Pancakes, Planking and Packing

Jun 3, 2011 by Erin Bedell

Meet Erin Bedell, Flotrack's newest pro blogger. Erin runs for McMillan Elite in Flagstaff, Ariz. and was a 4-time All-American at Baylor in the steeplechase, DMR and cross country. She throws down on the track, but she keeps running and the rest of life in perspective - as you can see through her writing here.

If you are reading this on Flotrack I would like to apologize if you thought that you would get some geeked out running 411. I have been blogging for about a year now (check it out: Taters and Tidbits) and have never really blogged about running. I do touch base on running, training and racing occasionally but for the most part the blog is about me, my friends and the love of my life: food. Continue reading for your regularly scheduled program.

Have you heard of planking? No, I am not talking about a part of our core routine, but rather one of the more genius ideas I have seen on YouTube. Shayla brought planking to my attention and I was immediately enthused and ready to plank away. (Check out this YouTube if you would like some history) The Steeple Chics have taken it upon ourselves to create some magical planking moments. We may have started small but have great ideas for the future. Can you even imagine the possibilities? I would like to say you’re welcome in advance for the entertainment you are about to embark on.

Post Sunday Run Planking

Post Sedona Planking at the Flagstaff Lookout

On a completely unrelated note, I love brunch. I think about different brunch combinations all the time while running; is that normal? I have a hard time deciding which way I want my brunch to go, salty or sweet. Life is just full of tough decisions. Lately pancakes have been my go to brunch with bacon on the side, of course. Post long run is the best way to experience brunch, thus Shayla and I created a fantazing (Modern Family?) pancake combo of Muesli and Chai. Shayla, Lindsay and I had just finished up long run at A1 Mountain, and if you have been in Flagstaff you know the finishing hill at A1 can be a bit of a beast, cue extreme hunger. These beauties were the best way to end the morning: coffee, pancakes, and Team Sharin (Shayla/Erin).

During the Spring, Flagstaff becomes a Mecca for distance running with teams coming in and out of town for altitude stints. It is fun for our team because we get to reunite with friends we have made on the circuit and make new ones! This past week Mountain house has started to pack up for the summer. A group of us will be heading to Portland then on to Eugene for a little sea level (more oxygen!) bout before the US Championships. I am going to miss Flag for the next month or so, but leaving means that exciting travel is ahead, and maybe some new planking opportunities. I think yes.

Want more Taters and Tidbits? Read the old posts here.