A year ago 2.5 miles was the hardest thing in the world. Pedaling up the hills and over the terrain would leave me heaving for air and disgusting with sweat. It was gross and I hated it. Finding the motivation to pick up the bike and ride was tough, but I was far too stubborn to be left behind while Handsome was out having such a good time.
I will never forget one of our first rides. Every time I climbed one hill, I would look up and see rolling fields with only steeper hills in front of me. My stomach churned and I threw the bike to the ground as I tried not to puke. I cried.
Last night I stepped out onto a treadmill for the first time ever. Given that it’s winter and the trails have been a sloppy hot mess of mud and ice we are waiting for the ground to get solid before we brave the 29 degree weather and head out for a ride. We have joined a gym less than two minutes from our house and are continuing cardio and muscle training so that we don’t fall too far behind this winter.
I should preface this with – I never thought I could be a runner. The idea of running scares me and the treadmill seamed like an easy way to break my face.
Last night I ran for the first time. Only 2.5 miles. But it was easy.
Did you read that? It was EASY. Would would have guessed that my lazy out of shape second hand smoke terrible lung weak as crap self would ever say such a thing. But I am.
I’m here to tell you – anyone – who thinks that they can’t do it, that they could never possibly get that far, that it’s too hard, that it is. But it’s worth it. It’s worth every ounce of sweat to feel so strong and healthy at the end of the day. I have miles to go before I am ‘fit’ but I’m getting stronger every day and more motivated with every sore aching muscle. I’ll get there. I may not be the fastest or the best, but I keep coming back for more and that’s all that matters.
We are currently planning for our first 5k in the spring along with a terribly active mountain bike schedule and I can’t wait.
#Football Recipes: Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
Adapted from Pillsbury
Ingredients:
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 – 2 teas Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teas Hamburger seasoning
- salt and pepper
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 8oz block cream cheese
- 1 10oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded American cheese or shredded Velveeta (found in the pre-shredded cheese section)
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- hard bagette sliced or crackers
Preparation:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Brown ground beef with Worcestershire, hamburger seasoning, salt pepper and onion until cooked through and onions are softened. Strain off excess fat and place in a slow cooker.
Top hamburger mixture with cream cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and bacon. Cook on low for 3 – 4 hours until cream cheese is melted, stirring every now and then to mix everything together.
Serve with sliced bagette or crackers.
My name is Kita. I am a 20 something girl geek and website/graphic designer who can rock an apron like there is no tomorrow.
Congrats Kita!! That is awesome! I started running 4 years ago, and could go about a mile when I started. 9 months later I ran a 1/2 marathon. Never in a million years did I think that was possible. But then, I go an hurt my foot on Thanksgiving, and haven’t been able to do anything since. Kind of going crazy, and dreading the starting over when my foot is actually better. But I will, because nothing beats that feeling of doing something you never thought you could!
Look at you running!! I’m…lazy. I should run, but I’d rather eat dips like this.
You inspire me!!!!
I really enjoy 5ks! They are simple enough that I don’t have to train for them, but still feel good about running 3 miles. One day I say I will run a 10K but that will require me to run more instead of riding a bike twice a week.
Easy? You go!! I’d love to do a 1/2 marathon one day, but not sure…you push me to say maybe!
This is too fun, Kita! I love how unique it is. Football is all about to food for me!
Good for you with the running! I just am not a runner. Have a bad knee and ankle, but I wish I could!
The dip looks yummy! Perfect for game day!
Can’t get any better! I’ll have to save this recipe since this is tried and tested. This is absolute visual treat !! I am sure this must have tasted fabulous! http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.in/
I’m soooo not a runner, but I wish I were! Congrats and I love the fabulous dip!!
congrats on the run!!!!!
We tried this recipe for the playoffs a couple of weeks ago. My wife doesn’t eat ground beef so she substitute ground turkey. It was still excellent. Thanks!