the treadmill diaries

Is there really a better time to get outdoors than now?  In my opinion, the answer is NO.

Fall is by far my absolute favorite time of year to be active outside – whether it’s running, hiking, walking or whatever.

In fact, it’s also the perfect season to sign yourself up for races or events that will not only make sure you take advantage of the lovely weather but will also keep you training.

Since I’m a big fan of practicing what I preach, I registered myself for a couple of events this month.

First, my husband and I will be heading out to St Louis, Missouri to take part in the Walk for Remembrance on October 15^th.  This 1- or 4- mile walking event is an opportunity for families to remember and honor babies they’ve lost way to soon in their lives.  The event will close with a balloon release ceremony in tribute to our children. (a BIG thanks to all who have generously supported us and this cause)

Next, I’ll be participating in the Annual Santa Fund Run in New Hampshire on October 30^th.  This 5 or 10 K race starts off on a high school track and then winds through the wooded trails of Mine Falls Park, which I’ve had the pleasure of running last year.  So much fun!  Plus, you have the option of wearing a lightweight Santa outfit while you’re strutting your stuff through the paths if you’re so inclined.  Should make for some interesting sights.

In addition to the above races, I’ve been on the hunt for a possible half-marathon to take part in (since I didn’t make mine last year) and am planning to get in some hiking at Acadia National Park the week of October 10^th.

October has the makings of a really good, active month. Love it.

How about you – are you planning any events or trips this season?

If you had asked me whether I thought I was a good person who truly cared for others prior to this year, it’s very likely that I would have answered that I tried to be without hesitation.

And what’s fascinating is that this answer would have been both the truth and not at the same time.

My life experiences are my frame of reference.  Based on what I’ve lived and seen, I’m able to put myself in the shoes of others and appreciate or feel for their circumstances.

Having been fortunate enough for most of my life to not have experienced significant loss or heartache, it was hard for me to relate at times, to understand what others may have been feeling, and therefore to be someone who could support others in the way that they needed during certain life events.

I wasn’t aware of this.  And looking back, I feel bad about it.

But now, I believe things are different.  I’m different.  I wish I could have made it here without having experienced our loss but that’s not the path I was meant to travel.

People said that out of this darkest day there could be some good. That I may not see it right away but that with time and healing, it’s there for the taking if I’m open to it.  Of course, at the time, I thought it’s just something people say to give you hope – something to cling to – though now I can see what they meant.

The good that I found and will look to foster and grow is compassion for and connection to other people.  To hear them out when they have something that troubles them.  To let them know that even though I can’t necessarily solve the issue they’re faced with, I can listen.

I can let them know I’m thinking of them by reaching out.

I can send them positive energy at their time of need.

I can show that I care.

And, I can feel for them – not just by saying the words that are expected                                                            – but by really feeling genuine emotion.

It would be great if by doing all of the above you could make things good and right for the people you know.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t rid us of all the bad that’s out there but it does help those in your life to feel supported, to feel connected to other people and not so alone, and it sometimes can strengthen their resolve to tackle what lies ahead of them.

When I needed them, I had a handful of people that I could count on to be there for me.  Now, I’ve learned that I can and want to be that person for others.

Have you discovered anything new about yourself recently?

At different points in our lives, each of us is hit by that feeling that says, “Hey.  It’s time for a change.”

Maybe you go out and get yourself a new wardrobe (which I think I might do).

Perhaps you decide to take your doo from this

  to this ….

Or maybe the change is a bit more substantial.  Some sort of life event has caused you to stop, reevaluate your priorities, and to start veering down a slightly different path.

This is where I find myself now.

It’s true for my life.  And it’s true for this blog.

Therefore, I’m planning to give thetreadmilldiaries a makeover.

How will it change exactly?  Not sure.  Though I do know that I want to make some basic design & layout changes while tackling the content too.

My goal of pursuing a healthy lifestyle isn’t going away so you’ll still see posts on recipes, fitness, and the like.  But, I plan to move beyond just this and to bring more of my other life experiences and thoughts to my writing.

It’ll no doubt be a good outlet for me to share more about my views and interests– and hopefully it’ll make for a better, well-rounded read for all of you as well.

Thought I’d give you fair warning.  :)

I’m the type of person who once she gets a food stuck in her head ..can’t let it go until I’ve had my fill of it.

Obviously, there’s a potential for dangerous behavior here. But, I do what I can to satisfy my cravings while keeping my eating in check. My latest obsession was Polenta.

What’s really funny about this is that I’ve probably eaten the stuff a total of 4 or 5 times in my life. But, I just HAD to HAVE it.

And, so I did. Not once, but in TWO ways.

First, I decided to take my Pulled Pork recipe, swap out the pork with chicken breast, cook it the same exact way, and serve it up on top of grilled polenta cakes. Del-ic-ious-ly simple.

Then, I transformed my usual egg whites and spinach omelet breakfast into a pan-fried polenta cake topped with sautéed spinach and a sunny side egg. It was rich, creamy, and just plain wonderful.

Now that I’ve taken care of this fix, I can move beyond the Polenta to the next craving on the list. J

Do you ever get obsessive about your eats?

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

I have my DVR set to record every episode of David Rocco’s Dolce Vita on the Cooking Channel. We all know that I love to cook and eat yummy foods. No big surprise there. And, sure I watch Dolce Vita to get access to new ingredients and recipes.

But, what I’m really doing is staying in touch with the Italian heritage I love so much.

I get to practice my Italian. I overhear the banter & jokes in the background that never get translated. And, I’m fondly reminded of the sights, smells, and tastes of Italy that I hold so dear. It’s a great relationship that I have with the show. I highly recommend it.

The last episode that I caught featured a super simple pizza disguised as a sammy that I just had to try.

I followed David Rocco’s recipe for a Grilled Foccacia Sandwich pretty much to a T but just cut down the extra virgin olive oil to 2 tsp from 3 Tbsp. I can assure you that it didn’t taste like it was missing a thing.

This baby can be served up open-faced like a pizza. Or you can have a little fun with it and fold it in half as David Rocco intended. Either way, it’s going to taste heavenly. The prosciutto (I used prosciutto di Parma) will melt like butter over your warm dough and it’s nicely contrasted by the tangy taste of the arugula cut in lemon and olive oil.

Absolutely delicious. Great eye appeal. Another reason to use your grill. And a good recipe to break the monotony in your dinner routine.

Tip: since most of us will be using a gas grill, consider cutting down the dough’s cooking time to 2 minutes per side. If it overcooks, it’ll get hard and snap when you try to fold it into your sandwich.

Thank you David Rocco – for sharing this sandwich genius with us and for lovingly highlighting Italy and its culinary wonders. Simplicity never tasted so good.

Do you have favorite cooking shows?