The Ultimate Walking Experience
Pictures are before the race and then after with our medals
For years I have heard about people who ran marathons and recently have heard more about half-marathons. After walking the 3-day 30 mile walk in September my next goal was to walk a half-marathon. There is nothing like doing something for the first time. My only previous experience had been a 5k in April of this year. It was fun and we walked in a beautiful part of Savannah. The Pledge the Pink 3-day is not a race but rather an event that was another very different experience. Nothing really prepared me for the 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 that was held Saturday November 4th. The sheer size of the crowd was overwhelming. Registration was in the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center at the Health and Fitness Expo the night before so we went over to pick up our packets and to be a little closer as the race started at 7:20 the next morning. We still had to get up at 4:30am so we could get to the parking garage by 6 which was necessary because of the road closures due to the race. I do not know how many racers there were in total but I think somewhere in the 15,000 to 20,000 range. It certainly felt very full of people.
I was excited and curious as well as a bit unsure of exactly how it would all work out. I exceeded all my own expectations. I was well prepared, felt strong and was able to sustain my pace for the whole 13.1 miles. I made sure to eat some good carbs and protein and carried some apples and a banana with me which I did not need. There was lots of water along the course and potties in case after drinking the water you needed to stop. The feeling at the end was euphoric but also sad. It was over, my ultimate walking experience was finished. Now what? Besides my feet hurt and really, really wanted to get out of my shoes. Once again I forgot to bring my recovery shoes in my backpack but I got them as soon as I could when we got back to the car. Lots of stretching, lots of water, a beer and a good long soak in Epsom salts and I felt pretty darn good. A little slow the next day but better than I expected. It was all a wonderful experience and I think I will do it again – next year!
Big Doings on the Home Front
Before and almost after – yes that’s a deer in the first picture – then before grass and then after grass
Sometime back in September we started investigating some serious landscape improvements to our yard. A few years ago we bought the lot next to us for protection and for a place for the dogs to run and explore. Up until this year we have simply had it bush hogged twice a year to keep the undergrowth cleared. It looked better than when it was all woods but it needed some TLC. We also had a very poor excuse for a path that went from the front of the house to the back. Some flat stones that were mostly buried and too close to the bushes on the side of the house. Not easy to walk on and not attractive. So we set out to get a path and some grass and some new bushes. I have never seen anyone work as hard as the guys who had to get rid of roots and stumps and all kinds of other thingys as the workers from Sweetgrass Landscaping did. They seem to love hacking away at things with rather large machete so it was a good idea to stay out of the way. Two different groups were involved as the walkway was put in by a different group of men. Sometimes they were all there and that was at least ten of them. John decided we needed to put some coins in the cement for good luck and tradition, so after they poured the cement and he was given the ok, he placed a Canadian toonie (2$ coin) a loonie (1$ coin) and a US quarter into the corner at the end of the path and also at the beginning.
Adding in Some Meditation Again
It’s always worth a mention. I love the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Free Meditation series and they have another one out right now. I love to wake up in the morning and listen to the newest daily thought on “Making Every Moment Matter” it is such a nice way to start my day. This is their 8th collaboration and I have joined them all over the last few years. It only takes about 20 minutes and is a gentle way to wake up before the day gets busy. Sometimes the kittens like to join me and snuggle next to me while I listen but mostly this is my time. This along with Yoga is what really keeps me going I think. The Yoga is definitely keeping my body moving and right now, after the 1/2, I am ready for some restorative Yoga. If you can find restorative Yoga near you I highly recommend it. Anyone can do it, you don’t have to know anything, and you will feel wonderful afterwards and usually I am very calm. Give it a try if you can.
What to do with Leftover Pumpkin
After last week’s recipe for vegetarian bolognaise I had some leftover pumpkin. So, I took out my trusty Vitamix cookbook and found a recipe for Holiday Squash Soup that can be made with cooked squash or pumpkin. So to the Vitamix I go. Here’s the recipe:
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups of cooked squash or pumpkin
1/4 small onion, peeled
1/4 medium apple, cored
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp rosemary
1/8 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp salt
- Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid
- Select Variable 1
- Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to high.
- Blend for 6-7 minutes or until heavy steam escaped from the vented lid.
