Fearless Friday (Um, sort of)

by Carilyn on November 9, 2012

I’m having so much fun changing it up and running more trails, getting off the roads a bit, and dodging mountain lions and killer woodpeckers, that I decided I needed to try a few more new things, especially new things that won’t lead me to an early death (I can only risk my life one activity at a time). So, last night, when I awoke at 2 a.m., instead of turning on the Nanny, I started thinking of all the things I’ve been dying to try, but always came up with an excuse not to. After I weeded my list down to five doable options (I had to discard a few for being cost prohibitive, time prohibitive, or quasi-illegal), this is what I’ve decided to try:

1. A cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu. This week’s class is all about holiday sweets, so how could I not give it a try? I’ve been dying to take classes at the famed culinary school, but never had the nerve. But when truffles were on the menu, my yearning for the delectable treat overrode my chicken heart.

2. Make a plum tart. Now, this may not seem like a big deal to any of you, but I AM AFRAID OF PIE CRUST. There. I’ve admitted it. True bakers can be very “judgy”, especially when pie crust is involved. Each baker has his/her own opinion about what a good crust should taste and feel like. I have been afraid of the pressure. But no more. I bought 6 gorgeous plums at the Farmer’s Market, and it’s time to face my pastry fears and BAKE.

3. Ride my bike further than around my block. Again, for many of you, this seems like a wimpy challenge. But remember how I fall down a lot? Remember how I zone out while I’m running? Both of these special “qualities” have made me a very reticent cyclist. This weekend, I will be reticent no more – okay, maybe still reticent, but reticent while astride my trusty hybrid bike. I am going to set a destination and ride there. And every now and then I will stop to snap a few photos, because taking them on the go would probably lead to me falling off the bike and getting run over by a Frozen Fish Truck.

4. Do a long trail run. This one is sort of cheating because I actually do quite a few of my long runs on trails. But usually I do loops so that I retain my “loopy” comfort while getting to run on dirt. This long run, I will actually plan ahead (i.e., carry enough water and fuel) and do an out and back. I will really work on thinking about things other than, “How hungry does a mountain lion have to be to eat a human?” or “Is it true that yetis always go for people with pony tails?” Yikes. This goal is already making me sweat. Where’s my mace?

5. I will try a new restaurant. Okay, this one isn’t really a challenge, but give me a break. I might get eaten on a mountain, run over by a truck when I fall off my bike, be thrown out of Truffle class by a snooty French Chef, or poison a loved one with a terrible pie crust. I DESERVE A HAPPY MEAL! Okay, not a Happy Mealβ„’, but a meal that is happy.

What are you going to do this weekend? Does it involve possible death, dismemberment, or acute embarrassment? If it does, make sure you have a happy meal! πŸ™‚

 

Happy Running!

 

 

{ 10 comments }

Kate November 9, 2012 at 10:22 am

Look at you branching out all over the place! So cool!

Another good thing about the pictures of your bike ride is that if you DO manage to do some crazy zone out crash at least there’ll be a trail of evidence showing where you’ve been and potential witnesses. πŸ™‚

Have a great weekend!

Patrick November 9, 2012 at 11:34 am

I was certain that going to the boardwalk would be on the list. Imagine my disappointment! Whoah! I just realized something. You are going for a long trail run and I will be fruit loopin’ (TM) it for 12hours. What is this Freaky Friday, trail runner edition?

Kent November 9, 2012 at 3:26 pm

Actually I do as little as possible. If the weather is even half way decent – not to much below freezing – then I will practice the fine art of front porch sittin’. Definitely a dying art as people either think they’re too busy ( doing nothing for an hour is hardly a waste of time), or they live in a newer home that the builders obviously didn’t have a clue as to how important front porches are for visiting neighbors or just waving to the passer’s by: not to mention the inevitable sleepies that will over take you in the warm weather. Oh, I will continue the slow process of bouncing back from a 7 week injury. This is really hard, but at 58 I know I better be patient or I’ll be sidelined forever.

Char November 9, 2012 at 6:01 pm

I’m going to make cupcakes. Surprise, surprise!! And I might try some gluten-free cookies to go with my new, stupid way of eating. But I will not be making or eating pastry because I have patissierrephobia (it’s a real word that I just made up that means fear of making pastry and being judged by pastry snobs).

The bike riding thing has been on my mind lately. The other night I dreamt that I was at a triathlon camp and there was a black mark next to my name saying that I wasn’t to be allowed on a bike. I think God’s trying to tell me something. And it’s either to never ride a bike or to never do a triathlon or both. Either way I’m listening.

Carilyn November 9, 2012 at 8:43 pm

I can’t wait to see how you like it, Patrick!

Carilyn November 9, 2012 at 8:44 pm

No pics of falling. Friends have told me my gross toe photos are “disturbing” πŸ™‚

Carilyn November 9, 2012 at 8:46 pm

Love it, Kent! And I know you will get back out there soon! You’ve got the fire!

Carilyn November 9, 2012 at 8:47 pm

I swear, Char, you just crack me up!

Kirstin C (@ultrarunnergirl) November 13, 2012 at 10:45 am

Oooh, these ALL sound like great ideas! But you know the best one is gonna be riding your bike to get coffee (or pastries, or whatever). Though the cooking class sounds amazing, and plum tart, too. Have a blast!!

Carilyn November 14, 2012 at 10:05 am

Thanks, Kirstin!

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