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Interval Running, Weights & Veggies, Veggies More Veggies

Interval Running & Weights
Well rather than just moan and complain about today (it's been "that" kind of day from the start), I'll just get right down to my workout. I had wanted to run outside. It was supposed to be partly sunny and close to 60 degrees. Instead, it was insanely foggy (like heavy mist) and in the mid-40's. Gotta love an accurate forecast right?

Thankfully, I'm a planner. I was prepared with clothes for the gym. I guess I should clarify what that means. I had my capri running pants and top for outside running, but for the gym, I need minimal clothing. I can't stand to be over-heated and my gym is hot as hell. So, I made sure I also had shorts and a tank also packed.

I tried to get myself psyched up for intervals on the treadmill. I mean, it was "just" 4 miles. No biggy right? Ugh. Tough 4 miles. My mind was just absolutely not in the game today. Very little sleep, tough morning, depressing weather, not really wanting to tread it. All that equals a bad attitude and that can equal a bad run. But, I toughed it out. I kept think that if I can run 13 miles in a half, I can run 4 on the tread.

I started with 1 mile at a 9:13 min mile pace to warm up then I did intervals at 8:34 and recovery at 9:31 min miles.

2 x (1:1, 1:30:1:30, 2:2)

I finished out the last mile at 9:13 for 3 minutes, 9:05 for 2 minutes, and the rest at 8:34.

On a side note, I must comment on how distorting it can be to run with a treadmill in the window on the 29th floor when it's so foggy you can't see the next building. All you see is yourself (sort of) in the window. Really hard to find a focus. Very strange.

After the run, I hit the weights for biceps and back. I went with supersets and was able to increase the weight for the barbell curls this week. I did 3x8 unless noted.

SS#1
Barbell curls (EZ bar)
Pullovers

SS#2
Hammer curls
Wide grip chinups (assisted) - 6 reps

SS#3
Incline curls
Double-arm rows

I really need to add in the chinups more often. I could feel my back really being worked. And I am silly excited about adding weight to the curls today. I've been at a major plateau for a while now. Changing from the dumbbells to the barbell seems to be working for me right now.

So, while the run wasn't exactly fun, overall, the workout was a good one. I really needed that sweatfest in a major way to clear my head.

Veggies, Veggies, More Veggies Please
The dreary looking weather really didn't have me terribly excited to do much at all this evening. But, the idea of having the oven on to warm up the kitchen sounded like a fantastic plan.

I decided to roast beets and butternut squash. At first I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with them, I just knew I wanted to have them tonight. I've been craving kale a lot lately. It just feels like the perfect fall/winter green I suppose.

I sauteed the kale with some white onions, garlic, no-salt vegetable broth, splash of OJ, balsamic vinegar, and agave nectar and seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg. Once the kale was soft (and I do like mine pretty well done), I tossed in the roasted veggies and some tofu that I had dry-seared then cubed. 
 

If it wasn't for roasting the beets and the squash in a separate pan, this would be the perfect one-dish fall meal in my book.

Daily To-Enjoy List:
  • Running ("enjoyed" will be loosely used)
  • Weights
  • Comforting veggie heavy dinner

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