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.

What Are You Doing Today...

... to better your life?
.... to better your health?
... to improve you fitness?
... to encourage others?
... to be an example?
... to support others?
... to accomplish your goals?
... to find your personal greatness?
... to realize your true potential?
... to lose your weak?

Cool As a Cucumber

That Georgia heat is sticking around and I have been loving this chilled cucumber salad! Ever since my brother in-law, Dan Visca,  made this for me in New York, I have been eating it weekly. My kids are loving it too! Try it... it's a healthy snack or side dish... plus check out these health benefits!

Cucumber Nutritional Content

One medium sized cucumber:
Calories 13
Vitamin C 5.5 mcg
Molybdenum 5.6 mcg
Vitamin A 223.60 UI
Folate 13.52 mcg
Magnesium 11.44 mg
Fiber 0.83 g
Benefits:

• keeps the body hydrated, helps to regulate internal body temperature, and flushes out toxins
• leaving the skin on provides 10% of your daily vitamin C
• since it is rich in magnesium and potassium, it can help lower blood pressure in some individuals 
• when eaten regularly, can help lower uric acid levels... great prevention of certain kidney and bladder stones

Simple and Fast Recipe!!!

• 2-3 large sliced cucumbers
•  1Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2-3 Tbsp grated parmesean cheese
• chopped fresh basil, I like a lot!
• salt and pepper to taste

Mix it all up and BAM! You got a chill and healthy salad.

Resources: http://www.gardeningchannel.com/the-health-benefits-of-cucumbers/

Leaving the Comfort Zone

I've lived here for 10 years, it's my family's first home, it's where I brought home 3 little blessings, my memories here are sweet. This place has been my retreat from the world, my place of rest and comfort. The page has turned and now a new chapter in my life is taking place. Change is hard for me, as I like routine and familiarity, but the time has come for me to leave this little nest and take flight into new territory.

I'm moving, really not that far from where I currently live, but with the house change some life changes are coming with it. As hard as it is to leave, I am really excited to begin the walk (or run!) further down the path God has for my life. I see some new and exciting adventures ahead!

Why am I expressing all of this on a blog dedicated to a healthy and fit lifestyle? Because change is hard, but change can bring rewarding results that would otherwise stay uncovered. You can't be your best or realize your true potential if you are not willing to change. Bringing a shift to your workouts, eating habits, or daily routine can place you further down your path of self discovery. If you want to lose weight, begin a new training program, enter your first race, or integrate healthier eating habits... you first have to step out of your comfort! Transformation doesn't happen until you take the steps to make it happen. Don't settle for a life or well being of mediocrity...make the change, however big or small, and fill yourself with excitement of the possibilities that lie ahead.

Hydrate... It Ain't No Joke!

Wow! Summer heat and humidity has hit full force and the effects can zap you quickly. Trust me... I just experienced this over the past few days and it is not fun! This time of year everyone should be ramping up their fluids. Wither you are training outdoors or stop in at the gym, the weather will cause you to loose more fluid. Be mindful to hydrate and replenish fluids regularly.

What does water do for my body? Water comprises 50% to 70% of body weight and is the single largest component of the human body. Water has many important functions: regulating body temperature, protecting vital organs, provides a driving force for nutrient absorption, and maintains blood volume just to name a few!

So... how much should I drink? I follow this rule for average fluid intake: Drink half your body-weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 140lbs., then you should drink a minimum 70oz. of fluid. Coffee, sodas, etc... don't count! It must be fluids that actually hydrate your body. Buy a water bottle with the ounces printed on the side and be consistent with drinking the proper amount of water.

How much should I drink during outdoor activities? During exercise, especially in this heat and humidity, your body needs even more fluid to function properly. If you feel thirsty, you are late in keeping up! Drink fluids with sodium during prolonged activities to avoid hyponatremia. Here is the rule to follow when exercising, working outdoors, or excessive sweating: 1. Drink 17-20oz prior to activity. 2. Every 10-20 minutes, drink 7-10oz. 3. Post-activity, drink 16-24oz. for every pound lost. Especially if you are training outdoors, you should weigh yourself before and after exercise, then hydrate according to weight loss.

Why hydrating ain't no joke? Most people function in a mild dehydrated state, placing unnecessary strain on their bodily systems. Add sweat loss to this mild state and you quickly can enter into the danger zone. Loss of only 2% causes mild dehydration, 5% causes physical effects, 10% can cause severe disorders, and 10%+ can cause death! Click here to learn the symptoms of dehydration, ranging from mild to severe.

How are you going to lose your weak and find your strong if you are dehydrated? Don't mess around with your water intake, it ain't no joke!

Resources:
Ace Essentials of Exercise Science
Mayo Clinic
www.symptomsofdehydration.com