Race Ready

I think I'm ready to run this freakin' half marathon! It's 8PM, and in 12 hours the race will start. Cra-zay. 
Today was all about preparation for the race. Though it goes against my rule of "nothing new" for race day, I picked up a new gear belt from REI. Which of course meant trying on three different ones in the mirror and making an ass of myself in front of fellow shoppers and REI's staff.

This is exactly what I mean. Haha!

This one felt way too much like a fanny pack. If I wanted a fanny pack, I'd seek one out specifically.

Winner! Too bad I didn't try on any of those sweet hats on the wall.

I spent the rest of the day doing chores around the house and yard, and then prepared to host a... pasta dinner!

I invited the girls over, and made Eat Live Run's linguine with shrimp and tomato cream sauce, quadrupling the recipe. It was fantastic!

Enjoyed with some crusty artisan bread, purchased this morning at the South Shore Farmers' Market.

My dinner companions, Stefanie and Nicole

Now, I'm sacked out on the couch with another piece of that lovely bread smeared with some dark chocolate PB, and various drinkables. 12 hours until race time. I'm ready!!!

If this won't help me have a great race tomorrow, I don't know what will.

Have a great night!

Sound Bites 7/07: New songs from Mumford and Sons

Mumford & Sons, the incredibly versatile folk rock band that took the pop music world by a storm last year with "Little Lion Man" (an epic song to run to) and "The Cave," are back with a new song "Home." Click here to check it out.

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"Home" is kind of beautiful and romantic, isn't it? I'm really digging this new song. Kudos to Tarik at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee for sharing this earlier today.

Here's a link to a video of Mumford & Sons performing another new song, "In the Wake." Let me know what you think of these songs!

Easy Black Bean Dip for One

Hello, blog friends! How was your Wednesday? 


Tonight, I'd like to share one of my favorite go-to recipes for a quick weeknight meal: black bean dip! This is great with raw veggies, tortilla chips or by itself and eaten with a spoon. The recipe doesn't get any easier, and I'd like to think that eating a healthified version of bar food is rock n' roll. You know, the black beans are higher in antioxidants, a great source of protein and this dish is damn tasty. And the veggies on the side can't hurt either. So, here ya go:


Easy Black Bean Dip for One


Ingredients:
1/2 can vegetarian refried black beans
1/4 cup salsa of your choice
1/4 cup shredded cheese of choice
1. Scoop 1/2 can vegetarian refried black beans into a microwave-safe bowl. 
2. Cover and heat in microwave for two minutes.
3. Remove from microwave and stir in salsa and cheese
3. Recover, and heat in microwave for an additional minute
4. Remove from microwave, stir and enjoy!

That's an entire chopped green pepper right there. Ooh, yeah.

Can't be 'healthy' all of the time. We roll with salt-free chips, though.

With a side of puppy (optional).

New on the home front: The first two raspberries of the season! 

In other news... T-minus 4 days until the half marathon... and check out the forecast (Sunday):

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Ughhh. Fingers crossed that the weather-person who predicted this is wrong, and that it's a mild, partly cloudy day.


You do the talking: Have you done races in unpleasant weather? Any last-minute tips to share with me? I've been chugging water and sports drinks like it's my job, and have been mentally bracing myself for the worst case scenario. 


I'm pretty nervous about the race overall, and found a great article from Active.com: 4 Mental Tips to Overcome Pre-Race Jitters

My favorite bit of advice from this is "Set Yourself Up for a Life Experience:"  

Create a positive mental attitude about your personal expectations on race day. Focus on the overall experience... You'll be participating amongst hundreds or thousands of people that decided to get themselves out of bed early to put their bodies into action. That is a group of people you can learn from; embrace the event for all that it can bring to your life.


Open your mind and heart; be on alert to absorbing the special moments that will present themselves on event day. There may be a sign held by an onlooker that emotionally touches you, and motivates you to stay strong. 

Absorb the environment around you, and you will have an opportunity to take home inspiration. The memories of race day will be like a gift for your spirit that whispers, "You can do it" the next time you hit the road for training.


This really struck a chord with me, the race will be about so much more than the stupid weather. I'm going to try and focus on enjoying the race, taking photos with my friends and enjoying our running journey across the iconic Hoan Bridge. It's gonna be so cool (even if the weather is a challenge)!

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