Scheduling a marathon on a Saturday makes so much sense. It gives you a whole day to recover before heading back to work. As for my recovery, it gets easier with each marathon.

The US Air Force marathon was my 5th marathon.  I was feeling great but since I’m running marathon distance again on October 7, wanted to allow my body some running time off. Sunday, relaxed in the car, driving home. Monday I walked the dogs. Tuesday, I did a light weight workout then went for a longer doggy walk. 

Beginning Wednesday morning with another quick, light weight total body workout which included some lunges and leg extensions, I took both dogs for a short run.

My Puppies

Zoe-Bean went out for her first 1 1/2 mile run.  Zoey wants to run like an Olympian so it was work to keep the pace slow.  After Zoey, Shane’s turn for 1 1/2 miles.  An easy 3 mile run which wasn’t so easy. The last mile felt like mile 25 in the marathon. The result is some hip and hamstring pain.  Maybe too soon for a weight workout? Maybe just a light jog would have sufficed?  Whatever, the damage is done and I’m just hoping the pain will subside and I can try for another easy 4 tomorrow – less any lower body gym work.

What’s next? Barring any serious aches and pains as well as subject to change based on energy levels, my plan for the next couple of weeks is this:

Finishing this week: Friday fly to S.C. and a day off. Saturday run 1 1/2 to 2 hours easy.  Sunday a 50 minute recovery run.

Peak week: Monday, speed work.  Tuesday, OFF (travel back to NY).  Wednesday, 50 – 60 minute easy.  Thursday, 90 minute easy mid range. Friday, OFF.  Saturday, long run of about 16 – 18 miles with a fast finish attempt. Sunday, OFF.

Taper week:  Monday, 60 minute run. Tuesday, speed work.  Wednesday, 30 – 40 minute run. Thursday, OFF. Friday, 40 minute easy run.  Saturday, OFF.  Sunday, MOHAWK TO HUDSON MARATHON

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I’m excited to see how my body deals with back to back marathons. Should be interesting.

Ever heard of the appetizer “Squash Flowers”?

Zucchini flowers or squash flowers, what ever you have available for this lightly fried/sautéed appetizer.  You don’t have to sadly watch the flower bloom then die, you can watch it bloom, pick it in the early morning (when it’s closed) and enjoy it for dinner!

FOFF Squash Blossoms2

FOFF Squash Blossoms5

Serves 4

  • 12 fresh zucchini or squash flowers (with stems) *Wash and dry
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. juice from pickled hot cherry peppers (optional but this gives the appetizer so much more flavor)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • 3 TBS whole wheat flour
  • olive oil to cover the bottom of a large pan

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.  Add pepper juice (if using) salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cheese.

Add the flour until the mixture becomes thick like a batter (not runny).

Dip the flowers in the batter to coat lightly.

Heat the oil in a fry pan over medium high heat then cook until golden brown.  Place on paper towel to cool.

FOFF Squash Blossoms3

Enjoyable little treat.

FOFF Squash Blossoms4

Not much nutrition in the squash flower, just pure enjoyment.

FOFF Squash Blossoms1

What’s your favorite, but somewhat unique, appetizer?

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