First Real Run of the New Year

Now that it's the New Year, Helen and I have decided that we have to get down to business. She apparently got a lot of mocking back in the UK from her dad and boyfriend (who are both runners) and who don't believe she'll actually do it, so she's returned to Avignon full of determination and pep. I haven't heard anyone tell me they don't think I can do it, but I do want to prove this to myself and make this half marathon part of the proof that I'm spending the rest of these 6 months focusing on me and making me happy. Who knows what these next 6 months will bring based on recent conversations, but, if nothing else, I can at least make sure that I've lived this remaining time in France to the fullest, enjoyed my friends, and kept myself healthy and positive.

Since I've been back in my apartment (which feels really great, by the way), I've been tracking and eating really healthy. I actually had my first run-in with cooking bulgur wheat and, I must say, I'm a big fan. Kyle and I also attempted to make a dessert by warming up bananas with cinnamon and I must have done something different from what my friend Amber does because they were not good.

My friend Kyle playing cheap sommelier in the Casino supermarket under my apartment


I also invested in a coffee pot to brew the yummy American coffee I brought back with me and have been able to enjoy some yummy American-ized breakfast this week, since I also brought back packets of Quaker Oat's Raisin, Walnut, and Date oatmeal. YUM and with added walnuts and cranberries only ends up at 6pts! WOO!




So, as you can see, it's been a good food week. I made extra of that bulgur wheat dish and grilled all of the 8 chicken breasts, so I've been able to reheat meals all week making for a healthy time! :)

Now, onto the aforementioned run. Since I've been back, it's been "balmy" (i.e. around 50ºF with no real wind to speak of) and I've been loving it. It was kind of chilly walking to meet Helen in my sleeveless running top, but it made for a really nice temperature for the run. The first mile was at a great pace: 11:45, but it proved to be unsustainable as you can see for our remaining miles (that are a bit skewed, I suppose since we took a walk break at 1.5 miles for .1 miles and stopped for water 3 or so times). I forgot to wear my HRM, but, from the way I was feeling, I know that my HR was at least consistently into the 180s (which is where I get really really uncomfortable) if not higher.



It was a really tough run (which is embarrassing to say) and, though my legs aren't sore at all today, my back and abs really are... Have any of you ever had that happen? Anyway, I'm glad we got out there--we're still working on our plan and are going on a 4-miler tomorrow before starting "real" training next week. Here goes!

Oh and to end on an adorable note, here's a cute photo of one of the girls I babysit (Thymiane or "Tim") and me sharing some jasmine tea on Wednesday. She's the oldest and is starting to enjoy doing grown-up girly things. I love them!

Summertime sickness and my new favorite fruit

First off, I appear to have come down with some random illness in Paris, I'm guessing a sinus infection? Last night, I think I was running a fever because I was absolutely freezing and then ridiculously hot a few hours later... No fun. Thankfully, I was able to sleep most of today and go to the pharmacy to get some medicine. France's health care system is much different from ours at home, a fact that can be annoying since you have to go to an actual pharmacy to get any kind of medication... including advil. On the other hand, for minor illnesses like this, it's actually kind of nice because I was able to go into the pharmacy, tell the pharmacist my symptoms, and come out with a cough syrup and some pills for 7 EUR. AND, *bonus* the cough syrup actually tastes amazing. It's apricot flavored and makes me think of the scene in Mary Poppins where she gives the kids their medicine after playing in the rain.


Thankfully, I'm feeling much better now, though this has reiterated how much more irritating it is to be sick when you're not at home. Example: last night while feeling crummy, I was on the phone with Jon and he suggested I make myself a cup of tea... This would have been wonderful for my throat, but, alas, I don't have tea OR a coffee mug to make it in here, while I have a plethora of both at home. No fun. I swiped a glass and some tea bags from the dining hall tonight though, so it's all good.

As for the favorite fruit part of this post, I just wanted to say that I've finally tried raw figs and, wow, I'm in love. My family in France actually has a fig tree in the yard and we were able to pick some a few weeks ago and since then, I've been hooked. I'd never had a raw fig before and let me tell you, they're fabulous. They're fun to eat, since you can eat the entire fruit and easily break them apart, and they have a light, refreshing taste that's perfect for summer. I'm definitely going to have to keep looking for these babies when I get back home... DELICIOUS. If you've never tasted them before, I highly recommend it. Plus, they're really high in fiber. Win!

That's all I've got for now, folks. Sorry for the random post, but I haven't been on a run since Sunday, what with being sick and all (I miss it). Instead, I've been sleeping and watching True Blood on my computer (why is it that every time I come to Europe, I get addicted to a new American TV show? Weird.)

Night night!