook messages, emails, texts, and cards! I feel so incredibly loved and wish I could give each and everyone of you a huge hug!</p> <p>Not only was Wednesday special because it was my birthday, but Matt + I were also celebrating a very important anniversary. 9 years ago, we fell in love… </p> <p>Matt + I started dating on my 17th birthday. After spending the summer working + flirting at <a href="http://www.fritzsfrozencustard.com">Fritz’s</a> together, Matt finally got the guts to see if I wanted to hang out after work one night. [I believe his exact words were, “Do you want to see my new truck?”] He actually wasn’t the one to ask me out, <em>I </em>actually had to ask him if he wanted to get together on that fateful Saturday, that just so happened to be my birthday.</p> <p>My parents were a little worried at first, since Matt is 4 years older than me. A guy in college wanting to date a junior in high school… who could blame them? But, his intentions were good of course, and he was more than happy to meet them before our date.</p> <p>Our first date involved dinner at <a href="http://www.chilis.com">Chili’s</a>, a movie at Mid Rivers [<em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0206314/">Joy Ride</a></em> to be exact], and then driving around and walking on <a href="http://www.historicstcharles.com">Main Street St. Charles</a>. I think the only time I’ve ever been more nervous was on our wedding day. I think both of us pretty much knew going into the date that this was going to be for the long haul.</p> <p>It has been an amazing 9 years… we are still very much in love and I fall in love with him more and more every day! And, why wouldn’t I, when he takes me out to celebrate my birthday + our “anniversary” at the place where it all started…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMM-m_o1LPI/AAAAAAAAAms/tHgr6IRj6Jg/s1600-h/102_3168%5B11%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3168" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NH3az3IgXMul1wyoAEhukPO4EG9u0Ylr0gprkqqVql0m9W7SJLS0W-JVEPWAsMd5cL6oCs3wrBZTNQ54Yq73tg6iKlf8Mh25rK1kVxh3Wauhs_DcPEU_oW4h-XpQC4ikDEsm1b6Is20/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Matt unfortunately had Parent Teacher Conferences at his school Wednesday night, so we decided to meet up for our “date” after he was done for the night. [Don’t worry, we will be doing a real date tonight.] And of course, the real reason we wanted Fritz’s…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFagTclBsoNAI74CpiRUgyiquA8MSo5pZlxaI7JBlSA0FPxk29h4DpxAmcEs5n5tdSiyM3sDsUr7qZ0Dhfh7AD0N9rOl1yRXGhVdCXcarX028gBgFHelA-jj_PW3PEWtyYqX-c4L1MeYQ/s1600-h/102_3167%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3167" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="102_3167" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMM-p0tbY7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/T4302kBht0U/102_3167_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>Pumpkin Concretes! Tonight’s Flavor of the Day was actually pumpkin cheesecake [they ran out by the time I was able to take a picture of the sign, so that is why it is blank], but we figured it was close enough to their “actual” pumpkin. I decided to “create my own” concrete and went for the pumpkin cheesecake custard with chocolate chunks + caramel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMM-q1jNhOI/AAAAAAAAAm8/DARamQkSsQQ/s1600-h/102_3165%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3165" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKXhKprOQvDkgJaB5Na9C6V_DofmxDjRofD6c8JsyWFyUvM7T_Xw3wzF49NaxqvrY8sE9UPWzRAmlExM6IST8q7kYVw2VKUGiGBC4H1J8v6DRjIGW2JW10ie-Y5hHdgbybXI5T5SxatU/?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>This was TO DIE FOR! It was mixed PERfectly, so there were swirls of caramel and a little chunk of chocolate in every bite. And the pumpkin flavor was spot on!</p> <p>Matt’s wasn’t nearly as good as mine [I win this time for ordering better than he did]. He decided to get a Caramel Crunch sundae [caramel + pecans + hard shell chocolate] with the pumpkin cheesecake custard. You couldn’t tasted the pumpkin custard nearly as well as you could in my concrete.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMM-sncEbxI/AAAAAAAAAnM/lg0rTpAQSBo/s1600-h/102_3166%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="102_3166" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="102_3166" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TMM-tt1ri6I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/AMTBo_GTG04/102_3166_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <p>Overall, it was a wonderful birthday! I could’ve have asked for a better husband + best friend to spend my birthday with!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-7571244299595435252010-10-12T19:30:00.001-05:002010-10-12T19:30:10.460-05:00i [heart] chicago<p>I signed up for the <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com">Chicago Marathon</a> for a couple of reasons: (1) the amazing 10.10.10 date, (2) the fact that I would be turning 26 in 10 (now 8) days so 26 miles seemed to fit perfectly, but most of all (3) my best friend Julie and her husband Matt live there!</p> <p>Julie + Matt got married in December of 2008 and I still had YET to go up there and visit. Plus, the Hubs had never been to Chicago, and I actually hadn’t been there since I was about 8 years old. Again, why that Chicago Marathon was a perfect fit!</p> <p>I took a personal day off work on Friday so we could drive up and get to J + M’s at a decent time, so we didn’t waste our entire Friday. J + M bought a beautiful townhouse a little over a year ago and were wonderful hosts to us while we visited! They even have running trails that back up right to their front door! SCORE!</p> <p>And of course, their baby…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8IF4aIqI/AAAAAAAAAfw/Xa8riqx2O9w/s1600-h/100_3021%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3021" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJs-F1NvmDtxI5xHHZsHO82_2mlBJz9wRMaQ41HZsn12K45jR2Z-OSgd1UKFGYRKmR1V30ojwm839lH5lqCZub1XGc0RFP_3nrAuMGj0K3CpRWXgyMFD61MaCy9hxORdSsW5gFYEuNgU/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8J_jmK2I/AAAAAAAAAf4/p1oMAZ8rNOY/s1600-h/100_3017%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3017" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8KcQfn4I/AAAAAAAAAf8/z-Z9oT4Gu3c/100_3017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8LV2OUkI/AAAAAAAAAgA/liYGggIFI8w/s1600-h/100_3018%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3018" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_3018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8Me2CnSI/AAAAAAAAAgE/aKDLsbbQzNQ/100_3018_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>Hannah! I was lucky enough to take this sweet girl for a short 2 miler on Saturday morning!</p> <p>But, first, we headed out for some sight seeing and shopping!</p> <p>Wrigley Field…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8N3ru1-I/AAAAAAAAAgI/9WuXFSHJcf4/s1600-h/100_3002%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3002" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="100_3002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiEARuzWRWTw_TRPJZIfs0Eo9nQMniIi5i9tLbPDPxV6TPoNLp_U6dzgVxTdYVq2QzxmlEBJDuRbT3sUwXF3iDKPS4OV0Z0J7_wzjko0MQx1bVY_RbkvyWgfzx-XUUQJzWiekTXpOHBM/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8PjbospI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/LnBSpPH7cLM/s1600-h/100_3004%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3004" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8QcoCG1I/AAAAAAAAAgU/tQuP-2sGlP0/100_3004_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7iP7yZCsFVXcxuwRZ7vcTiJKxMfJyjdgEO3scvObIKCCHSBGh_zWss5cnC_F2pNF1gzh1ERO15XMWcA1mNB1r6ew4Y_4gpZ454pbbClJkD2KIVE4Xb4WOLAt09S0IXWg7FtkKMOm3MQ/s1600-h/100_3003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3003" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8SYAhuvI/AAAAAAAAAgc/A0-URx_PjH4/100_3003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8TppksAI/AAAAAAAAAgg/QFI_gFc0Gms/s1600-h/100_3005%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3005" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8UYUwRvI/AAAAAAAAAgo/qvM-rHDW_Ek/100_3005_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qMu8_r_DpRGCyjHXZaHh2o6vDQvFI9NdNogcfYLVdHnQa2NVBOlENLa9uwsO4ItWM-Q9pK9zjjJYzjxIfnRP2S_TeMWr-rXGMJ6nLhKTsF8Aw3qDCJLp7SZI5ZDdnhyphenhyphen1wJ78xUNGC7Y/s1600-h/100_3006%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3006" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVb-TB_TnzEw54hzQwXeacWMJiD2jZbSxcEmzc_Hu2RA-_gbup9jd1VYBuLNbwKSFHuaDAw6mS-dtJmXX6Q_GVbzb1wuo2J4-wMI01yH_W__CNoBwVvW5dVC0_QIEQWmAfDS6MkC8j-M/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a></p> <p>So much smaller than Busch Stadium! It was kind of like “this is it”? It’s tiny! Someday we will come back so the Hubs can actually seeing a game inside the stadium (I went when I was about 5 years old).</p> <p>Lincoln Park…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8XvB00eI/AAAAAAAAAg0/jt5_CtiaBY0/s1600-h/100_3009%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3009" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="100_3009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfQox3VAXzdGoB2AlEbGe1yCRTYipX_YkBs_zfMlhet-8K4KiWJotohAn6fl7MbCgA9NG_J17CIrxaC9Yl4cDXOT6NW391RVmsy_julYX5qggPF4XvLHy-uucdRAkD7gFKFV9Qo-UJqQ/?imgmax=800" width="154" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8ZiLTIMI/AAAAAAAAAg8/2cMks3tAyPo/s1600-h/100_3010%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3010" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="100_3010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP7aakuJTw2-GG_ttC53WfHVlPUX-nH267dlIQ3qi62B2maCNRK9QrcFOTgS4qxGMuDmZxSLjqL8qpw8lAAnQgeNMtCv89FgLNtXoC9oZhA_0URDdbMzrSeEefFaxBke0C41HS44TRA4/?imgmax=800" width="154" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6VHx0iyJ89iOvGl6LJ2QO6QU0NJZ6_3bxXjTcwgPwh18ce3gMG7yR7ZAXl4opfwtxCSSuRI2342adMf-PSwcYCnTropiTodvMj9bV0tRhhl-QhGMD3zC1cP4Nkft5WDQlDim_fr27q0/s1600-h/100_3011%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3011" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="100_3011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8b58_IkI/AAAAAAAAAhI/O4pY5NT-iS0/100_3011_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" border="0"></a></p> <p>Beautiful area! We did a bit of shopping and then headed to Karyn’s Fresh Corner for some raw vegan food. Well, <em>I</em> had some raw vegan food… [I think everyone else was a bit too scared to try it!]</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8df9NUiI/AAAAAAAAAhM/LQ4D8lBOXSg/s1600-h/100_3013%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3013" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8eCx2VxI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/KSdSF64x7HQ/100_3013_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8fD2rQxI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Mr_Kg1_foqE/s1600-h/100_3014%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3014" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0o7Rmqk20PFl2pOHVeNVvOBKyB_GYfG5T_Zi3YBqaKDJLkH7TlWDCjKnE932_AaFGbyWYefPEiZsSVcboxD_OT4KvTrebeFDbq52UKBOcofAMYmPqYDI-XbNQs05J45jsOblxYk5VVg/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8hB79OpI/AAAAAAAAAhc/f8D6djSEylg/s1600-h/100_3012%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3012" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8h_xp_-I/AAAAAAAAAhg/AkysMgOqHUE/100_3012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>French vanilla “ice cream” made with coconut and some other stuff I don’t remember. It kind of had a almond extract flavor to it. It was a little gritty for my liking, but still pretty good. I think J, M, and the Hubs just thought it was OK.</p> <p>Then off to dinner at this wonderful neighborhood up near J + M’s house called The Glen.</p> <p>We went to a place called Yard House and it was fantastic! I really hope they open one here in St. Louis someday. There were a ton of vegetarian choices, amazing salads, AND you could substitute a Gardein patty on any of the burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, or pastas! I ended up going for a Mediterranean veggie sandwich without any substitutes and some amazing sweet potato fries with maple syrup drizzled on top. AH-mazing! Plus, 118 beers on tap never hurt anyone! Unfortunately, it was too dark to take pictures, but you will have to trust me that it rocked!</p> <p>Saturday was an amazingly fun, long day! We hopped on the Metra to head to downtown. Our first stop was the French Market, where I got to try some more vegan raw food (a falafel sandwich that was pretty good, but left my stomach hurting a bit) at a restaurant called R.A.W.</p> <p>Then, it was off to the Marathon Expo! Picked up my race packet and walked around a bit, checking out several different booths, and of course, trying to find my name on the giant wall!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnxPS06tO07e_W-vQZdkgNzEy9tI6kpS08XDof6ZSjxvBuVJa7SIz6nrvqvpEyEA9fqPNz1L4iVjMkkn8fGVFLoeKybJoww-EmgAiU7VPpaCa4Bb9QcIZwjsagwEZgZ2YtizQgaDGqAU/s1600-h/100_3027%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3027" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3027" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8jagqzYI/AAAAAAAAAho/6jq48ipwDrU/100_3027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-gZkiQ6G7u1TwquFqyK1DYiTeG3-N_DpaDugAsRrNXYgCiIkUlAiT_XeOF9TV5nNuDQ_d4pFej83cFVpuM3Gka2qQupHM0kJ0nkrhYsQDcZwKHFr9cQUEdWpmRcDylZdkk6WC-IO3f4/s1600-h/100_3029%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3029" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8k0wWAII/AAAAAAAAAhw/PqrLyTzDgJg/100_3029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLE6xW0JK7SQWw6yJ8sDXADv0x8zq9Z5aAvSmeFMp10vsUp7a-P3caR51QmU-q_F7nAubLCgJNzPO6HNdjFx_bMezhoS5Cb_IV5qy1h8QFl5nTdqXodSwYLNJZhXBwv4uBUlOGIc5FV2c/s1600-h/100_3030%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3030" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8mqw0mnI/AAAAAAAAAh4/9ikMAPt-K0o/100_3030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCoaAJV2D6oou7I4o9qPFRvyeUD0KPs-SA6nbu4AKr-Cg92yEoKPEh4bSLt8NJIjmsA6m6l15F3rCXT4QgdBJpQBlOaEtKw9kWpXezacXp8zG5XAWYpUm9UmF7nX6EoWJvujwy4z6WiI/s1600-h/100_3032%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3032" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8od8SxuI/AAAAAAAAAiA/1teq4eBn1u8/100_3032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8pVt7fbI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CYSDAefIM_U/s1600-h/100_3028%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3028" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_3028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8qJyFWOI/AAAAAAAAAiI/fNPRBW_vOvA/100_3028_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Ultramarathon Man himself, Dean Karnazes. I have actually met + ran with him before when he was running across the U.S. and stopped in St. Charles. [I beat him by 25 minutes on race day!] </p> <p>After the expo, we decided to huff it up to Grant Park. Even though it was quite a trek, I’m so glad we walked because we got to get a behind the scenes look at the marathon!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8riiKgfI/AAAAAAAAAiM/y-KXbUWlWb0/s1600-h/100_3045%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3045" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_3045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8sW8Hd7I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/leV3D89Sa6s/100_3045_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8t9kEunI/AAAAAAAAAiU/3zqPtKoPsmU/s1600-h/100_3044%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3044" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8uzLDwWI/AAAAAAAAAiY/13YvracnRzs/100_3044_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqnTptQZAd8f-iacB26r0tlWKmXXAlmtZkAhK8gPXG5UIiGM3F7Vki6LSlr3XqOL_4w5ZhXOadtPF6zZ7ett2WP-OBaIENoOZCfkhwSBlNhvz4be-eOQAfViTLvRF_Q_Gn1hw_5U4Lnc/s1600-h/100_3036%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3036" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3036" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8wQKCJyI/AAAAAAAAAig/h-eS27UvHQk/100_3036_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsPV0K-RctU1bU9KM5VlE3nhkEsueYk_kweBx833B62qpxJj8Dvkggs79YZVkI9rkNGwi1k-k7nEE8mUWluM0cPKYwFMpxXs_BI-dUNZMO3flOWJUDQNuJ8FbDxKHb33TWonuJY3X5PA/s1600-h/100_3035%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3035" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="180" alt="100_3035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8ybS_bSI/AAAAAAAAAio/6ZDqFsvEu18/100_3035_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8zY_f1VI/AAAAAAAAAis/LGHQEd7KyBk/s1600-h/100_3041%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3041" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3041" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8z1vPCRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/z6gP0eMeTwU/100_3041_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT804ZMcCI/AAAAAAAAAi0/JT2LiDIvKF4/s1600-h/100_3037%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3037" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT81RAZlvI/AAAAAAAAAi4/eILSq2L_ehQ/100_3037_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT82MnIKXI/AAAAAAAAAi8/vJD61JBamWQ/s1600-h/100_3043%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3043" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="317" alt="100_3043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8f4s5KH_TuWwCJGlP8FAo1a73ntrj66bOYTuGYfJDIvQ0jYUFQGEDV7tqUY0RpwRq6g0r0-JDYmtFU9NGnbhSuSe78FFWbUpFQIyUpg7VPT_iF8Ae1u3yNqoTVjYFkE7Wr71n166o3g/?imgmax=800" width="239" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP69dTGXsKSmd11p1dv1v5NeMhBxrAi7kIcBBN7qTA_SAAibmhSXvN3cucuLIyOldGppidB_axieYFrwAWDpTjV5OUoULwtp3yKXiKVV30MNPpL-0OO7nvvStF3mpB5z9xBFwJ8bH24s/s1600-h/100_3040%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3040" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="317" alt="100_3040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT84Yfn1dI/AAAAAAAAAjI/YWNOgdu4d9g/100_3040_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Soldier Field (right outside the expo)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT85c11cuI/AAAAAAAAAjM/rhK6DBxDHqw/s1600-h/100_3034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3034" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIgFJKNkr37FUC3MG0PH67ODdWWLV8xwc6FrfXdGEeDNB34mJOQyh8xvUIll7TcBxMkupC0-Gvln0l7sDpuw4tx7qxJvmUNIKe0w9ri4AN_WFq31ewPRD0tPN5igd6S0PSlOf0wBny2c/?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT87FIIWdI/AAAAAAAAAjU/YrijkT6tAC0/s1600-h/100_3047%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3047" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT879wfbgI/AAAAAAAAAjY/_JD6LbAlXOk/100_3047_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT88lvpHuI/AAAAAAAAAjc/CB2q8IshbXc/s1600-h/100_3049%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3049" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_3049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT89ZAaZuI/AAAAAAAAAjg/is6gxbH6AIg/100_3049_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>Fountain in Millennium Park</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT8-8JMgVI/AAAAAAAAAjk/O1cPQz6FRO8/s1600-h/100_3050%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3050" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_3050" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9AdvKJLI/AAAAAAAAAjo/3Zofc9FzBNU/100_3050_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>And The Bean!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9BjN2MLI/AAAAAAAAAjs/cee6c3Oewao/s1600-h/100_3051%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3051" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3051" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9CdGsKeI/AAAAAAAAAjw/9Blc5W_Kk3Q/100_3051_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9DSgoX0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/H1L-HYPDt44/s1600-h/100_3053%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3053" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3053" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9D5nTofI/AAAAAAAAAj4/_L8Yy2SXMGI/100_3053_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9FAh22fI/AAAAAAAAAj8/qgcnXv8IOHk/s1600-h/100_3054%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3054" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9GJdXeBI/AAAAAAAAAkA/NiYVCfsR_Qs/100_3054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9G5D98mI/AAAAAAAAAkE/PeAINUMug0k/s1600-h/100_3059%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3059" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3059" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9HraMYoI/AAAAAAAAAkI/gCT-Lhcy-XY/100_3059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9IQF3QkI/AAAAAAAAAkM/bMHSykIEboU/s1600-h/100_3058%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3058" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="100_3058" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9I5LnFBI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/lqXQ-NaKh5o/100_3058_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9KIGUHVI/AAAAAAAAAkU/e-LOxPoWYr8/s1600-h/100_3060%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3060" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3060" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9LFxA50I/AAAAAAAAAkY/xTxYBSKN9fc/100_3060_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9L_Lhg0I/AAAAAAAAAkc/L7PH6wc2HJc/s1600-h/100_3062%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3062" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3062" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26PUU38fW4TYRnPFpCGNCit4GNd9JG-xB8FoKZk2AEAeHUgjBzTbpUZbUx215CuIdIuU-Psi4426BWeocyJJxh5DF0hCaIa_ppW9EH4LUHwskv8rZLqQ6rW1vhkBPZW2ha9DHrdJWLIg/?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>Favorite pictures of the whole trip!</p> <p>Grabbed a cab and headed toward Navy Pier. I have to admit, I wasn’t too impressed. Yes, the view was spectacular, but I was expecting it to be more like Santa Monica pier in California. It felt more like another street to walk down than a pier with the giant building on one side of you the entire time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9N--YjQI/AAAAAAAAAkk/7gNEk9wqyUE/s1600-h/100_3067%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3067" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3067" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9Oi4zeTI/AAAAAAAAAko/v6nXnMlwrqA/100_3067_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YJ0f544sBKwCKATlwyCEcB41rcp10h5DUVzINZbF11euJL5-TQO44UWwRD6c513lJUsuTvgvSCo_9H4FGrMzKmTEVIHRkIhrxkVMzmBzc29Kruq_W8NKXg8Nbx_UhOvpVqst9eVj4P0/s1600-h/100_3069%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3069" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9P8FYs1I/AAAAAAAAAkw/3Gxwb1WbL5w/100_3069_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9QvC-uzI/AAAAAAAAAk0/luw4RH_5zwA/s1600-h/100_3070%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3070" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3070" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9RFd-sII/AAAAAAAAAk4/zp5g-NqFJrs/100_3070_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9RzQznxI/AAAAAAAAAk8/5MLfQ8koc7A/s1600-h/100_3073%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3073" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="484" alt="100_3073" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9Sarn1MI/AAAAAAAAAlA/GMVgr0F1pbM/100_3073_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9TaTzi-I/AAAAAAAAAlE/3OBIPYnfB5s/s1600-h/100_3074%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3074" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9UPFE9NI/AAAAAAAAAlI/lxSLb2PMZq8/100_3074_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>We decided instead of taking an architectural tour that we would just take the water taxi back to Union Station. I loved all the big, beautiful buildings!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDu8UpVktTEa_99pM5ibxTSaiwdpNIjIW7YAwNNSk-80q0CaOH6S_Njf2MO7p6gchjZs5bBVWUkmarYBF_HYEKecpXWRuhBCBx6qx9vPHeZZ_SXHMMhdEXkfZW-IwZHFzJBlHBShM60I/s1600-h/100_3088%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3088" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3088" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuiuevXK37dwtxmNK0gprX9pTKIME3RfeYcWnafzpl8aImVwLFfBukDFJKfpTa3-cLlzSiGGgWQUotswkzRq5Yk7br4gTiL2Z429kJ6CV1D1f6oV2_dJaLeHx6SLZISSTZNnIqEMoiSw/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9WudGKOI/AAAAAAAAAlU/TwKNUEQmw6Q/s1600-h/100_3089%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3089" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3089" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9Xx4lj9I/AAAAAAAAAlc/0zr9GIT2u0k/100_3089_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9Zn2tBrI/AAAAAAAAAlg/BssCa3ffSFM/s1600-h/100_3080%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3080" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3080" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9bm7U3kI/AAAAAAAAAlk/2abEumH0qAE/100_3080_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9damTxhI/AAAAAAAAAlo/v6sq8Iy9iwk/s1600-h/100_3082%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3082" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3082" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9fHlZ_wI/AAAAAAAAAls/ti6ToPpPTpU/100_3082_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9grrFqnI/AAAAAAAAAlw/wPVm1uTTMk0/s1600-h/100_3083%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3083" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3083" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9hM5_SJI/AAAAAAAAAl0/5_8ZRkVzSm8/100_3083_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXB0PAbM6azDFTp9lzUGofFhQYPS7N-NM8KIWQ8XoCV77fus5tA3Gx1mZ7GYbMB779Wi-xvcioEzbQ-6mGkbVvs7qj0teof16a-dCcFiMXK7CfXin4OGhp1YWEYgP8x7rTCxdrdWO788/s1600-h/100_3084%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3084" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="324" alt="100_3084" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PnZlwg3OUiuob37HVH7h6Xii2tO7s8tnPmvXMTZhZyP66e4J54P_FIygqmKe7s5mzlvEeErXjDi6dwRQqh09PCi9bSjnSc9X9PFv2uzwM0shyphenhyphenhtx3ge0towAU9NVI3AKKoKngx-rDKc/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLT9jW7Iu9I/AAAAAAAAAmA/_x3lEEYh-k8/s1600-h/100_3076%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3076" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="100_3076" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_H8QqRvmwzlnL76vPNHaRj_DAGZmnbW5c1x8eym0vI9gqe_rjmBpzB5DZHypx5Yyqk3JbDqgPoAtXyZJ-7MIB2djNk1AnTp_hn5De5aGqcGPfznreNd-uJqtyJYuCJFrd6aDMWPNnBw/?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>Chicago is ginormous compared to St. Louis. It really puts our city into perspective. There is so much to do and see in Chicago and we barely hit the surface.</p> <p>We cannot WAIT to go back and visit when I don’t have a race planned so we can really enjoy the city as much as possible!</p> <p>Thanks again to Julie + Matt for a great stay! We are looking forward to our next trip back Chicago!</p> <p><strong>THE AFTERMATH<br></strong>It’s 2 days after the marathon, and I am still pretty sore. My calves are tight, making stairs difficult, but otherwise I’m feeling pretty good. I am totally itching to run again, but 3 days of absolutely no exercise is just what my body needs right now. But, I already have a fun run planned in about 5 weeks that I can’t wait for!</p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-92031102630038046712010-10-11T20:15:00.001-05:002010-10-11T20:15:27.641-05:00chicago marathon 10.10.10<p>Well, it’s officially over. 18 weeks of grueling training, and I have officially finished my second marathon. It was a great race to run, but it was tough, both mentally and physically. Needless to say, I am so happy to be done, and overjoyed that I even finished.</p> <p>We had an early wakeup call – up and at ‘em at 4 AM – in order to catch the <a href="http://www.metrarail.com">Metra</a> from the ‘burbs into <a href="http://www.chicagounionstation.com">Union Station</a> downtown. Unfortunately, I suffered from pre-race jitters and tossed and turned, waking up several times from nightmares of not waking up on time or forgetting to put on my <a href="http://www.bodyglide.com">Body Glide</a>. Luckily, neither of those happened, and the morning routine went flawlessly. We made it to the train on time and rested until we were in Union Station. [I was also checking for Twitter updates from #CM10 to see what other runners were up to.]</p> <p>Union Station is actually about a mile from the start of the race, so we hitched a cab to get to <a href="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com">Grant Park</a>. I am so happy we did! Not only did it save my legs, but we were also passing herds of runners walking to the start. Once at the start, I kissed Matt goodbye and headed toward the start line.</p> <p>I was fortunate enough to qualify for a seeded corral with my half marathon time this past April. A seeded start just means you run fast enough to be closer to the starting line (i.e. the Elite runners were at the very front and then the times slowly dropped as you made your way back). It was still 45 minutes before the race started, so I found a spot near the 3:30 marathoners (lofty goal as I would soon find out) and sat down to rest.</p> <p>I met a wonderful marathoner, Mark, who was running his 10th consecutive <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com">Chicago Marathon</a>, and his 31st (I think) overall. He gave me some tips about what side to run on to see certain things (like the dancing dragon in Chinatown around mile 21) and let me know that the last part of the race is not shaded. With a predicted high of 85 degrees, I knew it was going to make the last part of the race tough, but I figured I had run through pretty brutal weather this summer so it was nothing I couldn’t handle.</p> <p>Soon enough, the gun went off and I was at the starting line. I can’t even begin to tell you how awesome the spectators are at this race! All along the sides of pretty much the entire 26.2 miles and on the overpasses cheering down on you. It helped so much… but I also learned to put your name either on your shirt or on your racing bib. Almost every spectator was shouting out names of the runners they didn’t even know. I think it would’ve totally boosted my mood and helped me along.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2PNSCDpI/AAAAAAAAAeo/PzosKMzthXM/s1600-h/IMG_1092%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1092" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="605" alt="IMG_1092" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2QadgzCI/AAAAAAAAAes/Xx0J4J2Z8EU/IMG_1092_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2SChqAlI/AAAAAAAAAew/Ij2_ltE1QYE/s1600-h/IMG_1093%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1093" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="354" alt="IMG_1093" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2TMeoRlI/AAAAAAAAAe0/pcNnZFvL93E/IMG_1093_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p align="center">[No, I’m not in this picture, but if you look in the middle, you can see the Eiffel Tower running. Luckily, I beat him… he finished in 6 hours.]</p> <p>I followed my fueling + hydration plan almost perfectly. Water at every station, Gatorade every 4 miles, and 2 dates at the start, 10K, 13.1 miles, and the 30K. But, I think I drank a bit too much, as it began to slosh a bit in my tummy as the race went on. But, with the heat that was going on, I’m glad I was a tad bit over hydrated, than underhydrated.</p> <p>I felt pretty awesome for the first 8 miles. I was holding 8 minute per mile pace, which would put me at a finishing time of 3:30. Then, I realized I was going to have to make a pit stop. Luckily, around mile 10, there were no lines for the portapotties so I quickly went and was back on the course in under a minute.</p> <p>Although the first half felt pretty long, I was still feeling OK as I passed 13.1. That’s when things started to go downhill a bit. My legs started getting really sore, specifically my hips and IT band. And when my ITB gets tight, it pulls on my knee, causing me to shorted my stride to avoid limping. I slowed down quite a bit, walking through almost every aid station.</p> <p>At mile 18, I was miserable. My body felt find, but my legs just didn’t have it in them to go. I started walking a bit more between the aid stations. It’s just so frustrating when you have such great training runs of 20 miles without any soreness or walking, and then race day not even being able to make it to 20 miles without walking. I’m not proud of how much I had to walk, but I know I wouldn’t have been able to finish if I hadn’t.</p> <p>Thank goodness the last 6 miles seemed to fly by. I was in tears a few times, but pushed through, walking almost every 8 minutes and through aid stations.</p> <p>Finally, with a mile left, I found it in me to finish the race running. Or should I say shuffling. For being such a flat course, they don’t really mention that the one hill you do run is 400m of the last mile. Yeah, not fun. But, I pushed through it, knowing that although 3:30 and 3:40 finishing times had already passed, I probably could make it in around 3:50.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPaqnxm-EUkJOEz4cYPtHBe4Mc9uhUkYqJwyWBJpGlG5gQxuYG2paBM9CykQp38Ol38RbYJU5ywRu8SmK7jQ8087ih-oNvcWsUZyqi13nBRjaMZ8BB2pJUQBlnljziYEIqCoSR9YgoZ8/s1600-h/IMG_1177%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1177" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="IMG_1177" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2VVGvlAI/AAAAAAAAAe8/wmaG9GfmejA/IMG_1177_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2WIrB4TI/AAAAAAAAAfA/9fOt3ygXUOY/s1600-h/IMG_1183%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1183" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="IMG_1183" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2W4XTsjI/AAAAAAAAAfE/dsw51KX5lNA/IMG_1183_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdA6c3Wp7BO8HAjMiJxC5hnE3edR2cQGzntnGSh52UtTnbbb47h-YBlWWilrtSd_SGlK5K0WLcvOmHOS4igoUErF1m_DQ7Jc3h9XuNP6GOPDBcqkW88wKUWrYPN6g3-wRFwI3Bqqbm3A/s1600-h/IMG_1175%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1175" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="354" alt="IMG_1175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKfejkgA8wRCw_DOAzOXqRYbUiHNtgp1FENOTTq2mgbruzXO3SRoo1Gua80_Er0vWva5QhJ4BRovHPgH7MWwzKAQYFNI2ddTciu8D0EYKfw1xTZWQFdxja7nJuQcY29utbu7jkjVSbMo/?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>The yells from Matt and the Harrers’ really helped push me through those last 100m. I gave 2 thumbs up and eeked out a smile as I crossed the finish line in 3:51:47.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk0U47yNXLi9lWrAQegS3d19LuhTfZIex8FvXjd3AP6Ty_CmRk2DpXUQsX3m9Z0W5A4suY-GYVJTTB_5vDaO1vYuakRWevTq4RLWi7CNOhQ6lPdkk9fEPH46km_6VlJrGNv6OM9J1SyA/s1600-h/IMG_1200%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1200" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="IMG_1200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2anFGdlI/AAAAAAAAAfU/JDrmVG5xM48/IMG_1200_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSnYq2xtqD6lGJmQTQvbFaMUS57FP89d4go7avbur6GXfc-73bJRius4D2WghR2odFVoZGyMgYtwH8S5UHHiD7to0444sV_2MTgskU1w9oOls56y4ieTgjN22s6dJoSZWmTn9KuqMBhQ/s1600-h/IMG_1201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1201" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="349" alt="IMG_1201" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2cjH9b5I/AAAAAAAAAfc/csOHsVI8ckQ/IMG_1201_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>Like I said, I am so happy I finished, because there was a time where I really, really wanted to quit I was in so much pain. I do have to admit, though, that I am still a little disappointed in how the race turned out. Don’t get me wrong, I am so very pleased with a 3:51 finishing time, but after having such a great training season and seeing that Boston Qualifying time go out the window, I was a little heart broken. But, given the weather conditions (it was about 80 degrees around 10:30 AM and Event Alert System level at yellow (warning level) as I finished), I can’t be disappointed in a 9 minute PR.</p> <p>Today, I am tired (we didn’t get back home in STL until 10:45 last night, but you’ll find out more about that tomorrow as I recap the trip as a whole) and sore, but happy. Not a lot of people can say they can run a sub-4 hour marathon, or even a marathon in general. Yes, sometimes the pain overshadows the euphoric feeling, but I’m not going to lie… I will probably be back to run another one someday.</p> <p>For now, I am taking advantage of some time off running for a few days, before I start thinking about my next race… </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2f0_N1JI/AAAAAAAAAfg/mfeXC5yJ_84/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="618" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2kE-A7FI/AAAAAAAAAfk/nZDnePA2sXg/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2nHKMJXI/AAAAAAAAAfo/dQpJZTsNoh8/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="618" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TLO2rY89N0I/AAAAAAAAAfs/eLQSO260Tp0/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704126677737788848.post-18057814653258206802010-10-03T20:44:00.001-05:002010-10-03T20:44:32.920-05:00the best of pumpkin<p>I’m pretty sure it’s no secret by now that I absolutely LOVE pumpkin. I don’t even like pumpkin pie all that much, but there’s just something about pumpkin puree that makes me swoon. So, we decided to devote our day to the best of pumpkin.</p> <p>But first, we had a race to catch! The <a href="http://www.fleetfeetstlouis.com/lewisandclarkmarathon/">Lewis and Clark Marathon/Half Marathon</a> was this morning. This was my original plan before signing up for <a href="http://www.chicagomarathon.com">Chicago</a>, but I absolutely hate this race course. You start out in industrial Earth City, cross the Discovery Bridge on 370, head into Frenchtown, and then make your way down to Frontier Park in St. Charles, as the marathoners continue on down the Katy Trail. It’s just not very spectator friendly… and crappy for the runners whose cars were parked at <a href="http://www.livenation.com/Verizon-Wireless-Amphitheater-St-Louis-tickets-Maryland-Heights/venue/49672">Verizon Wireless Amphitheater</a> and had to wait in an ungodly long line for the shuttle back. I’m just sayin’… it’s not my favorite course. But, this was the last of the Lewis and Clark – next year it will become Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Louis and move to downtown. I’m currently debating on doing the half, but other “plans” might get in the way…</p> <p>We were actually there to see a few people. Lauren, who has been my running buddy this entire summer, was planning to run the full, but switched down to the half. Matt’s mom was also doing this for I think probably the 5th time, but I still enjoy watching her finish. And, Bob, who we coach with was there… I only have a picture of cute little Ava though.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkt6lrXJXI/AAAAAAAAAcg/VObCJrcXPDY/s1600-h/100_2978%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2978" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="410" alt="100_2978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELBLq-wAX_xEdv5g-AIrZyYYS-ajSXRr8KDziNJzaP1jqoYRpMLcE5iH9HoSIZgTleHI2B9oqozBfqaD8e_yCs9jGVxvjWAYow0col_T3oEgSxhpyZEHz1uHyyNX2Ys9iz6IWV_n4-ME/?imgmax=800" width="538" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkt9zQPvTI/AAAAAAAAAco/ol-7LpgHjMU/s1600-h/100_2974%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2974" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="100_2974" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkt-oE-C3I/AAAAAAAAAcs/zwmuKyWFwCA/100_2974_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" align="left" border="0"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuAEAm4NI/AAAAAAAAAcw/64VM3e1-12I/s1600-h/100_2973%5B22%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2973" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="100_2973" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuBH4-5hI/AAAAAAAAAc0/acFTz9Lm3aA/100_2973_thumb%5B20%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaKvISLbiSaTPHFaxEd2rVZFdE0TC5jfebVIIH-vN6x2Jyc33NKrE5xNLt8SBVD2v8Zz6JcQIWbYy1eezSiw0xsEEbRagK3cBaFDrJ00Z5Kri2dQ3I9SJ2dLix-iHPbdurjNd45LYQGI/s1600-h/100_2979%5B15%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2979" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="100_2979" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuDVL_QFI/AAAAAAAAAc8/qCU8MzGL2VE/100_2979_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" border="0"></a></p> <p>After the race, we headed to <a href="http://www.trailheadbrewing.com">Trailhead Brewing Company</a> for some of their Spiced Pumpkin Ale! It was packed with runners, so much so that it was a 40 minute wait inside to sit… so, we took advantage of the beautiful day and sat outside. It was nice seeing all the runners enjoy a beer, as I plan to do next week after my race!</p> <p><img title="100_2990" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="609" alt="100_2990" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuFBFdaUI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ZdD_qF2eSvM/100_2990_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></p> <p>I have never had this beer before (I am a recent beer convert), but we knew they sell out of it quickly, so we wanted to get it as soon as it came out so we wouldn’t miss out on it.</p> <p>This beer SMELLS amazing! Like pumpkin pie in a glass. And the flavor definitely doesn’t disappoint either! Smooth and pumpkin-y… not too spicy. I LOVED it!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0dMPq-VHXofiwDeEQi6lT9w9cChVngZHsg7qabSj-ewi5cQjfr_in3VBW7qZ0hhlt9LL56txo_oS7sDk6DnKrlPQk6YE_W7swvCjYmyFg8W86jsgNZoNqzeB-sTc0J8H8K0pjy0Gwo4/s1600-h/100_2986%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2986" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="100_2986" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuHigX_BI/AAAAAAAAAdM/VR8tlZ8nCK4/100_2986_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuIjYXAeI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/pXx4P9lqaW8/s1600-h/100_2988%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2988" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="100_2988" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuJY9qkmI/AAAAAAAAAdU/sxbCunEDJc8/100_2988_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" border="0"></a></p> <p>Along with some pretzels, in memory of my grandpa. (He loved beer + pretzels.) </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_40sSWZQWRIbyKK6bBSk6O6-8Qg54j5DYk7kW8a5fgJzdsf0VGn0_nUOxVEsKtdrSqXxlJCe5ty33LR5qSY_rukKo-qNumijHRXjlHpN4wOVAW9b3D4TmqJdgooBg-m2jnhum2yghig/s1600-h/100_2989%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2989" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="354" alt="100_2989" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuLmLhK2I/AAAAAAAAAdc/2YRIJ4JrWeQ/100_2989_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" border="0"></a></p> <p>Since we were already out, it was still early in the day, and we were loving the pumpkin beer, we decided to head closer to Downtown St. Louis to <a href="http://www.schlafly.com/">Schlafly Bottleworks</a>. I had also never had Schlafly’s pumpkin ale (even though you can pretty much get it anywhere right now), so it was definitely a must. Plus, straight from the freshly brewed tap… it can’t get any better than that.</p> <p>And it definitely did not disappoint! I have been bragging about how awesome <a href="http://www.ofallonbrewery.com/">O’Fallon’s</a> Pumpkin Ale is, but Schlafly is hands down the best I have had so far. [OK, so my list isn’t very long right now, but it is going to be tough to trump it!] Much more spicy than Trailhead’s, which I enjoyed more. It didn’t have as good of an aroma as Trailhead’s, but the tastes was AH-mazing! I will be returning soon… and buying a 6-pack until I can get back! <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuNGK13GI/AAAAAAAAAdg/_BFz1y6Pd2s/s1600-h/100_2992%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2992" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="316" alt="100_2992" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDQ_qEDW1P1yrynPichG3R3jZihBXrwaNGUYRhx8-_hyGc6BtpIPB-GBWj-gkgOh0pQ7fBxkKLpMM7LLf3R7uh0SRMHvf10m4cJLTVRf736vSpnvnCtCp2urT5sTqcLUCsyOXUZDd0lU/?imgmax=800" width="415" border="0"></a></p> <p>And, since we were already out + closer to downtown, we figured pumpkin custard had to be had! And what better way to end an early afternoon than with some <a href="http://www.teddrewes.com">Ted Drewes’</a>! [And Matt owed me because he cheated on me and went to <a href="http://www.eatandys.com">Andy’s</a> in Springfield without me.]</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHcF3kny7XTOHvLnf3I4NkW6GkF67zH1s6kFyGuDO2-DuGb5hfWyVXQcTt0C5kzhGNUoyfHpsUEAcoChkyg6jLTiL6-BQYkKKxRUkfc01xK1b7bU71SoWemVK4PjKZ13DumOARlnOTxY/s1600-h/100_2997%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2997" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="415" alt="100_2997" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuRC4ui2I/AAAAAAAAAds/j5eaLQ3kmOU/100_2997_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuS0AgK5I/AAAAAAAAAdw/FOPDnTpi-9g/s1600-h/100_3001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3001" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="100_3001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuURHVfyI/AAAAAAAAAd0/M0jk-wdeH44/100_3001_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" border="0"></a></p> <p>Ted Drewes’ pumpkin concrete is similar to <a href="http://www.doozlesfrozencustard.com">Doozle’s</a> in that they take a whole pie piece and blend it into the vanilla custard. Mmmm… it was heavenly! So smooth and incredible pumpkin flavor! I could’ve done without the whipped cream, but that of course didn’t stop me from eating all of it! Of the 2 we’ve had, Ted’s is at the top of my pumpkin custard list! [Of course, Matt said that Andy’s was better, but until I taste it, Ted’s will remain at the top.]<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuVmR9-oI/AAAAAAAAAd4/e8XNw48Q0OQ/s1600-h/100_3000%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_3000" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="266" alt="100_3000" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkuW_L3m_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/OQzN9AU4g1s/100_3000_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTxd9W6auWITNr8TwMxfK4vjOKz9hcL3bk-tLLl0oL3Nt7o5jUqg-nX2USDHhmYnTeMUdd25V6e9xU7QOyoZhxqYR-yglJjDdtmHPjUa36nwh-FV8O3sbSdfJaHfcCG8oOhsV3N5rtFI/s1600-h/100_2995%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2995" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="100_2995" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxngkZlPti8in9bSXs2WxK1qTOqfOdMF-x_-h_91aI0Xyv8-n_b8gxOQxGo7ZHbMiABaVa0ewoTidmGrZgxQ1W5r6z3Nls7uGAirlsR5egxG0Xm18J27pxCEfunhtqramjyvIMXTnqbo/?imgmax=800" width="243" border="0"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4U9lER6r9E536nDXJzyfulT-agTwzG3CN8-sjgF-_iZ-mRV6ruJnRBqWTD9_yZxBgHmvIg1gsxnuDotHyASdt9UOlFkbM4N1CDvOcm6x1yVQjgRy2nEOb47xE89LzWYajB2jKptzulc/s1600-h/100_2996%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2996" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="319" alt="100_2996" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkub5XXiQI/AAAAAAAAAeM/VWqfu_oim7k/100_2996_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" border="0"></a></p> <p>Matt went for the Caramel Apple Sundae: a whole apple pie piece + vanilla custard + caramel + almonds. Although I am not a big pie fan, apple is my absolute favorite pie! But, I kind of thought the caramel and custard overpowered the apple pie taste. Don’t get me wrong though, it was still delicious!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkudOXqO6I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/1iPYCwExdIk/s1600-h/100_2999%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2999" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="178" alt="100_2999" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkud4azkuI/AAAAAAAAAeU/N1Aei5Qw20Q/100_2999_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkxcsVuc7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/5z6Jpxrynh8/s1600-h/100_2993%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2993" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="176" alt="100_2993" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuayZ0g2_LScKyETK3pzjyZN-UBunhznLVsLbWbN5cGpn4trejLR6TULGwHqITYa_naEQ_lYQV95OXsBDSgeaynP-qoqX41dtzH-Tz6ug0XwVl_wjgtMPOeQFtcj1bSo_k3tc-rFpufQ/?imgmax=800" width="234" border="0"></a> </p> <p>[Matt made me take a picture of this since it was only 2 PM and the trash can was already full of cups!]</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkxepuV3yI/AAAAAAAAAeg/NV7gQudGDhY/s1600-h/100_2998%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="100_2998" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="282" alt="100_2998" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_K49CJfZfMCE/TKkxfujoVOI/AAAAAAAAAek/zQ1pJmoC05o/100_2998_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" border="0"></a></p> <p>Thus ends our Best of Pumpkin Tour of the day! Next stop, CHICAGO! </p> Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562118674963793391noreply@blogger.com0