Monthly Archives: December 2009

>I have to say that shocked me.  You see, I made a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls for D to take to work the other day, so between what he took and what the kids ate for breakfast, there were none left over for me to have (probably a good thing).  As we were putting R to bed last night, she asked for cinnamon rolls for breakfast today – of course I said yes, so instead of sleeping in on my day off, I woke up when D did and started cooking.


They finished right when the cable guy showed up, and everyone happily gobbled.  And since I’m trying to keep track of all calories in and out via my bodybugg, I used my Mastercook program to plug in all the ingredients and tabulate the nutritional content (or lack there of) to see what the damage was.  HOLY…COW…that’s all I could say when I saw the final totals.  I thought it was a mistake, but I suppose not.  What’s funny, is it’s from a vegan cookbook, so it’s true what they say – just because it’s vegan, doesn’t mean it’s healthy!


Fortunately (though only a wee bit), the icing didn’t turn out, so I didn’t glaze them this time.  That made the damage only 550 calories each.  I really…really should have looked that up BEFORE I ate one!


I made these incredible Tofu Apple Spring Wraps last night from the Vegan Lunchbox book.  Now those were not only incredibly tasty and magnificent….but only 67 calories each, and I was stuffed stupid after 3.  I also had them for lunch today, so at 415 pm, I’m still sitting at a total caloric intake thus far today of just under 900 calories.  Plenty for me to still eat a healthy dinner and snack, and not blow my total.  But I tell ya what – it’ll only be on incredibly special occassions that I ever indulge in one of those cinnamon rolls again.  But I guess that’s the point of treats.  Maybe next time I’ll only eat half…


On the positive front, since I’m off this week, I can run at pretty much any time of the day I want.  A is 14, so she can watch R while I do a few things during the day.  It’s a good way for her to earn a few bucks anyway.  I already did today’s run, which means I can actually chill with the family tonight.  Aside from cooking this morning, I totally scrubbed the downstairs of the house, so not only did I get my run in already, I can actually relax and enjoy my evening.


It’s 37 degrees outside, and I went for my run at 3pm and it was sunny.  I wore a long sleeve shirt, a t-shirt, pants, a hat, and gloves.  I think I dressed perfectly – I was a bit cold at first, but that quickly vanished and I was very comfortable. 


I did a brief walking warm up first before I started my Garmin up to track my mileage.  The first half of the run was pretty good, but my legs felt pretty leaden for much of it.  No pains or anything, just heavy.  I think my stomach was too full, even though I had finished eating around 145.  I’ve also decided that I very much prefer running at night.  It seems that my best runs – at at least the times I enjoy it the most – are either when I’m running with someone or running at night.  I wonder if it’s because it’s dark and I can’t judge distance (my husband’s theory), or if it’s just something I’ve started looking forward to at the end of a long day.  When I run in the middle of the day (like I did today), it seems more like I’m doing it to get it over with.  I think I’ll have to keep an eye on that as my training goes on.

>Christmas is officially over, and I can’t wait to take down my tree.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays.  But when they’re over, they’re over. 
The past few days have been very busy for me.  Not in having multiple social engagements or anything- but I’ve been cooking my little head off.  I bought a Kitchen Aid yesterday (Merry Christmas to me), and went nuts.  I made 3 loaves of bread that were probably the best bread I’ve ever made (actually made with polenta….how cool is that?!), homemade vegan cinnamon rolls that I sent D to work with (figure if he has to suffer working for the week, may as well make it yummy for him), another 2 loaves of whole wheat bread today, not to mention a creamy cauliflower soup, steamed wild rice salad, and crockpot tortilla soup.  I probably only stopped cooking because I’ve run out of room.


Yesterday was a Rest or Crosstrain day, and I promise I tried to crosstrain.  I really did.  I went to the Y for the 1115 spinning class…and the instructor was a no-show.  I would have done something else, but all my high-impact bras were dirty and I was wearing a lesser bra…so I ended up leaving the gym to go shopping.  Possibly considered strength training, but aside from really hating it, I didn’t have my iPod, and would never have handled suffering through the boredom without it.   


I was planning on running this morning, but again said running bras were either dirty, or hanging on the drying rack.  So….I went out to lunch with D, the kids, and a friend instead.  But all is not lost, I promise.  I ran my scheduled distance right after serving up dinner to the rest of the family.  It was a great run and I felt incredibly strong – almost like a real runner instead of feeling like I was forcing myself to go through with it.  I ran the entire time, no walking other than the first 2 mintues or so as a warm up. 


It’s cold, but I didn’t notice.  I wore an under armour long sleeve shirt and a fleece over it.  Even felt a wee warm after the first few minutes, but barely noticeable.  I have a new hat   and wore that and my nike gloves.  The weather was 37 degrees, but no wind.  I hadn’t eaten since about 130 pm (I ran at 7), but that’s probably a good thing since lunch was a spicy veggie burger and some onion rings.     


So now…I’m off to shower than make my own dinner (thank goodness I have so many leftovers, right???).

>So it is Saturday, which means group run day!  I was looking forward to it, but dreading it at the same time.  I ate WAY to much yesterday, and knew that would be weighing me down.  I also didn’t get to sleep until after midnight, so a 6am alarm was not something I was looking forward to.


After the initial 6 minutes of lying in bed contemplating staying there, I got up (thank the puppies, really) and got myself moving.  I decided on peppermint tea for it’s “digestive” qualities.  Goodness knows I didn’t want yesterday’s 10 tons of christmas grub like a brick in my belly.


Breakfast was just one slice of Ezikeiel bread with some sunflower butter.  I think it worked out much, much better than last week’s 2 slices and jelly.  I brought a banana in case I got hungry after the run.


I showed up promptly at 715 am to a much bigger crowd than last weekend.  It’s neat – each week the coaches award a Lucky Leprachan to someone who may have had a good run, helped out someone, or perservered through difficulties.  The twelve of us who showed up last week despite the disastrous weather (termed the “Dirty Dozen”) all received the award.  The prize?  Yuengling Shamrock Marathon technical socks.  Very cool since I still run in the icky cotton kind I hear you’re supposed to avoid (maybe that explains the blister on my arch!).


The run today was 5 miles, and it felt very good.  I’m still wickedly slow, but I didn’t feel like I was losing steam at all, which must be a good sign.  Neither of my co-workers were there today which was a bummer, but I imagine they had holiday festivities still cooking.  I ran half way with another woman there, but the rest of the time was solo.  Not as much fun, but still not bad.  It was also the first time I was alone, running, and without an iPod.  I was a little nervous, but it turns out I didn’t miss it.  I found myself thinking about cooking (my favorite pasttime), yesterday’s fun – including the bad movie we watched, and myriads of other things.  I’m not saying I’m giving up the iPod for good, but now I’m not so weary that I’d get bored.


The weather was warm, but humid.  It’s was 57 degrees and had rained all the previous evening and night, so while it was barely a mist this morning, everything was wet and the air was thick with humidity.  It was actually nice weather to be out and about – but I was overdressed.  I was wearing a thick long sleeve running shirt, a cotton shirt over that, and a pair of pants.  Quite honestly, shorts and a t-shirt would have been sufficient.


After the run, I didn’t hang around.  Still a little shy when there’s no one there I know.  I headed down to the oceanfront to my favorite hippie grocery (heritage), did a quick change in the back seat (bless the coach who wrote a couple weeks ago about the ‘dry bag’ – bloody genius), and did some shopping.  Then went to Farm Fresh, the Asian Market on VB blvd (I was like a little kid at a carnival), and then to buy a new crockpot. 


Dinner tonight is a vegan 3 bean chili that is now cooking away in said new crock.  I’m looking forward to a relaxing day cooking, and if there’s time, going to a hot yoga class this afternoon.  We’ll see though, because D is taking M to see Avatar….and if I don’t make it today, that’s going to be my “cross training” for tomorrow!

>In honor of this festive holiday, I am writing in green!  It also happens to be my youngest child’s favorite color


Last night we did our traditional openning of the Xmas Eve jammies and a family game.  This year – BINGO.  We played three games for prizes.  First game – winner gets to open the first present (my son M).  Second game – gets to pick what to have for breakfast (me – made waffles and cinnamon/apple sweet brown rice).  Third game – picked the Xmas movie.  D won – went to blockbuster and we all suffered through the Land of the Lost, which was terrible.


Today has been a very nice day indeed.  We woke up around 8am – which (no laughing) is actually quite early for us.  Made some tea for me and coffee for D, and let the kids go to town.  The carnage lasted 20 minutes total.  It’s amazing that weeks and weeks of fretting over what to get everyone is over in such a short time.  Overall, I think the kids were very happy.


After breakfast, I made snacks.  It was an eclectic combination of snacks – on the non-vegan side was some homemade sushi, turkey weenies in bbq sauce, and ranch dip for the veggies.  On my side, were vegan creamcheese pinwheels and samosas (thanks to the cookbook Vegan Lunchbox!) and sliced veggies.


Dinner is a combination of offerings again.  For the omnivores are ham, stuffing, broccoli w/cheese, and mashed potatoes.  For me (and I hope the rest of the family try it too), are a Baked Tofu and Mushroom dish and a green bean casserole – both compliments of Fat Free Vegan (see my link on the side of the page).  I’ve made them both before, and they are simply amazing.  Also making some whipped sweet potatoes and bussel sprouts.


I find if funny that every time D tries one of my dishes, he is surprised by how yummy it is.  I keep telling him – and everyone else when they express such surprise – that I don’t eat bad food.  Being vegan can be very tasty as well as healthy.


On the exercise front, it is, afterall, not only a holiday, but a rest day on the schedule as well.  I’m sure my running around the kitchen from 9am until 9pm is doing something for the burn.  I’ll be sure to check my body bugg later to find out.


So to everyone – happy holidays, and I’ll report tomorrow after my group run – post food coma.

>I can’t believe it’s Christmas time already.  I’m excited because we’re staying home.  Not traveling to see family or friends, but just the five of us at home.


Yesterday I took the older two kids and a friend of theirs to Busch Gardens for Christmas Town.  We lasted a little over 2 hours before we became peoplesicles and left to have dinner.  It was very beautiful though, and it was nice to walk around.  And while I was supposed to do 3 miles yesterday, I think I had that covered and then some from hiking around the park that long.


Today I went grocery shopping, made 6 dozen cookies, and then – as they lie cooling on their wire racks – went for my scheduled run.  On Christmas Eve.  That’s dedication! 


It’s 39 degrees, no wind, and very sunny.  It was a nice run.  I ran faster than I did over the same distance 2 days ago, so I’m hoping that’s a sign of progress!


I ate Irish Oatmeal with vanilla soy protein powder for breakfast this morning.  Lunch was reheated pasta from yesterday’s lunch with my good friend S.  I ate 2 hrs before going out on the run.  I think that may have made some difference – this past Tuesday, I hadn’t eaten for 4-5 hrs before the run.  I’ll have to keep an eye on that too!


Tomorrow is a rest day.  At least for running!  I imagine between opening presents, cleaning up, and cooking, I’ll be doing anything but resting…

>Yesterday was Monday, and was supposed to be a run day.  Today is Tuesday and was supposed to be a rest day.  Yesterday was a really long day, and to be honest, I didn’t feel like running.  I knew that I’d have to make it up today though – which was just fine.  It was a great night for a run….not ridiculously cold or raining or snowing!


Today was my last day of work until after the new year (woo hoo!), and that may account for my excitement to run and not care about how late it’s getting!  I’m also pretty much done with my xmas shopping.  I have one more gift to pick up for my oldest, and just may consider getting something for my husband (we can’t figure out what to get each other, so we decided NOT to get each other anything!).


Eating the past few days has been great.  I even got my family to eat a vegetarian dinner!  I made homemade falafel, yogurt sauce, and tabouleh.  Other than the yogurt sauce, I can eat it too, so for once I only had to make one dinner.  I don’t believe in forcing my dietary lifestyle on my family – it’s a choice that I made for myself and don’t have the right to make for them.  But….the more I am reading, the more I realize that they could stand to have a meatless meal much more often.  We are conditioned as a society to eat meat 3 times per day, and it’s killing us.  Sorry for the drama….I’m currently reading The China Study, and I admit it’s scaring me a bit.  It certainly reaffirms my choices to me…but makes me think I need to do a better job for my kids.  I will never make them veggies unless they want to be, but I can make a concerted effort to feed them many more vegetarian options.


Okay, off to eat my yummy falfel now that my run is done!

>I’ve felt guilty every day that I haven’t posted, but the truth is - I didn’t have much to say.  The workouts have been there, but not as consistent as I had hoped.  So it’s a new day, and like they say, “no time like the present” to get back into gear.

I’m training to run the Virginia Beach Shamrock 1/2 Marathon in March.  There’s a cool program through the hosts of the run that blends signing up for the run with coaching.  We get newsletters and tips and weekly group runs. 

Two weeks ago was supposed to be our first group run.  I faithfully started the training calendar on 11/30, trucking my butt out into the neighborhood for my initial 2 or 3 mile jaunts.  Our first group run got called on account of weather.

Last weekend I had a wicked head cold, and decided it wasn’t one of those things that I can just push through.  I’d probably stop and puke or passout in the middle, so decided to stay home instead.  Unfortunately, the past week I haven’t felt much better so training was sidelined.

Today is a nasty day outside.  It’s cold (about 47 degrees), and wet – consistently raining and icky.  BUT….I didn’t want to miss another chance at a group run.  I’m really glad I went.  Two of my co-workers were there, and despite the weather, I had a great time.  After coming home and having a shower, met the girls for a bloody mary and a light lunch.

So one of our coaches was extolling the importance of journaling – and while I like the idea of it, I know I stink.  So here’s what I’m supposed to say….

I woke up at 530.  Had some hot tea and for breakfast, 2 slices of Ezekiel bread with a light spread of strawberry jelly.  I really wanted soynut butter, but couldn’t find it.

It was 46 degrees and raining when we set out for our run at 730.  The run took 55 minutes total.  H and I took 2 brief walk breaks, but otherwise trekked pretty well I think. 

There were a few moments where I felt nauseated – and not sure if it was a bad breakfast or head cold leftover fun.  I’ll keep an eye on that – I know that documenting what I ate and how I felt is important to grow as a runner.  I can tell that I needed maybe a touch more protein, so the soynut butter would be a much better option than jelly.  Note to self – go buy some more.  Only when I have another jar will I find the one that went missing somewhere in my pantry.

I felt OK overall on the run.  I was certainly well rested and hydrated (through osmosis if nothing else), but I know I could have felt stronger.

So…there’s my official summary of how it went.  I think what made the run so wonderful was the first time experiencing it as a social activity.  It’s a world apart from my solo efforts, and I liked it.  It could be the key to getting me addicted once and for all!