So I think I am tracking my day numbers in the wrong way. I started out on day one counting up and I think I should have a count down to when I turn 40. The ultimate goal is to run a marathon and several half marathons before I turn 40. So, going forward, I will count down to 40 years old and I will also advise how many days until the next race. I think that makes more sense.
Currently, I am scheduled to run a Half Marathon on June 6, 2010. I will be participating in the San Diego Rock N Roll Half Marathon. This is the first year that the half is offered and I am glad that it is. I am currently running in a schedule where every week I have to up my distance by one mile until I reach the infamous 13 miles.
I noticed a bit ago that I was using the Nike Plus system to track my distances and there was a slight variation from the distance logged by my treadmill. This was relatively insignificant when I was running a few miles. On Saturday my treadmill logged 6 miles and Nike Plus logged 7 miles. My goal for the day was 6 miles so as long as both said at least 6 miles, I was confident I ran at least 6 miles. If I ran more, no harm no foul. I just really didn't want to cheat myself.
It took me forever to log the 6 miles on the treadmill. I wasn't sure I was ever going to get there. It actually got a little bit boring just running and running and running in my garage by myself. To assist in the future, I went ahead and got some new music for my ipod that should help entertain me.
I felt like I was starving for the rest of the weekend. Ha I still wonder if it is merely psychosymatic or not. Come Sunday morning, I went for about a 1.5 mile walk to loosen up my legs and lower back. It was much needed and helped with some of the dull soreness.
Despite the challenges to the running schedule, it is truly something I enjoy. I continue to be amazed at this concept. I - LOVE - RUNNING
........I am such a nerd : )
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Day # I'm still not sure
Cooking vegan at home is great. I think I modify or 'invent' a new recipe a week. It is a constant trial and error process which I love as I am constantly learning what works best together in terms of flavors and consistency. I made banana chocolate chip muffins that my non-vegan friends LOVED. Can I admit that I neglected to write down the recipe? Oops. I gave up chocolate for Lent so when I made them, I couldn’t taste them to see if they were any good. I wont post recipes on my blog without first confirming that the food actually tasted good. (Speaking from experience, I have found and tried recipes only to find out that the measurements are off etc)
I am learning about myself through running. It is an amazing process. I have determined that time is precious. It is a major challenge to consistently find time for myself with the demands of my every day life. If I do have the time to spare, sometimes I just don’t have the energy. Each day brings new paths to navigate and hills to climb.
It is imperative for me to realize in order to conquer this mountain, I must be even better at traveling the road of my every day life. There are only a few precious things that can be considered more important to me than this goal….and they go to bed at 8:30. After the magic bedtime hour, it appears that the dishes will have to wait, as will the laundry and dusting and the balance of daily tasks that weigh heavily on my mind.
June 6 is rapidly approaching and I have only managed one run that was 5 miles. I have to run 13 miles. I am beginning to wonder if I will do it.
I am learning about myself through running. It is an amazing process. I have determined that time is precious. It is a major challenge to consistently find time for myself with the demands of my every day life. If I do have the time to spare, sometimes I just don’t have the energy. Each day brings new paths to navigate and hills to climb.
It is imperative for me to realize in order to conquer this mountain, I must be even better at traveling the road of my every day life. There are only a few precious things that can be considered more important to me than this goal….and they go to bed at 8:30. After the magic bedtime hour, it appears that the dishes will have to wait, as will the laundry and dusting and the balance of daily tasks that weigh heavily on my mind.
June 6 is rapidly approaching and I have only managed one run that was 5 miles. I have to run 13 miles. I am beginning to wonder if I will do it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Day # I'm still not sure
Today was a renewed effort to our eating healthy and vegan at home. I have not been to the grocery store since I'm not sure when. (maybe two weeks ago). We have been running out of everything. It's not that we have been cooking unhealthy instead its that we haven't been cooking at home too much. We have been eating out and any way you look at it, we have been consuming more calories, eating more fat and spending more money. I also want to mention that the food we cook at home tastes better too because we use good quality, organic food.
For breakfast this morning we made vegan french breakfast puffs. Yum!
I previously posted this recipe but so you don't have to scroll back to find it, here it is again. Enjoy!
Vegan French Breakfast Puffs
1/3 c vegan butter
1/2 c brown sugar
Egg replacer for 1 egg
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1/4 c flax meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 soy milk
Cinnamon and white sugar mixture
Melted vegan butter
1. Heat over to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups
2. Mix butter, brown sugar and egg replacer in bowl. Stir in dry ingredients, add milk. Spoon into muffin tin.
3. Bake 20- 25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Roll hot muffins into melted vegan butter and then into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Serve warm
DINNER:
Justin and I not only had a great time spending lots of quality time together in the kitchen, but everything is vegan and super yummy!
For breakfast this morning we made vegan french breakfast puffs. Yum!
I previously posted this recipe but so you don't have to scroll back to find it, here it is again. Enjoy!
Vegan French Breakfast Puffs
1/3 c vegan butter
1/2 c brown sugar
Egg replacer for 1 egg
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1/4 c flax meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 soy milk
Cinnamon and white sugar mixture
Melted vegan butter
1. Heat over to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups
2. Mix butter, brown sugar and egg replacer in bowl. Stir in dry ingredients, add milk. Spoon into muffin tin.
3. Bake 20- 25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Roll hot muffins into melted vegan butter and then into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Serve warm
DINNER:
For dinner Justin and I made vegan pizza. We made the dough from scratch as well as the tomato sauce. We used vegan cheese. The pizza was quite the experience. I have never before tried to make pizza from scratch. It was quite the cooking adventure but well worth it. Before I post the recipe I think I need to spend a little more time on the dough though to ensure it is easy to understand and work with. The dough is a thick bread-y dough called focaccia. It's fantastic.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 37
Saturday February 13, 2010
Saturday morning came a lot faster than I had hoped. Although the past week was long and tedious, I awoke Saturday morning with a startled surprise. Unsure of the running club meeting location or time of the run, I hurried out of bed and dressed in my running gear. I began turning on the computer and realized that time was of the essence. It was already 6:45 am. I was probably not going to make it. Boogers again.
Apparently I need to take the Saturday morning runs more seriously, make them more of a priority. There is much to be said to tackle a goal with a seasoned lead. Why can't I seem to get up on time? I had gone to bed before 9:00 pm. I set my alarm. Perhaps I need to set more than one alarm? Maybe even make it a practice to get to bed early on Thursday night as well so come Friday I am not utterly exhausted.
I embarked upon my run alone, through the trails of Eastlake Vistas. The sun was already bright and the morning was clear. The run was set for 4 miles. I circle around the trails in Eastlake Vistas, taking in the breathe-taking views of the Otay Reservoir. My breathing was off during my run and I struggled. I spent most of my run trying to manage my breathing and focusing on sticking to the run plan. It was a 4 minute run - 1 minute walk. I was tensing up during the run and could feel it in my shoulders almost immediately. I then tried to spend less time thinking about breathing and form and time and just really focused on the music and the beauty of the area around me.
There were three fishing boats on the lake and the sun was so warm and bright. The park was filling up with people just starting to enjoy their weekend; kids, dogs, bikes.
I thought about my life and my hopes, dreams, fears. I found myself running faster and harder. And before I knew it, I was in front of my door. I successfully completed 4.14 miles with a pace of 12 minutes 36 seconds per mile. At several points in the run, I didn’t think I could do it.
I surprised myself today.
Saturday morning came a lot faster than I had hoped. Although the past week was long and tedious, I awoke Saturday morning with a startled surprise. Unsure of the running club meeting location or time of the run, I hurried out of bed and dressed in my running gear. I began turning on the computer and realized that time was of the essence. It was already 6:45 am. I was probably not going to make it. Boogers again.
Apparently I need to take the Saturday morning runs more seriously, make them more of a priority. There is much to be said to tackle a goal with a seasoned lead. Why can't I seem to get up on time? I had gone to bed before 9:00 pm. I set my alarm. Perhaps I need to set more than one alarm? Maybe even make it a practice to get to bed early on Thursday night as well so come Friday I am not utterly exhausted.
I embarked upon my run alone, through the trails of Eastlake Vistas. The sun was already bright and the morning was clear. The run was set for 4 miles. I circle around the trails in Eastlake Vistas, taking in the breathe-taking views of the Otay Reservoir. My breathing was off during my run and I struggled. I spent most of my run trying to manage my breathing and focusing on sticking to the run plan. It was a 4 minute run - 1 minute walk. I was tensing up during the run and could feel it in my shoulders almost immediately. I then tried to spend less time thinking about breathing and form and time and just really focused on the music and the beauty of the area around me.
There were three fishing boats on the lake and the sun was so warm and bright. The park was filling up with people just starting to enjoy their weekend; kids, dogs, bikes.
I thought about my life and my hopes, dreams, fears. I found myself running faster and harder. And before I knew it, I was in front of my door. I successfully completed 4.14 miles with a pace of 12 minutes 36 seconds per mile. At several points in the run, I didn’t think I could do it.
I surprised myself today.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies
Vegan Snickerdoodles
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegan butter
2 eggs worth of egg replacer
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 c regular flour
1/4 c ground flax
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegan butter
2 eggs worth of egg replacer
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 c regular flour
1/4 c ground flax
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
Directions:
Mix together sugar, butter and egg replacer. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. On top of each dough ball, generously spoon some of the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake in 400 degree oven 8-10 minutes
These cookies were fantastic! They looked, smelled and tasted like they were from a bakery.
My son and I experimented a little with the ingredients and found we really enjoyed a little more complexity in the flavoring that comes with the whole wheat flour and flax. The cookies were still light and soft though!
My son and I experimented a little with the ingredients and found we really enjoyed a little more complexity in the flavoring that comes with the whole wheat flour and flax. The cookies were still light and soft though!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 21
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Today was an independent timed run. I was supposed to run for 40 minutes and I did it. I am on day 21. Three weeks. Had you asked me three weeks ago if I could run for 40 minutes I am pretty sure I would have said no. So not only did I run 40 minutes but I ran 3.42 miles. I am surprised. Honestly, very surprised. I will keep following the plan, look to my mentors for guidance as required, and just keep on doing it.
I am feeling pretty good overall. I am still concerned about my running shoes. I really feel like I should make sure I am wearing the correct kind but I refuse to go to the store until I have the money to pay for new ones should they be recommended or required. I don't want to plant any seed of doubt in my mind. I hope to get in there within the next three weeks to check it out.
Other than that my knees are starting to hurt a little and the mornings seem to come waaaaaay too soon. I have decided though that I really need to alternate my run days with some core workouts. (just keep stacking it onto my plate)
I run again on Thursday. I look forward to it! Wish me luck.....
Today was an independent timed run. I was supposed to run for 40 minutes and I did it. I am on day 21. Three weeks. Had you asked me three weeks ago if I could run for 40 minutes I am pretty sure I would have said no. So not only did I run 40 minutes but I ran 3.42 miles. I am surprised. Honestly, very surprised. I will keep following the plan, look to my mentors for guidance as required, and just keep on doing it.
I am feeling pretty good overall. I am still concerned about my running shoes. I really feel like I should make sure I am wearing the correct kind but I refuse to go to the store until I have the money to pay for new ones should they be recommended or required. I don't want to plant any seed of doubt in my mind. I hope to get in there within the next three weeks to check it out.
Other than that my knees are starting to hurt a little and the mornings seem to come waaaaaay too soon. I have decided though that I really need to alternate my run days with some core workouts. (just keep stacking it onto my plate)
I run again on Thursday. I look forward to it! Wish me luck.....
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 10
January 13, 2010
Running:
Since I was a total slacker yesterday on my scheduled run, I ran today to make up for it. It was a scheduled run for 30 minutes. The night weather was cool and crisp as I started out with the stars and moon shining brightly. I love it when the sky is bright and clear when I run. It perpetuates the solitary feeling of individual freedom associated with wide open spaces and the freeing feeling that occurs while I actually run.
I covered 2.3 miles in the 30 minutes. I chose a course that was abundant in hills. At several points in the run I felt like I could run forever. This feeling was actually new to me. Perhaps it is something I experienced as a child but I don't really recall it. In turn, there were several points in the run (namely the hardest point in running up a hill) when I wondered to myself, what am I doing? Can I make it? Alas, I did make it up the hill each and every time. No point to continue to question myself about those particular hills then, they have been conquered!
Cooking:
No cooking today. We had leftover sauteed veggies and steamed rice. I added some garbanzo beans to the mixture. . . .have I mentioned I am starving all the time these days? One of my dear friends suggested I eat a hamburger. The answer was no, not currently an option. But I do need to focus on getting some more grains and protein in me so I dont need to eat every two hours!
Running:
Since I was a total slacker yesterday on my scheduled run, I ran today to make up for it. It was a scheduled run for 30 minutes. The night weather was cool and crisp as I started out with the stars and moon shining brightly. I love it when the sky is bright and clear when I run. It perpetuates the solitary feeling of individual freedom associated with wide open spaces and the freeing feeling that occurs while I actually run.
I covered 2.3 miles in the 30 minutes. I chose a course that was abundant in hills. At several points in the run I felt like I could run forever. This feeling was actually new to me. Perhaps it is something I experienced as a child but I don't really recall it. In turn, there were several points in the run (namely the hardest point in running up a hill) when I wondered to myself, what am I doing? Can I make it? Alas, I did make it up the hill each and every time. No point to continue to question myself about those particular hills then, they have been conquered!
Cooking:
No cooking today. We had leftover sauteed veggies and steamed rice. I added some garbanzo beans to the mixture. . . .have I mentioned I am starving all the time these days? One of my dear friends suggested I eat a hamburger. The answer was no, not currently an option. But I do need to focus on getting some more grains and protein in me so I dont need to eat every two hours!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 8
January 11, 2010
Running:
Today is a scheduled run per Running Club. My pace group was assigned a 30 minute run, of which I completed. I paced myself as I normally do with a four minute warm up and then interval running / walking. And after I ran for the designated time frame, I did a short cool down.
Todays run was a challenge for me. There are several potential reasons for todays difficulties.
1. Last night I could not sleep to save my life. At best I may have slept for four hours? Regardless, I was wiped before I even started the run.
2. I am all of a sudden STARVING all the time. What the heck? I cant seem to funnel enough food down my throat throughout the day. I am feeling like I did when I first became vegan and had to seriously eat every couple of hours. Today there was no way I could run after work without eating something. I went ahead and ate two small tangerines followed by a small portion of plain brown rice. I haven't tried to run with food in my tummy before and I am pretty sure I will avoid that again going forward. (Could I really feel it sloshing around? Or was it just in my head??)
3. I tried a new area to run tonight and it was hills, hills and hills! Hills are fantastic when I am running down them! I actually could feel the burn in my calf muscles as I ran.
Tonight's run was rough. I stuck with it and even went a little longer than recommended. I actually hope to work my way into the next better pace group soon. I covered 2.66 miles with a pace of 12:06 min/mile. Maybe I should just worry about the 5 mile run that will be upon me before I know it. . ..
Cooking:
Tonight was moms not cooking dinner. We warmed grillers vegan patties and hash browns. We will have something to report in the food department tomorrow. Although we didn't prepare our own meal, I still feel like the kids ate relatively healthy. It was still vegan and tasted good!
Running:
Today is a scheduled run per Running Club. My pace group was assigned a 30 minute run, of which I completed. I paced myself as I normally do with a four minute warm up and then interval running / walking. And after I ran for the designated time frame, I did a short cool down.
Todays run was a challenge for me. There are several potential reasons for todays difficulties.
1. Last night I could not sleep to save my life. At best I may have slept for four hours? Regardless, I was wiped before I even started the run.
2. I am all of a sudden STARVING all the time. What the heck? I cant seem to funnel enough food down my throat throughout the day. I am feeling like I did when I first became vegan and had to seriously eat every couple of hours. Today there was no way I could run after work without eating something. I went ahead and ate two small tangerines followed by a small portion of plain brown rice. I haven't tried to run with food in my tummy before and I am pretty sure I will avoid that again going forward. (Could I really feel it sloshing around? Or was it just in my head??)
3. I tried a new area to run tonight and it was hills, hills and hills! Hills are fantastic when I am running down them! I actually could feel the burn in my calf muscles as I ran.
Tonight's run was rough. I stuck with it and even went a little longer than recommended. I actually hope to work my way into the next better pace group soon. I covered 2.66 miles with a pace of 12:06 min/mile. Maybe I should just worry about the 5 mile run that will be upon me before I know it. . ..
Cooking:
Tonight was moms not cooking dinner. We warmed grillers vegan patties and hash browns. We will have something to report in the food department tomorrow. Although we didn't prepare our own meal, I still feel like the kids ate relatively healthy. It was still vegan and tasted good!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day 7
January 10, 2010
Running:
Scheduled day off! I am a little sore today and tired but still thrilled with yesterday and look forward to tomorrows run.
Cooking:
Betty Crocker's French Breakfast Puffs - Vegan French Breakfast Puffs
Here is the link to Betty Crockers recipe. This recipe was an all time favorite in my house growing up. The muffins are sweet and a total treat.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/french-breakfast-puffs/8ad41733-6664-428f-b0c7-0033c1e1bee6
We made them this morning for breakfast, vegan style. They were beyond fantastic and although I felt the tiniest bit guilty eating them, I know the vegan version is actually soooo much better than the regular. So I threw caution to the wind and ate THREE!
Vegan French Breakfast Puffs
1/3 c vegan butter
1/2 c brown sugar
Egg replacer for 1 egg
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1/4 c flax meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 soy milk
Cinnamon and white sugar mixture
Melted vegan butter
1. Heat over to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups
2. Mix butter, brown sugar and egg replacer in bowl. Stir in dry ingredients, add milk. Spoon into muffin tin.
3. Bake 20- 25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Roll hot muffins into melted vegan butter and then into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Serve warm
Running:
Scheduled day off! I am a little sore today and tired but still thrilled with yesterday and look forward to tomorrows run.
Cooking:
Betty Crocker's French Breakfast Puffs - Vegan French Breakfast Puffs
Here is the link to Betty Crockers recipe. This recipe was an all time favorite in my house growing up. The muffins are sweet and a total treat.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/french-breakfast-puffs/8ad41733-6664-428f-b0c7-0033c1e1bee6
We made them this morning for breakfast, vegan style. They were beyond fantastic and although I felt the tiniest bit guilty eating them, I know the vegan version is actually soooo much better than the regular. So I threw caution to the wind and ate THREE!
Vegan French Breakfast Puffs
1/3 c vegan butter
1/2 c brown sugar
Egg replacer for 1 egg
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1/4 c flax meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 soy milk
Cinnamon and white sugar mixture
Melted vegan butter
1. Heat over to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups
2. Mix butter, brown sugar and egg replacer in bowl. Stir in dry ingredients, add milk. Spoon into muffin tin.
3. Bake 20- 25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Roll hot muffins into melted vegan butter and then into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Serve warm
ENJOY!
Day 6
January 9, 2010
Running:
This morning was running club. I woke up a little early and couldn't go back to sleep. I was too nervous. I laid in bed and thought about why I am doing this. It's Saturday morning and here I am at 6:15 am fitful in bed when I should be soundly sleeping. What am I doing? Why am I doing this? I have to smile at myself. Why do any of us do anything? I guess I have something to prove to myself about fitness.
The real truth about being fit is to learn how to enjoy it and be fit and healthy for myself. I can blame my ex-husband because he would guilt me into excercise and eventually I resented him and exercise. But even that being said, I must take responsibility for my own health, fitness and happiness. I have to prove to myself that I can set goals and achieve them, for myself. People around us can do and say things that impact us negatively. But, as in my situation, I can ponder and it and suffer for it OR I can choose to change my perspective. I am changing. Running club is change.
After embracing the WHY, I got up and got ready. I wore regular sweatpants and t-shirt, put on my running shoes that are still new looking and packed up my ipod. (love that thing while I exercise) I drove to the location and was right on time. The running club I joined is the West Coast Road Runners. There were a TON of people, all in their running clothes that breathe and look all professional. Needless to say I felt totally out of place. My outfot alone screamed AMATEUR. It was also one of those things where everyone seemed to know everyone. But I sucked it up and went to check in. We listened to Dan (the guy in charge) talk about the program and then it was time for the time trials.
I timed my mile last week so I had an idea of the pace group I would be assigned to. We set out on a course that was 3 miles. I ran the course in just over 42 minutes. I checked nike plus and it logged the course at just over 3.5 miles. Hmmmm. Honestly I am a little bit bummed just because the course was actually longer than they said and my time for 3.5 miles puts me in the bottom group. I thought I would be in the second to bottom group. The second to bottom group should have run the course in 39 minutes and I took 42. My time was spot on to what I thought it should be per mile but since the cousre was .5 miles longer that they said, I look like an even worse runner. I guess it allows me greater potential for improvement!
I stuck to my running plan. I started out with a brisk warm up walk, about 3 minutes. The balance of the run I ran for 4 minutes and then walked for one minute. The course was on the streets, through an industrial park here in San Diego. The sun was bright and warm and the streets were empty except for our group. It was a long run for me and I had to talk myself into sticking with the run plan. I didnt give up. I ran the plan all the way to the end. Despite my non-running clothes and my placement in the slowest group, I am thrilled. It is an achievement for me to have pursued the interest, signed up, showed up and stuck with it. I look foward to next Saturday and running with the group again. I have the run schedule for this week and plan on following the rules to the letter.
Cooking:
Upon my arrival home, my babies were hungry and so was I! We whipped up some cinnamon blueberry pancakes. They were fantastic and will definately make them again!
Running:
This morning was running club. I woke up a little early and couldn't go back to sleep. I was too nervous. I laid in bed and thought about why I am doing this. It's Saturday morning and here I am at 6:15 am fitful in bed when I should be soundly sleeping. What am I doing? Why am I doing this? I have to smile at myself. Why do any of us do anything? I guess I have something to prove to myself about fitness.
The real truth about being fit is to learn how to enjoy it and be fit and healthy for myself. I can blame my ex-husband because he would guilt me into excercise and eventually I resented him and exercise. But even that being said, I must take responsibility for my own health, fitness and happiness. I have to prove to myself that I can set goals and achieve them, for myself. People around us can do and say things that impact us negatively. But, as in my situation, I can ponder and it and suffer for it OR I can choose to change my perspective. I am changing. Running club is change.
After embracing the WHY, I got up and got ready. I wore regular sweatpants and t-shirt, put on my running shoes that are still new looking and packed up my ipod. (love that thing while I exercise) I drove to the location and was right on time. The running club I joined is the West Coast Road Runners. There were a TON of people, all in their running clothes that breathe and look all professional. Needless to say I felt totally out of place. My outfot alone screamed AMATEUR. It was also one of those things where everyone seemed to know everyone. But I sucked it up and went to check in. We listened to Dan (the guy in charge) talk about the program and then it was time for the time trials.
I timed my mile last week so I had an idea of the pace group I would be assigned to. We set out on a course that was 3 miles. I ran the course in just over 42 minutes. I checked nike plus and it logged the course at just over 3.5 miles. Hmmmm. Honestly I am a little bit bummed just because the course was actually longer than they said and my time for 3.5 miles puts me in the bottom group. I thought I would be in the second to bottom group. The second to bottom group should have run the course in 39 minutes and I took 42. My time was spot on to what I thought it should be per mile but since the cousre was .5 miles longer that they said, I look like an even worse runner. I guess it allows me greater potential for improvement!
I stuck to my running plan. I started out with a brisk warm up walk, about 3 minutes. The balance of the run I ran for 4 minutes and then walked for one minute. The course was on the streets, through an industrial park here in San Diego. The sun was bright and warm and the streets were empty except for our group. It was a long run for me and I had to talk myself into sticking with the run plan. I didnt give up. I ran the plan all the way to the end. Despite my non-running clothes and my placement in the slowest group, I am thrilled. It is an achievement for me to have pursued the interest, signed up, showed up and stuck with it. I look foward to next Saturday and running with the group again. I have the run schedule for this week and plan on following the rules to the letter.
Cooking:
Upon my arrival home, my babies were hungry and so was I! We whipped up some cinnamon blueberry pancakes. They were fantastic and will definately make them again!
I started with the Betty Crocker pancake recipe and modified it to be vegan. Here is the Betty Crocker recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook. I have Betty Crockers 40th Anniversary Edition Cookbook.
Betty Crockers Pancakes:
1 egg
1 c all purpose flour
3/4 c milk
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp oil
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Margain, butter or shortening
Beat egg with ahnd mixer in medium bowl until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients except margarine just until smooth. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or 375 degrees.
For each pancake, pour a scant 1/4 c batter onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown.
Here is the modified recipe to a vegan version:
Vegan Cinnamon - Blueberry Pancakes
Egg Replacer for 1 egg
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c soy milk
1/4 c soy creamer
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Blueberries
Mix all ingrediants except the blueberries just until smooth. Heat griddle to 350 degrees. Pour 1/4 c batter onto griddle and hand place blueberries into pancakes (approx 5 - 7 per pancake). Cook pancakes until puffy and dry around the edges. Turn and cook other side.
Our recipe made 10 pancakes. The house smelled fantastic and the pancakes were YUMMY
Enjoy!
Day 5
January 8, 2010
Alas its Friday. Thankfully. It has been a long and eventful week.
I will not be cooking today. We can scavenger for dinner. I am too tired and cant think about cooking and dishes etc. I am very nervous for tomorrow morning because running club starts. EEEeeeeeee I have obviously never joined a running club before and I am fearful that I will show up there and there will be all kinds of super fit people. Will I be the one holding them back? How does it work? I am also not doing it with a friend so I will show up there and not know a single soul. I am intimidated.
I walked while Justin was in karate class. It was good. I walked 1.60 miles. Sometimes it just feels so good to move. I sit all day long at work and just sitting there makes me so tired.
I wear nike plus shoes and have the ipod nano that interfaces with it. I am surprised and excited to discover that my nike plus account interfaces with twitter and facebook. So I linked them up and each of my runs / walks auto-posts on twitter and facebook. I think I love nike plus!
Alas its Friday. Thankfully. It has been a long and eventful week.
I will not be cooking today. We can scavenger for dinner. I am too tired and cant think about cooking and dishes etc. I am very nervous for tomorrow morning because running club starts. EEEeeeeeee I have obviously never joined a running club before and I am fearful that I will show up there and there will be all kinds of super fit people. Will I be the one holding them back? How does it work? I am also not doing it with a friend so I will show up there and not know a single soul. I am intimidated.
I walked while Justin was in karate class. It was good. I walked 1.60 miles. Sometimes it just feels so good to move. I sit all day long at work and just sitting there makes me so tired.
I wear nike plus shoes and have the ipod nano that interfaces with it. I am surprised and excited to discover that my nike plus account interfaces with twitter and facebook. So I linked them up and each of my runs / walks auto-posts on twitter and facebook. I think I love nike plus!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 4
Cooking: Roasted Garlic
As promised I will explain how I roasted my own garlic. I purchased whole fresh garlic bulbs. I peeled off a bit of the excess skin on the outside. The top of the garlic bulb needs to be cut off then drizzle some olive oil on the top of the garlic bulb. Put the garlic bulb on a pan, cover with aluminum foil, place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees. Not only does the house smell amazing as it roasts but the garlic keeps in the fridge for several weeks and it is super easy to use in cooking (actually way easier than unroasted garlic).
Running:
Tonights run was a bit of a challenge as my son who is 9 wanted to come with on his scooter. There were pro's and con's to allowing him to come but my love and dedication to promoting fitness as a family, I couldn't resist. So we embarked upon our adventure together. Amazingly enough we walked / ran / scootered 2.11 miles in a little over 27 minutes. Justin and I talked while we exercised. It was a fun to be with him and it was a good bonding experience. My kids are really neat people.
I was listening to my ipod during the warm up (as it is the hardest part for me) and Justin was flagging me down to get my attention at one point. I pulled my ear phone out and he said that the guy in the black truck that just drove by was calling to me out his window. I was like Really? Justin told me the guy said 'hey do you want to go on a date with me?' It is my first cat call. Of course the response to any guy screaming out his window at me is No, no and no. But, honestly, I am the tiniest bit flattered. Is this considered progress?
As promised I will explain how I roasted my own garlic. I purchased whole fresh garlic bulbs. I peeled off a bit of the excess skin on the outside. The top of the garlic bulb needs to be cut off then drizzle some olive oil on the top of the garlic bulb. Put the garlic bulb on a pan, cover with aluminum foil, place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees. Not only does the house smell amazing as it roasts but the garlic keeps in the fridge for several weeks and it is super easy to use in cooking (actually way easier than unroasted garlic).
Running:
Tonights run was a bit of a challenge as my son who is 9 wanted to come with on his scooter. There were pro's and con's to allowing him to come but my love and dedication to promoting fitness as a family, I couldn't resist. So we embarked upon our adventure together. Amazingly enough we walked / ran / scootered 2.11 miles in a little over 27 minutes. Justin and I talked while we exercised. It was a fun to be with him and it was a good bonding experience. My kids are really neat people.
I was listening to my ipod during the warm up (as it is the hardest part for me) and Justin was flagging me down to get my attention at one point. I pulled my ear phone out and he said that the guy in the black truck that just drove by was calling to me out his window. I was like Really? Justin told me the guy said 'hey do you want to go on a date with me?' It is my first cat call. Of course the response to any guy screaming out his window at me is No, no and no. But, honestly, I am the tiniest bit flattered. Is this considered progress?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 3
Cooking: Garlic Mashed Potatoes Round 2
(ding-ding)
The second go 'round today was waaaaaaaaay better than the first attempt yesterday. This recipe is definately a 'do-againer'.
Heres the recipe to replicate my results.
Creamy Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
5 medium sized gold potatoes
1/2 c soy creamer
2 Tbspn vegan cream cheese
1/2 c vegan butter
4 cloves of roasted garlic
sea salt and pepper to taste
1. Boil potatoes until soft. Drain.
2. Put in bowl and immediately add creamer, cream cheese , butter and roasted garlic
3. Mix with hand mixer until blended
4. Add desired seasoning
Modifications:
What I did was leave the skins on the potaotes. I like the skins in the mixture as it adds texture and can help to disguise if the potatoes are not completely blended perfectly. I use the gold potatoes for mashed potatoes specifically because a great chef once told me that russet potatoes were too soft for good mashed potatoes and red potatoes were too waxy. Gold potatoes are perfect so ever since then, thats what I use.
The cream cheese and soy creamer really worked to make the mashed potatoes creamy and decadent tasting. There was zero ability to distringuish between vegan and non-vegan with this recipe. The consistency of the potatoes was also absolutely perfect. Honestly I was thrilled and very surprised at how great they turned out today. (Not to mention they were absolutely yummy)
Another element that really worked for this recipe was the roasted garlic cloves. Not only do they make the house smell like a restaurant but they are so easy to use in cooking. Tomorrow I will post how to roast your own cloves of garlic. It is actually simple and the results are amazing.
Running:
Today I did exercise as well, while my son was in his karate lesson I took the liberty of walking. I walked for just under 25 minutes and covered 1.50 miles. I am actually a little tired and my legs are a tiny bit sore. I have exercised several days in a row and am feeling the affects. Tomorrow will be a non-exercise day.
I also found that this morning I was starving! I was surprised as I am not usually a morning eater but perhaps I will discover that with the increased exercise regime, my eating habits will change as well.
Still feeling very positive about the whole thing!
(ding-ding)
The second go 'round today was waaaaaaaaay better than the first attempt yesterday. This recipe is definately a 'do-againer'.
Heres the recipe to replicate my results.
Creamy Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
5 medium sized gold potatoes
1/2 c soy creamer
2 Tbspn vegan cream cheese
1/2 c vegan butter
4 cloves of roasted garlic
sea salt and pepper to taste
1. Boil potatoes until soft. Drain.
2. Put in bowl and immediately add creamer, cream cheese , butter and roasted garlic
3. Mix with hand mixer until blended
4. Add desired seasoning
Modifications:
What I did was leave the skins on the potaotes. I like the skins in the mixture as it adds texture and can help to disguise if the potatoes are not completely blended perfectly. I use the gold potatoes for mashed potatoes specifically because a great chef once told me that russet potatoes were too soft for good mashed potatoes and red potatoes were too waxy. Gold potatoes are perfect so ever since then, thats what I use.
The cream cheese and soy creamer really worked to make the mashed potatoes creamy and decadent tasting. There was zero ability to distringuish between vegan and non-vegan with this recipe. The consistency of the potatoes was also absolutely perfect. Honestly I was thrilled and very surprised at how great they turned out today. (Not to mention they were absolutely yummy)
Another element that really worked for this recipe was the roasted garlic cloves. Not only do they make the house smell like a restaurant but they are so easy to use in cooking. Tomorrow I will post how to roast your own cloves of garlic. It is actually simple and the results are amazing.
Running:
Today I did exercise as well, while my son was in his karate lesson I took the liberty of walking. I walked for just under 25 minutes and covered 1.50 miles. I am actually a little tired and my legs are a tiny bit sore. I have exercised several days in a row and am feeling the affects. Tomorrow will be a non-exercise day.
I also found that this morning I was starving! I was surprised as I am not usually a morning eater but perhaps I will discover that with the increased exercise regime, my eating habits will change as well.
Still feeling very positive about the whole thing!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 2
January 5, 2010
Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you dreams realized!
Many apologies for the delay in Day 2. Unfortunately the holidays were a relative bust on personal goals and aspirations. I ran a little and I cooked a little but with zero consistency and zero dedication. But, we are back on track and pursuing those long terms goals.
I committed to making Betty Crocker's and Mom's recipes. I decided to make creamy, smooth mashed potatoes tonight. I didn't use a base recipe as I thought that I KNOW how to make mashed potatoes. Right? I mean who doesn't? So I have to admit I am going to make creamy, smooth mashed potatoes until I get it right. And YES, I will be making them again tomorrow night. The recipe and concoction from tonight ended up being smooth, bland and more like a thick potato soup than a mashed potato. I am considering added some additional seasonings to the mix and taking it for lunch tomorrow as soup.
Tonight I ran as well. I ran for 28 minutes and travelled a total distance of 2.19 miles. I made a more committed effort than usual to run for a set time intermittently mixed with a minute of walking. My friend told me that's called some sort of fart run? I don't know what they are talking about but I am sure the more avid runners know the term. It made me smile tonight as I ran to think of it.
I started my run at 8:30. It was dark out but again am incredibly blessed to be able to run on the gravel paths in my neighborhood. It's about 51 outside. The neighborhood is already quiet and minimal distractions exist while I run. I listened to my ipod while tracking my run / walk intervals. I wanted to see exactly what my average mile would be seeing as I actually have no idea how 'fast' I run a mile. My running group begins on Saturday and we get grouped by our base running pace. I discovered that my mile at a comfortable pace is 11 minutes and 25 seconds. I actually thought I ran a mile slower than that, it seems slower than that while Im doing it.
Alas, I expect the cooking and running efforts will improve as I gain more practice! I am excited to report the progress.
Incidentally, I looked up if white sugar was vegan or not and why so many vegans avoid white sugar. What I discovered that while white sugar does not in fact contain animal products, the whitening process may use animal bones. So actual consumption of white sugar does not mean there is any animal consumption. The verdict is out in my book.
Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you dreams realized!
Many apologies for the delay in Day 2. Unfortunately the holidays were a relative bust on personal goals and aspirations. I ran a little and I cooked a little but with zero consistency and zero dedication. But, we are back on track and pursuing those long terms goals.
I committed to making Betty Crocker's and Mom's recipes. I decided to make creamy, smooth mashed potatoes tonight. I didn't use a base recipe as I thought that I KNOW how to make mashed potatoes. Right? I mean who doesn't? So I have to admit I am going to make creamy, smooth mashed potatoes until I get it right. And YES, I will be making them again tomorrow night. The recipe and concoction from tonight ended up being smooth, bland and more like a thick potato soup than a mashed potato. I am considering added some additional seasonings to the mix and taking it for lunch tomorrow as soup.
Tonight I ran as well. I ran for 28 minutes and travelled a total distance of 2.19 miles. I made a more committed effort than usual to run for a set time intermittently mixed with a minute of walking. My friend told me that's called some sort of fart run? I don't know what they are talking about but I am sure the more avid runners know the term. It made me smile tonight as I ran to think of it.
I started my run at 8:30. It was dark out but again am incredibly blessed to be able to run on the gravel paths in my neighborhood. It's about 51 outside. The neighborhood is already quiet and minimal distractions exist while I run. I listened to my ipod while tracking my run / walk intervals. I wanted to see exactly what my average mile would be seeing as I actually have no idea how 'fast' I run a mile. My running group begins on Saturday and we get grouped by our base running pace. I discovered that my mile at a comfortable pace is 11 minutes and 25 seconds. I actually thought I ran a mile slower than that, it seems slower than that while Im doing it.
Alas, I expect the cooking and running efforts will improve as I gain more practice! I am excited to report the progress.
Incidentally, I looked up if white sugar was vegan or not and why so many vegans avoid white sugar. What I discovered that while white sugar does not in fact contain animal products, the whitening process may use animal bones. So actual consumption of white sugar does not mean there is any animal consumption. The verdict is out in my book.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Day One: 1.88 miles and Cranberry-Orange Bread
Today began with a walk. I intended on walking 20 minutes or more. I set out on a path that took me to walk just seconds shy of 30 minutes. In that 30 minutes I covered 1.88 miles. I was slightly disappointed with the total distance because I honestly felt like I was walking at a good pace. Since I live just outside of San Diego, the sun is shining and the temperature is roughly 58. (not too bad for December 27!) Regardless of the slight disappointment with the overall distance covered, I am happy that I went and feel good about having spent some quality time working on myself. I had my ipod geared up and enjoyed listening to music and taking in the natural beauty of the mountains that are the backdrop to my neighborhood. As I walked I honestly felt overwhelmingly fortunate.
Upon my arrival home I decided I would tackle the healthy vegan cooking. I found a recipe on VegWeb.com for Cranberry-Orange Bread. Here is the link tho their recipe and I will advise how I modified the recipe. http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7407.0
This recipe calls for 2 cups of all purpose flour and I instead used 1 3/4 c of whole wheat flour as I try to minimize the use of processed white flour. I also added 1/4 c of flax meal, spinkled on the top of the bread, after it cooked for 15 minutes or so. I like the health benefits (satifying the omega needs of our bodies or so I've read) and the nutty flavor it adds to recipes. The recipe calls for salt and I use only sea salt. I did not use any nuts either and used fresh cranberries. I found that the recipe make too much batter for just one bread tin so I went ahead and whipped up another batch and now have three loaves cooking in the oven. The house smells sweet and the kids are very interested in trying another one of mommys creations. Sometimes they turn out great and sometimes not so much.
The Cranberry-Orange bread I would make again, with a few additional modifications to the recipe I think. The flax meal must be added to the batter or right away on top prior to cooking. Adding it 15 minutes into cooking didnt secure it to the top of the bread and I lost a lot of it when I took the breads out of their pans. I also think I would either soak the fresh cranberries in agave or cook them slightly in agave prior to adding to the batter. The fresh cranberries are big in the bread and when eating them are tart. I like them like this but I dont think the large tart cranberries will appeal to the masses. The wheat flour is great. The bread is moist on the inside and the crust is crisp and firm.
The Cranberry-Orange bread I would make again, with a few additional modifications to the recipe I think. The flax meal must be added to the batter or right away on top prior to cooking. Adding it 15 minutes into cooking didnt secure it to the top of the bread and I lost a lot of it when I took the breads out of their pans. I also think I would either soak the fresh cranberries in agave or cook them slightly in agave prior to adding to the batter. The fresh cranberries are big in the bread and when eating them are tart. I like them like this but I dont think the large tart cranberries will appeal to the masses. The wheat flour is great. The bread is moist on the inside and the crust is crisp and firm.
I am curious as well about using white sugar. I will do some additional research to find out if vegans use white sugar and what are the vegan concerns with white sugar. I read something about it previously but dont recall. This recipe called for 1 cup of sugar and I used regular white sugar. The orange flavor is very sutle, I could up the amount of orange zest as well. We have enough Cranberry-Orange bread to last for weeks!
Modified Cranberry-Orange Bread Recipe
2 c whole wheat flour
1 c sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 T vegetable oil
hot water
1/2 c orange juice
1 T orange peel, grated
Egg Replacer for 1 egg
1 c dried cranberries (if using fresh cranberries, try soaking in agave nectar overnight)
Directions:
Preheat over to 375 F
Grease loaf pan
Premix dry ingrediants in one bowl
In a measuring cup, add oil and top-up with hot water to make 3/4 c
In a medium bowl, mix oil/water mixture, orange juice, orange peel and egg replacer.
Add dry mixture to liquid mixture. Be careful to not overmix.
Add berries.
Bake for 1 hour.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Deciding Moment
I have come to realize that I will be turning 40. Despite the best face creams and hair coloring, I am aging. I was shocked and moderately dismayed to find a grey hair. I am only 38. Apparently I thought I was exempt from the aging process.
I work full time, am in school working towards a PhD in Business Administration, have two amazing children and am single. My life plate is full. Yet I have found that aside from the fulfillment I receive from being the best mother I can be, my life seems lacking in a true deeper meaning.
Now that I have confessed my partially empty heart, it is my goal to fill my life and heart, and hopefully yours as well, with purpose and satisfaction of sharing, growth and self realization.
I am vegan and have been since September 2009. I must openly admit that I am not a devout vegan. I do occasionally succumb to sacrificing my ideals for the sake of time or social obligations. I have struggled to find the ability to cook and live vegan with minimal time and limited cooking know how.
I will be sharing with you my journey to my 40th birthday (October 18, 2011) and in this time I have two main goals. One is to learn to cook healthy and vegan. I will share my modified recipes and all that I learn in this process. My mother primarily cooked using Betty Crocker's Cookbook and I will cook vegan using my mother and Betty Crocker as the inspiration. The second goal is to run. I want to run. Before I turn 40 I want to run (4) 1/2 Marathons and 1 full marathon. I don't run. I have never been a runner. I have tried to run and have do so only for short periods of time with a tiny degree of success. I used to joke with my brother (of whom is a runner and who I adore) that I can not run, except to the bathroom. (Making this personal journey all the more seemingly unrealistic!)
Ahhhhh, I said it. It scares me to admit openly my goals. But I said it. Its out there and I wont take it back. I am fearful that I wont succeed but I want to challenge myself. I have less than two years before I turn 40.
I work full time, am in school working towards a PhD in Business Administration, have two amazing children and am single. My life plate is full. Yet I have found that aside from the fulfillment I receive from being the best mother I can be, my life seems lacking in a true deeper meaning.
Now that I have confessed my partially empty heart, it is my goal to fill my life and heart, and hopefully yours as well, with purpose and satisfaction of sharing, growth and self realization.
I am vegan and have been since September 2009. I must openly admit that I am not a devout vegan. I do occasionally succumb to sacrificing my ideals for the sake of time or social obligations. I have struggled to find the ability to cook and live vegan with minimal time and limited cooking know how.
I will be sharing with you my journey to my 40th birthday (October 18, 2011) and in this time I have two main goals. One is to learn to cook healthy and vegan. I will share my modified recipes and all that I learn in this process. My mother primarily cooked using Betty Crocker's Cookbook and I will cook vegan using my mother and Betty Crocker as the inspiration. The second goal is to run. I want to run. Before I turn 40 I want to run (4) 1/2 Marathons and 1 full marathon. I don't run. I have never been a runner. I have tried to run and have do so only for short periods of time with a tiny degree of success. I used to joke with my brother (of whom is a runner and who I adore) that I can not run, except to the bathroom. (Making this personal journey all the more seemingly unrealistic!)
Ahhhhh, I said it. It scares me to admit openly my goals. But I said it. Its out there and I wont take it back. I am fearful that I wont succeed but I want to challenge myself. I have less than two years before I turn 40.
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