A Few Things I’ve Learned About Myself as a Runner
May 26th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
I secretly liked being honked at when I run.
Well, I guess it’s not so secret anymore, but that’s ok. You’re probably thinking I’m vain or something, but it’s not that I think I’m super attractive when I run. Believe me, I’ve seen myself after a run and it’s not a pretty sight! The “attention” reminds me of running in races. It’s almost indescribable to tell you what it feels like to have perfect strangers cheering you on. They don’t know me, and yet they’re out there and they’re cheering me on just like they would if they were my best friend. There’s something about people recognizing that I’m out there sweating it out and pushing myself to finish a race that gives me a boost of energy and makes me want to race even stronger.
I have a fear of social running groups.
Technically, I’m not afraid of running groups, themselves – I now have a mental picture of me running away from a giant group of runners! I’m referring to my fear of joining one. I run by myself about 90% of the time. The other 10%, I’m with my husband, who I have no problems feeling comfortable running with. We chat while we run; we catch up on each other’s day; we even run in silence without feeling like we have to make conversation. I have no problem with that. On the flip side, give me an opportunity to hit the pavement with a running group or go running with a friend and I freak out. Why? I’m not completely sure. Maybe I’m afraid of not being as good of a runner and holding them back. Maybe I’m just uncomfortable with trying to fit in. I’m sure I have nothing to worry about, so why am I such a wuss? Step it up, Mandy and quit being such a pansy.
Deep down, I am envious of runners who are so much faster than I am.
Do you ever feel like you are trying your hardest at something, but can’t quite seem to make any progress on getting better? That’s how I feel about my running sometimes. I know there are many different levels of runners. I fit in somewhere in the middle, which I am pretty proud of. But when I hear about some other runners’ times that are way faster than I have ever run, my first reaction is to say Wow – they did awesome! But later, I can’t help to be a little jealous and I start going through my running routine to figure out what am I not doing to make some improvements in my speed, stamina, etc. Even later, I think about how much I already do in my life and convince myself (at least for the time being) that I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made and if I maintain what I’m doing and continue to enjoy it, I can just let it go and be happy with the runner that I am.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
May 13th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
Sometimes filling your home with the smell of freshly baked cookies can make all the stresses in life melt away. After making my lemony almond macaroons a few weeks ago, I got the urge to make some good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies. There’s something about a warm cookie with gooey chocolate chips that makes me feel all sentimental and stuff.
I have a few special touches to my recipe, but here’s the basic recipe I build from and as-is, these cookies turn out great. I think it’s key to use a chocolate chip that you really like. The regular Toll House ones or store brand ones are ok, but by paying just a tad more you can upgrade to a Ghirardelli chocolate chip and it really does make a difference. My batch typically makes a little more than three dozen cookies, so there was plenty to share with friends, neighbors and co-workers and still have enough to keep at home for me and my husband.
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
¾ cups sugar
¾ cups brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). In a small bowl, stir flour with baking soda and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs (one at a time) and mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture to the dough. Add chocolate chips (and nuts if you’d like!). Drop by the tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.
That’s it! Time to pour a glass of milk and enjoy.
Lemony Almond Macaroons
May 6th, 2010 § 2 Comments
I love coconut. While I’m not a big fan of Pina Coladas (a little too sweet for me), I love pretty much any dessert that has coconut in it…even the occasional indulgence of a Mounds or Almond Joy candybar. Growing up, my mom made the best homemade german chocolate cake with the most delicious coconut frosting! Maybe someday I’ll get the recipe, but without her baking touch and the cast iron skillet that has been around since I was a kid, I’m not sure it will live up to my memories.
Lemon and coconut are a suprising and delightful combination. Not only are these cookies pretty to look at, but the recipe is really simple with just a few ingredients. It yields approx. 2 dozen cookies, which makes them a great addition to a summer party or pot luck. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 14-ounce package sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp kosher salt
4 large egg whites
Directions
Heat oven to 325° F. In a large bowl, combine coconut, almonds, sugar, lemon zest and salt. Mix in the egg whites.
Drop mounds (approx. 2 tablespoons) of the mixture onto 2 baking sheets lines with parchment paper, about 1 ½” apart.
Bake, switching the baking sheets halfway through (to ensure even browning), until the edges begin to brown – 20 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheets so they firm up a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
