WOTD 07-20-10

I just got done running 6 miles @ the local high school track.  It felt great to run outside instead of on a treadmill.

I'm still debating on whether or not I run another half or marathon this year.  I had such a blast at the Seattle Rock n Roll that I'm seriously contemplating the full next summer.  I just don't know if I will have the time committed to training for the full marathon.

Speaking of the Rock n Roll, I received an email for the Denver Rock n Roll...and I might just take advantage of it and run another half marathon before the Seattle Half Marathon.

Recent Happenings

I usually buy a lot of stuff at Nordstrom Anniversary Sale every year.  However, this year I went in with a list and only bought:

• Michael Kors Jet Set Iconic Watch 
• Philosophy Purity Face Wash
• Sweater

That's a real life picture of the watch taken with my crackberry.  I freaking love it because it's very sleek, oversized and looks substantial against my scrawny wrist!  At $149, it's a steal compared the the michele watch I really wanted which is about $3,000 (eek!).

Usually, there are a ton of shoes to choose from.  This year, I found the selection to be ... pretty blah!  I actually left the shoe department empty handed.  I'm hoping to check out some other sales to get my fall gear. 

I got my hair cut and colored again @ Gary Manuel.  I love the results but hate paying the price afterwards.  If anyone out there knows of anyone I can go to who can cut my hair and color it like this picture, please let me know.  I'm tired of paying an arm and a leg to get my hair done!

On the running front, I'm still doing my thing getting in runs 5-6 days a week.  I lost another 5 pounds which is great! But, according to the doctor, more still needs to be lost.  It's so hard for me to deal with this because on one hand I feel awesome, full of energy, and I fit all of my clothes.  On the other hand, if my doctor thinks I'm too heavy and that losing more weight will help prevent me from developing diabetes, liver disease etc I should be more proactive on losing weight.  But, I don't know how much more effort I can give since I'm already watching what I eat and avoid processed carbs.  I eat a lot of lean proteins and a ton of veggies.  Not to mention I exercise like a crack addict.  I guess it's just a slow process.  

Recipe: Sausage, Mozzarella, Broccoli rabe shells

OMG I made this for dinner tonight and substituted the pasta shells with whole wheat penne and spinach for the broccoli rabe and it is fanfrickingtastic!

The recipe is located here courtesy of Everday Food from PBS.  Or if you're too lazy to click on the link, here it is.  Enjoy!!!

ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 sprigs thyme coarse salt and ground pepper 2 garlic cloves, chopped 3 links spicy Italian sausage (3/4 pound total), casings removed 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes 8 ounces medium shell pasta 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound), coarsely chopped 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, about 15 minutes (reduce heat if browning too quickly).
2. Add garlic and sausage. Cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook sauce until slightly thickened, 5 to 8 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Discard thyme.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 4 minutes less than package instructions. Add broccoli to pot and cook 15 seconds. Drain pasta and broccoli and return to pot. Stir in sausage mixture. Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish or divide among four 16-ounce gratin dishes. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until cheese has melted and liquid is bubbling, about 15 minutes.

9 mile run today

Today's weather is fantastic in Seattle!  I'm getting ready to go on a 9 mile trek around Greenlake with nothing but my blackberry and ipod.  Gotta love summers in Seattle!