Before I get to the Broccoli Apple Salad, I have to tell you about Coach Rajeev. This weekend, I needed to run 16 miles as part of my training for the Boston Marathon on April 19. As you may recall, I am away from home for 8 weeks, working as an apprentice in the kitchen at Three Stone Hearth in Berkeley, CA. Away from home, away from husband, away from cat, and alas, away from running club.
All it took was a conversation, an email, a phone call, and *poof*, I had a club to run with here in Northern California. So, on Saturday morning, I hopped in my car and made my way to the Coyote Creek Trail to join the group for a long run.
I thought I knew what I was getting into – meeting some kindred spirits, getting in a 16-mile run, and enjoying the chance to run outdoors in January (!!). Little did I know that Coach Rajeev was part if the package.
He instantly made me feel welcome and assured me that I would not be on my own despite the fact that I was the only one doing that distance. He would stick with me. Ummm, okay! Coach Rajeev is an ultra-marathoner, one of those crazy people you hear about that do those crazy 50k, 100-mile, and even 250-mile runs. Wow. Not only did he coach me through 16 miles, he threw in some speed work, some hill work, and some serious mind/body connection work. I really learned a lot from him in our short time together. I’m still thinking about it.
Inspired, I came home and made a Broccoli Apple Salad , which I’ve been craving. Quick, raw, and tangy sweet, it’s a tasty alternative to a mixed green salad. It won’t disappoint. I also came home from the kitchen today with a whole wheat sourdough starter. I’ll have to see what sort of trouble I can stir up with that!
Are you running with Coach Rajeev again?? What did you learn from him/any great tips to pass on?
Lovin the Coach Rajeev story! Like Caroline, i’m curious if you’ll run with him again. How you doing my friend!! All sounds great in Cali!