The ups and downs after finishing a marathon. The feelings of elation because you crossed the finish line, the regret that you didn’t push harder. Then your mum and dad send you a gorgeous array of red roses and everything feels better.

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What is it about a rose? My favorite flower. Just perfect.Red rose

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Life after Boston should be time spent allowing your body to recover. In my case, there was little soreness which made it easy to jump right on my bike and begin getting ready for the NYC Bike Ride.

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The ride is 40 miles around the boroughs of New York City. I haven’t been on my bike all winter due to training for Boston so now it was time to get on that uncomfortable seat and do some miles. Since the weather is too cold in the morning to ride outside, I’m trying to enjoy my sessions on the trainer. UGG!  Hopefully there will be a break in the rain this weekend for a good hour and a half outside.  If not, I’ll be starring at the walls. 

Training this week:  

  • Wed:  30 minutes on bike trainer, weights and 3 miles walking.
  • Thurs:  40 minute bike trainer session, weights, ran 3 miles.
  • Fri:  Walked and ran with Shane for 3 miles.  In the afternoon, Ted and I went for a 70 minute ride outside. It was beautiful and we took advantage of the weather.
  • Sat.:  Ran with speedy Jen. Warmed up for a mile with Shane then ran with Jen for 8 miles.  I only kept up with her tempo pace for about 3 miles. My average pace was 8:06. The only problem I had was some shoulder pain which went away when Jen told me to lower my arms, they were too high. The pain went away within minutes.
  • Sunday, Ted and I are hoping for at least a couple of hours outside on the bikes.

Right now cycling is priority then 2 days after the NYC bike tour, we’re off to McMillan’s Running camp in Flagstaff, AZ.  Can’t WAIT for that one.  EXCITED!

The rest of the year, there is only one main event on my list even though I’m registered for two.  Any other races will most likely be last minute sign ups.

  1. The Utica Boilermaker 15K  on July 8th. I’m shooting for a big PR in this one and so it becomes my key race of 2012 (due to a disappointing Boston run).
  2. The Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio.  Not totally all in mentally yet. We’ll see how the next few months go and if I can get in some good training. Ted would prefer I pass on it so we’re both waffling.  My registration is in so I wouldn’t get shut out. Those fall marathons are filling up fast.

What are you signed up for this year? Do you have one key race?

And now, the recipe:   Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, by Carla Vavala

This has to be the best way to prepare sweet potatoes. Delicious!

These homemade, healthy fries had a hint of red pepper and chili spice coupled with that brown sugar sweetness we all love.

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Makes enough for 6

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  • 3 sweet potatoes
  • 2 TBS canola oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 TBS brown sugar
  • salt to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

Pierce the potatoes with a knife a few times then microwave for 4 minutes.

Cut into fries or 1/4 inch pieces.

In a large plastic bag, combine the chili, cayenne, brown sugar and salt. Now add the oil and combine.

Add the sweet potatoes to coat. Spread on a non-stick baking sheet or one sprayed with non stick spray in a single layer.

Bake for 40 minutes, turn once. Increase the temperature to 425 F for the last 5 minutes.

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No ketchup needed! These are wonderful served straight from the oven.

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