The Andrea Chronicles

Italian dinnner...Jonas style!

2013-10-14T15:40:00.001-04:00

My daughter and I loved to watch Married to Jonas when the show was on E! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Married_to_Jonas). One of our favorite episodes was when Dani got to write recipes and cook dinner for her family to be featured in Cosmopolitan magazine. It was neat to see the "behinds the scenes" and all that goes into a magazine shoot! Both of us thought the dinner looked great and decided we would try it for our family. We found it in Cosmo and saved the pages with all intent of making the dinner soon. Well, time certainly got a way from us, but we finally found the time this weekend!!

Here is our fabulous dinner in pictures. Get ready to drool. (Note that we served broccoli rabe (fresh from our local farm share) instead of the green beans Dani made.)

Our daughter putting the chopped onions on the baking sheet (will later become chunky sauce for meatballs)

My hubby even helped out by peeling garlic

Me browning the meatballs...we doubled the batch and made some without the mozzerella ball stuffing for the kids. These meatballs were AWESOME (both stuffed and unstuffed).

Our daughter...proud of all we have going on...that's a lot of pots and pans!

looking good...there is that broccoli rabe I mentioned.

veggies roasting, meatballs cooking (note we put them both in the same 375 oven...just altered baking times)

Sauteeing....mouth watering yet?

And dinner is served...sorry Mrs. Jonas...with all due respect, we use paper napkins for regular family dinner. Cloth comes out on holidays.

Our kids...anxious to dig in!

Umm, quite possibly, the best meatballs EVER!

So there you have it...our very special Italian dinner compliments of Kevin and Danielle Jonas! Thank you for sharing your family's recipes. We really enjoyed them. We wish them both the best of luck with their new baby on the way!

Heavy Heart

2013-04-16T09:43:00.004-04:00

I wasn't going to run this morning. To be honest, I'm still pretty sore from my race on Sunday and from the soccer game.

After the tragic events of yesterday, I HAD to run this morning. I needed to get out there and run for everyone who no longer can. I needed to think and to try to wrap my head around what happened. I'm particularly upset about the 8 year old who lost his life after hugging his dad who had just finished the race. It makes me think of my 8 year old, and my 11 year old, and my husband, and all the times they come out to the finish line and wait for me. That's my son JL cheering me on in the background of this 10 miler.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those runners, spectators, first responders, doctors, and race organizers right now.

Peace and love.

A new PR: 47:32.38 for 5 miles

2013-04-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I ran the Hatfield 5 and Dime race. I've run this race for the last 2 years (although doing the 10 mile distance previously). I've scaled back my milelage this year and have only been doing short runs (i.e. less than 6 miles) since the Disney Half.

The Hatfield Hat Trick series is one of my favorites...flat, great amenities, and local! The course is a short 15 minute drive, has ample parking, indoor restrooms, good food, and a great DJ.

I wasn't expecting much in terms of my performance yesterday. I had been struggling lately to even high 10:30s on my 3 mile runs. A few of the runs were in the 11 minute per mile pace and one even crossed the 12 minute per mile pace. I seriously contemplated giving up running after that debacle of a run.

Yesterday's weather was perfect...50s and slightly cloudy. I started near the back of the field since the race is chip timed. I went out strong and was pleased to see 9:30 as my pace at mile 1. I was hoping just to keep it under a 10 minute mile...but didn't really expect to since I knew how slow my training runs had been. I promised myself I would only look at my watch at mile markers. Mile 2 came up and revealed a 9:32 average pace. The miles ticked away quickly and before I knew it I was at Mile 3. A quick glance revealed a 9:36 average pace. I was stunned...it didn't even feel like I was working that hard. Mile 4 was next and I was still holding a 9:36. At this point, I broke out into a huge smile, told myself I had this in the bag, and took off. I crossed the line at 47:32...holy crap...I just ran 5 miles at a 9:30 per mile average pace! SO PROUD!

Gotta love any day that starts with a PR!

The best audition ever...

2013-01-21T17:03:00.002-05:00

I took ARL for an audition for a movie yesterday. It was in a person's home so you could see those auditioning in front of you. Since the morning slots were for child roles, there were also parents there watching/waiting as well.

Two other young ladies auditioned before ARL was up. With both, the director gave them feedback and asked them to run the lines again. I assumed that was his "thing"...i.e. provide constructive feedback and see how it is received and applied.

ARL went up and nailed her first read through of the sides. The director broke into a huge smile as she was running lines with one of the other actors. He didn't give her any feedback other than that was really good. She was auditioning for a minor child's role. He asked her to read for the lead child's role and this time to face the camera.

As she was reading for the lead role, I watched his smile keep getting bigger and bigger. When she finished, the camera man said quietly, "you want her, don't you?" to the director. The director, camera man, and actor asked if we could give them a minute. They left the room for a few minutes. They came back and called ARL and I up to the table to sit down.

The director said, "I usually don't offer parts on the spot in the middle of auditions...but I was taught that when you see what you want, you don't let them walk away." He turned to ARL and offered her the LEAD child role.

ARL and I were speechless. He asked if we would be comfortable with her wearing a wig or dying her hair (her adult version of herself is a brunette). We said sure. He then explained a lot more about the film and the film company. He left us with these parting words..."you know it's right when you get chills...you gave me chills".

To be awarded the lead role in the middle of auditions...truly surreal. So proud of my baby girl!

Disney Half Marathon - January 12, 2013

2013-01-20T13:16:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I was in Florida having a blast! It was the 20th Anniversary of the DisneyWorld Marathon! We flew down on Friday afternoon and headed straight to our friend Dwight's house. He had gone to the expo earlier in the day and picked up our race packets. We had an easy night with pizza and subs and hit the bed early (9pm). We had a 2:45 wake up call for Saturday!

I got up after a very short night's sleep and got ready. We left Dwight's by 3:15am. We arrived in the parking lot at Epcot by 4am. We sat in the car and stayed warm for a bit. We headed over to baggage check around 4:45, used the porta potties, then made our way to the corrals. This is the first race I've ever run where they have someone checking your bib at the corral to make sure you are not jumping ahead of where you are supposed to be.

Another big difference I noticed is that usually you can't hear what the people in the front are saying at races. Disney has great sound systems and giant TVs so that everyone (even those at the back of the last corral) can see and hear what is going on! At 5:30, the fireworks went off and the Elites and corral A took off. Another round of fireworks for corral B, and we were off!

There were 25,000 people running this race, so it was pretty tight. You couldn't get much room to run and you had to do a lot of passing on the grass. It opened up once we got past mile 2 or so. The race is amazing because Disney has something to keep you entertained every 1/2 mile. Photo opportunities, characters, marching bands, cheerleaders, gospel singers...you name it, they have it!

One of my favorite parts was the army men from Toy Story who yell at you as you are running up "a hill". I use the term hill quite loosely. Gentle upgrade would be more descriptive....the course is really flat. I also really loved running down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom and of course running through Cinderella's castle which was beautifully lit.

I finished in 2:15:51 which was not a PR...but, I wasn't trying for one. I just wanted to enjoy the race and have fun. We spent Sunday in Epcot and Monday in Hollywood Studios. It was an AWESOME long weekend.

Me and Dwight...Dwight completed the Goofy Challenge (Half on Saturday, Full on Sunday)

2013 Running Goals - Is it OK not to have them??

2013-01-02T15:46:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since my last post. I'm happy to report I'm still running! I have a 1/2 marathon coming up in a few weeks. I finished out 2012 with a beautiful trail run with my hubby along Lake Liganore in Maryland. It was idyllic and relaxing!

I'm already signed up for a few races in 2013. I don't really have any goals specifically for 2013 and I'm wondering if that's OK? Will I slack if I don't have something to work towards? Will it make running less rewarding?

What do you think?

Race Recap - OctoRun

2012-10-23T19:18:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm still alive. Yes, I'm still running. I have no excuses for not posting...other than the traditional...been busy.

On Sunday, I ran the OctoRun 13K (8.04 miles). It was the final race in the Hatfield Hat Trick Race series. Sunday's weather was perfect...50 degrees and sunny. I knew I was second in the points series for my age group going into the run. My two goals: I really wanted to medal and finish sub 10 minute miles for all 8 miles. I stayed warm in the car until 3 minutes before race time. I got out, synced my watch, started my ipod, and waited the last minute till the gun fired.

I took off at a comfortable pace. We hit mile 1 before I knew it and I checked my pace. 9:20. Sweet...but probably a little too fast for me. I kept running (with no one in particular) and was enjoying the crisp, cool chill, changing leaves, and just the feel of racing again! It had been awhile since the Rock N Roll Half. Mile 2 came up quick and I was at a 9:30 pace. At Mile 3, I started chomping on my honey stinger waffle. Those things ROCK! I finished the rest of it at mile 4. The miles were ticking by so easy...I wasn't hot, nothing hurt, and I was really enjoying the run.

Miles 5 and 6 were uneventful. Coming out of mile 6 you come off the trail and end up in an industrial park. I missed exiting the trail (I must have been looking at those leaves again) and went about a minute out of my way before I realized I was alone. I backtracked that minute to get back on course. GRRRRRR....if this costs me my personal goal of under 1:20....I was going to be pissed.

I got back on course and was just mad at myself. I put my head down and told myself I had to catch up with the group I was running with. I buckled down and kept running. There is a spot where you have to turn around and back track. I started counting people behind me to distract myself. That really helped take my mind off trying to catch people.

When I came into the home stretch and saw the clock ticking 1:18 51, 52, 53, etc. I knew I had done it! I finished at 1:18:59...a full 1:01 below my goal! WOO HOO!!

Oh yeah, I got first in my age group for the series!!

A truly great day!!

My 5th Father's Day without him...

2012-06-17T12:52:00.002-04:00

I had hoped it would get easier with each year. Sadly, that's not the case. Trying to focus on remembering the positives as opposed to crying.

damn cancer.

DE 1/2 Marathon Report!

2012-05-13T15:31:00.001-04:00

Of course, the night before my big run I sleep like crap. I always do. I did manage a few hours of sleep; but I swear I saw the clock every hour last night. I gave up at 3:51, got up and dressed, and headed downstairs for coffee and my bagel.

Given the early rise, I had plenty of time to check FB, catch up on twitter, and enjoy my coffee and bagel. I had so much time, I brewed a second cup in a TO GO mug to enjoy on the hour long ride to the race. I met my group at the running store at 4:45 am. The three coaches were there first which I thought was kind of nice. We talked a bit about our trainees and reminisced on the 12 week program we led them through.

We left the store at about 5:15 and began the caravan to DE. We got there by 6:20 and had an hour to kill before the gun for the 1/2 marathon. We got in the port-o-potty line and then walked back near the start to watch the marathoners and relay teams go.

I was excited and ready when the gun sounded. About a 1/2 mile in, I realized I needed to pee. I said mind over matter and keep going. Around a mile, one of the program participants, Kristin, pulled out. She's been having IT band issues and wasn't sure if she could make it. I kept going strong and clocked splits of 9:24 and 9:31 for miles 1 and 2. I'm doing great...but I really, really have to pee. Damn that second cup of coffee. I push through miles 3 and 4 and rationalize that if I can find a bank of port-o-pots with no wait, I'll do it. Miles 3 and 4 splits were 9:42 and 9:49.

I caught up with a woman who was wearing a shirt that said "Always in Memory of Dad". I talked to her for a while. She lost her dad to pancreatic cancer. He was 63. She wished she would have ran with him (he was a runner, she was not). She started running in tribute and memory of him. I wished I could have stuck with her but I saw port-o-potties with 1 person waiting. I said my goodbyes and dashed over. I waited about a minute and saw Heather (my friend) go by. I finally got in and estimate I took another minute to pee. So, in total, I think the pee break cost me 2 minutes.

Mile 6-7 is one giant hill. I ran up part of it with my friend David. My time on that mile was a 9:52 which wasn't bad for the hill. I guess I was just so happy to be relieved of the bladder stress!

You run around a few neighborhoods up at the top of the hill. I was really not happy at that point because of all the twists and turns. You kept passing other people and I just wanted to be over on the other side of the street with them. I did see Leah again (lost her Dad) and passed her. I said "Hey...c'mon....the Dad's are watching, we can't disappoint."

Mile 10-11 is the hill in reverse. I should have been flying...but I don't like running downhills so my pathetic split time was a 10:33. Many, many people turned it on and flew by me. I finished strong with a 2:13:46. That's 1 minute 30 seconds from a PR. That damn second copy of coffee cost me a 2 minute pee break. Do the math...I would have PRed if I hadn't had to stop to pee.

I caught up with Leah at the finish festival. She said my comment really made her kick it into gear. We talked about our great Dads, hugged,and said good-bye.

Despite not PRing, I am pleased with my time on this hilly course. It was certainly a challenging run. I am so proud of all the Fleet Fleet program participants who ran it. They all did great today! Finishing is winning. And also (to Kristin), getting out of bed and trying is better than all those who didn't try. You will be back stronger and better than before in no time!

'Coach'

My 4th 1/2 Marathon!

2012-05-07T13:54:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, Mother's Day, I will be running my 4th half marathon! I can't believe it's #4 already! Time flies when you are having fun (and clocking miles)!

I have been coaching a group who signed up through Fleet Feet Sports. They have all done very well. I can't wait to see how they do on the course! It's a hilly course, so I am not expecting a PR. Plus, I may end up running with a few of the group members.

One more 3 mile run to go...and then lots of rest before the weekend!

More from the mouth of JAL...

2012-04-03T08:52:00.001-04:00

My husband took my son to a Flyers game this weekend. He cheered and yelled quite a bit. When he got home, he said his throat was sore from all the screaming. He then proceeded to talk for 15 minutes straight about the game. Detail after detail...non stop.

I finally got a word in and said, "I thought your throat hurt from all the yelling...you sure are talking a lot." He replied, "Mommy, I said it was sore...I didn't say it was broken."

"Donate Dad"

2012-04-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

I own a small business called Eternal Memory Candles. These candles are labeled in memory of "Mom" or "Dad", etc. A friend of mine asked me to donate a candle for a charity fundraiser and I happily obliged.

I left myself a post it note in the office that simply read "Donate - Dad" to remind myself to record the candle in my inventory tracking spreadsheet and to record the donation for tax purposes.

My 7 year old son was in the office and asked me what the post it note meant. I asked him if he knew what donate meant. His response was "give it away to someone who needs it". I told him that was correct. He said, "Are we giving Daddy to another family that needs a Dad?" After doing my best to stay straight faced, I said we were not giving away Daddy...it was just a note for the candle business. He was so relieved and said that it was good...because he really likes his Daddy and wants to keep him.

I can't believe my son thought I could give away my husband!!

What would you change?

2012-03-19T13:57:00.000-04:00

My husband and I had an interesting conversation the other night. We were discussing our lives and how they have unfolded thus far. The questions we were pondering were...

-Do you have any regrets?
-Is there anything you would have done differently if given a second chance?

Thankfully, we both agreed we still would have married each other and had kids when we did. We believed in all of our major life decisions to this point (homes, financial, parenting styles, etc). Mike had just one regret concerning a job he turned down early in his career. I have no regrets...the worst thing that has happened to me in this life has been the death of my father. Sadly, there is nothing I could have done differently to prevent that.

How about you? Any regrets? If given a second chance, what would you redo?

13.1 training group kicking off tomorrow!

2012-02-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

A new training group is kicking off on Monday for the DE 1/2 Marathon in May. I'm not signed up as a particpant...but am instead coaching it! We had a first meeting last Wednesday. I was terrified...what do I know about running? Am I ready for this?

I am pleased to report that I was more than ready for it! I can do this and will make a great coach. I've been in there shoes (scared to death of the 13.1 mile distance) and survived!

Along with Ken and David (the other two coaches), we will make sure that all 21 of these want to be half marathoners cross that finish line in May.

Ate too much chocolate last night....

2012-02-15T11:00:00.002-05:00

Therefore did an extra mile of interval training this AM. Quite the punishment, don't you think??

As I was huffing and puffing my way to an 8:13 pace on 800s, I was repeating to myself, "no more toblerone, no more toblerone".

What the heck happened to my self control last night?

Reminder...Virtual Run for Sherry on Saturday!

2012-02-09T11:31:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder that the virtual run for Sherry is Saturday!

Print a bib, pin it, and get out there. Run, Walk, Crawl...it doesn't matter. You will be a part of a collective and massive movement for healing. You will be a part of an effort to expand goodness. You will be remembering Sherry by doing something she loved. You will be helping the light edge out and defeating the darkness.

Virtual Run For Sherry

Thank you.

Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold

2012-01-30T19:14:00.001-05:00

As I previously mentioned on this blog, a Montana runner, Sherry Arnold, was abducted on January 7. Two men have been arrested and admitted to killing her. I found out about the story from Beth, owner of Shutupandrun.net blog.

I checked Beth's blog obsessively as the story unfolded, cried when I heard that she wasn't coming home, and am still in shock and disbelief over what has happened. Sherry's story has forever changed the way I run. We all get lax in our ways when things become comfortable and routine. I now carry a phone with me at all times and let my husband know when I'm leaving, where I am going, and check in with him as soon as I am back. Beth is organizing a virtual run for Sherry on 2/11/12. I am rounding up my group of friends and we will all be out there wearing the bib on our morning run.

Running for Sherry...please join us!

http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/01/virtual-run-for-sherry-arnold-february.html

So proud of her...

2012-01-22T10:16:00.000-05:00

My little drama queen is on her first movie shoot today! I can't wait to hear how it goes! She plays the daughter of the lead in the movie "Can I get Justice".

Not much to write about these days.

2012-01-21T16:06:00.000-05:00

The death of Sherry Arnold has really made me pause in my daily life. For those not in the running community, she was abducted on a run on January 7. You can follow the story on Beth's blog or just google her name.

For the week she was missing, I thought about her often. That Friday, I found out a 4 month old died in a local day care. Sherry was confirmed dead (although no body has been recovered) that same day. To say that was a crappy day would be an understatement. How could this happen to them?

I've been trying hard to live in the moment and cherish everything. Who knows when your time is up?

Yes, I'm still here.

2012-01-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

The holidays had me too busy too post. I promise I will get better at this stuff. So what've we been up to you ask (or I imagine you asking)....

The drama queen has been cast in another movie. Shooting starts next week. She also is in the Lion King play at a local theater. Plus, she wants to audition for two other plays. Toss in chorus, violin and dance and you can see the Hubs and I spend a lot of time driving Ms. Drama Queen.

The "BOY" is playing indoor winter soccer. He has found his sport and is sticking with it. He is doing really well in school and is a pretty happy kid (except for 7:30 am on a school day).

Hubby likes his new job and loves his short commute. Work will be challenging for me this year...but I'm game. I've got big goals this year at both work and running. I want to get 26:59 or less in a 5K. So far I've got just two half marathons on the calendar (May and September).

There you have it...you are now all caught up in my life.

Running in 2011!

2011-12-08T10:48:00.001-05:00

2011 was a great year for me! I set PRs in the 10 mile and 1/2 marathon distances (see sidebar @ right) and ran a marathon. I pulled my annual miles from the Nike+ dashboard (LOVE IT). I think it tells quite the story!

I'm back to running 3-4 times a week and tracking performance again in December. I couldn't be happier. While I did enjoy my time off from strenuous exercise post marathon, I am not enjoying the few pounds I put on.

My 2012 goal is finish a 5K with 26-something on the clock!!

(P.S. the 10:28 average time is deceiving since there are so many long slow runs averaged in.)

Holiday Shopping!

2011-11-25T09:26:00.001-05:00

Eternal Memory Candles are the perfect gift for anyone who has lost a loved one. The holidays are such a tough time of year for those grieving. Help ease their pain by lighting a candle in celebration and remembrance.

Buy online at Eternal Memory Candle. Available Candles include: Mom, Dad, Husband & Wife.

Marathon recap!

2011-11-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

I am still in disbelief that I ran a marathon! My right hamstring confirms I did with each painful step...but, I am still shocked that I did it.

First...a few facts for the runners and non-runners alike:

A marathon is 26.2 miles. All marathons are 26.2 miles. No, New York City and Boston are not longer than the rest (yes, I was actually asked this).
About 1% of Americans have attempted a marathon. Only .5% have successfully completed one. About .13% of the world's population can boast completing a marathon.
Winning finish times are typically just over 2 hours for men (there are all kinds of debates because apparently if the course is more down hill or has strong tail winds the finish times don't actually count) as record breaking

So...back to Sunday. It was cold. About 30-32 degrees at the start. The East Coast was hit by a massive, freak Nor'easter on Saturday. Some areas reported nearly 2 feet of snow. DC got snow and sleet, but no significant accumulations on Saturday. It did make packet pickup cold and force us to stay inside the hotel for dinner...but really that was the only implication.

Anyway, back to Sunday morning. I got to my corral about 7:40 am (race start at 8). My feet were frozen solid. I had two throw away shirts on which both came off pretty early (by miles 1 and 3). The biggest piece of advice I got was not to go out too fast. Let me tell you...with the crowds that was just not possible. My 5k time was a pathetic 34 minutes. Nope...no worries about going too fast coming from me.

The first few miles, though crowded, were pretty uneventful. Up the hill at mile 2, no big deal! On that first hill is where I had my first moment of realization of just what I was partaking in. I passed a pack of Marines running in formation with 50-lb packs on their back. They ran until someone said walk. They would walk until all were ready to run again. They were so inspirational and motivational. I teared up so many times....especially when you saw the groups pushing other Marines in the wheel chair part of the race.

Back to running...up the hill at mile 8, again, the hill was no big deal. I guess all that hilly training paid off for me. The gloves came off somewhere around mile 8. I continued my shot block every other mile strategy (on the even miles). I felt strong and the miles just kept ticking away.

Before I knew it I was at the halfway mark. Time was flying, I was enjoying myself and just taking it all in. I remember my halfway time of about 2:21 which was 10 minutes slower than my half marathon PR set in September. I was fine with that knowing I still had 13.1 to go.

The crowds and the Marines were fabulous. They really kept you going. I made it past the Gauntlet at mile 17 and then headed to "beat the bridge" at mile 20. Sailed past there pretty easily and that's when the thoughts of "get this damn race over" started creeping in. My hubby was jumping on with me at 21 so I just focused on getting to him. I finally found him at 21.5. That was a huge spirit lifter for me. He started telling me about all the texts I was getting from friends and what was going on with our kids (i.e. they are fine, I talked to them, etc.).

I ran a pretty pathetic pace for the last 5 miles. I was hurting and ready for it to end. I did perk up somewhere around mile 24 at one particular sign. My favorite sign of the whole day...(and trust me, there were some really good ones)

"You have NO CHOICE but to F***ING FINISH".

That sign really made me smile and just keep going. I needed to get it done! Running up the hill at mile 26 was incredible. I was amazed at how many people walked the hill. I was not about to walk the finish of my marathon!

My finish time was 5:06:33. I ran the whole thing (only walked through water stops). I am so incredibly proud of myself! And, I know my Dad is, too.

I'm a Marathoner!

2011-10-31T08:41:00.000-04:00

Full recap coming soon...but, in the interim, a little before and after pics:

Finish time: 5:06:33

2 days till MCM!

2011-10-28T11:58:00.000-04:00

So ready to run this race! Weather looks perfect (30s at start, 50s at finish). I'll be wearing lots of peel-able layers!

Good luck to all runner friends who are also running it! Semper Fi and Oorah!