Scenic Saturday: May 25

Most of today was spent on the couch napping and it says a lot that I didn't lay around and snack.  I didn't overeat, which is something I would have done in my college years.  Instead, I relaxed on my first Saturday of summer vacation without gluttony.  In the evening, I decided it was time to run.

Today's run: a nice easy 2.5 miles.
Today's location: Shelby Farms Greenline Trailhead.

I loved this week's scenic adventure, but the trailhead was a little unnerving for me.  The first mile headed west takes you by the Shelby County Government and Corrections facilities.  

 

 The barbed wire is a little unsettling.

But further on down the paved trail, you see some really great sights.  Like the bottomland hardwood swamps around mile 1. 

  

And the Wolf River crossing around mile 2.

Some really beautiful trails.  I will be sure to check out the rest of the 6.5 mile trail in the future.

On my way back, I even spotted some local wildlife!

Scenic Sunday: May 19

I know, it's Monday.  I still wanted to do a little blog about all of the things I experienced this weekend in Memphis.  Of course, I got a good 2 miles in on Sunday morning, in 80 degree weather, 65% humidity (this town is awful).  But what's more important are the awesome things I got to do.  I made a new friend, who invited me to come with her to the Memphis in May Barbeque Cooking Contest, and I must say, it is not at all what I expected.  Clearly, some people are there just for the party.  I had a great time and won't forget it!


This is the only picture I got and it doesn't nearly do the scale of the event justice.

The other half of my weekend was spent with these amazing people:


It was one of the most amazing musical experiences of my life.  I had the opportunity to perform with some of the most talent musicians in Memphis, and then had the chance to socialize with them all weekend.  It was awesome and has opened up some pretty awesome doors for me as a musician.

So far, despite the terribly difficult teaching job and missing my family and friends, Memphis is pretty awesome.

Scenic Saturday 5/11: Birthday Race!

This Saturday's run just happened to be a 5k on my birthday!  It wasn't a PR, but I did take 2nd place in my age group (and this time there were more than 2 people in my age group)!  Super excited!


^^ There's the proof! I had to out run 4 other people for my 2nd place medal, unlike my other 2nd place medal where there were only 2 of us.  Plus, by my math, I was in the top 40th percentile, which means I beat out more than half of the runners.  Another big accomplishment!  I'm still shooting to get my time under 30 minutes, but I think this was a job well done.

**** I'm going to add my medal picture as soon as it's uploaded to the 5k site****

I also was very well welcomed to the town. (though the results say I'm from Olive Branch, that's only because I registered that day) The people were so friendly to me (perhaps because I was wearing a "Birthday Girl" sash :) ).  So many people started conversations and told me happy birthday, even the emcee got involved, cracking 'birthday suit' jokes and making me stand and wave to everyone.  Many people would find that humiliating, but I love the recognition.  I want people to notice my accomplishments (call me a narcissist if you like).  Everyone was asking about my new digs as well:

I had the shirt custom made with my before picture on the front...

and a tally of my completed races on the back.

A conversation piece and a story.  I see so many people so serious about winning and placing.  I think they need the reminder that for some of us, just finishing is a victory.

After the race, I went to try and find the best cupcakes in Memphis.  I think I succeeded with Muddy's Bake Shop.  I was overwhelmed by the choice of delicious cupcakes, but I went with a chocolate cake and raspberry icing and a red velvet.  The wonderful girl behind the counter threw in a free cookie to boot! 

So delicious and moist.  The raspberry icing burst with flavor.  That cookie if you were wondering was called "Sweet and Salty," butterscotch chip with salt sprinkled on top. And the rich red velvet tasted like biting into a cheesecake.  (I think I may go into diabetic shock)  If you are ever in Memphis, check them out.  Best cupcakes in Memphis.

Tonight, its sushi till I burst (yay for mailing list birthday specials!) and a bit of singleton salsa dancing.  I'm nervous to go out dancing alone, but how am I going to meet anyone here if I don't put myself out there.  I have a boyfriend back home, so it makes me nervous to go out, but I've got to make some new friends.  I've just got to be cautious and try to have an amazing time!

Scenic Sunday, this week's meal and an anniversary.

This is going to be a long one today, so I'm chunking it into three parts.

Part One: Scenic Sunday:

Well, it's Memphis is May, that means rain, and lots of it.  I got lucky to find a spot of time to go for a run around the pond at my appartment complex.  I know, not very adventurous but it was exciting for two reasons. 
One: the turtles.  The pond is crawling with turtles of all shapes and sizes and I love to watch them swim around while I run.



And the second reason it was such a good run:  It was my first time using my Garmin Forerunner 110 to its full capacity and I love it!  Plus: I BROKE 10 MINS PER MILE!

 

The circled bits are the running portions, and LOOK AT IT!  I broke 10 minutes per mile!  That's one goal checked off the goals list!  WOO!

Part Two: The Week's Fare:
 
Since it's Sunday, that means its the weeks cooking night.  This week, I've decided to make something that it hearty, but still healthy and reminds me of home.  Plus it uses a lot of my take from the farmer's market.

Italian Marinated Baked Chicken

3lbs of frozen chicken breast or chicken tenderloin

1 bottle of your favorite Italian dressing

1. To marinate the chicken, combine frozen chicken breast and Italian dressing in a resealable plastic bag. Place in a shallow dish and refrigerate to thaw overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

3. Place thawed and marinated chicken in a shallow baking dish, either lightly greased, or with a small layer of marinade.  Bake for about an hour until juices run clear.

Serves 6

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Baby Red Potatoes

1 pint raw brussel sprouts cleaned and halved

1 lb baby red potatoes cleaned and quartered

3 tbs olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Toss the brussel sprouts, potatoes oil salt and pepper to coat in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl.

3. Layer the mixture on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for an hour, turning half way through.
Serves 6

This hearty meal will feed me for the whole week, but would be great for a large family as well.  Despite how some people feel about starchy potatoes, they really are healthy for you in moderation.  Root vegetables contain tons of vitamins and minerals that other veggies don't have.  They may be very calorie laden, but when prepared correctly, they are quite good for you.

Part Three: An Anniversary

Today is the one year anniversary of my first half marathon. Not being there makes me feel a little guilty, but also reminds me that I did that once and I'm going to do it again.  I miss home, and I miss the city of Pittsburgh.  I know all of my friends in the 'Burgh who were running today did well, and I wish I could have been there.  Someday I will return and run the whole marathon. 

I am and always will be a Runner of Steel!

Scenic Saturday 4/27

I've decided that for every weekend run, I am going to find a new scenic place to run, and feature it on my blog. Hence: Scenic Saturday(sometimes it'll be Sunday).  I'm going to use this as a way to explore my new surroundings.  Some weeks I will be able to travel farther and hopefully find some great places to run.

This week I had an early morning haircut and style, and the weather wasn't the best so I'm keeping it simple:

Historic Olive Branch, MS.

The town is not far from where I live, but I have discovered some beautiful parks.

Today I am officially two weeks in to my Race Warrior training.  Today's workout: C25K 3.1. I found out that Historic Olive Branch hosts a Mayfest 5K on my birthday.  I may have to try and work that one in to my training schedule!  And to make my birthday even better, my mom and dad ordered me a Garmin Forerunner 110!  I am so excited! 

I'll leave you today with a picture of my new summer 'do.

What do you think?

I am open to suggestions for other places to explore for Scenic S-days.  I am willing to travel, no matter how far, I will give it a thought.  I am young, and I want to see and run as many places as I can, while I can. So suggest away!