the last long run.

  I am most confident in a pair of running sneakers.  I feel my best when I am sweaty and tired and moving.

 Calm.  Centered.  Focused.

My weekend long run was such a mental feat for me today.  I knew it would be as soon as I woke up, feeling as if I had already ran the 12 miles.  Twelve miles?  Pshh…Try one.

Yes.  A serious mental feat.  In fact, I almost didn’t go.

But of course, with the half marathon being but two weeks away, I had a good dose of motivation to get out and run.  I told myself that if I still didn’t feel good by the 6th mile, I could shorten the running loop.

After the first mile, I felt on top of the world–-light as a feather.  This carried me through until somewhere between mile 6 and mile 7.  Which is when I had to muster up every last inch of strength that I could possibly find.  My legs and breathing were near perfect but my mind was a million miles away.  And then Negative Nancy paid me a visit.

“You can’t do this, you know.”

“What are you thinking???”

“You’re not a runner, silly!”

With each step, I pretended I was squashing each negative thought.  Staying positive is crucial for carrying me through these longer runs!!

When I came home, I slipped on my comfiest flats and headed back out into the sunshine for a little stroll around the yard.  Stretching out felt absolutely delicious on the legs!

Half marathon: I think I am ready.  I’ll see you in two weeks! 😀

QUESTION: What was the highlight of your Saturday?

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enjoying the journey

I can’t even begin to tell you how frightened I was of this morning’s long run.

For starters, I was flying completely solo.  Dad had to go into work (therefore, running his mileage later in the day.)  And as much as I love running by myself, it scared me silly to think that I wouldn’t have our usual conversations to distract me when I needed it the most.  Somehow, talking to myself never feels quite the same. 😉

Secondly, I haven’t run 9.5 miles in over a year.  A year!  And the last time I did, I had some major knee issues.  Speaking of knee issues, my third reason for being scared out of my mind was that my knee has been acting up over this past week.  Needless to say, my inner runner’s confidence was feeling a little shaky.

It was morning.  It was 7:30.  It was now or never.  (Never was never an option.)  I grabbed my water, a clif shot (which I had picked up for free from last week’s 5k,) and began my fearful trot.

Mile one and two were the toughest.  But from that point on, I sort of just melded into this lovely groove.  “Settle down, Sarah.  You’re fine.  Relax.  One step at a time.  Enjoy this run.”

(See?  I do talk to myself. )

Once my mind quieted down, I found myself quite enjoying the sounds of crunchy sand beneath my feet.  I enjoyed the sounds of morning doves cooing to each other.  I enjoyed the smells of muffins and coffee whirling up to my nose as I passed by the local bakery.  I even enjoyed the raspberry clif shot and being scared half to death by one quite large, almost unrealistically over-sized goat.

Running wise, I haven’t felt this good in a long, long time.  Probably going back to my pre-injury days!  It was such a delicious feeling. 😀

As always, I immediately refueled (and rehydrated!) myself post-run.

Sweet and Salty Garden Salad
Serve with homemade bread ‘n’ butter, crackers with cheese, or whatever suits your fancy.

• Mesculin Greens
• Cucumber and tomatoes
• Avocado
• Sunflower seeds
• Snap peas
• Green bell pepper
• Raisins
• dressing: sprinkle of sea salt, olive oil and a drizzle of honey

There was a little more refueling later on after dad completed his 9.5 miles.  We both found ourselves in the mood for something cold, creamy and delicious.  The choice was Ben & Jerry’s.  Obviously.

Chunky Monkey = my favorite

Time to relax and unwind with a good book.  It’s been forever since I read last, and tonight it just feels like the right thing to do.  Hope you’re all having a happy Saturday! 😀

Sarah’s “Official” Half Marathon Training Plan

Week 1: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—4 miles

Week 2: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—5 miles

Week 3: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—2.5 miles

Week 4: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—6.5 miles (YIPPEE!)

Week 5: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—3 miles

Week 6: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—8 miles (We. Did. It!  )

Week 7: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—3 miles

Week 8: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—9.5 miles (Feelin’ Good!!)

Week 9: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—4 miles

Week 10: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—11 miles

Week 11: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—4 miles

Week 12: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—12.5 miles

Week 13: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—4 miles

Week 14: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—14 miles

Week 15: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—5 miles

Week 16: Tues—3 miles   Thurs—3 miles   Saturday—HALF MARATHON RACE DAY

QUESTION: Favorite ice-cream flavor?

the smile list, part II

5 Things That Made Me Smile Today

1. Coming home to a completely empty house after a super busy day.

For an internship requirement, we (my fellow interns and I) volunteered at some local elderly feeding sites.  Our main job was to do some light education on sodium and fiber.  It was a little challenging, since there was a definite language barrier.  Just one more reason why I need to learn Spanish!  But the people were adorable and very willing to listen.  One woman was shocked to learn that potatoes and beans were good sources of fiber.  I had so much FUN talking with the people!

By the end, however, I was pretty much zonked out.  So I made a super simple salad complete with avocado, beans (FIBER! 😀 ) and sunflower seeds, with a whole wheat onion bagel on the side.  I finished it all off with a bubble bath and some yoga.

D-e-l-i-g-h-t-f-u-l.

2. Buying tickets for an upcoming Josh Groban concert.  The price was a little ridiculous, but for Josh Groban, I will gladly tighten the wallet in other areas.  Yes.  I will even give up my bi-weekly almond butters…ha!

3. Starting my day with a brisk morning walk.

Waking up with the sun.  A fresh new morning.  Feeling 100% energized.

4. Dessert.

There are times when I want fancy creme brulee and creamy cheesecakes.  And then there are times when I want a tried and true, nothing fancy, regular ol’ piece of candy.  Reeses are my favorite!

5. Realizing that it is Friday and I have a busy weekend filled to the brim with fun things.

• 8-mile run tomorrow morning.
• Ice skating and a church buffet tomorrow afternoon.
• Volunteering at a 5k, Sunday morning.
• Hanging with my bestie—aka, Nicole—Sunday afternoon.

What is your favorite candy/dessert?

AND

What made YOU smile today?

The Smile List, Part I.

a walk in the woods (and a taste of bruschetta)

 

I drive my car through slippery ice.  I shovel dense, heavy snow off of the porch.  I plow myself through the slush and snow, on my daily runs and walks.  And the cars are dirty.  All. Of. The. Time.

But winter is not the problem.  Winter is not to blame.

The problem is that I don’t do anything to enjoy the snow.  The fault is my own.

 

 

Yesterday, I decided to change all of that and took my workout into the woods.

Al la snowshoes.

 

 

(Yes.  This is a lawn chair.  In the middle of the woods.  Buried in the snow.)

 

 

??? 

You just never know what you’ll run into. 😉

 

 

 Snowshoeing is such a fabulous workout.  I kept my heart rate up the entire time, simply by walking through deep layers of snow.

And the best part?  It didn’t once feel like a workout.

Going…

 

…Going…

 

 

…”Kind” of still going…

 

 

…completely gone. Ha!

 

 

The secret to surviving winter:  finding a fresh new way to enjoy it!

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Honestly, I’ve never been much of a football fan.  But the Super Bowl involves lots of food.  And friends and family. 

I really, really enjoy the Super Bowl. 😀

 

 

For the party, everyone brought something to the table, which made for a deliciously wide variety of flavors.

 

 

I brought the bruschetta!

 

 

Good food.  Good friends.

(And the additional perk of having everyone cheering for the winning team.  Perfect.  Day.)

 

 

A Simple Bruschetta

Bruschetta may look all fancy and gourmet, but it’s actually one of the easiest appetizers you will ever put together.  If you would like to make a light lunch or dinner out of it, top the bread slices with fresh mozzarella cheese and serve with a side salad. 

For the best flavors and texture, choose a crusty bread that has aged a few days.  Enjoy! 😀

• 1 whole grain baguette, sliced about 3/4 inch thick
• 3-4 Tbsp. olive oil or more
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• parmesan, grated
• 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped

1. Set oven to low broil.  Combine olive oil, parmesan and garlic together in a bowl.
2. Place bread slices on a baking sheet.  Brush oil mixture onto bread and place under broiler.  Cook until golden brown and crispy.  Flip over, spread with more of the oil mixture and continue cooking until browned. 
3. In a small bowl, combine tomatoes and basil together.  Top the cooked bread slices with the tomato mixture and serve immediately.  ENJOY! 😀

Question: What is your favorite winter time activity? 

an ode to the year of 2010

My Most Memorable Moments of 2010

Baking my first cake.

Helping Nicole move into her new home.

Overcoming my fears of public speaking by giving a discussion on Coconuts.  And then enjoying a bowl of coconut bliss. 😀

Training for a Half Marathon.  Getting Injured.  Crying and moping.  Moving on and discovering a new love for yoga, biking and a lighter running load.

Graduating with a Bachelors in Nutrition

Loving the sun and waves in Maine with Mom.

Spending an entire week of hiking in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.

Spending an entire weekend in Boston with my bestie Nicole.

Spending a warm summer night looking at old cars, eating fabulous icecream and dancing to country music at Kimball’s Icecream.

Spending 2 Months as a Dietetic Intern at a Local High School

September-November 2010

Visiting Boston with Pepere

November 2010 

 

My Favorite Pictures of 2010

“Blanket of White”

February 2010

“Tranquility”

July 2010

“Cat Meets Bubble”

July 2010

“Summer Rose”

September 2010

“I’m Looking Out For You”

September 2010

“A Sunny Disposition”

October 2010

“A Walk Through Nature”

November 2010

“Boston Breeze”

 November 2010

“Thanksgiving”

November 2010

“Shopping for Christmas Trees”

December 2010

 

My Top 5 Favorite Recipes of 2010

Olive Oil Granola with cranberries, coconut and pistachios

Coconut Cupcakes

Butternut Squash Soup

Basil Hummus

Veggie Noodle Bowls

 Question: What did you love about 2010??

Don’t forget to do something FUN tomorrow, as a final goodbye to 2010! 😀

a typical day.

If you have the chance, check out my guest post at Ashlei’s blog (aka, the Vegster.)  Ashlei was nice enough to ask me to write a guest post on anything that I wanted, so I decided to put up together little ‘photography post.’ 😀

Good Morning! 😀

Tea and oats were eaten in standard form this morning, while sitting in front of  the Christmas tree.  I had exactly 15 minutes to eat, but it still felt incredibly enjoyable with the dazzling drama and glitz of a few colorful lightbulbs. 😀

But I still think it would have been useful to have just a bit more than 15 minutes to clear away any early morning brain-fog.

Look how I almost walked out the door!!

Not that I didn’t mind spending more time in a warm pair of Uggs and striped fleece pants, but…

…phew.  That was a close one. 😉

I managed to get myself out the door in one piece—and wearing a work-appropriate outfit—with a fun, smart lunch packed away in my backpack.

Homemade Baked Beans!

And a raw kale salad!

• a couple handfuls of raw kale, shredded with hands
• 1/2 carrot, grated
• thinly sliced red onion
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• a few splashes of fresh lemon juice
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Snacks included a red orange…

…honey roasted peanuts…

…and an apple, crackers and a cheesestick.

Plenty of snacks.  I’m finding this works best with my internship schedule, since I never quite know when I’ll have the chance for a “quick” bite.  Normally, I can’t go longer than 3 hrs without feeling tired and/or hungry, so having a little something to eat on hand is an absolute must.

Packed last night. 

Ready to-go this morning. 

Munched on throughout the day.

The 9 hrs. at work f-l-e-w by today!

This week’s internship rotation is going to be at a Long Term Care facility.  Today I visited a local nursing home, and I really, really liked it.  I grew up volunteering in nursing homes and working as a food service worker in an assisted living facility as a high school student, so I tend to feel at home in places like this.  And I love talking with the patients.  Their life stories are so fascinating!  Where else would you hear about living in Holland?  Or being born on a ship while having a father in the navy? 

I love it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner; kept simple!

I’m on such a scrambled egg kick lately.  Usually I’ll opt for a veggie-styled omelet, but tonight I wanted straight up—pure and simple—fluffy eggs.  Nothing but a touch of salt and a splash of soymilk.

Crisp veggies were saved for the side, with a dollop of artichoke hummus.

And then I blasted the radio, flicked on the Christmas lights and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d my way through tree poses, downward dogs and plenty of planks.  A delicious end to a typical day. 😀

Time to catch the final show of the Biggest Loser!!

Question:  What is the most enjoyable way that you stay active?  I change my opinion all the time.  Obviously, my true love is running.  But I also love a good long walk or a deep, energizing yoga session.  These days, I’m even enjoying strength training, which is competely new for me! 😀

‘3’ vs. ‘6’

My alarm clock seemed extra loud this morning.  Loud and extra, extra, extra obnoxious.

It woke me with a jolt, as I literally made a flying leap through the air in order to shut the alarm off.  Somehow I even managed to hit the off button while air-borne.  I thought this was pretty cool until I realized that I had flung myself further than I actually needed to, resulting in a loud thud as my head hit the wall.  Whomp.

Apparently, it’s Thursday, because after my initial daze, I simply laughed.   If it was Monday, there may have been (very) different consequences. 😉

Thursdays are usually my strength training slash yoga day.  But a walk sounded so appealing, that I just ate my breakfast and went.  I think it’s the unusual warm weather that’s making me want to spend extra time outdoors.  It is the official first full day of fall, after all.  The chilly weather will be permanently here before we know it.

Breakfast: whole wheat bagel with almond butter and a banana

A big ol’ fresh salad for lunch!  Complete with all my favorite mix-ins…

• mesculin greens
• cucumbers
• tomatoes
• garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas)
• black olives, sliced
• olive oil
• feta cheese

Yogurt In A Jar!

I layered some orange slices on the bottom, plopped on some plain yogurt, and sandwiched the yogurt in with a sliced kiwi.  The fruit juices dispersed throughout the yogurt, creating a naturally sweetened morning snack.

There was also an apple and some whole wheat bunny crackers to accompany the salad. 😀

There was a recent research article done, looking at whether “grazing” throughout the day (in this case, referring to 6 mini meals) or eating 3 square meals a day was more beneficial in controlling appetite.  The study revealed that the 3 square meals was actually more beneficial in the long run than the grazing method. 

However, that being said, I would have to look at more of the details in the study.  Personally, I find that having a morning and an afternoon snack keeps hunger at bay and prevents any gorging at the next meal.  Especially when the snacks involve a good source of protein and some fiber.  And flavor.  Which is equally important. 😉

But really, keeping blood sugar levels stable can make all the difference in how you feel by the end of the day.  Eating every 3-4 hrs. is an important aspect of any healthy diet.  

Afternoon Snack: Raisin bran with milk

I’ve been making a lot of appetizers these past few days.

There’s something about having a lil’ something to tease the palate before the main meal.

Tonight I had a ramekin filled with homemade Onion Soup (recipe to follow.)  The onions cook down, down, down.  Into a state of absolute, caramelized bliss.  It’s a beautiful thing.  It also makes the perfect appetizer soup.

But before you think I’m getting too snooty or that I might possibly have too much time on my hands, you should know that Onion Soup is possibly the easiest soup you will ever make.  You should also know that my main entree did not revolve around filet mignon or leg of lamb. 😉

Yes.  It is totally okay to precede your dinner with a bowl of Onion Soup, winning you looks of admiration across the table.  (Nobody has to know that it took you a mere 30 minutes from start to finish.)

And it’s totally okay to call a bowl of “un”overnight oats your dinner.   Absolutely a-okay.

“Un”overnight Oats:

• 1/2 c. uncooked oatmeal
• 1 banana, sliced
• 6-oz. plain yogurt
• cinnamon, nutmeg
• mixed, lightly salted nuts

I added in a side of steamed broccoli to squeak in some greens as well. 😉

I can’t believe that I actually have a day off tomorrow!  It’s been go, go, go lately.  Constantly.  I am so looking forward to having a day to just catch up.  Especially since I have a busy (but fun!) weekend planned.

Question: Do you tend to eat 3 square meals a day or do you aim for more of a 6 meal a day approach?  What works better for you and why?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Onion Soup
taken from Mollie Katzen’s Moosewood Cookbok (and tweaked just a lil’)

• 2 T. butter
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/8 tsp thyme
• 4 c. hot water
• 2 T. soy sauce
• black pepper

1. Melt butter in a kettle or Dutch oven.  Add onions and salt and cook over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add mustard and thyme; stir and cover.  Cook on low for about 15 more minutes.
3. Add hot water, soy sauce and pepper.  Simmer at least 10 more minutes.
4. ENJOY! 😀

in the early morning

I have always been a morning runner.

There have been different reasons for this over the course of my life.  Originally—back when running a mile felt like absolute torture—I hated running.  My morning runs happened only because it was the thing to do.  A means to losing those freshman 15.  I wanted my runs to be in the morning and out of the way so I that could enjoy the rest of my day in peace.  Harumph.

And then—gradually, not overnight—I fell in love with running.  A morning run became my sense of peace.  An accomplishment.  My alone time.  The perfect way to start my day.

Now—as a busy Dietetic Intern—I literally have to run in the morning, if I want to run at all.  It doesn’t matter if the temperature is frigid.  Or if it’s too dark to even be considered the morning.  It doesn’t matter.  My schedule demands a morning run.  And since I’ve fallen so in love with running—it’s still my sense of sanity and peace!—I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to get me out of bed and on the road.  In the early morning.

First things first.  Breakfast.

There’s no such thing as a good run without the proper fuel to keep you going.

For some people, this means a quick snack and a “regular” breakfast upon return.  For others—that’s me!—only a big ol’ breakfast will do.  Do what works for you!  Just remember that our brains and muscles need the energy for every day living and for your running regimen.  Fuel up!

Secondly, let someone know when and where you’re going.

This is especially true if you’re a female runner (not that it’s not also important for the guy runners out there to practice safety too 😉 ).  Just give a heads up to someone that you plan on heading out. 

Third, bring a flashlight.

I don’t like carrying extra stuff on my runs.  But when I’m running in the early morning, a light source is a *must.*  Keep it small, and you won’t even realize that you’re carrying it.

Fourth thing, don’t run at the same time every morning on the same route.

This is just a safety precaution.  Don’t be paranoid but don’t be ignorant either.  Change up your routes or times to play it safe, never letting yourself become predictable.

Fifth point, carry a set of house keys.

This will ensure that you can get in your house safely.  You never know when a family member will accidentally lock you out.  On a cold winters’ day.  After an 11 mile run.  I’m not mentioning any names.

Here’s an extra safety bonus: keys can be used as a weapon as necessary.  Just sayin’. 😉

LAST point.  Bring kleenex! 

I know some runners who have learned to blow their nose without kleenex, but I believe that is meant solely for the hardcore runner who doesn’t want to mess with carrying kleenex.  I’ll opt for toting along a couple tissues. 😉

And there you have it.  Running in the morning (or late at night) is totally doable with a few easy steps.  If you’re lucky enough to have a running partner who can join you on such a time, that’s great too.  Just be safe, stay cautious, and enjoy those gorgeous, early morning sunrises too!  Morning runs have soooo much to offer.  😀

Question: If you’re a morning/evening runner, what would you add to this list? 

building menus

I slept in this morning!  And I loved every delicious minute.

There are some times when it’s necessary to kick yourself out the door and into your regular workout routine.  And then there are other times—such as today—when the healthiest option is to just rest.

I’ve been playing limbo with a lingering cold this past week.  It’s like my immune system is playing tug-of-war with a stuffy head.  My bets are on my immune system.  It’s just taking a little longer than I would like. 😉  Needless to say, the extra sleep felt good.  Amazing, actually.  Sometimes you just have to listen to your body. 

My bowl of oat bran was exceptionally creamy this morning.  I think it’s due to the ripe banana and chia seeds.  So yummy!

• 1 c. lowfat milk
• 1 banana, sliced
• cinnamon + nutmeg
• 1/4 c. oat bran
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 2 T. dried cranberries

1. Bring milk, banana, and spices to a boil.
2. Add in oat bran, chia seeds and cranberries.  Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 6 minutes, whipping every so often.

Creamy.  Creamy.  Oh so creamy!

Today, my internship involved grocery shopping.  And I loved it.

Yesterday involved a meeting with a mom whose son has celiac disease.  She’s concerned about what he can eat, his own personal self esteem issues related to this new diet, being able to still “fit in” with the other kids, etc.  It was awesome being there to listen in on the conversation between her and the food service director.  I can’t wait until it’s my turn to educate someday. 

At least I had the opportunity to create a brochure and a 2-week cycle menu for the boy with celiac.  I had to keep the school’s budget in mind, as well as making it as easy as possible on the food service workers.  Thankfully, there was a little wiggle room to be able to purchase special gluten-free products, which instantly helped with helping him still “fit in” with the other kids.  This is where the grocery shopping came in. 

I found a gluten-free pizza crust, along with some tortilla wraps for deli sandwiches.  Pastas, gluten free cereals, rice cakes, cheesesticks, sun-butter, and other such foods found their way into the menu too.  Fun!

On my own lunch menu for today: 2 slices Arnold German Dark Wheat Bread, 1/4 c. roasted red pepper hummus, grated carrot and thinly sliced green bell peppers

I always forget about bringing yogurt for snacks! 

Today I packed up some plain yogurt with a chopped orange and a sprinkle of pumpkin flax granola.  This kept me full between an early breakfast and a later lunch. 😀

I also snagged an apple and some chopped carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for an afternoon snack.

My Food Service Preceptor told me that the Au Bon Pain chicken noodle soup from the school was delicious, and it sounded so perfect for my sore throat.  I grabbed a small dish to accompany my sandwich and it was absolutely perfect.  Not too salty tasting, like some other chicken noodle soups out there, and the carrots still had a nice firm bite to them.

Fun.  Lunch.

The rest of the afternoon zipped by in a flash. 

Menu planning, union meetings, and making brochures left me (a) ready for a walk and (b) ready for dinner.  I ate dinner first and went for a 3-mile walk afterwards.  Both were amazing. 😀

Veggie Pizza Slice #1 (see recipe page)

Veggie Pizza Slice #2

Plus greenage! 

Mesculin greens, carrot, cucumber, tomatoes, olives.  Drizzled with EVOO.  I like my salads kept plain and simple these days. 😀

I am now off to unwind a bit before another busy day begins tomorrow.  I have a seminar class with my fellow interns, and I’m excited to see what everyone’s been up to.  😀

Question: How do you treat a sore throat?  Ideas?  My mom is convinced that gargling with salt water is key, but I just can’t do it.  Usually I stick to teas and hot bowls of oats.  It’s a temporary fix, but it still makes me feel better. 😉

cha-cha-chillin’ out

How pretty are these roses from our flower garden??

The kitchen was intoxicated with the sweet, lingering smell of fresh roses this morning.  Mmm…

This morning, I decided to squeak in an early morning run since I had that extra hour before heading to work.

First I had a nice hot bowl of oatbran.  Same ol’, same ol’ as yesterday’s bowl.  The cranberries in the warm, creamy liquid are the star of the show.  They really plump up and add such a nice touch of sweet and tart. 😀

I like to follow these guidelines with cold morning runs:

<30 degrees: Under Armour Tights with shorts + t-shirt + Under Armour long sleeved shirt
<50 degrees: Under Armour Tights with shorts + t-shirt
>50 degrees: Shorts + t-shirt or tank top

For the most part, these simple guidelines work like a charm.  The temperature is already dropping to 42 degrees in the early morning, which means I’ve been running in warmer running tights.  It’s not quite cold enough to switch to wearing long sleeves yet, but we’ll be there before you know it.  I even saw my breath this morning! 

New seasons make me so excited! 😀 

My legs felt really fresh for my morning run.  I took the past few days off from running, sticking only with my regular walking routine.  The rest was was *so* worth it.  Three miles of running felt easy! 😀

Lunch was kept fresh and simple today!

• mixed greens
• cucumbers
• yellow and red garden tomatoes
• 1/2 c. black beans
• cheese stick
• carrot
• mushrooms
• olive oil and sea salt

With some kashis, an apple, and a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabar for snacks.

I’m sticking to my original thoughts on these “new” larabar flavors.  Fun, yummy, but a little too pricey for my liking.  Although this one might be worth buying now and again.  Soooo sweet and chocolatey. 😀

Afternoon Snack: yogurt + natures path pumpkin flax granola + teddy peanut butter

My throat was feeling a little funky tonight.  Not really sore, not really scratchy, but kind of just…you know…funky.

A hot bowl of split pea soup felt oh so right. 😀

(see recipe page for recipe!)

On the side, I had a melted sharp cheddar cheese quesadilla. 

Simply heat up a frying pan, spray with cooking spray, and toss on a whole wheat tortilla wrap.  Sprinkle with sharp cheddar cheese (about 1/4 c. per person) and fold in half.  Flip and toast to perfection!

+ steamed broccoli and mixed veggies for that little somethin’ extra

I finished the night off with a hunk of 88% dark chocolate. 😀

I. Am. So. Tired. Tonight.

I think I’m running on chronic sleep deprivation, due to early mornings and late nights.  There’s no excuse for going to bed late last night.  Just that I stayed up a little too late watching the end of LOST.  I waited to see the end of the series until I caught up with all the reruns.  I don’t want to spoil the ending for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, but…the ending?!?  Not a fan.

Off to relax for the night and hopefully go to bed early.  Happy Hump Day! 😀

Question: Does your workout routine change at all once the cooler weather rolls around?