Run. Hike. Poop.

Barefoot Running: The Army Ten-Miler

October 13, 2011By y2kemo

Each year tens of thousands of runners and spectators come to Washington, DC to run the Army Ten-Miler (ATM). Put on by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the race starts and finishes at the Pentagon, passing by DC landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.

Five years ago I ran the ATM at 1:13:05 (7:18 pace). Back then I was a little younger, about 20 pounds lighter, and wore feet coverings more commonly referred to as shoes. For the ATM2011 I was going to take a different approach—ten miles, sub 8, and barefoot.

Stuffed Shells Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta

September 28, 2011By y2kemo

My sister and her family came over the other day to watch the Bears game (OK, and to celebrate her birthday). Instead of the usual breakfast-for-lunch menu my wife suggested we make something a little tastier. After spouting menu suggestions like guesses in a game of Pictionary we agreed on a stuffed shells recipe with spinach and ricotta.

Why? Because my sister is a vegetarian who likes lasagna. I thought…I know, but this stuffed shells recipe gives you all the lasagna flavor without the lasagna effort. And if you trust me enough to make ’em I’ll show you what to do.

Blue Ridge Relay 2011: Don’t eat the chili

September 13, 20111 commentBy y2kemo

runners at a finish line — Our 2011 Blue Ridge Team “Lost Soles”

Over the weekend I joined up with Team Lost Soles to run the 208 Mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208). Starting at Grayson Highlands State Park in VA we followed country roads and wound our way through North Carolina’s High Country to the finish line in Asheville, NC.

The team was a great combination of runners ranging in age from 28 to 59. Everyone supported one another as we prepped, ran, waited, and finished our legs. Each was determined to finish the race at an 8:45 pace. And after 30 hours 17 minutes and 30 seconds we bested that goal with an 8:44 pace.

I’m Running the 2011 Blue Ridge Relay

September 8, 2011By y2kemo

This time tomorrow I’ll be running with Team Lost Soles in the 208 Mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208) as a last minute sub for an injured runner. Starting at Grayson Highlands State Park, Grayson County, VA, which is near the base of Mount Rogers (5729′), the course follows country roads and winds its way through North Carolina’s High Country to the finish in Asheville. The course features some of the region’s most spectacular scenery including the balds of Grayson Highlands State Park, the New River, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain (5964′), and Mount Mitchell (6684′), the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

Argentine Empanada Recipe

September 1, 20112 commentsBy y2kemo

Argentina has some of the best food I’ve ever had. From sandwiches de miga to milanesas to asado to my favorite food, the empanada. Lucky for me I married a porteña and am privy to authentic Argentine empanadas. Lucky for you I’m going to share the recipe.

If you’re interested and willing to give Argentine cuisine a shot I suggest you keep reading.

Oak Tree Leaf Disease

August 8, 20113 commentsBy y2kemo

OK, so I have these trees, which I think are Shumard (or Red) Oak. And back in mid-April I noticed these lime-looking growths on the leaves. Some leaves had full grown “limes” and others were just starting to show signs of “lime” growth.

The best I can determine is that the tree has blisters. But, since no one can confirm my “diagnosis” I’m turning to you for assistance. If you or someone you know is a leaf expert or botanist or just some leaf enthusiast I’d love a little help identifying this leaf disease.

Easy Crock Pot Roast

August 1, 2011By y2kemo

After a long day at work I have no desire to spend an hour in the kitchen preparing and cooking dinner. What with having to entertain and feed my son, take out the dogs, clean, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. If you’re like me then I suggest investing in a crock pot, some veggies, and a slab of beef.

You can knock out the 20 minute preparation in the morning, and let the crock pot cook your dinner while you’re at work. When you arrive home your dinner will be ready for serving. If you’re interested in trying this recipe out just keep reading.

Zucchini and Corn Tacos

July 4, 2011By y2kemo

The other day I was given a five pound zucchini. So, uh…that’s a lot of zucchini. Well, I had to find ways to use the enormous green squash so I fired up Epicurious, searched for zucchini recipes, and settled on zucchini and corn tacos.

Using the apps built-in shopping list I hit up a local grocery store, grabbed what I needed, then headed home to prep. About an hour later my meal was finished and my belly way full. If you’re interested in this recipe and want to know my thoughts on the tacos keep reading.

No gas. No shoes.

December 31, 2010By y2kemo

What a crazy two weeks it’s been. Last week temperatures rose into the upper 90Fs (mid 30C) and the barrios of Buenos Aires were intermittently without power and water. Luckily (or is it thankfully?).

This week there’s a petrol shortage that’s said to last until after the new year. As a result, cars have been lining up for several blocks just for a chance to fill up their tank. As I did for the power outage, I wanted to get in on the action. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out the way I planned, and the story ended up being about shoes instead of gas and street fires.

I Heart Running

July 9, 2010By y2kemo

I <3 running. All I need to do is throw on a pair of shorts, an optional shirt, and my Vibrams (also optional), and I’m out the door. Sure, that’s all I need but I tend to run with a visor, sunglasses, an iPod, Garmin Forerunner 305 w/HRM, and my dog, Bella.

Unfortunately, this past year has been a rough one. I’ve battled injuries (from shin splints to knee probs to a thrice torn calf ) and put on 35lbs (thanks to my reluctance to give up the high calorie runner’s diet). Yeah, this past year has sucked pretty bad.

Well, my leg is finally healthy (knock on wood), and I’m ready to get back to where I was. To motivate myself I’ve set a personal goal of 100 miles in 30 days.

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