Where's the Beach?

Chili for a Chilly Evening  As I mentioned yesterday, we decided on chili for dinner since it was going to be a chilly evening. Plus, chili and football sort of go hand-in-hand. Oh, and the fridge is rather empty, but we did have what it took to throw together a chili. So I went with a Chipotle Tempeh Chili since the tempeh is gluten-free, and my sister is now on a glute-free diet.    Chipotle Tempeh Chili Ingredients: 1 package tempeh To taste for tempeh: liquid smoke, chipotle flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder 1/2 red onion, diced 2 tbsp minced garlic 1/2 green bell pepper, diced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 17-20 oz low-sodium vegetable broth 1.5 cups red beans (1 can, rinsed and drained) 1.5 cups black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained) 1 can no-salt tomatoes 3-4 chipotle peppers in adobe (plus 1-2 tsp adobo sauce), minced To taste: salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle flakes 3 oz tomato paste Directions: In non-stick skillet, crumble tempeh and saute w

Friday Recap Since I was off work Friday I decided to take advantage of the time and the gorgeous day to get my run in at the river trails. It was a cool day here with a steady wind, but so pretty and crisp out. I did wait until about 11:30 trying to let it warm up a bit. I will say I need to work on taking off my running jacked and tying it around my waist and not dislodging my iPod arm band and with a water bottle in hand. I was flailing around let's just say that. Oh, and seriously have issues drinking water when I'm running. I feel like I'm choking or I splash it all over my face. Yesterday I started coughing and spit it all out straight down my shirt. Thankfully, no one was around ;-) Pizza Friday My sister got here just before 5 pm and we decided to try The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium . They literally have hundreds of beers available so we figured they'd have to have a gluten-free beer on the menu. And they did. It was also a different brand (Bard's) th

Fun Facts Friday - One Year 1 year ago I wrote my first blog post . There have been many many many workouts.  There have been more recipes than I can even begin to count. There have been lots of Pizza Fridays. I fell in love with new foods like beets , kale , kabocha squash , almond butter (just to name a few). I learned that you can have friends that you have never met in person. I enjoyed a weekend in Branson with Jason, my dad and step-mom. I discovered a passion for running and logged my longest run of 8 miles. I ran 3 5K races ( MacAurthur Park , Rock n' Stroll , Arkansas Komen Race for the Cure ). I went to the beach (of course). Enjoyed a 4th of July Party with family and friends (and more food). I went to the Cathe Road Trip for the first time where I also met Jessica and Jolene (fellow bloggers and Cathletes).  I visited Philadelphia .   I celebrated 10 years of marriage to Jason.  I had my first giveaway (see below).  Over the course of this year s

Rest Day Well, as much as I had hoped and planned on getting in cardio this morning, I had to be honest with myself. It just wasn't going to happen. Period. My body is pooped. I really didn't want to have to take today as a rest knowing how long I would be sitting (7-2 at work then the rest of the time at airports or on a plane). But there was just no way my body was going to cooperate with my OCD mind. I did finally rationalize that I could get in a run tomorrow on the waterfront. I mean I'll take that! So last night, after tons of rearranging, we managed to pack everything into two carry-on bags. I have a huge purse to carry other items like the laptop and such and Jason had a bag that he could carry as well. Fretting, Planning, Worrying Does Not Equal Control I spent most of my morning at working trying really really hard not to think about the pending flight. The only problem was having my parent calling me and chatting it up about flying. They both love it. I do

Group Run Recap Well, I must say that I am very happy that we went on the run with the group from Go! Running . The turnout was apparently larger than normal (average 10-15, with about 30 last night) most likely because of the enticing giveaways: free pair of Brooks shoes and a free Nightlife Brooks Jacket. Oh, and we all got 20% off any Brooks Nightlife Apparel - hello new shirts and shorts! It was a 4-mile route through a really nice, older neighborhood. Though, many of the old bungalows have been torn down with newer, larger homes erected in their place. But still, it's an old, established neighborhood - with lots of freaking hills. We got started and it was slow and choppy with everyone trying to settle into groups based on pace. Once that worked itself out, it was much better. I swear, 4 miles has never gone so quickly. I really wanted to keep running! If we had known the route, Jason and I would have likely added on 2 miles (or I wanted to anyway). Neither of us won the

Weights & Group Run This morning it wasn't just gray and icky out, it was dark and raining. Lucky for me, I bought a pair of rainboots two years ago when I first started working at my current job. All it took was one rainy, 3-block walk, and I headed straight to Ebay for some boots. I don't care how silly they may look, I love them! So, I donned my rainboots this morning, but by 11 or so, the sun was out and it was slowly warming up. Jason and I are planning on running with a group that gathers at a new, local running store on Tuesday evenings for a 4-mile run. So, I was glad to see the sunshine, but it also meant no running at lunch. This of course means that I hit the weights instead. I did shoulders and abs actually. I'm trying to get all my weight workouts done by Thursday as I won't have access to a gym in Seattle. Overhead press - 3x6 Upright rows - 3x8 Lateral raises - 3x10 Rear delt press - 3x12 Front to side raises - 2x10 I did the abs workout

Roasted Salad With New Dressing  Last night we did have a roasted veggie and tofu salad for dinner. But, I made a new dressing that I was really pleased with: Creamy Balsamic Dressing . Creamy Balsamic Dressing Ingredients: 1/4 cup cashews * (really it was a handful so maybe a bit more) Almond milk (just enough to cover cashews or a bit more for runnier dressing) To taste: Balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, parsley, onion powder, splash of OJ Directions: Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth. * Either soak cashews for at least 30 minutes or grind in a coffee grinder if you do not have a high-powered blender. I essentially used the same flavor ingredients (minus cashew cream) as a marinade for the tofu, which I bake until firm and crisp separate from the veggies. I know that the grilled or roasted veggie salads aren't terribly exciting, but man are they so good! And I'm loving having a creamy dressing option that's vegan. Bis/Tris and Step This morni

Saturday Follow Up Last night Jason let me take the night off in the kitchen. Well, I sort of orchestrated from the sidelines while he did the work. He decided to use some of the Quinoa Veggie Cakes I had leftover in the freeze for "burgers" with spinach, roasted red bell peppers, and Kaas Soy Monterey Jack "cheese." To go with the "burgers" he wanted to make a broccoli salad. He likes the creamy sauces I make using the silken tofu, but he's never made one himself. This is where I came in. I just gave him the basics and some seasoning ideas and let him do the rest. So he came up with a Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Salad . Creamy Broccoli and Carrot Salad Ingredients: 1 carrot, thinly sliced Fresh broccoli florets 1/2 cup chickpeas 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/2 package firm silken tofu Almond milk (to desired consistency) Juice from 1/2 lemon Zest of 1 lemon Splash of OJ To taste: Salt, pepper, parsley, dill, garlic powder, red pepper, drie

I must say, I loved reading your Good/Bads. Reminded me of so many more. Love it and I appreciate that you took the time to add to the list. On Repeat - Running This morning I had the alarm set early. Why? Last night Jason and I contemplated getting up and doing a race. It's called the Mud Run. Obviously, it entails mud at some point. I am not one to get dirty, but thought it might do me good to get out of my comfort zones. But, when I woke up around 5 am, I started thinking. Uh oh. I really didn't think we should spend the money on the entry fees (would have been $50 without shirts) as we're going out of town next weekend. Also, it would likely mean ruining a pair of shoes. I honestly don't have a spare pair of running shoes that are really safe enough to run 3 miles in and I am not ruining my new pair. Also, um, I'm lazy. I dozed back off fitfully, and at 7:10 when the alarm went off, I turned it off and that was that. Why even share? I don't really know,

Semi-Rest Day This morning I woke up about 45 minutes before the alarm clock was set. Rather than try to doze, I got up and got my chest and abs done that I didn't do yesterday. Yes, I know, it was supposed to be a rest day. But I really just wanted to get them done. I'm sort of hoping for a longer run tomorrow and don't want to have weights on the plan as well. Sooooo......semi-rest day. Wide-arm pushups - 24 Pushups with toes on step - 12 Flat bench flyes - 3x6 Flat bench DB press - 3x8 Incline flyes - 3x10 Incline DB press - 3x12 Pushups - 12 I finished up with abs from Cathe's Cardio & Weights . It was kind of nice getting in a workout in the morning for a change. It's been soooo long since I've done morning workouts. Running is like Life As I mentioned yesterday , I had another great run that left me with some thoughts and perspectives about running and life. It came to me, love how that happens when running, that running is very much like

Taking Advantage of Weather by Running So today I opted for another run at lunch. I was torn between taking today or tomorrow as my rest day. Since I felt fine and the weather is still so nice, I opted for the run. I was planning on a shorter, 3-mile run. But I ended up doing 4. It was another really great run, though I will admit to the upper hamstring/low glute issues still flaring up. Butt (teehee, couldn't resist) other than that, it was really pleasant. I don't know if it's my newer approach to running, the weather, or everything just clicking, but I am enjoying running like I never thought I would. It seriously was more of just a means to an end - it was exercise, cardio. It got the job done when I was sick and tired of another step workout. But I have discovered it to be so much more once I took a step back. Of course, I thought through much of this today. I was so lost in my thoughts that at one point I looked up and couldn't believe how far along I already

  (edited with photos) What a Run Today was a gorgeous day, especially after the dreary day we had yesterday. What does this mean? Um a run at lunch of course. I am absolutely loving being able to run mid-day again. It was just a bit over 70 degrees when I got started with only a slight breeze. Today was one of those days when I had to force myself to stop running and get back to work. I was sort of pounding out some frustrations while enjoying the gorgeous day. I really felt like I could have done another 2 miles at least even at the pace I was holding. I ended up doing 4.9 miles in 40:40 for an average 8.18 pace. I am pretty proud of that actually. It definitely makes me feel strong. I guess what I am most proud of is that I wasn't really trying to run for speed today, just trying to enjoy the run. I supposed that sometimes when you just relax and go with it, you end up surprising yourself (and yes, I am surprised with myself). I did a lot of reflecting, thinking, looking

Biceps, Abs & Step We had rain in the forecast today, so I wasn't banking on a run. I decided to do weights at lunch and cardio after work. I went with biceps and abs today. I wasn't sure how I wanted to do the biceps in terms or reps today. I stumbled across an article by Tom Venuto that helped solve my dilemma: Five Star Arms .  In this article, he lists out a variety of methods for bicep work, one method mentioned is a 4-rep System by Don Ross. It sounded interesting, different, so I thought I'd give it a shot (or the method anyway). You can read the article of course, but the general idea is to pick 4 exercises and change up the number of reps for each. I did 3 sets of each as a single set starting with 6 reps and increasing by 2 reps so that by the 4th exercise, I did 12 reps: Dumbbell biceps curls: 3x6 Hammer curls: 3x8 Incline curls: 3x10 Cross-body curls: 3x12 I really enjoyed this method actually. It was nice to try something different, and I'm

Stew Sunday  Well, last night I ended up making a new soup recipe. It started off that I was just going to use some leftover acorn squash combined with some kabocha for a creamy squash soup. The kabocha ended up being bad so I had to move along to plan b. Not exactly sure what to call this creation. We'll go with Indian Inspired Fall Bean and Kale Stew . Indian Inspired Fall Bean and Kale Stew Ingredients: 1/2 yellow onion, diced 1 large carrot, sliced 1 small to medium sweet potato, diced 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained To taste: garam masala, salt, black pepper, white pepper, thyme, ground ginger 1 container low-sodium vegetable broth 1/2 large bunch of kale, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup raw cashews * and enough water to create a cashew cream 1/2 acorn squash, roasted and cubed ** Directions: In large soup pot, saute onions, carrots, potatoes, and garlic until begin to soften. Add in spice and bean

Saturday Recap First off, I must say thank you to everyone for your unbelievable support and kind words from yesterday's post. They meant so much to me, truly. And for those who complimented the race pictures, ok, seriously made my day. I had the best personal photographer ever obviously to get decent race pictures. Thank you Jason! Well, if anyone is curious, after the race I did end up running 2 miles. I really wanted to just get my legs moving and loosened up post-race. It really felt good actually, as crazy as it may sound. After the short run, we headed to my niece's birthday party. It was as any 6-year old's party is - chaotic. She was a happy camper though, so that's what matters. We made it to our friends' house only about 5 minutes after kickoff. It was a close game initially, but in the end, we lost. I won't even get into the seriously bad calls. Not even saying that as a fan, because in the end I really don't care too much, but there were 2 s

This morning I woke up at 5:30 am, though the alarm was set for 6:30. I decided to stay in bed and at least doze for another hour. I got up and started getting myself ready for the race. Pinning on my bib, putting the chip onto my shoe, breaking the flimsy zip tie. I really didn't want to eat much, so I just had half a banana with some peanut butter and tons more water. Then it was off to the race. The Arkansas Komen race is the 3rd largest in the country. It's so hard to believe that Arkansas has one of the largest. There were over 45,000 women registered. This year the runners actually started 10 minutes early to help relieve some of the crazy pushing surge that happens. Usually as I'm crossing the second bridge, I can look over and see a sea of women crossing the first. It's an awesome sight that is so hard to put into words. Very emotional. It was about 50 degrees at the start of the race with the sun just coming up. But all the bodies and energy kept me warm. I

Friday Workouts  So, today I was off work. Very excited about that. I didn't really sleep in like I had hoped - only slept another 30 minutes extra perhaps. Oh well, better than nothing I suppose. I pretty much piddled around for a while before doing any workouts, chores, etc. That was a nice change of pace. I think every day should start that way. Today I did back. I did tri sets of 3x10. TS#1 Underhand rows Pullovers Double-arm rows TS#2 Reverse flyes Lat band pulldowns Low back extensions on ball I was really torn between getting outside for a run or doing step aerobics. I really and truly needed to rest the legs though. This is why I really didn't want to take Wednesday as a rest day. I kind of needed today to be my rest day. But, things happen and you roll with it. Rather than getting out for a run, I did Cathe's MMA Boxing . I listened to my body and saved the legs. Free Day Means Errands and Chores After my workouts, I got cleaned up, ate lunch th

Perks of Fall - Running at Lunch The temperatures really dropped last night. It was 51 degrees when I headed into work this morning. I am so not happy to have to wear sleeved shirts I must add. I will try to find the positives out of cooler weather though. One is being able to run at lunch again without dying of a heat stroke. So, that leads me to my first workout of the day - a lunchtime run with Jason. We managed to squeeze in 3.8 miles in 31 minutes. Not too shabby. It was gorgeous out, but the breeze was strong at times. It felt good, but not when we were running into it of course. I will say that I am sad about the fall foliage this year. Because the summer was so hot and so dry, the leaves are mostly just dying and falling to the ground. We sometimes have just spectacular colors, but not this year. After work, I hit the weights. I was itching to get biceps and abs done. I love working biceps. I decided to go with straight sets of 3x8 trying to increase the weight if possib