I told Boyfriend not too long ago that I'd take a beautiful sunrise over a bouquet of flowers any day. I feel like it's rare you find "awesome" used in its true meaning nowadays; but that's exactly what a good sunrise is. They are quiet, yet joyous. And any crankiness you had from having to wake up that early is quickly shattered...in awe. Another good thing about sunrises? They can (and should) be shared.
Last Tuesday morning was chilly! I resisted the desire to wear a long-sleeve shirt over my technical tee, and I was all warmed up by mile 2. I tried not to pay attention to my watch, except the occasional peek when it beeped every mile or so. The result was interesting: 6 of my almost-10 miles (9.8) were under 9 minute/mile pace! We had two intervals thrown in during the last hour that I tried to knock off immediately. It's still difficult for me to know exactly how fast I should be going during them, but I tend to go with around 8:00-8:20 pace OR whatever feels like I'm trying hard (sometimes it's way slower than that!). I hit a small wall (fence?) during the last mile, which I just decided to go with...It's at that point during a long run when I start to really need hydration and a boost from sugar.
I traveled to an annual meeting at National Harbor, MD to exhibit for work this week, so that had me working out and running by myself in a new place Wednesday-Friday. The actual working out / cross-training was a bit of a bust, but my run was interesting! I ran the Woodrow Wilson Trail across the bridge the trail is named for (a pretty huge---4 lanes each way?---and loud interstate bridge) into Virginia, and then about 10 minutes down the Potomac River towards Mount Vernon. My run could not have been more perfectly timed, see: sunrise image.
Saturday's run was the official bump-up to 2.5 hours. Our starting location was a park called Chimborazo, which is where we ran our first 2 hour run not so long ago. It's situated in an area of Richmond call Church Hill. And yeah, there's a hill...a really big one that's impossible to avoid. Knowing this, I went in with reasonable expectations; and they were met when I (comfortably) clocked 15 miles. It's the most I've ever run prior to this training, so I was hoping to get a little over. BUT that's what next Saturday is for, right?! And best news: I still felt like I had energy leftover. In addition to the large inclines, the temperature was warm (66 degrees) with a humidity of about 88% so this residual energy was even more surprising. I stuck with my plan of water in my Camelbak and energy jelly beans, which worked well. Next up: confirming a proper jelly bean stagger schedule!
On the "night-before" front, I tried eating a large-but-light salad and a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios with almond milk for dessert Friday. I didn't feel heavy, bloated, or (what I was most worried about) under-fueled during the run from this, but I'm not ready to concede the challenge with this being my "night-before" meal. I think I've gotten my pre-race morning meal down though: 1 1/2 homemade granola bars with extra nut butter on top. I might add in a banana for some more quick energy, but this meal has been working for the last month or two!
I can't leave you bacon, without giving you some too! I've put my apples from Carter Mountain to good use with this apple bacon pizza and I urge you to do the same. It's so totally fall and taste-wise, it's pretty crazy amazing. You probably can't tell from the pictures of my leftovers, but I made a pretty pattern with the apple slices underneath the handfuls of cheese and bacon---so cute <3. As far as pizzas go, it's pretty easy to prep and assemble too. I'll accept fall once and for all if it means I can eat this every week (or day?). I'M IN LOVE.
Since we started with a sunrise, why not end with a sunset. They have been stellar this week in Virginia! I had this sky covering me as I walked to my apartment after a long Monday in the office. I had to stay longer than normal, causing me to miss my normal Seal Team workout, so I was in a flustered mood. But you know what? I don't think I would've been paying as much of attention as I was then if I had been at my workout. Enter: cotton-candy calm.
Apple Bacon Pizza
Servings: 2-4
1 batch quick pizza crust, room temperature
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves
6-8 slices of bacon
2 apples (I used Jonagold; use your favorite!)
2 cups shredded smoked Gouda, plus some shredded Parmesan if you wish
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. One a baking sheet lined with foil, place bacon and garlic cloves (in a corner). Bake for 12-14 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Remove from oven; and place bacon and cloves on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Turn oven up to 425 degrees. On a prepared pizza pan, flatten out dough into your preferred pizza shape (circle, rectangle). Spread olive oil over crust. Crush or finely chop roasted garlic and spread over olive oil. Thinly slice apples (about 1/4 cm) and layer over oil and garlic. Crumble cooked bacon and scatter over apples, reserving some for the top. Lastly, cover the pizza in cheese and remaining bacon.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.
That pizza sounds SO good! Bacon is a must after long runs :)
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