A 10k, Stalking, Eating & Bootie Bustin'

Part I:
I am proud to announce that I have teamed up with Operation Jack and Train 4 Autism! I have been wanting to join a cause  for quite a while and after much thought and consideration, Train 4 Autism seems to be the perfect fit for me. I met up with Sarah and Danielle (local chapter members) at the Maine Marathon expo and have been seriously considering it for the last month. Then I got an invite to run from Sarah and well, trigger pulled.


Here is a little bit about the man-Sam Felsenfeld-who started Operation Jack:


Operation Jack will be an attempt by Sam Felsenfeld to race at least one marathon a week in 2010 (61 total for the year) to generate attention that will raise funds and nationwide awareness for Train 4 Autism, an organization that works tirelessly to raise money for Autism charities.
Achieving the unthinkable would be nothing new for Sam. After breaking his neck in a swimming-pool accident when he was 16, he was lucky to have use of his legs. Later, after taking terrible care of himself in college, his weight soared to 261 pounds. A former smoker, Sam started walking less than five years ago. Walking turned into slow jogging, and eventually, slow jogging turned into his first marathon.

Now, he’s completed 70 marathons and four ultramarathons, and has 24 Boston qualifiers and a personal-best time of 3:00:05. He knows that if he was able to work hard enough to complete this transformation, he can work hard enough to run 61 marathons in Jack’s honor. And he knows that as tough as Operation Jack might be, it’s nothing compared to the daily grind Jack suffers through as he battles the nasty neurological disorder he was born with.


I have a nephew, Nathan who is on the spectrum so I am honored to do this in support of him. He is the sweetest boy and just adores Lola. I also like the race flexibility that is offered and the ladies that I have been in contact with are just amazing.

Most people I know have someone in their life who has been touched by Autism-if you are interested in learning more about Operation Jack and Train 4 Autism, please check out this link:

http://www.operationjack.org/

I will be running a 10k race on Sunday, December 26th in Portland. This is a satellite race for Operation Jack--If you would like to show your support with a donation, you can click on the Operation  Jack/Train 4 Autism logo on the top, right hand sidebar. Every single dollar makes a difference!

Part II:
While out running errands today, I ran into a local "elite" and former Olympic runner. I have seen her several times at races and even had the "pleasure" of being next to her at the start line once (BIG MISTAKE on my part). I said "hello" to her when I saw her and she was very pleasant. We exchanged a few pleasantries about running and then I had to exercise some EXTREME self control. All I wanted to do talk about running with her ALL DAY LONG!!

Part III:
 I am getting so sick of the same old meals all the time. It seems I eat the same things over and over again! UUUGGGHHHHHH I have been reading up a bit on Paleo but mostly I stick to keeping it clean.
I have been scouring YOUR blogs and websites and links to find new ideas.
I have found some really great recipes and I can't wait to try 'em!
Some noteworthy finds:
TriMarni's Carrot Ginger Slaw (I am SO making this TONIGHT!)
Life of an Aspiring Athlete Banana Walnut Muffins (go bananas!)
Tri to Cook's Turkey & Spinach Quiche (perfect for post Thursday!)
The Gracious Pantry Black Bean & Quinoa Salad (easy peasy!)

Actually, all of the links above have some amazing recipes to explore, so take a look around!

I made a really amazing TexMex Turkey Meatloaf last night and while I am not a meatloaf fan, this was really, really good! I will definitely be sharing this recipe with y'all!!

Part IX:
 The Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge starts tomorrow and I am ready with a plan and a schedule. WOO HOO!

Mon: Rest or recovery run or ez cardio
Tues: weight training-other cardio and/or swimming
Wed: moderate distance run or tempo run
Thur: weight training-other cardio and/or swimming
Fri: jogger run
Sat: weight training-ez run and/or swimming
Sun: long run

I have some great goals set for myself for the next several weeks and I am totally happy to have a race in the books. I see several 5-6 mile tempo runs and lots of hill work. Danielle (who did the 10k course for my Dec race) made sure this course was hilly. Thanks D!! :)