3 Things

1.  Remember my treading experience?  You know, that super awesome, treadmill interval class at Katye's gym?  Groupon had a one month membership to that gym (seriously, its beautiful--the one I will go to is right on the water in Baltimore) for $25.  You bet your rear end I bought it.  I am looking forward to all the treading (and other classes since my gym does not offer class--for $10, you get what you pay for) I can do for the next month!!!  Thank you Groupon:)

2. I just realized I only have 9 weeks until my next half marathon.  Which means there is even less time until the Pike's Peek 10K and the Broad Street Run.  EEEKKKK!  Time to get myself in gear, which is going to be difficult with all the free time I have between studying for the CPA exam, working and trying to have a social life (speaking of having a social life--dating is a lot harder than I remember.  Any words of wisdom?)

3.  I had a couple people ask for the Cajun Seafood Pasta Recipe.  Here you go.

• 20 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Roast the olive oil and garlic cloves

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
• 4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (about 12 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seafood seasoning (I realy like Tony Chachere)
• 2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed or 2 cans clams
• 1 pound mussels, scrubbed, debearded – if desired
• 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice
• 1 3/4 cups diced seeded plum tomatoes (about 8 large)
• 18 uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 18 ounces halibut fillets, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 pound linguine
• 1 cup chopped green onions for garnish

You could add andouille sausage if you would like and just cook with mushrooms.

Add everything, including garlic and olive oil – do not add the shrimp and fish yet

Cover and cook until clams and mussels have opened. 

Fish out all of the clams and mussels add the fish and shrimp cook until done

Put the mussels and clams back in pot. 

Season to taste

Meanwhile cook linguine

Drain and transfer to large bowl.  Pour seafood sauce over pasta. 

Happy Running everyone!

The Year of Erin

Apparently, when I do something, I do it big.

I have had a lot of change in my life, as I have shared with you.  So what's one more thing?

After 6 1/2 years with the same company (where I really grew up both personally and professionally) I went to an interview because it sounded interesting.  I didn't think anything would come from it.  Within 8 days, I had an extremely generous job offer with a fantastic company with the potential for a lot of growth.  And, after a lot of thought and worry, I took it.  I had to resign from a company I love, that has been so generous and kind to me over the last 6 1/2 years.  I had to leave one of the few places in my life that was comfortable and stable.

Seriously, I can't stress to you all how afraid of change I have been up until December.  Now, I feel like I have turned my whole life upside down and could not be more excited about what the future has in store for me over the upcoming months. 

My cousin (hi Amanda!!!!) dubbed 2011 The Year Of Erin.  I am putting myself first, instead of others, worrying about what is best for me and then acting on it.  I have to say, I am really looking forward to finding out what the rest of my year has to offer. 

ABC's of E

(A) Age: Turned 28 in November (but was asked this weekend--more than once--if I were 21--Sweet!!!)

(B) Bed Size: Queen.   All to myself.  ahhhhhh

(C) Chore You Hate: Cleaning toilets. Seriously, shudder.

(D) Dogs? *sigh* no.  Love them, just not a good time in my life for a pet.
(E) Essential Start Your Day Item:  Coffee.  Extra Bold, really hot.  Don't talk to me until I have had it.

(F) Favourite Color: Green, Pink, Purple.

(G) Gold or Silver? White Gold. 

(H) Height: 5ft 6in. Yup, Tall for my people (excluding my 6'5" brother)
(I) Instruments You Play: I used to play the Trombone--but haven't in ages.
(J) Job Title: Accountant

(K) Kids: Nada

(L) Live: Hanover, MD

(M) Mom's Name: Sue

(N) Nicknames: E, Birdie, E-Dog

(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? Nope. 

(P) Pet Peeve: Being late, people driving too slow, people being rude or inconsiderate. 
(Q) Quote from a Movie: "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore"
(R) Right or Left Handed? Right.

(S) Siblings: One much older (11 years older) brother, one younger sister.

(T) Time You Wake Up? My alarm goes off at 6:20, but I am typically awake (and not pleased about it) by 5:45 and just chilling in bed.

(U) Underwear: Cotton bikini brief.  Thank you Victoria's Secret Pink for making cute cotton undies.
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: None.  I grew up with vegetarian parents; I had to eat them all.

(W) What Makes You Run Late: Usually, other people.  I am guilty of being absent minded too--but that is a rarity.

(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: Dental, hips, knee, ankle (broke it), neck (car accident)

(Y) Yummy Food You Make: Cajun Seafood Pasta, Blackened Salmon, Upside down apple pecan pie

(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: Probably Panda Bears--even if you can never see them because of the people hogging the viewing space.  I really love the elephants too, even if they stink.

Three Things Thursday

1.  For some reason, when its time to get a new shoe, I think I should try something other than my trusty Brooks Trance.  I tried the Asics Kayano with mixed results (very cushy, not the stability I need).  I went back to my Trance.  When those were on their last leg, I decided to try the Mizuno Alchemy.  I took them for a 10 miler on Sunday and boy, my ankle was bugging me.  Weird.  I took the shoes back to the store, went through a custom insole and shoe fitting, and guess what.  I was back in my Trances.  Those shoes in a wide + a custom fit insole = happy feet on Erin.  I ran in them yesterday in my treading class and had zero ankle pain.  Lesson learned, Brooks.  Lesson learned indeed.

Dear Trance, I promise to never doubt our compatability again.  With Love, Erin

2.  The Marine Corps Marathon is 90% sold out.  In the first hour, over 12K people registered--no one I had so much trouble getting registered (I was stuck in a meeting until 12:30---boooo).  How awesome is that?  I am super excited for this race.  Not only are some really awesome bloggers running it, the president of my company is signed up, plus an old friend from HS that I reconnected with on Facebook (seriously, is there anything better than facebook) is signed up too.  If all that weren't enough, my parents are coming from Iowa to watch me.  Have I mentioned how much my parents rock?  Because they totally do.  I am excited to run through DC and VA and be a part of the people's marathon.

3.  My sister just got the iPhone on Verizon and we have been able to Facetime a couple of times.  Her 2 1/2 year old Audrey is super cute.  She gets up close and says "Auntie E, how did you get stuck in the phone?" and will give me kisses, hugs, high fives and knuckles through the phone.  I love how technology has really made it easy to be close to my family, even if they are 1400 miles away.  Its nice to know that I am able to be visible to my niece even if I can't see her all the time.   

Happy Thursday and Happy Running everyone!

 

Treading

I know, four posts in two days?  Is the world ending?  I might be a super blogger yet!!!

So, today on Facebook, Katye asked if anyone would be interested in taking a treading class at her gym.  Knowing that the gym was not that far from me (downtown Baltimore) I jumped at the chance.

Treading is a lot like spinning, but, you guessed it, on the treadmill.  You connect your headphones to the AV device on the treadmill, switch to a certain channel, and run intervals based on what the instructor tells you.  I am a fan of intervals, so I was excited to see what a guided class would feel like, rather than me just screwing around on the treadmill myself.

At first, there was a lot of confusion as to what channel to hook up to, what time the class started, and getting on a couple of good machines.  Once we got all squared away, the instructor guided us in the basic terminology and how the class would go.

It was challenging, it was tough, and it was so much fun!  Time just flew by.  We played with speeds, with intervals and it was nice to really get into a groove and let my legs go.  Before I know it, I had three miles (plus the .75 I got in before we actually started) in and the class was wrapping up.

Note to Self-iPhone+Treading pictures=poor quality.  Notice Katye's crazy ponytail, even in the blur!

Proof of a good work out.  I am a sweaty beast glistening goddess!

I really enjoyed the treading class.  I think it will be a nice addition to my training schedule for the Marine Corps Marathon (YAYYYYYYY!!!!), so thanks again to Katye for the guest pass and introducing me to this awesome class!!!

Happy Running!

Wordless Wednesday

Like I said

Like I said, the MCM registration is tomorrow.

I just checked out their website to confirm what time it starts tomorrow.  This is what their page looks like right now.

Clearly, they are expecting heavy volume (read early sell out) tomorrow. Don't say I didn't warn you!!!