Tuesday, October 29, 2013

10/29 - Meals and Fitness for the Week

Yesterday I woke up at the crack of dawn to drive AR to the airport. It is a true sign of love that I take him each Monday at 5am... the love does not go so far as to picking him up during rush hour traffic. I have him take the train back home (haha)!
7 of my classes were canceled this week - hallelujah! I've never been so relieved in my life! After Sunday's marathon, I didn't get much studying done. Hopefully I can continue to avoid my books make up for it during the week.
Here is my training plan for the week:
M- rest
T- Walk and stretch
W- Yoga class
Th- Walk and Stretch
F- Walk and Stretch
Sat or Sun - short run
As you can see, I am taking it light this week in recovery. Hal Higdon says to take several days off and I believe it! Yoga, walking, and stretching will be more than enough for me.
Meals:
M- Stuffed Acorn Squash (new recipe!!)
T- Crock-Pot Ministrone with Muffins
W- Veggie Curry Bowls
Th  - Veggie Burgers  ( Looking for a new recipe --> Give me your recommendations!!)
F- Out
Sat - AR cooks :)
How has your week started out?
Hannah


Monday, October 28, 2013

Atlanta Marathon 2013 - Race Recap

The Atlanta Marathon was yesterday morning and I still cannot believe I made it. This was my second full marathon (first one was Houston in January 2013). It was a true challenge. I had heard it was one of the hilliest courses, so I expected hills. I did not expect to literally climb up and waddle down hills for the entire race.

Packet Pick-up! (sweater// Zara  Shirt//J.Crew   Bag//Kate Spade) 

Overall, it was a fun course, but a very small race. Apparently last year only 3/4 of the racers even finished. While I felt more prepared than my last marathon, the race also felt much harder. Houston was pretty flat. There was almost no flat portions of this race (We gained 1764 ft in elevation and lost -1763 ft).
Our pre-race faces :P
Because of the constant hills, it was hard to get into a groove. By the end, going down was harder than going up  - My legs felt so tired and I was worried I would fall. AR was pretty sore by mile 20, so we walked for a bit and tried to stretch him out. I cannot express how thankful I am to have AR as a race partner. We run every step together, slow down when the other needs it,  and encourage each other to push it. I don't know how I would run without him.

At mile 25, we were still running up hill. This was pretty sad, but some how we crossed the finish line. My time was about the same as Houston, which I take as an improvement, considering the course was so hilly. At half I was at 2:04.

We are already discussing our next marathon (while we lay in bed in compression gear)... I probably won't run Atlanta again for a while. The Atlanta Track Club does an awesome race. Parking was easy, packet pick-up was simple, and the food was good. I just want to run something a little flatter :)
x0x0,
Hannah

Friday, October 25, 2013

5 on Friday

Today I am trying a new link up over at Hello! Happiness. I've enjoyed reading her posts for a while and can't wait to join in :)
 
1. Today I take my first practice exam in law school. This is concerning. So I am clearly studying right now. (Truth: I've been studying all week and practicing like a crazy. I am trying not to stress you and remind myself that it is a practice exam)
 
 
 
2. I am loving all of this fall weather - boots, scarves, coats, Y-E-S! Because it isn't that cold yet, I can still look cure in all of my winter gear. In a few short weeks, I will just look like a cold marshmallow. I need to take advantage of this crisp weather while I can!
 
3. Last night I tried a new recipe from Cooking Light and it was amazing. I made mac n' cheese with butternut squash. I added some baked chicken breast (done in the crock pot before I left for class in the morning) and it turned out awesome. AR came home and ate some for dinner. After a few bites he said "Why don't you make this more often? This is really good". Always what you want to hear!
Creamy, Light Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Note: Mine did not look *exactly* like this ;)
 
4. Is it too early for Christmas Music? Don't laugh! I was looking for a station on the radio last night, but apparently holiday stations don't come in until November. Who thought that up?
 
5. Tomorrow I pick up my packet for the ATLANTA MARATHON! So excited to run on Sunday. Keep me in your thoughts - we are under a frost advisory, so this could be a cold run. I went to Target and bought a big sweatshirt to wear on race day. I plan to throw it off as soon as I warm up. Waiting around in 40 degree weather is low on my list.
 
 
Have you tried any new recipes this week?
When do you start holiday celebrations?
 
Have a great weekend!
Hannah

Monday, October 21, 2013

Updates

Law school is rough.

I know, I know, it isn't that hard... it's reading and writing - how challenging can that be? Yet the amount or reading is exhausting, the learning curve is steep, and I am overwhelmed.

Here is what I've been up to:

1. Marathon training! I am still going strong, and the race is in 6 days. Do you hear that? SIX DAYS! Somehow, AR and I survived 2 moves, a new job, law school, and a new climate without missing a beat. We worked so hard for this. I am not planning on an amazing time, but I am proud of our training accomplishment.

2. Exploring our new city. We LOVE Atlanta. Although AR travels Monday through Thursday, we have seen a bit of the city, trying some amazing restaurants and trying out all of the farmers markets. Favorites so far include: Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Piedmont Park Green Market, West Egg, 246, and Antico Pizza. I'm a shameless foodie :)



3. Decorating the new apartment: I've picked up a few items here and there, though this is the biggest area I need to improve in. I completed my gallery wall and did a little work when AR's mom came to visit, but I've lost some motivation now. Oops :(

4. Winter clothing. I got these new boots this afternoon after seeing Caitlin at Southern Curls & Pearls style them. I'm planning on wearing them tomorrow.

5. Blogging updates... I've got some fun things and a new look in the works. Check back on this!

x0x0,
Hannah