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!!!!!!!