She ran 26.3 miles in three hours and fifty six minutes, in these shoes.
I can barely walk 3.5 miles in one hour. She ran and ran and finished in the top 15% of women her age. I'm told that for a first marathon, she did incredible. I don't need to be told. She IS incredible. Her brother called her and told her not to let him down. She didn't.
We went to the expo to pick up her race packet and we definitely knew we were in running country. You can get almost any sticker you want. But I liked the tee shirts; especially this one:
The morning of the race we started walking to the race course and passed this:
I had no idea that attending the race would be so exciting. But the crowd was fun and we got our exercise going from spot to spot. Even with the neon pink pants though, we didn't spot her until she crossed the finish line.
She looks jubilant, doesn't she? She had so much adrenalin that she didn't seem tired at all!
We did see runners on crutches and runners using hand wheels and other very inspiring moments. It was exciting and exhausting and we were so happy she wanted us there! The course was packed with spectators and even Violet came to see her run.
Her boyfriend ran too. He ran with shin splints. They say foodies are crazy, but I wonder how they compare to runners.
His roommate ran with him for twelve miles which is just a jaunt for him. He is planning on running 50 miles in San Francisco (think hills) in December. I am glad he is tall.
Everyone was happy.
These shoes are what started it.
These were the shoes from the Women's Nike Run for the Cure event she ran in April in Washington D.C. Everyone stops her when she is wearing these shoes that were made just for that race. This race she didn't get to buy special shoes. But she was given this shirt. I think she'd agree that this was enough. After all, it's what's inside that counts.
And so it is that I just have this lemon thyme biscotti recipe to give to you. Just though,
doesn't do these justice. They are full of flavor and will enhance most any cheese. They taste bright and warm and unique. I loved baking these this summer to go with my black pepper strawberry jam. They would make a great cracker to go with your Thanksgiving cheese or salami and they would also be delightful with tequila cranberries and goat's cheese. But they are also great, just on their own!
Lemon Thyme Biscotti Crackers
1 ⅓ c flour
1 c yellow cornmeal
½ c sugar
1 ½ t baking powder
¼ t salt
3 beaten eggs
½ lemon zested
¼ t thyme
¼ t fresh thyme leaves (optional)
¼ t ground black pepper
1 c total of dried fruit and nuts (I used dried cherries, dried blueberries, and pecans.)
Position rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or you can use loaf pans.
Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, thyme and leaves, and pepper in bowl of an electric mixer. Add fruit and nuts. Beat well to mix in. Dough will be stiff and wet.
Dust counter with flour. Divide dough into four portions. Knead briefly and roll into a rope about 9 inches long and about 2 ½ inches in diameter. Place the finished logs or loaves in prepared pan or on prepared sheets. Brush the dough with one beaten egg yolk mixed with 1 T of milk.
Bake the loaves until golden about 25 minutes. Let these cool. Slice into thin crackers. You can leave them thicker if you want a more traditional biscotti. Arrange the slices on an ungreased baking sheet and return to the oven until they turn gold and crisp, approximately another 25 minutes. You will need to turn them once to crisp evenly. These keep for a long time in an airtight container.
Other fun recipes for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah:
Pumpkin Brown Sugar Muffins
Simple Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
Cranberry Chipotle Wonton Cups
Mushroom Lover's Pastry
3 Ingredient Artichoke Dip
Smoky Pumpkin Hummus
Dried fruit Salami
Smoked Trout Pate
Waldorf Salad
Hot Brown Sandwich
Traditional Latkes
Parsnip Latkes
My Mother's Brisket
Shortbread Nut Bars
Frozen Cranberry Salad
Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Caramel Glaze
Green Onion Garlic Chive Corn Bread
Onion Lover's Twist
Gingerbread Pear Upside Down Skillet Cake
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Oh, Abbe, I am very belatedly reading this wonderful follow-up post about Zoe's race, and I'm just so happy to hear that it all went so well for her! What an accomplishment! You all look so happy! Oh - and these biscotti crackers look amazing (maybe just not QUITE as amazing as Zoe!). 😀
kumars kitchen says
Congratulations to Zoe and all of you...it is such a wonderful moment for the family...these biscottis look divine..perfect with a cup of extra strong coffee 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Kumars. We all need wonderful moments!
Guru Uru says
These crackers would definitely keep you nice and fuelled for such a wonderful marathon 😀
Congrats!
Cheers
CCU
P.S Unfortunately, I have lost around 1000 subscribers on my blog, and I have no idea how, so if you were subscribed, would you be able to resubscribe? Thank you!
Abbe Odenwalder says
No problem Guru!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
Abbe! How wonderful for Zoe and her boyfriend! You must be so Proud!! Congrats to all of you!
You bicotti cracker recipe is what I was looking for and have been looking for such a long time. I love the blend of ingredients in yours and the fact that you made them into crackers is even better. Delicious to serve with some goat cheese on top. Love it!! xxoo
Abbe Odenwalder says
Hope you enjoy them, Anna and Liz! Vary the fruit or spices but these were good. Thanks for your thoughts!
Daniela Grimburg says
That's wonderful,Abbe, you must be so proud of Zoe!
The biscottis look and sound amazing ,with Lemmon and Thyme-so full of flavor.
Abbe Odenwalder says
We are proud Daniela! She was amazing and these biscottis would go great with your camembert!
Nazneen Hamilton says
Congratulations to Zoe and to you. I was smiling as I read your post, Forrest Gump came to mind for some reason 🙂 Anyway, it's great you got to go and see her achieve this. Lovely family and friend photos.
And the biscotti? Well, that's just something extra delicious for us. These look great and I can envision some great cheese on top. Yum.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Nazneen, someone dressed as Forrest in the race. Had the wig and everything! Definitely with cheese!
Sharon says
Congratulations, Zoe! Lovely family ^.^
I so love the t-shirt, Abbe. It made me laugh..rum indeed! The Christmas tree is absolutely gorgeous. I'm imagining myself sitting next to it while munching on your lemon thyme biscotti crackers ..yum!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I wish you were Sharon! Thanks. You are a great blog friend!
Laura Dembowski says
That's awesome that Zoe did so well in the marathon. It's even better that it seems like she had a really good time! I bet these cookies were great post race fuel!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Actually Laura, she devoured a grilled cheese and chocolate chip cookies. Thanks for your nice words!
Angie Schneider says
I wish I was a runner.
Those biscotti crackers look marvelous.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I believe you'd like them Angie! Zoe has proven that anyone can be a runner. We are not tall people and once I was told I came from sturdy stock. This masseuse told me that I was made for endurance but not running due to my body shape. I think it is all in your head!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Just HOW awesome running a marathon in Abbe! These biscotti sound amazing, but your girl takes the prize this time!! ps: the t-shirt is great
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Paula. They had a lot of funny t-shirts!
fromthebartolinikitchens.com says
Congratulations to Zoe. What a great day for her, her BF, and his roommate!
These biscotti crackers sound delicious, Abbe. Nice and crunchy, just as they should be. I need a lie-down. All this talk of running has worn me out! 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
So right John. And now i have to get ready for Thanksgiving. She ran. I'm exhausted!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
What a great event to be part of...I love the crackers as well as all the other dish suggestions for Thanksgiving! Wishing you a great holiday with your family!
Abbe Odenwalder says
It was great fun, Denise! Have a wonderful holiday!
ManicureMaven says
Love the post, Abbe! It was great to see you guys!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Manicure Maven! It took me a minute, Liz! It was so great meeting your mom and Jason. And Zoe loved that you came and I did too! You are a great friend! And both you and Violet are very photogenic!
Liz Silow says
Thank you so much! We were sorry our visit was so short! Hopefully we will see you again soon!
Kitchen Riffs says
Congrats to Zoe! That's a terrific time! She done good. And you done good with these crackers - look totally delish. Thanks.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks John. It was a totally terrific event, too! Now that I know what it is like, I can't wait until the next one. She tells me that will be awhile, though! These crackers were delish! Thanks!
Cindy says
wow. Zoe is amazing. It looks like you all had such a great time. Such a beautiful family! Love you, cindy
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Cindela! When are you coming to visit?
Abbe Odenwalder says
53% of the runners in this race were women. They are starting to out number men in marathon running! Wish you could have been there, Mom!
Libby B. says
Thank you for all the pictures, Abs. What a women ! I knew she'd do it and her time was incredible. The boyfriend is very cute. And the roomates. I loved the dog, too. Talk soon. Love, Mom