I'm back! Did you all miss me? Probably not, but can I just say, I missed me. After a week of gorgeous sun, I feel like I've finally returned, not merely to the world of blogging, but to life in general. Those long winter months were hard on me--any personal drive and motivation was swallowed up by a desire to retreat into my own personal hibernation as soon as the kids were in bed. With the days getting warmer and trees beginning to bud, I can cheerily announce on this Sabbath morning that there is once again sunshine in my soul.
Speaking of Sunday, church starts at nine, Jason is off at meetings already, and I'm the only one dressed. Definitely the wrong time to blog! Even so, I wanted to announce the commencement of Run Swim Bike Cook 2015, should any one care to join me.
RSBC usually happens in February, but this year Christy was extremely busy finishing her dissertation (congratulations!), not to mention recovering from knee surgery. In the past, I've felt slightly guilty by focusing so much on fitness in February, wondering if I my participation was misdirecting focus from the family. Now that I've gone a year without, I've gained a whole new perspective. Little did I know how much I need this fitness focus to fight the February doldrums. Let's just say that my family is much better off with an emotionally-stable, productive Mama who spends an hour or two at the gym than with her moping counterpart.
Okay, enough babbling. Here are the parameters, same as in years past:
Challenge 1: Run 26.2 miles (half-ers: 13.1 miles)
Challenge 2: Swim 2.4 miles (1.2 miles)
Challenge 3: Bike 112 miles (56 miles)
Challenge 4: "Cook" will be a bit different since we don't have Christy's awesome superfood suggestions. Instead, I'm gathering my inspiration from a children's book, "Eating the Alphabet" by Lois Ehlert. The challenge: each week, create a dish using a fruit or vegetable that is relatively new to you. Here are some suggestions, taken from her book.
A: Artichoke, Asparagus
B: Brussels Sprout, Beet
C: Currant
D: Date
E: Endive, Eggplant
F: Fig
G: Gooseberry
H: Huckleberry
I: Indian Corn
J: Jalapeno, Jicama
K: Kumquat, Kohlrabi
L: Leek
M: Melon
N: Nectarine
O: Okra
P: Persimmon, Pomegranate, Parsnip
Q: Quince
R: Rutabaga, Rhubarb, Radicchio
S: Swiss Chard, Star Fruit
T: Turnip
U: Ugli Fruit
V: Vegetable Marrow
W: Watercress
X: Xigua
Y: Yam
Z: Zucchini
Lois Ehlert concludes her book with a quote by Anthelme Brillat-Savarin: Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.
The time frame? From Pi Day (March 14th) to Tax Day (April 15th). Should you wish, blog about your progress and email me. If anyone participates, I'll put together a weekly recap.
Enjoy! (And now off to church.)
