Where's the Beach?

Back to It After my rest day on Sunday, I got right back into my workout routine on Monday. I did biceps and triceps and also got in a much-needed 3-mile run after work. I just wanted to test my legs out post-half marathon. They seemed to be not nearly sore enough LOL. I kind of thought maybe it was a trick, that when I started running they'd completely revolt on me. But nope, they didn't. It felt great actually. I kept it slower and kept the miles short. See, sometimes I can do the right, practical thing. Yesterday was another run after work. My goal was 5 miles and Jason was along for the ride. We kept it mostly flat, or as flat as we can in our neighborhood. It was a little warm, but the sun was going down so it wasn't terrible. Actually, I should have brought along a blinking light because it got dark faster than I expected. Jason dropped off at mile 5 and I finished another mile to hit 6 miles. We had planned to go slower, but both of us were in that speedy mode

Saturday morning I started waking up a little after 5 am. We needed to be up around 5:30 ish to start getting ready for the race. I did stay in bed until the alarm though, just letting myself slowly wake up. I got up and got on my running outfit. I spent an entire week fretting about what to wear. It was going to be about 33 degrees at the start (sunny thank goodness), but not much of a warmup during the race. I always get so hot when I run and had to keep that in mind. I ended up going with a tank with my arm sleeves and knee-length capris. I also wore some cheapo throw-away gloves so that my hands weren't frozen solid at the start like they were last year. I tossed them around mile, 4 but there were some winds that came up that often made me regret that choice to toss them. I have some spirulina pills that I have been taking for early morning runs that really seem to make me alert. I had never tried anything like that until I had the opportunity to review the EnergyBits. I

Half Marathon & Curry Tomorrow Jason and I are running in the Soaring Wings Half Marathon . This will be my 4th half and his 2nd. I did this one as my 2nd half last year. Kind of funny Jason and I are following the same path for our half marathons. I haven't mentioned it too much, and for a reason. I tend to get myself really worked up before a race. I didn't follow a set plan like I have in the past, but did stick to a fairly typical half training routine overall. Part of a plan includes a taper week. Most people call it Taper Madness. Usually I get freaked out too about cutting back on workouts, on my runs, on basically what's become routine. But, as I mentioned yesterday, this time....I'm trying to embrace the lower intensity week. I got in my runs Tuesday and Wednesday, I rolled, stretched, soaked in epsom-salt baths and even did yoga. I even read up on carb loading. And not just eating tons of carbs, but the reasoning - the idea of building up a glycoge

Running & Yoga (Again?) Yesterday morning I got to sleep in just a tad (like 5:40) before getting up to meet up with my running buddy. She was going to meet me just after 6, so that meant I had more time to stay in bed. And it's amazing how an extra 30 minutes can feel I must say. My plan was for 5 miles. She was going for 6-7, so it worked out that she "picked me up" this time around. We took a route that lead us down near the river. It's always really calm and quiet at that hour down there. However, we did notice that just starting 20 minutes later meant a higher volume on the main roads. I ran past a bakery and was so confused as to why I was having to dodge so many cars pulling in and out. It turned out to be a really good run for me. Perhaps it was the yoga and epsom salt bath from the previous evening? Maybe everything just clicked right? Not sure, but I'll take it. And I'll take the time too. My overall average was an 8:52. Not too far off fro

Non-Tempo Tuesday Getting up early for yesterday morning's run was painful. Not going to even sugar coat it. It was dark, warm-ish (63 degrees), windy, and did I mention early and dark?  The plan was for Jason and I to run to meet up with my friend A at her house. Then A and I would continue on our way and Jason would go his own way. He had a different mileage in mind. A and I did the same route as last Tuesday. It's fairly flat, just a few small hills.  I thought this would be a last tempo run for me. I thought it would be semi-easy because I didn't run yesterday and it wasn't hilly. I was wrong. My legs just felt so heavy and never really loosened up. The fact that it felt so warm was just flat out annoying too. A was having some knee and hamstring pain so we were kind of a sad pair.  But, we kept on going and got it done. I finished out 8 miles, not quite as fast as I'd hoped, but done and done. After work I actually made myself do some yoga before

Saturday Lindsay at Cotter Crunch had an amazing post yesterday on " Thou Shalt's ". It was one of those great reminder posts to stop and enjoy. Enjoy the moments at hand. And she also included this "quote" that really struck me. I think it's so easy to almost brag about how busy we are. How much we have planned, how many chores, errands, workouts, recipes....you get the point. Source: sarahsfav.es via Heather on Pinterest I have actually found myself feeling rather bad that I wasn't more busy or more productive on a weekend. But you know what? If I enjoyed it, really enjoyed it, then who cares that the laundry didn't get finished or the yard didn't get mowed? So in reflection of this past weekend, I must say, there's no guilt for what didn't get done. Instead of vacuuming, Jason and I got in 11 miles on Saturday. We set out way too late (again) and it was warming up fast. But it was a beautiful, sunny day I'll say that

Evening Run After work yesterday, Jason and I got in a run. The weather was beautiful (about 68 degrees and sunny), though insanely windy. The one good thing about running around the 'hood vs down by the river, however, is that you don't have head winds for half of a run. Just bits and pieces. Also, the wind helped keep me from feeling like I was overheating. We basically meandered and zigzagged our way through the neighborhood. There was no set plan other than to get in 7 miles. But, we fell into a really good, fairly quick pace and were able to maintain an overall 8:49. And even better...it didn't feel like a crazy hard struggle. Luckily, I had tons of leftovers from a refrigerator special kind of dinner I made Sunday night. So leftovers it was for the evening. Perfect for a late dinner and easy clean up too ;-) Fun Facts Friday - Sometimes I am wondering if I should change Fun Facts Friday to Fun FOR Friday. It's not always facts, but...you get the picture. T

Soup is Good Yesterday I was definitely nice resting up my tired legs. I woke up when Jason did for his early morning swim, very, so very briefly, entertained the idea of an easy run. Then I promptly fell back asleep until the alarm rudely interrupted me. Guess I needed the sleep huh? It ended up a rainy, gloomy evening, so I threw together an Easy Veggie & Bean Soup for dinner. I used to be a soup hater, but I have since changed my ways. I realized that soups can be very hearty and flavorful when they don't come out of a can. Easy Veggie & Bean Soup Ingredients: 1/2 white onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (only had 1/2 or would have used a whole one) 3-4 carrots (depending on size), diced 3 tbsp minced garlic 1 32 oz carton no-salt vegetable broth 1 can no-salt diced tomatoes (with liquid) 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained To taste: salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, parsley, b

Tired Legs Tuesday morning Jason and I got up dark and early. The plan was to "pick up" my running buddy at her house around 5:55 am. It was 55 degrees when we got going, but I was almost immediately too hot in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. Sometimes I think something is wrong with me because normally I find 75 degrees a tad chilly. Anyway, we got to "A's" house around 5:50 and the 3 of us headed on down the street together. I was planning on 8 miles, but Jason was just doing a short run, so he split off from us half a mile or so later. "A" and I sort of zigzagged our way up and down the streets. My legs felt like lead - mostly my hamstrings. I had run 11 Saturday, 5 + weights Sunday then a fast 3 on Monday. And have I mentioned that "A" is fast LOL. For the most part I was able to stick with her, sometimes lagging behind a bit. But we still were able to chit chat the whole time at least. I did have to make an abrupt potty stop at

Slower Long Run Saturday Saturday morning I made it a point to sleep in. I made it to about 8 am. That's huge for me. It was incredibly foggy out, but not exactly cool. I had hoped to get going for the long run by 9:30 at the very latest. The plan was to drive down to the river trails for this run. We hadn't run near the river since May. Jason (oh and I love him dearly) is not so quick to get going. Ever. So we didn't end up getting started on the run until close to 10:30. That wouldn't have been an issue had it not been getting hotter and hotter....oh and humid as hell. It was about 65 degrees and heavy fog when we got started. But the humidity was literally 100%. Hello sweat factor. The plan was to make this long run a true, slow, training run. My half marathon plans always call for 10+ milers at like 9:30 or slower. I've been doing mine at more like 8:50. So the plan was 9:20. Period. Done. Let me just say that was harder than it sounds. And crazy because

Perfect Run Yesterday, after work, Jason and I had planned a run. Honestly, I was kind of in a funk and would have been happy to put the run off. But, I also knew that I needed to run Thursday rather than Friday since I was planning a long run for Saturday. Oh the plotting and planning a runner does. The sun had finally come out so it was a little warmer than I'd hoped for - right at 70 degrees. But it wasn't humid and as the sun was going down, it was more comfortable. The plan was for 5 easy miles. Easy was the operative word of the day. I've been pushing really hard for my runs, even on my long runs. I've gotten way too caught up in hitting a PR for my next half. So today was all about enjoying the run. Easy, no strings attached. We actually talked a lot more than we usually do. And taking it easier definitely made it less of a struggle/fight. We ended up with 6 miles and it was just what I needed not just for confidence, but also for my body. Perfect way to ca

Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Lauren on Pinterest I'm thankful I ran - unplanned and probably when I shouldn't  have. Yesterday morning I had not planned on getting up to run. I had even told my running buddy that I was going to try to do an easy 4 at lunch because my legs were screaming at me after Tuesday's tempo run. Jason, however, had his alarm set early for his 5:30 am swim class. I had not slept well at all, and simply couldn't go back to sleep after he left. I finally decided to get up and go for my 4 miler. I mean, I was already up after all. I texted my friend and told her I'd wave at her as I passed by her house (the area we normally do our 800's). Then I set out for a very dark run. I ended up wearing full Brooks Nightlife gear - even though I knew I'd end up being hot, I still wore the long-sleeve top with my shorts for extra safety factor. Seriously, the Nightlife gear is the best for visibility! I ended up seeing &qu

Green and White Chili Monday night I made my White Tempeh Chili. Since it's technically more green I suppose I'll stop calling it white, how about Green and White Tempeh Chili ? I also made more of Sarena's chickpea oat flatbread with green chile and jalapeno peppers (sorry for the terrible pictures) Green & White Tempeh Chili Ingredients: 1/2 white onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 poblano peppers, diced 2-3 jalapenos, minced 2 tbsp minced garlic 1 package tempeh, crumbled 32 oz low-sodium vegetable stock  2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained To taste: salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, red pepper, cilantro Directions: In large sauce pot, saute onions, peppers, jalapenos, tempeh, and garlic until begins to soften. Add in the stock, beans, and spices. Let simmer for about 45 minutes or longer to allow the liquid to cook down and chili to thicken. I promise it tastes way better than it looks! Running Time Change & Fast Sti

Well, we went from Summer to our form of Winter within a few hours on Friday. By 7pm it had gone from 85 degrees to 40's. Rain, lots of rain. My sister was in town for a conference so she stayed the night. I made some chili as well as more of Sarena's chickpea flatbread . This time I added in green chile peppers, chili powder, red pepper, garlic, salt and pepper. It was so flipping good. Seriously, you gotta check out her recipe! The rest of the night....well.... Basically, we stayed up way too late, drank way too much wine, and laughed our butts off. Saturday morning was gray and gloomy and right when Jason and I were ready to head out for a run, the storms started. Thunder, lightening, small hail, wind...oh and it was about 43 degrees. So, long run was thwarted. Luckily, I do have access to our company's gym. It's not the best gym, but it's free, convenient, and a really nice perk. So, I ended up getting in 4 miles on the treadmill then back and abs. And

In light of my recent trip to San Diego ( Part 1  and  Part 2 ) I thought it'd be fun to do a Lesson's Learned kind of run down for Fun Facts Friday . Sunset at Mission Beach I think every time I travel I learn something new, better ways to make, or things to not pack. How to take fewer pairs of shoes, pack lighter, more efficient. Then there are things I totally forget that I had previously learned. Cold water should be a given - when you don't have a room fridge, you suddenly realize how much you miss something so simple.  Flip flops are comfortable, but not when you're hiking the San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach, the Gaslamp District, or any other entire city area for that matter.  Sticking with the same color scheme is a big win. Fewer shoes, fewer accessories. Win win. Cardigans of varying weights are a girl's best friend when traveling.  Pack extra chapstick, always pack extra. Zip loc baggies are great to have on hand. Oatmeal, your mea

Italian Style & Morning Run Last night I decided to make more of Sarena's Chickpea Oat Flatbread . I've been thinking about it ever since the first time I tried it. I also want to try making it spicy to go with chilli. YUM. This time I added in sundried tomatoes, fresh oregano and basil. I also added in garlic powder. An Italian spin to go with an Italian inspired dinner. I made a red sauce and tried something new - crumbled in tempeh to make it a "meat" sauce. I served it over spaghetti squash with a side of the flatbread.   This morning I managed to tear myself out of bed to meet up with "A" for a run. I have been so fatigued since my San Diego trip. Part of me really wanted to put it off until lunch, but I knew that it was going to be really warm and I'd just end up complaining about how hot it was. Also, I knew I'd be happier with myself for getting the run done. Plus, it's hard to turn down 45 - 60 minutes of nice conversat

Some Rambling Hope you enjoyed my San Diego Recaps ( Part 1 and Part 2 ). Sometimes it's nice to deviate from the normal posting styles. Honestly, I've been enjoying doing that a lot more recently.  I mean, how exciting is it to hear me blab on about running or other workouts and basic dinners all the time? Now, new recipes? That's a different ballgame of course. I know not everyone is into running and not everyone cares to see my weight lifting set up.  Of course, that's not to say those things weren't going down this week. Monday I was planning a low-impact kind of workout. It was a LONG day and I was feeling the affects of travel. But the weather was pleasant enough, or so I thought (about 72, breezy, sunny). So, I laced up my running shoes and headed out the door with no real mileage in mind.  8 miles later I made it home. It wasn't an easy run. It was actually kind of hard and hot. My legs were heavy, I was fatigued. But the more I ran, the b

Saturday morning was originally supposed to have included a run at Mission Beach. Instead, we chose to take the morning slower then got in a 4 mile run on the same path near the hotel we ran Wednesday. Honestly, 4 was all I had the heart for. Definitely felt very fatigued. We ended up going to the San Diego Zoo before going to Mission Beach. It worked out perfectly really. Kristin from Stuftmama and I had been planning to meet up somehow, some way on Saturday. And it ended up that the Zoo worked out great. It was fun for her cute cute cute twin boys and it we had plenty of time to visit.  Jason and I got there about an hour before we were supposed to meet up with Kristin, so we took the opportunity to take a walk around Balboa Park, or part of it anyway. It's such a beautiful area with so much to see.      We met up with Kristin and her boys and headed into the Zoo. They needed to take a potty break, so we decided to just meet up at the Panda exhibit since the