Monday, May 30, 2011

Popeye's Ice Cream

Originally from the Blendtec website, this recipe for spinach ice cream is delicious!



Popeye's Ice Cream

3/4 cup half and half or coconut milk
1/4 cup agave nectar (can be substituted with 3/8 c sugar)
2/3 cup nonfat powdered milk or powdered coconut milk
2 cups spinach, lightly packed (I used more!)
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups ice cubes (I used a little less)

Add ingredients to a blender pitcher and secure lid. For Blendtec models, press "Ice Cream" and serve. For other blenders, blend at medium speed for 20 seconds, then on high for 25 seconds or until smooth. Makes 3 3/4 cups.

Nutritional Information: (for 1/2 cup serving)
80 calories
11 g carbs
3 g fat
9 g sugar
1 g protein

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Iron Christmas 70.3- The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Remember back in December, when I competed in the Iron Christmas 70.3? And won?

I entered it by total coincidence. I happen to click on Lucas's blog from a comment he made on Fat Cyclist. One comment of several hundred (literally) because I was bored at work. He had just posted the virtual race details, and I figured I had nothing better to do than accept this random blogger's challenge.

Best decision ever.

Not only was the virtual race a fun challenge over the holidays, it taught me a little about myself. That I can swim enough to get by, I can workout for several hours with a little motivation, etc.

Anyway, here's all the awesome stuff I got in the mail last weekend for winning:

A TON of Gu and Chomps, courtesy of OutsidePR.  There was a mixup with shipping, and they were kind enough to throw in some extras.


Not one, but TWO pairs of Ryders Eyewear sunglasses, also from OutsidePR. Can't decide which one I like better- the silver ones are transition and the black ones are normal.



Gift certificate to Everyday Endurance. I've picked which shirt is my favorite, but I don't feel like I can order it until I've done a real tri myself...


And last but not least... a Road ID!!

I was so excited to order this.  The last line is typically a motivational quote or something funny, so of course I felt pressure to think of something clever in only 24 characters.  It was really funny to google and see some ideas- "Shut up, legs!"  "Is my bike OK?" "I run so I can eat what I want!"

I was looking for something more motivational, and Husband thought of a perfect and simple idea: "Endure to the end". My religion is a very important part of my life, and "endure to the end" is a common saying or slogan among LDS people.

Thanks again to Lucas at the Super Fatlete, OutsidePR, and Everyday Endurance!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Monday, May 9, 2011

Cap2Cap Recap

 

First  race  organized ride of 2011! The Cap2Cap in Richmond or Williamsburg, VA. We had some friends that do this ride every year and love it.  Participants choose from full, half, or quarter century distances and can either start in Williamsburg (the former capitol of Virginia) or Richmond (current capitol).  The full century goes from one city to the other- hence the Cap2Cap name.  Husband and I opted for the half century. I wanted to have the rest of the day to go to colonial Williamsburg and I also felt like I wouldn't be ready for the full 100.

I always tell myself that I need to take more pictures of events. So... here's what I got.




We got to the start 40 minutes early, giving us plenty of time for bike assembling, packet pickup, and potty stops. I commend the ride organizers for varying the start times for the different distances, allowing packet pickup and the starting point to be less crowded. 

The route was beautiful! It took us through wooded country roads with few hills.  We kept a really good pace (for us) of 17mph and enjoyed the whole ride.  The "feed zones" were sufficiently stocked. I may have had some comments in this area if I were doing the full century.  There were a few different bars and trail mixes out, but if I were doing the whole thing I would have hoped for more variety like the other centuries we've done. But we were fine for the 50 miles and didn't even stop at all of them.

One thing I really liked about the Cap2Cap was the finish line festivities. Because of the staggered start times, all riders were ending around lunch time and there was a great catered lunch. 

We had a great first event of the season! More to come!