B-day. Running Form. New Shoes. Goulash Coolash.

My birthday is tomorrow. I like my birthdays simple. I don't have to have a lot of things or a party; I just like to hang out and have a good time. My wife gets frustrated with that, but that's how I have always been. My friends who are missionaries to Germany are currently in the states and will be here at my house tomorrow - on my birthday! I love it. I'm so excited to see them. It's been a very long time, but I have a feeling that it'll just pick back up like they had never left. I can't wait to hang out.

other news.

On Wednesdays I go to a nearby town and hit up the local Starbuck's. I love coffee and they have some stuff that I really enjoy. I also get my money's worth as I stay there for a few hours enjoying the entire environment and do some great studying. One of the things that I got to study up on today was (and it's no surprise) - running.

Running Form.

I read up and watched some videos on the proper form of running and the benefits of tuning into your body while running. Look for a post coming up on some of what I have learned. I utilized some of the tips in my run today and my run was great!

One of the things that I will talk about is the necessity to keep your body going forward. One thing that I know I struggle with is that I tend to swing my arms across my body and not front to back. When I do that - it causes a misalignment in my running and affects the entire form. The idea is to use your arms, but that they go straight in the direction that you are going (not like a punch, but a simple bend in your arms and going front front to back). Another aspect of this alignment is to make sure your feet are facing straight as well when running. I used this information today and it was strange because I normally swing my arms across. Who knew something so small could make a difference!

New Shoes.

After I finished my awesome coffee I headed over to a nearby sports store. I took my time as I looked at the running shoes. I had purchased some new shoes a while back, but they were hurting my feet. This time I did my research and I think I walked away with some pretty awesome shoes. I used them tonight, and tonights time was the best I have had on that particular course. I ran the 3.04 miles in 29'33" @ a 9'41" pace.

The run felt good.

Goulash Coolash.

I also wanted to give a shoutout because she helped me out when I was in a bind. She doesn't know it just yet - but she did.

I was in need of a meal to make for me and my wife and something rather easy. I put a tweet out there asking for a quick meal and to my surprise - got zero replies, at least not at that time. I read many blogs and one that I know who posts recipes is Tonya @ Unlikely Success Story. I always comment on her meals and if I could, I would hire her as a chef for my family :)
I found a recipe called Goulash Coolash and it seemed easy enough to make -- so I made it.

It was delicious! My wife does not like Goulash, but she loved Goulash Coolash! Thanks Tonya for the awesome recipe and just to give you the respect - I took a picture of it. I didn't do the mixed vegetables, but it turned out delish!

Goulash Coolash

What is the best thing that has happened to you this week!