5K on a Sunday

Second 5K of the season done! So much different than the one I did in March, mainly because I've been running longer and am much more prepared. Not to say that it is easy, it isn't, but it doesn't scare the crap out of me anymore. The upcoming 10K has that job now.

I just knew we were going to be running in the rain, but it completely held off until about 2 hours after the race. Score! Maybe because this race is for such a good cause. It's sponsored by an organization called Girls on the Run, which trains the little ones to run their first 5K and empowers them to be healthy and confident in their abilities. I like it!  Although, somebody needs to teach these kids how to pass people, I lost count of how many times a kid cut me off. And I guess I just let the cat out of the bag that some kids passed me. But they walked a lot! And then would pass me with bursts of energy! And then stop right in front of me! Anyway.....

The swag for this race was ok, not great. Nice shirt and some hair care accessories since one of the sponsors was Goody. The post race food was apples, bananas, doughnuts (?), pb & j, and water.

Oh wait, the best part! My time! 31 mins! My first 5K was 34 mins. Hello improvement! And I did not walk at all. Even up the small hills, of which there were 3. Who picks these race courses? Those kids didn't need so many hills and neither did I.

Next Saturday is the Derby Dash 5K. I'm a little concerned about that one, I hear the course is nothing but rolling hills. Super.

Here is the cutest shot of my puppy when we had our "it's Sunday, it's raining and mom just ran 3.11 miles".  Sweet boy.

Happy Sunday everyone!!!

Hiking With 16 Complete Strangers

Any of you ever joined a Meet Up group?  It's really quite the concept. Meet Up groups are usually in major cities and encompass a wide variety of interests. It's a way for like minded people to get together based on an interest, meet new people, do things as a group, even network I guess, if that's your thing.

This is the second city that I've joined some Meet Up groups. I belong to a vegan Meet Up (I've only been to one event so far, small turnout but nice people) and just recently joined a hiking group. The group had a hike today at a local nature sanctuary that I've never been to, so I thought I would give it a try, even with the prediction of rain at 50%.

People have told me that the idea of going to join a bunch of strangers to hike through the forest is crazy, bordering on dangerous. It is an amazing concept, isn't it? I guess it should be kinda scary, but for whatever reason, it hasn't been for me. It's actually pretty neat (do people still use that word?) for all these different people to come together because of a common interest. That being said, I do take a few precautions, always letting someone know where I'm going (today was my sister) and I took along some pepper spray in my backpack.

Sixteen people showed up for hike today. Pretty gloomy day, threat of rain present all day. It was billed as a spring wildflower hike and there were several flowers that we struggled to find names for. It was just so nice to be outside.

   

 

 



 

 

See how happy I look to be outside. Told ya.  I had a really nice time, the hike was about 5 miles and wasn't super challenging. Everyone was friendly, met some fellow runners, even a girl who is running in the same 5K I am tomorrow. My only complaint was that the 2 girls hiking behind me kept up a constant stream of chatter. It was starting to get annoying toward the end of the hike. I like to be a bit more contemplative when I'm out in nature like that, just enjoy the sounds and sights and get into my head. But at the very least, this group is a way to make myself get out and about and learn about some trails that perhaps I can go back to alone if I want a different experience.

 

 

check out a Meet Up group. I dare you to join one. And then actually go to an event. 

 

 

 



Like a Turkey Burger?!

It's been an interesting week.

It's been one of those weeks where I've been asked to defend why I eat the way I do. I am not a fan of this and I'm not good at it. It's a losing proposition. I feel like I either come across preachy or new age, I don't know. I mean, how am I supposed to answer this?

The reasons I'm gegan are multi layered, personal to me. It's not something I can answer in a quick sentence or two. So I always feel that I either give too simple of an answer or if I start to get into a little detail, I quickly realize the person asking doesn't want to hear it, they shut down and give me that "you're weird" look.

Here were the instances this week:

I was telling a funny story at work that related to vegan eating and a student at work asked my favorite question, one I've never heard, "How do you get your nutrients they way that you eat?".  Seriously?!?! This question always floors me. Why do people think that eliminating animal products and gluten leaves you no food to eat?! It makes me wonder what these people are eating! I feel like I need a laminated card I can whip out that lists ALL the amazing food in the world that doesn't involve death. Wait! I would need more than one card, because one card couldn't hold it all!!!!

This person then followed up her first comment with "We are meant to be carnivores" and then the classic "Well, I had a uncle (or insert favorite relative here, I've heard many different ones) who tried to go vegetarian, but he was just so weak all the time that he had to go back to eating meat. But he ate a lot of beans....."  I couldn't even manage a response for that one. Really?

Then my boss takes a few of us out to lunch today. He has no clue what vegan means. Asked me if I was going to get the fish tacos, I politely said no, and he asked why not? My co-workers that have been with me the past couple years all come out with "it has a face!". I guess he thought fish didn't qualify for animal status. So I tried to explain the whole "I don't eat anything with a face or that comes from a face", and the girl next to him says, "but you drink milk, right?" Ok.  He then asks why do I eat this way, and I just went with the "it's healthier" response. All he could say after that was that it must take a lot of discipline..... but his face said "hi weirdo".

But the best one of the week, the one that makes me laugh, is this:

At a local restaurant with my Theology on Tap group. As I've mentioned before, my church is cool like that. Anyway, the lady sitting next to me is vegetarian. She's looking at the menu and complaining that it doesn't have a lot of options for her. So when the waitress comes to take her order, she tells her that they need to work on having more vegetarian options. The waitress replies, "You mean like a turkey burger?".  My friend and I just looked at each other with that look of "did she really just say that?" Again, I couldn't even muster up a response.

This caused me to need some comfort food. Food Review!!!!!!

Bob's Red Mill GF Brownie Mix

Hello yummy goodness. I LOVE Bob's Red Mill products. They never let me down. I love that when the recipe on the mix calls for eggs (as this one did), he goes ahead and gives you options for substitutions. Thanks Bob. I subbed applesauce is this bad boy and then carried the madness a bit further by stirring in some of my homemade peanut butter before baking.

22 minutes later I was rewarded with these little gems. They were moist and gooey and quite delicious. And no animals were harmed for this moment of bliss.

Another thing I like about Bob's products is that there isn't a zillion ingredients listed (only 9 on this mix), and I can pronounce all of them and know what they are. Of course this is a treat, not something to make every week, but don't we all need a little chocolate now and then?

I guess weeks like this sometimes make me feel that the Standard American Diet or SAD, is just unbeatable, it's never going to change. And I'm not saying everyone should give up meat. I just want people to realize the abundance of amazing, healthy, whole food that exists and to realize that what we eat does affect our health and well being. It's just that simple.

Now, ignore these brownies and go eat some real food that doesn't come with a label!!!

Run, Yoga, Run

Ok, so I did it. I got up super early on Saturday morning so that I could eat something before going to the local Boston Memorial Run. It was cold, around 34 degrees, and I still stress about what to wear, never want to be too cold or hot. Hopefully knowing how to dress will get better with experience.

Over 300 people showed up to run. Wowza! I saw maybe a couple of people that I know, but no one to really stand around and chat with. That is always weird.  We sang the Star Spangled Banner (it was really hard not to cry), then a speech by the organizer and our mayor. Then the run.   It was pretty disorganized about running routes and leaders. Since it was so last minute, no streets were blocked off, so they were encouraging everyone to just break into groups and go different routes. I didn't have a clue who to follow since I only wanted to go 3 miles, but luckily I had ran around that area recently and kinda had a route in mind, along with my trusty run app. So off I went, left instead of right. Of course.

I was able to pass a few people, which is always a good feeling. Followed a group for a while, but then they went a way I didn't want to go, so I went my own way. Was pretty much by myself most of the time, occasionally would pass another runner. It was peaceful out that early in the morning, pretty nice run. Managed 3.2miles.

Went to "Gentle Yoga" on Sunday for my cross training. It wasn't all that gentle, but it did help to stretch me out. Ran again today, 3.5!! No walks! But man, I'm feeling a little sore right now......where is that foam roller???  5K coming up this weekend.

Had the best dinner tonight, will share that tomorrow for Tofu Tuesday!!!!!!

Bye!

Book Reviews and Running Thoughts

I adore books. I always have at least 2, sometimes 3, books going at any given time. This usually consists of one pure fiction, one informational and one inspirational.  I cannot get on the Kindle or any other e-reader bandwagon. I want to hold the book, feel it, smell it. It is a tactile experience for me as well as a cognitive one. Maybe it's because I have to look at computer screens for so many other reasons, I don't want to look at one when I'm trying to escape into a good read.  Rarely do I buy a book; it's the public library for me folks! Free! Just walk right in and take home an armful.  I often wonder when the checkout screen is going to start blinking with an alarm saying that I have too many checked out and I will be given NO MORE until I bring some back. Hasn't happened yet, I'll be sure and let you know when it does, should be a good story.

If I didn't have a book to read, I would feel lost and unhappy. This was where I found myself last night.

I finished my current book and there I was, 8pm on a Thursday night. Too late to go to the library. Thought about digging one out of the bookshelf, but as much as I love books, I rarely want to read one more than once. So I had to resort to one of my technical books to read before falling asleep, which is one of my habits: get into bed and read for about 30mins before going to sleep. Love it.

I've had some nice reads lately and thought I would share. Just like a man, a good book can be hard to find...........

Meg Gardiner has two very entertaining series: one is about Evan Delaney and the other is Dr. Jo Beckett. The two pictured are from the Beckett series. Both feature very strong female leads, lots of action, fun. I'm missing 2 from the Delaney series that my library doesn't have, but Amazon does.....:-) Good bedtime, beach, lazy weekend reading, you don't have to think too hard.

Here is the technical book I'm all about at the moment: Running for Mortals. Lots of great advice for new runners, practical, doable! Husband and wife authors, both very different runners. I'm following their 10K training plan, started this week.

Got my new VegNews mag this week. The best vegan magazine on the market, in my humble opinion. I've been a subscriber for about 2 years now. Always get excited to receive this, it's a great way to learn about new products, new recipes, interviews with people who are trying to make a difference and promote a healthy plant based lifestyle.  Sometimes being a vegan (forget about gegan!) in a world of carnivores is hard and it can wear on a person. Then I get my new VegNews, read it, and I instantly feel recommitted and energized. It always makes me think: "Yes! This is why I'm vegan and proud of it!"

Okay. I mentioned in another post about a great book called the Hypnotist by Lars Kepler. Wandering around the library today and look what I find?! The next book by Lars, The Nightmare. It features the same police detective from the first novel. I will report back to let you know if it lives up to the first one.

I am doing something in the morning that both excites and terrifies me. Several of the local running groups are doing a run for Boston at 7am and I'm going to join them. I'm putting it on here to make myself go. I'm afraid no one will be as slow as me and I'll look stupid. But, maybe it will be ok, I need to run in the am anyway, trying for 3miles. It's going to be cold, but I must say, running in this warmer weather just might make me appreciate the cold.

I'm also taking up a challenge called Plank a Day. I really need to strengthen my core and I suck at doing a plank. But there is a challenge on Twitter to just do one plank a day for as long as you can. I'm going to try to do one in am and pm. And..... throwing out this challenge to my friend Robin. She could always plank better than me. Let's see who can hold one the longest! But if you think I'm going to post a pic of my holding a plank, think again. Nope.

This post was mostly to take my mind off the Boston coverage on tv, it's starting to overwhelm me. Just want it to be over. Still praying for all the people affected by this tragedy.

Boston

It seems stupid to write about anything today except Boston. I feel so incredibly sad and my heart goes out to all the runners and the people that were there to cheer them on. It's just so senseless.

My co-worker and friend was running the race, but thankfully had finished about 40min prior to the first explosion. So thankful she and her family are ok. Several of the bloggers I follow were there, but thankfully all have posted today and are ok.

Being so new to running, I still in my heart do not truly feel like a runner. But when I heard about the tragedy yesterday, I felt like someone had attacked people and a lifestyle that I truly care about. The commitment, drive and determination to even get to a race like the Boston Marathon is unfathomable to me. And then for it to be marred in such a way is so horrible. I can only speak for myself, but it makes me proud to even try to be a part of such an amazing community of people and it makes me want to continue to run for as long as I can.

I have always struggled with my body image, especially my legs. Literally ashamed of them. Rarely ever wear shorts. Always trying to make peace with my thoughts about them. I know, I know: they work, they carry me where I need to go, be grateful. This gets hammered home in my everyday life as a therapist. I see people every day that wish they could walk. So I know how lucky I am to be healthy. But yesterday, watching the news, listening to all the severe injuries to people's legs, so many amputations------ it just struck me cold how lucky I am to have these 2 legs, no matter how ugly I think they are. They carry me through all my adventures. They are humoring me on my quest to be a runner. They allow me to do something as simple as stand in my kitchen and cook meals that nourish me and make me happy.

I will try to never again have an ill thought about my wonderful legs. They are everything I need them to be.

Prayers and peace and love to all those affected by this event.

Random Running Thoughts

I haven't mentioned running in a couple of posts, but I'm still at it folks! There hasn't been any one race to train for, so I've just been trying to get comfortable running outside. Mostly 2mile runs. Not really challenging myself.  And before I forget, I did download another running app, the Nike+, because Map My Run was trying to say that I was running an 8 minute mile earlier in the week. Liar! Knowing this not to be true, I'm trying the Nike app. Used it last night and I like the features that Map My Run does not have, like tagging your shoes after a run to track mileage, using emoticons to rate how the run felt to you, power song options and ability to use on TM or outside.

Did a 3mile yesterday evening because my running mentor said I had to. That is pretty much the only reason. Ha! At this stage (and maybe forever?) I need someone to say to me "Here is your plan, this is what you need to do, don't deviate". Because I will. I am a lazy ass at heart. I almost didn't run yesterday. I was tired from work. It was really windy outside. I'm a lazy ass. Told myself--"I can just do it in the morning". But knowing that 90% of running is mental, I just sucked it up and went. GET IT DONE! And of course, I felt better after. Damn. Didn't even walk any, but did get a few needed breaks while waiting to cross intersections. I think this is why I like to run downtown. :-)

And it looks like I'm running a 10K in June. My mentor gave me this option: Work on increasing your speed (yeah, right) or increase your distance. I went with distance obviously. I think I have around 8 weeks to get ready. I tried to chicken out and ask for a 10K that was in the fall until she pointed out that I would be training in the heat of summer. No thanks.

Speaking of that, I ran in the heat Wednesday for the first time and it was really hard. It was in the evening, but was still around 83 degrees. I carried a water bottle with me for fear of being dehydrated, but all I really had was my bike water bottle. Once filled with water, it was heavy and bulky and just felt weird. Hated it. Have to figure out another option. I really want to start running in the morning when it starts getting hotter, but don't want to run alone that early. This may require me to join a running club and I don't know how I feel about that. I've even thought about putting up a sign in my building to see if there might be another female runner around that would join me, but haven't decided if that would be weird or not??????

Going to free yoga at Lululemon this am. It's a great class at a great price, just have to get there early. Then it's off to the Farmer's Market which opens today. Yea!!!!!!

Also, won a pair of Native sunglasses yesterday at a local outdoor store. Didn't know anything about this brand, but they are super cool, sporty yet stylish enough for everyday wear. As if I'm stylish!! Also waiting on my first shipment of Ellie clothing, joined their workout club and ordered 2 bottoms that need to get here already!

Good Luck to all the Boston marathoners!!! Actually have a friend running. Go Cassie!!!

Later dudes.....

Crap! I missed Tofu Tuesday!

Even though it is Wednesday, here is this weeks tofu recipe. Sorry, think I forgot what day it was.

Tofu Scramble Burrito

Another great, easy tofu concoction. Here is a rundown of what you need:

1 T olive oil or toasted sesame oil
1 pkg tofu
1 small onion
Veggies of choice-- I have used mushrooms, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, spinach, kale)
Bragg's Liquid Amino's
Turmeric
Some type of all season spice ( I use Trader Joe's all purpose seasoning lately)
Daiya cheese of choice
Gluten free wraps

First things first: open up that tofu and start draining! While that is going on, chop up your veggies and heat your oil over medium heat. When it's ready, add onions

 

 

Here you can see that I've sauteed my onions in my toasted sesame oil, and I've added in my shaved zucchini. While that was heating, I crumbled my tofu in a medium bowl and added a generous spray (being sure to coat all the tofu) of Bragg's and my spices of choice.

 

 



I added the tofu mixture to the rest and let that heat up. I like my tofu to brown up just a bit. I then added diced tomatoes and a few handfuls of spinach.

I just heat long enough to wilt the spinach a bit. Then it's time to wrap it up. Literally.

I tried a new gegan wrap for this one and added a few slices of Daiya block cheese (you could also use the shredded version).  The key to gegan wraps seems to be the heating of the wrap. The directions on this one recommended 20seconds, flip for 20 more seconds. Added the cheese for second side.

Loaded my yummy ingredients into this bad boy and added some orange slices on the side. This wrap is so good! The best part is when you bite into the parts with the melty cheese. I like to call these the money bites people. Heaven.

It was so good I had another one for lunch later in the day. Don't judge.

More posts to come later in the week. Will get back to talking about running a bit, have some decisions to make. Going to a great outdoor store pre-sale tomorrow and I will report back on any great deals I get. Happy Wednesday.

Second Breakfast

Have we had this discussion before? Second Breakfast. It's a must for me during the work week, as I have my smoothie or juice drink around 6:15am. By 9:30 or 10am, I am starving!!!!!! As my job does not allow me to sit at a desk and have a nice little leisurely snack, I have to get creative, which usually means a liquid drink.  My co-workers make fun of me as I am sucking down second breakfast, but they know not to get in my way.  This week's SB has been so freaking good, I thought I would share it. It's so simple it's embarrassing.

Here's what you need:

Vitamix
1 c dark chocolate almond milk (yummmmmmmmmy!)
generous scoop of your favorite peanut butter (I suppose other nut butters would work too)
couple of chunks of frozen banana

Whip this up, put it in a reusable glass, and chill until needed. It is the bright spot of my morning right now. I can't even tell you how good it is. Keeps me going until lunch. Makes me smile.

Having pre-cut chunks of frozen banana in your freezer is really helpful. I started doing this about a year ago. I like my bananas really ripe, which is another running joke at work, as people bring me their "rotten" bananas all the time. Most people think a banana has gone bad if the skin has black spots. Not this girl. That is prime banana eating time for me. So when people bring me lots, or I find bunches in the markdown bin at the supermarket (which I do all the time, just look!), I bring them hope, cut them up, add them to my collection. Always ready for a smoothie or the best Second Breakfast ever!

Tofu Tuesday

How about a little tofu goodness for this post? One of my goals last year was to make friends with tofu. I mean, nobody tells you what to do with this stuff. After much research on the web and in cookbooks, I began to try and use tofu at least once a week. And I'm proud to say that tofu and I are buddies, we hang out a lot and we enjoy each other's company.

Tonight I made my version of tofu frittata. It is easy and oh so good. And, it's very easy to change this one up, depending on the veggies you have on hand.

1 package tofu, pressed and drained for about 20 min
1 small diced onion
1 medium diced zucchini
2 diced Roma tomatoes
handful of spinach
shredded Daiya cheddar cheese
turmeric
arrowroot powder
dried basil
salt and pepper
1 T olive oil

Preheat the oven to 375. Heat the oil in pan over medium heat, preferably one that you can easily transfer to the oven, then add the diced onions and zucchini

As onions begin to soften, add tomatoes

 

As this lovely mixture is sauteing, crumble up your tofu into a blender or food processor. Dissolve 1 T of arrowroot powder in 2 T of water, add to tofu. Sprinkle in turmeric, salt and pepper and basil. Blend until creamy. I usually find the need to add in just a small amount of water for a creamy texture/consistency. I use the vegan's best friend, my Vitamix.

 

I then throw in a handful (or 2) of fresh spinach

 

 

We are now ready to turn off heat and add tofu mixture. I spoon it over my veggies and then smooth it out, sprinkling it liberally with Daiya shredded cheese. It is now ready to transfer into oven, baking for about 30-35mins (only you know how hot your oven gets)

 

 

I usually turn off the oven and use the broiler on high for about 3 mins at end to brown it up a bit. Let that baby cool a little, cut it up and brunch (or dinner in my case) is served!!

 

 

This photo does not do this dish justice. It is so yummy! I like to garnish mine with a little sliced avocado and maybe a piece of gluten free toast with some Earth Balance. I also admit to putting a little ketchup on mine, I guess because this is how I used to like my omelets, back in the day. A little hot sauce never hurt anyone either.

 

This turns out on the thin side when made in this type of pan, but it can also be baked in a smaller pan to make the dish thicker. I've also made by placing mixture in extra large muffin tins, so that they come out individually sized. And as I said before, very easy to sub different veggies and spices to create a whole different taste!

 

Enjoy!!!!!!!