Congrats to all of the winners and participants in the Super Breakfast Bowl Challenge. The 5 of us had a great time sharing this experience with you.
I've been a bit MIA from the blog world, as I'm going in a million directions. There are a few things I can't share with you just yet, but here are a few I can:
Marathon Update: If you follow my
Twitter feed, you'll know I DNF'd on Sunday when I was supposed to run 19 miles, my longest run ever. For those of you who don't know, DNF stands for DID NOT FINISH. I have been "babying" (and by babying I mean running 30-mile weeks indoors) myself by running flats on the indoor treadmill in the warm workout room. No hills. No cold. No wind. Sure, I run Tuesdays with a friend outside, but I'm not pushing myself in the outdoor department on a daily basis. And April 19th weather could bring anything. Like the Girl Scouts say, Be Prepared. So, I had the bright idea Sunday to do a 10-mile portion outside, come indoors, and finish 9 on the treadmill. Nice compromise, eh? Here's how the inner mind conversation went for the first 58 minutes:
Minute #6: "It is REALLY windy and cold out today. Huh. Didn't expect it to be this bad. Well, I'm up by the golf course, and it's wide open, so I'm sure it won't be as windy on the flat low part in another mile."
Minute # 17: "Huh. Guess I was wrong. Well, when I get to the turn up here, the wind will be at my back and I'll warm up."
Minute #34: "Huh. Can't feel my cheeks. Wind is whipping my braids against my face and it kind of hurts."
Minute #48: "Okay, this is just ridiculous. The wind is getting worse!"
Minute #58: "No. More."
So, I took a detour, ended up at Tim's parents house begging to use the phone so I could be picked up. I headed home, banged out 4 on the treadmill and called it quits. Nineteen was not in the cards. Next week. (And yes, solo running leads to much self-conversation, a.k.a. "talking to oneself." Could be worse.)
I've also been busy planning a big fundraising event. As you may know, I'm training for the Boston Marathon and running for the Melanoma Foundation of New England's team, for which I am raising $$. Check out my fundraising page
here. I've planned a
Trivia Night in March. If you live in the Worcester area, or heck, the Boston area (and I'll even feed you) shoot me an email and I give you details.
Book Update
I finished McDougall's Born to Run this weekend. A MUST-READ for any runner or anyone who is thinking about becoming a runner. Total inspiration.
New York Fashion Week
I know a few of you have been waiting for a recap of my trip to NYC and my experience at
2010 Fashion Week. It was a blast! We attended the invitation-only J.Mendel Fall Collection showing on Thursday. Tim's bro is a designer and got us tickets for this exclusive showing. Here are the highlights:

- We had a town car pick us up and deliver us to Bryant Park. When I got out of the car, I literally had papparazzi snapping up photos!
- I got to wear a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. I am also the proud new owner of a pair, too! I'm waiting until after the marathon, so if I fall off the 5 inch spikes, I won't ruin my chances of running.
- The designs were absolutely beautiful. Alex, you did a great job!
- Stood next to Brooke Shields. She is beautiful. Nice lashes. Very tall.
Check out this runway model! She looks more like a food blogger to me.
While in NYC, we sampled the local grub. Here are those highlights:
Turkish coffee from Istanbul Cafe.
Coffee from the Hot n' Crusty Bagel. (Not as bad as it sounds.)
Beautiful, yet undoubtedly not local pepper display.
A very authentic and indulgent post-fashion show Italian meal at Morandi.
And a very vegan burger at Five Napkin Burger.
On Friday night, Tim and I walked across Central Park to a place recommended by a dear friend for some vegan grub. The Candle Cafe was just what we needed: lots of vegetables and happy hippies surrounding us. Dinner went unpictured. You'll just have to visit it yourself next time you're in NYC!
So I know I have been inspired by the Olympics. Have you? Well, if you need a bit of inspiration and you want to laugh, you'll be amazed by the capacity of this 5-year old... check out this
Herb Brooks Pre-Game Speech!
GO USA!
Question of the Day: What's your favorite place in NYC to eat?