go DACKS.

Procrastination posts are the best.  Here is a photo from Fall Break 2011 on Rose Mountain on First Bisby Lake (Old Forge, NY)

Brendan was kind enough to take me and six of his close friends from Colgate to his house in the Adirondacks for their last fall break. Being my third trip up there I of course had an amazing time and still cannot wait to return--it has to be one of, if not my number one, favorite places to visit.  The weather was great for outdoor adventures and the house we stayed in was perfect for our rowdy group.  Check my facebook page for more images.

 Bisby Lodge, October 2011

 Brendan and I on Rose Mountain

 Moose River

Bisby Lake

Inspiration.

As the stress of school has slowly creeped up on me and I find myself continually overwhelmed, as I'm sure most of you do, I wanted to bring a few inspirational messages/ motivation to our day.  While we all have busy lives that consist of way too many activities and not enough sleep and we begin to need that extra hit of the snooze button or that third venti coffee, there still needs to be a moment in the day to reflect.  To sit back, relax and enjoy the great things we have been given.

For me, this is my running.  Running is my relaxation.  I never ever thought I would say this since I naturally loathed running for most of my adolescent years (not to say I am old now). Speaking with one of my research participants got me thinking today about my addiction to running and exercise and that not having it for even one day throws me off.  I can't concentrate or focus on anything until I have that run, bike, or weight training in.  Some days I simply am too busy but then I think that saying, "I can't make time" is ridiculous because I make time for many other things such as my blog.

Goals. Goals are an important aspect of anyones life and I have been setting them for as far back as I can remember. Make a goal each day to do something you love, even if its only closing your eyes and relaxing.

Work on a bucket list of sorts. I am just starting this and here you go folks, here are the two newest additions to my bucket list:

(1) Flower City Half Marathon (April 2012)!

(2)Marathon in the coming YEAR

Granted I have to survive the half first and I understand what a lofty goal it is but I thought I should share it with you because it leads me to my next point.

Support. Not only supporting yourself but also everyone around you and the endeavors they embark on.

Think: "If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves"-Thomas Edison

What a great quote? I recently stumbled across it and have fallen in love.

Thats all I have for now and yes I understand a bit of a sentimental post coming from me but it is well needed.  As far as the blogging world goes, I plan to start logging workouts on here and getting more into the whole exercise/ health aspect of life that I am so interested in (more to come!!!)

Happy Tuesday, and remember, Halloween is a little over a week away :)

100 Years?

The image above is of Fauja Singa, a 100 year old marathoner. Yes you read correctly, 100 years old.  Singa is originally from India but now lives in London, England.  He completed is first marathon at age 89 and completed 8 since. He was the last to finish at around 8 hours but the accomplishment is more than a time.

What really got me though was that since he took so long to finish, the finish line was already being demolished and workers had begun to clean up sponsor banners and signs.  He was greeted at the finish line by family and friends. I understand protocol but this man is 100 years old completing a marathon, show some courtesy.

In terms of inspiration I am now kicking myself for having to withdraw from the half-marathon last spring and am whole heartedly hoping I am able to participate this year. If someone this old can cross the finish line of a full 26.2, why can't I do 13.1?  This shouldn't be a problem.  So while I do my usual procrastination of the night, I am researching running groups and programs offered in Rochester so that I have a support group to get me through this time.

Lets go!

Life on the Run: Leaf & Bean

Leaf and Bean

3240 Chili Avenue

Rochester, NY 14624

Leaf & Bean was suggested to me as a great place to get away and study by a new friend, Danielle. While it is a bit out of the way, all the way in Chili, it has a great "cafe" vibe to it that I love.  If you're from Canandaigua or know the area, think "The Muar House Cafe." 

Originally I thought Leaf & Bean was a chain due to its very corporate website but I believe I was mistaken and that this is the only location.

I arrived around 1:30 today, a busy Sunday, and was unable to find a seat.  However, within a few minutes of ordering an Earl Grey tea, a few groups were leaving.  I would have to say their turn around time is pretty snappy but if you want to sit and relax or do work you're fine to do so.

Their menu ranges from teas, coffees and non-caffinated beverages like your typical blended drink to sandwiches and salads.  Today I indulged in some Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Gouda Soup with a Side Market Salad. Delish. To drink I ordered a tea and was kindly asked to pick from their 20 flavors--earl grey cream. I had never heard of earl grey with cream prior to this but it was most definitely the right choice.

The soup was not homemade but still very tasty and was paired nicely with a heaping side salad topped with all the usual amenities.  The tea began with an initial earl grey taste and as I neared the typical tea aftertaste, I was greeted with a sweet creamy flavor. How surprising? I will most definitely be returning for another cup!

100th Post Celebration!

Hey Folks! For those of you who spend a minute or two out of your busy lives to read my blog, thank you! While I know that most readers are my friends far and near, I have also had readers spanning the globe from China to Alaska, Copenhagen, Italy and Australia. Thank you friends who are currently abroad and still find time to read.

We're currently at 100 postings, as of now. And while I would love to spend time writing a lengthy post about how much life has changed since I started or something wonderful like that, I am studying for my epidemiology midterm and enjoying a pretty darn good dinner.

So first of all I went to the gym for the first time today.  Not like I haven't been to any gym before but I simply mean the U of R gym.  Boy was I disappointed.  I have clearly been spoiled by my YMCA membership and their amazing upkeep/ renovations over the past few years.  The equipment was extremely outdated and the gym lacked some serious motivation.  Not only is it two levels and rather hard to quickly identify machines but it is also shared by sports teams.  Not a winning combination.  This leads me to beg my parents for a gym membership over at the RAC for Women.  More on this later (i.e. once they get back to me with their response).

Dinner tonight was Baked Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and Broccoli!

So simple but so yummy! Really though. All you need is this:

1 Chicken Breast

Grape Tomatos

Broccoli

Mustard Seed

Balsamic Vinegar

Garlic

Basil

Random combination but absolutely delish!

Cheers.

Round Two: Coffee Connection

Another South Wedge coffee shop: Coffee Connection.

Now this is definitely more my taste and I knew it from the moment I walked it.  

The shop lists daily specials on a vintage chalk board on the sidewalk outside.  This morning, around 11, the hustle and bustle of rush hour had died and coffee time was calling my name.  Immediately after walking in, the Barista (who I believe is also the owner) greeted me with a friendly hello and how are you.  The shop is splashed with color and unique furniture, a perfect location to cozy up to coffee and friends.  Though quite small, it has that "lets be friends" atmosphere about it.  To the left of the register is a case of pastries including cakes, rugelas, tapas and other varieties that would compliment your cup of coffee.  Most of these are homemade!

I ordered a small mocha, 3.00 + tax. A bit higher than expected but Coffee Connection supports a few great causes so it is understandable.  The shop receives all its coffee beans from fairtrade and organic coffee bean farmers in Peru.  It also helps reach out to farmers who switched their main crop to coffee beans instead of coca (the main plant in cocaine). In addition, Coffee Connection helps women in the Rochester area get back on their feet and learn the value of hard work and a job. What a winning combination!

Coffee Connection

681 South Avenue
Rochester,14620   

Right down the corner from Gregory street!

I will most definitely be stopping back and will hopefully bring friends next time.  New bucket list goal that I thought of while enjoying the first sips of my Mocha, Become a "regular" at a local store/shoppe! I still have to finish my coffee adventures before I pick which one to call home though.

Next: Java's!

Self-Determination

Last weekend I finished my second 5k, ever. It was a great experience and went much better than the last.  Not to say the last was awful but I wasn't in as great of shape as I thought seeming I had to stop and walk multiple times.  However, this race went a bit differently.

My mom and I arrived early, I mean 7:30am, early. There were already so many people warming up and getting ready to race.  I want to say there were over 850 people that showed up to the event.  It was extremely cold out for October 1st and with a chance of sleet and snow I bundled right up.  Luckily, the misty rain stopped right before the race and it stayed relatively dry for the half hour I was on the course.  

The course took us up past the Memorial Art Gallery and back down East Avenue past the gorgeous homes surrounding the George Eastman House. My one major mistake was not plotting out the route prior to the race because I was unaware of when to release. I'm not sure how exactly running works but I created my own type of plan for 5k's and plan to perfect it a bit as I continue to test them out.

1. start at a moderate pace, don't jump the gun too early

2. Mile 1 should mean you start to increase that speed

3. Mile 2 increase a bit more but make sure you wont burn out through 3

4. Halfway through 2m reach your optimal "fast" pace--at this point you should not be able to have a conversation with passerbys

5. last leg, SPRINT!

The problems that I encountered with this were not knowing when the "last leg" was coming up.  By the time I saw the finish arc I had less than a tenth of a mile to sprint.  Maybe this is the right way? I have no idea.

In any case, the race was a success in my book.  I ran the whole thing and still had energy to spare since I messed up the whole releasing thing. Get em next time.  I should really work on some speed for these shorter races as I embark on the half marathon (if I end up fully committing).

 Beast.