On the Agenda

So this is what's going on at work tomorrow afternoon and I have opted to participate. Tonight, after a necessary grocery run, I will be whipping up a big batch of the ever famous Mandi Forester White Chicken Chili. It's been very popular with everyone I've made it for, particularly Jake, and so I'm going to give it a try on my coworkers. Given we have people here from Texas and other southwestern parts of the country I suspect the competition will be tough. For me though, if the chili has beans in it (including my own) I won't be eating it. I suppose that doesn't make me that fair of a judge. Well that and the fact I just want to vote for myself anyway. I suspect this will be a fun event and I won't mind being at the office late as a result of it. Update, I just looked at the version of the recipe linked above and it neglects to list the tortilla chips in the ingredients. You just add them, crushed, on an as-need basis to thicken up the chili.

So this weekend I have another big run. I know those of you that are familiar with distance training are probably wondering why, at 2 1/2 months before my marathon, I'm already up to 20 miles. I can give only this explanation. When I sought out a training schedule online I chose one that was more aggressive because the 5 hour cut off on the marathon makes me a little nervous. I know I can easily do it but I figured harder training would be beneficial, plus I was already built up on mileage from my half marathon. My schedule, instead of gradually peaking and then tapering in the last couple of weeks before the race actually builds up and backs off and builds up and backs off repeatedly. It's been good for me so far. I've had no injuries, significant pain other than some soreness or excessive tiredness. I actually re-worked the plan slightly after Christmas to incorporate some strength training based on the book I got for Christmas in lieu of other crosstraining. One run during the week incorporates some speed work which I know is helpful.

So Saturday morning I'm up for 20 miles. I've decided to take my old friend the Mount Vernon Trail south and revisit the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, crossing it and then returning. My plan is to take it slow and easy and see how it goes. Of course the weather forecast is calling for snow tonight. Why must they foil my plans? Since 3+ hours on the treadmill will not be in the agenda no matter what happens I might have to re-work my schedule. I'm hoping not though. Celebratory lunch upon completion is planned at California Pizza Kitchen with two of my friends. Pizza AND an appetizer? Yes please!

As far as the remainder of the weekend, tomorrow evening will consist of relaxing and carb-loading, yum! The Colts are in the playoffs on Saturday evening and the Packers on Sunday. Members of my photo class are still attempting to organize a group photo shoot potentially in Chinatown for the Chinese New Year parade. I hope that happens because I'd love to see some of my classmates but I might go alone even if it doesn't get fleshed out. I am hoping to have some good results to share. I need to get out in my neighborhood too as the Arlington Now blog has been using a number of my photos from the Flickr pool and I'd like to give them some more!

And what about Jake? Well he's been reading up a storm on his new Kindle and making efforts to get into a workout routine. I'm sure he'll be all worked up about the playoffs this weekend, I can't wait!
Images from here and here, respectively.