Something OTHER than Turkey

I had a great run this morning! It was 47' when I woke up at 5:30, a good 13 degrees warmer than when I ran Sunday. Crazy weather! Right from the start I felt good. My legs were loose, my foot didn't hurt, I was going at a pretty good pace. There was a little wind, but not much at all, and quite a few other runners along the promenade. I only did a little over 4 miles since that's all I had time for, but they were four good miles!

Okay, on to the real topic for today's post. Sunday afternoon I was perusing the internet trying to find a recipe for dinner. I had four requirements: it had to be something I haven't tried before, something that would use some ingredients that I had on hand for Thanksgiving (but didn't involve turkey), didn't require me to buy many ingredients and was comforting but not heavy. We also picked up three squash at the farmers market Saturday, so I was hoping to use at least one.

After a few stops, I found this recipe for a stew on Oh She Glows that sounded fairly easy to make and delicious. I changed a few things up just because it was what I had available, but it was a home run!

Squash and Chickpea Moroccan Stew
stew ingredients:
1/2 butternut squash, peeled and medium diced
2 medium red potatoes, medium diced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 - 14oz can diced tomatoes (low sodium if you can find it)
1/2 yellow onion, diced small
3-4 cloves garlic, diced small
2 cups low sodium, vegetable broth
1tbs olive oil
1/2tsp cinnamon
fresh ground pepper

accompaniments:
quinoa (I cooked 1 cup)
hummus

1. Add olive oil to 4 quart pot (I used a 3qt pot and it was just big enough), bring to a simmer. Add onion, garlic and cinnamon, stir occasionally until onion is tender.
2. Add squash, potatoes and pepper, stir to coat with onion/garlic/cinnamon mixture, cover and cook until slightly tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Add broth, tomatoes (with juices), and chickpeas, stir and bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer (stirring occasionally) until potatoes and squash is soft, another 10-15 minutes.
4. To serve, top cooked quinoa with stew and add a dollop of hummus.

There was quite a lot in one batch, enough for at least four people, and is great for a cold winter night! It did take me more time to prepare than I had anticipated, but it was worth the time. Also, I baked the other half of the butternut squash while I was cooking dinner, then scooped out the inside and we both took some of that to work to have with lunch. Double duty! We had leftovers last night and it was still delicious! Woody and I agreed that this should be made again.

After we finished eating dinner and cleaned up, it was time to start dessert. I've wanted to try my hand at making a fruit crisp and again, I had a few things on hand from Thanksgiving that I don't usually but needed for this recipe. The original recipe is for several servings so I did my best to scale it down just for the two of us.

Apple and Pear Harvest Crisp
ingredients:
1 pear and apple, sliced
1tbs  brown sugar
3/4tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp nutmeg
3/8c water (a little less is probably better)

for the crisp:
1/2c oats
1/4c whole wheat flour
3/8c brown sugar
1/2tsp cinnamon
1tsp ground flax seed
dash of salt
3.5tbs whipped butter, melted (I used 3tbs and I think a little more would have been better)

1. Preheat oven to 375'
2. Slice fruit and place in a greased dish
3. Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and water over fruit, stir in dish to coat slices
4. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients then add melted butter and mix until crumbly texture.
5. Spread topping evenly over fruit and baked, uncovered for 30-40 minutes until topping is brown.
6. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

optional ideas: Being the chocolate lover that I am, I added Ghirardelli 60% cocao baking chips on half the crisp just after taking it out of the oven so they melted before serving. Of course, fruit crisps are always good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, too!

Overall, this turned out pretty well. I do think I used too much water because it was pretty juicy in the bottom of the dish even after sitting for a few minutes. Also, the top wasn't as crumbly as we would have liked, and a little more whipped butter would have helped that. The chocolate was great but I think ice cream would have clinched it! Even with only one apple and one pear, the serving sizes were still a little big when it all came together. I'm definitely going to give this another try with the minor adjustments.

I have to say, I was pretty proud of my culinary exploits Sunday and I think Woody's stomach would agree!

Cinnamon, which studies have shown can have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, was a key seasoning in both of these recipes. I had never thought to put cinnamon with onion and garlic, but it is a delicious combination. Have you found any great spice/food combinations that sound like they wouldn't work too well together?
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today's workout -
4 mile run
stretching

Weekend in Review

I don't know about you, but I had a really relaxing weekend! Woody and I stayed home in again this year. This was my seventh Thanksgiving in NYC (I really can hardly believe I've been out here that long!) and I've stayed in town each year. The weekend is just too short and too hectic I think to travel home. I'd love to spend the holiday with family (my great aunt and uncle put on a great party each year) but we also like to have a stress free weekend.

Thursday: We ran the turkey trot in Prospect Park Thursday morning and had a great Thanksgiving feast in the evening (read about it HERE).

Friday: The alarm was never set and we slept and just hung out all day. The only things I did that were productive were taking a shower, writing a blog post, mailing the Fit for a Runner giveaway prize to Amber (sorry it took so long Amber) and going to a coffee shop to read for a while.

Saturday: We were back to the normal weekend schedule and I started with a very chilly and windy 4.5mile run. It was about 34' and the wind was brisk to say the least. I wore my winter running cap for the first time this season and I'm glad I did. My ears would have been frozen by the time I got home and a baseball cap would have blown away as soon as I got to the promenade. There were quite a few other runners out and I doubt I was the only one who felt like I was getting an extra workout running into the wind! When I got back, I made a call to Road Runner Sports. I had ordered a pair of thermo running tights from them the week before and they arrived Friday. Unfortunately they were too big and definitely not compressing like they should! I spoke with a guy named Dennis who was very helpful. Unfortunately they've discontinued the thermo tights and there were none left in the size I need but he helped me find another pair that will hopefully work and made sure they'd go out today as I ship back the other pair. I'm crossing my fingers that the new pair arrives before the weekend and that they fit. This is the one thing I really don't like about ordering online - unless I'm buying something I already have, I never know if it's going to fit and it just takes a lot longer than going into a store. Unfortunately there aren't any Road Runner Sports stores nearby.

After all this, Woody and I went to one of the MSU alumni bars in the city to watch the last football game of the regular season - the annual game against Penn State. After some great plays and some really horrible plays, the Spartans won in Happy Valley for the first time since before Joe Pa started coaching there. Yes, that long ago. It was the 1960's! This win also meant that MSU shares the Big 10 title with Wisconsin and Ohio State. We're used to titles in Basketball, but not so much in Football, so this has been a fantastic season! We stopped at Union Square to hit up the farmer's market and the holiday market on the way home. It was cold.

Sunday: Yesterday started with another run. This one was a little over 5 miles, I think about 5.25 but not quite sure. I decided to make a few little changes to the route as I went along and checked out a new park on a pier along the west side highway just north of Battery Park City. It looks like a great park and I'm sure it'll be packed next summer! I was incredibly productive after the run, finishing my cleaning duties, unloading the dishwasher, washing the sheets and my laundry, and having breakfast all before noon. I spent a couple hours in the afternoon reading at a coffee shop, unfortunately, I figured out late last night, around 11:30pm that they probably gave me regular coffee instead of decaf. I got about 5 hours of sleep last night, if that. Once I got home I spent almost the rest of the evening cooking. I'll write all about this tomorrow, but let me just say, while it took a while to make dinner, it was DELICIOUS! And we have plenty of leftovers for tonight, so the time was worth it.

Today: I got up at the normal time and hit the gym even with only a few hours of sleep. If I'm going to make it through the day, I need a burst of energy and a good workout is what I needed. Hopefully by the end of the day I'm still thinking that was the right decision!

On my way home from the coffee shop yesterday, I saw a choir singing in front of the Christmas tree at South Street Seaport!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend. What was the highlight for you?
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Saturday's workout -
4.5 mile run
stretching

Sunday's workout -
~5.25mile run
stretching

Today's workout -
45 min/5mile elliptical
3x40sec planks
3x10 upright row

stretching

5 For Friday: Post Thanksgiving Edition

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and are recovering from the festivities!

1. Woody and I started our day in Prospect Park for the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot! We got out there much quicker than we expected and it was pretty cold, but it wasn't raining yet, which was key! We lined up with about 2,000 other people, including some fellow Spartans and a ton of really fast kids!

apparently Woody was already thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, looks like he's about to take a chomp out of my hat! (he enjoys making funny faces for our photos)

Unlike NYRR races, this one started without any announcements, just a shot of a gun and we were off! I've never run in Prospect Park so the whole course was new to me. Woody hung back with me for the first half mile and then took off ahead of me. We did two loops of the park - one small, one large - and just before during mile 3 we hit a long hill. April had warned me about this ahead of time so I was prepared, but I didn't realize it would last about .75miles! It wasn't very steep, but it was long and turned quite a few runners into walkers. I was very proud of myself when I hit the top, turned the curve and headed back down the hill! What a relief! I soon saw the 3 mile mark and knew I was on the home stretch. With about a 1/3 of a mile left I saw April running back the wrong way (who had a great day with a PR and came in 3rd for women overall!!) she jumped back in with me and ran for a bit. She naturally pushes me so I picked up my pace a bit and held it till I got in the finish shoot, saw Woody on the sidelines and kicked it as hard as I could! I passed about 4 people with about 50 yards left. It was a great finish! I still used quite a few Kleenex's during the 5 miles, but I made it to the end without too many issues. I finished in 45:20 with a 9:04 pace, which I'm really happy with. Woody finished in 39:46 with a 7:58 pace. This was just his second race, he's incredible!

We loved the medals and hot cocoa at the finish. It was a fun race and we may just make this a tradition!

2. After heading home from the race, making some stuffing and squash, we headed back out to Brooklyn and enjoyed Thanksgiving with April and S! They welcomed us into their home with great conversation, delicious turkey and heavenly truffles! We had a great time and didn't head home till pretty late. It was a great time and we're so thankful for new friends! And, we were happy to help April celebrate her awesome PR! (32:40 finish, 6:32 pace!)

3. We do not do Black Friday. Instead, we have made today a 'do nothing' day! We didn't set the alarm and slept in until almost 9am. I don't think that's happened since we were up north in June! Right now, we're just hanging out, watching TV and not doing much of anything. It's great!

4. Tomorrow is the last MSU football game for the regular season. As has been tradition for many years now, we play Penn State in Happy Valley. We definitely need this win to keep our little Rose Bowl hopes alive, but the Jo Pa's team is going to be tough to beat. Woody and I will join fellow Spartans at one of our bars in town to watch the game. Two years ago we went to the game - it was about 11 degrees and snowing all during the 6 hours of tailgating we did with friends. It was fun, but I'm glad we'll be in doors and warm this year! I think this is a sign that we're getting old.

5. I admit it, I'm an advertising geek. I don't really work in advertising (although I kind of do) but I am really intrigued by new techniques and ideas. I also love new marketing ideas and how events are adding value to sponsors. I know, it's weird that I find this so interesting, but I really do. Anyway, a few days ago while researching some things on creativity-online.com, I came across a feature about how Asics was supporting runners along the course of the ING NYC marathon. It's a pretty ingenious idea and to put it into action is even more incredible. This video explains how Asics and their agency, Vitro, allowed family and friends to support their runners as they ran through the streets of NYC.

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you wake up early this morning for 'Black Friday' shopping?

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yesterday's workout -

5 mile Turkey Trot

today's workout -

NONE!! SUPER REST DAY!

Giving Thanks

Since I'm planning to take Thanksgiving day off from blogging, today is a good day to express my thanks.

I'm thankful for my husband who is always there for me and knows when I need a hug. He has supported me through a lot over the past few years, and I love him more each day and appreciate him more than he knows.

I'm thankful for my parents who are incredible people and would do anything to help me at a moment's notice. They have always been my biggest cheerleaders and I am extremely lucky to have them as my parents.

Just a few of the things I am thankful for....
my friends and family
a job
a comfortable and safe apartment
my freedom
the ability to run
my new fondness of cooking
the opportunity to speak my mind on this blog
everyone who reads what I write and everyone I've 'met' through blogging
being a morning person
farmer's markets
the desire and ability to travel
warm blankets, good TV shows and chocolate
beautiful sunrises
s'mores and peanut butter
the opportunity to live in such an incredible, thriving, exciting and beautiful city
the Turkey Trot tomorrow
many years of adventure to come

with my mom before the 5k we did together in June!

with the two most important guys in my life: Woody and my Dad!

What are you thankful for?
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today's workout -
45min/5mile elliptical
3x10 front arm raise
3x40sec planks
stretching

Fall Cooking

Just in time for Thanksgiving I am trying some new things in the kitchen!

Squash is an easy, healthy and delicious side dish to make. There are several types of squash and many ways to cook them. I have recently cooked both Butternut and Spaghetti squash.

Butternut variation #1: Woody cut in half lengthwise, I de-seeded, peeled and cubed, then placed on a cookie sheet I covered with foil and sprayed with Pam. Then I baked at 400' until tender and a little browned.

Butternut variation #2: Again, cut in half lengthwise and de-seeded. This time I placed the halves in a 9x13in baking pan, added a 1/2inch of water and baked at 400' for approximately 40 minutes. After 25 minutes I checked it every 5 minutes using a fork to test the tenderness. After it cooled for just a minute, I scooped out the flesh using a large spoon. It made quite a bit more than just this bowl, but you can see the texture here.



Spaghetti variation #1: I remember my Mom making spaghetti squash when I was younger and I loved the taste and texture of it. I thought it was so interesting how squash could be so similar to spaghetti! For this, Woody cut in half lengthwise, we de-seeded again and once more, placed the halves in a baking dish with water. I found out later than I should have placed the cut sides down, but I think it turned out well like this anyway! I baked at 450' for about 45 minutes. Instead of using a spoon to scoop out the flesh, I used a fork to scrape it out as spaghetti squash is stringy.

Both types of squash are delicious and while all three methods may take a little bit of time, they are very easy to do, as well! Woody and I are celebrating Thanksgiving with April and S and one of the dishes we are going to contribute to the meal is Butternut variation #2.

A few notes about squash: while common thought may be that squash is a vegetable, it is actually, scientifically speaking, a fruit. This is because it has seeds and grows on a vine! Culinarily speaking however, it is a vegetable. Both Butternut and Spaghetti are naturally fat free and low in calories and sodium. They are both good sources of Vitamin B6 and C as well as potassium. Butternut is also good for Vitamin A and E, calcium and folate while spaghetti squash is great for fiber and iron.

Woody was in charge of dinner Sunday night. What we had was really simple but also a delicious and healthy Fall meal. Sweet potato, green and purple (what? yes, purple!) broccoli and rice and beans.

Last night I stopped by Jack Rabbit Sports to pick up our race numbers for Thursday. Instead of the usual race shirt, they gave us arm warmers! There were only three sizes though, and they ran small so Woody's are quite tight, but they're still pretty cool and a nice change from a t-shirt! So far I'm liking this race!

What is your favorite type of squash?

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today's workout -

4mile run

stretching

Making Time for Hills

Yesterday Woody and I shook up our Sunday morning routine a bit by taking the subway up to Central Park for a run. I mentioned in my 5 for Friday post that we were going to do this because Woody has only run hills a handful of times, I've gotten out of practice since moving downtown and there will definitely be hills along the Turkey Trot course in Prospect Park on Thursday.

The annual Race to Deliver was also in the park Sunday morning, so we had to contend with that, but we just went with the flow. I was amazed by all the people still arriving at the park with only a few minutes to go before the start. I get anxious if I'm not at a race at least 20 minutes before the gun, so seeing people walking leisurely up to the corrals as the announcements were being made had me nervous for them! The race course was the 4 mile inside loop but we had the 5 mile southern loop on our agenda, which meant we'd be running with the racers for a great deal of the time. It was odd to stay on the outside of the cones instead of the inside!

Overall, it was a pretty good run, but a bit annoying for me. Ever since my surgery in 2009 I've had to deal with a runny nose whenever I run. (If this is too much info for you, feel free to skip ahead.) A lot of runners deal with runny noses, especially when the weather turns colder, but for me, it's year round. This is definitely a new thing for me since my surgery; I can't leave for a run without Kleenex, even in the heat of August. Last Fall I didn't run too many times in very cold temperatures before the marathon, and then I didn't run again till Spring because of injury, so the effect of the cold weather on my sinuses during runs is new and very frustrating. Over the course of a 5 mile run I have to stop at least three times to blow my nose. During the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff (4 miles) I didn't want to stop and lose time but the pressure in the corner of my eyes got so bad that a headache started and I literally felt the sensation of heat around my sinuses. This also affects my breathing and adds a burden to my lungs. I always breathe in and out through my mouth while I run, but having your nose so congested and runny at the same time really hinders the amount of oxygen I'm able to take in. And it's worse, of course, when running into a strong wind. This whole thing makes me a bit self conscious when running in the cold, especially with others, but I'm not going to let it stop me from running. I did, however, make two decisions after yesterday's run: 1) I'm going to wait until warmer weather before I race again after Thursday, and 2) I really need to see my ENT. (unfortunately he doesn't take insurance, but that's a whole different thing we don't need to get into!)

Other than the whole sinus issue, we had a great run and Woody easily conquered the hills! He is naturally very athletic, the absolute opposite of me, and I'm pretty sure he could take on just about any athletic challenge and succeed without a problem. Running hills requires different muscles and pacing than running flat routes, so we're both very glad we made the effort to go uptown and run the hills before the race on Thursday. Now, we just have to hope the rain holds off!!

We capped off our run with breakfast at the Boathouse and then walked through our old neighborhood to head home.

 After refueling at the Boathouse!

Gorgeous Fall colors of Central Park!

If you missed it, check out my trip to the market yesterday!

How did you enjoy the weekend?

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today's workout -
45min (5.15mile) elliptical
3x10 bent side arm lifts
2x40sec planks
stretching

A Morning at the Market

I started the morning with another great 5 mile run. Starting next weekend I'm bumping up one of my weekend runs to 6 miles. I know for some that 6 miles isn't much at all, and I have done a few of them during my 'come back,' but I'm on still working on increasing my mileage in a thoughtful and smart way. I'm feeling great right now and I don't want to risk another injury!

After I finished my run I stopped at the Andaz Market like every week for apples and pears. The Andaz Wall Street, a hotel, started a Saturday farmer's market last summer and it's only a few blocks from our apartment! It's a small affair, but has the fruit and veggies we like. Unfortunately I found out that today was the last market of the season.

Goodbye market! See you in the Spring!

After showering and eating, I headed to the Union Square Farmer's Market to pick up more produce for the coming week - the office Thanksgiving potluck and our Thanksgiving dinner with friends on Thursday. Plus, the usual stuff. I was a bit shocked by how empty the subway station was but it was definitely busy in the market! Plus, the annual holiday market opened yesterday, making it even more crowded than usual!

The market was full of great looking produce, baked goods, plants, meats, cheeses, and a cooking demo!

I left with lots of goodies and was happy to support local farmers. Even if one place has a lot of what we need, I'll only get a few things and then get the others from other stands, to spread the love! We're really lucky here in NYC to have so many great markets!

I hope you're having a great weekend!
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today's workout -
5 mile run
stretching

5 For Friday

1. Wednesday night Grace and I went to the holiday event for Step Up Women’s Network, a group I’ve been a member of for several years now. It’s a networking event to recruit new members, socialize, have a few drinks and hear from an inspirational businesswoman. This year’s keynote speaker was Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Ten years ago she started her company with just $5,000 in savings and has proved all the men who thought she was crazy wrong; Spanx is now an international multi-million dollar company. She said something that stuck out to me: “Let what you don’t know empower you.” She didn’t know how the apparel industry worked and she didn’t always do things the way they were ‘supposed’ to be done, but she has seen huge success. Sometimes it is a very good thing not to be restrained by not knowing.

We also got some cute pics at the Patron photo booth!

2. There are a few great ways to give back to the community as we get into the holiday season that I'd love to share! Girls on the Run chapters around the country are looking for running buddies and volunteers for their season finale 5k race in December. GOTR Manhattan is one of those chapters with opportunities still available. If you're interested in helping, you can register on their SITE. Also, the New York Road Runners Youth Programs hold a sneaker drive each winter to provide sneakers to kids in need who are part of the program in NYC. They gather shoe donations, wrap the shoes and then present them to the kids at a big party! These are for kids who can't afford sneakers and these may be their very first pair. Just think about how happy you are when you break open the box to new pair of shoes and then imagine how happy a little kid would be who has never had a pair of Nike's or New Balance. You can make a donation via www.nyrrf.org or email youthprograms@nyrr.org for more information. They're happy to take gift card donations to sporting good stores in NYC as well. Just be sure to contact them first since they have specific shoe sizes for the individual children. Please think about donating, even if you don't live in the NYC area. Anyone can help!

3. This Sunday, the New Amsterdam Market (where Woody and I go each week) is hosting a pancake breakfast! It sounds delicious: buckwheat, spelt, white and whole wheat pancakes, along with sides of local cornmeal grits, sausage and maple syrup. Tickets are $20 and need to be purchased in advance. Seems a little steep, but all proceeds benefit New Amsterdam Market, the Organic Growers' Research and Information-sharing Network, and The Heritage Wheat Conservancy. We would partake but we’re planning a run in Central Park and breakfast at the Boathouse! We’ll stop by the market on our way home. For more info about the market vendors on Sunday and a link to purchase tickets for the pancake feast, go HERE.

4. The reason why we’re running in CP this Sunday is to get ready for the Turkey Trot we’re running in Prospect Park (Brooklyn) on Thanksgiving! I have to say, I’m really excited for this race. I've never run a Turkey Trot before, but have wanted to for a while. Plus, April says this is her favorite race of the year, so it should be great! I’ve also never run in Prospect Park and I hear there are hills, so we need some practice before the big day, hence the trip to CP on Sunday!

5.Two fun videos to to enjoy on this Friday!
Check out this flash mob of dancers performing to "Do Re Mi" from the Sound of Music in a train station in Antwerp Belgium. It's great to watch the look on the faces of those who just happen to be there when it all breaks loose!

Here, the Philadelphia Opera Company surprised shoppers at Macy’s with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” this gives me goosebumps, but this song always does when sung during Easter service. It's such a gorgeous piece.



What's on tap for your weekend plans! I hope you make time to have fun!

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today's workout -

none. Rest day!

My Not-So-Early Morning Run

Sorry for the late, and what will be short, post today.

As you know, I have been struggling to get out for morning runs before work the past two weeks. Getting out on the weekend, no problem, but the cold and darkness of 5:30am has given me hesitation and ultimately I’ve ended up at the gym rather than running, even though that’s what I’d much rather be doing.

So, I came up with an idea that would get me out for a run before work but not have to deal with the cold and dark of the early morning hours. I slept in today until 5:30am, drank some water and had a handful of raisins while I watched the local weather and headed out at 6am. A full half hour later and there were already tiny peaks of sunlight far out over Brooklyn. Fantastic! I started running and felt pretty good right away. There were definitely more people out, rush hour is just beginning then, and I felt quite a bit more secure than I had the last few runs before the time change, when it was still really dark out even by the time I finished my run. There were more people to navigate around while I was still running along the streets, but it wasn’t too bad. I was the recipient of a few curious looks though from commuters as they got off the express bus with their large coffees in their hands.

The promenade was beautiful! I can definitely tell the seasons have changed just by the colors of the water and the sunrise hitting the waves. It was gorgeous and invigorating! Just how I wanted to start my day! Overall, I felt really good and my legs have been feeling better over the past few runs than they have for a while! My pace was a bit quicker and my 4mile run turned into a 4.5 miler because it was going so well and even though I had to get home to get ready for work, I wasn’t quite ready to stop running!

I got home, got ready and headed out the door. The only disadvantage of waking up half an hour later is that I don’t have time to eat breakfast or blog before work. And I’m really not a fan of eating breakfast at my desk. Still though, this experiment was a success (I even got an extra half hour of sleep!!) and I will definitely be doing more of these not-so-early morning runs!

How do your workouts change to accommodate the seasons?
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today's workout -
4.5mile run
stretching

Fit for a Runner Giveaway Winner

I am absolutely blown away by the response to this giveaway! I thought some people would enter, but I definitely did not expect 217 entries (215 by 8pm when it closed)!

It was fun and inspiring to read through everyone's comments! I loved learning who has impacted your lives and what you're thankful for; you seem to have amazing people in your lives and great things to celebrate on Thanksgiving!

Now, on to the winner!

Using random.org, the winner is.....

AMBER, a new follower who writes 1 Life!

She says her parents have impacted her life, always encouraging her to do her best at everything.

(I have to say, my parents have had a huge impact on my life and I don't know what I'd do without them. They always support me and are there for me whenever I need them!)

Congratulations Amber! Send me an email (my address is on my 'about me' page) and I'll get this out to you soon!

Thank you SO much to everyone who entered! I wish I had something to send all of you!

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today's workout -
I wasn't feel all that great when I woke up so I opted for the stationary bike at the gym this morning. Tomorrow I'm running!

10mile bike
3x10 hammer curls
3x10 bicep curls
stretching

Making The Season Work for You

I have to admit, I was having a hard time coming up with something to write about last night when I started this. I was going to write about my new work week morning run routine (or what I hope will become a routine) but that was thwarted by the weather this morning, so it'll have to wait till later this week.

Yesterday an email was sent to everyone in my part of the company announcing that we're having a potluck Thanksgiving lunch next Tuesday! The company is providing the turkey and the rest of us are supposed to bring a dish to add to the feast. Great idea, right? I thought it was pretty cool since we never did things like this at my last job, it's a great way to socialize with co-workers who are usually hard at work, and it shows that senior management cares about the people who are helping the company reach its goals.

Back to this potluck. Part of me thinks this is great, but another part is thinking "Ack. More food!" I take my lunch to work 4-5 days a week and lately it's been one of three things: 1) tuna sandwich & a veggie side, 2) a big salad, or 3) sweet potato and veggies. And of course, I have an apple with lunch every day. So, this feast is just another big, heavy, calorie laden meal just two days before Thanksgiving! It makes me think about all the tempting holiday foods that are ahead and I am determined not to add any holiday pounds this year.

In order to enjoy the holidays, all the delicious food and avoid the need to buy new jeans and running clothes, I have a few simple steps that I am going to adhere too (especially now that I've indulged in the PB&Co brownie I received as part of my payment for Sunday).

1. Keep moving. The holidays get busy but for most of us, getting in a regular sweat session is key to control stress and feel energized, not to mention balance out extra calories. A great way to make sure these don't slip is to schedule them in your calendar like other important appointments. You wouldn't back out on an important appointment or event, would you? And why not raise your heart rate while you're hanging out with friends and family? Grab a few people for a brisk post-dinner walk or friendly game of football or a snowball fight.

2. Contribute a healthy dish to potluck gatherings. I plan to take a simple, but delicious, squash dish to our office potluck next week that doesn't require any butter, cream or unnecessary calories. Plus, it's high in fiber, vitamin A and beta carotene! Find an easy and tasty dish that you can take to events so you know there will be something healthy to balance the other items laid out on the buffet!

3. Choose carefully when you get to an event with an array of food options. There are many events each holiday season, so is it necessary to indulge in everything at each one? If you know the sweet potato casserole is excellent at one party, enjoy a scoop but leave the mediocre stuffing where it is. Then enjoy the gourmet cheesecake at the next party but don't eat the chips just because they're there and you feel like munching. Search out the veggie and fruit platters then pick and choose wisely when it comes to everything else! And it's okay to ask a friend if they want to split a piece of pie with you, too!

4. Eat a little something before you go, if you're attending a cocktail & hors dourves event right after work, like the Step Up Women's Network event I'm going to Wednesday night. You'll likely be hungry so have a piece of fruit or some carrots to take the edge off. If you're not starving you'll be less likely to grab whatever goes by on a tray just because it's there and smells good!

5. Watch the liquid calories. Drinks can be major stumbling blocks during the holidays: cocktails or those delicious seasonal coffee drinks available on every corner! Personally, I much rather chew my calories than drink them! Not only will wine or cocktails make me feel lousy the next day (and likely to have a bad workout, if I go at all) but they just don't satisfy me the same way. If you want a drink or two, that's fine, I just suggest that you opt for something small and low cal. Not only will you save calories but if you're at a work function, holding back on the drinks will help ensure that you won't regret anything the next morning either!

6. Have fun! While it's important not to let the holiday season get away from you, don't let the food and busy days consume you either! Enjoy being with friends and family and focus on all the things you have to be thankful for instead. In the end, that's what the holidays are really about anyway!

What is your biggest hurdle during the holiday season and how do you get over it?

Don't forget to enter the Fit for a Runner giveaway HERE! Entries will be taken until 8pm et tonight!
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today's workout -
47min/5.25mile elliptical
3x10 front arm raise
3x50sec planks
lots of stretching

Too Much?

First, a running update. I had two fantastic runs over the weekend! The weather was absolutely perfect; I can't imagine better Fall days. It was 47 degrees each morning when I set out for my run. Since I don't have running tights (I'm working on that, any suggestions?) I wore capris with compression socks. A bit odd looking, but felt great. My legs felt really good and not a twinge in my right calf at all! There were quite a lot of people out running and walking. The sun was shining. Really, that is what running is about!

Oh, and I made the banana, peanut butter french toast for Woody Saturday morning. And as I expected, he loved it! It will definitely make a repeat appearance in our apartment!

Okay, so, the Chocolate Show. It's like Halloween, Christmas and Easter all wrapped into one. Let's just say I ate a lot of chocolate Sunday afternoon. I love chocolate, but I was really done by the time I left! Woody gave me the challenge to find him something good with chili peppers in it. In the past few years, chili peppers have been a popular addition to chocolate, but this year I only found one or two bars that had it; I brought one home for him. There were a lot of truffles, organic chocolates and dark chocolate bars. Not a lot with nuts or fruits, but there was some. A few non-chocolate vendors like a winery, tea shop, coffee, Rums of Puerto Rico and a booth selling all sorts of books about chocolate and cook books. There were also a bunch of demonstrations, including some by contestants of Top Chef: Just Desserts. Of course, my two favorite local places where there: Jacques Torres (favorite chocolate chip cookies) and Peanut Butter & Co (favorite PB and brownies!).

My real reason for going was to the Chocolate Show was to hang out behind the PB&Co table giving samples of peanut butter and selling 6-packs and peanut butter pretzels! I had a great time with the PB&Co crew, who welcomed me in and got me going fast! It was a whirlwind of PB lovers and PB skeptics. It was awesome to see the look on people's faces when they felt the kick from The Heat is On or were just overwhelmed by the sight of 10 peanut butter flavors in front of them! Dark Chocolate Dreams was the best seller but we ran out of Bee's Knees first.

the Peanut Butter lineup! 

best brownies in the city! (two came home with me)

I was paid in peanut butter and brownies!

 organic, dairy & gluten free, vegan and raw chocolates. and they were really good!

 love Jacques Torres, although I managed to resist buying a cookie!

 truffles

more truffles

one of the demonstrations

By the time I got home I was in desperate need for some real food. Thank goodness this only happens once a year!

How was your weekend?

I'm completely blown away by the response to my Fit for a runner giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, it's is still open and you can enter HERE through tomorrow night at 8pm et.

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Saturday's workout -

5mile run

lots of stretching

Sunday's workout -

5.5 mile run

lots of stretching

Today's workout -
47minute/5.15mile elliptical
3x10 lateral raise
3x40sec each planks
stretching

5 For Friday

1. I am a bit embarassed and a little ashamed to admit this, but I haven't run since Sunday. I didn't run Monday or Tuesday because I had a bit a pain in my right leg. It started as a knot in my calf that was a slight annoyance last week but after our run Sunday I was in a bit of pain when I walked. Woody even noticed me limping a bit on our way back to the subway from watching the marathon. I used heat and my new trigger wheel to try and work it out but it still bothered me for a few days. Wednesday was a bit better but I was apprehensive about running in the coldness/darkness. I don't know why, but I did realize that last year I never actually had the opportunity to do that. I was out of running for months after I injured myself in the marathon and then by the time I was able to run again, it wasn't quite so dark in the morning anymore (yes, I was out of running for that long). I just need to face my 'fear' and get out there and do it! I feel so much better after a run than after going to the gym. I will run tomorrow and Sunday. And

2. There was an interesting article in the New York Times earlier this week that you can read HERE. Michael Moss delves further into the conflicting responsibilities of the USDA: the original intent of supporting and promoting US agricultural products vs the newer task of promoting nutrition and healthy diets. As Michael Pollan and others have pointed out, these two definitely do not go hand in hand. This article focuses on Dairy Management (a division of the USDA) and the product development and marketing campaigns they have worked on to get us to eat more cheese and other dairy products while the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion encourages people to eat less saturated fats. It's quite enlightening.

3. I get to spend Sunday afternoon at the Chocolate Show helping out at the Peanut Butter & Co booth! I've done this two years before, but last year the show was the same weekend as the NYC Marathon, so it was a no go for me. I love doing this because it's completely different from my normal day, I get to have fun with cool people who enjoy what they're doing, give out tons of free samples and turn people on to some great peanut butter! I also get to hang out with a guy in a monkey mascot costume and try a LOT of chocolate! 

4. Speaking of food, last Saturday Woody and I went to a restaurant we've wanted to try for a while: the Meatball Shop on the Lower East Side. My pics are pretty fuzzy and they definitely don't do the food justice (I need a new camera!), but here you go.

I had the veggie meatballs (I know, it's a contradiction but I don't care cause they were delicious) with tomato sauce and we shared steamed spinach and polenta. It was incredible! Woody had a lamb meatball hero with the tomato sauce, which he really enjoyed as well. The place is super cute but pretty small. We had an early dinner and I definitely recommend that as the time to go; the line was really long when we left and they don't take reservations.

5. I've written about healthy food options in vending machines before. Last night, Running Diva Mom posted about them HERE. She wrote about a cool type of machine - the h.u.m.a.n. healthy vending machine - that stocks healthy snacks and drinks and can be placed in schools and other public places. They even feature snacks for people with particular allergies and a portion of proceeds go to charitable causes. Pretty cool if you ask me!

Don't forget about my 'Fit for a Runner' giveaway! Enter HERE.

What are you doing this weekend?
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today's workout -
45min elliptical
3x10 bicep curls
2x40sec planks
lots of stretching

A Giveaway Fit for a Runner

I have to admit, I am really excited about this post today!

In a world that can throw anything at us at any moment, it's really important to appreciate everything we have been blessed with, all the time. But November seems to be a time when we tend to think about those things more often (at least here in the US). Today I want to show my appreciation for you, because you read my blog. Whether you read every day, every once in a while or today is your first day stopping by! I'm thankful that people actually take the time to read about my bad luck with injuries, my morning runs, races in the park, meals I've cooked, and all the other random things I tell you about. Thank you for your support, kindness and inspiration!

Okay, so enough with all the sappy stuff, I'll get to it! Here's the deal: I've stuffed a Lululemon bag full of goodies for one lucky winner!

Asics cap

Running gloves

Reflective armbands

Justin's Choc. Hazelnut Butter squeeze pack

Gu Energy Gels (4 flavors, including the new Island Nectar)

Larabars (2 flavors)

Chobani Greek Yogurt coupons

Notebook



There are 5 ways to enter and each entry must be a separate comment. Just saying, if you combine everything in one comment, it will only count as one entry.

1. (required) Follow my blog and let me know that you do
2. Tell me one thing you're thankful for today
3. Who has made a big impact on your life? And, if you are in a sharing mood, why?
4. Post this giveaway on your blog (and provide the link).
5. Tweet this giveaway (and leave your username)

Anyone can enter and I'll take entries until 8:00pm est Tuesday November 16th and announce the winner next Wednesday.

(Full disclosure: I either purchased the item, acquired it at a running event, or it was donated by the company)
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today's workout -

none. much rest day.

Book Review: "Marathon Woman"

Kathrine Switzer started running before running was something that women did. With support from her military father and mother, who was well respected in her field, Kathrine started by running laps around the family property till she hit a mile. Her athletic career began with field hockey where she quickly became a standout and running was her 'secret weapon.' She played hockey at Lynchburg College but was less than impressed by the level of athleticism among the women who seemed more interested in having tea than playing the game. It was when she transferred to Syracuse University that she started running more seriously.

Soon, Switzer was running through sleet, snow, and heat with one goal in mind: to run the Boston Marathon. She was determined. She did everything she could to reach that goal.

Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon in 1967. The story is legendary and truthfully, was all I knew about her when I started reading her biography, Marathon Woman. What I learned though, is that she is much, much more than just that one marathon. If not for Kathrine Switzer, who knows when the Olympic Committee would have introduced the women's marathon event. Switzer has done incredible things for women's running. Who knows if any of us women would be running today if not for her and her peers who were pioneers and ground breakers. 

While many male runners were happy to see these women among their ranks in races in Boston and New York, other men, and women, weren't as open to the change in cultural norms. For generations people believed that it was unsafe for women to run long distances, but Switzer, Sara Mae Berman, Nina Kuscsik, Miki Gorman and many other women proved them wrong.

With a degree in journalism and an MBA, a friendship with Fred Lebow and a drive to succeed and make a difference, Switzer was at the front of the pack when it came to corporate sponsorships for races and creating opportunities for women. She eventually landed a job with Avon and created the Avon International Marathon, which was the culmination of hundreds of local women's-only races on five continents. It was really incredible to learn about her non-stop life, creating huge, life changing events for women around the world. Hers is truly an inspirational story - both in terms of running and also sports promotions. What it would be like to work for her, or just to be in her company, I can't even imagine!

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in running, women's sports, sports promotion, or inspirational stories. Hers truly is an incredible story.

For more information on Kathrine Switzer, click HERE

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today's workout -

45min elliptical

2x50sec planks

100 crunches

lots of stretching