Simple, Scrumptious, Healthy

One of the downfalls of living in my otherwise delightfully quirky apartment is the lack of sunny outdoor space. I would LOVE to have space for a garden, so I could grow all the healthy veggies I try to cook with. The good news is, both Paula and my Mom have fabulous gardens -and are willing to share!!

Yesterday while visiting in Murrieta, my Mom taught me how to make another one of her scrumptious dishes: simple roasted tomatoes over pasta. I loved it so much, I decided to take advantage of the homegrown Romas Paula gave me, and make up a batch for lunch today...

The "before"... Roma tomatoes sliced in half, some salt and pepper, fresh dried oregano from Mom's garden, sprinkled breadcrumbs, drizzled with olive oil, and garnished with sliced garlic.

The "after"... roasted goodness with yummy burned bits.

Added on top of brown rice pasta with a little extra olive oil, salt and pepper.

It's good to be the daughter of a talented Italian ;)

Favorite Food Finds

Lately I've been trying to grocery shop more regularly. I'm trying to cook more at home, avoid spending too much at restaurants, and get back to exploring good healthy food. Among many of the items I love at Trader Joe's, I picked these up the other day...

When I was working with a nutritionist and training for the marathon, I had 2 protein shakes a day. The brand she sold was expensive, but high in protein and all-natural. This option from TJ's has 25g of protein per serving, with no artificial additives.

At one point in time, I was probably spending more money per week than anyone should on Pinkberry. I was so excited to come across this frozen yogurt for under $4.00. It is nonfat and has active cultures. Adding some organic frozen blueberries and/or agave nectar takes it to the next level!

My favorite is the mango version, but the chile spiced pineapple comes in at a close second!



Flax seed is super rich in omega 3s and easy to add to yogurt, shakes, and baked goods. This milled version comes with blueberry added.


Training update: 6 miles this morning at 6:30am (Hermosa to Torrance beach and back). My right IT band is still aggravated, and I stopped twice to stretch and mix up my routine.

Split 1- 11:42
Split 2- 12:12
Split 3- 12:42
Split 4- 13:02
Split 5- 12:33
Split 6- 12:11

Post Marathon Reflections

It has been three weeks since the marathon, and in many ways, it seems like it never even occurred! I took about a ten day break from running, and since then have accumulated about 14 miles over four runs. It felt good to get my legs moving again, and I might embark on some longer mileage this Saturday morning. To keep myself motivated, I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon on September 6th. I've heard it's a great race, albeit pricey! I might also register for the local Village Runner 5k on the 4th of July, depending on travel plans.

The biggest challenge I have faced since running the marathon has been around my mental health. The physical soreness only lasted a few days, but mentally I've been up and down for the last two weeks. Things are much more stable now, but I was not prepared for this side effect. I read that post-marathon depression is very common...I just didn't think it would happen to me! Refocusing on my eating habits and frequent short runs has certainly helped.

This being said, I would not shy away from running another full. In fact, I am contemplating Las Vegas in December or Phoenix in January. Well see...

I had the chance to run in Spokane, WA last Friday, which was a welcomed change of scenery. This is my last week of work before a two week vacation, and even though I will probably stick close to home, my goal is to discover some new trails in So Cal. I will provide some pics and reviews based on what I encounter.

Screaming Peacocks!

Yesterday we ran 14 miles, again in Palos Verdes (land of the never-ending hills). Our practices now begin at 7am, which means a 5:30am alarm for me. After a week of work, this can be a rough endeavor, but completely worth it after the fact. I was very conscious during the last week of hydrating and stretching more, which I think paid off in a big way. I tried Nuun for the first time, after reading a great post on www.bananasauce.com. I am definitely a fan! I also tried Jelly Belly Sports Beans and don't think I will use them again. They were WAY too sweet, in my opinion.

Due to IT band/knee issues, I ran by Road Runner Sports and picked up an IT band compression wrap. What a difference! No IT band pain post-run and very little during. Now I just need to tackle the kneecap pain (which is the worst post-run, resulting in a strong burning sensation).

I also tried to incorporate a run/walk strategy during part of this long run (5 min run/1 min walk). I am not completely sold, but might try it again for our 16-miler next Saturday. I tend to feel better when I just push through, even if it means significantly slowing my pace to recover at times.

Below you will find a link to the course, which included a tour of the Palos Verdes Golf Course. The best part of running (unless you are moving along with an annoying partner or group) is the solitude in the early morning. The area around the course was particularly peaceful and lush. Shortly after getting into my groove around mile 2, I heard a terrifying noise that sounded like a child screaming. After another half mile I heard it again. Thankfully someone pointed out the local peacock population, and this their typical mating call.

Shoes, a Belt, and the Missed Mile

Just returned from a 12-miler* and I feel pretty good... especially compared to last week. I think there are a few good reasons for this. First, I bought new shoes yesterday. They are awesome, and make all the difference in the world. Second, I bought a fuel belt. At first I thought a 4-bottle belt would be WAY too much... but it was perfect. I was much more attentive to drinking water during this run, and the hydration helped with my overall energy and mood.

The course today had some amazing scenery along the bluffs of Palos Verdes Estates. *On the way back my running partner and I made a wrong turn through a neighborhood and ended up cutting almost a mile off the run. So technically, we ran around 11.4 miles. Close enough to 12 for me! (With warm-up, we were practically there anyway).

I'm partially hidden, on the right...

Reflections

This last week has been a challenge, in many ways. Not even a month ago, my Uncle was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and was sent home to live with my parents on hospice care. My parents were amazing throughout his time with them, and were both present when he passed away Friday morning. This was much more sudden than we originally anticipated, as he was initially told he had three months to live. I am just so thankful he was not in pain, and died in a peaceful, loving home. So many people are not this fortunate.

I'll be honest. When I decided to join the LLS Team in Training program, my intentions were primarily centered around getting in better shape and running a marathon to celebrate my 30th birthday. While these points are still an important part of why I'm training, my purpose has been significantly enriched by the events of the last month.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society not only supports cancer research, but provides educational resources for patients and families. I believe that the lack of educational resources (or perhaps lack of awareness around existing resources) is a significant obstacle for so many who suffer from such devastating illnesses. I am proud to raise funds for an organization that funnels resources AND creates awareness/educational opportunities.

On a related but lighter note, I decided to attend group practice Saturday morning for some fresh air and a new activity (other than planning, worrying, and mourning). We ran 10 miles, which is farther than I've ever run. EVER. The route we took in Palos Verdes was very hilly...the slow, gradual kind that made me want to beg any oncoming car for a ride back to my own. I felt fairly strong for the first 7-8 miles, but the last few were definitely challenging. Part of the problem was related to dehydration, as Coach Gail helpfully pointed out. I don't drink enough during my runs, for fear of side aches. At this point I'll risk it in exchange for the dizziness I experienced Saturday. Shot blocks are my new favorite source of nutrition during runs, and I downed 2 packs. Without the ladies in my pace group, there is no way I could finish these runs. They are so supportive and positive.

Pacific Northwest

It has been a wonderful few days in the Bellingham area. Despite the VERY cool temps, the winter scenery is beautiful...definitely worthwhile to venture out. I stocked up on some cold-weather running gear, which was necessary for my 3 miler this morning.

We also discovered an awesome new whole-foods-like grocery store (but much cheaper). It has a huge selection of bulk grains, legumes, spices and specialty health foods. I wish we had this in So Cal! Made some great turkey chili tonight with supplies from the new find.

Nutrition News & Track Practice

This morning I had an appointment with Christine Jackson, a nutritionist working with some of the employees at SJHS. What a great experience...I feel like I talked more (and learned more) about my health and nutrition in that 90 minutes than my last 5 physician visits combined. I strongly recommend you look into her practice if you are thinking about a change in your approach to nutrition/lifestyle. Check out her website for more details.

Tonight I reluctantly joined up with some TNT runners for a track workout at Mira Costa High School. We ran just over 2 miles, and it was definitely worthwhile. I was more exhausted than normal when I returned home from work today, and the last thing I thought I could handle was another workout (probably because today was my first caffeine-free day in a while...except for some black tea). Any of you who know my relationship to Diet Coke will realize how difficult this might prove to be...

Equipment Deals

Over the weekend, I picked up this watch at Costco, for less that half the retail price! It only seems mildly complicated, and I can't wait to try it out on my next road run (which should be today).

My goal today is to contact a nutritionist that was recommended by some of my co-workers. I have limited knowledge about nutrition planning for endurance training. I've avoided large amounts of carbs for so long, I have to be re-trained...