Where's the Beach?

It's hard to believe, but it's once again time for my  5 by 5th Virtual Run Series  post. I managed to sneak in my 5 miles during my lunch break last Thursday.  You can't really tell from this picture, but I was covered in sweat.  It was in the low 70's and really humid.  Hard to believe that by the next morning it was 40 degrees. I guess we brought the cool temps from California home with us. It had been in the 80's while I was on vacation. Go figure right? I was tired from the flight back from Long Beach, but desperately needed to get out and just run. I knew I was crunched for time, so I  definitely  pushed harder than I had intended. But, sometimes that works out right?  8:11 average I suppose I have been using this virtual race series as a way to challenge myself. Initially it was just trying to get back into running after my blood clot ordeal, basically starting over . Now it's become more of a time challenge. I think it's pa...

I want to, again, thank both Jessica and Sarena for their guest posts while I was in California. If you missed the posts, please check them out! Beauty in Blogging Inspiration Verses Motivation While I was in Long Beach, I only got online twice. There was no wifi in our room, and I refused to pay 10 bucks for it. I also didn't want to spend my time sitting in the lobby on the computer. Sometimes not having easy internet access is a good thing. It makes you focus on being present.  I did, of course, share some Instagram pictures. But that was about it. I do feel like I missed out on hearing what's up with everyone. I guess that's the lure of social media. But, I'm glad I was disconnected. It meant focussing on having fun with my sister and friend and enjoying vacation time.  I'll do a full recap next week, most likely a recap in pictures because those are much more fun I think. But, it happens to be Fun Facts/For Friday , so I thought ...

My 2nd guest blogger is none other than Sarena from The Non-Dairy Queen . I have yet to meet her in person, but know that I will one of these days. Sarena is one of those dear friends you feel like you've known your whole life. The friend you're related to. Sarena is an inspiration on many levels. And if you don't read her blog yet, you really should. It doesn't matter if you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, runner, lifter, whatever. She has amazing recipes but an even more, an amazing heart. I really hope you enjoy her post as much as I do. Inspiration Versus Motivation Who else is jealous that Heather is out enjoying the beach? My hand is raised really high right now! I trust that she is soaking up the sun (protected of course) with her best friend and sister. With that group of ladies, there are sure to be some great memories being made. Heather was kind enough to ask me to write a post while she is out having a good time. I am hon...

I haven't done a Tasty Tuesday in a while, but I have made a few new recipes actually. I'll admit to not always taking pictures though. Well, I have taken some pictures with my phone to share on instagram, but it really looks like a sloppy mess, though it tasted fantastic. Maybe I should do a roundup of sloppy, ugly, messy but amazingly tasty recipes? This one isn't ugly, it might be a little messy, but it was really tasty. Even better, not only is it Tasty Tuesday , but it works for Taco Tuesday as well. I have finally figured out the art of cooking tempeh - poach it. I use a lot of garlic with no-salt vegetable stock to poach the tempeh. I can then add in seasonings of my choosing and later bake it or grill it. This time, I decided to try poaching crumbled tempeh for tacos. I love cumin and chili powder. They are both very earthy, smoky, rich flavors, but they aren't hot spicy, just flavor spicy. If that makes sense. Lime & Cumin Tempeh Tacos Ingredients...

While I'm in Long Beach with my sister and bestie, I decided that it might be a nice time to do something different - a guest post. I wasn't sure what our internet access situation might be, or if I'd even have much time to long onto the computer. And let's face it, I should be relaxing right? So, I asked one of my dear friends, Jessica, to do a blog post. I immediately thought of her (and one other friend you'll hear from on Wednesday) when I decided to do guest posts. I know some people do them often, others never, some people won't read them. I've shied away from them before, but I know so many of you know these two ladies who will be posting, so I hoped that mean you'd all be more inclined to read their words. Jessica was one of the first people to comment on my blog. In fact, we started blogging within a week of each other. Never in a million years would I have imagined how much our friendship would grow and how much she'd mean to me. So, wi...

Right about now I'm trying not to completely stress myself out about the fact that I have not packed for my trip to Long Beach. I have pulled out what I'll sleep in/lounge in, my lifting gloves, iPod, and oatmeal. That has to count for something right? Because I have travel on the brain, I almost went with travel/vacation for Fun for Friday . But I thought I'd probably end up repeating myself from previous pre-travel posts. Mostly rambling about anxieties and silliness like that. You know, things I can't control and should let go of.  I decided to use Friday as my inspiration. As in the letters. So here is my week in FRIDAY. F oodie - While I didn't take time to take pictures other than on my phone for Instagram, we had some really good eats this week. Concoctions thrown together mostly because I haven't had time to make it to the store - like roasted veggies baked with homemade red sauce, quinoa, tofu ricotta, and Daiya. Ugly but tasty! An...

Packing Woes I don't know why, but this week is feeling crazy long. Anyone else feel that way? I am leaving Saturday for Long Beach, CA, so maybe the impending travel is making the week seem sort of off kilter. I'll admit that I've already been stressing about what to pack, which includes food. The room doesn't have a microwave or mini-fridge. I know I can heat up oatmeal with water from the coffee pot, but I don't see that helping me out with any protein sources. Being a vegetarian, I am often limited when I go to restaurants. So I almost always bring my own protein source to add to meager salads and sad piles of steamed veggies. When I travel, this can get trickier though. How do I store an open can of beans or tofu? How can I heat it up if needed? I know that Laura at Sprint 2 the Table is a pro when it comes to food and traveling. I may be scouring her blog for some better ideas, and may be investing in a super cheap, throwawayable cooler for our room. ...