The final countdown

...Until we run our half marathon in Disney World! 

I'm nervous and excited and jittery...and let's be honest here friends, I will be relieved when it's over.  While training for a half isn't a huge time commitment, it's something.  I've been diligent about my training runs and have dedicated a few hours every weekend to pounding the pavement.  I'm excited to share this "milestone" with my Mom and Aunt.  I've got my sneaks, fav running duds and my ipod shuffle all ready and then Mickey, you better get ready cause I'm coming for a smooch!
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give me a break

As I've been training for my half marathon, I've been really needing some excuses opportunities to cross train and get a break from the intensity and weight-bearing nature of running.  So if you've ever wondered what runners do on their "off" workouts, here's my answer...

Michael Jackson Experience for Wii...my blinds are always tightly drawn when I'm trying to perfect the thriller dance. 

P.S. I'm awesome; I dare you to challenge me to a dance off.  Bring it!

Ahh the elliptical machine, you make me happy, at least whenever there aren't 30 of my newest friends at the gym all trying to vie for your love in this new year's resolution gym season.

My shaggy dog always can use an extra walk during the week.  It's nice bonding time for us and it's a relaxing, quick way to get some exercise after a day at the office.

What did you do to maintain your sanity and exercise on your off days when training for some sort of race, be it a marathon or a tri?

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Hope springs eternal

This is the time every year where I start to feel myself longing, almost desperately, for spring weather.  It's been winter for 3 solid months and I'm over it.  I'm ready to go pantyhose-less, turn in my wool coat for the year and open the windows on my way home from work.  On this dreary, chilly evening, I was greeted by a few spring catalogs.  And as I settled in for the night with a glass of pinot grigio, a slice of frozen pizza and a large green salad, I started perusing the latest Land's End catalog.  I've never been a big shopper at Land's End mostly because I've been a loyal LL Bean shopper for most of my adult life.  But last fall, a dear friend alerted me to Land's End awesome down vests...on sale for $25...and I was hooked!  I was amazed to find some super duper cute spring duds that I was dying to share.  I have a feeling one or more of these may end up in the UPS delivery man's truck en route to my home very, very soon!

Merriweather Coat at $89.50

Sailor T-shirt Dress at $59.50

Emma Classic Capstone Ballet Flats at $49.50

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Game day dip

If you're hosting or heading out to a party at a friends, I have a superbly easy recipe that is perfect for tomorrow's game.  Definitely a good recipe for men too!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 2 cans chicken breast or about 2 C cooked, chopped chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 C ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/4-1/2 C hot sauce, depending on your taste (I like Frank's)
• 1 C shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In large sauce pan, heat chicken, cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce, until heated and mixed well - the mixture should be creamy.
3. Pour mixture in ceramic baking dish - a deep dish pie pan works well.  Top with cheddar cheese and bake for about 30 minutes, or until cheese starts to brown slightly.

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