R & R

It's seriously time for some R&R in my life.

On Friday, we are going to Italy (fingers crossed).

Here's a little sneak peek of our adventures.

Our apartment in Florence

Hot air ballooning in the Tuscan countryside with TuscanyBallooning.

(Photo source: Tuscany Ballooning)

A cooking class and wine tour

(Photo source: Accidental Tourist)

......and photographer's paradise.....Venice.....

(image source)

Attitude is Everything..

I loved this article from the May 2010 edition of Runner's World.

If you view your run as an opportunity, your attitude will get an adjustment

Image Source: Runner's World

I'm currently struggling with motivation for my runs. I haven't been out this week, but this article put things in a new perspective for me. Well worth the read!

Thinking About.....

Doesn't this look so tranquil? I am attempting to move from "extremely busy" mode into "calm and relaxed" mode. It's very nice having nothing that HAS to be done right now, but it's also hard for me to transition.

Some things that I want to do this Spring/Summer:

1. Run more

2. Take a yoga class

3. Buy a cool summer hat

4. Learn to make bread from scratch

5. Write

6. More phone calls to friends

7. More time for thoughtful cards & gifts to special people

8. Marshmallow roasts at the beach

9. RELAXING

Some fun and exciting things that are happening this Spring/Summer:

1. Our upcoming trip to Italy (5 days and counting!)

2. The weddings of several of my best friends!

3. A trip to Orlando for work, which will hopefully involve a trip to Typhoon Lagoon. (Waterparks are my favourite!)

My marathon theme song - Alicia Keys solo version

Until next year's lottery...what should my new running goal be for this year? Leave your comments and suggestions

April 8, 2010

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ENTRY NUMBER: 459489

Dear Alison Butler,

We’re sorry, but you were not selected in the ING New York City Marathon 2010 lottery. We appreciate your commitment to running with NYRR, but we must limit the size of the field to make this race safe and enjoyable for participants.

Fortunately, there are still several ways that you can enter this year’s race and train with us throughout the year.

You can participate in the November 7 race by applying to run with an International Travel Partner in your country. Visit our website for a full list of options.

Another option is Team for Kids (TFK), a community of runners that offers online training, supportive coaches, and encouraging teammates, and benefits youth programs in underserved areas. You can register with any of our charity partners to receive entry to this race, member-only privileges, and the satisfaction of participating for a cause.

Whether you choose to run with us this year or in the future, our training programs, packages, andonline tools will help you meet your running goals wherever you live.

Keep moving toward your goals, and we hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,
New York Road Runners

We're not meant to be.....

.....at least not this year. Yesterday was the lottery drawing for the New York City Marathon 2010. My application status: "Not Accepted".

but that's ok.....I knew this year was a long-shot.

FYI, just to recap, I have several options for entering the NYC marathon.

1. qualify - ummm, nope! not fast enough!!!

2. run for charity - while this is a fantastic idea, the charities are pre-selected, and if I was going to run for charity, I would want to choose my own.

3. guaranteed entry via travel partner - this is an option for me, but an expensive one for Steve and I to travel together, so.....I would rather wait for.......

4. marathon LOTTERY. I am guaranteed entry in 4 years. Patience, patience, patience.

In the meantime, I have just been browsing the Spring Running Room magazine online, and I came across something great.

Run4Change

Register at your local Running Room, bring your change, and help children living in poverty. I great initiative! I just signed up, what are you waiting for????

Gingerbread Muffins

Occasionally, between work, school and running, I find time to do some other things, like baking! I had this recipe bookmarked for a while and decided that April 2 was the perfect evening to make them. The weather has been beautiful and spring-like. Yesterday morning we went for the traditional "Tely Teaser" run - hundreds turned out because it was such a great day! You can see some photos on the NL Running Web site, including a photo of myself AND Steve (YAY!) (Also photos of our friends Selina, Clark, Quinn, G1, G2, Colleen, and Lisa!!)

Now, on to the recipe!

Gingerbread Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp plain, low fat vanilla yogurt
• 3 Tbsp canola oil
• 1/4 c. molasses
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1/4 c. white sugar
• 1 & 1/2 c. flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 c. boiling water

In a stand mixer (or a medium bowl) beat yogurt, oil, molasses, and sugars. Add in egg and beat till incorporated. In another bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the egg/sugar mixture. Then mix in the 1/2 cup of boiling water until it is completely mixed in.

Fill greased (or paper lined) muffin cups 2/3 full. If desired, you can sprinkle with a bit of white sugar before baking. Bake @ 350degrees for 20-25 min (min took 23 min) until done. Yield 1 doz muffins. I sprinkled a little icing sugar on the top!!!