Run. Hike. Poop.

Run at the Rock: 7 Miles of Trails

December 5, 2011By y2kemo

What started out as a simple 5K in May 2005 turned into 10Ks, half marathons, and trail races by the fall. I ran a local trail series. Ran a couple 10Ks. And when I heard about the Run at the Rock 7mi/14mi race at Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC, I cleared my calendar. After all, I’d been getting in the miles and figured I only needed to throw in some mud and hills for good measure. Right? Right.

In ’05, I crossed the finish line at 53:20 (7:47 pace) coming in 20 out of 186. The following year, after recovering from a calf injury, I finished 35 out of 254 in a time of 56:09. Five years later, sporting Vibram KomodoSports, a few extra pounds, and a bit of facial hair, I decided it was time to give the race another go.

Turkey Croquettes with Velouté Sauce

December 2, 20112 commentsBy batersmom

Growing up, I looked forward to Thanksgiving every year for one reason alone, turkey croquettes. After my Brady Bunch of a family had our fill of turkey, my mother would take the leftovers and turn it into pure unadulterated awesomeness. This year I decided that I would take the leftovers from my own Thanksgiving and continue the delectable tradition.

After poking and prodding my mother (‘s memory) I got my hands on her secret recipe. And before she could remember my name I was out the door and back in my kitchen. Which is where you should be.

Fried Green Tomato Recipe

November 18, 2011By y2kemo

I planted my tomatoes late this year. When the frost hit I was left with a number of small green tomatoes and a forest of basil. As I decided the fate of my crops I remembered a film suggesting I could fry green tomatoes so I composted the basil, and saved the maters.

When I got home I searched online, found a few recipes, rummaged through my pantry, and came up short on ingredients. Too lazy to go to the store, I threw flour to the wind and took a stab at my own fried green tomato recipe.

I finished the 2011 OBX Marathon

November 16, 2011By y2kemo

I rolled out of bed at 5:20AM, took care of business, and spent 10 minutes battling my contacts only to discover that I was fumbling with my wife’s (sorry for throwing them away, honey). Eventually the rest of the family awoke and readied, and we were out the door ~630AM; en route for the drop off point 10 miles away in Kitty Hawk.

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.

Recent Posts