Veggie Pita Pizza

Ok, I really LOVED this dinner. It was quick, simple, easy...and tasted yummy!!! It is a Veggie Pita Pizza and I got it off of a website a VERY LONG time ago and have never tried it. We made this for dinner last night and Nathan and I are definite fans now!!! The kids did not eat the veggie one...I made them pepperoni and cheese, they weren't down with the pizza/veggie idea. ha! oh well, I try anyway!!!! This recipe is for only 2 servings, so double accordingly!!

1 Pita Bread
2 to 4 tbsp pizza sauce
1 small zuchini, chopped (1 cup)
2 tbsp chopped onion
2 roma tomatoes, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 tbsp sliced ripe olives
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp dried basil leaves
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Split pita bread around edge with knife to make 2 rounds. spread pizza sauce on bread halves, place on small microwavable plates. Put zuchini and onion in bowl and microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes, olives, salt and basil. Spoon veggies over bread halves, top with cheese. Microwave uncovered on high 45 to 60 seconds or until hot. Enjoy!

Next time I want to cook them in the oven and see if the bread gets crispy instead of kind of soggy like the microwave does. This would be a good easy thing for lunch too!! :)

I have been exercising, almost every day. My limit is about 3 miles. I usually will run 1/2 mile, then walk 1/2 mile and just alternate every 1/2 mile or so. I go to the midwife tomorrow, so we'll see what i've gained in the "weight area"!!!

Yes I Did!!!!

I did reach my 500 mile goal for the year of 2008!!! I am very proud of myself and have set a new goal for 2009: 800 miles! I have been thinking about running and my goals a lot lately. It has become such a big part of my life, something I love to do, something that pushes myself and I love that feeling. I, of course, have more goals in my mind then just running. Hence my 2013 goal of competing in the Ironman. That goal, to be completely honest, SCARES ME TO DEATH. That is ALOT of preparation and a lot of dedication. Yet, I still have a huge desire to compete. So, I will need to figure out many things in the next few years...main thing, where to train in the water and how I can get myself a bike.

My main goal for 2009 is to compete in a full marathon. I haven't figured out which race I will do yet, but I'm looking into it already. I will have many hours of training ahead of me...but I'm so up for the challenge!!!

I am 26 weeks, 6 1/2 months pregnant....I am still running. Not a lot by any means, but I'm still doing it. Many think I'm crazy!! haha...oh well. I am what I am I guess. It's getting harder and harder, the bigger my tummy gets. Some days I can do more then others, but I'm just doing what I can for the time being. Last week I only exercised 2 days. Took all of Thanksgiving off! :)

Last Monday I ran 2.5 miles and walked 1...And Tuesday I ran 1 mile and walked 2! Every day can be so different. For this week, Monday I ran 1 mile and walked 2 miles...last night I ran 2 miles and walked 1 mile. Don't know what I'm feeling up to today...maybe some yoga? I haven't done that in quite a while.

I am missing doing my P90x workouts:( The muscles in my arms aren't what they used to be!!!! Nathan even pointed out the other day at the dinner table..."wow, your arms are getting skinny again!" I'm like yeah! I'm losing all the muscle I had built up!!! I could lift weights and do SOME type of strength training, but I'm always so tired by the time I even do my cardio!!! And it's okay...I'm okay with that fact...because there's this cute little girl growing inside this tummy of mine that is more important right now. BUT, I still can't wait to start strength training again soon!!!

"Part" of todays lunch!!

Spinch, green leaf lettuce, carrots, bell pepper, brocolli, cucumber...topped with raw sunflower seeds...yum! I will probably have some peanut putter toast too for protein. I am doing my best to get LOTS of green veggies in...my iron level was WAY LOW at my last midwife appt, so I'm having to double my iron intake. What better way then with fresh veggies??!!!!

Last Friday I ran 2 miles and walked 1 mile. I am only 2 miles away from my 500 mile goal!! yipee!!! I'm sure I'll reach that goal today, if not today, then definitely TOMORROW!!!!

I took Tuesday off from ALL exercise...let my leg get some rest:) Yesterday I did a 3 mile bike ride with Walker, no running still. But I did clean the WHOLE HOUSE...that's major exercise right there!!! Today I did run 2.5 miles and walked 1 mile...I felt pretty good, and my leg wasn't hurting. I think I can't run EVERY day...but need to space it out for now and not do as much :(
but it's what's best for my body right now!!!!

Today was a disappointing run:( I ran 1 mile...then walked for 10 minutes at 4.0 incline and 4.0 speed...then ran another mile...then walked at 5.0 incline and 4.0 speed...then ran another 1/2 mile. I didn't feel like it was a great run...and I wasn't feeling that great. Hence the walking in between running. I keep getting this pain shooting down the inside of my right leg, and my left leg kept feeling like it was falling asleep!! It was so weird. I don't know if the right leg pain is because of being prego or what...but if it continues, I don't know how much longer I can run. It is VERY painful....even after I'm done, I can still feel it and it makes me limp a little bit:( very, very sad!!!!

Yesterday I didn't feel like doing a DANG THING!!! No running for me...I did take the Walker-man on a bike ride, I think it was like 3 miles...I'm not really sure!

Today I was feeling better and ran 4 miles! yay!

Bike ride with the munchkins...and ran 2 miles...

Ran 3 miles...did some abs and pushups

Thursday: I ran a grand total of 5 miles! I was very happy. It was quite funny, because when I left the house to go on my run...I wasn't really feeling it. And my first mile I was thinking, well, this might be a short run today! But after the first mile I was feeling really good and the little babe was cooperating nicely! I don't know how much longer I can keep running, especially for that amount of time....but if you know me, I'll do it until I just can't do it anymore! The fact that it was a BEAUTIFUL day outside that day had a LOT to do with the way I was feeling. The weather has been so perfect here this past week, and I'm more then beyond READY for the change. Every day I've thought, wow, this is great running weather!!!! When I got home I was still feeling really good, but as the night time came...I could feel the effects of running 5 miles and being a week away to being 6 months pregnant!!!! Needless to say, Friday came and no exercising of ANY sort was on my mind! I was still feeling it from Thursday! Saturday the kids and Nathan got on their bikes and I ran. I did around 2.5 miles. Not a WHOLE lot but enough for me that day...enough to get the want of "running" out of my system!! And it was great being all together as a family!

Yesterday: Ran 4 miles....with MANY interruptions from the Walker-Man

Today: 5 mile bike ride, pulling the afformentioned Walker-Man...and a 2 mile run!

Ran 4 miles...outside!!! Yeeha!! I loved it...I enjoyed it very, very, very much!!!

Now I can eat all the halloween candy I want...right??!! hahahaha

Yesterday: Cardio X
Today: Ran 3.5 miles on treadmill

It bothers me that I'm not getting any real "strength" training in...no weights or anything like that. by the time I'm done with my cardio workouts, I'm so dang tired! I can't do anything else. So I guess my muscles, will just have to continue to be put on hold for a bit!!

Bike ride with the Walker-Man...and ran 2 miles on the tread! Atleast part of the workout was spent outside!!!

Ran 3 miles...and did pushups and situps

Yesterday...oh and today!

Yesterday, I didn't run or walk....but i did play volleyball for 3 hours!!! I'm pretty sure that counts as a good amount of exercise!!!

Today! I ran 4 miles on the treadmill! yeeha! My original plan was to only do a quick 2 miles....but the Walker-man was being good and I was feeling good!

Ran 3 miles outside...the baby was VERY TIGHT in my tummy that last mile!! haha

Ran 2 miles, Walked 2 miles...outside! it was a beautiful morning!!! (it sure takes more energy when your pushing an almost 2 year old though!)

Ran 2 miles on treadmill...and walked 1 mile on 5.0 incline...wanted to do more, but baby had other ideas! :) Hoping the weather will cool off a bit tonight and we can go for a family bike ride!

Vegetable Soup

Thanks to this cute girl, I had this for lunch!!!
Well, not exactly lunch, more like a snack since I didn't eat it until 2pm!!! ha! It was VERY good and now I'll have lunch for like a whole week! yay!!!!

Vegetable Soup
Poured a super large can of chicken broth into a large saucepan. -Turned stove onto high.-Added cubed red potatoes(6-8) and baby carrots sliced in 1/2 -probably 3 cups worth. (?)-Add sea salt, coarse pepper, 2-3 cloves of minced garlic.-Let that boil for about 15 min., turn down heat to med.-Add 1-2 cups of cut up broccoli, 1 can of corn, 1 can of kidney beans, 2 more cups of broth.(I had cooked lentils in the fridge, so I put those in... 1-2 cups)(makes for a COLORFUL meal)To season I added: (shakes of) garlic salt, curry powder, tony chachere's (creole seasoning),a bit of ground marjoram, and paprika. And more salt and pepper... and voila!!Soooooo yummy and tasty, all in about 1/2 hour!!!!

Ran 3 miles in beautiful 70 degree weather!

Over Doing It...

So after yesterday, I was PLUM tired (sounds like my grandma, ha!) but I was able to go outside and exercise again today. Wasn't AS cool as yesterday, but still better then the heat of the summer that's for sure! I was feeling kind of yucky this morning...so I told myself just to walk, and I walked 2 miles...THEN on the 3rd mile, I talked myself into running it (that PUSH yourself harder mentality I've talked about b4)...NOT such a great idea. I was feeling like CRAP when I got back home. I knew I shouldn't have run at all today...my husband REMINDED me that I AM pregnant and need to NOT be pushing myself when I'm not feeling well....NOTE taken today after feeling so crappy.

I Ran OUTSIDE!!!

It was such a BEAUTIFUL morning!!! I had to take advantage!! I walked 2 miles and ran 2 miles, OUTSIDE!!! Yeeha!!!

Slacker? No, Just Pregnant!

Okay, so last week was a YUCKY week in the exercising area. I was feeling yucky pregnancy stuff and then towards the end of the week, got a head cold. So all exercising stopped for me for a bit. This week has been WAY better and I've been able to run some, walk some and even do a round of CardioX from my P90X. I am eating more (recommended by midwife) and feeling a LOT better then I was just 2 weeks ago. yay me!!!

As for dinner, let me just tell you that for a VERY yummy recipe go here I have been CRAVING some chinese food for weeks now!!! But have NOT had any, for 2 reasons. First, I just don't want to spend the money to go buy it (cause it can be pretty darn expensive) and Second, it's VERY FATTENING!!! Deep fried chicken?? Yeah, can only imagine how many calories are in THAT!!! Anyway...so I came across this dish from Simply Recipes and HAD to try it. Sweet and Sour Chicken! It totally hit the spot for me and I LOVED it, including my family. AND it's so much darn healthier then take out. LOVE that aspect....I was a little apprehensive in trying it, because it was just something new...but it turned out great!!! (Forgot to take a picture:( Darn!!) I served it up with some brown rice to make it even healthier!!! It was a great meal, and it's definitely on my "okay you can make this alot" list of dinners!!!

So, after making and eating a great meal...I turned around and made some chocolate chip cookies!!! hahahahaha...

My weeks exercising....

Monday 9/15: ran 3 miles, walked 1/2 mile on level 10 incline, bike ride w/the kids

Tuesday 9/16: ran 3.5 miles, walked 1/2 mile on 10 incline, 4 sets of 20 crunches on ball

Wednesday 9/17: YUCKY day, no exercise!!!!

Thursday 9/18: CardioX

Friday 9/19: walked 10 min, ran 1 mile, walked 10 minutes, ran 1 mile

Monday 9/22: walk 10 min 2.5 incline 3.8 speed, ran 1 mile, walk 10 min 3.0 incline 4.0 speed, ran 1 mile, 4 sets of crunches on ball


I have found it difficult to kind of "change" my mindset as of late...meaning, that when I'm exercising, my "normal" is to want to go FASTER, to run HARDER, to run LONGER....this last week, when I have pushed myself to run 3 miles and 3.5 miles straight, I have felt completely DRAINED and that next day is usually one of my so called "bad" days. So I have had to mix walking in to my routines...which I'm OKAY with at this point. Hopefully, my body will take to that a little bit better and I'll be able to get some form of exercise in each day. May not be as much as I really WANT to do, but it's something!!!

I'm sad that my friend is running races without me :( But I know that I'll be back into it eventually and me growing a little baby is the most important thing for me to be doing at this point in my life.

Warm Chicken Salad

Our dinner tonight is one of my favorite recipes...I haven't made it for a while and it was SO good tonight! The kids really like the flavor of the chicken...I usually have to make some kind of roll or bread to go along with this, because the salad itself just isn't enough for the little munchkins!!!!

In other "news"....I ran 3 miles today! wahoo!!! It's still not as much as I would "normally" do of course, but atleast it's something! I was really hoping I could push it to 4 miles today, but my body wasn't having it. I was happy with my 3 though!!! When I first got on the treadmill my husband was like, so your gonna run? I'm like, well, I don't know, maybe just walk...cuz my stomach was feeling kind of yucky. He's like, okay, well don't overdo it! So I start going and like 5 minutes later he comes inside and see's me running and was like huh???!!!! It was quite funny. Then when I told him I did 3 he laughed and said, I bet it felt good though huh??!!! You betcha!!!!

Here's the yummy recipe:)
Warm Chicken Salad
6 cups torn spinach
2 cups torn leaf lettuce
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (I don't like red, it's too strong for me, so i just use a regular onion)
2 red or gree sweet peppers - cut bite size
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast
1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbls oil ( i use EVOO)
2 Tbls balsamic vinegar
2 Tbls water

In large bowl combine spinach, leaf lettuce, red onion and pepper strips. Cover and chill up to 2 hours...( i never actually chill for 2 hours...I don't think it really makes a difference at all)

Cut chicken into bite size strips. Toss chicken w/rosemary and lemon pepper. Stir fry chicken strips and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove chicken and add to salad mixture.

For dressing, add vinegar and water to skillet (that was used to cook the chicken) stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Pour dressing over salad, gently toss to mix.

Mmmmmm

I was "in town" yesterday for a funeral for a dear friend of my parents....afterwards, i ran over to Sprouts and got my cart FILLED with yummy fruits and veggies....I was so excited!!!! I can't think of a better snack for me and my growing little baby!!!!!

(Walker sure enjoyed it too!!!)

I have ran 2 more miles since my last run. Taking 2 months off, and being pregnant, trying to run again has been interesting, to say the least!! HA! I am still feeling pretty sick during the day, but on the days i'm feeling up to it, I try to get SOME form of exercise in....

Oh Happy Day!!!

I ran 2 miles and walked a half mile....I was so happy!!! The morning (all day) sickness is slowing down, some days are still bad...but this afternoon I was feeling pretty darn good! I got on the treadmill and said to myself that I was just gonna try to do 1 mile, and I was able to do 2!!! yay!

yummy salad and yoga

Last Thursday I actually felt good enough to do some yoga!!! I was so happy!!! I haven't done it since, every day is different around here with this pregnancy!!! But I was glad to have been able to do it that day.

I had this salad at my sister in laws a few weeks ago and have been wanting to make it ever since. it is SO yummy!!! The girls both wanted to take their own pictures of their own plate concoctions!!!!

Rebekkah's
Abby's!!!!
This is my plate. Love the paper plates!!! I use these as often as I can since I don't get the dishes done around here very often!!!! The salad is called the "Wedding Salad"...no idea why, but it sure was good!!!

Wedding Salad
2 C. Romaine, shredded
3 C. chicken, cooked and diced
3 C. penne pasta ( i used whole wheat)
1 1/2 C. cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 C. green onions, chopped
1/2 C. fresh basil, chopped
1/4 C. fresh parsley, chopped
4 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled
1 tsp. minced garlic

Toss ingred. with Creamy Cesaer dressing just before serving. (I used Newmans Own, because it's more natural...but you can use whatever brand you like!)

I Miss....

Running and Working Out

Accomplishment

First, I should catch up with my workouts. Friday was a day OFF from running! yay! So I just did Yoga that day. Saturday I didn't do a dang thing, had too much other stuff going on and never got around to running. It was just one of those days where I really didn't feel like it! Yesterday I ran 5 miles and did P90X CHEST and BACK and ABS. One of the great things about these workouts is that you write down how many reps of the exercises your doing, what weight, etc....and I love that...I like being able to push myself just a little bit further then the time before. Yesterday after I got done with my workout....I was TIRED!!! My arms were shaking because of how hard I pushed myself. So I sat down on the couch and was looking at my numbers that I had done for the day and decided to look back when I first started. I couldn't believe the difference! How much more I can do now, then when I first started this program! I got all happy and really felt good about what I had accomplished. So, here's the stats...then and NOW!!!!! (pullups i'm still using a chair, but there is a HUGE difference in the numbers!)

Standard Pushups: First started= 1st set: 8 2nd set: 8 Now=1st set: 18 2nd set: 16
Widefront pullups: First started=1st set: 7 2nd set: 7 Now=1st set: 16 2nd set: 14
Military Pushups: first started=1st set:6 2nd set: 3 Now=1st set: 10 2nd set: 8
Reversegrip Chinups: first started=1st set:6 2nd set:9 Now=1st set:13 2nd set: 13
Widefly Pushups: first started=1st set:8 2nd set: 8 Now=1st set:15 2nd set: 13
Closedgrip Overhand pullups: first started=1st set:7 2nd set: 8 Now=1st set:12 2nd:11
Decline pushups: first started=1st set:4 2nd set: 3 Now=1st set:10 2nd set: 10
Heavy pants: first started=10lb weights Now= 15 lb weights
Diamond pushups: first started=1st set: 5 2nd set: 4 Now=1st set:13 2nd set: 10
Lawnmowers: first started=10 lb weights Now=15 lb weights
Dive bomber pushups: first started=1st set: 8 2nd set:5 Now=1st set:11 2nd set: 10
Back Flys: first started= 10lb weights Now= 12 lb weights

Workouts

Yesterday: Ran 6 miles

Today: Ran 4 miles
Kenpo X

Workouts

To keep myself accountable!!!

Yesterday: Ran 5 miles
Yoga

Today: Ran 4 miles
Core Synergistics

Yoga and a Snack

I love, love, love Yoga!!! It is one of my favorite things to do. And this pose, is my favorite, Warrior 2. This pose shows me determination, strength, and great focus. Yoga helps me so much in calming the mind, forgetting about the world and being in touch with my "inner me". (normally I don't wear my tennis shoes when doing Yoga! But in the P90X workouts, there is a cardio workout that is a mixture of yoga, plyometrics, kenpo and core, and that is what i was doing when this picture was taken!)
Mmmm, one of my favorite snacks! Raw almonds and dried cranberries. I like the mixture of the sweetness of the cranberries mixed w/the nuts! So yummy!!!!
My 2 main goals this week:
1. Watch portions
2. No SNACKING AFTER the kids are in bed!

Wow...is all I have to say

Know who this woman is? No, that's not my body with someone else's head on it! I know that's what many were thinking....hahahaha...Her name, Dara Torres. She is amazing. I have recently read up on her and there was actually a little blurp about her on MSN with this picture. She is 41 years old and will be the oldest female swimmer in the history of the olympic games to compete. She's also a mom of a 2 year old girl. Is her body amazing or what? She really is inspiring....

I was thinking today about weight...I was speaking with a lady today that has a daughter the same age as Walker. I was actually at my parents house and a nephew and niece of mine were there too...all were outside playing. (storm was rolling through and the weather was GORGEOUS!) Anyway, she asked me if all 5 kids were mine! I said, oh no...only 3 of them!!! She then says, wow, I was gonna say, how can you be so skinny after 5 kids? But even though all 5 of them aren't yours, how are you so LUCKY to be so skinny after 3? I just laughed at her comment and said, well, I'm not lucky...I actually work really hard to be the way I am. She didn't really say anything after that. And I think that a lot of people that see me, really do think that I am one of those "lucky" ones that just happens to be skinny. When that is definitely not the truth. As most know, I do work out VERY MUCH and try my best to eat as healthy as possible. No I'm not 100%, hence the reason why I don't have a body like Dara Torres! As I drove home tonight and was thinking though, I really do take pride in my body...though I may get down on myself at times and have those "poor me" moments...working out is just apart of who I am. It's something that I love and something that I love to see results from. So, I'll keep donig what I'm doing...and someday, maybe someday, when I'm 41 years old I MIGHT look as good as that girl up in that picture....

Chicken Cutlets Milanese

I had totally forgotten about this yummy recipe, until I went to Idaho this last weekend. I made this dish for my grandma and mom when we were up there last year. My mom doesn't get to eat chicken at her house, because my dad is WiErD and doesn't eat chicken! So, every excuse we get to make chicken, we do it! I made a different chicken dish at my grandma's this year, but when I got home, I looked through all my recipes to find this one so I could make it this week. I love the flavor of the Balsamic Vinaigrette with the chicken...it's a great combination. If I remember correctly, I got this recipe from my mom's Weight Watcher cookbook! When I make this, I make up some brown rice and a veggie for the kids because they don't like the vinaigrette dressing! But they LoVe the chicken! Really simple, healthy, yummy dinner!
1/4 Cup dried italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tbls grated parmesan cheese
4 (3 ounce) thin sliced chicken breast cutlets
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
2 cups Arugula or Spinach
Large tomato, diced
1/2 Cup thinly sliced vidalia or sweet onion
3 Tbls light balsamic vinaigrette dressing
ground pepper

Mix bread crumbs and chese on wax paper, coat chicken. Heat oil in skillet over med heat. Add chicken and cook until browned (about 2 1/2 min per side) Combine Arugula, tomato and onion in med bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Place on plates, top w/chicken and pepper to taste.

Lunch and Workout

Todays lunch was VERY Yummy!!! Small turkey sandwich with turkey (obviously), pepper jack cheese (my fave), little miracle whip and mustard, salt and pepper, spinach and cucumbers. Paired with baby carrots and some VERY yummy watermelon!!

Todays workout:
P90X Back and Biceps
Ab routine
WALKED 2 miles :(

I woke up this morning with a MAJOR headache and it has never gone away. When I tried to run on the treadmill I thought my head was gonna FALL OFF!!! So, I just walked for 1/2 an hour and got a few miles in that way. Even walking hurt!!! :(

My kind of breakfast

Aren't my flowers cute?? My adorable husband picked them up on his way home from work last night...somewhere on the side of the road or maybe from someones yard..he wouldn't say!!!
MMMMM...After being out of town, our fridge was BARE...I went to the store last night...my fridge is now FULL of fresh fruits and veggies!!! yay!
For my eggs, I did 2 egg whites and 1 full egg...mixed w/green onion and red bell peppers...strawberries and nectarine on the side! YUMMY!!!

Today's Workout

P90X Chest, Shoulders and Triceps = Totally kicked my BUTT!!!! yay!
Ab Workout
Ran 4 miles (on the treadmill)

I felt like I have totally neglected myself in the workout and eating right area. Especially over this last weekend being out of town. I think I gained like 5 pounds with all the stuff I ate!! So, it totally felt SO GOOD to get on the bandwagon of eating good and working out. As much as I am grateful for the treadmill that sits in my "nice piano room".....it sure is boring running on that thing! I haven't done one of my long runs yet this summer because after mile ONE I'm so bored!! I have to force myself to keep running to even do my 4-6 miles. I will definitely be glad to run outside when the weather changes again. But, for now, I'll be happy that I even have something to run on inside!!!!

Lemon Garlic Chicken

This is one of my families favorite meals. I love the flavor of the chicken. This recipe is from my P90X workout meal plan. We have this chicken often. I serve with wild rice and usually steamed brocolli and zuchini...this night I only had the brocolli!!!

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp molasses

2 tsp worcestershire sauce

4 garlic cloves

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

combine first 4 ingredients in a nonreactive dish and add chicken. cover and marinate in fridge for 1 hour, turning occassionally.preheat oven to 425 degreesremove chicken from dish, reserving marinade and arrange in shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. pour reserved marinade over chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper. bake for 20 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade. continue baking, without basting, for an additional 20 minutes or until chicken is done...serve with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley if desired

Workouts have been good. I've been running, on the treadmill, but still running!!! I have found that I sure get bored on the treadmill though...and really FAST too!!! It just isn't the same as running outside, but hey, I'll take what I can get!! Last week I wasn't in the mood for strength training...I don't know why!!! So this week, I'm back on the band wagon and todays workout was a BEAR!!! Chest, Shoulders and Triceps...one word...YIKES!!!! But it sure felt good. I'm definitely feeling it already though!!

MIA

I have not posted for quite some time...

Have I been exercising? Yes Have I been sticking to my running/training schedule? Kind of Have I been eating right? Um, a big fat NO for that one. My running has been a little speratic because I haven't been feeling well. I have been doing my strength training though and this week my running should be back to normal! AND hopefully my eating will be too. My meals have been pretty much healthy...it's the AFTER DINNER part that I've had some trouble with. Too much ice cream in so little time!!!!! Yes, ice cream is my BIG DOWNFALL, well that and homemade cookies! ha! Sad, sad story....

Normally, I don't eat sweets during the week, and I let myself have something on the weekends. So NOT the case for the last few weeks, I've been eating anything and EVERYTHING!!

And definitely at the wrong time of night! My butt, hips and thighs are definitely

feeling the aftermath!!! So, here's to a new week...a new start

#1 Goal for the week: NO eating after dinner

#2 Goal for the week: Drink more water

#3 Goal for the week: Stick to my running schedule

#4 Goal for the week: Eat slower and enjoy my meals

Good Dinner

Thanks to Jenny over at Picky Palate for this very yummy salad recipe. I have been so excited to try this recipe because I LOVE salads so much. This was a BIG hit for us parents AND the kids! They even had seconds!!! I was hoping to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow but everything was GONE!!! I guess that's a good sign! I added cucumbers to our salad because the girls don't like tomatoes (weird) and I forgot to buy cilantro while I was at the store, so needless to say, I didn't add any to the dressing. In the words of my hubby...'I think this ones a keeper!' Yay!!! Also, as I was eating this, I was thinking that it would taste really yummy to have crushed tortilla chips on top too! Maybe next time!!!
BBQ Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch Dressing
3 cups thinly sliced Green Leaf Lettuce (I used green and red)
1/4 cup corn
1/4 cup black beans
8 grape tomatoes, halved
1 cooked grilled chicken breast
1/4 cup favorite BBQ sauce (My fave is Sweet Baby Rays..YUM!)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup prepared ranch dressing
1 heaping tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro leaves

1. Layer lettuce, corn, black beans and tomatoes. Dice cooked chicken breast and mix with BBQ sauce. Top over salad and sprinkle with cheese. Please ranch dressing and cilantro leaves into a small bowl to combine. Drizzle over salad and serve!
**This recipe is for 1 large serving, double accordingly**

As for my workouts...I have been continuing with my P90X workouts. I haven't ran for like a week and a half:( I'm very sad...but hoping to be able to get in a run tonight after my food is digested and it cools off a bit. Last week it was too hot at the beginning of the week to run, and then at the end of the week it was raining and COLD! So I didn't get ANY running in. I am SO missing it! Thanks to one my of best friends, Diane, AKA Dave, I will be "borrowing" her treadmill for the summer so I can get my runs in! Hopefully I can get it soon! And it will fit somewhere in my house!!!!

Bow Ties With Sausage & Sweet Peppers

Cute Rebekkah INSISTED on taking a picture of me serving up dinner...and of course, then Abby wanted to be in the picture too!! (don't mind the UGLY hair...i didn't dry it after i got out of the shower...yikes! just be happy that i'm actually SHOWERED in this picture! ha!) *side note*~~ aren't my shorts so cute???!! haha...i love them, they are my favorite...my hubby likes them because they show off my BUTT!!! hahahahaheeheehee
Ok, moving on to tonights dinner...I love this dinner...it's so light and fresh...and it's ALWAYS a hit with the kids. I'm going to probably have to start doubling this recipe when I make it, because with Walker-Boy now eating ALOT, there just wasn't quite enough!!!!
The recipe calls for Spicy Italian sausage links...I use Jennie-O turkey sausage! I've never even tried it the "real" way...I'm sure it's good too! The recipe is from a book I got from Barnes & Noble a LONG time ago, called, Fresh and Simple Pasta Pronto!
Bow Ties with Sausage & Sweet Peppers
8 ounces dried large bow ties
3/4 pound spicy Italian sausage links
2 medium red sweet peppers, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1/2 cup vegetable broth or beef broth (I always use vegetable)
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup snipped fresh Italian parsley

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and return pasta to saucepan.

Meanwhile, cut the sausage into 1 inch pieces. In a large skillet cook sausage and sweet peppers over medium-high heat until sausage is brown. Drain off fat. (good part about using the turkey one, I never have fat to drain out!)

Stir the broth and black pepper into skillet. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour over pasta, add parsley (I always forget the parsley!). Toss gently to coat. Transfer to a warm serving dish and enjoy!

Summer Time Blues

I'm already having the Summer Time Blues...and the kids aren't even officially out of school yet!!! Why? Because it's hot...and yes, I do like the warmer weather...but not the HOT, HOT, HOT weather because then that means running outside is kind of put on hold. I'm trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to get my running in this summer. Should I get a YMCA membership just so I can use the gym? Buy myself a treadmill? If my cute hubby had a normal 8-5 job, this wouldn't even be a problem! But he doesn't...and I'm not gonna get up at 2am to go running before he leaves for work at 3am!!! ha! Hmmmm...decisions, decisions, decisions....I don't WANT a YMCA membership, I cancelled that one last fall. I'm sure I could find a decent treadmill on Craigs List, but where in the crap would I put it???!!!! *sigh*

Homemade Wheat Pizza

I've been making pizza at home for quite a while now...Trader Joe's carries a wheat pizza dough, already made, all you have to do is roll it out and put on your favorite toppings! I loved it, was so easy and they used wheat. Well, since buying my Bosch, I have been wanting to make my own dough, using FRESHLY ground wheat...but I've been scared! Just because I've never done it before I guess. Tonight I took the plunge and put myself to the test!!!!

This Pizza Sauce is the best I have found...well, canned atleast. I love that its Organic, obviously, and it doesn't have any "added" garbage to it.
Toppings for me and Nathan's pizza...pepperoni, olives, onion, red and yellow bell peppers..(cheese of course too, just not pictured)
Kids pizza, just pepperoni and cheese
Our Pizza!! YUM!!!!
The dough turned out pretty good...since it was my first time making the pizza, I wasn't quite sure on how much dough to use on the stone, how much sauce I wanted, etc....I made 2 pizza's with the amount of dough I had, and our pizza turned out REALLY thick. Next time I will make 3 pizza's and have leftovers for the kids for lunch the next day or something. It also definitely needed more sauce and pepperoni's. But now I know!!! I will post the recipe, but the instructions are for using a Bosch, just so you know!!!

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

3 cups hot tap water (not hot enough to burn)

2 Tbsp honey

6-8 cups whole wheat or unbleached white flour (approximate amount)

1 Tbsp Saf yeast

1 Tbsp Salt

1 Tbsp Kitchen Resource Dough Enhancer

Put water, honey and 3 cups of flour in Bosch bowl. Mix until paste consistency. Add yeast and salt. Add additional flour quickly 1 cup at a time only until mixture pulls away from sides of bowl. You may not need to add entire amount of flour or you may need to add a bit more.

If using all white flour, knead 5 minutes. If half white half wheat flour, knead 8 minutes. If all wheat flour, knead 10 minutes.

Add dough enhancer last 2 minutes of kneading.

Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 500 degrees.

Roll crusts to desired shapes and sizes. Add favorite toppings and bake on stone for 7 minutes.

Continued

Okay so here's the recipe for the last dinner pictured, for some reason I couldn't write what I wanted to on the last post.

Roasted Potato and Turkey Salad
12 whole tiny new potatoes (about 1 pound)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp dijon-style mustard
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp pepper
1 pound cooked turkey, cut into bite-size strips (3 cups)
4 slices turkey bacon, crisp-cooked, drained and crumbled
1 small red onion, sliced and separated into rings (i used a sweet onion, red are too strong for me)
1/4 cup snipped fresh Italian Parsley
6 cups torn mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach and leaf lettuce)

Scrub potatoes; prick each potato 2 or 3 times with a fork. Place potatoes in a shallow baking pan, drizzle with the 2 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender; stirring twice. Cool completely. Cut cooled potatoes into quarters.

For dressing, in a small bown whisk together the 1/3 cup olive oil, mustard, garlic and 1/2 tsp pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, turkey, bacon, red onion, and Italian parsley. Add the dressing, tossing gently to coat. Arrange the mixed greens on six dinner plates, spoon turkey mixture over greens. Makes 6 servings.

Like I said, I REALLY enjoyed this recipe and can't wait to have it again soon. Now, on to SELF IMAGE....I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Probably because I have been lacking in this area. Why do women, or myself, have such a problem with liking OURSELVES. Liking myself and my body how it is RiGhT NoW....having self confidence in myself and the way that I look. I don't watch TV, or see the "stars" often...so I don't ever COMPARE myself with them, or want my body to even look like them. I don't feel like I'm hounded with seeing the "perfectness" of hollywood so I would think that I'd have better feelings about myself in general. But sometimes, that just IS NOT THE WAY. I can admit, I have a pretty good body, and I am proud of myself for the things that I have accomplished and the things I have done to get my body where it is today. But what is it, that creeps into my mind, that makes me doubt that? What is it, that makes me look in the mirror and think that it's not good enough? What is it, after working SO hard, makes me shy away from my husband? What is it that makes me feel not good enough for even him? I like feeling confident in myself, and being able to look in the mirror and say, Hell Yeah! I look amazing!!!! I am happy with myself, I am happy in my own skin...but there are those times where I doubt it---and that SUCKS.

Yummy Dinners and Self Image

Both of these recipes I got from a cook book that I've had for a long time, but never tried anything from it. The cookbook was from Better Homes and Gardens. The first recipe is called Grecian-Style Chicken. We really liked it, but all felt like it was missing some seasoning. I'd make it again, if I knew what to season it with. We just added some salt to it, but it could be really good with something else. It calls for Feta cheese and I forgot that part, so that could have added some more flavor to it as well.

Grecian-Style Chicken
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ or fine dry bread crumbs (I used raw wheat germ)
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1/2 of a medium green sweet pepper, chopped
1/2 of a medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp salt
dash ground black pepper
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons water
4 tsp lime juice or lemon juice
3 cups hot cooked orzo, couscous, or rice (I used brown rice)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (2 ounces)

Place wheat germ or bread crumbs in a shallow bowl; coat chicken with the wheat germ or bread crubms. In a large skillet heat 1 tbsp of the oil over medium heat; add chicken and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, turning once. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.

In same skillet heat remaining oil; add zucchini, sweet pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Add tomato wedges, water, and lime or lemon juice; cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat.

To serve, divide orzo, couscous, or rice among four dinner plates. Spoon vegetable mixture over; place chicken on top of vegetables. Sprinkle feta cheese over chicken. Makes 4 servings.

Tonights dinner was this:

And it was SO GOOD. Nathan and I absolutely LOVED it...I will definitely be making it again. The kids really liked it too. The mixture of flavors was delightful to my tongue!!! I think the best part was the potatoes...mmmmm...

One Good Thing About Summer

The FRUIT!!!! Ahhhh, I love summer fruit!!! It makes for WONDERFUL snacks during the day. My little Walker-man LOVES the pineapple already!!! I have to MAKE him stop eating it!!! He's not too hip on the strawberries yet for some reason! But he also LOVES watermelon, just like my girls!

I have started my training again. I took ALL of last week off from running, it felt good to have a bit of a break, but I'm ready to get back on the train!!! I did 4 miles yesterday and Saturday and it felt pretty good. Saturday my shins were hurting pretty bad the first mile, but were okay after that. Yesterday I did the 4 miles while pushing Walker in the jogging stroller, I much prefer running ON MY OWN!!! But, you do what you gotta do I guess!!

Fajitas and YOGA

Todays workout: POWER YOGA which was much needed! I really deserved a good stretch and it felt SO good. It's been a while since I've done my yoga and I enjoyed it very much!

For dinner tonight I made fajitas...super EASY fajitas...I got this idea from my sister in law Leah a few years ago when we visited her in Texas. They are very easy and very yummy:) I LOVE the yellow bell pepper in them! So tasty!!!

Slice up 1-2 yellow(or orange) bell peppers and one onion. Put about 1/2 tbsp butter in your pan and sautee the veggies for about 3-5 minutes or so on medium heat...just until the onions are transparent.
Then I add a can of shredded chicken and add the spices. Salt and Pepper, chili powder, garlic salt, and onion powder..I don't measure, just do whatever looks good!
Put some sour cream on your tortilla (I use wheat), the chicken mixture, little cheese and salsa and your good to go! Then just roll it up like a burrito, or however you want!

Dinner & Workouts

This was tonights dinner...thanks to Heather over at Downright Delish. Nathan and I really liked it! Very light and healthy, yet filling! Unfortunately, NONE of the kids agreed with us. I think it was the vinegar flavor that they didn't like. I'm pretty sure they all went to bed hungry tonight, because I don't make something else when they don't like it! (yes, i'm mean) Dinner is dinner, take it or leave it!! Anyway....I really liked the cherry tomatoes and the added flavor of the bacon. The only thing I did differently with the recipe was used Turkey Bacon instead of regular. (I use turkey bacon for everything)

As for workouts this week, I am taking a week off of my running schedule...give myself a little time to recover from the race. However, I am doing my P90X workouts this week, so that's not much time off!!! Yesterday I did back and chest...and today I did Plyometrics (jump training). Holy sheesh...that was a rough one. It's been a while since I've done that one and I was DEFINITELY feeling it. Pretty darn sure my legs will be sore from that one! It's a great feeling!!!

1/2 Marathon Results

Completion time: 2 hours, 19 minutes, 11 seconds
Pace per mile: 10:37
Out of 37 women my age, I came in at #26
Out of 220 women overall, I came in at #109

I am really happy with my results. It was a REALLY tough race...I struggled with a lot of things on this race. Elevation being a main one, the amount of hills, and on about mile 8 I was doubled over on the side of the road in tears because of a HORRIBLE side cramp....I knew I had to get my head where it needed to be if I was going to finish the race....so I just kept going...plugging along...and finished pretty well. I beat my time from my last race and I am really happy with my Pace per mile. As I was running I realized that the race was all about me, nobody else. I didn't know ANYBODY else on that race (except Christine of course) and I wasn't running it for them. It was all about me and what I wanted to accomplish.....GO ME!!! :)

Dinners and Excessive SNACKING!

This is last nights dinner...it's called 3 Bean Avocado Dip...I really LOVE it and so does the hubby. Kids like it, I think only because they get to each Tortilla Chips with it! It reminds me kind of like a Chili recipe, but without meat.
I just LOVE all the beans in it...Black, Kidney and Pinto...YUM I'll post the recipe at another time!
THIS is tonights dinner (sorry for the bad picture) I was SO not in the mood to cook dinner tonight for some reason...and what I was going to make, I couldn't becuase my yellow peppers that were in the fridge, went bad on me. So, Nathan had the idea of doing breakfast burritos...and it was so very good!!!
Just eggs, sausage and whatever spices he put in there...little cheese on top, wrapped up in a nice wheat tortilla! I paired it w/a side of apples on the side too...I think the best part was that I didn't have to make it!!!

Now, on to the SNACKING...I don't know what my deal is this week...but I feel like I'm CONSTANTLY snacking on stuff! Today was actually the first day I didn't do a lot of snacking, and I was actually surprised at myself! Because the last few days have been retarded!! ha! I've been 100% with my NO sugar/sweets this week which I'm very happy with...(especially since my 1/2 marathon is THIS SATURDAY!) but I'm sure my calorie intake has been pretty high because of the constant eating!! Oh well, next week is a new week!!! Wish me luck on my big race!!! :) I'm totally ready for it and SO excited!! Woohoo!

My New Find!

I have been searching for an "energy bar"/"good for me bar" for quite some time. But they all have so much ADDED Crap in them! I hated it...well I was purusing bloggers websites and found a girl talking about these Larabars. So the last time I was at the grocery store, I looked for them and found them! There is NOTHING added to them, only natural ingredients...no high fructose corn syrup or words I cannot pronounce!!! They have No added sugar, they are unprocessed, raw, Gluten free, Dairy free, soy free, vegan...today I tried the chocolate coconut chew and i was pleasantly surprised at how good it was! Even my 17 month old ate it! My husband took one to work but I don't know which one he took...I need to ask him if he liked it. Anyway...what was ALSO cool about that girls website...she made her OWN version of the larabars!! So now if I don't want to buy them, I can make them myself!! yay!!!!
This is my peanut butter! It is so yummy...I LOVE it on homemade bread thats been toasted (as stated in a previous entry!) and with celery or just whatever!! AND it's good for me! No hydrogenated oils! yipee!!! I still have JIF in the cupboard...but I switched it on the kids too, and they dont even know it! I use this kind for Rebekkah's sandwich EVERY morning!
And THIS is my 6 pack...a DEAR friend has been requesting a picture of this...so I thought I'd give it a whirl...I don't think the picture does myself justice...I guess I need a DARK tan on my stomach and oil all over it like most people do for pictures! hahaha

Todays workout was Chest and Back...Pushups and pullups!!! LOVE IT!!! I also did my AB workout which kicked my butt cuz I haven't done it faithfully for a while!!!!

Nike Poster

I got this quote from a Nike Poster and it served me well today...
"The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running"

I REALLY love this quote and will think of it often in my training. This morning I got up at 4:45, ate some yummy toast with REAL peanut butter (no JIF thanks!) and got ready to leave. (And can I just say, my homemade bread is DEVINE when it's toasted!!! ha!) Christine picked me up and we did another great trail run over in the San Tan Mountains. She did awesome!!! No puking for her this time! It was a beautiful morning, a little chilly to start out but not too bad. A perfect morning for a run. I only wish I had a SMALL camera I could take with me to take some pictures...but I DON'T so you'll just have to imagine the beautifulness of the morning!!!

1/2 Marathon is only ONE week away!! I am getting really excited and feel really good about the run! yay!

Todays Workout

I LOVED doing the trail run today...I did 7 miles and it was so fun. Unfortunately CHRISTINE threw up about 2 miles into it but she kept on trucking!! I definitely think that my BUTT will be sore the next few days with all the hills I did. But I really did enjoy doing it. The best part is that the San Tan's are only like 10 minutes away from where we live. So now I can go back often!!!

AND my arms are SO VERY sore from yesterdays workout! I love the feeling of being sore though, because I KNOW that I did a darn good workout. So from todays run, and yesterdays workout...I should be sore ALL over by tomorrow morning!

Back and Biceps

This workout KICKED my butt today....my arms were shaking SO bad by the end of it!!! my husband called right as I was finishing and I could barely hold up the phone! hahahaha

Wide Front Pullups: 15 reps
Lawnmowers: 14 reps, 15 lbs
Twenty-Ones: 21 reps, 10 lbs
One Arm Cross-Body Curls: 13 reps, 12 lbs
Switch Grip Pullups: 12 reps
Elbows-Out Lawnmowers: 12 reps, 15 lbs
Standing Bicep Curls: 15 reps, 12 lbs
One-Arm Concentration Curls: 8 reps, 12 lbs
Corn Cob Pull Ups: 10
Reverse Grip Bent Over Rows: 12 reps, 10 lbs
Open Arm Curls: 12 reps, 12 lbs
Static Arm Curls: 16 reps, 12 lbs
Towel Pullups: 12
Congdon Locomotives: 40 reps, 12 lbs
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10 reps, 12 lbs
One Arm Corkscrew Curls: 12 reps, 15 lbs
Chin-Ups: 12 reps
Seated Bent Over Back Flys: 8 reps, 10 lbs
Curl Up/Hammer downs: 9 reps, 15 lbs
Hammer Curls: 8 reps, 15 lbs
Max Rep Pullups: (wide front) 9 (my goal was 12 but it was really hard for me just to do the 9!!)
Superman: 5 reps of holding for 10 seconds
In-Out Hammer Curls: 8 reps, 12 lbs
Strip Set Curls: VERY HARD SET!!!! 5 reps, 15 lbs...8 reps, 12 lbs...16 reps, 10 lbs

I am SO excited for tomorrow! My running buddy and I are going over to the San Tan Mts to do a trail run!! Yipee!! I can't wait!!!

Factors

I continue to be amazed at how many factors can come into play when running. What I mean is, how one day a 9 mile run can seem so easy, but then the next day a 5 mile run is difficult. Last week I had two days where I ran 5 miles each...and they were very difficult. Yet, I was running in almost 90 degree weather. That same week, I ran 9 miles and I felt SO GOOD...the temp? probably around 65 degrees! The heat can take so much out of you, it's amazing. Lack of water, lack of food, too much food, how much sleep i am getting...all big factors in my running performance. My speed is getting better, especially on my long run days. When I ran 9 miles last week, I did it in 1 hour and 35 minutes...that works out to having 10 minute, 33 second mile. Not too bad for me! That's about a minute and a half faster then what I've been running in the past. I am feeling good and am getting excited for the 1/2 marathon, which is coming up quickly!!! I keep wondering what I am going to do next???!!! What will I get to work towards after this next race???

Shoulders and Arms

1st set:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 12 reps/12 lbs
In & Out Bicep Curls: 16 reps/12 lbs
Two Arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10 reps/10 lbs
2nd set:
Alternating Shoulder Presses: 14 reps/12 lbs
In & Out Bicep Curls: 16 reps/12 lbs
Two Arm Tricep Kickbacks: 10 reps/10 lbs
3rd set:
Deep Swimmers Presses: 12 reps/12 lbs
Full Supination Concentration Curl: 10 reps/12 lbs
Chair Dips: 25
4th set:
Deep Swimmers Presses: 10 reps/12 lbs (wasnt happy w/that little of reps for myself:(
Full Supination concentration Curl: 11 reps/12 lbs
Chair Dips: 25
5th set:
Upright Rows: 14 reps/12 lbs
Static Arm Curls: 16 reps/12 lbs
Flip Grip Twist Kickbacks: 18 reps/5 lbs
6th set:
Upright Rows: 14 reps/12 lbs
Static Arm Curls: 16 reps/12 lbs
Flip Grip Twist Kickbacks: 16 reps/5 lbs
7th set:
Seated Two Angle Shoulder Flys: 16 reps/10 lbs
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10 reps/12 lbs
Lying Down Tricep Extensions: 10 reps/12 lbs
8th set:
Seated Two Angle Shoulder Flys: 16 reps/10 lbs
Crouching Cohen Curls: 10 reps/12 lbs
Lying Down Tricep Extensions: 8 reps/12 lbs
BONUS ROUNDS:
In and Out Straight Arm Shoulder Flys: 20 reps/5 lbs
Congdon Curls: 10 reps/15 lbs
Side Tri-Rises: 12
In and Out Straight Arm Shoulder Flys: 20 reps/5 lbs
Congdon Curls: 10 reps/15lbs
Side Tri-Rises: 12

I only got halfway through my ab workout today...Walker woke up just as I was starting it, and I wasnt able to finish because he was ready to EAT!!! Yesterday I did 5 miles and tomorrow is my long run, 8 miles! yay!!!! My arms are VERY tired from the workout and I have a feeling they are going to be pretty darn sore!!!! As for dinner tonight, we just had good ol' spaghetti!!! Greenbeans, cesar salad and wheat french bread...BUT Walker ATE most of my plate so I was hungry about an hour ago...so I had me a bowl of granola! yum!!! (maybe I should go do some jumping jacks to work that off! ha!)

It's HOT!!!

Holy cow...it was definitely HOT this afternoon!!! I had 5 miles to do today, and it was a killer! The sun was not my friend today! But I accomplished my 5...with all the little stops for water in between! I've never taken so many water breaks! sheesh! But my body definitely needed it...when I got home, I lost count of how many glasses I drank while making dinner!

Speaking of dinner...head over to www.downrightdelish.wordpress.com for a yummy dinner! Scroll down until you find the Sweet Pork Dinner. That's what we had tonight, and it was a HIT!!! I didn't do many things the same as hers, because it was just too much work! ha! I did the pork the same and it was SO YUMMY!!! The flavor was great. We did make burritos out of it, but I used plain brown rice, and didn't make the Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing. I just used the pork, brown rice, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, a little cheese and a little sour cream and called it good! Maybe some day I'll do it the "real" way but for today it was just dandy! And it will be tomorrow too, because we have a ton of leftovers! yay! No cooking for me tomorrow:)
The kids gobbled it down!! When I was almost finished with my food, Rebekkah goes, uhoh mom! You forgot to take a picture! Ah well!!!

Granola

Granola is a family favorite....this recipe is handed down from my Grandma Cleverly...its good for you and not full of all the garbage that comes in the cereals/granola from the store....
I am amazed at what are put in cereals these days, even ones that CLAIM to be healthy for you. I don't buy "sugar" cereals for my kids...no fruit loops, no trix, nothing like that. But even the ones that I buy that I THINK are atleast a LITTLE bit good for them, really aren't. Did you know that Special K has High Fructose Corn Syrup in it???!!!! I about died....not only is there so much crap in the cereals out there, they are freakin' expensive!!! I walked down the cereal isle this week and a box of cereal was $7!!!! WHAT??!!!! Are you kidding me???!!!! I could not believe my eyes. So I decided it was time for us to make some GOOD for you granola this weekend. The recipe calls for brown sugar...I ommited this from my last batch and it still tastes great to me and the kids didn't even know it was gone! The honey gives it enough sweetness...
Enjoy!

6 cups quick oats (or you can do 3 cups quick, 3 cups regular oats)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (I started taking this OUT of the recipe, to cut down on sugar)
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup flaked coconut (unsweetened)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (i have always used walnuts)
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (HAS to be raw, salted is disgusting in this recipe!)
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup vegetable oil (i started using grapeseed oil and use just about 1/2 cup)
2 tbsp water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup raisins

In large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, coconut, sesame seeds, nuts, sunflower seeds and nonfat dry milk. Stir until mixed well. In another bowl, combine honey, oil, water and vanilla. (i usually will use a wire whisk to get this part mixed together good) Add to oat mixture and stir to coat ingredients well.

Turn into two large shallow baking pans. Heat in 300 degree oven for20-25 minutes or until LIGHTLY toasted. (ovens vary, i usually only need to cook mine for 15-18 minutes) Stir twice during heating. Once cooled, crumble into pieces and add raisins if desired.

Tonights Din-Din

I got this recipe out of a slow cooker cookbook. It looked good and so we tried it...and it was OK. Not WONDERFUL by any means, but it was an ok meal. The kids thought it was OK too. I KNOW it wasn't one of Nathan's favorites by the "lack" of comments...like, you did a great job hun! Or this tastes really good....I had to actually ASK him what he thought, THAT in itself is a bad sign!! hahahaha He said it was good, just kind of felt like there was something missing, which I totally agreed with, just seemed kind of blah! I'll post the recipe and you can give it a whirl if you'd like! The good thing about this recipe was that it was WAY easy and hardly any cleanup!!! ha!

Southwester Chicken
2 cans corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar (16oz) chunky salsa
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast havles
1 c low fat shredded cheddar cheese

Combine corn, beans and 1/2 cup of the sals in slow cooker. Top with chicken. Pour remaining salsa over chicken. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours. Sprinkle with cheese, cover 5 minutes for cheese to melt.

The Long One

Today I did 8 miles and I felt pretty good! When I do my long runs, I always stash away a water bottle in a bush...i grabbed a drink after mile 3, and when I went back after mile 6, my water was gone! I was sooooo ticked...the people that supposedly "clean" up our subdivision threw it in the garbage! JERKS!!!! :)

Anyway, tonights dinner, I forgot to take a picture of...so you get what was left on Nathan's plate! I made meatloaf w/ground turkey (recipe from my P90X workout)...paired that with peas (YUMMY) and 1/2 of a baked potato...very good dinner!!

Today

First Set: Second Set

Standard PushUps: 15 Standard PushUps: 13

Wide Front Pull Ups: 12 Wide Front Pull Ups: 13

Military PushUps: 8 Military PushUps: 5

Reverse Grip Chinups: 12 Reverse Grip Chinups: 12

Wide Fly Pushups: 13 Wide Fly Pushups: 8 (was not happy about that)

Close Grip Overhand Pullups: 12 Close Grip Overhand Pullups: 11

Decline Pushups: 9 Decline Pushups: 8

Heavy Pants: 10 reps/15 pd dumbells Heavy Pants: 10 reps/15 pd dumbells

Diamond Pushups: 13 Diamond Pushups: 10

Lawnmowers: 12 reps/15 pd dumbells Lawnmowers: 12 reps/15 pd dumbells

Dive Bomber Pushups: 9 Dive Bomber Pushups: 7

My arms were already sore, after only 2 hours of doing this workout! hahahaha...this is one of my favorite ones out of the P90X series...for my pullups, i Use a chair...someday, I'll be buff enough to do 20 with/OUT the chair!!! YES!!!
For dinner tonight we had turkey burgers (no bun for me). I LOVE having turkey burgers, they are so yummy....I paired that with steamed brocolli, some corn and baked beans...tonights meal is a favorite in our house and its so easy!!!

Yum!

I did my 4 miles today and it was rough AGAIN!!! It was very hot outside and I think that was my problem!!! Anyway, I still did it...looking forward to my rest day tomorrow. Even though I wont be "resting" per say...I wont be running, but I will be doing my P90X workout to continue in my buffness!!! hahahaha

I'm including the recipe for our dinner from last night....TOTALLY loved this...especially the sugar snap peas...i'm a sucker for those! i Love them!!!! (recipe is from picky palate)
Vegetable Ziti with Garlic Caper Cream Sauce and Bacon Crumbles

1 lb dry ziti pasta noodles ( i used whole wheat penne)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 medium red bell peppers, finely diced
8 oz bag sugar snap peas
2 medium zucchini, halved then thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons capers
¾ Cup heavy cream
1 1/2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
12 slices precooked bacon, crisped and crumbled (I used turkey bacon not precooked...and I didnt use 12 slices...maybe only 5 or 6)

1. Cook ziti noodles according to package directions, drain and set aside.
2. Place oil into a large 5 qt skillet or other large pot over medium heat. When hot, stir in bell peppers, sugar snap peas, zucchini, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes then reduce heat to low.
3. Place oil into a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and capers for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes, until bubbly and starting to thicken slightly.
4. Pour noodles into vegetables then pour sauce over pasta. Stir in crumbled bacon until combined on low heat. Season with additional salt and pepper and parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy!

I really used to HATE cooking. But over the last few months, I have really started to actually enjoy it! I love getting new recipes and trying them out. Sometimes they are good, sometimes NOT so good! But overall, they have all been pretty tasty...and for the most part, pretty healthy too. I've found that there is a certain satisfaction in taking the time to cook something, and it turn out really good...and my family really enjoy it! I still hate making the dinner schedule every week....but I actually don't mind cooking the dinners!!!

Soft Tacos with Southwestern Vegetables

This is the recipe for the tacos i made earlier in the week...the pictures are in an earlier post...

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped (i didnt use red)
1 cup diced yellow summer squash
1 cup diced green zucchini (i dont like squash, so i just doubled the zucchini)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno chili, seeded and chopped
1 cup fresh corn kernels (cut from about 2 ears of corn) or 1 cup frozen corn
1 cup canned pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
8 corn tortillas (i used white corn)
1/2 cup smoke flavored salsa (i just used regular salsa!)

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the summer squash and zucchini and continue cooking until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, jalapeno, corn kernels and beans. Cook until the veggies are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Add cilantro

To serve, divide the tortillas among individual plates. Spread an equal amount of the mixture on each tortillas. top with salsa and serve immediately. (I also added a little cheese on top)

It's Begun!

My training has begun once again! I ran 5 miles yesterday...and I'm not gonna lie, it was rough!!! I thought about just doing 3, but pushed myself to finish and do what I was supposed to. Not only am I still recovering from being sick, my monthly visitor showed up yesterday morning! These are the times I absolutely HATE running...while being on my period.

Had a really yummy dinner last night...a pasta full of yummy vegetables...will post pics of that one later and the recipe. No struggle with my no sugar rule yet this week! (it's only tuesday though! HA)

Last Night's Dinner

Soft Tacos with Southwestern Vegetables

I really liked this recipe...loved the colors and flavors...

and it was VERY HEALTHY!!!! Had black beans, corn, tomatoes, zucchini..

YUM!!!

Just For Me

I've decided to get myself another blog. Weird I know....but I wanted another place for me...a place where I can come to document my journey in running and eating....a place to hold myself accountable for the things I do or do NOT do. Most people probably won't read this, but that's ok. I wanted it for me anyway!!! I would hope that people would want to read it, because my running, my physical activity, my healthy (sometimes) eating, my mental musings, are very important to me. Yet some may find it boring....and in the words of my Grandma, SO BE IT!!!! I'm excited about this new place for myself....and feel good about having somewhere to come to document myself and the things that I do.

Happy Day!