Diva in Training

When I set the goal to run another half marathon, I didn't really think much about how I was going to train, when I was going to train, or anything of the like.  I signed up because some friends suggested we make it a Girl's Weekend in Myrtle Beach and run the Diva Half Marathon together.  Simple.  Reality check. When do I have time to run longer than 30 minutes a day?  I had been working out twice a week already, driving to Charlotte to do so, and now I had to add more running each week into my schedule.  Enter interruption... vacation.  Actually my vacation to California gave me a much needed jump start for a running routine that I didn't lose once I got back!  I now only go to Charlotte one night a week to work out, run 3-5 miles during the week, twice, and am happy to say I've been able to do a long run on the weekends.  I told myself there is no time goal I have... we all know that subconsciously that's just not true.  BUT... I do think it's helped me think that way while training because each long run has gotten better and better from a time standpoint.  I'm about 6 weeks away from the race and I actually feel like I'll be ready.  I'm just over 8 miles on my long runs, and ready to push up to 9 or 10 this next weekend. Enter another interruption...we're heading to my mother in law's this week for some R&R and I'm not sure I will be motivated to leave the poolside long enough to do a long run.  So, here's what I'm pondering... Will I totally mess up my training if I do a couple of  short tempo runs, and 5 or 6 miles instead of the long run?????

Lell's Breakfast

I have often been teased for being a bit of a food snob. I'm not a picky eater in the sense of types of food, however I am picky in the sense of where my food comes from. Growing up with my Dad in the food business I've been privy to "back of the house" scenes that common folks don't know about, and we should probably keep it that way. Although I know large chain restaurants do have standards and compliance to abide by, its a factory for food. I much prefer to go out to eat somewhere that is privately owned, might cost alittle more, and take alittle longer, but is really good, fresh food. Since living in the South I've missed little "Mom & Pop" diners and cafes that are clean, fresh, and serve breakfast. Breakfast. Is. My. Favorite. Meal. I love that my hubby likes to cook a big breakfast on weekends, but there are sometimes when it's nice to not have to rush it and clean up from the mess. And let me tell you it is a mess to clean up....the amount of pans Kevin uses outnumbers the amount of people he's cooking for! Yesterday we found a little piece of breakfast heaven that I know we'll go back to. We live 30 minutes in any direction away from the nearest town, so going out becomes a challenge unless you have no plans for the day. We have to plan strategically where we are headed, especially with the price of gas these days. So when the doggy was getting dropped off early yesterday at the groomers, venturing out on a breakfast date sounded like a great opportunity. Although I've heard of a few places in Charlotte, we weren't heading to Charlotte, instead we opted to stay a little closer to home and go to a place called Lell's in the thrill, Rock Hill.

 Tucked away in an unnoticeable little strip mall next to a Budget Rental Car, and I think some kind of tax place, is this little cafe, Lell's, that serves up BIG surprises once you enter the door. I'd heard a few people at work talk about the lunch and the fact that it was a sustainable food kind of place. it's just that. It was PACKED and I mean only maybe 10 tables and they were all full, but we were going to wait. It really wasn't more than 5-10 minutes before we sat down and were greeted by both servers, at different times, and the ordering process began. Did I mention that you can see everyone and everything in the kitchen? Open kitchens, to me, are warm and inviting because it's like the chef is saying, "Watch me craft a work of art for you." I ordered a large cappuccino while Kevin opted for Earl Grey hot tea. Then to think about what yummy breakfast to order...this is always tough for me because I love it all, I want the eggs, the potatoes, the biscuit, AND the grits....but I know I cannot have all of them. At once.

Lell is the lady/ chef who owns the place and her philosophy is simple...buy food from local, organic farmers, don't use freezers, boxes, or cans, and when you're out of something, you're out! I LOVE IT!!! What did we order, you ask? Kevin, the creature of habit opted for the ham and cheese omelette, a biscuit, and home fries. I had a harder time deciding, but I ordered the Veg Head omelette, grits, and a biscuit. I'm salivating as I think about how yummy this breakfast was. I just might have to go back once this week while I'm on spring break. Shhh. Don't tell Kevin!

If you've never had farm fresh eggs, you must go to Lell's. For two reasons. 1) I want you to support her. 2) I want you to taste fresh eggs, you will have a hard time not falling in love. With both. The grits...creamy, alittle buttery, creamy, alittle sweet...need I say more? My omelette was full of roasted red peppers, sugary carmelized onions, spinach, and stringy, stretchy provolone cheese. And the biscuits....warm, buttery, flaky,served with fresh strawberry jam and butter. Serious breakfast eaters here! Kevin cleaned his plate in the blink of an eye, stating, and I quote, " this cheddar cheese is so fresh."

After years of wishing, we have finally found a little breakfast joint that is everything we love! The only downside is we can't roll out of bed and walk to it, but it's worth the drive! Now my wish is that others will support Lell and her little restaurant because we know how tough the business is, especially in times like these. I can't wait to try her lunch menu!