The #1 Most Important Tip For Traveling With Your Family This Holiday Season

If there is but one travel tip that I can impart to you this holiday season it would be this:

Do not forget your suitcase.

Race Report - Portland Half Marathon

When I hit the start line on Sunday morning, physically I was feeling great. I had set two fitness goals for myself when I registered for this race nearly 9 months ago that I had achieved in the months leading up the race. I was having a great visit with my brother who was visiting from Ohio to run the full marathon. The weather was nearly perfect, clear skies and temps in the mid-40s. I was feeling confident that I would be able to meet my 1:45 goal time.

Road to the Portland Half Marathon

Shortly after moving to the Pacific Northwest in January, I received a call from my brother in Cincinnati telling me that he was coming out to run the Portland Marathon in October. I was so excited at the thought of his visit I committed to run the half marathon.  I had to register quickly before the event sold out so I did not have a lot of time to consider what that meant.  

Unfortunately I had not run consistently in over three years. I was heavier than I had ever been in my life (never lost my baby weight...yes, I realize my son was almost two years old, don't judge). The reality of what I had just done began to set in.  

Turkey Burger Reicpe

Turkey burgers are a cooking artists dream. Ground turkey by itself does not have tons of flavor so it can be a lot of fun adding flavors that really bring out the best in the turkey. 

The other side of turkey is it can dry out very easily. A trick I learned from watching my wife is to add some water to your pan after you get a nice crust on the burger and cover. It basically gives the burger a quick braise, absorbing the liquid and keeping it nice and juicy. 

Enjoy!

The last post workout recipe you'll ever need

I love to run. 

I love to cook.  

I love to cook food that makes me feel good after I run. 

Let me tell you, replenishment does not have to be the same boring bagel and banana that so many of us eat after we work out.  Sure, quick and easy carb centric foods are a great way to refuel, but adding some flavor to your post work out routine - that feels good. 

Here is my Refuel Special, a quick and easy recipe that will keep your engine humming after a tough work out.

The Avett Brothers - Ridgefield WA Concert Review 8/9/2012

In 2007 my friend Matt, who is my Czar of Music, told me I had to check out this band, The Avett Brothers. So I went out and purchased Emotionalism. After a listen or two, I reported back that they were merely pretty good. I likened them a Country Music version of the Beatles, and remember thinking they were raw, a bit unrefined even, with some forced rhymes and some interesting harmonies. I never thought they would become my favorite band.

Watermelon BBQ Sauce

In honor of National Watermelon Day, I put together a watermelon inspired menu for a casual dinner party I was having.

Spice rubbed pork loin with watermelon BBQ sauce with a side of brown rice and green beans topped with a watermelon salsa.

If you want something done right....

I have had a run of terrible service at restaurants recently.  In my work life, I am a customer service professional, so in addition to being a food, beer and wine snob, I am a bit of a "customer experience" snob as well.  While that might make me a tough customer please, providing a meal with decent service is what restaurants are supposed to do...it's all they have to do.  So I do not think it is unreasonable to expect them to get it right.

Here's service in 7 simple steps: 

Race Report - Lacamas Lake Half Marathon

Goal Time:
1:50:00

The Weather Conditions:
Just about perfect, mid-50s and overcast.

The Event: