Training with a Purpose

Last Saturday I ran my first race with team in traing. It was such a great experience. The race was called the sunrise run, so as the name implies we began running as the sun was rising. It was gorgeous and helped being early so we were not all so hot.  I have always heard that with TNT when you feel tired there is always someone there to yell "Go Team!". Well I finally had that experience. This was my first five mile race since my surgery, and two weeks off was a lot harder than I ever imagined. I was getting tired in the race and one of my teammates ran by me and yelled "Go Team". I then remembered who I was running for; the families who lost a loved one to cancer, those who can no longer run, and those fighing even now.   The folllowing Wednesday I ran a race called "Run for One" which raised money for all those involced in the Boston Marathon bombing. Its'a amazing how we truly are a runner's nation. We love to support other runners that we do not even know.

 Thank you for all the love and support I have recieved from the last few weeks. I love all the letters of encouragement that I have gotten from friends and family.  Yesterday I was able to add another name to my list of people I am going to run for in November. A sorority sister of mine lost her 17 year old cousin to Lymphoma. Please keep her family in your prayers. This showed me and should show so many others that cancer does not discriminate. It can take anyone at anytime. We really need to find a cure for cancer and stop letting it take the lives of the ones we love.

Below is a picture of my family picture from the Boston run.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

I know many of you may think that these do not sound good at all. To be honest I did not want to even try these because I don't even like cauliflower (the main ingredient). I am so thankful that I made these the other day anyways. Justin found a recipe online and while he was gone to get propane for the grill I fixed them. Yes, I know it's crazy that I actually made something in the kitchen. They were delicious, but then I realized I left something very important out.... garlic! So tonight I tried to make them again. They taste just like mashed potatoes if not better and without all the carbs!

Here is what you need:

 Bag of cauliflower

 Tbsp of fat free cream cheese

 1/4 cup of Gouda cheese

 4 cloves of garlic

 Ground Pepper

Scallions

They are so easy to make. Here is how you do it:

1. Break all the cauliflower into small pieces and place them in a pot of boiling water.  Let them boil for about 6 minutes or until soft.

2. While these are boiling; in a food processor chop the garlic and go ahead and soften the cream cheese.

3. Drain the cauliflower and press down on it in the strainer to get as much water as possible. If you don't drain them enough the  consistency will be very runny.

4. Add the cauliflower, cream cheese, Gouda, and pepper (to taste) into the food processor.  Grind to the consistency of mashed potatoes. 

5. Now they are ready to serve. We placed onions and scallions on top of ours and paired these with tuna and a zucchini/ squash medley. 

Hope that you enjoy these as much as we did. Remember eat healthy and respect your body :)

My Two Weeks of Rest

Wow! I never imagined how much I would miss being active. Last Wednesday (May 22) I had surgery and was told I was not allowed to run or hit the gym for two weeks! 

I have missed two runs with my amazing teammates on Friday mornings. I see runners outside and I'm so jealous, but God and Justin quickly remind me that my "NO RUNNING" is only temporary! Takes me back to running with a purpose! Running for those who no longer can, who lost their life to CANCER! 

Wednesday I cannot wait to be back in my running shoes! Back running for my grandmother, Kimberly, and many others that my amazing friends have asked me to run for! This week has been emotionally tough on me! I have thought so much about November 9 (Savannah Marathon) and just imagine the joy of the finish line and what I just did. I'm running to cure cancer!! 

The week before my surgery I have all the miles I could! Monday I ran my first 16 mile run, Wednesday I ran a quick 3.5 mile recovery run, and Friday I ran 13.1 miles at relay for life with my sister in law Jill in memory of her beautiful mother we lost to pancreatic cancer last year! After being diagnosed she lived for 77 days! This run was do amazing! Knowing I ran to find a cure for cancer! No one needs to go what the Bonner family went through! How quickly her life was taken from her! When I finished I looked at Mr. Bonner and told him that was for his incredible wife. I cannot imagine running around a boring track for 52 Laos for anyone else, but it was such an honor to do it for her!!

Please follow me along my journey of training as it all starts this Wednesday when in released by my doctor to run again!! 

Don't forget to donate to:

Http://pages.teamintraining.org/sc/rnrsav13/kbellpxh9g