Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Miles, Meals & MREs

So, this past weekend was the big Hidden Peak Challenge. This is the event Big-D has been training for...all other races leading up to this one. What exactly is it? According to the event description, it's

"An exhilarating run that begins at the Snowbird Plaza, onto Ski School, over to Dick Bass Highway, under the Wilber Chair Lift, keep going up the cat track where we find our selves at the top of the Wilber Chair Lift, traverse the mountain, go under the Tram and on to the switch backs...4 miles and 3000 vertical foot climb. That’s a good work out for a Saturday morning."

Exhilarating? Good Work Out? Yeah probably. I knew he would do well. I wasn't worried. In fact I was a little excited for him. I was even a little nervous for him. Apparently the air was thinner than normal, even for 11,000 ft elevation. It seemed that even the first place runners and bikers took longer than before. But, my Big-D still did good. He came in 11th overall, and 5th in his age group. And he shaved off a little bit of his time from the last time he did it. Afterwards we were both exhausted. Hey! I know I didn't race...but I did have to get up early to get over to his house and drive up there with him. Geesh! Being supportive takes its toll too, y'know.

Well, it just so happened that the race was also going on during Snowbirds Oktoberfest.
We were so hungry, we figured that there had to be some good food somewhere, especially with the festival going on. Well, we found some Brats, and needless to say, we didn't have to go to GermanTown to get them. They really hit the spot. Our tummies were full, our bodies were tired, and on the way home, I started to get a throbbing headache. We figured it may be from the sudden change in altitude - a little altitude sickness. The rest of the day we pretty much lounged around and did nothing - which was also very much needed, let me just say. I haven't had a day of nothing of a very long time. It sort of felt good to just veg. I think there may have been a football game on or something. I really don't remember as I spent most of the afternoon passed out on the sofa - haha!

Anyway, fast forward. It's 8:30pm. We're hungry - no - starved! We can't decide what to eat. Too lazy to go to the store, yet he says he doesn't really have anything to cook (bachelor life). We ponder going out to eat, but I'm not dressed for that, and my hair looks horrid after napping on it all day. Don't really feel like going home to "get ready to go out". He suggests one of his MRE's, to which I respond, "What are we - in crisis?" I scour the fridge, freezer and cupboards and find frozen chicken breasts, butter, dry ranch dressing mix, and potato pearls. "We're having Ranch Chicken," I declare. He sort of fusses, like it might take too long. He retrieves his MRE, while I begin to defrost the chicken in the microwave. He decides he wants his MRE "warmed up" and puts it in the proper MRE "warming pouch". Funny thing is, both of our meals are "done" at the same time. hahahahaha. Click Here for my Ranch Chicken Recipe.

So the food was good, and yes, I DID share.


10 comments:

Charlotte said...

Sounds like Big-D needs to put a little more faith in your creativity and resourcefulness. You'd think he'd have figured out that you know how to cook by now.

Unknown said...

I just stopped in to say Thank You for stopping by for the BATW tour the other day. I really enjoyed having so many visitors.

Tulsi said...

I was thinking about doing a recipe sharing post, but people don't come to the parties I host, so that thought went out of my head. A prayer answered today!!! I really need new ideas. I'm going to try this. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a trek! That does not sound like my idea of fun! haha And your ranch chicken sounds delicious!

The Willeyes said...

Not my idea of fun (the race) but good job for "D" Sounds like a fun day:) (Not as fun as the night before though...JK:)

greenolive said...

Wow, what to go Big D. 11th place is awesome!!! I think you got first place for the dinner though.

Susie said...

Congratulations on his great achievement! I am in awe of those who compete!

Puphigirl said...

So which MRE did he have? I've tried a few when deciding if it is something I want in my 72 hour kit. I like the Salsa Chicken MRE.

EmmaP said...

Puphi...that is actually the same one he had - which isn't his fav. he says the chili mac is good, and I tried the pound cakes. those are good. he gets them from beprepared.com.

Casey (@ Chaos and Cardboard) said...

Saw you on BATW...

MREs and Oktoberfest sounds like my everyday life! Ha! By the way, of the pictures on the side I like you hair straight. It looks modern and fresh. Cute blog!