Basil Lime Sorbet

After getting tired of the internet and Battlefield 3, I was in the mood to make some sorbet with all the warm weather we've been having lately. Living way back in the valley, any sort of plant grows like crazy. This is a good/bad thing since weeds grow x2 as fast. Anyways, my basil plant was getting outta control  si figured why not use it for something besides pesto or on salads. 

Basil Lime Sorbet 

2c water 

2c sugar

1/2c basil leaves, packed in measuring cup

1c lime juice (fresh preferred) 

Combine water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, whisk till sugar is dissolved. Once boiling, lower heat till medium-low and simmer for 5min. 

Add basil leaves to syrup and cool till room temp. Once cooled, transfer to a large bowl and place in refrigerator for two hours or overnight. 

Strain syrup through a sieve to remove basil. Squeeze basil out to get any remaining syrup out. Discard basil. Add in lime juice and stir till mixed. 

Add mixture to ice cream maker and freeze according to manufactures instructions. 

Enjoy.

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Road ID

Many months ago I was browsing the web and found out that Road ID had a new band out. I wasn't a big fan of the Sport, since it rocked the cloth band, and the Elite since it was a little out of my price range. Their new band, the Wrist ID Slim, looks like those Livestrong bracelets. It can be worn when training or not training while not screaming out "Hey, look at me, I'm a triathlete!".

One of the main reasons why I bought a Road ID is that the bulk of my training is done alone, with the exception of the swim. Having no family here on the island and no roommates, technically, no one would notice if I went missing for a few days. I'd hate to end up like those people on the news that can't be  identified because they have no ID on them.

The metal band is interchangeable and contains contact #'s. 

Rear view of metal band. It can be removed for cleaning. 

 Road ID on my wrist. Not too tight but not too lose.

The Road ID bands come in different colors and sizes. I suggest getting a few as extra in case the band breaks or gets cut. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. It doesn't get itchy on my wrist, band color can be changed if needed and most of all, it puts my mind at ease when I'm out training alone.

Also, don't forget, to make a time prediction for the visor giveaway. 

Here's some funny vids from Road ID. 

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Tinman Time Prediction Giveaway

So on the 29th, I'll be doing the Tinman as a relay instead of individually. I did a relay last year with some friends and it was a lot of fun. So with that said, I'm giving away visors to whoever has the closest time prediction. Last year our finishing time was 2:09:52.2.  The winner will have a pick of color, and the 2nd place winner will get the other color. I'll also throw some other things in with it.

Visors won't aid in performance, but at least you'll look pretty fast. It's all about intimidation. 

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Dealing With Swim Anxiety

Anxiety during the swim sucks. It can ether overcome it or succumb to it and end up with a fat DNF. Despite coming from a competitive swim background, I'll occasionally have an "episode" while doing a OWS race or just out swimming in the ocean. My biggest fear? Drowning. To tell you the truth, I was never born a swimmer. I didn't learn how to swim till I was 11. Living on an island pretty much sucked. Anyway, finally learned how to swim a year later and the rest is history.

So here's my tricks on how I deal anxiety.

1. I like to warm up for at least 5-10min. I see so many triathletes just standing around before the start shooting the shit before the race. Nervous energy + adrenaline + shock of cold water = disaster.  Warming up helps gets the blood moving and your body used to the initial shock of the water.

2. Pace yourself. Don't join the masses and sprint at the start of the race. I see no need in sprinting the start of a 1.2mile race. If you can keep that pace, that's great.

3. Position yourself accordingly. If you don't mind the taking a few hits during the swim, the middles for you. I like to swim on the outside, preferably so all the turns are on the outside. You'll have to swim a bit more but it sure beats getting punched, pulled or kicked.

4. The most important thing. Be positive. Don't let your mind drift and have negative thoughts. Think about other things other than swimming (cute girl/guy you'll ask out, post race meal, first non-triathlon thing you'll do). Have fun.


These may or not work for you but it's worth a shot. Anyone else have any other tips?

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Non-Triathlon Tuesdays

I love infographics! Who knew online dating brings in more revenue than the porn industry.




Source: EasyFinance.com

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Non-Triathlon Tuesdays

It's a damm shame real life wasn't like this. Maybe I'd actually run more often and even enjoy it! Maybe it's just me, but running is a little mind numbing. My running routes are never the same (except track workouts) since I get bored. Maybe it's the same view at a slow pace or the lack of obstacles (drunk/high dancing bums) that gets to me.

So what do you do to make running enjoyable?

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Mini Blooming onion bread

With a work week of work two days and off one and work two more, I was pretty lazy to do anything really productive. It just so happened that I had these mini sourdough buns in the kitchen and wondered what I could do with it. First thing came to mind was the Blooming Onion bread.

Well not exactly but you get the idea.

Mini Blooming Onion Bread
1 mini sour dough bread load
1/4 stick butter
3 stalks green onion (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 chili peppers (optional)
Cheese (your choice, I used cheddar) 

Slice bread vertical, then horizonal creating the "blocks". Be sure not to cut all the way though.

Place cheese in between  the bread slices. Put as much as needed.

In a small sauce pan or pot, melt butter. Once melted, add in garlic, peppers and green onions till butter turns brown.

Drizzle butter mixture over bread.

Wrap whole thing in foil.

Place on a baking sheet or pan. Bake at 350 for 15min. After 15 min, open and bake for 10min or until browned. Be sure not to let it burn.

Enjoy!

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Non-Triathlon Tuesdays

Today's one of those days that I really don't have anything to do at work. Since tomorrow is a holiday, it feels like a Friday but it's not. Weather wise, it's overcast, occasional showers and a slight breeze. Not very encouraging weather to go out for a bike ride. Days like these make me miss my old jobs and the characters that made it worthwhile.

On slow days we'd go and play with the snakes

Well not all the snakes

These were pretty cool. 

For another job we visited a mango orchard every week. I ate mangoes every day for the whole summer. 

As a student worker, we'd do overnight trips to work. Couldn't complain about the view. *Any guesses where this is?* 

So do you guys get to see/do interesting things for work or are you stuck at the desk like me?

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