365 Fresh Starts

A Blog About Life

We've been conditioned to expect things to be all or nothing. We make dramatic resolutions on December 31st that we break by January 2, and then feel terrible about ourselves. We think that we can't change at all because our annual, dramatic attempts at change just don't work.

We get 365 fresh starts each year.

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What Would Betty Do Logo Vegetable Biryani

Written on March 2, 2012 by Alisa.

As part of my training, I’ve been trying to find new options for meatless meals, meals that don’t rely exclusively on pasta or Mexican (in spite of the fact that I could eat either one daily). After a lunch at a vegetarian Indian restaurant, my husband was on board with this plan. “I have no […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: When the Plan Falls Apart

Written on February 29, 2012 by Alisa.

Sometimes, the best-laid plans fall apart. Dear Betty, I’ve carefully plotted out a training calendar that will get me ready for my upcoming 10k. I meticulously wrote each day’s workout on my calendar. And now, 16 days into the plan, I’ve only followed the calendar twice (unless you count my rest days; I’ve done both […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Turning off the Running

Written on February 26, 2012 by Alisa.

It was Saturday night and I was tucking in the Tiny Kitchen Assistant. He reached up and started pushing imaginary buttons on my forehead — beep boop beep. When I asked him what he was doing, he told me that he was turning off my running so I wouldn’t be gone when he woke up […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo World’s Easiest Enchilada Soup

Written on February 23, 2012 by Alisa.

I had planned to make enchiladas for dinner, but as I looked at the day’s calendar, it hit me: we were going to be overbooked for the afternoon, and dinner had to be ready as we rolled in the door. It was going to have to be a Crock Pot kind of night, but what […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: What’s in Your Handbag?

Written on February 22, 2012 by Alisa.

This was the most entertaining and surprising question that I’ve been asked lately. To the front of the queue with you! Dear Betty, I love The Hairpin column, “What’s Actually in Your Handbag Right Now?” So… what’s in there? – Curious in Columbus I should probably start by saying that it depends on the season. […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Battling the Alarm

Written on February 19, 2012 by Alisa.

The day: Sunday morning, around 7:00 AM. The scene: Bed. Me: “I was going to get up early to run, but after the boy woke me the second time, I turned off my alarm.” The Husband: “Didn’t you get up early yesterday for something exercisey?” Me: “Umm, yeah.” The Husband: “Why would you give up […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Creamy Butternut Mac & Cheese

Written on February 17, 2012 by Alisa.

When I saw the Cooking Light recipe for macaroni and cheese with butternut squash, I was intrigued. I’m always looking for ways to make favorite comfort foods a little less heavy and more nutritious, but without sacrificing that special something that makes them comforting to begin with. I showed the photo to the Tiny Kitchen […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: Read This

Written on February 15, 2012 by Alisa.

Over the past year, I’ve been doing a lot of reading about running, fitness and nutrition. I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you. FYI, the hyperlinked titles will take you to Amazon.com, while the cover images will send you to Powells.com. Run Like a Mother Sure, Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Change: An Analysis of Running Shoes

Written on February 13, 2012 by Alisa.

Right now, everything that I’m doing running-wise is in the context of my time at the UCSF RunSafe clinic. Last week, I talked about what I’d learned in terms of improving my strength, flexibility and muscular imbalance. Today, we’re going to talk about running shoes, lament the inconsistencies of sizing, and take a look at […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Remembering and Pushing Through

Written on February 12, 2012 by Alisa.

I spent the week trying to find time to fit in a run. I planned to go on Monday after my circuit training session, but I couldn’t lift my legs. Then I was going to run before Zumba on Tuesday, but the rain didn’t cooperate. Wednesday was Pilates. Thursday was circuits and Zumba. Friday is […] Read More