I found my way to the kitchen again.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you might be thinking that Brady only writes about running. And, you'd be right. I've been spending more time along the lake front than in the kitchen.

I started this blog three-plus years ago to show my family and friends that I could master being a domestic diva. Well, at least I tried. This blog has evolved a bit since then because I wanted a forum -- in addition to Twitter and Facebook -- to write about my affair with running.

As I've become more serious about running, I tend to tune out other aspects of my life. I know I need to strike more of a balance. And, I was able to do that Friday when I hung out in the kitchen. Inspired by the holidays and an opportunity to bake for a friend's birthday, I tried my hand at Paula Deen's Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.

I evaluate whether to try new recipes according to the number of ingredients and the complexity of steps. The fewer the opportunities to screw up, the better -- at least when I'm at the stove. I liked the chocolate gooey butter cookie recipe for this reason: they were simple* to make.

Would I make them again? Sure, they're easy to whip up. And, I think my chocolate-loving friends would like them. The recipe made about 18 cookies, and I gave nearly all of the cookies to my friend for his birthday on the chance he might share them at his party. Ben ate the remaining cookies in less than 24 hours -- what a compliment!


*I burned a few cookies. Hey, I'm not perfect. Those cookies remained at home.

Packaged and ready to deliver to Fabian.

All I Needed to Hear

When it comes to my involvement in the sport of running, my mom is not my biggest fan.

Sure, she supports me. When I ran my first marathon in October 2005, she traveled three hours to the Twin Cities to cheer me on. She helped my sister Brooke and I raise money when we decided to run the Chicago Marathon for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. She showed up for that race, too.

But, when I complain of aches or pains from running, I don't get sympathy from my mom. I'm told to scale back running or find a new sport. When I mention I've just come in from a long run, she might reply, "Should you be running that far?"

When I go home for the holidays in a few weeks, my mom will quickly tire of me talking about running or needing to head out for a run. I considered participating in a satellite 6.1-mile "race" on Dec. 26 for a cause I support. Considering I got zero support from my husband, I can only imagine how my mom would respond if I told her I was planning to leave my family for an hour to run the day after Christmas. For financial reasons, I've decided not to participate in the satellite race.

I'm sure my mom would prefer I put my energy into making babies (maybe in three to five years) or finding a job that doesn't have the word "free" in its title.

There are days when I wish my mom would be my biggest cheerleader, and I've told her as much. Then, she drops a gem like she did after the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov. 21.

A few hours after the race, I talked on the phone with her. When I told her that I had achieved a personal best by at least four minutes (six weeks after Chicago!), she said although she gives me flack for running, she was proud of me.

That's all I needed to hear.

Rock Philly Rocky Style

For first-time visitors, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon this past weekend to celebrate turning 27. It's an unremarkable year -- unlike turning 18, 21, 30 or 40 -- but I wanted to make it memorable doing something I love: running.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate my birthday. To find out why, keep on reading.


Friday
I flew into Philadelphia Friday afternoon. My friend and host, Shruti, whisked me away from the airport and treated me to dinner at Dim Sum Garden downtown for my birthday. I will eat dumplings with her again any day. Yum! After dinner, we stopped at a charity event at Mad River. I drank water. We ended the night at Penn, where we watched undergrad and graduate students put on a swing dance show.

Ben, who had been in Minneapolis, got into town around 10:30 p.m. I knew I needed rest in preparation for the marathon, but Shruti, her husband Ravi, Ben and I stayed up until about midnight talking.

Saturday
I woke up to homemade Chai tea and broiled cinnamon and sugar toast, thanks to Shruti. This simple breakfast is a new favorite of mine.

Following breakfast, Ben and I made our way down to the Philadelphia Convention Center. It was within walking distance, but Shruti recommended Ben and I take the bus to save our legs for race day. She walked us to the bus stop (such a good host!). A few blocks into our ride, the bus died. We ended up hiking over to the convention center!

The expo was busy, but not crazy or overwhelming. We made our rounds and visited every both. Runners' World had set up a booth, and Bart Yasso, the magazine's chief running officer and author of "My Life on the Run", was there. Thanks to Ben's persistence, we got a photo with Bart!

Brady, Bart Yasso, Ben

Following the expo, we met up for lunch with about 18 people, many of whom I've connected with through Twitter. Many thanks to Erica Sara @ericasara for organizing lunch. I finally got to meet Joe Whelan @RgulrJoeRunning, who helped convince me to run Philadelphia Marathon with his detailed account of the race. I also got to see Sam Felsenfeld @operationjack again. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about how Sam has run 56 marathons in 2010 and counting.

Ben and I spent the rest of the day relaxing. We saw the latest Harry Potter flick, and we enjoyed a home cooked meal before turning in for the night. 


Sunday
All week leading up to the race, I had giant butterflies in my stomach. I received a lot of love and support from Twitter friends. However, the more support I received, the more pressure I felt to perform well. While I went into the marathon hoping to PR (achieve a personal best), I didn't know if I could six weeks after a marathon. Ben had told me not to expect much.

Then, two days before the marathon, I received this message from a Twitter friend:

Just have fun... Soak in the moment...your birthday..the spirit of your dad...and the love of many...will be cheering for you!

I needed that. I recalled this message throughout the race, and it gave me such peace.

On race day morning, I felt calm.

Our friends with whom we were staying lived a few blocks from the race. The start time was 7 a.m., so Ben and I (did I mention he ran the marathon, too) left about 6:20 a.m. to make sure we'd have time to navigate the corrals and use the bathroom.

The gun went off at 7, but I didn't cross the line until about 7:20 a.m.I settled into nice, comfortable pace that I planned to hold for at least the first half. I didn't want to go out too fast because I knew I'd encounter several hills during the first half, and I hadn't trained much on hills.

Around mile 13, I slowly picked up the pace. The last 13 miles were out-and-back. Normally, I find this annoying on a race course. But I knew there would be no surprises during the last few miles, and I liked that. Going out, I saw fastest racers coming back into the city. They inspired me. I also saw @operationjack looking tough in his pink arm warmers.

By mile 20, I knew I'd have to pick it up even more to achieve a PR. My legs felt great, so I tried to run each of the last five to six miles faster than the other. Around mile 23 or 24, I let out my signature grunt and turned on the thrusters.

I finished in 4 hours, 7 minutes -- around four minutes faster than my previous PR. Yes!

Isn't she pretty?

I was ecstatic -- and still am -- over the PR. But (there's always a "but" with me), I know I have it in me to perform even better, break four hours and eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon. Sunday's race gave me that knowledge and confidence. I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift.

P.S. I need to add that Shruti and Ravi made our marathon experience even more memorable through their generosity. They provided us with a warm bed and hot shower, made sure we got to where we needed to be always, fed us yummy food and showed us around town. They both had to work Sunday, yet they came out and cheered for Ben and me at mile 13 with creative signs! Upon our return to their apartment after the marathon, they had chocolates and ibuprofen waiting for us.When I think of the Philadelphia Marathon, I will always think of them.

Feeling Restored

Some people celebrate their birthday going out on the town or throwing a party. Some take a vacation. Others might pamper themselves. Me? I'm running a marathon.

If this isn't your first time here, then you know I'm running the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday to celebrate turning 27. While it's not a milestone year, I want to honor it by doing something memorable. For me, the marathon is about as memorable as it gets.

Since running the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10, my interest in running Philly has waned. I've had some serious mixed feelings about running this marathon. I felt emotionally spent after Chicago. I gave myself over to training and fund-raising for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. I found myself making deals with God over my once-fractured foot prior to the Chicago Marathon. Understandably I became more concerned about my body post marathon. I also questioned the point of running a second marathon this fall. While I'd like to snatch a PR (personal best) in Philly, I wondered if it was even possible.

Saturday brunch at Perennial with major runnerds.

All of my worries and self-doubt disappeared Saturday when I ran with friends I've made through Twitter. Kate @krzimmer and Michael @Bama26Point2 organized a run and brunch for about a dozen of us. During our 8-mile run and later over food, we talked about running, goals, life. As I ran with Alek @alekbabel, Sean @princess_sean and John @phampants, I felt restored as a runner. My anxiety over Philly was replaced with enthusiasm.

Because of Twitter, I've found a community of runners who love the sport just as much, if not more so, than I do. They are a driven, smart, entertaining and, most important, very supportive bunch of people. They hold me accountable. They make me want to be a better runner and human being. They motivate me.

Some friends and family have questioned my decision to run two marathons in six weeks. There are times when I, too, question my sanity. Then I think of these guys, whom I've come to know through Twitter:

Sam @operationjack: He is running 61 marathons this year in honor of his son, Jack, who has autism. He doesn't consider himself a hero, but he's one to me. Whenever I question pushing myself, I think of him.

Joe @RgulrJoeRunning: To date, he has run three marathons this year, and he is about to run Philly. He is the runner who convinced me to run this marathon. Had it not been for his incredibly detailed and thoughtful description of the race, I might not have signed up. His love for the sport is contagious, and he's one of the most supportive runners I know. I can't wait to meet him in real life on Saturday. He's also a gifted writer, so please check out his blog.

Dave @dp_turtle: Dave runs on behalf of DetermiNation and has raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society over the past several years. If I could raise half as much for the MMRF as he has for ACS, I would be a happy girl. He's also a crazy fast runner who is never short on encouragement for us slower folks.

To my runner friends, thank you. I'm ready for Philly.

20

That's the number of days until the Philadelphia Marathon.

When I signed up for the marathon this summer, I did it mostly on impulse. I knew:
a.) I would be depressed after completing the Chicago Marathon.
b.) I seldom do anything exciting to celebrate my birthday, and what better way to make memories than run a marathon in conjunction with blowing out another candle.
c.) it would be nice to have a worry-free marathon after being so emotionally invested in the Chicago Marathon.
d.) while six weeks separating two marathons wasn't ideal, my legs would be somewhat recovered.

Now, only 20 days away from the marathon, I'm ready for it to be here. My nervousness about my foot overshadows any excitement I have for the race. Either bone injuries are sensitive to the cold, or my foot is becoming re-injured. If I can just get through the marathon, I will scale back running in December and focus on mostly, if not exclusively, cross-training. I still want to run with Back on My Feet once a week.

My friend reminded me this weekend that if I want to get faster (and boy, do I ever feel ready mentally to get faster), then I have to let my body recover. I hate taking more than a day off from running. But I dislike even more having to constantly worry about a body part breaking. The stress fracture I suffered last Februrary had not only physical ramifications, but mental ones, as well.

I'm ready to run my heart out at the marathon on Nov. 21 and then take a nice, little break from the sport I love. By January, I hope I'm ready mentally and physically to pick up training again.

Final Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Hello friends and family!

Brooke and I did it! We ran and finished the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. And, most importantly, we raised more than $5,000 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Ninety-three percent of that money will go toward cancer research.

As all of you know, Brooke and I ran the marathon in memory of our dad, who died at the age of 46 of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. This was our way of honoring him 15 years after his death.

When we signed on to run the Chicago Marathon for the MMRF eight months ago, we didn’t know whether we’d get much support or enough donations. I recall my mom telling me that she’d write a check to make up the difference for whatever we couldn’t raise. But, within minutes of that first e-mail to friends and family, you responded!

Thank you for sharing in this cause with us. Thank you for supporting us with your donations and words. Thank you for spreading the word about our fund-raising efforts. We appreciate you and feel blessed to have you in our lives!

We want to extend a special thank-you to those who traveled to Chicago from Minnesota to cheer us on in your Team Gene shirts. You helped make the race unforgettable! 

Brooke’s Race Report

The dreadful marathon was............great!  I was my own tour guide for the city, and I saw so many neat locations:  Chinatown, the Pilsen neighborhood, Downtown and the Chicago River, and, my favorite, Boys Town! 

For those who know me...I love attention.  I put my name on the front of my MMRF jersey and ran on the far left side of the course so spectators could cheer me on as I passed them.  They were very inspirational.  I also think Brady and I had the best supporters: TEAM GENE.  I was greeted at almost every other mile by Mom, my husband Tony, Paula and Molly Mickelson, Megan and Eric Lund, the Hebig family and my friends Jackie and Alyssa.  They made me feel like a celebrity as I passed...cheering loudly and taking photos! I couldn't have done it with out them.

The run was not my best.  I was hot and miserable.  Although many of us trained throughout the summer, no one anticipated the weather would hit 80-plus degrees and conditions would become potentially dangerous.  My biggest mistake was taking my first walk break...I could feel the legs cramping up.  Each stride I took, the more pain I'd feel, but I kept going.  It wasn't until mile 25 where my body decided to call it quits.  My knee gave out...and I had to walk the last mile in...but I MADE IT!  The first thing I did when I crossed that finish line was head straight to the booth that was serving the beer. Ahhh, refreshing!

Despite the ups and downs of the race, I knew I had an angel, Dad, watching over me.  As many of you know, and for those of who don’t, our dad reminded us of Elvis Presley. There were two spots along the race course where Elvis tunes were blaring...there was also a stage where a man dressed up as Elvis sang his music. As I passed each Elvis, I had to laugh. I knew that was Dad's way of showing me he was right behind me.

Many friends and family members have asked will I do another marathon.  I thought someday I might...that is until this evening when I could feel a slight discomfort at the end of one of my toes. I decided to investigate and noticed I had one sorry looking blister.  I took care of it and started inspecting the rest of my toes...only to find yet another blister. I was mortified.  I don't think I'll be doing another marathon after seeing that.  My feet are WAY too pretty to be getting blisters!

Brady’s Race Report

I had never cried in the start corral, taken a sponge, *wet my shorts or walked during a marathon, until Sunday.

As I lined up for my fourth marathon, I shed tears. It was the culmination of training, being worried about my foot that I had fractured last winter, raising money, and the knowledge that I would be running for my dad.

During the first half of the marathon, I aimed for a personal record (PR). And I was on track to achieve just that, until I wasn’t. Around miles 12 or 13, I, along with all the other runners, was no longer protected by the shade. We were exposed, and there was no breeze to relieve us from the 80-plus degree heat. I slowed down. I walked at every water stop. I took advantage of the sponges and water hoses.

My friend Jacque joined me around mile 20 and, by then, I felt bad. My quads hurt, and I was hot. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to walk. I ended up walking for maybe a block or two (Jacque should correct me if I'm wrong!). And when I stopped at aid stations, I not only drank water and Gatorade, I poured cups of water on my head.

Before Jacque and I parted ways, I told her I wouldn't be PR’ing. She reminded me, “This is about your dad and your sister. You’re my hero.” Those words were just what I needed to hear for the final miles. As I crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 17 minutes, I cried again.

Like my sister, I knew someone was with me every step of the race. On Saturday night, Brooke gave me a charm that included a photo of our dad. I carried it in my pocket on race day. Every time I felt like walking or throwing in the towel, I touched the charm and thought of my dad.

I doubt any race will compare to how special the Chicago Marathon was for me. It’s my hope that I will be able to run on behalf of the MMRF again. I have such a deep appreciation for this organization and its efforts to fight multiple myeloma. I want to do everything I can to help find a cure for this destructive disease.

*Yes, that actually happened sometime during the final miles of the race.

Best,

Brady and Brooke

P.S. If you still want to donate, it’s not too late. Click here to make a donation before Oct. 24. 

Becky (Mom), Ben (Brady's husband), Brady, Eric Lund (friend), Brooke, Tony (Brooke's husband), Megan Lund (friend), Paula Mickelson (aunt and photographer), Molly Mickelson (cousin)

Motivation

Last night, my aunt sent me multiple texts of posters she is making for the Chicago Marathon. I counted five posters in all. She personalized one for Brooke, Ben (who's running the marathon but not for the MMRF) and me. She also made one that features Team Gene and another that includes our motto: "Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time."

My foot and hip are bothering me this week quite a bit, but I'm determined to make it across the finish line Sunday. These posters help.