Weekend wrap up

I haven’t ran at all this week. I did manage to get two nice walks in, but haven’t ran at all…hmmm, I believe a pattern has been developing this winter, and I am SOOO over the dark (YAY DST), the cold, and the snow. It was pretty the first couple months of winter, and I admit there is a serene beauty in the air after a snow fall.
But it’s March 9th. It needs to be GONE. Who agrees? Sorry Kim, if you are reading this I know you feel completely opposite of me! 🙂
We’re still waiting to hear about the job I interviewed for last week, and I’ve been on pins and needles with anxiety. We stayed close to home this weekend, and watched the movie, Gravity on Friday night. Still on the fence as to how I feel about it. The plot lacked, characters were sparse, and the ending left me wanting more…
Saturday we cleaned house, did laundry and ran errands picking up our weekly items from Target and Caputos (local grocery store I LOVE). My oldest had a sleep over Saturday, so I cooked a nice roast and we all watched the movie Catching Fire. GREAT movie, that left me totally stoked for the 3rd one to come out. I may even have to read the book because I just don’t want to wait. LOL
Today was run day, coupled with cooking not only for my husband’s work tomorrow, but a yummy meal for our family dinner. Many have asked for my Polish Sausage soup recipe, so here it is!

Michelle’s Polish Sausage and Potato soup
Ingredients:
1 package of polish sausage
1 ½ boxes of low sodium stock
1-2 cans diced tomatoes (low salt) (keep juice)
1 can kidney beans-rinsed and drained
1 can black beans-rinsed and drained
1 green, red, and yellow pepper-chopped
1 head of garlic-minced
2 large (or 4 small) red potatoes, chopped
2 stocks of celery, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons-herbs de Provence.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Cumin (save one for right before serving)
1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons of dry cilantro
Couple dashes of Hot Sauce (whichever brand you prefer)
A couple splashes of liquid smoke
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Cook ALL ingredients in your crock pot, and cook on high for 4 hours, turn on low for the last two hours.
Just before serving, I give a couple dashes of Cumin and stir well.
Serve with yummy crusty bread, and ENJOY!!

I threw all this into the crock pot and headed out for my run. I had a 5K in my head as far as distance goals, but really wanted to push myself. Here is my recap from dailymile.com
I’ve lost my running mojo recently; I think it was misplaced during the second or third rash of Polar Vortex’ish weather…

So today despite 17 mph head winds, I laced up my shoes (because I said I would!) and ran…the first mile was tough (as it always is for me) but my goal to keep under 10 minute miles was successful clocking my first mile at 9:31. My second mile started to feel better, but the wind was making it tough to keep my breathing steady…managed to squeak by a negative split with a 9:30 second mile. Third mile I began to forget I was running…oh that glorious feeling I normally only get on the trails when that euphoric bliss comes over you and it’s almost as if you are flying…another negative split with a 9:13 third mile. I started to run out of gas in the 4th mile but wasn’t going to quit now…”Overcomer” by Mandisa came on my IPod, and it was just what I needed to give me that extra push. Forth mile clocked at…wait for it…8:48!!!!!!!! My fasted mile this winter! Last .4 averaged a 8:44, and I am quite pleased I didn’t listen to those voices in my head that said “stay in your jammies.”
I finished with an average 9:13 pace, which is darn amazing for my lack of running this winter.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!