Sometimes Weekly Roundup - 3/9

Tuesday was Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday or Fat Tuesday. Gerry and I have made it a tradition to make pancakes for this holiday. Tuesday I tried this recipe and despite the fact it's basically from a wedding blog (and a blog called "Style Me Pretty"), the pancakes were amazing. They were even delicious the next morning when I toasted one before swimming. We added chocolate chips to a few of the cakes and it was heaven.

 

Saturday I ran a half marathon PR at the Lake Sammamish Half outside Seattle. I started out with a goal of keeping a 6:25 pace, but felt good, so kept pushing the pace. Miles 8 and 9 were slower (6:28 and 6:26), but I picked it up at the end to finish with fairly even splits. I gave it everything I had in the last 400m, which caused some pretty serious puking at the finish line - super awesome considering there wasn't much traffic at that point and everyone could watch! My finish time was 1:22:51 and good enough for 3rd place for women. Sarah Lesko from Oiselle took these shots above with a mile to go. I think she used the muscle enhancing lens for my legs and arms, but forgot the anti-gravity lens for my face. ha! But seriously, it was awesome having so many Oiselle women out running and cheering, as well as Pauole sport teammates and coaches working one of the aid stations.

 

Big shout out to the Seattle Public Libraries for keeping me entertained on the bike trainer this winter (plus an endless supply of books I'm usually too tired to read)! From my trainer or while stretching/doing core I've watched seasons 1-6 of Dexter, season 2 of Homeland, season 1 of Game of Thrones, and seasons 1 & 2 of Girls. I'd be embarrassed about all this TV, except there's been no shortage of watts pushed during the viewing. I'm really hoping trainer season is almost over, but if not there are some other shows I can check out from the SPL.

I resisted the urge to post any "Spring Ahead" pictures to the Instagram, but I couldn't resist this picture of Kojak playing in the daffodils (my favorite flower). Although we lost an hour this morning, the extra hour of daylight is going to be really nice this month!

A lot of people give things up during Lent like sweets or booze or junk food, but for the past several years I've made it my tradition to sacrifice some time everyday and write some snail mail to friends or family. The season of Lent should be a time of reflection. Reflecting on the great friendships I have in my life doesn't seem like a sacrifice at all and is a wonderful way to brighten someone's day. Plus I feel like letter writing is a lost art. Religious or not, I'd recommend trying it this season.