Summer Beginnings

Wow.  It's been over a month since my last post and gosh...a ton happened.  School ended and summer began within that period of time, as well as a race, a trip to upstate New York to peruse the wineries on the Finger Lakes, and the beginning of the many items on my very long to-do list.

I'll begin with running:

Freedom to Liberty 4 Miler

Workouts have been good, however, they are often tough to get through due to the humidity and heat.  I still try to complete one long run and one {two, if I'm lucky} workouts per week sandwiched between easy distance days and yoga.  I did run a small race at the beginning of June on a steamy Saturday morning.  This particular race ran from one high school in my town to the other covering a distance of four miles.  The weather {as noted} was really tough to take and my plan was to treat the race as a workout/tempo run, but I ended up running better than expected -- 26:04 {6:31 pace}. 

Long runs are anywhere from 9 - 11 miles and workouts consist of intervals, hills and occasionally sessions on the track.  I'm also hoping to begin swimming workouts.

Finger Lakes, NY:

A trip to upstate New York is worth it's price in gold if you like wine.  Known particularly for their whites, Lakes Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka have a lop to offer anyone with even the smallest interest in vino.  We have been making it up there on an annual basis, sometimes bi-annually as a reconnaissance mission, and we come home with a wide selection of beautiful wine...all varieties and colors.  My favorite vineyards: Hermann J. Weimer and Keuka Lake Vineyard

A few photos posted recently on Facebook:

Food:  

In recent months I've been experimenting in the kitchen in an attempt to create delicious and wholesome vegetarian and vegan meals.  And you know what???  My family isn't complaining about it one bit.  I have found that meals made primarily with grains, vegetables and beans can be equally satisfying and just as yummy as those made with meat, and it's been fun trying to come up with new ways to prove it.  

Examples:

• Quinoa with Veggies, Feta and Lemon Vinaigrette
• Lime Quinoa Pasta with Black Beans and Corn
• Edamame Salad with Corn and Tomatoes
• Last night's Roasted Parsnip and Pear soup {not my recipe}

It is my hope to get some of these recipes up on the blog ASAP.  

VIA Marathon promo shoot:

If you remember from last year, I participated in a shoot to film a short PSA with 6abc in Philadelphia to promote the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8, 2013.  The event will feature a 5k run/walk and kids' run on Saturday and a Boston-qualifing marathon, a half marathon and a 5-person relay on Sunday.  The commercial features their chief meteorologist and accomplished runner, Cecily Tynan, and a few other runners from the Lehigh Valley.  I'll be sure to post the link as soon as it is finished in production!

To complete this post, I thought I would share a few things I've been loving lately:

• Any song by Phillip Phillips
• Justin's Chocolate Almond Butter - it's like eating frosting from a can {sort of}
• Not having to get up at 5:50 am to run...7 am is more like it
• Rich and Skinny denim shorts - a recent score from Marshall's
• And finally, drinks {poolside} anytime of day....