Arthur, M.R.R and Taste of the Tropics Pasta

At The Movies…

We were pleasantly surprised with the remake of the movie “Arthur”

Although we started watching it with a lot of skepticism, the result was hysterical laughter through many of the scenes.

We like Russell Brand so much, we picked up another movie, “Get Him to the Greek”

DUD!  We didn’t even watch it to the half way point.  It wasn’t our style.  Call us prudes but we don’t like heavy druggy movies.  It’s just not funny.

See any good movies lately?

M.R.R. = Mid Range Run

It was a terrific morning to run.  The humidity was down and the temperature was a few degrees cooler.  I bucked up the courage and went for my MRR alone in the dark.

*Shane didn’t come along because he’s not good in the warmer temperatures of summer. It takes too much out of him so I keep his miles to a max. of 6 – 7.  When it gets cooler he’ll be able to come with me for longer runs.

I took off around the college (just LOVE the lights of college campuses early in the morning!) and ended up in the woods of the golf course. It was just beginning to get light but the woods were still dark.  It was creepy and it made me pick up my pace.  What really spooked me was a car at the top of the golf course.  The gates were all closed.  What was it doing there?!!! I didn’t look.  I just kept running – FASTER!

Through the trees I could see the soft glimmer of lights from downtown Utica.  It was twilight.  The faint half light before sunrise. Next time, I’ll bring my cell phone and get a picture.

When I got home, Shane was peering out the window.  I hooked him up and finished my run with Shane for 3 miles.  Total MRR = 11 1/4.

Ted was no where to be found.  It was 6:30.  Could he still be in bed?!   YES! I found him lying in bed.  He was dizzy.  He said “It feels like I had too much to drink”. It took him a few hours but he felt better later in the morning.  We think it might be an inner ear problem from the swimming.  Next on the “To Buy” list = EAR PLUGS.

Any recommendations for the BEST ear plugs for swimming?

A few notes/observations:

1. I’ve been getting to bed by 8:30 every night.  Last night I was actually asleep by 8:30.  Granted I woke up three times but still, getting up early isn’t such a chore when I’m able to hit the sack that early.

2.  I’ve been getting some odd “mystery” pains again.  One, my left heel.  Two, my right shin.  This seems to happen during each training program BUT it’s never the same body part.  Weird and, hopefully, nothing to worry about.

3.  My legs felt as if I had run 18 miles today when I only went a little over 11.  Not sure why although it could have a lot to do with the leg workout on Monday night. It typically takes me a good 8 hours to get sore from a grueling leg workout.  That soreness will last two or three days.

and finally,

TASTE OF THE TROPICS PASTA

A lite coconut milk sauce.  A protein enhanced pasta noodle.  Vegetables, crab and clams to finish the dish.  A pure pasta delight!

Serves 4 – 6

• 1/2 box Barilla Elbows Pasta – cook according to package directions (7 min. in boiling, salted water)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 12 – 14 cherry tomatoes (garden fresh if you’re growing them!), halved
• 16 oz Sugar Snap peas
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper
• 13.5 oz Lite Coconut Milk
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 10 oz crab meat
• 6 oz chopped cooked clams

Saute onion over medium heat in preheated olive oil for 5 minutes.  Add the tomatoes and peas, reduce heat to medium low and cook another 8 minutes.

Add the garlic powder, coriander and stir to mix.  Add the coconut milk and wine (if using), salt and red pepper.

Cook down for 10 – 15 minutes.  Add the clams and crab and allow to warm up for 2 – 5 minutes.  Toss with pasta when ready to serve.

ENJOY!