Ten

Well, after a lot of time off of blogging, I am back! The break was nice and much needed. I'm in the middle of my half marathon training, but over the holidays, I didn't get a single long run in. I was weak and caved to the temptation of lazily lying around on the couch while I stuffed my face. I did manage to make  date runs with my friend (I think it was just because I had someone counting on me, which always helps).

Since all of the activities are over and I'm getting back to a normal schedule, I feel so much better about myself and have stopped eating so much crap (a little crap is ok, in my books). The cookies are gone, the fudge bowl is empty and only nasty candy is left (which will take some desperate times for me to eat), and I'm back to the gym. Last night, I did my first long run of the year (I know, very sad when I'm in the middle of my training). Well, I successfully completed my 10 miler. 

I was so determined to start and finish it. I was starting to feel ugly (it's a girl thing) and really needed this run. I had been having a headache all day long and it hurt to even walk too fast. I beat the pain and challenged it (and took breaks when needed) and finished the tough 10 miles with a smile on my face. 10.5 miles is on the schedule for next week (but I have other workouts in between)!

I am trying something new out. I want to try to fuel with some stuff I have in my pantry (to use up some old things) and see what works for me. Right now, I'm using graham crackers. They're working great. I don't need that much. For example, I had ~1 1/4 crackers on my 10 mile run last  night. My stomach did great and it fueled me as I needed it to!

I have been taking care of my nutrient needs lately and have been eating a lot of these:

I've also been finding healthy versions of some of my favorite meals, like Sloppy Joes. Veggies and beans, yes please! I ended up going back for seconds. 

Tonight, I have legs weights and 60 minutes in yoga (hopefully my headache doesn't come back because downward dog wouldn't be fun), then tomorrow, I have a 5k and a 60 minute spin class. Finally, Saturday I have my run date with a friend. I'm really looking forward to this week. I'm feel like I'm myself again!

Do you fuel with anything from your pantry, or the standard GU and things like that? Have you ever taken time off in the middle of training (for a race)?

Tree, Joe, Cobbler

I was so sore yesterday! All those squats in my ripped class, I really did kill my thighs. I was really looking forward to my yoga class, but first, my thighs had to hold up to 20 minutes on the stairs. I walked up 68 floors, stepped 66 steps per minute, burned 106 calories and went 1.26 miles. Pretty cool. Those are a few reasons why I love the stairs. I love to hate them!

Yoga, was exactly what I needed after the last couple of hard workouts. One of my favorite poses: the tree pose

The first few weeks of training can be difficult to start. I have the motivation, I'm finally reading The Long Run. I'm only in the first couple of chapters. All I can say is "wow!". I can't wait to read more. Getting out the door and pushing myself when I start, is the most difficult part (in the beginning). I always hate the first drop of sweat. Once I start sweating, I want to keep dripping.

When I got home, I really wanted dinner. I made home made sloppy joes. I love the red bell pepper in it. It adds a little freshness to it. 

I made a mistake by eating dessert too soon and too fast. I ended up with a slight tummy ache. But, it was worth it! I made berry cobbler, in the crock pot. It was ready when i got home and nice & warm (you can see the steam).

The cobbler was made with 30 oz of frozen fruit (I chose one big bag of mixed berries), 1/2 cup bisquick, 1/4 cup-1/2 cup sugar, all mixed together. Place in crock pot. In another bowl, mix 2 cups bisquick, 1/4 sugar, 1/2 cup  milk, 2 T veggie oil and mix. Place dropfuls on top of berry mixture. In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar with 2 T cinnamon. Place crock pot of low for ~8 hours or high for ~4 hours. Enjoy the yummy bowl.

This is a great winter time dessert and everyone loves it! You can mix it up with different berries.

How do you stretch after a hard workout? What's your favorite yoga pose? Do you use a roller after a long run? Is it worth the cost? What is a winter go to dessert for you?