Archive for May 2012

I love making any type of curry, especially if there is peanut butter involved. 

My coconut curry has peanut butter and peanuts as a base and was a yummy accident that

I've now made several times. But what makes any kind of curry so much more enjoyable is the 

bread to scoop it up with! Bread, good bread that is, is hard to make...but I was pleased with 

the simplicity of this recipe and the results that followed. 

To stay at home all weekend long is a rarity for us as of late. This past weekend we vowed to 

have some quality "couple time" and just work on the backyard projects... which turned out to 

be one of the most rewarding undertaking. Once more grass is seeded, plants bought, and 

dirt removed - I'll have to share the finished result. As for now, a glimpse into our weekend.

Green sun tea with fresh mint & lemons + Lemon sorbet = the best things to enjoy on a hot day! 

This weekend also marked the start of our ultra marathon training... Lots of running braids will be 

happening this summer. It's the only way I can handle having such long hair on sweltering days like 

this past Sunday! Makes me scared to see how hot August will be if it's already been in the 90's! 

Digging out our old, crumbling retaining wall to replace it with the above gem was the major project we 

accomplished this weekend. It took way longer than I expected, but turned out perfectly. A bonus

touch, Zach put together the arbor he had built for our wedding and placed it on the pathway to 

the lower level of our yard. Such a lovely reminder of a perfect day. 

Hope everyone has a killer week. Any fun plans coming up? 

Enjoy the sunshine and the feeling of spring bliss! 

This was the first year that I've actually enjoyed the festivities after the race. We congratulated friends 

and co-workers who raced, grabbed a free beer, and enjoyed the views from Downtown Grand Rapids. 

Definitely my favorite year thus far - to share it was dear friends and to feel proud about my race - you can't beat that. Here is to training for Riverbank Run 2013! 

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes - adapted from Oh She Glows

On the weekends, I pretty much live in my Lole Essential Jacket. It is such a versatile piece - looking

stellar with jeans, as a cover up to and from the gym, or even out on the town with a fancy basic layer. 

With the nights turning chilly, it is just the right weight to keep me from freezing! 

Especially during the winter, I swear by Buff Bands. Cloudy days + humidity have made this girl lazy, 

so headbands are my escape from doing my hair all pretty. They come in so many fun colors that can

go with any sportswear or everyday wear. 

The Vibram Five Fingers. If you haven't heard about these guys yet... get out of your hole and google them.

A barefoot shoe that can be used for a variety of activities, my Komosports LS are used just for 

trekking or for water activities. I love pairing them with all kinds of pants or shorts. They are 

unexpected in everyday wear...making me love them even more. 

With the Riverbank 25K Run coming up this weekend, there won't be a shortage of sportswear being

donned. After racing, that's pretty much all I want to wear until my legs feel like normal again. 

Come on, ya'll know you love sweatpants and baggy t-shirts! :)

Trail running merely started out as another way for me to push my body. It allowed me to trick myself into running a hill workout or an avenue to strengthen parts of the body the road just tore up. I never thought trail running as a daily way to run, it seemed like too much work. It wasn't until I signed up for my first marathon, which happened to be a trail race, that trail running got a hold of me and hasn't let go. Being so close to numerous trail systems has only increased my love for the rough terrain and wooden lands. The days we get to escape out into the woods and kick some dirt in the air are treasured. It's different and that's why I like it. 

Egypt Valley is hands down my favorite trail in run around the Grand Rapids area that I've been on. Well groomed trails, beautiful streams, rolling hills, and tall trees - Egypt Valley let's me get into that rhythm where my mind can wonder and not worry about the ground beneath my feet. It makes 15 miles go by with ease. There are so many benefits of trail running, that I believe most folks dismiss. They assume they need special gear to run out on trails, making it confusing and not worth their while, but you truly don't. All you need is some running shoes and a good trail. 

Here are just a few reasons to test out the dirt: 

1. Enhances proprioception - meaning you will have better balance and sense of the ground beneath you.

2. Less toll on your body - trails create less shock than asphalt does, making you less sore the next day.

3. Strengthens your body - especially your ankles and knees! Think of all the hills you'll do! 

5. Challenging and exciting - it's hard to get bored on trails, unlike the same routes you run about in town. 

4. Cleaner for your body - all that fresh air you'll be taking in on the trails.

5. You get to run with nature. Enough said.