by Monica on August 16, 2011
I somewhat reluctantly picked up Gwyneth Paltrow’s new cookbook My Father’s Daughter (not your typical cookbook name…not jumping off the shelf for sure) from the library. I thought it might be plagued with privilege from an actress who has Steven Spielberg as a godfather. But I have to admit, I love it. Yes, her kitchen and her children (and she herself) are beautiful, but I am in love with her relationship with food. Fresh ingredients cooked in healthy ways. I tried one of the dishes out on my teenage children and even got an unprompted “good chicken Mom” from my son. The never ending battle known as “dinner” has me always looking for more to offer at the table. Gwyneth uses food to entertain, bond with friends and teach her children. This cookbook is centered on her family both past and present. An idea I embrace. Some of my favorite moments are sitting at the table with my family enjoying a meal and the casual exchange of conversation that accompanies culinary togetherness. She also reminds us that just preparing food can be about family. I think back when my son was home from law school at Thanksgiving — I learned a lot about his life from a session of peeling potatoes. My daughter studies while she bakes (or is it bakes while she studies?). Somehow thoughts of quizzing her from her flashcards comes to mind if the smell of baked chocolate is in the air. Taste, smell and the warmth of connection felt around the kitchen form mental snapshots like these that we carry with us. Gwyneth is trying to do the same for her children.
And for those of us runners who are always looking for miles from our food I must note that she offers some good healthy options here. She also works hard on her body so she can eat a plate of Paella or pancakes. Sound familiar?
And yes, I do get that we don’t all look like Gwyneth, but I think we can learn from this renaissance gal. I have to admit, I am a little jealous of her perfect life…but mostly just in awe.
by Monica on August 8, 2011
Joan Benoit Samuelson
It’s already week two of the Runner’s World Challenge for the Philadelphia Marathon. My e-mail from Bart Yasso came this morning and I started to sweat a little. My goal for the Challenge is to adjust my running to my aging body. I am staring down the barrel of the big 50 (49 in Oct…50 in 2012!). “The joys of aging” signs have crept up on me this past year. I am no longer able to read the fine print of menus and maps without my glasses. I notice saggy skin that makes me feel for a chicken. I never thought I would miss having a period. Then there is the weight gain in new places and my skirt length concerns me. There are bitter sweet melancholy moments when considering the empty nest–it’s hard to visualize life without children in my immediate orbit. The goal is to keep running as I age. I feel it is time to make the necessary adjustments for longevity. My last round of marathon training for the Shamrock Marathon made me realize that this change was needed. My usual plan left me tired and energy zapped. My toughest finish yet.
I was thinking of Joan Benoit Samuelson on a recent college visit with my daughter to Bowdoin College in Maine. As noted on their website: Nike donated the track renovation in honor of their corporate relationship with Joan Benoit Samuelson, a 1979 Bowdoin graduate and the 1984 Olympic Marathon champion. I was wondering how often she gets to that track and how graciously she has mastered the age thing. Joan Benoit at 54 is a huge inspiration.
I seem to find more and more information for the aging female runner and I am excited about that. It’s not only the young mothers and women hitting the road. The mid-life or “menopause marathon” seems a great way to transition through this milestone. I see the changes in my long distance friends. It’s almost as if at 48 it suddenly becomes hard to ignore. I am reminded of the elementary school years with my own children when a few years can make a noticeable difference. Fellow runners that are 42 or 43 show few signs of this pending metamorphosis. Don’t get me wrong, these older competitive women are taking nothing lying down. Their spirit is ageless. They are training as hard as ever with tweaks to accommodate for this aging process. Here are some areas to for me to consider/work on:
- Figuring out the best rest/run combination: I know I need more rest and cannot run as many days in a row without feeling exhausted.
- Energy from food: I cannot eat as much as I did before without gaining weight. My body seems to need less food.
- Pace: learning to run at a gentler pace. My mind wants to race but my body cannot keep up. Learning to be OK with a little slower pace so I can be out there longer.
I am excited to get training and figure it out. Bring it on! (but maybe not quite as fast !:)
