Interesting article in PLOS One (full article available free). From the abstract:
Using econometric models of repeated cross-sectional data on diabetes and nutritional components of food from 175 countries, we found that every 150 kcal/person/day increase in sugar availability (about one can of soda/day) was associated with increased diabetes prevalence by 1.1% (p <0 .001) after testing for potential selection biases and controlling for other food types (including fibers, meats, fruits, oils, cereals), total calories, overweight and obesity, period-effects, and several socioeconomic variables such as aging, urbanization and income. No other food types yielded significant individual associations with diabetes prevalence after controlling for obesity and other confounders.
Editorial in the NY Times likens it to tobacco studies.
Will this make you think twice about your sugar consumption? I know I am. I know that I consume too much sugar and try to cut back. Sometimes having a kick in the pants like this can really help.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
So, You're a Scientist?
People ask me about what it is I really do. I don't think it's an insult as much as it is a misunderstanding of exactly how scientists work and what getting a Ph.D. is really all about. It can be quite a challenge to explain, especially to grandma at Christmas. To that end, I'd like to present some resources to hopefully help you in your quest for simple explanations.
1. The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D. by Matt Might
(reproduced here under Creative Commons License)
Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:
By the time you finish elementary school, you know a little:
By the time you finish high school, you know a bit more:
With a bachelor's degree, you gain a specialty:
A master's degree deepens that specialty:
Reading research papers takes you to the edge of human knowledge:
Once you're at the boundary, you focus:
You push at the boundary for a few years:
Until one day, the boundary gives way:
And, that dent you've made is called a Ph.D.:
Of course, the world looks different to you now:
So, don't forget the bigger picture:
Keep pushing.
2. What you know vs. How much you know about it
Created by Jorge Cham of "Piled Higher and Deeper" Ph.D. Comics
3. Scientists drink a lot of coffee!!
But that's ok! There are lots of papers (102 at time of publication) listing the benefits of drinking coffee.
1. The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D. by Matt Might
(reproduced here under Creative Commons License)
Imagine a circle that contains all of human knowledge:
Keep pushing.
2. What you know vs. How much you know about it
Created by Jorge Cham of "Piled Higher and Deeper" Ph.D. Comics
3. Scientists drink a lot of coffee!!
But that's ok! There are lots of papers (102 at time of publication) listing the benefits of drinking coffee.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Race Report: Love Rox 10k
Date: February 16, 2013
Distance: 10k (6.21 miles)
Time: 1:24:20
Pace: 13:35 min/mile
Overall Place: 251/331
Before starting with the race report, I should say that this was a first-time race. Not so well organized or well run.
Let me start off by saying that this course is MISERABLE! I know the race director has no control over the weather, which really made it worse, but even in the best of conditions it would not have been fun. The canal area is pretty narrow and there were way too many people coming through. Some bottle necks around the stairs.
I did pretty well for the first two miles. It started raining as I was heading back in and out to the Mayo Bridge. I kind of lost motivation there. My stomach started cramping, I was getting cold, and it's just not a nice place to run. Really struggled through the whole Manchester area. The porta potty at mile 4 was such a HUGE relief!! Of course, after that, I went up the hill to the Lee Bridge. Turned on to that bridge and got a face full of wind and icy snow. Absolutely miserable. My muscles felt like they were seizing and it was so hard to run. But, running was better than walking because of how cold I got while running. There was a little over a mile left after the bridge, but my hips and legs were so sore that it was tough to keep going. Walked up the hill on Byrd and tried to run down. Running down was tough because of how slippery the bricks were. Was so glad to get to the end!
After the race, I walked around, hung out with J's husband while waiting for her to finish. Once she did, we headed into the tent. Got Irish Coffee and stew to try to stay warm. Stood in front of the one heater to warm up. Once K finished, we walked to Cap Ale.
To sum up, everything about this race was the perfect storm of suck.
Distance: 10k (6.21 miles)
Time: 1:24:20
Pace: 13:35 min/mile
Overall Place: 251/331
Before starting with the race report, I should say that this was a first-time race. Not so well organized or well run.
Let me start off by saying that this course is MISERABLE! I know the race director has no control over the weather, which really made it worse, but even in the best of conditions it would not have been fun. The canal area is pretty narrow and there were way too many people coming through. Some bottle necks around the stairs.
I did pretty well for the first two miles. It started raining as I was heading back in and out to the Mayo Bridge. I kind of lost motivation there. My stomach started cramping, I was getting cold, and it's just not a nice place to run. Really struggled through the whole Manchester area. The porta potty at mile 4 was such a HUGE relief!! Of course, after that, I went up the hill to the Lee Bridge. Turned on to that bridge and got a face full of wind and icy snow. Absolutely miserable. My muscles felt like they were seizing and it was so hard to run. But, running was better than walking because of how cold I got while running. There was a little over a mile left after the bridge, but my hips and legs were so sore that it was tough to keep going. Walked up the hill on Byrd and tried to run down. Running down was tough because of how slippery the bricks were. Was so glad to get to the end!
After the race, I walked around, hung out with J's husband while waiting for her to finish. Once she did, we headed into the tent. Got Irish Coffee and stew to try to stay warm. Stood in front of the one heater to warm up. Once K finished, we walked to Cap Ale.
To sum up, everything about this race was the perfect storm of suck.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Hello. My name is Jen, and I have a yarn problem.
It started off innocently enough. I'd buy yarn for a specific pattern, but wouldn't be able to get to it as quickly as I expected. Then, it progressed to buying a skein just because it was pretty. Next thing I knew, I was signing up for yarn clubs and setting up reminders on my phone for independent dyers' online updates.
All of this has resulted in a yarn stash that is out of control. I currently have 47,932 yards of yarn or about 27.3 miles worth of yarn. That's a bit insane. My goal for 2013 is to knit from my stash and stop buying yarn. We'll see how I do!
All of this has resulted in a yarn stash that is out of control. I currently have 47,932 yards of yarn or about 27.3 miles worth of yarn. That's a bit insane. My goal for 2013 is to knit from my stash and stop buying yarn. We'll see how I do!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Race Report: HCA Virginia 8k
Date: November 10, 2012
Distance: 8k (4.97 miles)
Time: 1:10:57
Pace: 14:17 min/mile
Overall Place: 2957/3587
Age Group (F 30-34) Place: 316/384
Woke up, got dressed, and made an espresso before leaving the house. Drove to the race site, parked in my normal downtown lot, and walked to starting line.
Walked 5 blocks from parking lot to the bag drop off. Dropped bag off, walked to starting corral two blocks away. Bounced around to keep warm.
Really wasn't feeling this run - I'd been really sick for the week leading up to it and wasn't sleeping well. In fact, I seriously considered sleeping in and skipping it. But, since I had post-race plans with Kristen and Judi, I sucked it up and went. My strategy was to have planned walk/run intervals. But, my Garmin was dead when I went to grab it in the morning. So, at the start of the race i decided to do intervals based on blocks.
I ran the first 7 blocks, then walked 7. Kept alternating that the whole way. I tried to ignore all the people passing me - even when I was running - and stick with my own pace. It's not really the easiest thing to do. Despite that, I was pretty surprised at how quickly the blocks were going. I ended up shortening some of my walk intervals because I felt so good and wasn't having huge problems breathing because of the cold like I expected. When I got to the 4 mile marker, I decided to walk up a few last blocks uphill and then run the rest of the way. The last 0.4 miles or so are all downhill, so I really passed lots of people by kicking it out on the last big hill section. That felt great!
Given my physical condition, I'm not sure there's a lot I would have changed about how I handled this. I was sick and was never going to run the whole thing.
Walked around the island, got food. Stood in line at the McDonald's truck for free coffee and smoothie samples - they were totally not worth it! The coffee was terrible. Walked ALLLL the way up the hill to bag check (who's genius idea was that?) and then back down to wait for Judi to finish. Knit a few rows of my shawl while waiting and got some crazy weird looks.
Once Judi finished, we walked to her car and then to Starbuck's to get some real coffee! Changed clothes in the Omni, then went back down to find Kristen who was stuck in the med tent. We sprung Kristen and walked to Cap Ale House to get some food and a beer. Great post-race food plan!!
Distance: 8k (4.97 miles)
Time: 1:10:57
Pace: 14:17 min/mile
Overall Place: 2957/3587
Age Group (F 30-34) Place: 316/384
Woke up, got dressed, and made an espresso before leaving the house. Drove to the race site, parked in my normal downtown lot, and walked to starting line.
Walked 5 blocks from parking lot to the bag drop off. Dropped bag off, walked to starting corral two blocks away. Bounced around to keep warm.
Really wasn't feeling this run - I'd been really sick for the week leading up to it and wasn't sleeping well. In fact, I seriously considered sleeping in and skipping it. But, since I had post-race plans with Kristen and Judi, I sucked it up and went. My strategy was to have planned walk/run intervals. But, my Garmin was dead when I went to grab it in the morning. So, at the start of the race i decided to do intervals based on blocks.
I ran the first 7 blocks, then walked 7. Kept alternating that the whole way. I tried to ignore all the people passing me - even when I was running - and stick with my own pace. It's not really the easiest thing to do. Despite that, I was pretty surprised at how quickly the blocks were going. I ended up shortening some of my walk intervals because I felt so good and wasn't having huge problems breathing because of the cold like I expected. When I got to the 4 mile marker, I decided to walk up a few last blocks uphill and then run the rest of the way. The last 0.4 miles or so are all downhill, so I really passed lots of people by kicking it out on the last big hill section. That felt great!
Given my physical condition, I'm not sure there's a lot I would have changed about how I handled this. I was sick and was never going to run the whole thing.
Walked around the island, got food. Stood in line at the McDonald's truck for free coffee and smoothie samples - they were totally not worth it! The coffee was terrible. Walked ALLLL the way up the hill to bag check (who's genius idea was that?) and then back down to wait for Judi to finish. Knit a few rows of my shawl while waiting and got some crazy weird looks.
Once Judi finished, we walked to her car and then to Starbuck's to get some real coffee! Changed clothes in the Omni, then went back down to find Kristen who was stuck in the med tent. We sprung Kristen and walked to Cap Ale House to get some food and a beer. Great post-race food plan!!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Race Report: Wicked 10k
Date: October 27, 2012
Distance: 10k (6.2 miles)
Time: 1:19:46
Pace: 12:50 min/mile
Overall Place: 3538/7264
Age Group (F 30-34) Place: 313/791
Woke up at 6:30, showered, got into costume. Woke E up, got her changed, fed, and into costume. Packed up the stroller, walked out the front door of the hotel, and we were in our corral! Only had about 10 minutes before the race started, so we took a few pictures, and hung out in the back. Lots of fun costumes especially all the strollers with kids.
First part of run was pretty calm. Once we turned on to the boardwalk it was a lot tougher - wind was in our face and we were getting sand in our eyes. Not so fun. Ran into the wind for about 2.5 miles. That was the hardest part, especially with the stroller. Had to walk a little with E during this part because she got fussy. We had a lot of people - especially kids - be excited about us dressed up as the Incredibles. Very fun. When we turned back onto the Boardwalk at 40th, it was better because the wind was at our back.
Skipped the beer and the candy stops during the race. Didn't seem like such a good plan, and I am not a fan of candycorn any way.
My wrist got pretty swollen during the run and really started to hurt around mile 3. It was wrapped, and I don't think I wrapped it loose enough, but didn't want to mess with it during the race.
Distance: 10k (6.2 miles)
Time: 1:19:46
Pace: 12:50 min/mile
Overall Place: 3538/7264
Age Group (F 30-34) Place: 313/791
Woke up at 6:30, showered, got into costume. Woke E up, got her changed, fed, and into costume. Packed up the stroller, walked out the front door of the hotel, and we were in our corral! Only had about 10 minutes before the race started, so we took a few pictures, and hung out in the back. Lots of fun costumes especially all the strollers with kids.
First part of run was pretty calm. Once we turned on to the boardwalk it was a lot tougher - wind was in our face and we were getting sand in our eyes. Not so fun. Ran into the wind for about 2.5 miles. That was the hardest part, especially with the stroller. Had to walk a little with E during this part because she got fussy. We had a lot of people - especially kids - be excited about us dressed up as the Incredibles. Very fun. When we turned back onto the Boardwalk at 40th, it was better because the wind was at our back.
My wrist got pretty swollen during the run and really started to hurt around mile 3. It was wrapped, and I don't think I wrapped it loose enough, but didn't want to mess with it during the race.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Cobblestone Mug Cozy
This is the first pattern I've created myself as a challenge for 2012. I love to make coffee mug cozies as a gift: place them on a paper coffee cup, tuck a gift card inside, and you are all set. They are great, quick knits perfect for teachers, hair dressers, or anyone. Everyone seems to love them. I live in Richmond, VA where there are many brick and cobblestone streets; those sidewalk patterns inspired the design for this cozy.
Materials: about 50 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used both Berroco Comfort and Vanna's Choice)
Needles: size 7.0 DPNs. The gauge is not that important as it is fairly stretchy. I am a rather tight knitter, so I used size 7.0 (4.5 mm) needles. If you are an average gauge knitter, I would suggest size 6.0 (4.0 mm) needles; size 5.0 (3.5 mm) needles if you knit loosely.
Pattern:
I knit this in the round on DPNs, but you could also use magic loop or knit flat and then seam.
Cast on 40 stitches. Distribute stitches on DPNs and join without twisting. Place marker for the beginning of the row
Rows 1 & 2: k2, p2 all the way around
Row 3: knit all
Row 4: purl all
Rows 5 & 6: p2, k2 all the way around
Row 7: knit all
Row 8: purl all
Repeat rows 1 - 8 twice (3 pattern repeats total)
Bind off loosely
Enjoy!!
Materials: about 50 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used both Berroco Comfort and Vanna's Choice)
Needles: size 7.0 DPNs. The gauge is not that important as it is fairly stretchy. I am a rather tight knitter, so I used size 7.0 (4.5 mm) needles. If you are an average gauge knitter, I would suggest size 6.0 (4.0 mm) needles; size 5.0 (3.5 mm) needles if you knit loosely.
Pattern:
I knit this in the round on DPNs, but you could also use magic loop or knit flat and then seam.
Cast on 40 stitches. Distribute stitches on DPNs and join without twisting. Place marker for the beginning of the row
Rows 1 & 2: k2, p2 all the way around
Row 3: knit all
Row 4: purl all
Rows 5 & 6: p2, k2 all the way around
Row 7: knit all
Row 8: purl all
Repeat rows 1 - 8 twice (3 pattern repeats total)
Bind off loosely
Enjoy!!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Race Report: Children's Hospital Foundation 4 Mile Walk/Run
Date: September 22, 2012
Distance: 4 mile run
Time: 56:30
Pace: 14:07 min/mile
Overall Rank: 192/377
Age Group (F30-39) Rank: 32/70
Good run. I wasn't planning on running the whole thing because I have a cold. It was good to have that expectation going in. My lungs were burning after the first mile. Tried to run as much as I could and keep my lungs going.
I did relace my shoes this morning. They ended up a bit too tight. My left foot was kind of numb by the end.
Goal was to just finish. Really more of a training run than a race
Distance: 4 mile run
Time: 56:30
Pace: 14:07 min/mile
Overall Rank: 192/377
Age Group (F30-39) Rank: 32/70
Good run. I wasn't planning on running the whole thing because I have a cold. It was good to have that expectation going in. My lungs were burning after the first mile. Tried to run as much as I could and keep my lungs going.
I did relace my shoes this morning. They ended up a bit too tight. My left foot was kind of numb by the end.
Goal was to just finish. Really more of a training run than a race
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Make-Ahead Meal: Chicken Pot Pie
I am trying to cook meals ahead on Sunday for the rest of the week. Today, I made a recipe for chicken pot-pie that turned out quite well!
8 Trader Joe's chicken tenderloins thawed and diced
1 lb. mixed frozen vegetables
1 can cream of celery healthy request soup
1 can cream of chicken and mushroom soup
3/4 cup 2% milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Penzey's Mural of Flavor seasoning
1 tsp. Penzey's Fines Herbes seasoning
2 1/4 cups Bisquick
2/3 cup 2% milk
Preheat oven to 450.
In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook chicken with salt, pepper and seasoning. Once chicken is cooked, add in frozen vegetables, soup, and 3/4 cup milk. Stir together and leave on heat until bubbling.
Transfer to large casserole dish. Mix together Bisquick and 2% milk, then place on top of chicken mixture. Cook for 15 minutes or until Bisquick is cooked through and brown on top.
Serves 6
Calories per serving: 377
Fat: 10
Carbs: 46
Protein: 21
8 Trader Joe's chicken tenderloins thawed and diced
1 lb. mixed frozen vegetables
1 can cream of celery healthy request soup
1 can cream of chicken and mushroom soup
3/4 cup 2% milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Penzey's Mural of Flavor seasoning
1 tsp. Penzey's Fines Herbes seasoning
2 1/4 cups Bisquick
2/3 cup 2% milk
Preheat oven to 450.
In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook chicken with salt, pepper and seasoning. Once chicken is cooked, add in frozen vegetables, soup, and 3/4 cup milk. Stir together and leave on heat until bubbling.
Transfer to large casserole dish. Mix together Bisquick and 2% milk, then place on top of chicken mixture. Cook for 15 minutes or until Bisquick is cooked through and brown on top.
Serves 6
Calories per serving: 377
Fat: 10
Carbs: 46
Protein: 21
Monday, July 16, 2012
Race Report: Cul de Sac 5k #2
Date: July 16, 2012
Distance: 5k run
Time: 43:03
Pace: 13:50 min/mile
Overall Rank: 429/440
Age Group (F30-34) Rank: 38/39
My goals from last week worked out great, so I decided to use them again this week. Added on two new ones:
1) have fun
2) finish
3) not die
4) not walk at all during first mile
5) be faster than last week
I managed to complete all of the goals this week! It was really hot, but I made it through. I decided to use my handheld water bottle so that I would have enough liquid. I'm really glad that I did because it was so hot and humid. Also had a tiny cup of beer right around mile 1 from one of the people in the neighborhood. They were joking about it last week. I love that they followed through!
I also used different shoes this week, and that was a huge help. My Achilles tendon didn't get sore during the run.
BTW, one of my favorite parts of this race? The PIGLETS! The advantage of the Cul de Sac is that I can see them running out of the Cul de Sac as I go in. And, since it's warm, they are all shirtless! Yay
Distance: 5k run
Time: 43:03
Pace: 13:50 min/mile
Overall Rank: 429/440
Age Group (F30-34) Rank: 38/39
My goals from last week worked out great, so I decided to use them again this week. Added on two new ones:
1) have fun
2) finish
3) not die
4) not walk at all during first mile
5) be faster than last week
I managed to complete all of the goals this week! It was really hot, but I made it through. I decided to use my handheld water bottle so that I would have enough liquid. I'm really glad that I did because it was so hot and humid. Also had a tiny cup of beer right around mile 1 from one of the people in the neighborhood. They were joking about it last week. I love that they followed through!
I also used different shoes this week, and that was a huge help. My Achilles tendon didn't get sore during the run.
BTW, one of my favorite parts of this race? The PIGLETS! The advantage of the Cul de Sac is that I can see them running out of the Cul de Sac as I go in. And, since it's warm, they are all shirtless! Yay
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