5K Eve

Well, it’s almost time!  I’m starting to feel a little less nervous and more excited!  I drove through the course today to familiarize myself with it, so I feel a little better about where to go and what the run will look like.    I have to say that I’m a tad bit disappointed with the weather.  We are having a Nor’easter – rain, cold, wind.  Major yuckiness.  Not pleasant for running, but what’s a girl to do?  Drop out?  No way!  I’m doing it…no matter how nasty it gets!  How’s that for motivation?!  *okay, that was a total “fake it til you make it” move, but it sure sounded good, didn’t it?*  ;)

My stomach was a bit off this morning and I got a late start on breakfast.  I opted for a Chobani yogurt with lowfat granola and it was perfect…

I had some errands to conquer, then drove my course.  I got a Pumpkin Spice Latte to keep me company (didn’t have my camera on me – bad blogger, so I took my pic when I got home!)…

Lunch was ridiculously late by the time I got home from my gallivanting.  I whipped up a Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burger, topped it with some arugula and Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade and put it on an Ezekiel Sesame Hamburger Bun.  I definitely needed some Sea Salt and Pepper Rice Chips for crunch on the side…

The daughters had friends over for the afternoon and I helped them put together a Halloween Gingerbread House, then left the room before the icing licking got out of hand!

It was pizza night for the husband and daughters, but I opted to eat from the freezer.  I heated up some Vegetable Lasagna along with green beans with evoo, garlic and topped with parmesan…

Who needs pizza ;)

Okay, the time is near.  Thank you all for your awesome comments!  One in particular that cracked me up was from Anonymous Paula telling me to enjoy myself and not worry so much cuz it’s not the Olympics!!  LOL!!!  True that!  But, in a way, it is my own personal version of the Olympics.  I have never done anything like this in my life.  I have never been athletic, never been in shape, never ran and heck, until about 2 years ago, never even like walking much!  So, I’ve come a  long way.  I’ve worked hard these past 2 years to lose 70 lbs., start and continue with a regular exercise program and slowly, but surely, work my way into running.  It’s been a struggle, but the results have been rewarding.  Although it’s scary, I’m looking forward to this race tomorrow.  No matter what the outcome may be, I can feel good about pushing myself to do something that I never thought I could.

Better get some rest.  Big day tomorrow.  Deep breath…

Cooking In The Infirmary

The infirmary is open.  The husband and daughters are sneezing and snotting all over the place.  Won.der.ful.  Big daughter stayed home from school, but since the husband was home, I was able to get in a quick stint at the gym.  Before I left, I grabbed breakfast to-go:  Banana Walnut Breakfast Cookie topped with PB2…

I came up with the cookie recipe the other day and tried it out on the daughters.  They were a big hit;  big daughter ate 2!  They are quite large and very hearty.  I can’t share the recipe with you, yet.  You’ll have to wait to “buy the book” –LOL!  I’m submitting it for Jen’s awesome e-cookbook that she’s putting together for charity, so stay tuned for more info!

After munching down my cookie, I headed straight for the elliptical for a decent 15 minutes.  My friend, Coleen, wanted to bravely try out another contraption, so I went along for the ride.  And a ride it was… The Arc Trainer!!  I have aptly renamed it The Brutalizer.  It is one tough workout.  I did 20 minutes on it and was dripping with sweat.  It was great!  Definitely my new favorite machine.  I threw in a couple sets of lower body exercises with the weights and I started home to the infirmary.  Hack, hack, sniffle, sneeze.  UGH!  On the way, I couldn’t shake a strong craving for an old friend…Starbucks!  I know I shouldn’t have…I really, really shouldn’t…been doing so great being “off” coffee.  But, the Pumpkin Spice Latte was just too hard to resist…

I missed it sooooo much…

Yes, I realize that when you kiss your coffee cup, it’s 1) extremely weird and 2) a sign you have a major problem.  *cue Amy Winehouse*  I don’t want to go to rehab, I say noooo, nooooo, noooo.  :)  It was so good!  I spread the happiness by bringing big daughter a Mocha Frappuccino for her sore throat and she was thrilled!  See?  Spreading the love….

So, when I am stuck in the house with a bunch of sickies, what do I do??  Cook.  And Eat.  But, I mainly chose cook  and I decided it would be healthy, so that’s a step in the right direction!  Ever since seeing this amazing recipe for Big Batch Bulgur Chili on Just Sweet Enough’s blog,  I knew I had to try it.  It was easy, delicious and made a ton!

I had a hearty bowl for lunch…

with a side of Barbeque POPchips …

Yum!  And I have plenty left over that I portioned out for quick heat and eat lunches or dinners…

Little daughter had dance class in the afternoon, so dinner was a crockpot concoction.  I never have much luck with my crockpot meals (too dry/overdone), but I thought I’d try it again.  I pre-browned some chicken thighs and placed it in the crockpot with a little white wine, chicken broth, garlic, lemon zest, s +p and some chopped red peppers.  It was all ready when we got home.  I nuked up a steamer bag of red potatoes and organic corn and dinner was done!

My plate…

And again, I have some leftovers for another time when I don’t feel like cooking.  Which might be sooner rather than later because I think they got me.  The sickies.  I’m feeling a little…ACHOOOOO!  Boo :(

ONE GOOD THING:  Making extra food and freezing it leaves me with lots of good, healthy options for times I don’t feel like cooking or just need to grab something quick.

Question of the Day:  What are your favorite “cook and freeze” meals?