biscuits

I officially have a new favorite biscuit recipe. Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook (14th ed.) "Biscuits Supreme." They are flaky and very buttery. They only take 15 minutes to prepare (probably less once you've made them once) and 10 to bake. Let me know if you'd like the recipe. Or if you already have the cookbook, go make them. Now.

hurts so good

Last night was the regular Wednesday night track practice. We did a warm-up, 10x200, and a cool down. I tend to do better with longer intervals, so I really had to work at the 200s (1/8 mile). It went really well! I started out at about 48 seconds and sped up to 45-46 seconds, then maintained that pace throughout. I think that might have been running too hard, but I was glad I did it. Um.. until I woke up this morning. Oh my goodness, I don't know that I've ever seen sore from a track workout before, but man was I sore today. All the muscles through my hips and quads hurt. It's a good thing! This is the area I've been struggling to strengthen. It's finally happening!

I have one more workout tomorrow before my Saturday morning long run. It's supposed to snow on Saturday, so wish me luck. It will be my longest run ever--14 miles!

In other news, things at school have been...exciting? My funding for spring is uncertain, so I have been searching for opportunities on campus and trying to make plans in case nothing comes through. Also, as of today, I can see the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel between the qual and the prelim. I think I will be able to schedule it pretty soon. Stay tuned.

For the dedicated

Yesterday was a test in dedication. It was about 37 degrees, overcast, and windy. Yet we met, a handful of weather-hardy alumni to complete our Saturday run. For those of us training for Disney, we had 12 miles in front of us. I took plenty of breaks and even walked a few minutes of the course. I was proud of our little group for sticking it out! After the run Jaymie and I waited for another teammate to finish. It was fun to sit and talk and catch up. I'm getting used to the idea that I'll be heading inside for most of my mid-week runs from here on out.

On the fundraising front, my husband had a great idea--raffle off a Wii! I've talked to several teammates about this and everyone thinks it's a great idea. I'm working now to nail down a ticket price. Let me know if you are interested in buying a chance on the Wii!!

weather's turning

My beyond crazy schedule is making it ever-more difficult to find the time to get a run in every day. The only way it was going to happen today (which was making up for yesterday's missed run) was to get up early and head out. It was gorgeous. The sky was clear along the horizon during sunrise. I could tell that it would be an overcast morning, but it wasn't yet. It was cool out, maybe 55, but not cold. Shorts and a long-sleeved shirt were all I needed. Then, even by the time I left the house for work the weather had started to turn. Most of the day was vaguely damp and unpleasant. That made me appreciate my early morning run even more. There was a slim piece of beautiful today, and I savored it.

I don't want to make this an Elliot blog, but every now and then I just can't resist. He has a new favorite toy: a shiny silver bow. That's right. As in a bow you would put on a Christmas present. He is completely mesmerized by it.

I love that little boy.

back at it

After Wednesday's track practice I finished the week with a 2.7 mile Friday afternoon run. Feeling pretty good about my gentle return to training after the Indy half, I headed out this morning for my long run. The schedule for today said 8 miles. I was thankful for the cut-back in mileage, since I've been easing back into training. What a beautiful morning! It's November and I was wearing shorts! The leaves were magnificent in the park. It was the perfect long run to get back into things. By early afternoon I was surprisingly sore already. I feel like I'm heading into the long haul now. It feels good.

Fundraising is going more slowly than I had hoped. I had a few nice donations from friends this week, but I haven't heard back from the corporate and institutional contacts I've tried. Hopefully there will be some news this week!