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 Chicken Tortilla Soup

Written on October 14, 2011 by Alisa.

This recipe scales beautifully, and can be made to feed a family on just one night, or packed to freeze for future nights. Like most of my soup recipes, the proportions change with each preparation; I chop until I’m tired of chopping. Ingredients Olive oil Onion, chopped Celery, chopped Carrots, chopped Freshly ground pepper Chicken, […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: What’s Next?

Written on October 12, 2011 by Alisa.

With four days until race day, people are looking ahead to what’s next. Hi Betty, What’s your plan for after Nike? Do you have any other races on the calendar? How do you plan to stay in shape? – Planning in Portland Wow, the race hasn’t even happened yet and you’re already talking about the […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Tiny Coach Wisdom

Written on October 10, 2011 by Alisa.

I managed to record part of a conversation with the Tiny Coaching Assistant tonight, and I’m transcribing it here to share the lessons with all of you. After all, who doesn’t need the wisdom of a 5-year-old who spends an inordinate amount of time contemplating why his mother is so slow? TCA: “Well, you’ve gotta get […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Restless Legs

Written on October 9, 2011 by Alisa.

I’ve reached the point of the taper where my legs are feeling restless and my brain is filled with strangely vivid dreams of being fast, smooth and powerful. I’m still going to be running the race at a snail’s pace, but there’s something to be said for subconscious empowerment. On Tuesday night, our coach confiscated […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo You’re Gonna Love My Nuts

Written on October 7, 2011 by Alisa.

You probably won’t appreciate the title of this post unless you’ve watched way too many late-night infomercials. For the longest time, I was spending something close to the national debt on flavored almonds from a vendor at the farmer’s market. I was a little bit obsessed, particularly with the butter toffee almonds that I no […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: Welcome to SF for Nike Women’s Marathon

Written on October 5, 2011 by Alisa.

Ladies, it’s that time. Next weekend, all of our hard work and training will end with us lining up around Union Square in the pre-dawn hours. Dear Betty, What should I know about in advance of race weekend? – Ready in Raleigh Hi Ready, As an out-of-towner, there are so many cool things to see, […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Training: Tapering Hypochondria

Written on October 2, 2011 by Alisa.

I’m one week into my pre-race taper, and two weeks from race day. Coach Tim warned about phantom pains and hypochondria coming to roost in these slower weeks. Maybe I’m excessively paranoid because I never got a chance to taper last year, but I’m terrified of a season-ending injury or illness. Case in point: on […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Seasonal Eats: October

Written on October 1, 2011 by Alisa.

Our summer may have started late in northern California, but we were pleasantly surprised to discover that Corn Man was still selling sweet, juicy corn on the cob even into late September. But now, the seasons are clearly changing. Here’s what’s in store at your local market. Vegetables Artichokes Beets Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Chard […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Roasted Tomato Soup

Written on September 30, 2011 by Alisa.

It seems like I always have one last batch of tomatoes around this time. They ripen somewhat strangely in the cooler days, and tend to be a bit on the soft side, making them perfect for soup. Ingredients 3-4 lbs ripe tomatoes 1 medium sweet onion, chopped 2 Tbsp bouquet garni Olive oil (I used the […] Read More

What Would Betty Do Logo Betty Says: Fast Food Isn’t About Price

Written on September 28, 2011 by Alisa.

Sometimes I get questions that are just so logical. Hi Betty, I read the article in the NY Times about how fast food isn’t really cheaper. So… if it’s not cheaper, and we know it’s no good for us, why does anyone eat it? – Hungry in Houston Hi Hungry, I don’t think that the […] Read More