I'm running... 100 Miles To Africa.

Well... sort of... let's start at the beginning...

Over the past few years I have lost my weak, feeling nice and strong and wanting to conquer more in my life than I have ever dreamed of doing.  I enjoy diving into new challenges, head first... driving hard, getting the job done. I set a goal and work my tail off, nose to the grind, work like a horse, and then relish in the satisfaction of finding that my potential is limitless. Once I set my mind on a goal, I'm like a freight train... a relentless powerhouse pushing forward.  Taking on big challenges, win or fail, it's just how I roll.

If you have followed along with me this year, you might have noticed that the miles I am checking off with my running are increasing. It's one benchmark after another, keeping me excited and thirsting for more. I have fallen in love with ultra running this year, it has given me so much in return. These long runs have forced me to quiet my mind, find a deeper spiritual place with God, pushed my body beyond what I thought was possible (injury free!), fallen in love with the pure joy of running, and have met the coolest darn people around.

In three months I went from my longest run being the marathon, to some hard 30 milers, 40 miles, and 56 miles. Trust me, I put the hard work in over the past few years to become strong enough for my body to handle this and keep injury free. Read my sit-at-home-chubby-mom-to-athlete story, anyone can do it... just start! .... Anyway, my next progression in the running world seems like it should be the 100K, right? I thought it would, but noooooooo.... God has other plans for me.... and knowing my strong drive (or hardheadedness) it has to be the 100 MILER!

Seriously, I didn't even know people ran this far several years ago. And why the heck would they?! Well... because they can! Because they know the thrill of being limitless, pushing beyond what is thought possible, craving to achieve what most people would even consider. I have met some incredible (and truly insane) runners that check off 100 milers like a routine marathon, they all have incredible stories of unrelenting drive. Most don't even have an athletic background, some just got tired of being a fat-arse and decided to change. Mostly ordinary people, accomplishing personal greatness. Everyone has their own marathon, 1 mile to 500 miles, going after it and grabbing it changes your life. Find yours, no excuses!

Back to my decision to run 100 and what the heck it has to do with Africa.... 100 has been in the back of my mind over the past few months for a "one day" event. It got pushed along when I was asked by Zulu Racing to travel to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa to direct a local 5k race in a rural village. The idea of traveling that far with 3 young children at home made me extremely nervous, but I knew I had to do it. It was a chance for me to give others the fulfillment and joy I have received from running, to experience struggle and triumph. I was also asked by Life Connection Ministries (LCM), who I will be traveling alongside, to implement a type of running/mentoring club in the local schools. Of course I will!!!! Running... kids.... teaching life skills.... right up my alley.

100K to Africa just doesn't seem quite right. No, hmmmm.... it has to be 100 Miles To Africa. Now that has a ring to it! Thus the Iron Horse 100 mile Endurance Run February 9, 2013. I will be fundraising for LCM to continue their incredible work within this region of South Africa and helping to establish a  scholarship fund to help send more children to school.

Do I have enough experience? I don't know. Will I fail? Maybe. Will I give it my gut-wrenching all? You better believe it!!!

Stay tuned, follow along on my journey, ready or not... 100 miler, I'm coming for you!!!

And yes... the donation request will be coming soon...

You Had Me at "NACHO"

 I'm on the prowl for foods that are healthy, pack some fuel into my body, easy, and darn delicious. I found this one from Fitness Magazine and not only is it scrumptious, it provides great energy for your workouts. I topped my Black Bean Nacho Burger with reduced fat sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeno slices, and salsa on a whole wheat bun. Lip smackin' good! Enjoy.

Black Bean Nacho Burger

Prep: 25 mins Chill: 30 mins Cook: 12 mins

Makes: 4 servings
Yield: 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup finely crushed tortilla chips (preferably blue corn)
• 1/3 cup salsa plus additional for serving
• 1/2 cup 50% reduced-fat grated cheddar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 scallion, white and green part, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 4 butter lettuce leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Use a food processor or a potato masher (I used the masher, it was quicker and less clean up) to smash beans until chunky, leaving some partly whole. Stir in crushed chips, salsa, cheddar, egg, scallion and black pepper. Set mixture aside 10 minutes, then shape into 4 patties.
2. Place patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place buns on a baking sheet and heat in oven until warm to the touch, 4 to 6 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add patties to pan and cook until golden brown on one side, 4 to 5 minutes. Add remaining oil, flip patties and cook until underside is golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve topped with salsa and lettuce, if desired, on buns.