tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50770058055148949592024-01-03T20:34:19.254-05:00Kelly the CulinarianKellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.comBlogger1806125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-29264704900059593612019-05-19T05:53:00.000-05:002019-05-19T05:53:13.112-05:002019 Milwaukee Half Marathon recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXbAQKpeUP7-YDNpHFBoA2-u53wToQ5TVoWTVlniP9DwOGSedTRaKGZWO378g2mOW-tfg37InxkEZutrvVU7J8m1jQ2ua3pyQEZvMhH6Lz-uNJHTgOx2eZczDZsbD431awmE9g53yJeU/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="664" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXbAQKpeUP7-YDNpHFBoA2-u53wToQ5TVoWTVlniP9DwOGSedTRaKGZWO378g2mOW-tfg37InxkEZutrvVU7J8m1jQ2ua3pyQEZvMhH6Lz-uNJHTgOx2eZczDZsbD431awmE9g53yJeU/s320/IMG_2798.JPG" width="212" /></a><b>Six-word race recap</b>: New PR and at a fun race.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZvrTzgydfmhSi2QmyhYvfhKOSqTE0V2RExY_Dbx2rcANt2RFhHCVupsNhi3pGj5IpV_KGE12k9_iAH8-AM0KT6nlqE01P0qSTazZOZ6yHaEMipJGW0laDooVpsfgh0rdg0Olmjhu-mk/s1600/IMG_2762.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZvrTzgydfmhSi2QmyhYvfhKOSqTE0V2RExY_Dbx2rcANt2RFhHCVupsNhi3pGj5IpV_KGE12k9_iAH8-AM0KT6nlqE01P0qSTazZOZ6yHaEMipJGW0laDooVpsfgh0rdg0Olmjhu-mk/s200/IMG_2762.HEIC" width="150" /></a>I originally signed up for the <a href="https://runmilwaukee.com/">Milwaukee Marathon</a>. It's the same weekend as my beloved <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/04/2016-circular-logic-marathon-race-report.html">Circular Logic Marathon</a>, which was originally canceled for this year and then just changed hands. Before that, though, I was looking for a race around the same time to substitute in. The Milwaukee Marathon has a <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/races/milwaukee-marathon-reviews">storied history</a> of its own (the course came up short two years in a row) and was also sold off to a new company, which moved the race to spring to try and shake the bad rep. The new company was also offering a full marathon for $45, and the frugal side of me couldn't resist a good deal.<br />
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Alas, I downgraded to the half later after realizing my optimism might be a little overstated. I've done little more than a few long runs outside of <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/orange%20theory">OTF</a>, and I didn't want to risk injuring myself for no good reason. I believe the longest I ran leading up to this was 10 and 8 milers, both on the treadmill. While I'm confident OrangeTheory is awesome cross training, I wasn't ready to say it was enough to run a marathon on (more on that later).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TmlTGsQYLC9lDFJtdurCLj_B2-JC6KF3GSEs0Xn2eazr5pBJaV5YGwIGHiM1bzRkxmITzRQSKojCWM5kwNjPtdOX0ZyQe20Dt8pAjdzR_KEc6M-6DMU8a5dB_b69UhkikAWG9KSSjaA/s1600/IMG_2766.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TmlTGsQYLC9lDFJtdurCLj_B2-JC6KF3GSEs0Xn2eazr5pBJaV5YGwIGHiM1bzRkxmITzRQSKojCWM5kwNjPtdOX0ZyQe20Dt8pAjdzR_KEc6M-6DMU8a5dB_b69UhkikAWG9KSSjaA/s400/IMG_2766.HEIC" width="400" /></a><br />
I also paid for on-site packet pick up so we didn't have to pay to stay in Milwaukee the night before. Instead, we stayed with friends and all carpooled up for the day. Packet pick up was easy, and changing my corral was equally easy. I guess I didn't put a projected finish time in and was relegated to the last corral. I ended up getting moved to where the party was at and started the half with Mo, Jess and Alyssa, while Mark and Brent were off for the full.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZQ1a1zM10aNOQLBypHEvJHzj0sZmy1f5wa7c_HVb4K8hX1KN4EOpDxdHPFb3J8Q2-wcK24Hv3reWUVjtMhTbZy6MlpibZYYsIRpIgLiWJPDQB8O7EX73bD40U5R1i3qPqxZ0sx9X948/s1600/IMG_2768.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZQ1a1zM10aNOQLBypHEvJHzj0sZmy1f5wa7c_HVb4K8hX1KN4EOpDxdHPFb3J8Q2-wcK24Hv3reWUVjtMhTbZy6MlpibZYYsIRpIgLiWJPDQB8O7EX73bD40U5R1i3qPqxZ0sx9X948/s320/IMG_2768.HEIC" width="240" /></a>The race started on time without any issue. I didn't wear my Garmin, and didn't start any timing devices. I didn't want to put any pressure on myself besides finishing, and now I wish I had. Oh well.<br />
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I absolutely have to say something about the weather: It was perfect. It was cloudy and cool and there was nothing more than a pleasant, intermittent breeze. I started at a comfortable pace, hoping to finish around two hours. I was listening to a podcast about Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos, so I got pretty engrossed and happily distracted. I would say around two miles in I started to pull away from the group and pick up the pace. I was feeling good and surprised at how good my stomach and body felt. The first few miles ticked by, and I didn't feel any need to stop. I sadly didn't bring nutrition, but just sipped water as I cruised through the plentiful aid stations.<br />
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There was exactly one major hill that annoyed the crap out of me, and there were a few out and backs that allowed me to see all my peeps and know we were still trucking. There was a tracking app that we used later to keep in touch with our marathoners that was super accurate and helpful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuASqNslrEhFIYZ-jZkR4yqkFjn_OJfkWVA8soAH0BcoOfFH2oPCBTnkR1w2DtLyh9oLtd9zm0OtrUaSNy2dNZvb4X8K23Dbu1OibXs-FllfUo6EgtdtlMHXK2LVpTQs0p6FlrLVNPEVI/s1600/IMG_2778.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuASqNslrEhFIYZ-jZkR4yqkFjn_OJfkWVA8soAH0BcoOfFH2oPCBTnkR1w2DtLyh9oLtd9zm0OtrUaSNy2dNZvb4X8K23Dbu1OibXs-FllfUo6EgtdtlMHXK2LVpTQs0p6FlrLVNPEVI/s320/IMG_2778.HEIC" width="240" /></a>We ended up running along the water as well as through Marquette, and there was a decent amount of crowd support too. I had no idea what my pace was, but there were clocks at every mile. With the corral system, I couldn't do the math on the fly. But, I made a game of catching up to and passing pacing groups. I pulled ahead of the 2 hour group early on, then passed the 1:50 and went after the 1:45.<br />
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The last two miles were predictably difficult. When you only run for a half hour daily and a little bit longer every now and then, you start to doubt your resolve. I kept reminding myself it was only XX minutes and miles more, and breaking down the distance that way helped psychologically.<br />
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Even after I finished, I had no idea my time. I had to wait to look it up online, which was mercifully nearly instantly. I waited in the finishers' chute for Mo, Jess and Alyssa, then we got snacks and water after. We also got medals and a beer. We all had a fantastic day, time and performance wise, with Jess, Alyssa and I all setting new PRs. It's nice to know we all still have it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsGiVZKubtN18TOYiLmwtsmusK_bWYfGps3Ork9Cpfb3o8u_mncC06p1pIun4DADKaUGxDSHvre_guqTkB1chTPGVtvKQAmQ0UH-Bb9lc8KB38gK3LNm1nXDDmoSf1gHsSPMdtk-abRw/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsGiVZKubtN18TOYiLmwtsmusK_bWYfGps3Ork9Cpfb3o8u_mncC06p1pIun4DADKaUGxDSHvre_guqTkB1chTPGVtvKQAmQ0UH-Bb9lc8KB38gK3LNm1nXDDmoSf1gHsSPMdtk-abRw/s400/IMG_2797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We grabbed starbucks and thawed out while we waited for the boys to finish. Brent ran his second-fastest marathon and the furthest he ran was 19 miles ... in November. Turns out this OTF thing might really work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2SdW7l1IMUFsyWa_SzTJTtpfBRhBFMg_U3rx9R0lqq4zHxF62okzQXotuXpRvqfqD2Yeonrnwhp8JZ0x8lKY_PhAKPp-Kv4WFmQQWRch9xZREZqgF8m8nNzqpsEl1lNr_F7nkpjImBw/s1600/IMG_2790.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2SdW7l1IMUFsyWa_SzTJTtpfBRhBFMg_U3rx9R0lqq4zHxF62okzQXotuXpRvqfqD2Yeonrnwhp8JZ0x8lKY_PhAKPp-Kv4WFmQQWRch9xZREZqgF8m8nNzqpsEl1lNr_F7nkpjImBw/s320/IMG_2790.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbFp17c2wIBBj0CjEcSbmScUE0Fj52vHQ82Umxx_NYHnc4F0bpN4vSPpOVUJSgYtwf-5lOUJWSwmaitlJkqXhHRqq01JrAWzKLuoaBnv8pRTuFfky_Yy3RSUBcPNfq4UEQwiWpWryQks/s1600/IMG_2787.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbFp17c2wIBBj0CjEcSbmScUE0Fj52vHQ82Umxx_NYHnc4F0bpN4vSPpOVUJSgYtwf-5lOUJWSwmaitlJkqXhHRqq01JrAWzKLuoaBnv8pRTuFfky_Yy3RSUBcPNfq4UEQwiWpWryQks/s320/IMG_2787.HEIC" width="240" /></a>This is one of the best value races I've run, and it was well executed to boot. For $55 (on-site packet pick up was $10 more), we got a finisher's shirt, a pull over fleece, a beer, snacks and free photos, which were delivered by the afternoon. I know they had to really bring it to offset the previous years' shortcomings (literally) and I believe they delivered. I heard the race even went out and filled potholes the night before and after the winter we had, those potholes had to have been the size of the state of Texas.<br />
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<b>Time</b>: 1:47:57<br />
<b>Pros</b>: Cheap race, easy to get to, great value, relatively flat and pleasant course<br />
<b>Cons</b>: It's spring in the Midwest so the weather can be unpredictable, but we lucked out<br />
<b>Cost</b>: $55<br />
<b>Would I do this race again?</b> Yes, it was a great value and I had a good timeKellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-14733417139211665932019-03-24T09:16:00.000-05:002019-03-24T09:16:05.979-05:00My 8-Week Transformation Challenge Results<b>6-word summary</b>: Got superhero fit, lost 15 pounds.<br />
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In case you don't <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellyculinarian/">follow me on Instagram</a>, eight weeks ago I embarked on OrangeTheory La Grange's <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/%23transformationchallenge">Transformation Challenge</a>. The rules are simple; weigh in at the beginning, middle and end; go to <a href="https://la-grange.orangetheoryfitness.com/">OTF</a> three times a week and lose the most percentage of your body weight possible. Here are my gym's before and afters. What's interesting to me is this is the same exact outfit, but these capris sure fit me differently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-RJc7EiDCSzsyt_yhMw5g0rctlKIp1W88XLjrXftZ4wQh59e0wy-51R-2dKFkhyphenhyphenpp6rmpDhHA9tkbqaJn3OMqJjM0kPyWOdFHcpEYOHP_NNK1NQ8GuGtm21mqy0f8EysbjQ8nMWwl_Q/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-RJc7EiDCSzsyt_yhMw5g0rctlKIp1W88XLjrXftZ4wQh59e0wy-51R-2dKFkhyphenhyphenpp6rmpDhHA9tkbqaJn3OMqJjM0kPyWOdFHcpEYOHP_NNK1NQ8GuGtm21mqy0f8EysbjQ8nMWwl_Q/s640/IMG_2470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been going to OTF for a year now, but it's only in the last two months that I've seen major results. The key? All the boring diet clinches about abs being made in the kitchen and not the gym. Proof:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xiPiHcNeNsgYrfgDl8HzcvotLCmTX5AaM-QGD4vky3HKScm5mvxir1_6AsN01T7kzzGJ6EmiDVQsiWPJ19RuEQGvE8mbjfIFjRIb2l6YQAGWfpzeArIzQIBkAu_I2vkrcrlLqf2Jodw/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xiPiHcNeNsgYrfgDl8HzcvotLCmTX5AaM-QGD4vky3HKScm5mvxir1_6AsN01T7kzzGJ6EmiDVQsiWPJ19RuEQGvE8mbjfIFjRIb2l6YQAGWfpzeArIzQIBkAu_I2vkrcrlLqf2Jodw/s640/IMG_2383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've neverrrrr had abs in my life but now they're there. In all, I lost 11.6 percent of my body weight. An inBody scan revealed that I lost 10 percentage points of fat and gained one pound of muscle to end the challenge with 16 percent body fat.<br />
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I started out this challenge fit, and feel like I got shrink wrapped in eight weeks. But it was a hell of a journey to get here. I stopped drinking, tracked my food and got at least 10k steps per day. My diet focused on protein and creating a calorie deficit. When I wasn't working out, I was meal prepping.<br />
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What's interesting about the food is that we spent the same amount on groceries (and next to nothing on meals out) but we bought much different things. We ate far more fish and revisited foods we thought we hated. I baked with more protein powder and we learned that we do not, in fact, hate quinoa or kale (tilapia is still on the no-no list despite our best good-faith efforts). Two days of average meals:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvi8dhVJPBpAjPotJPHB5SZdChhMbn6vglnDhgsnH9pd25_opuhL_fENA4HSH1_0J4N0UezRdl2LeDMjo0J-oW_Kkx3-rO13IgVWHNC2dQp_IDQVqgkFswfM_tO4mNKCr5ZOyRokltRg/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvi8dhVJPBpAjPotJPHB5SZdChhMbn6vglnDhgsnH9pd25_opuhL_fENA4HSH1_0J4N0UezRdl2LeDMjo0J-oW_Kkx3-rO13IgVWHNC2dQp_IDQVqgkFswfM_tO4mNKCr5ZOyRokltRg/s640/IMG_2473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chicken lentil quinoa bowl, kodiak cake with peanut butter and banana, apple and tuna packet, grilled chicken with kale salad, avocado salsa and steamed sweet potato, protein cake with peanut butter and one salted chocolate graham cracker.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRld_PVPBZGLLYbHxZNAEUSjo8ghyphenhyphenZCwDnwQF_e070pDdWoHfukoY0C0NAGhdO6qrVfTXcKHQIXoITIIrIipMhg_1OufIZGgmejQDgB3Yn1n8kV-tMr1g-Rs3HWq5nNtjruCzpDRUnSc/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRld_PVPBZGLLYbHxZNAEUSjo8ghyphenhyphenZCwDnwQF_e070pDdWoHfukoY0C0NAGhdO6qrVfTXcKHQIXoITIIrIipMhg_1OufIZGgmejQDgB3Yn1n8kV-tMr1g-Rs3HWq5nNtjruCzpDRUnSc/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRld_PVPBZGLLYbHxZNAEUSjo8ghyphenhyphenZCwDnwQF_e070pDdWoHfukoY0C0NAGhdO6qrVfTXcKHQIXoITIIrIipMhg_1OufIZGgmejQDgB3Yn1n8kV-tMr1g-Rs3HWq5nNtjruCzpDRUnSc/s640/IMG_2472.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Mega salad with rotisserie chicken and quinoa, apple with egg whites and a kodiak cake with peanut butter and bananas, blackened salmon with sweet potato and broiled brussel sprouts, protein cake with protein ice cream.<br />
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I had dessert nearly every day, but it was a protein-based concoction of either a shake or cake or bar so that I ended the day full and satisfied.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdCL6ij6PvRABrgGry1PdE4QV1VsS_FHwsnqNQMrYfNZDysU-j3XfuXBxRLSjG_MLz0CELh3GX6Wm8PU5DeRqcNu3unUDiNOYj4WN_RXHnt7H26vUVIU45LKDj60qDHAJIUwvBAb0eX4/s1600/IMG_2373.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdCL6ij6PvRABrgGry1PdE4QV1VsS_FHwsnqNQMrYfNZDysU-j3XfuXBxRLSjG_MLz0CELh3GX6Wm8PU5DeRqcNu3unUDiNOYj4WN_RXHnt7H26vUVIU45LKDj60qDHAJIUwvBAb0eX4/s320/IMG_2373.HEIC" width="320" /></a>In some ways, the workouts were the easy parts. I went to OTF six times a week and everything was figured out for me. I lifted heavy and committed to pushing myself for at least the first 10 minutes of every workout, even when I was tired and sore and unmotivated. On most days, after the first 10 minutes I felt good enough to keep pushing. I believe I went to OTF 37 times during the challenge, and there might have been one class in the entire spread in which I didn't get the prescribed 12-point goal.<br />
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As tough as this was, it was helpful to think of it as an experiment. What would happen to my body if I did all the things "fitness people" say you should do for a solid two months? I can't say if it's the hydration, the lack of booze or the abundance of lean/clean food, but I almost wished the diet didn't make a huge difference in how I looked and felt because I missed the foods that were so familiar to me. The fact is, I haven't had a break out since I started this. The acne on my back has cleared up and my skin is no longer greasy. Pushups in perfect form feel easy. My wedding rings are loose. My skinny clothes are back in my closet after a five-year hiatus.<br />
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More than anything, I learned that I'm eight weeks away from being ripped at any point. I know exactly what I need to do to get to fit and that I can stick to a set of rules to fit my goal. I see that I can be fit for me as opposed to it just being another thing to do because that's what's expected of me.<br />
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So what's next? Well, I spent a day enjoying all the foods I missed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOT2quatl5mJBmo2DFtCLQbxHTvK9tFRpgEDXkRps7juZk8CpzDW6T3Rldum3_Pkjqh6v7e-3iqVyQNcBo1gRXT5OEo3zVYL8SsfClSzMqzoKCE7OHlPU0UsNkWifDnVexDk383DdlmI/s1600/IMG_2418.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOT2quatl5mJBmo2DFtCLQbxHTvK9tFRpgEDXkRps7juZk8CpzDW6T3Rldum3_Pkjqh6v7e-3iqVyQNcBo1gRXT5OEo3zVYL8SsfClSzMqzoKCE7OHlPU0UsNkWifDnVexDk383DdlmI/s320/IMG_2418.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqUkfY4DTioYBIUYwrEUwjw9i-xOKWmw7-giOglbWhE-hRgOH4e_TYcV4jxeQze7yib1DlnXCvczKAhNQbw6c2-xkBx5606jPMpo0xTtICnAIIjyHWx0VhbiXNuogJwYKiPoBhv71_F4/s1600/IMG_2399.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqUkfY4DTioYBIUYwrEUwjw9i-xOKWmw7-giOglbWhE-hRgOH4e_TYcV4jxeQze7yib1DlnXCvczKAhNQbw6c2-xkBx5606jPMpo0xTtICnAIIjyHWx0VhbiXNuogJwYKiPoBhv71_F4/s320/IMG_2399.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
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No regrets at all. But after that I got back on track. I also learned that a cheat meal may be more effective for me than a cheat day. I've reduced my calorie deficit and plan to continue to focus on protein. I don't need to lose any more weight. What I'd like to do is see if I can put on more muscle. To do this, I'm changing my strategy at OTF to start on the floor instead of the treadmill. I also think an eight-week cut is too long for me. I'd like to experiment with doing a four-week cut and a one-week refeed to see what happens to my body at that point.<br />
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<b><i>Help me write my next post - comment with any questions you have about the transformation challenge, OrangeTheory or what's next so I can write about it!</i></b></div>
KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-34272498194160009622019-02-20T13:32:00.002-05:002019-02-20T13:32:36.579-05:00Cooking with Kelly: Healthy Spinach Feta Chicken Burger Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0_A9bSbX_rQkIKw2hoff183ULqldOfxsXhYCLNPeNVL5I6l-5aZ-NWvqb6MqvLB-epJreHGqe6X5Z3CJRAmLoGhVz-XEbbsOYgtEEOtMvDrXz1GdJwMwz5Zqk_hOz1eCHzsYvFBshkQ/s1600/IMG_1909.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0_A9bSbX_rQkIKw2hoff183ULqldOfxsXhYCLNPeNVL5I6l-5aZ-NWvqb6MqvLB-epJreHGqe6X5Z3CJRAmLoGhVz-XEbbsOYgtEEOtMvDrXz1GdJwMwz5Zqk_hOz1eCHzsYvFBshkQ/s400/IMG_1909.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
I nearly cried in the grocery store this weekend.<br />
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You see, I decided many days ago I wanted to spend quite a few calories on a chicken burger from the meat counter on a super plush pretzel bun with all the fixings. I've been working hard and I needed a meal to look forward to. I headed to the store early, and wouldn't you know, they didn't have the burgers. They told me they might have them later.<br />
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Frustrated and hungry, because I'm always hungry, I bought the raw ingredients for my favorite burger and set out to make it my own damn self.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fp462WEUtVe5srHqGw5wr5cs_D2XUsUBoatKXTGHxFPFvg_2GcY7W_AcvEGdQthZUKr5l-rx5gDffMHRk6lPo9duiWnRahItXdQwkc-MRthhwJ90dlrChC5tg4aYqvwVY6ZFtK0bTgk/s1600/IMG_1907.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fp462WEUtVe5srHqGw5wr5cs_D2XUsUBoatKXTGHxFPFvg_2GcY7W_AcvEGdQthZUKr5l-rx5gDffMHRk6lPo9duiWnRahItXdQwkc-MRthhwJ90dlrChC5tg4aYqvwVY6ZFtK0bTgk/s200/IMG_1907.HEIC" width="150" /></a>The key to these burgers, in my opinion, is getting them toasted enough on the outside to properly cook the chicken while not burning it to oblivion. I got this by using a grill pan inside initially heated to medium-high heat, then reduced to medium after searing. I also covered it with a lid in the last few minutes to capture the steam, but preserve the outer crunch.<br />
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My second pro tip is to ensure the spinach is super dry. Otherwise, the moisture will cause your burgers to fall apart while cooking. I thawed the spinach and let it drain, then rung it out with a dish towel.<br />
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<b>Healthy Spinach Feta Chicken Burger Recipe</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0RFLOUueLEsIP2AKLJqmME-utOoV9k-ThtX5X_dGRTP4KKLuda-XujiyLoOHdH_LeQag_8MQDkaE8yffN4lcmsyyukKlbFute_sidB3vK-WxagRpSrE8-NX7baPofb62qjNJV-Bu2QA/s1600/IMG_1904.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0RFLOUueLEsIP2AKLJqmME-utOoV9k-ThtX5X_dGRTP4KKLuda-XujiyLoOHdH_LeQag_8MQDkaE8yffN4lcmsyyukKlbFute_sidB3vK-WxagRpSrE8-NX7baPofb62qjNJV-Bu2QA/s320/IMG_1904.HEIC" width="240" /></a></b></div>
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1 pound ground lean chicken<br />
1 beaten egg<br />
9ish ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly dried<br />
1 small package of reduced fat feta (this worked out to about 2/3 cups)<br />
1 tablespoon seasoned flour or breadcrumbs (I used panko)<br />
1 teaspoon onion powder<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Combine the chicken and egg, then crumble the cheese and spinach over the meat. Season with spices and stir until incorporated. Take care not to over stir the mixture or it will get tough.<br />
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Divide into four patties. I like to dent the middle of the patties with my thumb so the burgers don't get domed when grilling.<br />
Chill for an hour to allow the burgers to set. Heat a grill pan to medium high and sear the burgers for five minutes on each side. Cover with a lid and continue to cook until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees. Remove from the grill and cover with foil to rest for 10 minutes.<br />
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Serve on pretzel buns with lettuce, tomato, condiments and whatever your heart desires. I highly recommend avocado on these burgers. We had this with blistered green beans and turnip "fries." Worth every calorie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH5EVgyMCb4jxntxra-AgKJeV_rI0gi7WhiSMyWsslslSYgLtk6KZR3bKK5sJNwJmIVt6850R3qWO1cp84BX_y1WC6ZqEoF9kWclD5S6PVaBd9R9oPpNDrz54HrJAjAR5FsVk53GeTTE/s1600/IMG_1916.HEIC" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH5EVgyMCb4jxntxra-AgKJeV_rI0gi7WhiSMyWsslslSYgLtk6KZR3bKK5sJNwJmIVt6850R3qWO1cp84BX_y1WC6ZqEoF9kWclD5S6PVaBd9R9oPpNDrz54HrJAjAR5FsVk53GeTTE/s320/IMG_1916.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-73908752591023033962019-02-12T14:59:00.002-05:002019-02-12T14:59:50.427-05:002019 First Look for Charity at the Chicago Auto Show<div style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EqW_GwAfpKlyHtpHNXsYQPpnCymx2Y9m2k7X6y3tQzYMHRkqkGPDySL8_r1CvilITrUnqMg4WZ2q_RNFoZtfcHOUmy9Y5ymvVHydbo2hj8bDp4c7Vt5PAJDGw5XECys1MK71RvccMgc/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EqW_GwAfpKlyHtpHNXsYQPpnCymx2Y9m2k7X6y3tQzYMHRkqkGPDySL8_r1CvilITrUnqMg4WZ2q_RNFoZtfcHOUmy9Y5ymvVHydbo2hj8bDp4c7Vt5PAJDGw5XECys1MK71RvccMgc/s400/IMG_1816.JPG" width="400" /></a>This event makes me so happy! <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/event-info/">#FLFC19</a> is hands down my favorite event of the year (See <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2018/02/2018-first-look-for-charity-chicago.html">2018</a>, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2017/02/first-look-for-charity-2017.html">2017</a>, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/02/first-look-for-charity-2016-at-chicago.html">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2015/02/flfc15-fast-cars-and-fancyish-gowns.html">2015</a>). It's the best way to see the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/">Chicago Auto Show</a> while giving back to worthy causes. It supports <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/benefiting-charities/">a bevy of local charities</a> that support the Chicagoland area in a variety of ways. And for weeks leading up to the big night, I was pumped to see the cars, drink the drinks and eat everything in sight.<br />
This year's event did not disappoint! In fact, I feel like it was less crowded this year and had some interesting offerings, both in the cars and the food.<br />
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But first thing's first, for those who asked my dress was another Ross special and the shoes I've had forever but were originally from DSW. And yes, my mother picked out the dress, just like most of my wardrobe (you're never too old to be mothered).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9HZUzuuQnoSaBkqlrKbxiFwzJjfoG7uCjdK0eRrdirv1DUIFWmWCwjrnd8QGC2iCpcD8WR-Z-TDLCCbMl1hoPRWhG9O8m8S2ukrAs9zNcsBisVz-59y-KjFBYUXTCChF11rWn3hAl4c/s1600/IMG_1772.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9HZUzuuQnoSaBkqlrKbxiFwzJjfoG7uCjdK0eRrdirv1DUIFWmWCwjrnd8QGC2iCpcD8WR-Z-TDLCCbMl1hoPRWhG9O8m8S2ukrAs9zNcsBisVz-59y-KjFBYUXTCChF11rWn3hAl4c/s200/IMG_1772.HEIC" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">First clink!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxPb0-Ja3XsMcDJsx9ZcSaiRDtRIZLNM5f3C9o-CFqI0-h5xWJgaM9cgOpnX956YaIBJqITRAynZ6XEPcVqCSqucvNwAgGH-K0gJyAHzDuup-cOZxgBDvoA06sGiJljZutYZV7Rkbu24/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxPb0-Ja3XsMcDJsx9ZcSaiRDtRIZLNM5f3C9o-CFqI0-h5xWJgaM9cgOpnX956YaIBJqITRAynZ6XEPcVqCSqucvNwAgGH-K0gJyAHzDuup-cOZxgBDvoA06sGiJljZutYZV7Rkbu24/s200/IMG_1817.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />We decided against getting a hotel this year because of last year's shenanigans and instead took Lyft back and forth and got to <a href="http://www.mccormickplace.com/">McCormick Place</a> with time to spare. This year, they were passing out champagne in custom glasses while you waited for the show to open, which is always an upgrade in my book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxCSj0g6G5UKr5UBuGztvlSOwiSuB2f_QPMg664TKNcQMKDVv3EDUrN_2x_WwD5u7eNgnPMIXgeKSDT5KkF13rq8YxeDJRWyUItKNZV7Krcx60qQDIXfj1aCD1OIplzdHuh4YIITBdQ/s1600/IMG_1779.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxCSj0g6G5UKr5UBuGztvlSOwiSuB2f_QPMg664TKNcQMKDVv3EDUrN_2x_WwD5u7eNgnPMIXgeKSDT5KkF13rq8YxeDJRWyUItKNZV7Krcx60qQDIXfj1aCD1OIplzdHuh4YIITBdQ/s320/IMG_1779.HEIC" width="240" /></a>When the doors were opened, we made a beeline to the <a href="https://www.gooseisland.com/age-gate">Goose Islan</a>d area, which this year included an entire CTA subway car with taps. And this year's taps were something to behold - there was a keg of <a href="https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1146/10672/">Bourbon County Brand Stout</a> that never kicked, despite me circling back for more several times. It was basically magical. It's the first time they've had it on tap in the five years I've been going to this event and it was such an awesome surprise. They also had an exclusive saison I hadn't hear of.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1VtLr2kP_FXptkbb-RmojPQIDqBe98_M5g2En5qIgJg-t83wCVIak_7HHB5hx4E2U6W3cDRF4ptu4uSfOFyRdC47jvW0KYGZVYKnvYIPcel8SKahhTco9lf0CrWxzsvUACSvOuwVnNE/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1VtLr2kP_FXptkbb-RmojPQIDqBe98_M5g2En5qIgJg-t83wCVIak_7HHB5hx4E2U6W3cDRF4ptu4uSfOFyRdC47jvW0KYGZVYKnvYIPcel8SKahhTco9lf0CrWxzsvUACSvOuwVnNE/s320/IMG_1826.JPG" width="240" /></a>After selecting our drinks, we had a far more leisurely stroll around the show floor, admiring cars and making friends. Four-legged friends that I really wanted to take home (thanks Volvo and Subaru!) but alas, we are a one-dog household.<br />
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I also seriously considered this vanlife movement when I saw some of the newer vans. Social media is a great field for remote work, after all.<br />
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But let's talk food. Delicious, glorious food. I had a ton and regret nothing. This was only my second cheat meal since the beginning of the t<a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2019/01/welcome-to-my-otf-transformationchallen.html">ransformation challenge</a> and I did it up right. The best thing I ate all night was this Captain Jack's Buried Treasure dessert from <a href="https://millersalehouse.com/menu/">Miller's Ale House</a>. I looked it up on their website and it's described as, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-regular, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.025em;">Triple layered vanilla ice cream cake, Oreo</span><span class="reg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-regular, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0.025em; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.8rem; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-regular, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.025em;">cookie crust, Heath Bar</span><span class="reg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-regular, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0.025em; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.8rem; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-regular, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.025em;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-regular, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.025em;">crunch crumble, caramel and hot fudge sauce."</span><br />
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Well worth the calories, in my opinion, dethroning Andy's as my favorite auto show treat. But another treat I really enjoy is looking at the supercar gallery up close and personal. It's always fun to ogle cars that are worth many times more than my home.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21YBJyiaUkHiPaE8STagNzKQeTJyexIEkDs7fjO5PvGDrl2ozX3gQiMi6LmQMmls9tGmA7x9QGB9Yo-gC5e1EHbZN-N8p_t2XD67YvXgsOU72lnNgvbcrS9oxgK5_g1rMHrjihiNEmqY/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21YBJyiaUkHiPaE8STagNzKQeTJyexIEkDs7fjO5PvGDrl2ozX3gQiMi6LmQMmls9tGmA7x9QGB9Yo-gC5e1EHbZN-N8p_t2XD67YvXgsOU72lnNgvbcrS9oxgK5_g1rMHrjihiNEmqY/s320/IMG_1792.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtk79BAhPtoqHks530dj1ZZOaFG1jN8sWrs_TIU6LnNW0Wqr8r3rENORupoNiG64fVEigqODefMEaPnnG_dQ6WRzL5XcL66D1jpcHOqO8iV90U8ElMqZkKDSVmM71gIVQTlmTZ2ibJDs/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtk79BAhPtoqHks530dj1ZZOaFG1jN8sWrs_TIU6LnNW0Wqr8r3rENORupoNiG64fVEigqODefMEaPnnG_dQ6WRzL5XcL66D1jpcHOqO8iV90U8ElMqZkKDSVmM71gIVQTlmTZ2ibJDs/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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We stayed until the very end and soaked up all the show has to offer. Believe me that I got my Cadillac slippers and even built a lego truck in honor of the new movie before taking a car home and sleeping heartily with all the delightful food we consumed helping me along the way.<br />
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<b><i>A huge thank you to the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/default.html">Chicago Auto Show</a> for inviting me to the fabulous event year after year!</i></b></div>
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<span class="dish-calorie-count" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #2c3e50; font-family: titillium-web-bold-italic, sans-serif; font-size: 1.4rem; line-height: 1.6rem; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-43429593684881282322019-02-05T19:24:00.002-05:002019-02-05T19:24:53.414-05:00#TransformationChallenge Two-Week Check In<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5pso1-ObU-VQtN2VlI57ZH5rK9-hmgwaD0Q6HJQKRycfQruV8S-uYS3NdeLiXZ1_TIuCE7RJEAlT3x1PFzeCg333atxIlgGExXu5rPVOq8XBToHZiaVv7kJfir4VwN7atH-BlPifIf8/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5pso1-ObU-VQtN2VlI57ZH5rK9-hmgwaD0Q6HJQKRycfQruV8S-uYS3NdeLiXZ1_TIuCE7RJEAlT3x1PFzeCg333atxIlgGExXu5rPVOq8XBToHZiaVv7kJfir4VwN7atH-BlPifIf8/s320/IMG_1725.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a bonkers partner workout</td></tr>
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Short version: I'm down 4.5 pounds in exactly two weeks of working out at <a href="https://la-grange.orangetheoryfitness.com/">Orange Theory La Grange</a>.<br />
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Long version: This. Is. Hard. Unlike the last time I lost weight using <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/weight%20watchers">Weight Watchers</a> and running an absurd amount, I'm not hungry all the time and I don't find myself accidentally eating <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/peanut%20butter">peanut butter</a> right from the jar. Instead, I'm more concerned I'm not eating enough. I've been using <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/user/6MCPWP">FitBit </a>to track my food and aim to get as much protein as possible with the calories I'm allotted. I think the reason that I'm not ravenous is that my legs aren't hungry. The longest I run at OTF is maybe 4.5 miles, so I don't have time to ramp up to that "feed me now and no one gets hurt" level. I'mn fasting until lunchtime most days, filling up on tons of vegetables and finishing most days with a protein shake to try and head to bed with enough protein to build muscles overnight. I'm also taking BCAAs after workouts and melatonin before bed for the same reasons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqkONHd4d6kOBfLuXyi1gCF_5G7UqclzOtpNR-1Pn1Xpe29rmcl-_5olSOmIv8mq0c5bnCeBs9D84lzqkiBczhM3EGyrU0-6EbiJXyHouIiEZCV8bm4kMPSvSkcEm9PXTB-TH-tvg2mA/s1600/IMG_1740.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqkONHd4d6kOBfLuXyi1gCF_5G7UqclzOtpNR-1Pn1Xpe29rmcl-_5olSOmIv8mq0c5bnCeBs9D84lzqkiBczhM3EGyrU0-6EbiJXyHouIiEZCV8bm4kMPSvSkcEm9PXTB-TH-tvg2mA/s400/IMG_1740.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aforementioned ahi tuna, brown rice quinoa<br />and blistered asparagus</td></tr>
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What I've found delightful is that although we're spending quite a bit more on groceries, I'm enjoying trying new recipes and they've mostly turned out better than I expected. Tonight I made seared ahi tuna steaks with a balsamic reduction (best to <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/user/6MCPWP">follow me on Instagram</a> to get the insights) and yesterday, I made chicken stuffed peppers. Next week, I'm planning to try a lentil quinoa bowl knock off based on a really satisfying lunch I had at Panera this week.<br />
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I'm also trying to not get obsessed with the scale and man is it tough. I bought <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1UX8RW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">a body fat scale</a> that sends all the data to FitBit via an iPhone app. If it's to be believed, I reduced my body fat from 26.7 percent to 19.1 percent. Seems unlikely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQznkmEzenCjN203Hwlrfd95j1PJiKhJjs0HGSc2zbrdlNbboUaKHjlK7jq-s-UP5ADu2AFLCwUymZcklZZjuCL-HMV-3rgrKfaoTZPFrCfJ3bxO1tVgJtPyCBzLsoqwSrae-szADzr4I/s1600/IMG_1706.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQznkmEzenCjN203Hwlrfd95j1PJiKhJjs0HGSc2zbrdlNbboUaKHjlK7jq-s-UP5ADu2AFLCwUymZcklZZjuCL-HMV-3rgrKfaoTZPFrCfJ3bxO1tVgJtPyCBzLsoqwSrae-szADzr4I/s320/IMG_1706.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make no mistake, I know how I got here</td></tr>
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On the OTF front, I've been making it to class almost every day, save for some weather-related nonsense. I'm pretty diehard but I don't think I have it in me to leave the house when it's the coldest it's been in a generation. I am feeling less sore than I anticipated. I think it's because I'm constantly moving, and focusing on getting in at least 10,000 steps ahead and taking the BCAAs. I caught myself in the mirror the other day and my arms are already looking more defined. And maybe one day I'll be bold enough to post my two-week abs progress.<br />
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I have a planned cheat meal/outing on Friday with the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/event-info/">First Look for Charity gala</a> right around the corner. I'm looking forward to eating all sorts of local treats without guilt because I've been on plan and on point.<br />
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So my question is, how does one determine exactly how many calories and grams of protein you need to build muscle and lose fat? Evidently, this is a very hotly contested topic on the Internet.<br />
<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-3813355373061479022019-01-31T15:57:00.000-05:002019-01-31T15:57:04.921-05:00Three Things Thursday1. I've been working from home for a week now because of the weather. It's been colder than our generation has ever experienced, so I've stayed inside and become a crazy dog lady who picks up her dog to take him outside.<br />
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2. I've learned one week into the Transformation Challenge that the difference between being under and over calories is razor thin when you're 5'3". Brent regularly has more calories left at the end of the day than I consumed all day. I'm operating at a deficit, naturally, because I'm trying to lose weight. In the past week, I've created enough of a deficit that I could have had two T<a href="https://www.tacobell.com/food/burritos/burrito-supreme">aco Bell Burrito Supremes</a>. A day. Every day. On top of everything else I ate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKPHrK8VMy_m1lyZpD03ze8a3lRj5UuywiGbWlg-3xsQG5pjLGxiLZiE3D7GmltiMLdMxZ-s6AQAoezAghUtFC6eaMLGFn4FTPdfqjE40JTrSHH7pY2k0AIYNFQY1DQazZffTx05u8QM/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKPHrK8VMy_m1lyZpD03ze8a3lRj5UuywiGbWlg-3xsQG5pjLGxiLZiE3D7GmltiMLdMxZ-s6AQAoezAghUtFC6eaMLGFn4FTPdfqjE40JTrSHH7pY2k0AIYNFQY1DQazZffTx05u8QM/s320/IMG_1679.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing: 2 Burrito Supremes</td></tr>
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<br />3. I've reached peak suburbanite in the past week by taking the wrong, identical coat home from <a href="https://la-grange.orangetheoryfitness.com/">Orange Theory</a>. It's that time of year where every woman in this area of a certain age wears a 3/4 length black North Face puffy jacket. I got home and only several hours later when I went to walk Napoleon did I realize the jacket I was wearing was too big, and the stitching was white instead of black. I had to call the studio and go back and exchange it with the (equally bewildered) woman who took my jacket. Long story short, I now have to label my winter gear like I do for the kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TFnnRVeENY6vOhquEw4mcV1t5rQkQiJhkhhyDSz4ToY3M-LEzwjfHwmKqFUtGB352UNk8XSpMbvpmkmqtoFTZvFOZ4kiunPokOOTz0rrX2OM7SWF6aSIHX3Z0uHH5cbhKWiDs622oIQ/s1600/IMG_1681.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TFnnRVeENY6vOhquEw4mcV1t5rQkQiJhkhhyDSz4ToY3M-LEzwjfHwmKqFUtGB352UNk8XSpMbvpmkmqtoFTZvFOZ4kiunPokOOTz0rrX2OM7SWF6aSIHX3Z0uHH5cbhKWiDs622oIQ/s320/IMG_1681.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why hello, I'm definitely an adult, why do you ask?</td></tr>
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KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-70650515206174911042019-01-28T12:05:00.000-05:002019-01-28T12:08:20.599-05:00Chicago Auto Show First Look For Charity 2019<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt8YRw9wfzjsIW_IyiCP0dxOHQLX9BPb6Eq1KfKs6lypq7UO6X-Kn_JAB-6S0QtbIOwle6HY2p_KmoGJ0fahr2mjEORjFDFkUYoxXPb0ZSn-atlkQqgQfb9Z-G_Kd91mjOMf0wQXmDzI/s1600/IMG_7814-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1347" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt8YRw9wfzjsIW_IyiCP0dxOHQLX9BPb6Eq1KfKs6lypq7UO6X-Kn_JAB-6S0QtbIOwle6HY2p_KmoGJ0fahr2mjEORjFDFkUYoxXPb0ZSn-atlkQqgQfb9Z-G_Kd91mjOMf0wQXmDzI/s320/IMG_7814-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Look for Charity looks through the years</td></tr>
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I can't believe this is going to be my fifth year working with the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/default.html">Chicago Auto Show</a>! Smashmouth was right, the years start coming and they don't stop coming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSJcOJSuXjiVNtAEhn-JBgg7y_fXwfmGl-ktr5fq_nX5p1jF9f4XNcaze-mf8TzHwchqdy2aB5xk7LAhwY9QnljwDQIhTapvw9aanHDdLQ_dB7-m99N6w1ypInE_zv8cZOT8J4PhYJqQ/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSJcOJSuXjiVNtAEhn-JBgg7y_fXwfmGl-ktr5fq_nX5p1jF9f4XNcaze-mf8TzHwchqdy2aB5xk7LAhwY9QnljwDQIhTapvw9aanHDdLQ_dB7-m99N6w1ypInE_zv8cZOT8J4PhYJqQ/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little something for everyone</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3ZYajQtbi4nOy5qOwFQiZc_-O7-RgGhV4tMPDnb58CcT1Tv_sv9OAhA71_-WMq2UgeHbcsLgMpMVlV1rlII1sRriZEbGCfolvo_9O5HkdOs3ijcC6YpfufL77ro8WlAOmkkEX50fCvg/s1600/IMG_1453.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3ZYajQtbi4nOy5qOwFQiZc_-O7-RgGhV4tMPDnb58CcT1Tv_sv9OAhA71_-WMq2UgeHbcsLgMpMVlV1rlII1sRriZEbGCfolvo_9O5HkdOs3ijcC6YpfufL77ro8WlAOmkkEX50fCvg/s200/IMG_1453.HEIC" width="150" /></a>Anyhow, another year, another dress and another memorable night is right around the corner. The<a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/"> First Look for Charity</a> is Feb. 8 and gives attendees a unique look at all the auto show has to offer while enjoying local treats to benefit local charities. In the past 27 years, the event has raised more than $50 million for more than 20 charities in our backyard. For <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/benefiting-charities/">some of these organizations</a>, #FLFC19 is the only fundraiser they have to keep providing services to people in need in Chicago.<br />
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The premise is pretty awesome: get dressed up in your favorite black tie apparel, walk around and look at amazing cars with diminished crowds, eat incredible food in insane quantities, enjoy local beverages and hand-crafted cocktails, raise money for nonprofits that need it. There's also live music and a <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/car-giveaway/">raffle for two brand-new cars</a> (I'm not eligible but don't cry for me, I'll be just fine).<br />
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Earlier this month, I stopped by Acura McGrath, which is one of the sponsoring dealerships, for a preview of this year's food. I'm really excited because the food was much different from years past - think tiny tacos, custom-printed macaroons and expertly assembled old fashioneds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iqjlFqAPYLx2FOE-7DIRlKR99XnkW40tujnGZgEso2ymtvvG9rFhhee8qRBkqALImJSqcap_CJv_TxdAFnwWlYKwGPNNxd1OBBETiT4FiHjgoy9BSkz5KmpnKI_J1ogINdIFAsx461g/s1600/IMG_1462.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iqjlFqAPYLx2FOE-7DIRlKR99XnkW40tujnGZgEso2ymtvvG9rFhhee8qRBkqALImJSqcap_CJv_TxdAFnwWlYKwGPNNxd1OBBETiT4FiHjgoy9BSkz5KmpnKI_J1ogINdIFAsx461g/s320/IMG_1462.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIgeHDzTEBIle3X_ZVOs1_GjpQEXtrwMecu27_HDRQQ3mKR-eNdy9Ruj0Os79kuOTbSeVEV_x_j2fadVTCnY51puqlrhpU_Ed4aau5ycVpwDz3FSGeZH4QYVmvZ3IRH9uwP1FhrrpuYo/s1600/IMG_1465.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIgeHDzTEBIle3X_ZVOs1_GjpQEXtrwMecu27_HDRQQ3mKR-eNdy9Ruj0Os79kuOTbSeVEV_x_j2fadVTCnY51puqlrhpU_Ed4aau5ycVpwDz3FSGeZH4QYVmvZ3IRH9uwP1FhrrpuYo/s320/IMG_1465.HEIC" width="240" /></a><br />
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So if you don't have plans or are looking for a great gift for Valentine's Day, consider <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/buy-tickets/">buying #FLFC19 tickets</a> and making the trek to the McCormick Center on Feb. 8. It's a memorable evening that has something for everyone and is for a great cause. See you there?KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-39914272712244687292019-01-24T11:52:00.004-05:002019-01-24T11:52:48.402-05:00Welcome to my OTF #TransformationChallenge<i>Hi mom, I hope you like this.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Ironman me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current me, at the #FLFC19 Preview</td></tr>
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My fitness routine has changed significantly since <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2017/09/race-recap-2017-ironman-wisconsin.html">my last Ironman</a>. And if I'm being honest, I floundered for a while. I trained for and finished Circular Logic verrrry slowly in 2018 and then chilled for a few weeks, trying to decide what to do next. After my experience with <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2018/01/fitness-finds-spenga.html">Spenga</a>, I wondered what other fitness trends might be out there that would appeal to me. And after years of steady-state cardio, I was ready to do something that made me look better in a bikini instead of a tri suit.<br />
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Enter <a href="https://la-grange.orangetheoryfitness.com/">Orange Theory La Grange</a>.<br />
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Last April, I signed up for an intro class and got my ass handed to me. I'm a three-time Ironman finisher and I was unattractively sweating from the word "go" and got worked over in an hour. I signed a six-month contract on the spot and reasoned that the more I went, the cheaper it would be. The six-month membership was still cheaper than an Ironman entry fee and I knew my body couldn't do a third year in a row of Ironman training.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1 of the #TransformationChallenge</td></tr>
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What's kept me coming back is that in an hour, I'm done. There are tons of classes daily and they include weight lifting and cardio. The quest to get 12 minutes in the orange and red (z4/5) of your heart rate is a powerful enough incentive for me to keep pushing through the tough parts. Also, because it's constantly varied, I'm not usually that sore or worn down.<br />
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Now what's keeping me going is the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/orangetheory/comments/7pi8vk/official_info_from_otf_on_transformation_challenge/">Transformation Challenge</a>. OTF La Grange invited me to participate and cover my fees in exchange for my honest opinions about the experience. It's an eight-week program in which participants have to make it to three workouts per week during six out of the eight weeks. There's a pre-, mid- and post-program weight in and the person who loses the greatest percentage of weight wins a cash prize. Mostly, it's about camaraderie and mutual suffering. OTF La Grange split us into two teams with at studio assistant monitoring us weekly with small challenges along the way. We started Monday, and the first challenge was to track our food.<br />
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My body has definitely changed since I started in the spring, but my diet has just gotten worse. I like <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/beer">beer</a> and <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search?q=tacos">tacos</a> and c<a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/chocolate">hocolate</a>. I travel a ton for work now and my meals aren't always up to me (and if I fly 7,000 miles to a place I'm going to eat the local delicacies). So for the duration of this challenge, I'm tracking my food via <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/user/6MCPWP">FitBit</a> and focusing on quality protein and lots of vegetables. I weighed in at 141 and my goal is to drop 10 pounds. This would put me close to my pre-Ironman weight and would go a long way in helping me fit into my dress for the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/">Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity</a>.<br />
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Basically, I want to see what would happen to my body if I could couple a less crap-tastic diet with solid physical activity in my peak fitness zone.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellyculinarian/">Follow me on Instagram</a>, where I'll be chronicling my workouts and meals, and check back to how far I can get on my journey to be the best me.KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-20425794784770112402018-04-05T10:31:00.000-05:002018-04-05T10:31:04.260-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. I've picked up some new accolades! Two weeks ago, I traveled to DC for the day to accept awards at <a href="http://www.prnewsonline.com/go/2018-csr-nonprofit-awards-luncheon/#nonprofit-awards-winners">PR News' Nonprofit Awards</a>. I got an award for Best Marketing Campaign for a fundraiser I worked on, and I astonishingly was awarded Nonprofit Communicator of the Year. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself, as well as honored for the opportunities that lead me to this.</div>
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2. We finally saw the <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/62220/what-do-they-use-dye-chicago-river-green-st-patricks-day">Chicago River for St. Patricks's Day</a>! This picture is not altered at all; it really is that green. We spent the weekend with friends downtown, going out to eat and enjoying a concert. It was pretty pleasant, weather wise, and we wandered around <a href="https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html">Millenium Park</a> and saw <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Gate">The Bean</a> as well.<br />
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3. We don't really celebrate Easter, as we're not religious, and typically commemorate our own flavor of celebration that we call prEaster (clever, right?). We did that the weekend before Easter, and then had the chance to go to an underwater Easter egg hunt later in the week. It was the cutest thing ever! It was $8 a kid and included all the eggs they could grab, an hour of swimming and a visit from the Easter bunny. The place even segmented out age groups, so it wasn't overwhelming for any of the parties and there were a ton of lifeguards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-vpy1PjUuBOYcVmQp13b9NxscBQ11tQCCBDuJs5u83EPr7D4eo9GQrz8cbXLlNYziuGco-av0A-5iSLzKqqlxJSMGPioy-s4f8Y4gfSIzoLKhQg5hqugtulq9-th5hl2lYPR3_N3mV8/s1600/IMG_6784.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-vpy1PjUuBOYcVmQp13b9NxscBQ11tQCCBDuJs5u83EPr7D4eo9GQrz8cbXLlNYziuGco-av0A-5iSLzKqqlxJSMGPioy-s4f8Y4gfSIzoLKhQg5hqugtulq9-th5hl2lYPR3_N3mV8/s640/IMG_6784.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-45033398042842733502018-02-13T13:38:00.000-05:002018-02-13T14:02:43.067-05:002018 First Look for Charity Chicago Auto Show Preview<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXJsNgsCdbe6iGXuuaxo0Ke5KHNOVn9JzcXXnG5IRG3JnrrnZuXgbk6ThxH5TaG6RXivz2cAXn_itrJVo7u0-44O-jszlGmTqDl_JaBPkFG6NXPGk5UEKOWdjwdDwtoPoiiFtvEwmBzQ/s1600/Snapseed.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXJsNgsCdbe6iGXuuaxo0Ke5KHNOVn9JzcXXnG5IRG3JnrrnZuXgbk6ThxH5TaG6RXivz2cAXn_itrJVo7u0-44O-jszlGmTqDl_JaBPkFG6NXPGk5UEKOWdjwdDwtoPoiiFtvEwmBzQ/s400/Snapseed.heic" width="300" /></a>Another year of my favorite event! <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/event-info/">The First Look for Charity preview of the Chicago Auto Show</a> is an amazing event. Delicious food, plentiful drinks and unprecedented access to what's next in cars. Plus, the event raises millions of dollars annually for 18 local charities. The event is the only fundraiser for many of the organizations, and this year the combined total donation was $2.8 million.<br />
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This year merely getting there was an adventure. We had a snowstorm so epic Thursday night headed into Friday that schools were closed and we were told to avoid travel unless necessary. I would say the auto show is critical but that's just me. With no one else on the road, it only took a half an hour to get there.</div>
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The snow didn't seem to keep anybody at home, but it is fun that the event is small enough that we ran into friends pretty easily.<br />
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My favorite evolution is that this year, there were adoptable puppies on site. If I had met them after the event and several beverages, I'd probably be up a few dogs over when we started.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm like Snow White</td></tr>
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The Goose Island stand was disappointing and the bartenders were predictably rude, but there were all sorts of delicious craft cocktails. Don Julio even had margaritas on tap. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GI's beer and cheese pairing</td></tr>
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My favorite bite of the night, by far, were these shrimp tacos from <a href="https://www.mercaditorestaurants.com/">Mercadito</a>. Don't judge on how many I ate.</div>
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But no evening at the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/">Chicago Auto Show</a> is complete without a trip to Andy's Custard. They run a tight ship - the line was long but moved fast enough that I definitely hit it up twice. No shame, no regrets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMR9rVbOFDsJosZflRIbPkj9YDOKw1O-xuxgcbEnLWlMaTXf4OAlJS4IHPVSgudxH5Wr_b4vrnKRDRfyctpMmEXS6qmIMEJBgW_VfSwtJc1gnU-d8i47cRyDFNAotp9NINjRHcmYrX6EA/s1600/IMG_6068.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMR9rVbOFDsJosZflRIbPkj9YDOKw1O-xuxgcbEnLWlMaTXf4OAlJS4IHPVSgudxH5Wr_b4vrnKRDRfyctpMmEXS6qmIMEJBgW_VfSwtJc1gnU-d8i47cRyDFNAotp9NINjRHcmYrX6EA/s400/IMG_6068.HEIC" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmXss0oakMqpcLTdmV6ibmgDwFd4KBVYxTqio6YxPT6ZV7qBu1mYC_F_6cIDQR1oNBErazNADVkZtntIpo8uZvxaiXArYElFlGGovJB9j0M2GrhyphenhyphenxuVqIktPKix1B5DFwSXe-BjvC8cs/s1600/IMG_6070.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmXss0oakMqpcLTdmV6ibmgDwFd4KBVYxTqio6YxPT6ZV7qBu1mYC_F_6cIDQR1oNBErazNADVkZtntIpo8uZvxaiXArYElFlGGovJB9j0M2GrhyphenhyphenxuVqIktPKix1B5DFwSXe-BjvC8cs/s400/IMG_6070.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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Also, this booze-flavored cotton candy was super impressive.<br />
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A few more bites we enjoyed: stromboli, ceviche, empanadas, and trays of tacos, because tacos are amazing.<br />
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It was another wonderful year at my favorite charity gala. It's incredible to me that for so many of the charities, this event is the sole annual fundraiser. While fun and tasty, this single evening out fuels so much good right here in our backyard. 10/10, will do again!<br />
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KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-15060962326565026192018-02-01T15:48:00.001-05:002018-02-01T15:48:43.190-05:00Three Things Thursday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. I am officially LOVING driving an electric car. Here's my little guy charging this morning. It's really fun to know I've driven more than 1,600 miles and spent $1.11 on gas. The frugal part of my soul is very happy.</div>
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2. Marathon training is such a humbling experience. The pace I ran <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2014/05/2014-vermont-city-marathon-race-report.html">my PR marathon</a> at is currently the pace I do my speedwork at. I'm slower, but I've had other competing priorities, and I did finish t<a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/09/2016-ironman-wisconsin-race-recap.html">hree Ironmans</a> since then.<br />
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3. When it comes to froyo, Costco's price per ounce is hard to beat. This whole cup is like $1.35. But the lack of toppings makes me really sad. I got myself a cup after my long run last weekend (12 miles) and I ended up sharing it with the kids. I need reese pieces and peanut butter and waffle chips to bring the experience home. Now I'll know for this weekend's run.<br />
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KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-3971598157776213592018-01-22T16:24:00.001-05:002018-01-22T16:24:24.983-05:00Fitness Finds: SpengaI made the tough decision to not pursue another <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2017/09/race-recap-2017-ironman-wisconsin.html">Ironman</a> this year because of the crushing pressure I felt last year. I was pushing hard in many aspects of my life and felt like something was always getting shorted, my training being the easiest thing to omit.<br />
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So instead, I'm going to spend 2018 having fun with my fitness. I'm still going to train for a spring marathon, but I'd like to get back to enjoying being active because it makes me feel good, not because I need to check off a training session on a calendar. I miss going for aimless bike rides and doing one-month strength challenges. So here I am.<br />
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To start with, I signed up for the first thing that found me via social media advertising. Around Christmas, I bought a 12 days for $12 pass to <a href="http://spenga.com/">Spenga</a>. If you're like me and had never heard of this boutique-concept fitness class before, let me enlighten you - it's 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength and 20 minutes of yoga. I think I ended up going to 8-9 classes during the 12 days, and it was a nice break from my typical workout.<br />
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Here's an official video:<br />
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For $12, I'll try most things. I signed up online a reserved a seat at an introductory class. When I arrived, I was shown where the bathroom and water fountain was, as well as the electronic lockers. There aren't showers or towel service at most of these places. The gym itself at this particular location was one large room, divided into a small cycle studio with the instructor on the stage, and strength "pods." There was another room for yoga adjacent to the spin studio.<br />
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I got a very brief introduction on how to set up my bike, and then got started. Each workout starts with 20 minutes of high-intensity cycling based upon your "sweet spot." From what I could gather, it was based upon about 80 percent of your max effort. If you sign on for the whole shebang, they calculate your sweet spot by having you cycle at 80 revolutions per minute for four minutes, then do the math for you. In this instance, I decided winded but not dying was my sweet spot.<br />
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After cycling, participants move quickly to strength pods. Each person gets a pod, which contains small dumbells and kettlebells, a TRX set up, a bosu ball, a yoga mat and a step. Each day had different types of workouts, always in intervals. Some days were Tabata (20 seconds on, 10 seconds recovery, repeated four times), some days were 90 seconds of work with 60 seconds or rest or some other permutation. There were leg and arm days, and most workouts included some level of core.<br />
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There wasn't a huge emphasis on form, probably because most of the weights were light. It was up to each participant to select the correct weights and modify based upon skill level. I was sore several times during my two-week trial, so I think the workouts did something.<br />
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The yoga varied quite a bit. Some days, it was tougher for me than the strength. Other days, it was very soothing. Any way you slice it, I would say at least 75 percent of my time spent working out was rewardingly miserable.<br />
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I liked the structure of the workouts and the accountability of having to go to a class. But, there is no way I would ever pay for the classes at retail. Even their cheapest plan is $69 per month, and that's for four classes per month. There's no place to get ready for work, so I'd have to either do it after work or leave enough time to go home and get ready after class. I did like that childcare was available on-site, and for $5 per kid for the hour, it's not the best deal, but it would make working out easy.<br />
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I'm very conflicted about boutique fitness, because for most people, one class a week isn't enough. And the boutique fitness means you can't exactly drop in and work on your form or fit in a supplemental workout, so most people have other gyms or programs that augment the class. This gets to be a pricey proposition. I'm also not sure if I'd get enough out of the classes if I was a beginner. That said, if I had full-time kids, this would be awesome me-time.<br />
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<b>Pros</b>: Nice facility, small classes, a balanced/diverse workout, a schedule to follow<br />
<b>Cons</b>: Expensive, no locker rooms. not a huge emphasis on form, the intensity is based on how much you push yourself, definitely a scenario where the instructor matters, I did feel a sales push even after I said I wanted give my 12 days a tryKellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-82384643655790008392018-01-18T10:33:00.002-05:002018-01-18T10:33:55.442-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. We've had another cold snap and lots of snow, so many an hour of indoor dwelling. I know understand why parents so emphatically support legos. We had several hours of blissful independent play without fighting as they built a bunch of complicated lego houses and forts. No regrets.</div>
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2. I bought <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ICNYUFW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01ICNYUFW&linkCode=as2&tag=kellythecul0e-20&linkId=4533d8bde875c08cc0362c6920f8a904" target="_blank">this shark dog bed</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=kellythecul0e-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01ICNYUFW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for Napoleon just for laughs. I thought he'd like it since he enjoys sleeping under the bed and on piles of pillows. Sadly, he doesn't go in there often, but it makes me smile anytime he does.<br />
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3. Has anyone ever dealt with gouged leather boots? These are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P2XQ1E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004P2XQ1E&linkCode=as2&tag=kellythecul0e-20&linkId=690e763a20df5c08884e6cf8cdf69616" target="_blank">my beloved Frye boots</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=kellythecul0e-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B004P2XQ1E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> that I wear all winter long. I emailed the company and they suggested I find a local cobbler to fix it. Somehow, I expected more for the price these boots go for. I guess at the end of the season I'll find a shoe repair place to give these the once over, but I'm all ears for recommendations on what to do next.<br />
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<i>This post contains affiliate links. <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/p/disclosures-giveaways.html">Click here</a> for my full disclosure policy.</i></div>
KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-13825906074731033402018-01-17T11:46:00.000-05:002018-01-17T11:46:39.655-05:00Sneak Peek: First Look for Charity 2018Ah, my favorite time of the year is almost here again! For the past three years, the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/event-info/">Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity</a> has been the best event I attend and the greatest reason to buy a nice dress (See <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2015/02/flfc15-fast-cars-and-fancyish-gowns.html">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/02/first-look-for-charity-2016-at-chicago.html">2016</a> and <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2017/02/first-look-for-charity-2017.html">2017</a>).<br />
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Every year, #FLFC18 raises money for local charities at a black-tie preview of the auto show. We get dressed up, wine and dine, drool over fancy cars and raise money for charity. In fact, last year was a record-setting year, and this year is on track to do the same. Here's a primer if you're new here:<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lWaXmOeA6i0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a preview afternoon for the show which included a ton of tasty bites from local restaurants and an overview of how this event makes a difference. It's the largest single-day fundraiser in Chicago, and several of the charities rely upon it to provide services to the community year round. While the price of the tickets is steep ($275), almost all of the ticket price is tax-deductible ($233) and you can specify at the time of purchase which charities your ticket will benefit.<br />
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In my opinion, the value is so much more than that. I love the excuse to get dressed up, and it's amazing how many new and interesting food vendors show up every year. Not to mention being able to get up close and personal with a flock of cars I can't afford, such as this $168,000 beauty I oggled at the preview luncheon:<br />
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So onto the food. My favorite item is this barbecue-topped macaroni and cheese (very diet friendly).<br />
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But if that doesn't suit your fancy, there are plenty of other options.<br />
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Every year, the desserts are amazing. <a href="http://www.eatandys.com/full-menu/">Andy's Frozen Yogurt</a> always has this insane make your own sundae bar and the night does not end until I've hit that up. But there's always specialty drinks, chocolatey bites and things like mini key lime pie and bite-sized banana pudding, too.<br />
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You should know, I've already bought my dress, which my mother pointed out looked so comfortable that surely I could eat a lot at the show.<br />
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So look forward to that.<br />
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In the meantime, if you're looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift or a date night you'll remember, plan to join me on Feb. 9 for the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/event-info/">First Look for Charity</a>. It's a delicious night for a great cause.<br />
<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-83844896986262028512018-01-11T09:49:00.001-05:002018-01-11T09:50:46.225-05:00Three Things Thursday1. Today I'm headed out to the <a href="https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/event-info/">Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity</a> food preview. To help get people in the door at the largest one-day fundraiser, #FLFC18 brings together a selection of the many local food and drink vendors who will eventually cater the black-tie event on Feb. 9. This will be my <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search?q=auto+show&max-results=20&by-date=true">fourth Auto Show with FLFC</a>, I'm pretty psyched to head to the city again this year to eat way too much and rub elbows with the media.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's auto show</td></tr>
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2. <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/search/label/napoleon">Napoleon</a> continues to evolve as a family dog. He barely ever barks anymore, and he especially loves the bedtime routine whereby the small ones cuddle and pet him while watching a show. Who would've ever thought he would be such a sweetie.<br />
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3. If you <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellyculinarian/">follow me on Instagram</a>, you know <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075GSGF4B/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B075GSGF4B&linkCode=as2&tag=kellythecul0e-20&linkId=ffb2f83d9fd6ac85a508395ca2d872af" target="_blank">my cheese board</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=kellythecul0e-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B075GSGF4B" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> game has been quite strong. I got another shipment from <a href="https://www.cabotcheese.coop/">Cabot</a> recently and have been sharing my cheese bounty with all those who visit. My personal favorite is the horseradish cheddar, although the everything bagel cheese seems to go over well, too.</div>
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KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-38691745465716985632018-01-08T16:37:00.002-05:002018-01-08T16:37:41.734-05:00My Experience With Jury Duty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is nothing that strikes fear into the hearts of law-abiding citizens quite like a legal summons. But jury duty is a whole other level of annoyance. I was initially selected as a Cook County alternate juror a few months ago. What that means is the day before you're scheduled to appear, you call a number and they tell you if you're needed.<br />
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However, I was scheduled to travel right around that time, so I asked for a reprieve and was granted it easily through an automated phone system. That meant the next time I was summoned in roughly 90 days, I would have to appear instead of call in.<br />
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Just appearing was a big pain in the ass. We live in the suburbs and I had to drive to the train station, pay to park, take the train and then walk to the courthouse in the cold. All of that is not reimbursed, and jury duty pays $17 a day. So I was already in the hole on this.<br />
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I expected to spend the day hanging out in a jury waiting room reading. Alas, after I checked in and had my ID signed off on, we watched a super corny VHS orientation video starring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_Holt">Lester Holt</a> with a mustache and I was called up around 9:40 a.m. My panel and several others were shown to another floor and led into an empty courtroom to wait. About 30 minutes later, we were all led into another courtroom where the attorneys and their representatives were already seated. We were sworn in by a clerk and once the judge entered the court, she told us the nature of the case and that she thought the civil trial would last five days. It was a personal injury claim involving a scooter and a taxi on a very busy thoroughfare in Chicago.<br />
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The judge asked if anyone was older than 75, couldn't understand English or had any conflicts. A number of people were dismissed almost immediately for travel plans or medical reasons. We were also asked if jury duty would cause undue hardship and if we can be fair and impartial. The judge asked if we knew any of the parties or each other. This was my unwitting first step towards being dismissed: I asked one of the attorneys if he had ever been a divorce attorney, because I swear he looked familiar from my personal legal proceedings. It turns out I did not know him, but the I'm guessing no one really wants to be linked to divorces.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TFW you're dismissed from jury duty</td></tr>
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After the judge questioned us for about an hour, each party to the lawsuit had the opportunity to question the jury about matters they thought were pertinent to the case. Questions included had we ever seen aggressive driving in the city, could we be unbiased to a cab driver, did we have any issues with people not born in this country, how did we feel about people who stopped to help at the scene of an accident, etc. <br />
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I asked a lot of questions.<br />
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This is ultimately (I believe) why after allllll the questioning and screening, I was not selected as a juror. They probably don't want jurors who ask too many questions or look too deeply into stuff. After all the questions were asked, the judge and attorneys retired to chambers to actually select the jury. I was thanked for my time and sent back up to the jury holding room. By this time, it was 1:40 p.m. and we had not been given a lunch break. So they gave us our meager checks and told us to go home.<br />
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Evidently, if it were earlier in the day, we would have had to wait for the rest of the afternoon in the event that they needed more jurors.<br />
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So I took the train back home and thanked my lucky stars I would not be doing that whole routine for another week. I signed the check over to my employer so I could receive my normal wage, and was assured I will not be called up for jury duty for another 12 months.<br />
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Thank goodness for small favors.KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-22194206849436275412018-01-07T13:25:00.000-05:002018-01-07T13:25:02.385-05:00Welcome to 2018!I spent a large portion of 2017 focusing on my career, hence the abbreviated blog schedule. And, it worked. My life has evolved quite a bit in the past year, so now that I'm back in the mix, here are a few things you can look forward to for continuing to tune in here in spite of my lackluster time management. Here's what's new with me and my crew and what you can expect in the coming weeks:<br />
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<b>Travel</b>. My new role with my company includes visiting our offices and partners around the world to collaborate on business goals. So far, I've been to London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. This is in addition to a cruise and visiting my family in Texas, so I'm racking up the miles and learning so. much. about the world of travel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a temple in Tokyo</td></tr>
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<b>Food</b>. We went to Alinea for my birthday and continue to find all kinds of gems. Don't worry, I'll give you all the deets.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous edible balloon</td></tr>
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<b>Tips & hacks</b>. After all this travel, by myself and with our family, I've figured out a few hacks to make my life a little easier.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Electric car stuff</b>. That's right, I finally pulled the trigger and joined the revolution. I am a proud member of the electric car subculture. More on this lil fella and how he came to be parked in my garage later on.<div>
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<br /><b>Fun fitness.</b> After last year's chaos, I decided against signing up for <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2017/09/race-recap-2017-ironman-wisconsin.html">another Ironman</a> this year. Back to back years was too much for me, and I wanted to continue to work on other parts of my life for a while. I'm still doing perennial favorite Circular Logic Marathon in April, but the rest of the year will be dedicated to trying out a few fitness fads to see what actually works and what is overrated.</div>
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I have a list a mile long of content I've been contemplating, and now I just need to get to it. What would you like to see from me in 2018?</div>
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KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-91356867043020054072017-10-04T09:11:00.000-05:002017-10-04T09:54:09.796-05:00My Lasik Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">I recently ended a long-term relationship with my glasses. I started wearing glasses as a freshman in high school and by </span>college<span style="text-align: center;">, I needed them all the time. I got contacts, but they irritated my eyes and weren't ideal for athletic pursuits. But I also couldn't wear glasses while swimming and I never owned prescription sunglasses. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span> I've thought about getting lasik for probably 10 years. My prescription has been stable for that time, and it's not significant (-1.75). I finally went to get a consult to see just what all it would involve. I went to <a href="https://www.lasikplus.com/lasik-affordable-250_quiz?encSource=12125&_vsrefdom=ppc4&mkwid=sJkS773VA%7cpcrid%7c199295929812%7cpkw%7clasik%2520plus%7cpmt%7ce%7cpdv%7cc&gclid=Cj0KEQjwjdLOBRCkoYX9vtaFv-UBEiQAWPn4YCMCFUwOYEQ0B2OZoCXaprTmCZqaanikfeX5h1mZQPkaAic18P8HAQ">LasikPlus</a>, which is a chain in my area. The surgeon at my local joint has done more than 68,000 of these procedures. When I talked to a doctor I know who had this done years ago, he said to just find a reputable place that's done a lot of these. I looked on Yelp and Google and Facebook and saw mostly glowing reviews. The negative reviews had to do with the payment plans or financing, which didn't much concern me.<br />
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My consult was very thorough - I saw several technicians and doctors who measured my eyes, tested my vision and took my medical history. After an hour of consulting, I was presented with two options: a standard Lasik procedure guaranteed for one year for a little less than $1,500, or the same procedure guaranteed for life for $2,800.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even pre-op I'm adorable</td></tr>
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The technician told me something on the order of 5 percent of people need a supplemental procedure, and that with a prescription as slight as mine, my odds were very small. I took the one-year guarantee because chances are if I need it again, it's still going to be cheaper to come out of pocket for it. I have a pre-tax HSA fund through work, which I was able to use for all of this. I scheduled my procedure for after the Ironman, because working out is not advised for three days after, and you can't swim for a week.<br />
<br />
I was also given three prescriptions to be filled and brought with me to the procedure. Beware, if you don't get a coupon, one of the eyedrops is like $165 out of pocket. With the coupon, it's $35. I ended up not needing one of the eyedrops, but it was like $5, so no big deal.<br />
<br />
I couldn't wear contacts for a week pre-op, and wasn't allowed to wear any makeup or lotion the day of the procedure. Brent dropped me off bright and early and was told to come back to get me in three hours, but that I would text him with a 20-minute warning.<br />
<br />
I signed in, got a bunch of directions, paid and had my eyes remeasured to ensure accuracy. I also had to wash my eyelids with these special wipes, and they gave me a dose of Aleve PM. I was hoping for something stronger, but oh well. I also donned a hairnet and they put stickers on my chest indicating the numbers of the eye corrections I would undergo. My appointment was for 8 a.m. The surgeon showed up at 8:45 a.m. and the first guy came out of the O.R. by 9 a.m.<br />
<br />
Before my procedure, I was moved into an office and given numbing drops. A technician explained my post-op meds and procedures and gave me coke to sip on so I wouldn't pass out.<br />
<br />
The actual procedure took eight minutes, maybe. I was given more numbing drops and who knows what else. The first machine that I stared into had a red laser for me to look at. I believe this was the machine that created a corneal flap ... which is the nice way to say it cut my eyeball. I didn't feel it. What I did feel was a ton of pressure as the doctor held my eye open and in place. Next, they switched me over to the laser. It took 11 seconds of laser work on my right eye, and 16 on my left eye. During this part, your vision goes from white to black and you smell something ridiculously gross. It's not hot, but it is certainly the smell of cells being destroyed. It wasn't actually that different from the smell when I got laser hair removal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTMN1Nw2_G73xTu7HTV4pg_AHJk998T6t9zH043VkqsgiaZh_pMWOoZT9PCnvmokSYN5-Nr8rWyVlnnDw5KMEIi9RrRIJSkfS9jj6a1qGjttQXlhh8scw4zfY2rWvvuNwwu6mZ0Zd5Xc/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTMN1Nw2_G73xTu7HTV4pg_AHJk998T6t9zH043VkqsgiaZh_pMWOoZT9PCnvmokSYN5-Nr8rWyVlnnDw5KMEIi9RrRIJSkfS9jj6a1qGjttQXlhh8scw4zfY2rWvvuNwwu6mZ0Zd5Xc/s320/IMG_4398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleverly cropped out those fugly goggles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, there are more numbing drops and the doctor "sets the corneal flap." You see, there's no stitches. Just a little bit of your eye covering your cornea that was just reshaped by a laser. Hence why you have to be really, really careful to not touch or bump or get your eye wet in the first few days.<br />
When it was over, a nurse moved me back to the office I started in and gave me my first round of eyedrops. On the first day, you get like 40 drops. No joke. The first is an antibiotic. The second is a steroid to reduce the swelling. The third is just lubricating tears. I had one round post op and then was told to do another when I got home.<br />
<br />
A nurse put a pair of provided goggles over my face, and then sunglasses over that. I was shocked that they just sent me on my way after that and didn't help me into a chair in the waiting room. I was actually kind of shaky and weak after, but it subsided.<br />
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The drive home was really uncomfortable though. In spite of having my eyes closed and wearing sunglasses, everything was entirely too bright.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQQzHbOtCPMvYk-bB1thehGOL49ZINf61QyP7a2Wd_zvYgjpFzdxeerUqYSsrOlH4t7BYLxc9vmqpPbg8tf_LJmcLnY7naTRa6BqEXxR9QUfwTL8ZLKbJOcPQ9siplwB2G7WcZw_9wh0/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQQzHbOtCPMvYk-bB1thehGOL49ZINf61QyP7a2Wd_zvYgjpFzdxeerUqYSsrOlH4t7BYLxc9vmqpPbg8tf_LJmcLnY7naTRa6BqEXxR9QUfwTL8ZLKbJOcPQ9siplwB2G7WcZw_9wh0/s320/IMG_4412.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She came to my post-op because<br />
they have hot cocoa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The key to recovering from lasik is to keep your eyes closed for at least four hours post-op, preferably six hours. Except, I was back in bed by 10 a.m. after sleeping a full night, so that presented a challenge. Also, I had a terrible taste in the back of my mouth from the laser and the drops, and my eyes felt too big for my head. I found out later, when I could open my eyes again and Brent read me the post-op instructions, I could have hit those anti-inflammatory drops every 20 minutes to make that go away.<br />
<br />
Live and learn.<br />
<br />
I think I slept maybe 90 minutes out of that time. The rest of the time I listened to an audio book and messaged Brent via Alexa about things I needed or were thinking of. It was actually a pretty relaxing day. When you wake up from your post-op nap, you need drops every two hours to keep infection and swelling at bay. I didn't feel hungry at all that day and skipped lunch entirely.<br />
<br />
It was a Friday, so by the time the kids got home from school at 4 I was awake and sort of seeing clearly. Everything had a halo around it, and I had to close all the blinds. Being outside was out of the question that first day, and I had to wear sunglasses to watch TV because it was entirely too bright.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XFMPbJBrwvz_leTX_ZNmn4xOUrpHwcYfkyavfcCWTphhQ2h0gxEq4AGJ81xw_jinbK3iQWU4IF-j3-d9gKRYJy2Bx11iMZcyUpeOG07dfc0NKfj3EHmFSRH5BrW-uXMamfHzeXAsUlU/s1600/IMG_4430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XFMPbJBrwvz_leTX_ZNmn4xOUrpHwcYfkyavfcCWTphhQ2h0gxEq4AGJ81xw_jinbK3iQWU4IF-j3-d9gKRYJy2Bx11iMZcyUpeOG07dfc0NKfj3EHmFSRH5BrW-uXMamfHzeXAsUlU/s320/IMG_4430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravinia must go on, lasik or no</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Additionally, no one told me that having a burst blood vessel was entirely normal. I took one look at myself in the mirror and called the doctor back in a panic. It's been two and a half weeks and it's still there, but I'm told that's normal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYT0bvxCsZVMA-Q4Rcso-vhJPRuG88Gq2bXLXnP7lLPym4ikGXDocHUWj125aT7_2nF7Xu5exV1e2MNNr5QWoKPrsazRW8yUE_nwzQrUjculuzKj82OVCZr2ewBK47ouZyg7xClNxUmg/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYT0bvxCsZVMA-Q4Rcso-vhJPRuG88Gq2bXLXnP7lLPym4ikGXDocHUWj125aT7_2nF7Xu5exV1e2MNNr5QWoKPrsazRW8yUE_nwzQrUjculuzKj82OVCZr2ewBK47ouZyg7xClNxUmg/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still very red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next morning, I woke up with perfect vision. I drove myself to my post-op check up and found out I have 20/20 vision now. I even went to a concert the day after. I had to wear sunglasses well into the evening because the stage lights were too bright, but it was '90s night so I wasn't even close to the most ridiculously appareled person there.<br />
<br />
For the first week, I had to sleep and shower with goggles on. I also couldn't wear makeup for four days, and then could only wear new makeup around my eyes. I couldn't get water in my eyes for the first week, either. In addition to the post-op nap, the doctor said the other crucial bit was to not touch your eyes or the area around it for the first four days. Which proved to be difficult, and make sleeping really annoying. Sleeping solely on your back is harder than it seems.<br />
<br />
Now nearly three weeks later, my eye is still red but my vision is perfect. I use gel drops at night, but otherwise, have zero lasting effects. I have a one-month follow up that I assume will go swimmingly.<br />
<br />
Mostly I wonder why I didn't do this earlier.KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-33618319315978903512017-09-22T02:52:00.001-05:002017-09-22T02:52:46.070-05:00Race Recap: 2017 Ironman Wisconsin<b>Six-word summary</b>: Another PR, but time for time off.<br />
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It has been a hell of a summer, my friends. I have been off the grid for long enough that I feel a layer of guilt about my lack of blogging. I'll admit, my training for my third Ironman Wisconsin (<a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/09/2016-ironman-wisconsin-race-recap.html">2016</a>, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2014/09/2014-ironman-wisconsin-race-report.html">2014</a>) was lackluster. Last year, we went to Madison weekend after weekend to bike the course. We even had a stellar peak training weekend where we swam 2.4 miles Friday, biked 100 Saturday and ran 16 Sunday.<br />
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This year, I was a bit more slapdash. I loosely followed a training plan, working out 6/7 most weeks, and working up to a 100-mile bike ride, 2.4-mile open water swim and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYTwaarFVIa/?taken-by=kellyculinarian">18-mile run</a>, just not all in the same weekend. I regretted signing up for an Ironman two years in a row. For me, it's too much. Training became another box that I feel guilty leaving unchecked (hence, why I am writing this recap two weeks after the event at 2 a.m. in a fit of insomnia).<br />
<br />
But, practice does make perfect. We have the perfect Airbnb and decided that this year, we were staying Thursday through Monday. The first year, <a href="http://www.dont-look-down.com/">Alyssa</a> and I did this in our Hipster Hideaway, and last year, I felt unduly stressed trying to pack up everything to get there by Friday night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDa1y9f9HHHrAwtksmtr15uP5_bFebaQ920Xw4JccDo1j0cDRcNnKXI0Xl9Dw2QoeKejHi39t4ZJmvdM5T9HQvAewA7FIE0arX6eiX2RiHH1O3_vPbGyei2wQ5qejHdVEjurdpX8bo8k/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDa1y9f9HHHrAwtksmtr15uP5_bFebaQ920Xw4JccDo1j0cDRcNnKXI0Xl9Dw2QoeKejHi39t4ZJmvdM5T9HQvAewA7FIE0arX6eiX2RiHH1O3_vPbGyei2wQ5qejHdVEjurdpX8bo8k/s640/IMG_4246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWbgTKiPUY1MMpRPow64fyKg1kEBoqoi69046D2m702YIh1qmrJpCR-n8CJjIkRm7N0WIKgqHJUgmGVuKC_q0pmhyphenhyphenY1rSzPptIUzsW0cPN5PtdvfNMH4abdwMgky3jSkn9HHsfup_VhA/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWbgTKiPUY1MMpRPow64fyKg1kEBoqoi69046D2m702YIh1qmrJpCR-n8CJjIkRm7N0WIKgqHJUgmGVuKC_q0pmhyphenhyphenY1rSzPptIUzsW0cPN5PtdvfNMH4abdwMgky3jSkn9HHsfup_VhA/s320/IMG_4320.JPG" width="240" /></a>This year was downright leisurely. I spent most of Thursday morning packing up the car, checking our lists and organizing the trip. We drove to Madison and complete athlete check in in record time (not my only PR that day). We had enough time that I got my bike out to have the mechanics check it out. Good thing I did - the bike shop that changed my chain the week before put it on backward. I paid for a tune up after that because who knows what the hell else they screwed up. That evening, we took advantage of happy hour pricing and finally checked out <a href="https://hopcat.com/madison">Hopcat</a>. The crack fries are amazing and during happy hour, a damn good burger is $5.95. I love Madison.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIVCm2I2rsR5QPPSLvn7BA_dvehFfye-y15vr6o9pOnl5YmIrY1-L77B0XpzSkAJhd4YSTU9k2lBLoTO5tcwsOaqIlJG6-fzGoFhBdhsZGDNAbj6KzjmiK8zB6XaxXl564NeJ1kjDfG4/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIVCm2I2rsR5QPPSLvn7BA_dvehFfye-y15vr6o9pOnl5YmIrY1-L77B0XpzSkAJhd4YSTU9k2lBLoTO5tcwsOaqIlJG6-fzGoFhBdhsZGDNAbj6KzjmiK8zB6XaxXl564NeJ1kjDfG4/s320/IMG_4266.JPG" width="320" /></a>Friday, we tried to sleep in. We spent some quality time packing our transition bags and walking through everything we may need. We dropped off our bikes and joined Mark for a short practice swim during which I tried on my brand-new goggles. They're my standard pair, but I bought a new one the week before to prevent a repeat of my first Ironman.<br />
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Saturday was more of the same. Lots of watching of Lost interrupted by only by dropping off our transition bags and walking around the expo. This year, I put all my hydration on my bike the night before. I noticed last year that it's surprisingly hard to find water in transition the morning of, and it's one less thing to worry about.<br />
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My favorite part of staying at an Airbnb (besides everyone getting their own room and more privacy), is we have a kick-ass kitchen. Instead of waiting around to eat and getting home later than we like, we made a metric ton of pasta for our assembled friends and family. We got dinner out of the way and turned in for the night at maybe 8:30 p.m. Unlike my current state, I slept well over eight hours for the week leading up to the event.<br />
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We awoke at 4:15 a.m. to apply sunscreen and body markings. Brent's mom bought us a new type of sunscreen that you apply the night before and the morning of that worked far better than my standard stuff. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ZEALIOS-Sunscreen-Micronized-Resistant-Sensitive/dp/B00F48C08S/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1506066636&sr=sr-1&keywords=zealios+sun+barrier+spf+45">Zealios</a> (they don't pay me, I just like the stuff), was my pasty skin's dream.<br />
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After that, we put on extra clothing and headed down to the Ironman Village. I pumped up my tires and got out of there ASAP to avoid the nervous energy.<br />
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Because this is the first year they've done a wave start for IMWI, I wanted to be near the beach early. Last year, I was sliding into the water as the cannon went off and I wanted to position myself to have a strong swim. I was headed down the helix at 6:15 a.m. for my 6:45 wave. I was at the front of the pack and got into the water with time to spare. You can no longer do a practice swim and get in the water 5 minutes before your wave starts, which I think was enough time.<br />
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I don't think the wave start did much to improve my state of mind. It just seemed less exciting. In fact, as the first non-pro wave, when the clock got to 6:45, <a href="https://mikereilly.net/">Mike Reilly</a> just said "Go." No cannon. Nothing. So off I went.<br />
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Every swim starts with a little panic for me. I don't know why. I get a little worked up about what happens next, and even with the wave start, I got kicked in the head hard enough to make my ears ring. I level out by the time I get to the first turn buoy, but I already knew I wasn't having the epic swim I did last year. My fault - I didn't swim as much as I should and didn't have nearly the open water swim experience I needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjAtg_xKp2gde2_iddFbcalMLXZ7YA3noswK20m-G4PRT6LQQ-JZFNiCpyYrOzk_SURHp90rYL6f9I7Kjqhc73jhy3Dq0DdDYlxvpeafjTn2zwtbQrxX212jSCMQjEALpn1vfTlke7sI/s1600/IMG_4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjAtg_xKp2gde2_iddFbcalMLXZ7YA3noswK20m-G4PRT6LQQ-JZFNiCpyYrOzk_SURHp90rYL6f9I7Kjqhc73jhy3Dq0DdDYlxvpeafjTn2zwtbQrxX212jSCMQjEALpn1vfTlke7sI/s200/IMG_4297.JPG" width="150" /></a>But all that didn't matter. I was really in my element by the time I got to the halfway buoy. I'd found a pattern and location in the pack that worked, and I was gliding along through the day. Out of nowhere, my goggles snapped right off my face into three distinct pieces. One arm shot out of the water and I started waving for help while the other hand clutched the remains of my goggles. A jetski tried to come over to me, but I was so far into the pack that they couldn't get close. I had to sidestroke over to them and try to get my very cold fingers to work in piece them back together enough to finish the remaining 1/3 of the swim. That happened right around 52 minutes in, so I knew my swim would not be the 1:10 I hoped for.<br />
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When I got to the second turn buoy after finding my bearings again, I was thoroughly pissed and over it. I forgot there was another buoy and thought I was headed for the beach, leading to more off-course swimming and general orneriness on my part.<br />
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I was angry getting out of the water. Why do I keep trusting speedo when twice their shitty goggles have kicked my Ironman day off in the most displeasing way? I looked like a monster coming out of the water and felt like it, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs_yGEZDmwengDAJgtETM17kbaJCoIuA7w1bATNQ9S5ESS5jsTpmRJKnxwEHAhtJo0nIT31Y6a8B54_3m2-eUS0xeXz1izGXrdB3rsoy6uqt88JjS_NrzXqjNxYPi6cm1Ip1eTA-IfVs/s1600/IMG_4338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs_yGEZDmwengDAJgtETM17kbaJCoIuA7w1bATNQ9S5ESS5jsTpmRJKnxwEHAhtJo0nIT31Y6a8B54_3m2-eUS0xeXz1izGXrdB3rsoy6uqt88JjS_NrzXqjNxYPi6cm1Ip1eTA-IfVs/s320/IMG_4338.JPG" width="320" /></a>The wetsuit stripped was lovely and I was running up the helix in no time. I saw Brent's mom and asked her to hold onto the goggles so I could complain about it later. I got my bag in no time and was out of my swimsuit like three steps into the change room. I had a tough time getting into my bike stuff and felt a little clunky out of the water, but soon enough I was running barefoot through transition. My bike space was towards the end so when I got there, I sat on the ground and got my bike shoes on and away I went.<br />
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I hadn't even left the Alliant Center when I saw my first incident of some decked-out dude in all the gear throwing his bike into the bushes. Guess he was having a worse day than me.<br />
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I headed out on the stick towards Verona and settled in for the bulk of my day. Side note: This is a bit of an Facebook legend that people aren't sure is real, but I totally saw a dude without a seat, riding upright and passing me on a hill. His saddle was tucked into his bike jersey. If you believe the hype reported in certain circles online, he broke is seat post in T1 and rode the entire bike like that. One woman reports taking his bike from him in T2, and another said he missed a Kona roll down slot my 26 seconds. It's unclear if it's the same dude or if there are two mystery men with the same laughable problem, although there doesn't seem to be a debate that the dude/s finished the entire 112-mile bike seatless. I am not worthy.<br />
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This year, I didn't bother with a bike or a run special needs bag knowing we didn't not get them back last year. Instead, I had a PBJ sandwich and oreos in my jersey pocket and snacked anytime I stopped to pee. Which happened to by like three times. At least I knew I was hydrated.<br />
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Learning from my follies of the past, I took a bottle of some sort of hydration at every aid station and made it my goal to have space on my bike to swap out at the next station.<br />
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Weird fact: This year's Gatorade Endurance or Ironman formula or whatever they were offering stained my bottles the most vibrant shade of orange. I've never seen that happen, and it didn't taste that strong. I wonder what it did to my insides.<br />
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In addition to the gatorade and my snacks, I tried to grab a cliff mini bar or other snack as often as I could. I never ate a gel, but I did have probably four of those mini bars, so I was set.<br />
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It's always surreal on the bike because it's easy to lose sight of the fact that you're racing because it's such a long day. You don't want to go all out because you need to save your legs, but you can't zone out or it will take forever. I did bike up Barlow this year for the first time and wish I hadn't. My legs were toast for some time and it wasn't worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKEE3srWOY4JtPZEuPyhTMREk5LOLhXfM7P5nSu_bDOZv3dE91xstgd7FxzwCKOsP695_6o7Ms6XyaN4sat4DVf3HqXdDSPrpBbpFCTlI3tm24NbCSHnlMNjuQyyH95uSXuGn762uQYM/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKEE3srWOY4JtPZEuPyhTMREk5LOLhXfM7P5nSu_bDOZv3dE91xstgd7FxzwCKOsP695_6o7Ms6XyaN4sat4DVf3HqXdDSPrpBbpFCTlI3tm24NbCSHnlMNjuQyyH95uSXuGn762uQYM/s320/IMG_4339.JPG" width="240" /></a>As always, when I made it to the stick back, I knew I was going to finish my day. I made it up the helix and jogged into transition, which was mercifully shorter than my first transition. I was back out on the road in no time and caught Jess long enough to tell her why my swim was crap, then off I went around the square. I had no plan or strategy other than to try and run more this year.<br />
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I would run a bike, walk up a hill, run a bit, take some pretzels, jog a bit. Around mile six, I caught up to a friend and we chatted while she power walked through campus. When I went to take a job down a hill, she decided she'd rather keep up with me than run it alone. So that's how Andrea and I ended up spending many an hour traipsing through Madison and its outer trails.<br />
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I finally saw Brent as I settled into my second loop, well after taking a two-pack of Advil for a creaky knee. The gel caps are where it's at, friends. Insta-relief. I thought I recalled the aid stations having more food, but alas, I was many pretzels short of a meal worth eating.<br />
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As the afternoon turned to evening, the chicken broth came out and I had visions of warmer clothing. This year was unseasonably cool. I believe we reached a high of 67 that day (the following weekend was into the 80s, and today, it hit 95 on my dashboard during my evening commute).<br />
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I start dreaming of finishing well before the second loop starts, but this year, I was fixated on the idea of finally hearing Mike Reilly clearly say, "Kelly Stone, You Are an Ironman." It's been a long time coming and after such a not banner year, I wanted it more than I wanted this all to be over.<br />
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When we got to the square, Andrea motioned for me to go on to have my moment. It was everything I remember and everything I love about the long, miserable day and even longer training toil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATzcaDp5LBamniN7WWuCMU_SSmJi3UN7C7Ulnufsd4rj-vxRET_wldLiV0vnX82v02XlT-9hETFIPRpQjnH-TVH6JcP9cia42t8xVdI2oyx-__P3IscpCMiWQ1DnayH3aACMMiB-xfTU/s1600/IMG_4382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATzcaDp5LBamniN7WWuCMU_SSmJi3UN7C7Ulnufsd4rj-vxRET_wldLiV0vnX82v02XlT-9hETFIPRpQjnH-TVH6JcP9cia42t8xVdI2oyx-__P3IscpCMiWQ1DnayH3aACMMiB-xfTU/s320/IMG_4382.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb7iFl7yTks1BcIddeCg74Nx3P913jRz4V0_EGX3lYDheIlvntbxQ2MvB6dorkG9qDP6Jm0vXi5WeYHKZFZSjFMZY0FLjFKbbWCfOr37yN7rOVm0_UayCdafwKBzz49Yz0XM91TKnrpQ/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb7iFl7yTks1BcIddeCg74Nx3P913jRz4V0_EGX3lYDheIlvntbxQ2MvB6dorkG9qDP6Jm0vXi5WeYHKZFZSjFMZY0FLjFKbbWCfOr37yN7rOVm0_UayCdafwKBzz49Yz0XM91TKnrpQ/s320/IMG_4282.JPG" width="320" /></a>I crossed the finish line and was met by Brent's mom and Alyssa. They were both volunteering at the finish line collecting chips and were changing shifts as I finished right before 9 p.m. I felt pretty good finishing, other than very cold. Terri gave me her jacket and called Jess so I could retrieve my clothes. I collected my things and skipped the finisher's photos in favor of collecting some food and heading across the street to get my stuff from my friends who so lovingly collected it from race officials. Gear in hand, Alyssa and Jess and I craftily made it back to the finish line to get prime seats for Brent's finish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfF1f0dp8e5LF4A8p9IKl76f0fmf6g4klDPAR692slE3AsTHDunPR3IdKOaIVAe8HMIZzp1j6UBMHinMdx9KrpQAbLxuPAI5Q_d_Z3J5LzmrB-mDFLEm5eipKKdJqKb2TjBQUZJgvlbA/s1600/IMG_4384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfF1f0dp8e5LF4A8p9IKl76f0fmf6g4klDPAR692slE3AsTHDunPR3IdKOaIVAe8HMIZzp1j6UBMHinMdx9KrpQAbLxuPAI5Q_d_Z3J5LzmrB-mDFLEm5eipKKdJqKb2TjBQUZJgvlbA/s400/IMG_4384.JPG" width="266" /></a>We were in such a plum spot that I watched Mike Reilly eat a sandwich and took medal selfies with him in the background. When Brent made it across the finish line, we all headed to a nearby hotel to chill for a while. We opted not to go out to eat afterwards this year, and instead got more food at the finish line and went back to our Airbnb for showers and bedtime. I'd love to say I slept in until noon, but I was up fairly early. We made breakfast, packed up and drove home with our mountain of laundry, medals and pride still intact.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GuUDS_5lGnK2nmM5V5jpYd5m4AJqrkg-H9wuCK8VJByTlzlxc4tiSRA9j9_tPkXc7n8weS0I29ayHtzLFmrgEDMCPthsINORHl20di55oNzNgM9awJVvBbLn7FmvNtx7QcD0bIIhY_A/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GuUDS_5lGnK2nmM5V5jpYd5m4AJqrkg-H9wuCK8VJByTlzlxc4tiSRA9j9_tPkXc7n8weS0I29ayHtzLFmrgEDMCPthsINORHl20di55oNzNgM9awJVvBbLn7FmvNtx7QcD0bIIhY_A/s320/IMG_4309.JPG" width="320" /></a>The fact that I managed to continue to take time off my PR in spite of training that left much to be desired makes me wonder if I'm holding back on race day or what. Maybe one day I'll have a summer where I can give it my all and really leave it out there, but this was not that year. I am abstaining from Ironmans for 2018 and will see if I feel the itch in 2019. For now, I have so much other stuff that vies for my attention. I'd like to return to the race when I've earned it and know I can make improvements on my performance.<br />
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The upswing is that the backpack and medal are better this year than all the others I've received, and I know I will enjoy running and biking more when it's not a mandate in my life.<br />
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<b>Cost</b>: $700ish (but who's counting now)<br />
<b>Time</b>: 14:08:01 (a PR of three minutes)<br />
<b>Pros</b>: Well-run race with tons of volunteers and premium everything: shirts, medals, swag, aid stations<br />
<b>Cons</b>: $$$, sacrificing your summer, neverneding guilt/anxiety over not training enough, the roads are rough in spots and Barlow is a nightmareKellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-11129323770738176812017-05-18T09:06:00.000-05:002017-05-18T09:06:11.414-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. It's finally deck season! It's been well into the 80s this week and our air conditioning is getting a workout. We upgraded to a quiet model that's more efficient, which also means we can enjoy our deck while it's still cooling the inside. It's a great time to be alive.</div>
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2. Another awesome sign of spring and wonderful benefit of our new home is getting out to bike some miles. We found a PERFECT paved trail near us that I'm sure will get lots of use this training season. It's 13 miles long without traffic. We could easily park and do endless 26-mile loop as we get ready for Ironman Wisconsin. It's only an eight-mile ride there, too.<br />
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3. A final sign of spring: 3Floyds moved back the date of <a href="http://www.darklordday.com/tickets/">Dark Lord Day</a> from ever-rainy April to May. It was all sun shiny skies and smiles this year, which was a first. We ended up staying 12 hours, resulting in a few sun burns, but festivals like this on days like that don't come around that often.<br />
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<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-40392150335895066742017-05-11T09:21:00.000-05:002017-05-11T09:21:27.239-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. We went to a party this weekend and while I did not get the memo, apparently I dressed in the crew uniform for the day. Dark pants, white top with lots 'o fabric. It's a thing.</div>
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2. And because our life is a nearly constant party, we celebrated Mother's Day with the small ones last night. It's apparently National Barbecue Month, so we destroyed a family platter with all the fixings. I think my favorite was the pulled pork, but who am I kidding, barbecue is life.</div>
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3. This may seem petty, but my new purse makes me extremely happy. It's a monogrammed Kate Spade bag that I waited months to buy. I waited until it was on sale and I had a coupon, because we're frugal and all. I've already gotten a few compliments and I like that it's customized to my new initials. Winning!</div>
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<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-10334859616264583852017-05-09T11:33:00.002-05:002017-05-09T11:33:30.118-05:00Lessons Learned from Our First Family C2E2<i>My mom noticed it's been a while since I updated my blog, so time to get back into the routine. My last month has included a family road trip, two business trips, a kitchen remodel, a holiday and a birthday. It's been a wild ride but <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellyculinarian/">stick with me on Instagram</a> to keep up.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBDIYpeB1wwKi6iLuiVALHCPmLcSphFU4zf9eIKMPVJY4R7s2PNWkOhQEd3qNSiJ3pq0-mtu0XD5M9-OH8PMNUjZJyQWD2GNkzY4MUPs87-u4dZg1VOyfxsgvflcqZmc0-BIMe49386A/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBDIYpeB1wwKi6iLuiVALHCPmLcSphFU4zf9eIKMPVJY4R7s2PNWkOhQEd3qNSiJ3pq0-mtu0XD5M9-OH8PMNUjZJyQWD2GNkzY4MUPs87-u4dZg1VOyfxsgvflcqZmc0-BIMe49386A/s640/IMG_1991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've been meaning to attention the <a href="http://www.c2e2.com/http://www.c2e2.com/">Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo</a> for a while and never got our act together. My sister goes every year for the duration and we keep hearing from people how fun it is, so this year, we finally bit the bullet and bought tickets for family day. Kids 5 and under are free, and passes for older kids are $10. We figured it was like taking them to a princess show or a theme park, but much bigger.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i6VP8F_t32xFFD62hgZwdEOd0aQsurGaSB8tTo2VItnLoSp8vD2xhyWs0Xe8mMDFE-3inebBxoSfzs5i70ibnT6fzj65wtdXBSCxWlgw_rvlngUhkO5va2GvZCUlR67EhTtj1VxIBAk/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i6VP8F_t32xFFD62hgZwdEOd0aQsurGaSB8tTo2VItnLoSp8vD2xhyWs0Xe8mMDFE-3inebBxoSfzs5i70ibnT6fzj65wtdXBSCxWlgw_rvlngUhkO5va2GvZCUlR67EhTtj1VxIBAk/s320/IMG_1978.JPG" width="320" /></a>In actuality, it was somewhere between a nerdy swap meet and one of those kids play places you take your family to when the weather is -50 and everyone is stir crazy. We bought fairy wings for Z and a pikachu costume for B, which ultimately got returned because he wouldn't wear it.<br />
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The lines went very quickly when we arrived right when it opened, and we meandered through the stalls. We let the kids buy a few souvenirs, and we check out Family HQ. The conference puts together this little area with lego tables, giant lego statues, and some tables to take a breather and a snack at.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jx55Ak-Meabd596hcOrO4hGWg4PoAJg0qiCM8aJdbO2IiOq4HYabvUjTjMBrpDQOmXrxkLXgIzgcaPX7wlZ39TURoFNXkfZo8lRHC9-klWPzUJs3udDAZGTYrZnhA8c3Xm9Ig7t5EQ8/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jx55Ak-Meabd596hcOrO4hGWg4PoAJg0qiCM8aJdbO2IiOq4HYabvUjTjMBrpDQOmXrxkLXgIzgcaPX7wlZ39TURoFNXkfZo8lRHC9-klWPzUJs3udDAZGTYrZnhA8c3Xm9Ig7t5EQ8/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Bringing in our own food and water bottles was the greatest call ever. All that's available to purchase is crappy deep dish pizza and the only water is at fountains in the bathrooms in the middle of the center.<br />
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I also carried a backpack so when the kids inevitably decided to get rid of parts of their costumes or sweatshirts, I didn't have to carry it. Smooth move. I wish I would have worn a hat or something else distinctive because it's easy to get lost in the crowd when you're as small as I am.<br />
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What I wish I had done was tell them they each got $20 for souvenirs. Everything was incredibly expensive, and I wasn't about to shell out $30 for a stuffed magikarp doll the size of a sock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy-jGv8ed75OqtgI5g80M_kvUWGY7ifVK2EwlKEPj4QdZYIZjzlCVeoZqdB8tMRu32539ScKh_Yz3ROwIRQt197VYzO6hHKfq7AU1SdKt0YOrLTXig7JPYYVHBmvguRemXj3xxc4SCIA/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy-jGv8ed75OqtgI5g80M_kvUWGY7ifVK2EwlKEPj4QdZYIZjzlCVeoZqdB8tMRu32539ScKh_Yz3ROwIRQt197VYzO6hHKfq7AU1SdKt0YOrLTXig7JPYYVHBmvguRemXj3xxc4SCIA/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" width="240" /></a>The coolest part of C2E2, in my opinion, is artists' alley. There are a ton of very talented people, and they're all eager to show you what they're working on. It was especially fun for the kids to see how people made different drawings.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxeFn0owjrGylURAQX7TpSqhGCL3c9aXczKnbm_yLE2z8_m6sH2RP5w72jG3FQRZAFPoM-H3Oc3BxGRO_rpgPQ26PE8MJRfEcWfrqQx-cyatJcJSQEIIPRm9u5VdSvxAAp66F3N0G1KQ/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxeFn0owjrGylURAQX7TpSqhGCL3c9aXczKnbm_yLE2z8_m6sH2RP5w72jG3FQRZAFPoM-H3Oc3BxGRO_rpgPQ26PE8MJRfEcWfrqQx-cyatJcJSQEIIPRm9u5VdSvxAAp66F3N0G1KQ/s320/IMG_1950.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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One thing I didn't anticipate was there were live animals at the show. A reptile rescue was there with a display of animals, and one of the handlers had a snake kids could pet. For a $10 donation, attendees could get a photo with the snake. Color me shocked that the more sensitive child who is afraid of things like spiders and scorpions (we live in Illinois) wanted to pose with the snake.<br />
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So based on all of this, I would suggest bringing the following to C2E2 if you're coming with kids:<br />
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Water bottles</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Lunch and snacks</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">A bright hat to get spotted easier</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cash for souvenirs and photo opts</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">A cell phone battery bank</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">A backpack, not a purse, to leave your hands free</li>
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<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-59432569669229008252017-05-04T09:24:00.001-05:002017-05-04T09:24:15.007-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. It's unicorn this and unicorn that lately. Everything is rainbows. I did not go and get a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=unicorn+frappuccino&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiw57WhuNbTAhVjxYMKHSONCZwQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=638#imgrc=oGlvvvdRV4FuBM:">Unicorn frappuccino</a> because my sister said it tasted like sugar garbage and I didn't really want to be that person at Starbucks, but you better believe I bought these rainbow bagels at the grocery store. "For the kids." They liked them, but quickly realized it's just a bagel with food coloring.</div>
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2. It's almost grilling season! Brent smoked these ribs for Easter and they were amazing. I mean, check out that crust. It's drool worthy.<br />
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3. I'm going to keep the food theme rolling. I don't buy cinnamon rolls often because they don't have a long shelf life in this household and I don't need to be eating those. But, holidays call for cinnamon buns of fun shapes. I did hearts for Valentine's Day last year, so naturally, I did cinnabunnies for Easter this year. The best part is you get a portion and a half this way.<br />
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KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-88138897861763959492017-04-06T15:01:00.002-05:002017-04-06T15:01:30.117-05:00Three Things Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. A great way to recover from a marathon is a full day of yardwork. Six hours, 50 bags of mulch, 40 bags of rocks and three trips later, we have a very nice-looking yard complete with vegetable garden and a fresh set of perennial bulbs. We're good grown ups.</div>
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2. For the past few years, we've celebrated prEaster. It's like Easter, but the weekend before. I make bunny-shaped cinnamon rolls and we hide eggs. This is the bounty for this year's prEaster. I don't know how to adult without the dollar store.<br />
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3. Just looking through my photos, I realized that since the beginning of February, I have been to Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, and many places more than once. I'm at the tail end of a heavy travel schedule and can't wait to slow down a bit.<br />
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<br />KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5077005805514894959.post-69631477101665255182017-04-03T13:02:00.001-05:002017-04-03T13:02:14.548-05:002017 Circular Logic Marathon Race Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYxOFbCpXf1EbWUmdVNw1CqE8pufdmbFM_5LnZyLnTunKOqqqfFKiKyXp1bxPAIMQagK7lqs3TrzSTuJwwOHW83S6XAGOShWIcMhE_wE6r0xa3PKQJyhKv2xQTheTHb2nRxxGpwmLIws/s1600/IMG_8120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYxOFbCpXf1EbWUmdVNw1CqE8pufdmbFM_5LnZyLnTunKOqqqfFKiKyXp1bxPAIMQagK7lqs3TrzSTuJwwOHW83S6XAGOShWIcMhE_wE6r0xa3PKQJyhKv2xQTheTHb2nRxxGpwmLIws/s400/IMG_8120.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b>Six-word summary</b>: Awesome weather for my favorite race.<br />
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In the past four years of my life, virtually everything has changed. House. Job. Relationships. Goals. I have had few constants. But this race has remained. It's where I attempted a PR and we got engaged and made so many memories along the way.<br />
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This is the fourth year I've done the <a href="http://www.circularlogicmarathon.com/">Circular Logic Marathon</a>, a race of 26 one-mile loops in West Lafayette. Each year has been met with small changes and improvements to the course and logisitics. I'm loving how passionate the organizers are at creating the best hometown race possible that boasts an affordable entry fee and full support from volunteers. This is, however, the first year we've had great weather. Shorts weather! <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/04/2016-circular-logic-marathon-race-report.html">Last year</a> (<a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2016/04/our-engagement-story.html">when we got engaged</a>) I thought we'd get blown away, <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2015/03/2015-circular-logic-marathon-race-report.html">the year before</a> it was 18 degrees and <a href="http://www.kellytheculinarian.com/2014/03/2014-circular-logic-marathon-race-report.html">the first year</a>, it snowed. Lucky us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TzkirCZXRANQYF5fFyQ_xIH724PE-apB_lXUgVnlELEJNKZmAIPysRn7votHWfrG9U2zJ4b3i5skC45EWu4Wgc5o93Dj9cqFM8qwlP668TAjlIFs4lMYVmm5kMCSxwyVVw0K03fvVL4/s1600/IMG_8099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TzkirCZXRANQYF5fFyQ_xIH724PE-apB_lXUgVnlELEJNKZmAIPysRn7votHWfrG9U2zJ4b3i5skC45EWu4Wgc5o93Dj9cqFM8qwlP668TAjlIFs4lMYVmm5kMCSxwyVVw0K03fvVL4/s400/IMG_8099.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
We've also gotten this race down to a science. We stay at a hotel that's very close to the park and allows for check out as late as 4 p.m. It's not fancy and it sure is a little weird, but that post-race shower makes it all worth it. We got up around 6:30 and had breakfast at the hotel before heading over to the start line.<br />
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Something we'll do differently next year is opt for an early start. We were at the park at 8:05, so we could have easily started an hour earlier. We didn't realize anyone could opt for the early start. The problem with the 9 a.m. start is that everyone who is trying to BQ starts then. With one third of the race field trying to qualify, that meant when we finished at a very modest time, it was as ghost town.<br />
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We dropped our labeled bottles off at the aid station and set up a box of odds and ends we might want throughout the day: Advil, gels, headphones, phones, keys and tums. Then we headed to the start with Mo and got to moving. For the first six miles, Brent's bib had the wrong name, so we had fun with that to pass the miles. We ran almost the entire first half and were starting to feel pretty worn out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0Sq8HDj4z9O_mT_no-ooNGBWCE_ze58Uad-6wIHbOZZyDblFAtH_PdduIWUx6NBu1tuH7H4ZOLQu2ywOE4Dp6le2e_O2A-dtV_aY6Geq_-XV-W9HRSBqdW0nnQ-xSiG0ZsYlookH1ZA/s1600/IMG_8117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0Sq8HDj4z9O_mT_no-ooNGBWCE_ze58Uad-6wIHbOZZyDblFAtH_PdduIWUx6NBu1tuH7H4ZOLQu2ywOE4Dp6le2e_O2A-dtV_aY6Geq_-XV-W9HRSBqdW0nnQ-xSiG0ZsYlookH1ZA/s640/IMG_8117.JPG" width="640" /></a>I took a Gu around 11 and then we started a regimented walk-run schedule soon after that. Mo kept time for when we walked and ran and around the park we went without much incident. By the 15-mile mark, we were far less chatty as it started to get hard. My left knee was bothering me, along with my normal aches and pains. Around 17, Mo and I both took some advil. When it kicked in by 19, we annoyed the crap out of Brent because we started to feel better just as he was feeling worse. Right around that time, we were surprised to see the Philips cheering us on. They were on their way back from Spring Break and stopped to see the end of our race. Their kids played on the newly constructed playground while we finished up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDVrUsLG0SRW-su7mntM3C1ibnoML-OPE94zIxnN_94jyTy58NxDNVlqyzkW7wtjKQOOA6EkIi8_-GXvl3oaomeLFSgMfQioXtDcBRXBdb3RMSirMZbLl7Q4wDlJTeIDt_X2gyw5BO7I/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDVrUsLG0SRW-su7mntM3C1ibnoML-OPE94zIxnN_94jyTy58NxDNVlqyzkW7wtjKQOOA6EkIi8_-GXvl3oaomeLFSgMfQioXtDcBRXBdb3RMSirMZbLl7Q4wDlJTeIDt_X2gyw5BO7I/s320/IMG_1274.JPG" width="240" /></a>Mark ran with us for the last 5K as the course emptied out. I felt pretty good at the end of this race, albeit tired and sore, and was happy to be at the deserted finish line. This year, the race organizers opted to eliminate finish-line food in favor of bringing in a food truck. However, one race participant was celebrating his birthday and handed us cake at the finish line. I also saw there were cupcakes someone brought, so there was plenty to go around.<br />
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We skipped the food truck and collected our stuff before a quick shower at the hotel, then met the Philips for our traditional post-race Chilis meal. We were spent, and I fell asleep in the car on the way home. Today, I don't have any chafing, but my left foot is killing me. It hurst on the sole towards the outside. Hopefully it's nothing serious, because Ironman training awaits!<br />
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<b>Time</b>: 4:40:20<br />
<b>Cost</b>: $65 with a medal and shirt (It was under $30 without)<br />
<b>Pros</b>: It's cheap, easy to get to and well-supported. The medal and shirt are great, and you're rewarded for each subsequent marathon with a charm on your medal.<br />
<b>Cons</b>: The weather is really unpredictable. It's a boring course. A lot of fast people are trying to BQ, which makes me sad because I'm not fast anymore.<br />
<b>Will I do this again? </b>Every year I can move forward.KellytheCulinarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157742508302761756noreply@blogger.com0