28 3 / 2011
Mashed Banana Bowl
Tonight, I was craving TCBY’s banana fro-yo but it’s 44 degrees out and I’m too tired (lazy) to drive to get it. But, the banana craving stuck.
Loving the mix of pb and banana, I mashed a banana in a bowl, microwaved for 30 seconds, and swirled in two tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter. Voila, a simple, quick bowl of cozy comfort. (Only 3 WW points+) I know the pic looks lumpy but I was in banana heaven.
A perfect treat for Monday night Dancing with the Stars time with mom. Go Kirstie! She’s killing it!
26 3 / 2011
I’m Still Here!
Hola, friends.
Yes, I’m still here. The usual stuff came in front of blogging, like work, 10K training, 5K and 7K racing, volunteering, the list could go on and on. I should probably set a blogging schedule and stick to it from now on. (*slap on the wrist*)
The Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston is a week from today, and I could not be more excited. I’m staying with one of my dearest friends from college, Jen, and a few other Salem alums are running the race. Salem catch-up weekend could not come at a better time!
10K training has come along really well. A few weeks ago, I finished the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in 41.23, at a pace of 13.20, setting a new 5K PR. Last Saturday I finished the Shamrock 4 Miler in 52.41 at a pace of 13.08, breaking my last 5K PR and keeping a great pace overall. In both races, I took small walk breaks but didn’t allow myself to give up. Boo-ya-ka-sha! Race recaps for both are on their way. :)
Jumping forward, today began with three hours volunteering with Hands on Charlotte at a local high school, mulching, digging, and weeding; general beautification. The kicker was the rain, drizzle at first and then steady rain toward the end. Most of us were a mess - covered in mud and smelling like mulch. But with a big group of dedicated folks, the front campus was re-mulched, flowers were planted, and two planter benches were built. A great workout, and as usual I really enjoyed chatting with the other volunteers. Two of them are also running the Cooper River next week and a few more are veteran half-marathon runners. The three hours just flew by in conversation.
After a quick nap, I decided to try Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred again. My first try was over a year ago and I was probably 35ish pounds heavier and way out of shape. It’s only a 20 minute video, but I quickly gave up the first time, even when Jillian reminded me, “If a 400 pound man can do jumping jacks, you can too!” Today’s try was a complete 180. Trust me when I say it wasn’t a breeze, but it was very doable. Finishing the workout today was a definite NSV (non scale victory), and reminded me that even though the pounds come off slowly, I’m getting stronger and healthier with each smart choice I make.
What were your NSV’s this week?
Permalink 7 notes
10 3 / 2011
"What distinguishes those of us at the starting line from those of us on the couch is that we learn through running to take what the days gives us, what our body will allow us, and what our will can tolerate."
Permalink 1 note
07 3 / 2011
My First Tofu Stir-Fry
Inspired by The Chic Life’s asian marinated tofu and Healthy Tipping Point’s perfect baked tofu, I finally had the courage to make tofu for dinner. Plus, the tofu was about to expire and I hate to waste money.
Step 1: Cut a block of extra firm tofu into cubes. Press water out of the tofu, using the suggestions from CL and HTP’s recipes. Change into running clothes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 1 heaping tablespoons of chili garlic sauce, large dashes of onion powder and garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and nuke in microwave for about 30 seconds, long enough for the honey to melt into everything else.
Step 3: In a roasting pan, toss the tofu and the marinade together. Leave sitting on kitchen counter for approximately 30 minutes while you sprint up hills around the neighborhood (speed work!)
Step 4: Return, bake tofu mix in oven for 15 minutes at 375. Don’t worry about the extra marinade in the roasting pan. In the meantime, prep 2 baby bok choy and lots of spinach (I threw in two or three handfuls) for sauteeing.
Step 5: In a pan, heat up half a tablespoon of vegetable oil and half a tablespoon of minced garlic to medium high heat. When the garlic starts to sizzle, throw in the spinach and bok choy, tossing frequently for about 30 seconds.
Step 6: Grab the tofu marinade mix out of the oven and toss onto the bok choy and spinach. Toss together, until well blended, and the bok choy and spinach are wilted.
Step 7: Plate all the veggies and some of the tofu, saving the rest for leftovers. Taste and ask yourself (in a good way), “Did I really make this?” Offer the family some of your tofu for dinner and try not to look too disappointed when they pass. Think hopefully that maybe one day they’ll try. Then, realize how lucky you are to have 3 servings of leftovers all to yourself!
07 3 / 2011
Here’s a shout out video for a fellow Charlottean healthy living blogger, Caitlin, and her ongoing Operation Beautiful message. I discovered Caitlin’s Healthy Tipping Point blog and Operation Beautiful in the fuzzy beginnings of my weight loss journey, and they helped enforce the importance of loving yourself no matter what size you are.
In this video, Peter Hollens from NBC’s The Sing Off covered Lady Gaga’s Born this Way celebrating Operation Beautiful. Let’s help make this go viral! Reblog, repost, tweet, facebook it. Here’s a the tiny url for twitter (http://tinyurl.com/6eq3qpg)
Happy Monday!
04 3 / 2011
Bring It On
Tomorrow is my first race of 2011, the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K. This is the first time I’m excited, not just nervous, about it. Playlist set, running clothes in dryer, Nano charging, three alarms set, race number in the front seat of my car. Bring. It. On. Race recap tomorrow!
Permalink 3 notes
03 3 / 2011
Thursday Night
Wogging with Bonnie. 1.8 pound loss at WW. Checked off something from the to-do list. Now, chai tea and Downton Abbey. Life is good.
02 3 / 2011
This is how a beagle spends her morning. Perched on the couch like a cat stalking my peanut butter banana oats.
Permalink 5 notes
02 3 / 2011
WIW
Last Week: no idea This Week: 202.4
Officially one month until my first 10K! Celebrating after work with a solo pace 3 mile run. Bring it!
Permalink 2 notes
