A Run a Day, Keeps the Blues Away
I came home to find someone taking a darn good nap.
I even got a little side-tongue action.
I love Chicago, but today’s cold snap is wearing me down. I want the snow and cold and chill to just go away.
My mid-day snack/lunch was a coffee and apple and it fueled my late run.
I ran a nice n’ easy 5.1 miles in 51 minutes. I made a little game of seeing whether I could keep an actual ten minute pace the entire time and it was fun to see how hard it is to hold the same pace throughout one run.
After my run, I inhaled a slice of Ezekiel toast with a wedge of Laughing Cow Swiss and didn’t get to photograph it because I was so hungry. :)
The run was great despite the cold and rain - it actually provides a degree of entertainment to have bad weather.
The hard part was dealing with something new, my right knee. This is the bruise that resulted from my ten miler last weekend and that silly fall.
I covered up the scab so your eyes won’t suffer but look at this bruise - according to Kid’s Health (where I get all my medical information), I’ve got another two weeks to go before it starts to disappear.
It’s tender and I can’t tell whether I should take off hot yoga tonight and just stretch at home or battle through.
Hope you all are safe and warm!
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Tumblr announced today it would be taking corrective measures again “self-harm” promoting blogs especially but not limited to blogs that highlight self-mutilation and self-starvation.
I applaud this step forward but hope it doesn’t push these blogs further underground - pushing people who might need help away from public scrutiny. Dropping the tag “purge” or “abc diet” doesn’t mean secret tags can’t be invented to direct girls and boys to certain content, so it will be interesting to see how this policy is implemented.
Strawberries & Cream Cold Oats
My cold oats floweth over!
I’ve written before how I dislike the texture of overnight oats so I call these shower-time oats! I add my oatmeal to my cold base and it softens while I’m in the shower and do my make-up.
In the bowl, I chilled almond milk, Chobani Greek yogurt with vanilla extract, pureed strawberries (courtesy of Fresh Picks!), and a full cup and a few tablespoons of water!
I keep my fridge pretty low and in the morning the mixture had an ice cream like texture and the bowl was really puffy!
I added the oatmeal in the morning, went about my routine, and a half-hour later added two tablespoons of yummy Bear Naked granola to the top which added a lovely cinnamon note.
Cold, creamy, smooth, and crunchy- Perfection!
This was the first toy Nigel got from his grandparents (John’s parents). At 10lbs he couldn’t lift it up and would push it around with his nose, get tired, and abandon it.
Now he flings it around the room.
I think shark week is here because I’m about to start crying because my dog is growing up.
Hope you are all having a great morning.
Stellar Workouts + 5K Speed Test!
Nigel, as a baby puppy, captures how intense my workouts have been this week- and how awesome!
I had a surprise six miler yesterday.
During that run, I decided I wanted to make my Wednesday runs my speed work day and focus on the 5K distance.
It doesn’t tax me as much as my five miler speed tests, allowing me to aggressively keep increasing my weekend long runs which I run at a fast pace (rather than a slower pace as recommended by some books).
Today, I went out on my first 5K speed test and finished it in 28 minutes. When I came home, I checked my Garmin data and apparently, this is my 5K P.R.! It’s only a little over a nine minute pace and it’s my starting point.
I paired my run immediately with a Hot Power Fusion yoga class - I haven’t taken these since I’ve mostly been doing the C2’s but it was nice to have some aggressive flows.
Hot yoga and running, goes together like a PB&J sandwich!
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What I’m really proud of though is my strength training this week.
Today and on Monday, I adapted my yoga routine along with the Tough Mudder strength training routine and created a routine I really enjoyed doing!
On Tuesday, I worked on my pull-ups and planks.
I have no pull-up strength but I read in a book that pull-up hangs, where you hang from a pull-up bar with your knees bent, are a great way to build strength. Women might need to build up to a 2 minute hang before they can do five perfect pull-ups!
I finally feel like my Abs Fitness Streak was working for me and allowing me to integrate more strength training into my regimen.
It’s a mental game - yes, strength training isn’t as fun as running or hot yoga for me, but doing these routines without rest gets me going!
My training journal is available here! Hope everyone is having a good training week!
Veggies in the Morning, Veggies in the Evening
Veggies All Day! Happy Wednesday folks, hope it’s not too humpy!
From top to bottom:
I started my day with a breakfast salad with arugula, spring mix, and a small carrot dressed with Wasabi-Dijon dressing.
We got an amazing Fresh Picks order today which included two different kinds of parsley plants!
And because of our order, I had a veggie feast for lunch: Ezekiel toast with pine nut hummus, Portabella mushrooms dressed and roasted with balsamic vinegar, and roasted zucchini dusted with coriander.
Today just feels good for some reason…here’s hoping you feel it to!
Lululemon Mardi Glow Run + Resolutions for Lent
John sent me a notice about Lululemon sponsoring a 5K fun run for free and I was jumping for joy because it was FREEEEEEEEEE!
I hate paying for races under five miles!
It was this evening though (and we forgot about it) so when I was able to get home, I scrambled trying to get some of our running gear out since I didn’t know what John would want.
Since we were supposed to “glow” John wore a neon yellow fleece and I went all pink. Technically, I run like this all the time and I’m sure people are like, “Look at that chick in all that pink.” To which I reply:
{Source}
We both had five milers on our marathon training plan so we ran the two miles from our home in Wicker Park to the Lululemon in Lincoln Park.
I loved seeing the sun come down and passing through a different running route - really puts a pep in your running step.
They gave us glow sticks, water, and coffee and there was a crowd of about fifty people in masks, beads, and some serious costumes.
Somehow, we ran four more miles. Yes, that would not be a 5K which is 3.1 miles. The run was supposed to be between the Lululemon store in Lincoln Park and ending at the Lululemon store on Michigan Avenue at Bloomingdale’s.
John, me, and another guy surged ahead near the lake front and our merry band kept going ahead in the wrong, or “creative” direction. Apparently, lots of people split off and the people following us were sadly, also led down the longer path.
We got to the store and when I looked at my Garmin, we had run a total of 6 miles in 55 minutes. I’ll take it!
Umm…this might have happened too. But look! The pants are marked down! I also need it for a new adventure we are planning! It has “back vents for maximum air flow!” I’m out of reasons.
We had dinner at our favorite little spot near the Magnificent Mile for a quick meal, the Soupbox, where I had a lovely fire roasted veggie soup and John had a lobster bisque, with sourdough quarters for each of us.
And then we celebrated Fat Tuesday. John is Catholic and takes this very seriously, enjoying fried homemade doughnuts as a child. No fries here, but I thought ice cream is always a good decadent treat!
Yes, you just suffered from an ice-cream and sugar headache just by looking at this picture. It’s a waffle cone (my first ever!) with vanilla ice cream, warm peanut butter and chocolate and nuts. John gave me the cherry.
We didn’t enjoy it at all. :D
It was a happy day and I had a truly “fun run” - I hope I can find more of these events for us soon because it’s a great way to stay motivated for our mid-week five to eight mile runs!
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With Fat Tuesday out of the way, here is our Lenten resolution.
We will be in bed by 11pm every night - exceptions will be made for non-negotiable deadlines, outings with friends, or if we are travelling.
However, from now until Easter there will be no staying up for just one more thing…and even if we end up staying up till the wee hours, we have to be in bed by 11.
Goodnight everyone! See you all tomorrow!
Constant Cravings: Chana Masala or Chickpea Curry
Rewinding to last night, John and I had a super-secret fun errand to run downtown. He came home first for dinner and I made my favorite Chana Masala.
There’s a place for “curry simmer sauces” from Target or Whole Foods recipes but I find that most times, those aren’t very healthy or tasty, and don’t hit the spot.
And then you turn to your boyfriend and say, “Baby, can we go to Cumin,” defeating the whole point! :D
I want Indian food like my mother makes - or that I can get from my favorite Indian place.
This recipe from Smitten Kitchen is one of the best-tasting and authentic but I made a few tweaks (leave out the onion and garlic - RARELY used in Indian vegetable dishes except as a garnish) and I added asoefetida or hing.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 fresh, hot green chili pepper, minced
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 tbsp asoefetida
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground
1 tablespoon amchoor powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 cups tomatoes, chopped small or 1 15-ounce can of whole tomatoes with their juices, chopped small
2/3 cup water
4 cups cooked chickpeas or 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add ginger and pepper and sauté over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Turn heat down to medium-low and add the coriander, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, cumin seeds, amchoor (if using it), asoefetida, paprika and garam masala. Cook onion mixture with spiced for a minute or two, then add the tomatoes and any accumulated juices, scraping up any bits that have stuck to the pan. Add the water and chickpeas. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, then stir in salt.
I know what you are saying - this is so much work! And so expensive!
It’s NOT! This is much cheaper than buying the bottles of prepared sauces (which work in a pinch), and allows you to make a range of meals. And even better, the dishes actually taste like delicious take-aways, instead of all tasting like the same vegetable and curry powder combo. :D
Try it and let me know - I love seeing and showing everyone’s cooking!
After we ran our errands, we stopped for frozen yogurt on Michigan Avenue - red velvet cake flavor, and a swirl of chocolate and french vanilla - no toppings for me. :)
We came home late but not before I finally caught up on The Bachelor. And this is what I look like when I watch the family episodes of the show - why are they so awkward?
John thinks I’m crazy because I’m rooting for Courtney. I can’t help it because like Ben, I’ve fallen for her act and really believe she’s in love with him.
Breakfast on Tuesday morning was my new favorite orange, the Satsuma. Or as one of my readers pointed out, the nipple orange.
Alongside a glass of coconut milk!
Happy Tuesday everyone!
A Two-Coffee Afternoon
My beautiful morning started with a forty minute early morning walk for Nigel. It’s 40 degrees so that meant flip-flops since I’m an optimistic girl.
My energy was high today but I was having some serious coffee cravings because it was a hectic day - started with the usual, French roast black.
Hello, dark passenger.
Lunchtime was fabulous because I met up with this guy!
This sweater makes me smile because it is from that period where you’ve dated someone long enough and can slowly, start replacing all the items in their closet and hope they don’t notice. What can I say, I love my preppy boys.
We went to Sopraffina for salads and I got the Farm Stand: with Mixed greens, candied walnuts, roma tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, and sherry raisin vinaigrette. It was okay - the vinaigrette was overpowering and sweet nuts aren’t my thing. John helped me finish it! :D
We were also getting the finger bling resized and I was nervous - I’m between a 4.5 and 5 but the girl didn’t put a string around my finger or anything (I have no clue about the process but I thought it was more precise). She assured me they would get it perfect but really?
GAZE AT MY ALIEN HANDS!
I got a Starbucks coffee with a splash of non-fat milk and also enjoyed my packed snack - a slice of Ezekiel toast with Sabra hummus n’ olives.
Today’s Workout
I was so nervous about hot yoga today - I took a C2 hot yoga class with one of my favorite hard teachers and oh my goodness, every position was a twisty position with the strap.
When you use the strap, I always think, my body will never do that. Then the magic clicks and I check myself in the mirror and I think, Wow, I look kinda sexy when I do that. ;D
Every kneeling position on my right knee went like this, “Whyeeeee! Whyyyeeeee, does this cut hurt even though I put a bandage on it? Whyyyeeeee?”
Hope everyone had a good day!
Running Bunny Weekly Run-Down: Overtraining or Overreaching?
Breakfast was a quick one - a Fage 0% and Bare Naked plain granola. Maybe it was too much protein but I finished only half of this - so filling!
It’s a sticky line between overtraining and overreaching because I have boundless energy and enthusiasm when things are going so well.
Last week, I ran 17.66 miles and this week I ran 23.2 miles, jumping from an 8 mile Saturday morning run to a 10 miler. This week, I’m running up to 25 miles, which isn’t as big of a bump.
I took four hot yoga classes which is now becoming my average number - with one two hour class. This week, I plan on making it to five hot yoga classes, and make them all intermediate.
I took TWO rest days, even making myself rest before my long run on Saturday!
I did an abs routine every day following my fitness streak.
It’s a puppy routine and I finally came up with a sustainable routine that allows me to build my strength. I’m really excited about this!
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Last week was a great training week, with only one wrench - falling hard on my right knee. The soreness and throbbing have gone away with ice picks but the scab, the evil, no-good scab, opens up every time I assume Warrior II.
I’m hoping to find some skin salves downtown to speed healing…or just try voodoo.
It’s a beautiful day in Chicago - Hope it’s gorgeous in your part of the world today!
Seven Things Sunday
I am grateful for…
Promises made which surprise me still.
Our Valentine’s day dinner at Takashi, which features contemporary French-American fare with Japanese influences. I am particularly grateful for chefs who will and can make a great six-course meal for a vegetarian.
If you love restaurant reviews as much as I do, here you go!
My first ten miler for marathon training - the amazing part? I can’t believe I can run ten miles at a decent clip, and not be sore the next day. The two stupid knee ouchies however, need some attending to.
Chocolate from Vosges, forged by the angels themselves. I’m also grateful for a will-power which allowed me to save them until my weekend long run. :D
Longer and warmer days…so Nigel is loving his walks again.
{Source}
The Disney Land Half Marathon in September is the final race for Disney’s Coast-to-Coast marathon challenge. It sold out last night. I was heart broken when this happened last year too especially after the Goofy Challenge.
Guess which two crazy kids got into registration in the nick of time? California half marathon in September! ;D
Our post ten miler treat - Big Star Taco! After hearing from EVERYONE that we needed to eat here, we decided our long run day was perfect.
Two and a half page waiting list to get into the restaurant itself. Lines out the door. Is it that good? Oh. My. Goodness. If G-d ate food, he would want tacos from here. Vegetarians can enjoy the portabella mushrooms or potato tacos, and the latter was my fave!
Hope everyone has a great new week ahead of them!
I’ll Tumble For You + Morning Long Run
I woke up around 6 am this morning. That never happens on a Saturday. :)
I decided I might as well get up, take the dog out, and prep for my long run.
I started with a cup of coconut milk and pumpkin spice coffee so I could get some Ibuprofen into my system.
I made some peanut butter Ezekiel toast with blackberry jelly and this happened…
Nigel was on a different floor, in our bedroom with the door only partially open, and snuggling with John. HE HEARD ME OPEN THE PEANUT BUTTER JAR and ran to assume the position.
Cutie face got him the jar of peanut butter since it was almost done.
John heard the ruckus and decided to join us so he got some of the toast and coffee. Two and a half hours later we were off!
I ran my first ten miler for my marathon training this morning.
I completed ten miles in 1:41 and kept a nice 9:30-10:00 minute pace throughout. John ran nine and a half miles in 1:25 and we separated around mile 2. I didn’t get into a groove until then, but once I did, the run felt good.
Around mile seven, I took a really bad spill. My foot caught on something and I flew down the sidewalk.
The run was going great until that point but after the tumble, my knees felt like someone had kicked each of them. My tights tore and favorite Lululemon running gloves tore and I kept running through the mind-numbing pain.
I wasn’t trying to be hardcore. I decided that during a marathon, I might fall, and I need to train the brain to keep going.
I came home took off my tights and apparently my knees were bleeding - in fact, I lost an inch of skin on my right knee and a quarter inch on the left knee, with some odd swelling right underneath.
So. Sexy. :D
Since John finished fast, he went and brought Nigel to come meet me and the pupper ran a quarter mile with me! That’s like a half-marathon for him because English bulldogs aren’t supposed to run for too long. He came in and decided to do some hip openers. ;D
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Hope you had a great morning and your weekend is ouch free.
