And Then Some plus Last Chance Treat Squares

Only one more day until the Utica Boilermaker 15K road race. Last year, I had a great run, PR’ing at 1:13:01. This year, I have my doubts which isn’t the best way to go into a race but even with those doubts, I have my heart set on seeing something like a 1:12:XX. If we take a look deeper into Joanne’s mind, we see she is STILL reaching for the ultimate Boilermaker goal race of 1:10. It’s ok to chase dreams, right?

The event Expo is today and tomorrow at the new local of MVCC.

The good: It’s right across the street from our house.

The bad: THE CROWD! THE CARS! THE GARBAGE!

Ted and I plan on walking over to the expo tonight when I’ll pick up my race packet. I’m sitting here wondering what bib color I’ll get this year. In 2010, I was Green (YAY!). In 2011, I was Yellow (Booo!). In 2012, I entered my aggressive goal time so I might get a different bib color but then again, I might also get trampled at the start.

Strategy:

I run the first six miles of the Boilermaker course all the time. No matter how often I run from the starting line up Culver towards the golf course, I find it challenging. I’ll start slow. Although it will seem slow, it will most likely be a fast pace for me due to adrenaline, crowds, the race atmosphere…and all that stuff that makes your legs turn to jelly.

Within the first mile, I’ll wonder what possessed me to enter the race.

Approaching mile 2, I’ll look for friends and neighbors among the spectators who live near our house.

At about mile 3 1/2, I hope to be able to pick up my pace and take advantage of the descent out of Valley View. *I’ll look for more friends since they stand in the same place every year. Ted and his biking buddies might also be at the base of the hill.

I know it feels tough again once the course seems to flatten along the Parkway and we turn onto Genesee Street. We’ll turn left at Faxton Hospital and begin the gradual climb towards Utica College. Spectators will be out in full force, urging us along. I’ll take note that just over an hour ago, the 5K runners began their run for the finish line.

At Utica College, we will all turn right and know the finish line is getting near. It seems to take FOR – EVER to get down Champlin Ave.

Turning right onto Whitesboro Street then to Court St. there will be sights, sounds, and smells that will peak my interest and I’ll want to use those distractions as an excuse to slow down. At this point, I need a reminder to keep my eye on the goal.

The noise will increase. The announcer will be heard as runners cross the finish line and then …. THERE IT IS! The Boilermaker Finish! I’ll test what’s left in my legs. I’ll look at the clock and try to gain E V E R Y ……L A S T….. S E C O N D!

I’ll cross the finish line and be thankful it’s over and HOPEFULLY, be THRILLED with my time.

Course review: You’ll never experience a course like the Boilermaker. Our community, family, and friends line the Boilermaker’s 9.3 miles to cheer, motivate, and support runners like no other race.The Boilermaker course boasts panoramic views, challenging hills, the MOST water stops, the best entertainment, and the greatest overall FUN of any race event.

All runners lucked out this year. The hot weather and humidity is dropping for Sunday. It should be a great day for an 8 AM run and not so bad fighting the masses at the post race party. Organizers are also bringing back the Fly Over!

I’m going to enjoy my Boilermaker experience no matter what the outcome. Really…. I will. Right, Joanne?! You WILL! (does self talk work????)

LAST CHANCE TREATS

Last chance. The last chance before I toss the left overs but before their time expires. You’d never know these tasty treats were a last thought. Sweet, low fat and a snack that’s good for picking. Picky Squares!

Makes 24 bars, depending on how large or small you prefer to cut them.

1 1/2 cups cooked and cooled thick oatmeal (left over)
1 cup dry rolled oats
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 375 F and spray a 13 x 9 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix the cooked oats with the dry oats and milk. Beat in the eggs, sugars and vanilla.

Stir in the nuts, seeds and raisins. Press into the 13 x 9 pan and bake for 35 minutes.

Moist, chewy and sweet. The only added fat is from eggs, nuts and seeds (and milk if you used anything but skimmed). Healthy fat!

As for sugar, I’m not a huge fan of sugar and if I had over ripe bananas would have used the bananas and reduced the sugar by 1/2 (and maybe omitted the milk). HOWEVER, I didn’t have any bananas so I used the sugar. I love the result but then, who doesn’t like a little sugar now and then?!