endurance training | Apple Crumbles

The Mustang Stampede 10K Run

Very valuable asset to have in reaching your goals is the support from family and friends. With another 18 miles plus on the books before Portland and NYC marathons and throwing into those long miles fast middle miles for 6, help was needed. Trying to pick up the pace in a long run is tough when running alone. With the help of The Mustang Stampede 10K, a running partner named Amy, I was able to successfully run 6.2 miles, AFTER running almost 9 miles at just slightly over half marathon pace… THEN, Ted was with me to finish that long [...]

By Joanne|2014-09-07T15:18:20-04:00September 7, 2014|Races|7 Comments

Meatless Any Day of the Week

Before I tell you about the best EVER meatless recipe, I have to tell you how great this summer has been for running. The weather has been pretty darned perfect. Sure it’s been hot but my body has adjusted. There has been no excuse to run on the treadmill. Speed work, one day a week, has been bearable. The long runs haven’t been so awful (maybe because I’ve been running those long miles so slow). My mid range run has been the most enjoyable run of all. I’ve approached races with an easy mind and minimal anxiety. It’s been good. [...]

By Joanne|2012-08-21T14:01:30-04:00August 21, 2012|Vegetarian|6 Comments

Deflated, Defeated, Defunct and Bow Ties with Shrimp

I’m feeling flat. I lost the mental challenge of the long run. I’m exhausted and the energy cells are no longer operating. In other words, deflated, defeated, and defunct. To be quite honest, it was difficult working up the excitement for this weeks 20 mile run. I took in the right amount of nutrition and prepared with water bottle and gels for the road. When I went to get my phone, it had no battery charge. Shane and I were going to be miles away from home with no means to contact Ted. NAKED! Since there was no way for [...]

By Joanne|2012-02-18T16:36:39-05:00February 18, 2012|Running|Comments Off

Training Schedules: A Look Back

Do you save your workout schedules? First of all, do you even HAVE a workout schedule? If you don't, you should. It's a great way to compare one year to the next because if you notice changes in your body, frame of mind, fitness level, you can see what changes you've made that are or are not working. If you do maintain a schedule, do you look back to see what you were doing at this point in your training a year ago? I did just that the other day. Boston training 2011: This time last year. Highest mileage for [...]

By Joanne|2012-02-15T11:28:05-05:00February 15, 2012|Food|Comments Off

Doesn’t Get Easier and Francois Payard’s Chocolate-Ginger Angel Food Cake

This morning I ran my fourth 20 miler. Why wasn’t it any easier? When I got to the grocery store, I just knew getting out of the car was going to be painful. It was. I loosened up after a minute, but still, why doesn’t it get any easier? I wonder what happened to this thing called “muscle memory”. Maybe my leg muscles suffer from memory loss. Lack of sleep? Not enough vitamin B12? Or just plain stubborn muscles? Any which way, I’m not happy with my legs so I’ll make them suffer JUST ONE MORE TIME before totally putting [...]

By Joanne|2011-10-29T14:05:28-04:00October 29, 2011|Chocolate|4 Comments

Blonde Jokes and Chocolate Blueberry Beer Cupcakes

They weren’t kidding when everyone was warned of flooding. The sewers were on the attack! Just glad I didn’t have to run past that today. I had slightly slushy roads for my run today. It was snowing when I set out and the wind was certainly not helpful. But I pounded out 20 miles. Not saying it was easy but I did it. I didn’t walk. When I wanted to quit, I kept thinking about those ultra runners who go for 24 to 30 or more HOURS through amazing environments and outrageous temperatures. Thinking of the pain and discomfort others [...]

By Joanne|2011-03-12T09:33:42-05:00March 12, 2011|Baking|6 Comments