Behind The Butter

Thanks, Legs.

Good day.

I just did a 25 minute interval cardio training session on my apartment’s treadmill, which was basically a combination of jogging (5.6), sprinting (7.0), push-ups and tricep dips off the edge of the couch. I’m itching to join the gym but am waiting till this weekend. Maybe they’ll have some sort of memorial day sale on the initiation fee? That would be saaaweeet.

It felt good to run on the treadmill again and surprisingly, my legs weren’t sore in the least bit. Actually they felt really strong and great. I was itching to do something active after three days of rest and it felt really awesome to break a sweat. Riding a Century just a few days ago seems like a very strange and awkward dream. The only proof that I have that I actually did it is a bruise the size of a dinosaur egg on my right calf. Dinosaurs have eggs. Don’t question me.

Please note the Pringle in my hand below.

We had a brilliant love affair around mile 65.

IMG_1593

IMG_1595

Moving on. I need to check out the local high school’s track next time for a safe place to run outside. Since I’m new to this area I’m not very familiar with the roads and my main priority is being safe when I run. High school tracks provide a great, safe place!

After my workout today I made a big smoothie.

IMG_7875

I used 1 scoop Amazing Meal, 1 tsp maca (now in my Open Sky shop!), 1 frozen banana, the rest of the frozen cherries (~1/3 cup?), a few frozen strawberries, 1 cup almond milk and 1 tbsp almond butter.

And now, the time has come.


myantonia.jpg
I hope you all have been doing your homework. Gold stars and protein smoothies for all! I’m going to write a post with discussion questions on the book over the weekend and post it on Tuesday, June 1st. My hopes are that we can have a great conversation in the comment section and pretend like we are back in high school again. Am I the only person that actually misses high school English class?

You Might Also Like

  • Suzanne
    May 27, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    I miss English class so, so much. Seriously. I still write in the margins of my books, even though I don’t write papers on them anymore!

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething
    May 27, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    love the pringle photos-so cute…..glad you moved your legs today-so smart!

  • Evan Thomas
    May 27, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    I distinctly remember hating high school English class. And I remember that book in 11th grade, and making fun of it with everyone else. And for some reason, I miss that class more than ever and find myself begging to find a good new book to read and find some magical connection with. I can’t wait to see friends from that class on memorial day! I might have to mention My Antonia 😉

  • Samantha (Food Edu)
    May 27, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Track’s are a great place! There is one close to my house I go to sometimes, but sometimes I get bored running in circles. I don’t miss English class because we never got to pick what we read and wrote about. Now I read and write what I want!

  • MaryZ
    May 27, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    I am a little behind! I’m just getting ready to start this book over the weekend. Maybe I’ll be done by Tuesday:)

  • Daisy
    May 27, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    no i’m sure there are plenty more out there like you. I however, am not one of them. I hated analyzing books to death infront of a class. I don’t miss high school english. I do miss high school in general though! high school was a blast.

  • Erin
    May 27, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    I LOVE Willa Cather–this and O Pioneers are absolutely life-changing books. A couple of friends and I were just saying that we miss English class and are planning to either start or join a book club. A great way to meet people *and* find some new reads.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
    May 27, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    Wow, superwoman re running so soon after the century! You’re awesome 😛

  • Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog)
    May 27, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    Your smoothie looks fab. The last smoothie I made was supposed to look like that but instead looked inverted. 🙁

    Jenn

  • Danica
    May 27, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Actually can’t wait for the book discussion!! off to make a smoothie first though =)

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing
    May 27, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    Is running on a high school track legal? I’ve always wondered that myself.

    Haha LOVE the first picture of you and Caitlin! Priceless!

    • Corinne (breathe and savor)
      May 28, 2010 at 7:59 am

      YES! It is TOTALLY okay! The only times they do not allow the public to use a HS track is if there is a lacrosse, football, field hockey game going on inside the track! Otherwise, its all yours 🙂

  • Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com
    May 27, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    Perfect timing – I reserved that book at the library yesterday! Can’t wait to discuss!!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
    May 27, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    So funny– I LOVED high school English, but now that I teach college freshmen, they all bitch about how much they hated their English classes! To me, their English teacher! I’m like, “Guys, I’m RIGHT here.”

    Anywhoodle.

  • Danielle
    May 27, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    You should have seen the smile spread over my face at the mention of high school English class! I absolutely cannot wait 😀

  • Ameena
    May 27, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    I miss English class! I loved almost every single book we were assigned, because I was/am a complete book nerd.

    I can’t wait to start reading this book! I have heard very good things about it.

  • Ellie
    May 27, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    I totally miss High School English-Sobbing at the end of A Tale of Two Cities with a group of girls sitting in a circle in Brit Lit. Those were the days

  • Lisa
    May 27, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    That’s great you weren’t too sore! After my 55 mile ride in Reach the Beach I thought I’d be sore but I wasn’t. At all! It was surprising.

  • Lisa @ bakebikeblog
    May 27, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    yay for a good run!!!

  • Shannon
    May 27, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Gym initiation fees are negotiable. I wish I had known that when I joined my gym 11 years ago!

    Google for lots of advice on how to negotiate NOT paying the fee, or at least reducing it.

  • Liv
    May 27, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Congrats on the century! Huge accomplishment. And English was always my favorite subject, so keep the recommendations coming 🙂

  • Sharon
    May 27, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    Sounds like what I do for intervals on the treadmill…’cept of course I’m slower (5.0 jog, 6.5 is a sprint for me…) What about Spring Lake/Howarth park for outdoor running? It’s a 3.7 mile loop from the Howarth park lot….or do you not feel safe there? I feel perfectly fine to go there myself during “prime time” after work or when it’s busy at the weekend…I just dont venture off onto the dirt trails if I’m alone, I stick to the paved path.

  • Brenda M.
    May 27, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Yes – I miss English class!!! I went to High School in Nebraska and took AP English; was also an English major in college. Can you believe that I have never read anything by Willa Cather? So glad you are doing the book club. I finished the book last week and am looking forward to the discussion. Hope you have a really fun holiday weekend!

  • Sandra
    May 27, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    I am new to your blog, but can’t wait to participate in the next book reading/discussion. Reading is my favorite!

  • Carrie H
    May 27, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    I’m reading “Death Comes for the Archbishop” by Cather right now. It is really good. Have you tried that one Jenna? I haven’t read “My Antonia” yet — maybe next.

  • Jodi
    May 27, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    I DO NOT miss English class, however I am almost done reading My Antonia and am very excited to discuss it! Very good recommendation.

  • Brooke
    May 27, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    I finished reading My Antonia the other day – looking forward to the discussion!

  • Emily
    May 27, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    I love your blog, I’ve been following it for the last two years, and I also have my undergraduate in English basically just graduated, and contemplating going to culinary school, or doing something with food. Glad your bike ride went well, I bike also and run. I miss high school English class so much, who couldn’t if you love books! Enjoy your week!

  • eatmovelove
    May 27, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I wish I were back in school and English Class…if I knew then what I know now…wish I had read that book to be able to be a part of the discussion…I have 3 or 4 books here and can’t decide …I start one but think i want to start another – ugh! I can’t get anything straight in my mind.

  • Stacy (StacyGrowsHealthy)
    May 27, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    You should be able to get a deal at the gym because it is the summer and the rush to join is in January.

  • Jennu
    May 27, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Ahh My Antonia! Can’t wait to discuss it!

  • Rachel @ Balance and Blueberries
    May 27, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    I loved high school English. I had the same teacher for all 4 years, and learned so much from each of his classes. To date, he’s still my favorite teacher! I haven’t started the Willa Cather yet….maybe I’ll inhale it over the weekend. Bring on Memorial Day!

  • Katherine
    May 27, 2010 at 5:44 pm

    I totally miss high school english (and I’m an engineer major; maybe I am just liberal arts deprived right now)

    love the picture of you two laughing together! the smiles are priceless

  • Jocelyn C
    May 27, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Hey Jenna, I’m hoping to hear about your time last night at the Experience…
    thanks!

    • jenna
      May 27, 2010 at 7:05 pm

      You know, it was really interesting. I think its a wonderful way to get the public engaged and aware of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and how poverty and AIDS are very much related. We take SO MUCH FOR GRANTED (I’m the most guilty of this!) and going through The Experience is a great way to gain some perspective.

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    May 27, 2010 at 6:05 pm

    I run on a highschool tracks mostly because these days with my belly growing so much I have to take a bathroom break every couple miles and they have portapotties RIGHT next to the track. haha

    I read My Antonia in highschool and thought it was super depressing! Of course, now I can’t remember why….

  • Paige (running around normal)
    May 27, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    That’s awesome your legs feel great! when are we starting the next book? I had to sit this one out due to time constraints, but for the next one… I’m all in! 😀

    • jenna
      May 27, 2010 at 7:03 pm

      I’ll probably discuss the next book in the middle of June!

  • Melanie
    May 27, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Hi Jenna, You should use the track at the JC since you are probably pretty close if you’re near the Y. It’s open during the day for public use. I run down there every couple of weeks from my house and it’s a nice break from the streets or a treadmill.

    • jenna
      May 27, 2010 at 7:03 pm

      awesome!! Great to know…I’ll research where that is!

      • Melanie
        May 29, 2010 at 7:34 am

        It’s right off the intersection of Mendocino and Pacific Ave. I’ll be heading down there this morning to finally enjoy some sun!

  • adrienne
    May 27, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    Hi Jenna,

    I live in Kenwood – just outside of Santa Rosa – and I don’t know what area of town you live in, but Maria Carrillo High School has a great track and they are on summer break after tomorrow. It’s in a nice, clean, family-oriented neighborhood (Rincon Valley at Calistoga Road and Montecito Blvd) and it would be a safe place to run.
    Great job on the Century! You are a feisty one!
    Adrienne

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    May 27, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    I loved High School English class!

    I am about 1/4 of the way through the book so I’m excited to finish it to join in.

  • Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies
    May 27, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    Aw, those pictures of you and Caitlin are priceless!! Glad your legs are feelin’ good!!

  • MMiller
    May 27, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Glad you got moving today and are not stiff or sore! I am not a big reader, and don’t miss English class! Always enjoyed school, just don’t miss it! My 2 college age kids miss their High School English class! They had the best teacher! She assigned books at the beginning of the year that they would be reading and encouraged the parents to read them too! And she chose many that the boys would like because simply put, the girls will read because it is the book they were assigned…the boys, not so much! She chose books the girls would enjoy as well!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
    May 27, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    I just finished up a nice ‘n’ sweaty interval ‘mill workout too.

    Safety is always in the front of my mind when it comes to running. There is a simple 2-mile loop at Spring Lake that’s gorgeous to run around in the Spring/Summer (if you can find someone to tag along with you). My friend and I would run around it up to 5x training for our half. Then we’d go to Aroma Roasters afterwards for an iced coffee. Have you been there yet?!?

    • jenna
      May 27, 2010 at 7:02 pm

      I’ve been to Spring Lake but not this coffee shop you speak of. Perhaps this weekend!

  • runnerforever
    May 27, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    Nice to hear that your legs are feeling strong. Sounds like you are training hard and recovering even harder, way to go!

  • Nora@LiveLifeEatRight
    May 27, 2010 at 6:45 pm

    That smoothie looks so refreshing! I have been dying in the heat!

  • Alycia @ Fit n Fresh
    May 27, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    A book club!? I’m psyched!! Awesome idea (:

  • Christina V.
    May 27, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    First of all, CONGRATS on finishing such a HUGE accomplishment with the race. I admire you so much because I can’t even motivate myself to run a mile (literally). As far as the book club, I totally want to join. When are you reading My Antonia? I just requested it from the library so as soon as it comes I’m on board. This sounds fun! 🙂 xoxo-C.

  • Hayley @ Breath of Fire
    May 27, 2010 at 7:43 pm

    To this day, my favorite books are the ones I read in high school English class.

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    May 27, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    That smoothie recipe sounds delicious. I loved HS English–that and art and P.E. were my favorites–still are.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    May 28, 2010 at 5:44 am

    No, I miss it too. I feel like the only person who actually read all those books–and liked it. Now, high school trig I could have done without.

  • Michal
    May 28, 2010 at 5:44 am

    First – just wanted to confirm that yes, dinosaurs did lay eggs 🙂 (hence the whole Oviraptor story, where they named the dino “egg thief” and later realized those eggs were the dinosaur’s own children!) No one should question Jenna. Or the person who used to work at a Science Museum :-p Sorry, had to grab the chance to talk dinosaurs.
    Second – this book discussion on the blog is a really cool idea. I’m going to have to keep an eye out for your next book choice so I can participate!
    It’s awesome that your body has recovered so well. I’m still training to just run 5k for now, but it’s really encouraging to know what our bodies are capable of!

  • Rachel
    May 28, 2010 at 6:04 am

    Can’t wait for the book discussion–I’m almost finished with My Antonia! I also miss HS English class..I especially loved the American lit class junior year. It really opened my eyes to how rich the American culture actually is!

  • Danielle
    May 28, 2010 at 6:51 am

    I’ve only visited Santa Rosa a couple of times, but I think the SRJC campus would be a nice place for a run too.

  • Corinne (breathe and savor)
    May 28, 2010 at 7:56 am

    NO! You are not alone. I just finished Sarah’s Key and thought to myself, man I wish I had someone to talk to this book about! I even went as far as thinking, it would be cool to write a paper on this book! What? Who am I? 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople
    May 28, 2010 at 8:13 am

    I hope to one day think 5.6 is “jogging”. I “jog” at 4 and am dying! I’ll slowly get there someday, right?? =)

  • Lauren
    May 28, 2010 at 8:41 am

    I really miss high school English…and college for that matter! I majored in English and Psychology and loved all the analyzing. I would (and may) go back to school just so I can teach community college part-time…
    I was such a dork, my senior year I used to make study guides for all the exams…and somehow word got around to my classmates and I ended up making them for the class…Super Dorky 🙂

  • LindseyAnn
    May 28, 2010 at 9:05 am

    I missed high school English so much that I decided to become a high school English teacher! 🙂 I actually taught My Antonia during my student teaching! It was nice to go back and re-read it for pleasure this time instead of for work. I can’t wait to start discussing it!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    May 28, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    I have some maca at home but every time I put it in a smoothie it gives it a funky taste. Any tips on how to mask it better?