Fast shaming

So, I had a very interesting experience this weekend I want to share.  A few weeks ago I decided to finally get it together and race a 4 miler.  I have been lifting like a maniac for the first time, and despite being stuck on a treadmill for the past few months, I finally feel like I am starting to get some speed back.  Well, the race was a gigantic cluster-f.  I felt terrible, and got bumped from second to third female in the last 400m.  Walkers totally got in the way of the front runners, and had a shit fit when I gave them the customary "on your left".  A group of women actually did the mean girls style "Oh My God! She said 'Runners on left' What a bitch!".  Seriously, you are a WALKER.  Get out of the way.

I finished with an okay time of 25:08. I get that this is a 6:17 mile pace, and many people would die to be able to run that fast, HOWEVER, it felt terrible, and it was just a poor race in general.
So, my dumb self decides to post my time and place on the page of a certain running group (of women no less) and gets absolutely ripped to shreds.  Mind you, this is a group where women post all the time about their accomplishments and get serious accolades for doing things like "running for a whole 5k-no walking", or placing in an age group at a 5k.  So, apparently, when I posted a fast time and followed it with the comment that it was an "ugly race, but getting better" that pissed some of them off.  I got "you should consider the audience of the group and not post times like that", and "the time that you are complaining about many would love, just saying'".  Wow.  High school style much? I guess it doesn't matter that I work out super hard, live a clean lifestyle, pay for races, coach, volunteer, etc.  I guess I am just a show off and a bia-tch.  I like to refer to this conundrum as "fast shaming".  We are supposed to praise the 45 minute 5k runner for such a wonderful accomplishment, and the six hour marathoner for "sticking with it", but if you run a fast time, even not as fast as you feel you could have, you shouldn't boast of even speak of it for that matter.

I have certainly learned my lesson.  No longer will I put up times in a group of women.  They can wallow in their own self-rigeousness and keep congratulating  eachother for their "accomplishments".
I'll just post on the pages of my FAST friends.
Keep running.

Life is not easy

Hello again friends.
As you may or may not have seen, my blog has changed directions a bit from being recipe/vegan based into more of an all around training/advice format.  Just trying something new.

Let's take a minute to address reality.  At least once a week, I hear someone say, "I'd get in shape if I had the time", or "I really want to..."-but THEY DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.  Talk is cheap.  I am a mom to a four year old, and a four month old, I work, go to graduate school, volunteer, keep a clean house, cook, and a zillion other things but somehow I still find time to break a sweat almost every day.   Everyone is busy, but if you are too busy in your 20's, 30's, and 40's to get your shit together, you might not be around to enjoy your 60's, 70's, and 80's.  I'll be the first to admit that there was a time in my life when my priorities were a hot mess, but I decided to take action and make a change. 

I am not sure who came up with the mantra, "trust the process", but that is what I do every day.  Life is a journey and if you can make a goal and a road-map that you actually follow to get to your goal, the possibilities are endless.  By saying that, let's get real.  I am 5'3" and no matter how hard I work at it I will never be a pro basketball player, so keep a realistic perspective and make your goals attainable. 

While coaching I have tried to instill "positive optimism" in all of my athletes.  Visualization of winning a race (or finishing a race) can be extremely helpful.  If you believe it, it can happen.  Trust in your own abilities and gifts and find the strength to keep moving forward.  This is not the time for excuses.  Get up off your ass and be the change in your life. 

That is all, next week I'll start adding some pretty sweet-ass videos so check it out.

Hello again friends!

Sooo, I took a little hiatus to birth a child and all of that fun stuff, but now I am back and better than ever.  Or something like that.  For this post I want to address the ever-elusive "New Year's Resolution Monster". 

At the beginning of December every year I start to dwell on the fact that another year is waning and I obsess about everything I said I was going to do at the beginning of the year.  Typically, I make a dumb resolution like eating better or going to spin class every week, and like most people I give up on that around March-ish.  Luckily this past year was completely different.....My goal was to see how much I could do in 2013.  And shit, I did a lot.

My husband and I started off the year by finding out we were going to have another rug rat.  At first I was totally overwhelmed and wished black death to his man-junk, but eventually I got over that and semi-enjoyed getting gigantic in the midsection and peeing every second.

Next we bought a jeep.  This might not seem note-worthy to some people, but it was my last hold out before becoming the suburban-SUV driving-soccer mom. 

We actually went on a for-real family vaca to Arizona where we hung out with family, had multiple heart and panic attacks at the Grand Canyon, and I got to ride on a plane with a three year old.  All things considered, it was a great trip.

THEN I finally graduated from college and got accepted into grad school.

And we bought a new house. In the burbs.  Now I really am THAT mom. 

So that was 2013.  Any-who, back to my original point....instead of failing at another resolution I am resolving to "GSD" (getting shit done).  Please join me and let's make this a year for the books. 

Keep truckin friends.

"So, are you having a bit of a weight problem?"
No, butthead, I'm pregnant. 
This is the story of my day today.  Unless you are in my immediate family, or my yoga teacher, you might have noticed that I have been wearing leggings, a lot as of late.  You guessed it folks, baby momma strikes again.  My husband and I are expecting our second kiddo sometime in September and I couldn't be more happy.  It is really nice to take some time off from running races every weekend and suffering through long training runs.  Don't get me wrong, my enthusiasm will be totally renewed and I'll be extra crazy this fall post-baby, but for the time being it will be nice to have a break. 

If you have not noticed I love running.  I can't even explain our relationship with the words in the English language.  I eat, breathe, and live running.  I love to talk about running, read books and magazines about running, figuring out splits, and the list goes on and on.  I also love helping others love what I love, because getting you ass out the door makes you a better person.  That might sound vapid, but damnit, it is the truth.  You ever need a running partner-- I'm your girl.  I have plenty of long, boring stories to fill the time and the uncanny ability to get lost.  Enjoy yourselves friends, and remember; only you can make the world a better place one step at a time. 

Spread the running love.  I'm going to go eat a sandwich.

This is a classic....Eat it and like it.

Black Bean Burgers
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
panko bread crumbs
salsa
cilantro
cheese, avocado, and whatever else you wanna top your burger with.

Mash 3/4 of the black beans with a potato masher or large spoon.  Add a few tablespoons of salsa--less is more to start, you can always add salsa, but not take it out. Thrown in the unmashed beans. Add bread crumbs by the tablespoon until the mixture is fairly dry and you can make patties.  Form the mixture into 4 patties and put them on a plate and cover with plastic wrap.  Let these bad-boys rest for at least an hour in the fridge.  Pan fry the patties in a little grapeseed oil or just in a pan coated with cooking spray.  Enjoy.

There's something to be said for oreos.  They make life that much better.  I know that it's not exactly a profound statement, but it is true.  The oreo is like a little piece of magic icing cloaked in a dark mysterious cookie cape.  If you don't get the idea yet, I am an oreo junkie.  Tonight my husband decided to "remind" me (a.k.a. tell me for the first time) that he has a work pot luck this week and needs a desert.  I jumped at the chance to try out the oreo recipe below.  I run for a reason.  It is so I can inhale these little pieces of joy. 

Since we are on the subject of running, let me tell you something....there is NOTHING worse than being stuck on a treadmill.  Wait, I digress, there is NOTHING worse than being stuck on a treadmill next to someone who decided to douse themselves in cologne before coming to the gym. I don't get it.  If you put on enough toilet water that you taste it, wouldn't you think to give it a rest?  Or are you like, " a little is good, so a gallon must be great?!".  It is not great.  You are gross.  Please use this as a precautionary tale.  If you ever think it is a good idea to dab on a little Cool Water for Men or Old Spice before hitting the gym, it is not.  Just don't do it.  Please, because next time I may have to vomit on your shoes.  thanks

Oreo Peanut Butter Brownie Goodness
1 box brownie mix (8x8 inch size)
24 oreo cookies
1/2 c creamy peanut butter

Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions.  For each cupcake spread 1 tsp pb on 2 oreos and stack them.  Place the oreos into lined muffin cups.  Top with 2 tbsp brownie mix.  Bake 18-20 mins or until brownies are cooked through. 
Makes 12 (I would do at least double)

Today we will address why I am 99% vegetarian.  I come from a pool of DNA that enjoys meat.  Our family doesn't just like meat, they dwell on meat and meat preparation to the extent that I think we own enough cooking mechanisms to fill a small fire house.  I decided to pretty much cut out meat for a variety of reasons.  First, I am the type of person who can't just eat one piece of bacon, it has to be a pound.  This was getting a little excessive.  I was living the Atkin's diet meat dream.  Secondly, I wanted to show my little boy that fruits (and veggies) are not only flavorings, but actual things.  Thirdly, I wanted to find new ways to save some bucks at the grocery store.  Through my extensive cookbook buying spree on Amazon I have learned a lot about vegetarianism and sustainability. Did you know that pb&j sandwiches could literally save the world? If we focused on feeding our children nutritionally complete plant based meals we could save millions of acres of farmland that is wasted growing feed for animals.   I wouldn't say I am necessarily opposed to ever consuming meat again, I would just kind of like to stay away from eating critters.  I kind of enjoy animals too.  If you just open your mind a little and try something new, sometimes you can find you really enjoy it.  This is how I feel about vegetarianism.  Below is one of my favorite breakfasts.  It sounds weird to have quinoa for b-fast, but check it out.  It is super delish.

Inca Quinoa
1c quinoa cooked in 2 c water (see that package for instructions)
1 c non-dairy milk (I use vanilla almond or soy milk)
1/2 c flaked coconut (not the sweetened stuff--use the real deal)
1 tsp vanilla
1 or 2 very ripe bananas
dash of cinnamon
dash of sea salt
a few tablespoons of agave syrup or pure maple syrup

Allow the quinoa to cool for a few minutes, then combine everything in a food processor or blender and blend it to smooth.  I have a small blender so I do this in two batches.

Just a quickie post today.  What a weekend.  Bartending for weddings is kind of getting old, so I finally got my graduate school application fee paid for and sent.  What a huge relief.  For today, I want to address something that is pretty near and dear to my heart.  It is called "accountability". If you are not aware, it basically translates into "saying you will do something and getting shit done". I am so tired of hearing people talk a big game and in the end they have nothing to show for it.  Oh, I am so sorry you are tired.  I am so sorry it is hard or uncomfortable.  Here's what I say, "GET OVER IT>".  You are the only one who can make things happen for yourself.  It's Monday, get up off you ass and take over the world. 
Thank you.  That's all. 

Below is a recipe for "power bars" it doesn't suck.  Make them and use your gained energy to make something happen. 

1 cup whole almonds
1 cup pecans
1 cup rolled oats (not quick oats)
1 cup dried cherries
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp almond extract
1.4+2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
Process 1/2c almonds, pecans, and oats in food processor.  Process to fine crumbs then pour into a large bowl.  Roughly chop remaining pecans and almonds. Add the nuts, cherries, sesame seeds and mix well.
Combine honey, oil, salt, vanilla, and extract in a small sauce pan.  You can add some cinnamon if you want.  Over medium flame heat combination until the mixture foams and then for 15 seconds more. 
Pour honey mixture over the nut/oat mixture and press into an 8x8 pan lined with wax paper.  Chill for 4 hours.