My First Half-Marathon

I'm officially a half-marathon finisher, and it feels awesome! Actually, I can barely walk (Is this what it feels like to have arthritis?), and I'll probably be sore for at least a week, but the sense of accomplishment is unlike anything else.

Back in December when I registered for the Country Music Half Marathon, I estimated to finish in 2:45 (the slowest time you can register for). I really had no idea how my training would go or really even what a good time would be. I finished in 2:14:22, and I could not be happier! I didn't stop to walk at all, which was my main goal. Mary Alice and I crossed the finish line together, which was such a cool experience!

I woke up this morning at 5 AM to start getting ready and eat breakfast. Breakfast was a PB&B on Nine Grain Great Harvest bread (purchased from Whole Foods yesterday), spread with Barney Butter, and topped with sliced banana. It was the perfect combination of carbs, fat, and protein. Worked like a charm! We listened to Florence + the Machine, The Killers, and Keane to pump us up as we got ready.

Tuscaloosa was the motivation for our run!

Afterwards, we walked to Panera Bread for essential pre-race coffee. 

The starting line and our corral were conveniently located right across from our hotel! It worked out perfectly.

The view from our balcony

It is a beautiful day in Nashville, and I couldn't have asked for better weather. The race went by surprisingly fast!  The course was super hilly but that didn't really seem to bother me too much. Our plan of attack was to run fast up the hills, so we wouldn't lose our momentum. It worked!

I really felt pretty good up until about mile 11 or 12. The last 2 miles were probably the hardest for me out of the whole race. I really had such a great time running. I attribute it all to a great running partner, a positive attitude, and a cause worth running for. I loved all of the encouragement from spectators along the way and the fun music. Nothing like a little Journey and Jock Jams to get ya going. It was a wonderful first half-marathon experience!

After I crossed the finish line, I drank a bottle of water and 1/2 a bottle of a sports drink and ate an apple and Snickers Marathon Bar. I really wasn't hungry and the thought of food didn't really appeal to me, but I knew my body needed the nutrients. I snacked on some Archer Farms Cranberry Nut trail mix when I got back to the hotel room and my stomach felt a little better.

We just finished resting up and taking showers and are about to grab a late lunch and explore Nashville a little more!

Pimp Chillin at the Holiday Inn

Hey everyone! Just got back to the hotel after a busy but fun-filled day in Nashville!

Here's an overview of my day:

We snacked on Archer Farms Cranberry Nut trail mix on the drive up!

When we got to Nashville, we ate a late lunch at The Silly Goose. This meal, my friends, is what food blogging is all about! One of the top 5 best lunches I've ever had in my life. It was one of those "can't even talk the food is so good" type meals. Everything on the menu looked great, but I had it narrowed down to 3 choices.  

I started with the Citrus Mint Ginger Green Tea. So refreshing. 

The waitress confidently told me to go with The Bird Sandwich, and she did not steer me wrong! The sandwich was served hot on organic flax seed bread and filled with grilled chicken breast, sun dried tomatoes, avocado, and peppered goat cheese (I asked for it without bacon).

It came with a side of pesto couscous and salad. I think it was the combination of avocado and goat cheese that really made the sandwich. 

We saw peanut butter banana ice cream on the menu and couldn't resist splitting a bowl. Whoever thought of combining the flavors of peanut butter and banana and making it into ice cream is a genius!

After lunch, we headed over the Green Hills and looked in Anthropologie, Lululemon, and Whole Foods. You know, the usuals. After that, we checked in and walked around the Expo for a bit. By the time we left, it was about 7:30, which meant we were ready for dinner!

 We had a little trouble finding a restaurant but were finally able to get in without a wait at Valentino's. It was a really cute restaurant and had a "homey feel". All of the pasta dishes came in creamy, buttery sauces, and I didn't think that would be the best idea before my run. I settled on a pasta dish with rigatoni, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and shrimp. It came with a white wine sauce, but I asked for it with marinara instead. The waiter told me he couldn't do that without getting a black eye from the kitchen staff. So, white wine sauce it was. The pasta was good but not great. Actually, the portion size was really small, and we were slightly dissatisfied with our pre-race meal.

 Once we got back to the hotel room, I ate a Fuji apple with Justin's Honey PB.

Wish me luck tomorrow! I'll be running for Tuscaloosa!

Joy Comes in the Morning

Good morning! Hope this post finds everyone well.

We wanted to go ahead and start carbo-loading, so last night's dinner was pizza from Area 41. I had one slice of vegetarian and one slice of chicken pesto paired with an arugula salad, consisting of pears, walnuts, and bleu cheese.

Mary Alice and I went on a 3 mile walk around my neighborhood after dinner. We were mentally drained from everything that has happened, and weren't really feeling up for a run. We had a lot to take in for just one day. We had a good chat and were definitely able to sort through some of the different emotions we have been feeling over the last couple of days. I haven't actually run since Monday, which will either work to my advantage or disadvantage.

After our walk, we met Jody at Yogurt Twists. I think we were all just wanting to get out of the house to help take our minds off of things. I got a mix of original tart and blueberry tart yogurt topped with coconut, granola, strawberries, kiwi, and cookie dough.

I went to bed pretty early last night and woke up to KODIAK CAKES!!! I absolutely love Kodiak Cakes and haven't been able to make them in forever, since I don't have a kitchen in the sorority house. I topped them with peanut butter, 1/2 sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

We will be leaving shortly for Nashville. Be looking for updates later tonight!

Please continue to pray for Tuscaloosa.

I found comfort in these verses as I was reminded of them last night.

"There is a time for everything,
  and a season for every activity under the heavens:

  a time to be born and a time to die,
  a time to plant and a time to uproot,
  a time to kill and a time to heal,
  a time to tear down and a time to build,
  a time to weep and a time to laugh,
  a time to mourn and a time to dance,
  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
  a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
  a time to search and a time to give up,
  a time to keep and a time to throw away,
  a time to tear and a time to mend,
  a time to be silent and a time to speak,
  a time to love and a time to hate,
  a time for war and a time for peace.


What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.


 Whatever is has already been,
 and what will be has been before;
 and God will call the past to account."


Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Devastation

As most of you probably have seen on the news, the city of Tuscaloosa got hit by a 7 mile long and 1 mile wide tornado yesterday. I am so lucky that I am safe and everyone I know is ok. Many of my friends' homes were destroyed and several restaurants and stores in the city are completely gone. I have never experienced anything like that in my life and really am just now realizing the severity of the tornado. It really didn't start to hit me until the power went out and I heard the "comforting" words on the radio that "this is a once in a lifetime tornado that's going to make history."  I am so thankful that I was where I was at the time of the tornado, because campus is really the only place in Tuscaloosa that was not seriously impacted. The tornado went directly over me, so I really am so lucky.

I went on a walk this morning to 15th Street, which is one of the places that got hit the hardest by the tornado but wasn't allowed to walk all the way down. I took a few pictures, but they don't really do the destruction justice. It looked like a completely different place.

This was taken last night right after the tornado.

Used to be houses.

This is my friend's apartment. She was inside but is ok!

This sign was amazingly still over her door!

Watch this video for more footage.

It really just puts things in perspective for me. Yesterday started out like any other day, and it ended with a tragedy. Life is so unpredictable and anything could happen without a minute's notice. This has really made me re-evaluate my life and what truly matters. It's just so surreal. I never thought this would be how I ended college. Exams are cancelled next week and graduation is moved to August. So, I guess that means college is over for me.

Mary Alice and I are safely at my house in Birmingham and will be leaving for Nashville in the morning. Honestly, running a half-marathon is the last thing on my mind right now, but I am still going to make the most of it. Stay posted for updates on that!

Please keep Tuscaloosa in your thoughts and prayers. So many people who have lost loved ones and everything they own.

Hope Floats

Last night I watched Royal Wedding Week on TLC for 3 hours straight! Can you say obsessed? Phi Upsilon Omicron (an honor society I'm in) had a come and go breakfast this morning to celebrate the end of the year. There were Chicken Minis from Chick-fil-a and a great fruit salad that one of my teachers had prepared. And plenty of coffee! 

Chicken Minis > Chicken Biscuits

Lunch at the sorority house was grilled chicken sandwiches on whole wheat buns. I also had a side salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, dried cranberries, and walnuts.

I did an easy 45 minutes on the elliptical this afternoon just to get my legs moving and my snack was a banana and spoonful of Justin's Maple AB.

Perhaps the two most complementary foods in existence?

I had my final critique in my photography class this afternoon.

Here are the pictures I took for my self-portrait project:

Did you learn anything about me from the pictures I took?

Dinner at the sorority house was pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies.

Tonight I'm going to the last Campus Crusade of the year and getting frozen yogurt with some girls afterwards.

I'll leave you with this quote:

"Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will."

-Hope Floats

Ready, Set, Go

That's what I feel like today has been like! I've been on the go all day!

First let me take you back to last night:

As I was studiously trying to work on my project, my friend Callie bounded into my room and asked me if I wanted to go for a walk. Of course, I said yes. We walked all around and went to iconic spots around campus. We walked to Foster Auditorium, which is where Governor Wallace stood outside the schoolhouse doors in 1963 and said "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." Foster Auditorium has been renovated since then, and this plaque is now outside!

We also walked to the new Nick Saban statue, which looks really awkward, but I don't have a picture of it!

I'm running low on my usual breakfast supply (i.e. bananas, berries, oatmeal, Greek yogurt) due to being home for Easter, so I had a bowl of Barbara's High Fiber Flax and Granola Clusters with skim milk for breakfast this morning. I also had my last Fuji apple (not pictured). I didn't have time to go grocery shopping today, so I'll have to make due with what's at the sorority house until I get a break tomorrow.

Lunch was pasta bar, so I made my own rendition of the Taziki's Friday Special (minus the chicken). I also had strawberries on the side and a graham cracker with Justin's Maple AB, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries for dessert.

After lunch, I went to the photography lab and worked on my project until my 2 PM class. I ate a handful of almonds and cereal right before class. I gave the last nutrition presentation of my college career today! My group talked about the benefits of organic food and if they are really worth it. 

My take on the issue: Research has shown that organic food has lower pesticide levels, hormone levels, and use of antibiotics. In addition, it has been found to have a higher content of vitamins and minerals, such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), iron, riboflavin, and phosphorous. It may even contain anti-cancer properties and organic dairy has been found to have higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. With that being said, organic food is expensive and many people may have limited access to it, depending on where they live. Many people may also claim that there is not enough consistent research to prove that eating organic food is actually beneficial. So, is it really worth the cost? If you can afford it, then I would say it's worth it. Eating an organic diet couldn't hurt, especially with all the claims that are out there. However, it's all a matter of personal opinion. If you do decide to buy some foods organically, then I would prioritize it by the "Dirty Dozen." These are the foods that are most toxic in terms of pesticide levels and include apples, peaches, strawberries, cherries, grapes, bell peppers, lettuce, celery, spinach, nectarines, blueberries, and potatoes. Based on research, there is enough evidence to at least be concerned about the issue, but buying organic food is not realistic for all people. I would encourage people to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet for optimal health. So if someone had the choice between the McDonald's drive-thru or non-organic vegetables for dinner, then obviously I would encourage the vegetables! Most Americans don't get the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables as it is. So as a future RD, my main concern is getting people to increase their fruit and veggie intake, regardless of whether it's organic or conventional! 

We had a special "Surf n Turf" dinner at the house tonight. Steak, shrimp, baked potatoes, green beans, and rolls. It was really good!

After dinner, I submitted my last project ever!!! And then I went on a 4.5 mile run to celebrate! After sitting in class and staring at a computer screen all day, I was a little stir-crazy!

Now for a a little R&R. And dark chocolate pretzels... Have a great night!

Happy Easter!

I was semi-productive on my project last night until Kate & William came on Lifetime. The royal wedding trumps homework.

I ate a pretty basic breakfast this morning, because I knew I would be having an early lunch. Breakfast was Kashi Heart to Heart Honey Toasted, skim milk, and a sliced banana. My dad tried this cereal and said it tasted like dog food! Oh well, I guess it's not for everyone!

I guess I'm getting too old to get an Easter basket, but the Easter bunny did leave a few goodies!

Dark chocolate covered pretzels and bunny from Peterbrooke Chocolatier

I also got a new running top and sports bra at Lululemon and a new dress while I was out shopping yesterday!

I ate an early lunch with my family at Brio Tuscan Grille. I ordered the omelet of the day, which came with tomatoes, mushrooms, and swiss cheese. It came with a side of fruit and I subbed the potatoes for asparagus.

Word to the wise: Ask for olive oil next time you are there. It comes with sun dried tomatoes and is delicious. They only bring it if you ask!

After lunch, we had a cupcake party. I had a white cupcake with buttercream icing topped with coconut and Easter egg malt balls from Edgar's Bakery.

After lunch, I rushed back to Tuscaloosa, because I realized I had even more homework than I had originally thought. I wasn't really that hungry for dinner, so I toasted some whole wheat bread, spread it with Justin's Maple AB, and topped with dried cranberries. I also had a Fuji apple. I just ate some yogurt and have been snacking on my dark chocolate covered pretzels all night.

So far, I've accomplished three of the four things I have to do. And the last thing isn't due until midnight tomorrow, so I think I'm in good shape. 

Happy Easter everyone! He is risen!

Fun with the Fam

Hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend!

I woke up this morning and met Laura for breakfast this morning at Magic Muffin. I love this place and always try to eat here when I am home. We both selected a blueberry oatbran muffin. After we finished eating, we went for an hour walk around a cute wooded neighborhood in Cahaba Heights. I had  a great time catching up!

When I got back home, I went for a 3.2 mile run. I passed by a group of adorable kids having a neighborhood Easter egg hunt! 

Afterwards, I ate lunch with my family at Taziki's. I was craving the Friday special! 

After lunch, the boys went golfing and the girls went shopping. After I got home from shopping, I made a snack of a sliced Fuji apple drizzled with Justin's Maple AB. I had fun working on a photography project the rest of the afternoon. The theme is self-portrait, which is actually a more challenging assignment than you would think.

 Later in the evening, we all went to the Easter service at my church. We ate dinner at MAFIAoZA's after church. I got a house salad to start and we all split a large tomato and mushroom pizza. We had a lovely time sitting outside!

I went back for another small slice!

I'm back at home now and am working on a project all night, so I won't have to worry about it next week. Good night!

Home for Easter

I'm happy to be home for Easter!

Here's an overview of the daily eats:

Breakfast:
In the mix:
-Quaker Maple and Brown Sugar instant oats
-1/2 C skim milk
Toppings:
-sliced banana
-dried cranberries
-1 T chia seeds
-PB & Co White Chocolate Wonderful

Mid-morning snack:
I ate a mini Lemon Zest Luna Bar before meeting Hope for a 7.5 mile run. I can't believe I'm running my half-marathon in just a week!

Lunch:
After we finished our run, I passed Pita Pit on my way home, and stopped in to grab lunch. I knew lunch was about to end at the sorority house and fried fridays didn't sound too appealing to me at the time. I got the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Pita (chicken marinated in Greek seasoning)  I got it on a whole wheat pita and it was stuffed full with romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, shrooms, roasted red peppers, bell peppers, and taziki sauce.

Afternoon Snack:
After lunch, I took a shower, packed up, and headed home. I was really craving an apple on the car ride home, so I pulled over at Target, once I got back to Birmingham. I got a few Fuji apples and Justin's Maple Almond Butter. Oh, how I've missed it. I ate an apple as soon as I got back to my car.

When I got home, I found Peterbrooke Chocolatier's Chocolate Covered Popcorn waiting for me! Yum!

Dinner:
My dad had a business dinner tonight, so my mom, brother and I set out on a quest for Mexican food. We first tried Superior Grill (so crowded we couldn't even find a parking spot), then Chuy's (75 minute wait), and were finally successful at Don Pepe's. Third time's a charm. My mom and I split the vegetarian quesadilla and an order of guacamole.

Dessert:
After dinner, we headed over to Yogurt Twists for frozen yogurt. I got espresso yogurt and topped it with granola, coconut, and Reese's.

I'm exhausted and will be spending the rest of my night working on homework!
Happy Good Friday!