Tag Archives: food

Monday Things {11-12-2012}

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1. I haven’t yet posted my training for last week but it should be up later today or tonight. I will most likely back post it and link to the page in this post so keep your eyes out if you enjoy reading those recaps. I back posted my training from last week and you can read about it here.

2. On Friday night Ian and I went out to Pasta Bowl to have a nice, relaxed dinner. The Pasta Bowl is actually where Ian and I had our first date so even though it’s not our favorite restaurant in the city, we have some good memories there :) .

I started off with a glass of wine and Ian and I split sauteed calamari in an olive oil and garlic sauce. For my meal, I enjoyed their vegetarian salad (grilled veggies, olives) and Ian had their gnocchi. We were both happy campers.

3. I managed to sleep in until after 9 on Saturday morning and while I could have kept sleeping, I woke up starving. I wanted to make something special and different from my usual weekday breakfasts but I was incredibly indecisive and eventually just ended up making a big old bowl of pb2 oatmeal.

4. Saturday morning was incredibly lazy. Ian and I just lounged around in our pjs until the Michigan vs. Northwestern game started at 11. Unfortunately, while I was sitting on the couch I did something to my back and spent most of the game face-up on my yoga mat on the wood floor trying not to twist my body the wrong way. Not fun.

5. A hours and two Tylenol later I decided to try to go out for a run. Surprisingly the 6 miler didn’t hurt my back (although it didn’t make it any better) and I had a good run. My Garmin was dead so I tried out a new to me app, RunKeeper and I actually liked it. If I didn’t have a Garmin, I’d probably use it all the time. I was also in love with the fact that I could run in shorts in November. Crazy.

6. I pretty much snacked my way through Saturday afternoon and by the time dinner rolled around I wasn’t too hungry. With a long run on Saturday morning I figured I should eat something so Ian and I walked over to Pita Heaven for a light dinner. Honestly, I forgot how much I liked Pita Heaven the first time we went over a year ago. I ordered the Mediterranean salad that was topped with avocado, cherry tomatoes, dates, almond slices, and peppers. Usually it comes with feta cheese but I asked for it without. I also gave my pita bread to Ian.

7. After dinner Ian and I finished Arrested Development. I’m so bummed. I miss it already. I can’t wait until the Netflix-only episodes are released next Spring. I’ve also heard talk of a movie *fingers crossed*.

8. On Sunday I woke up and my back/shoulder/neck was still really hurting. I decided to try to squeeze in my 16 miler anyway and fueled up.

My shoulder didn’t get better but it also didn’t get worse so I kept running. I probably should have skipped it entirely though and my body was not happy with me. My back hurt, my legs were tired, and I was just mentally not in it. To make things even better, my sports bra chafed my mid-back and I didn’t even feel it until I stepped into the shower and it burned. Lovely.

9. Post-run I was in a bad mood and despite my back “injury” I decided to deep clean our kitchen. I pulled everything out of the cabinets and cleaned them and also scrubbed our microwave and toasted oven. It feels so good to have a really clean kitchen.

10. Finally after my cleaning frenzy and a shower, I sat down to my post-run meal, a huge salad with avocado, butternut, roasted & salted pecans, hemp seed, and TJs goddess dressing. Amazing. [I also had a piece of cornbread + some cereal].

11. Sunday was spent running errands, laying down with Icy Hot bandages on my back, and watching lots of Breaking Amish. Eventually I decided it was time for dinner and whipped up some spaghetti squash bad thai. I liked this recipe but it wasn’t peanut-ty enough for me and I ended up adding some pb2 to the sauce.

12. Dessert was one of my new favorite combinations: pumpkin + 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, roasted & salted pecans, and Enjoy Your Life chocolate chips with a spoonful of peanut butter. Yum!

13. I woke up early this morning to gauge the status of my back. Unfortunately it’s not getting much better and I decided to take some time today to get it checked out. Bummer. While waiting for the doctor’s office to open, I ate some waffles topped with crunchy peanut butter, banana slices, and maple syrup. Delicious!

What did you do this weekend?

Runner’s Quiz & Updates

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When I saw this runner’s quiz on Molly’s blog, I knew I had to give it a shot. I love quizzes and I love running and let’s be honest, talking about running is the best way to kick off the Friday before the Chicago marathon– am I right?

1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy, or other?

I trained for my first marathon using Shot Bloks because the thought of GU just grossed me out. This was confirmed when I grabbed a GU around mile 21 of that same race, got grossed out, and ended up throwing it up after finishing. Fun stuff. Now I use dried fruit like dates or figs instead of shot bloks or GUs. It seems to work well for me and I prefer the natural sugars to the added ones.

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, marathon, ultra or other?

I love everything about the marathon. I love the training, the camaraderie, race day jitters, and the amazing feeling of accomplishment after crossing the finish line. So my answer is the marathon :) .

3. Workout bottoms: Running skirt, shorts, capris, tights or other?

Running shorts when it’s warm enough and running tights when it’s too cold for shorts. I don’t have much of a preference as long as I’m a comfortable temperature.

4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, water or other?

Now I tend to stick to water but I used to also drink a fair amount of coconut water after my runs. I drink a lot of water (which is great) but I’m a salty sweat-er and need something else after long runs. I’m actually thinking of trying to make a homemade sports drink and if I do and it’s successful, I’ll let you guys know!

5. Running temperatures: Heat or cold?

I really prefer moderate temperatures but if I had to choose, I’d pick cold over hot temps. If it’s cold I can always put more layers on but I do not like running in the heat!

6. Running shoe brands: Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno, Nike, Asics or other?

I’m a Brooks fan– specifically a Brooks Adrenaline fan. I just haven’t found a shoe that works for me like the Adrenaline and every time I’ve tried something else I’ve lost a toenail or been injured. Not fun at all. I’ve actually written a post about my love for Brooks (foreshadowing- those Brooks helped lead to my stress fracture last year).

7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or other?

This has changed a little bit over the years. I used to have a Larabar and a small glass of almond milk before every race. It worked but I worried that it wasn’t enough fuel (it was also $$). Then I tried a piece of toast with nut butter and chia seeds (I can’t have banana before a race). This was okay but sometimes the bread sat funny in my stomach and I felt grossly full the entire race. Yuck. Lately, I’ve been trying eating a rice cake with nut butter and chia seeds and so far it seems to be working out for me. The rice cake is light enough that my stomach doesn’t feel gross while I run but the nut butter is hardy enough to hold me over.

8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or other?

I usually try to have one rest day a week. Occasionally, I’ll go two weeks without a rest day but this usually leads to strange pains (my knee, hamstring issues last April) and I’m starting to learn that my body needs at least one day without exercise each week. I also usually have a cross-training & light run day (swim + 4 mile recovery) to vary my workouts a bit.

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it?

I don’t need to have music to run but bringing my iPhone or iPod has become such a habit. Occasionally it’s nice to have some music playing and I definitely appreciate it on mentally difficult runs but my guess is on an average 10 mile run I actually only listen to 2 songs– my mind wanders and I zone out. However, even if I don’t actually listen to the music, it’s comforting to have it and I am acutely aware whenever I run without my headphones!

10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or other?

When I started running it was a way for me to lose weight and be healthy but it’s become so much more than that. Running has become “me-time” where I can think about my day, any life-stresses, and just sort through my thoughts. I don’t feel quite as at ease on the days I don’t run and I think that has a lot to do with the soothing powers of running (and exercise in general). I just feel better after a run! I also love feeling like part of the running community. Even though I don’t regularly run with a group or run a crazy amount of races, I love the feeling of seeing another runner on the lake front path at 6 am on a Sunday and understanding that you’re both up and doing something you love.

So there you have it! Feel free to pick a question (or two or three!) and leave your response in the comments. I’d love to hear your answers :) .

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So now it’s time for a quick update about the important stuff!

My knee has been getting progressively better and while I’ve cut back on my speed, I haven’t had to skip any runs. It’s weird because my knee doesn’t hurt, it just doesn’t feel right and I don’t want to be injured. I’m being proactive about weird aches for once! My plan for now is to run my 15 miler tomorrow (slowly!), take Sunday off, swim Monday, and then get back into my plan on Tuesday. Hopefully the two days off from running will do some good :) .

Meals have been kind of boring but tasty! Breakfasts have ranged from peanut butter and jelly oats to my usual post-10 miler breakfast (smoothie + rice cake) to more waffles with pumpkin protein pudding.

Lunches this week have been leftover chili. The fact that I’m not sick of it after 4 days must mean the recipe is good!

Dinners have consisted of smoked salmon salads and red lentil and squash curry stew. I’m loving the big stews and chilis because I can make a big batch and then eat them during the week.

Lastly, for the marathon on Sunday, I’ll be volunteering somewhere between miles 24 and 26, if you are running and want me to look for you please tell me what time you expect to pass through the area. I’d love to yell your name and cheer for you all!! Also, in case you haven’t read it before, check out my Chicago Marathon race recap from last year!

Have a good Friday and good luck marathoners!

Update Time

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Is anyone else excited that there are only two more days until the weekend? I am! I have my second and last sprint triathlon of the season on Sunday and I can’t wait, should be a good time :) .

So the last few days have been busy. I can’t believe I felt so detached after not blogging for two days. How would I feel if I took the week off? I missed you guys.

Anyway, even though I haven’t been blogging, I have been doing other things like exercising, going to work, and of course eating. I figured I’d update you guys on all of the important stuff.

Exercise
After the Big 10k and a brick on Sunday, I took Monday off to recoup. Monday also happened to be the first day of my new job so it worked out well. I slept in a little and had plenty of time to get ready and get to work on time.

Tuesday I wanted to run but woke up to thunderstorms. I packed up my swim bag and walked over to the gym. The rain stopped right before I left and it ended up being a beautiful morning to run (grrr..). I waited 30 minutes for a pool lane and only had enough time to swim a quick 1,650 meters before heading home.

Wednesday I finally got in my first run of the week. I completed an easy 7 miles at a little bit under an 8 min/mile pace. I was pretty proud of this considering I did not sleep well Tuesday night. This morning I ran 6 miles in 48:21 (8:03 min/mile) and will run the Terrapin 5k with Ian tonight. Speaking of that race, I totally thought it was next week until I double checked an e-mail yesterday. Whoops!

Eating
Oddly enough I haven’t been all that hungry this week. I’m not sure if it’s stress/change or my metabolism catching up with last week’s less intense workouts but I haven’t had much of an appetite.

Breakfasts have been whatever I can grab and eat quickly before heading out the door. Monday and Tuesday were both cereal days.

puffed millet, puffed rice, sunflower seeds, roasted & salted pecans, banana, blueberries, blackberries, almond butter

maple buckwheat flakes (gf), pepitas, 1/2 banana, blueberries, blackberries, cashews, almond butter

Wednesday I had a little more time and threw together cherry oatmeal using 1/2 cup oats, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1/2 whipped banana, cherries, and maple sugar.

Topped with cashew butter (mine is so hard!) and homemade granola. It tasted better than it looked!

I have been incredibly grateful that I had the foresight to make pasta salad Sunday night and it (along with fruit) has been my lunch every day of the week except for yesterday when my research team ordered in thai food. I’ve also had it for dinner a few times too. I love the convenience factor.

Dinner’s have either been leftovers or quick throw together meals. I haven’t wanted to spend much time in the kitchen.

pasta salad (inspired by this recipe), BBQ cheezy kale

carrots, snap peas, zucchini, and mushrooms in a spicy peanut sauce made using PB & Co’s The Heat is On

I also got to avoid cooking dinner one night because we went out to celebrate Ian’s birthday :) .

The J-O-B
I obviously can’t see too much for privacy reasons and because I just started and am not entirely sure what the day-to-day will be like but I’m really enjoying my new job. I’m working for a different university on a different study and love the change of scenery. My office also has a great mix of young people and senior people with lots of experience and everyone has been really wonderful and nice so far. Right now my main task is to learn as much as possible about the study (I work in health research) and the health condition and I’m finding everything really interesting. So far so good!

The Blog
I moved over to a self-host (not sure if you need to update google readers) but you shouldn’t see anything too new yet. I’m hoping to start working with someone soon to redesign everything and make my site easier to use. I’ll keep you updated though!

Now it’s your turn, catch me up on what you’ve been doing! 

Graduation Weekend Recap

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Sorry for not posting yesterday but after weeks of spending 12+ hours/day on a computer, I took a much needed computer-free weekend. It was nice but it feels good to be back :)

My mom arrived in town early Friday afternoon, and before the graduation ceremony we grabbed lunch at Native Foods Cafe, a vegan restaurant in the Loop.

I wanted something fresh-tasting that was also going to be hearty enough to hold me until dinner and the above did the trick. It was packed with tempeh, kale, brown rice, and sauerkraut and was topped with a sesame ginger sauce. Delicious! I also loved the side cucumber and seaweed salad.

Then we headed to graduation. I had to be there an hour early so while I did “graduate things” my mom hung out and eventually met up with Ian. I was fortunate to have five people at the ceremony (my mom, Ian, my dad, my step-mom, and my step-grandmother) and I really appreciated all of the support :)

Graduation went without a hitch and afterwards all six of us went to Urban Union for dinner. I didn’t take any pictures because it would have been a huge hassle (I was carrying like a million bags) and because I wanted to soak up the night as much as possible. We did really like the restaurant though and due to the small plates style we were able to try quite a few things off of the menu. The table ordered to share: mussels, goat cheese stuffed squash blossoms, crispy artichoke chips, and marrow bones and then we all had an entrée. I ordered the pacific reef fish and it was pretty good :) .

To be honest though, dessert was the best part of the meal. We all shared a sticky date pudding and a goat cheese and blueberry cheesecake. Yum!

After dinner, my dad, my step-mom, and my step-grandmother went back to their hotel and Ian, my mom, and I went back to the apartment where we watched an X-Files and promptly crashed. Party animals :P

Ian had to get up nice and early on Saturday but my mom and I were lucky enough to enjoy a lazy morning. I had planned on going to the gym and swimming but lounging on the couch and relaxing with my mom just sounded so much better. I haven’t had one of those mornings in forever!

I wasn’t super hungry when I woke up so I snacked on a mini cottage cheese parfait as we relaxed.

We eventually got up and decided to walk to Starbucks and Target. While I sipped on an iced caramel macchiato, I picked up the start of my triathlon gear.

By the time we were done shopping, Ian was back and we all went to Bar Louie for a quick lunch.

We split an appetizer to start.

And then I had the garbage salad.

I love when a salad is tasty, filling, and relatively inexpensive. I believe this salad was only $6. Woohoo!

My mom left shortly after lunch and Ian and I spent the rest of the afternoon/evening lounging. Around 7 we managed to scrounge together some dinner and then headed out to meet a friend of ours who was in town for the night.

We grabbed drinks at dmk and caught up with our friend until late in the night. We didn’t arrive back at our apartment until almost 2 a.m. I’m so not used to nights like that!

On Sunday, despite getting only 4.5 hours of sleep, I managed to pull myself out of bed and throw on some running clothes. After skipping a workout on Saturday, I had 6 miles on my schedule for Sunday- my longest run in a while. I took it nice and easy and made sure to stretch regularly and overall my body held up. My hamstring tightened around mile 4 but I had no pain. I’m wondering if a sports massage might do me some good and I’m planning on looking into it this week.

When I got back from my run I started to work on my bike (that I haven’t rode in nearly a year). I pulled it out of the storage unit and into the kitchen to pump the tires and make sure everything looked okay. Someone else decided to make an inspection as well.

My tires were so flat that Ian and I couldn’t use the hand pump to reach the necessary psi so we walked my bike to the nearest gas station to use their air pump. Unfortunately the first gas station’s pump was broken so we had to walk almost a mile in the opposite direction to fill my tires. Luckily, the second gas station had free air and within 2 minutes my tires were filled and my bike was ready to go.

I planned on going for a quick ride but after the tire fiasco I only had time to ride a few blocks before heading in for a late breakfast.

This was stacked with cottage cheese, banana, blackberries, and crunchy sunflower seed butter. It definitely hit the spot :)

After “brunch” Ian and I went to a BBQ that some of his friends were having. While it rained off and on during the day, the company was great and the food was good so we enjoyed ourselves. We hung around for the majority of the afternoon before we ran a few errands, ordered pizza, and headed home.

Lou Malnati’s is known for their deep dish but the secret is that their thin crust is 1,000x better ;) . Ian and I ordered a medium pizza (all with green onion and mushroom & half with sausage & half with black olives) for dinner. While their pizza is delicious, we always joke about the way they cut their slices, their pieces are so small!

Our apartment is still really warm, so dessert was a no brainer-

Mmmm so good!

The rest of my Sunday night was spent relaxing and mentally preparing myself for going back to work on Monday.

What did you do this weekend? Please share!

Escaping the Snow {Dinner at Hackneys}

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When I left work last night we had accumulated about 4 inches of snow, it was still coming down, and the roads were miserable.

That’s traffic at a green light. Insanity!

Dinner
We didn’t have much at home in terms of dinner so we decided to head over to Hackney’s because their food is good and it’s close enough to our apartment that we wouldn’t have to rely on a car, cab, or public transit.

I started with a glass of Merlot and had two throughout the evening. This is why I was unable to blog last night. When did I become the ultimate lightweight?

Ian was playing with the camera settings and said something funny which is why I’m laughing. No worries, I have no shame of looking dorky on the blog :P

Ian’s favorite type of soup is clam chowder, so when he saw it on the specials menu, he ordered a bowl of it for us to share.

It was really good and there was a lot of clam meat in the soup. No skimping there!

For dinner, I ordered the Fresh Salmon BLT salad without bacon.

It was okay. The lettuce and tomatoes were fresh but the salmon was dry. This was a special salad and I think they were trying to go the healthy route with the fish but it tasted bland. Where were the spices?

Even still, I finished most of it and helped Ian with some of his fries. Next time I’ll order my usual, tilapia tacos :)

We were home early and watched a few episodes of Friday Night Lights before I promptly passed out. My college-self would be so embarrassed!

Plans for today include a run (I’m still deciding if it will be inside or out), some errands, homework, and maybe a trip to Piece later.

Have a great Saturday :)

Did you get snow where you live?