Melange, part deux

• Conditioning camp through Prime Time boxing started today, and meets twice a week for the next 4 weeks. Jumping rope, when you've not done it for a week, is HARD! I may incorporate some jumping rope into my daily morning routine, based on what today felt like. But the other factor may have been that I just had a green smoothie -- nothing more -- before my lung-chucking 45 minute workout, and that may not have been enough fuel.
• I'm dealing with low iron levels and working to bring them up naturally. Back in November I tried to donate blood (something I do on a regular basis -- in fact, I'm a gallon donor as of last year) but was turned away because of low iron levels. Then I had a routine physical about a month ago, and my bloodwork came back as low in iron. So I'm getting my iron tested again in two weeks and I'm hoping that my dietary changes (lots of greens, Vitamin C along with them to increase absorption) will bring me to within normal ranges.
• If you don't already listen to the Vegetarian Food for Thought podcast, you need to start. Even if you're not vegetarian, the episodes about nutrition are fabulous, and the cooking episodes will expand your culinary horizons.
• Got my wedding ring resized and I'm SO HAPPY to be wearing it again!
• Yesterday was my hair appointment and I had my stylist cut some bangs ("fringe" to you, Matt!). I haven't had bangs in years and I'm not sure what I think, but Tim and the kids like it and that's good.
• I really like how I eat. I like buying different produce (I may memorize the codes for kale and chard, as the checker ALWAYS has to look up the information!). I like that what I get at restaurants is different and yummy. This veganish, raw-ish diet is working for me!
  

Melange

• Wife Swap was really boring to me. I think it's because I was expecting a healthful vs. junk food showdown, and that wasn't what it turned out to be. Oh well...
• I am in love with my Vita Mix. It's quieter and more powerful than my $29 Costco blender (well duh, right?) and I'm looking forward to making all sorts of yummy things with it.
• This is my first week of no boxing camp, and it's so much easier to get my running miles in. The great thing about doing boxing camp for five months is that I'm now a confirmed morning exerciser, something I'd always wanted to be. This morning I was up at 5:30, out the door running by 6:00 and had 6 miles done before it was time to get the kids up for school -- sweet!
• I'm having another hungry day, but at least my choices have been good ones.
• Three weeks from today we'll be in HAWAII!!!
  

Wife Swap

Just got a heads up from Angela that Robyn, aka Green Smoothie Girl, is on tomorrow night's Wife Swap on ABC! You'd better believe I'll be Tivo'ing on every television because this is one Wife Swap I don't want to miss.

Live fun!

Trust me when I tell you that I don't go to a lot of concerts or live sporting events. Given that, the next few months are filled with some very unusual things.

Tomorrow night, Tucker and I are doing to see Phantom of the Opera. Neither of us has seen it, although we are very familiar with the music, and we got the tickets back in December so it's been a long wait. We're making an evening of it, with dinner downtown and then the show, and I've got the songs on my iPod so we can sing as we drive.

Then in July, Tucker and I are going to see Idols on Tour, the American Idol show. Colette posted about getting tickets, and that same day I did the same thing -- thanks, Colette!

And saving the best for last, also in July, Tim and I will be about 5 rows back from the stage seeing STEVIE WONDER!!! (I get excited every time I think of it!) For years I've known there are only 3 acts that I really want to see in concert. They are

• Aerosmith
• Sting
• Stevie Wonder

Unfortunately, they're all big name (big $$$) acts too, and I've never been able to bring myself to buy tickets. Well, guess I've gotten past that, because we'll be in row dd at Shoreline Ampitheater for the concert!!!

Time for a quick run, probably with Phantom as my soundtrack in preparation for tomorrow night.

Oh, and in case you think I've forgotten about my other son, he has some concerts in mind, but doesn't really dig the idea of going with his mom! :)

More appreciation!

This time moving from back (longer ago) to front, more thoughts about your thoughts...

Regarding "Weekend Update"

Thank you to everyone who wrote words of encouragement about my boys fighting. It's been almost 2 months since I wrote that post, and things seem to have worked themselves out, like you all said they would. But reading your words when it was really tough, well they really helped!

Also thank you for the vacation suggestions. I'm keeping all of them in mind the next time we plan some family fun a little closer to home!

Regarding "A most unusual day"

Irene -- thanks for the encouragement. I think of you when I run these days, sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.

Evelyne and Katie -- hi!

Eileen -- I like P90X, but Tim uses it more than I do. The variety in the workouts is great and Tony is funny -- kinda goofy funny. I gravitate more towards Art of Strength's "Providence" DVD, which is something you might want to check out.

Matt -- as usual, your words made me smile.

Colette -- thanks so much. I know you would have stayed with Rob, just like I stayed with Tim!

Regarding "Gassed or whatever you call it"

Eileen and Jen -- you're both right, plain and simple. Thank you for your sane perspective.

Regarding "Board breaking"

Stacy -- I miss you too!

Matt -- Thank you for taking the time and thought to write what you wrote. Your thoughts have helped me to find a better balance. And I think I'm coming from a better place these days where it's more like "Just because I CAN doesn't mean I MUST". And I love when you say I've got a wise head on my young shoulders -- thank you!!!

Regarding "The best thing about the retreat"

Matt -- THANK YOU!

Stacy -- It does feel amazing to be free of that "people don't like me" thing. These days when I have the thought, immediately I think "That's not true!" I hope for the same freedom for you, my friend!

Irene -- I've really enjoyed our (too short) times together too!

Evelyne -- your words made me smile -- thank you!

Laurie -- Join me in new-perspective-land -- you'll like it here!

Regarding "When life feels hard"

My friend emailed me and said the suggestions were wonderful.

Eileen -- What we focus on increases, right? Love the idea of making a list of 20 things you're grateful for. And this:

Be in this moment. Stop thinking about past failures (they've already happened) or imagined failures (they have not happened and probably will not even happen). What's happening right this moment? Your choices are to:

1. Accept it: This does not mean you can't change it, but you can say, "OK, this is what's going on."

2. Enjoy it: Have fun with it if you can. And if you cannot, go to #3.

3. Change it: Do what you have to to make it better.

...was amazing!

Jen -- I'm glad to hear you did the online coaching course and benefited from it, and thanks for validating the list idea!

Laurie -- Thanks for the book recommendation, and I hope things have worked themselves out for you.

Irene -- You are right!

Regarding "He makes me so happy"

Anthony C, Katie, Kelly O, Evelyne, and Regina -- thanks, friends!

Regarding "A difficult choice"

Eileen -- we really ARE the same person, just a few thousand miles away! Yep, Tucker and Kelly are both 12, right, and if they met, I think they'd be the best of friends!

Regarding "Run? Done!"

Katie -- I love that someone else has a strategy for when running gets tough. And I love that you're running!

Regarding "New month of boxing camp"

Anthony C -- guys are so different!

Regarding "Recent workouts"

Matt -- Thank you for the education -- you know a lot!

Stacy -- Thanks! Are you still liking P90X?

Regarding "Big fingers"

I just got my ring resized (from 4-3/4 to 5-1/2) and I'm very very happy!

Katie -- boxing may have made my fingers swollen, but they've stayed big?!

Eileen -- As usual, we are the same person!

Irene -- I've ditched the creatine, but fingers are still big. Oh well, better big fingers than big almost anything else, right?

Regarding "Real craziness"

Colette -- I think you're right -- it IS kettlebells, as my hands are much stronger, and I need to ask Tim for assistance with jars less and less.

Regarding " "

Tracy -- I too love me some chocolate chip cookie dough! Good thing we're active enough to burn it off, right?

Regarding "The last post of the day"

Matt, Jen, and Evelyne -- hi and thanks!

Katie -- what a nice thing to say about the mom at TKD. And I hope Medieval Times is a wonderful experience for you and your family. You leave soon, right? Have a blast!

Regarding "Then vs Now"

Jennifer -- thanks for your kind and encouraging words!

Irene -- we'll have to plan a race once you're back to full health, ok?

Anthony C -- thanks and you're right!

Jen -- I LOVE my kitchen and I'm so glad you like it too! I tried to email you, but it bounced back. Let me know your email and I can send specifics, plus what I like and what I'd do differently, ok?

Regina -- I hope life is getting better and better for you! More kitchen pictures can be found here.

Matt and Colette -- THANK YOU!

Tracy -- LOL!

Regarding "Wish me luck"

Take One -- Thanks for the encouraging thoughts!

Shelly -- What a positive thing to read -- thank you!!!

Stacy -- Thanks so much!

Matt -- THANK YOU!!!

Regina -- Thanks for your sweet words!

Regarding "Race Report"

Regina, Take One, Matt, Irene -- THANK YOU!

Jennifer -- No, I didn't get her email, but I wish I had!

Time to do some housework. More soon...

Comment appreciation

Thank you, everyone, who takes the time to read this weblog. And bigger thank yous are extended to those who not only read, but take the time to write! So starting from most recent and moving backwards...

Regarding "Me<135"

Pamela, Katie, Matt, Irene, and Colette -- hi wonderful friends and thanks!

Kelly O -- let me know how you like green smoothies. I'm still lovin' 'em!

Evelyne -- I will miss boxing camp. The people are fun and the workouts fascinating. Will I miss getting up at 4:45? Not so much! Don't know what my next challenge will be, but I love that you think I'll find one -- that encourages me. And yeah, husband is very fun, and way more like a boyfriend. Although I did get my wedding ring resized and just got it back yesterday, so now I'm feeling engaged! :)

Jennifer -- thanks! I'm officially 5' 5-1/2" tall (got measured at the doctor recently) and I have a medium frame. Because being in the low 130s has eluded me for so long, it's just a really happy thing to be where I've wanted to be.

Regarding "Rainbow in my bowl"

Matt -- what you wrote is poetic and lovely and something we all should consider. Here are Matt's words:

The main thing is you do something in a way that makes you happy.

It's ultimately how you have to be. You need to exercise and eat in a way that is beneficial, not overdoing it, and ultimately makes you happy.

To live the life you want, love the life you want, and feel emotionally uplifted by how you do what you do.

So as long as you feel your choices are right for you, and you know they can be placed into your life, to compliment it, not complicate it, then you are doing what you feel is best.

Colette, Pamela, Irene, and Evelyne -- thanks girlfriends!

Regarding "When cleaning up your diet"

Pamela -- hi!

Katie -- the DMD-CRs are almost gone, and that's a good thing! :)

Regarding "To veg or not to veg"

Shelly -- good for you for finding what works for you. I agree that I don't want to drink my meals, but green smoothies don't have the energy (calories) to be a meal. To me they're a -- a really light appetizer, I guess. But the way I make them, they're maybe 250 calories for a full blender, and then Tim and I split that, so nope -- that ain't breakfast for me!

Matt -- lol!

Jen -- I checked out the CSC weblog a few weeks back when you recommended it, but the green smoothie info didn't "take" -- guess I wasn't ready. And I'm really happy about the Oprah show with Kathy Freston. Anything that moves us towards better health...

Colette -- GREAT NEWS about 9 servings of fruits and veggies as the recommendation in the schools. Now if we can just find ways to make it happen. And I agree -- I've never felt better now that I'm eating more (at least 10+ servings) fruits and veggies in my diet.

Regarding "New quote"

Colette -- Let me know when you try green smoothies, and how you like them.

Matt -- I don't know much (anything) about food combining, but slightly remember reading that greens should be considered their own food group (the category "vegetables" is just way too broad) and that they combine with everything. But utlimately the proof is in how you feel, and I feel amazing when I drink green smoothies.

Regarding "Food and immaturity"

Eileen -- You have such a balanced perspective on things! "There are no new answers, just new books." You are so right. But I'm still keeping my Amazon Prime account, at least for now. :)

Jen -- Michael Pollan does have some great info, doesn't he?

Colette -- You are right. And my tomato plants are looking marvelous, by the way!

Matt -- Wow! I learned a lot from what you wrote. And thanks for the nice race wishes!

LizN -- I posted the green smoothie recipe a few days ago. Hope you like it!

Regarding "Run is done"

Greg -- I'm running in the SF Half too (with my niece who lives in SF). Are you doing 1st or 2nd? I'm doing 1st because I want to run across the Golden Gate Bridge!

Regarding "Melange"

Matt -- Your words made my heart happy!

Colette -- Thanks for not calling it a half!

Kristen -- Thanks for stopping by. I LOVE your recipes and your site!

me<135

Thank you green smoothies and good eating -- I am officially in the low 130s! I know that weight is just a number, blah, blah, blah, but I'm THRILLED!

Have a great long weekend everyone!

I DO still exercise!

Haven't had much to say about workouts these days. Today was my last day of boxing camp (end of May session) and I'm looking forward to finding a new challenge. Don't know what it will be yet, but I'll be sure to let you know about it when I figure it out.

So this week, workouts have looked like this:
Monday -- boxing camp, swings with clients
Tuesday -- 6 mile run
Wednesday -- boxing camp
Thursday -- boxing camp

I plan to do some longer runs this weekend and maybe the P90X yoga dvd or Art of Strength's Providence kettlebell DVD.

In a few minutes, my boyfriend (actually husband, but boyfriend just sounds and feels like a lot more fun!) will be home from a 5 day golf trip in Oregon. I can't wait!!!

Rainbow in my bowl

I WISH this was my salad, but alas it's not. You can read about it here. When I read what the author had to say about this salad:

"I love color. I have colorful clothes. A colorful home. Colorful things in my hair. A very colorful daughter. Color just makes me really happy. It’s no wonder I LOVE eating raw foods so much…they just add to the happiness. If you’re wondering how to be really healthy and live for a long time…just try to eat every color of the rainbow, every day."

...when I read that, something clicked for me. I love color. LOVE color! If not kept in check, my house would look like a circus.

I've loved color for a long time. When growing up, my best friend invited me to her family's vacation home. The house was 3 stories tall and right on the water at Lake Tahoe. You came in on the 2nd floor from the front (the non-lake side). The first floor was the bedrooms. The third floor was the main living space (with the best view). And the kitchen was unlike anything I'd ever seen because everything in it was red or white. I was amazed! Keep in mind this was 1971 when avocado green and harvest gold dominated the color wheel. When I saw it, I remember thinking, "When I'm a grown-up, I'm going to have my kitchen be just like this!" Now as a grown-up I have a kitchen almost like that, but since I love all colors, I used all colors and not just one.

So back to the salad. I've heard all the "eat a rainbow" stuff and NEVER connected it with my love of color. How did I not make that connection? I have no idea! I just know that it makes complete and total sense that I would want to eat in a way that's consistent with my love of color.

When cleaning up your diet...

...it's best to keep temptations out of the house. I feel happily caffeinated!

To veg or not to veg?

I've had several friends tell me they've considered going vegetarian. I think that's great. But I don't think it's always the best choice. What's the best choice? Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. (Am I sounding like a broken record here?) When I went to the cooking class with Tracy Reifkind and Fawn Friday, Tracy commented that she eats more vegetables than most vegetarians she knows, and she's right. It's possible to be a potato chip, tater tot, cereal kind of vegetarian, and that's not the way to go! Actually, I think the way Tracy eats is great -- lots of freshly home-prepared foods, and tons of veggies with meats as flavor enhancers, rather than as the centerpiece of the meal.

So why do I choose no meat? I wrote about my reasons here, but one thing I forgot to include is that I've never really liked meat. I've ALWAYS liked the "other stuff" in the meal a whole lot more. So not eating meat doesn't feel like deprivation.

Tim doesn't feel right if he doesn't eat meat or chicken or fish, but he's cut his portions way down now that I don't eat those things. But if he doesn't feel right if he doesn't eat some animal protein, he should have some. Everyone is different.

So if someone came to me and asked, "Should I be vegetarian," I think my answer would be, "Not right away." I would suggest that they decrease the amount of animal products in their diet (including milk and eggs), increase the fresh veggies and fruits, and the whole grain carbohydrates, and get away from refined stuff. Then see how they feel and go from there.

And of course, everyone should start their day with a green smoothie, right?

New quote

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Breathtakingly wise, don't you think?

Green smoothies

My girlfriend Angela sent me a link a few weeks ago, suggesting that I check it out. It was a link to Green Smoothie Girl, a website where the author believes that if you do nothing else for your health but make and drink a green smoothie once a day, you'll be improving your health by leaps and bounds.

The idea of one thing making a big difference appealed to me, so I decided to try it. And I liked it right away. Tim watched what I was doing with some skepticism, but after a few days decided to try it as well. He liked it too. And I've shared the idea with some friends who are now making, drinking, and enjoying green smoothies too!

So what's in a green smoothie? Here's what I've been putting in mine:

In a blender with a tight fitting lid, combine:
2 cups water
2 - 3 giant handfuls organic spinach
1 handful kale or chard
(blend these together first to break up all the leaves)
1/2 of a frozen banana
1-1/2 cups frozen mixed berries
1 - 2 packages Stevia powder (I like mine sweet)
more water to desired consistency

Once you add in the berries and banana, the smoothie no longer looks green. And you can't taste the spinach and any other greens you put in it. This recipe makes about 64 ounces, and Tim and I have been splitting this amount in the morning, and again in the late afternoon/early evening. I try to drink my green smoothie before I eat anything else, because I want the enzymes in the raw food to hit my system first.

That's it! You can change the proportions (more berries and banana for those who are just starting off and want something that's more like a "normal" smoothie), the ingredients (different fruits, different greens), and add some extras (some days I add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice) to make it just right for you. But the base of spinach and other greens never changes, and that's what makes it so great -- you're eating more dark leafy greens (like we always hear we need to do) in a way that just makes it so easy to do!

I feel that by drinking green smoothies, I've opened the door to a willingness I've never had before to examine what I choose to fuel my body with. I'm still on half the caffeine I normally drink (a small cup of coffee in the morning and in the afternoon, as compared with -- well, I don't even want to go there!), and I think that's directly tied to green smoothies. And I'm more discriminating about what I eat, asking the question "Do I really want this?" before just going ahead and eating. And my tastes are changing, so fresh stuff really does taste better than processed (for the most part).

If you do a Google search on Green Smoothies, you'll find tons of links for more inspiration. Let me know if you decide to give this a try. Happy blending and thanks Angela!

Link lists

New blogger makes adding sidebar stuff so easy! I've been working on my link lists, because I lost them (darn it). I'm not done yet -- still don't have my blogger friend links up -- but I'm moving forward and that feels great!

Next post will be green smoothie details and comment apprecation. Till then, sweet dreams!

Food and immaturity

I am not someone who gravitates to a grown-up outlook on things as a first response to an event. And I am very all or nothing/intense about how I see things. So today I was thinking about something I read recently saying that vitamin supplements, in general, do little to promote health, and in some cases appear to actually be detrimental to health. The recommendation? Get your vitamins and minerals from WHOLE FOODS! (Shocking, I know!) And then I read something about how we should avoid all plants from the nightshade family (so tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers are OUT, according to this well-respected author). Ummmm, hello! I live right by Sacra-Tomato, and we grow our own tomatoes every summer. And besides, you are now saying that vegetables will hurt you???

So how is it that my brain goes, "Well if even vitamins and vegetables will kill you, we should all eat Twinkies!" I remember having that same thought years ago when the alar and apple thing was in the news. And again when the healthiest person I knew was diagnosed with leukemia. That immature, all or nothing thinking can drive me to Doritos and Diet Pepsi faster than you can blink. But really what it's about is abdicating responsibility for my own health and an unwillingness to do what I know works, which is EAT FOOD. MOSTLY PLANTS. NOT TOO MUCH!

So my decision is to keep eating tomatoes because I love them. Peppers too. And maybe I need to stop reading so much???

It's tough growing up in your late 40's, let me tell ya!

Run is done!

Races are getting easier for me emotionally. I don't get as frightened beforehand and that's really nice. Today I drove to Lodi, leaving at 6:10, and ran my race. A few thoughts:

• Headsweats hats are fantastic. The race included both a t-shirt (boo -- it was a man shirt!) and a Headsweats hat (yea!). I changed hats before the race, and the new hat is amazing -- it doesn't even feel like you have a hat on. I'm a believer, for sure!
• Getting stuck behind a smelly man (not all men are smelly, I'm talking about a specific one in the race) is tremendous incentive to speed up.
• Running when it's 20 degrees warmer than it was 2 weeks ago feels tough.
• Lodi is flat, which is nice for those of us who run where it's un-flat!
• I don't have race results yet (had to drive right back home after race) but I think I did about a 1:57. At the very end, a 20-something girl and I had a sprint to the finish. She won (darn it!). But I was grateful for the push at the end.

Melange

• Filthy fifty makes you sore. Where? Everywhere! More specifically lats, pecs, abs (surprising because of all the ab stuff we do at boxing camp), glutes & hams, calves (also surprising cuz of the hill running). I think the explosive nature of the exercises (burpees, thrusters, etc.) accounts for a lot of the soreness. Both of my girlfriends did great, but I'm hoping I'm not the only one who's sore today!
• Has anyone seen "Dan in Real Life"? It's an ok movie, but it has some really neat music that's great for listening while writing, cooking, or relaxing.
  
• Also speaking of music, I refound two of my favorite songs and added them to my running playlist: Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode, and Plush by Stone Temple Pilots. And a new favorite is Capital G by Nine Inch Nails. These songs are the opposite of Dan in Real Life!
  
• Tim drives a LOT for work and listens to audiobooks. Recently he recommended The Pillars of the Earth as something I'd enjoy. I don't read much fiction. But I decided to give it a try. I got halfway through the 1000+ page book and decided to stop there. Why? I was tired of really bad things happening to good people! The book really is a good book -- the characters are well drawn, the writing style is fantastic -- but it's just not the book for me. I may have to go back to my all-time favorites for yet another reading: Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic books (and especially The Undomestic Goddess). Yes, it's chick lit, but it's light and fun and perfect for summer!
• I had some bloodwork done this morning and decided to see how no caffeine felt. Verdict? No caffeine, at least at this point in time, makes me feel awful!
• I still want to write about Green Smoothie Girl and green smoothies, but the Cliff Notes version sounds something like this: I've been drinking green smoothies twice a day for the past two weeks, and I feel fantastic, and my skin looks better, and I really look forward to each and every smoothie I make!
• Final thing: I'm running my second half marathon tomorrow. This one is just to get another race under my belt on my quest for six of them this year. The run is in Lodi at a winery, so the scenery should be nice. And I'm happy the temperatures are dropping this weekend -- today is supposed to be 100 degrees, and tomorrow's forecast says 96. Those are hot temperatures, to be sure, but those few degrees can make a BIG difference!
  
• One more final thing: I wish there was another name for the 1/2 marathon. To me, it's the perfect distance, and is complete in itself, and calling it half of something implies that it's not complete. I do have a sticker on my car that reads "13.1. Because I can." But another name besides half marathon would be nice, don't you think?
  

Meeting George!

I pulled Tucker out of school and we headed to U Food to meet George Foreman. We only got a moment with him (there were tons of people there, of course), but I'm told by the owners of the restaurant that he is one of the nicest and most down to earth people you'll ever meet.

When we met, I told him I've been boxing since January and have a tremendous amount of respect for what he's done. He said, "You're boxing? Make a fist!" That's why the picture looks like this:

Here's Tucker with Mr. Foreman:

And here's Tucker with a tricked out SCHOOL BUS that was in the parking lot:

And as if meeting Mr. Foreman wasn't exciting enough, the owner of U Food asked if I could be interviewed for a U Food commercial! Don't know if what I said will make it onto the screen, but the process was exciting, to be sure!

Filthy Fifty and George Foreman

Today two girlfriends and I are doing the Crossfit Filthy Fifty. It's 50 reps each of these exercises:

Box jumps
Jumping pull-ups
Kettlebell swings
Walking Lunges
Knees to elbows
Push press
Back extensions
Wall ball shots
Burpees
Double unders

Then it's time for a quick shower, and I'm off to meet George Foreman, who's appearing at U-Food today!

Time to try something new

Next week is my last week of boxing camp, after 5 months of hitting the heavy bag. I'm feeling a little sad, but I think it's the right decision. In the summertime, we stay up late. And I can't find a way to make that make sense when I get up at 4:45 for boxing. So I'm taking a break for the summer, and returning to boxing in the fall.

Usually when we hit the heavy bag, I pretend that I'm hitting depression. But today I noticed that I wasn't hitting depression because I don't feel depressed. Something I'm doing is working, because I'm really feeling balanced and happy. Possible reasons?

1. Cell regeneration -- I'm still getting one treatment a week and I think it's making a huge difference. (Wish there was a website I could point you to for more info!)

2. Green smoothies -- I'll write more over on my other blog, but the short version is that I've found what I've always been looking for: fresh, fast, healthy convenience food that I make myself!

3. Standing up for myself -- I'm feeling stronger than I've ever felt before and it feels like I've found my voice. So if something's not working for me, I say so. Or if I'm angry, I speak up. And if I want something, I can say it. After many years of trying not to be a bother or be in the way, this way of expressing myself is foreign and feels wonderful.

When cutting down on caffeine...

...it's best to avoid mirrors.

I've cut my caffeine in half this week. And I'm feeling pretty good. But boy do I look tired!

Worth the time it takes to read

Don't you hate it when you have too many thoughts in your head, and not enough time to make it all come out on paper (keyboard!)? Well, I read something today that you should read too. It's from a weblog called Almost Fit, and the post is titled "Eat Real Food -- it's what your Grandma would do." I won't try to dissect or debate what the author has to say, but I think the piece speaks to many facets of the food/nutrition/health Rubik's Cube that we all want to figure out.

And I am happy to say that just the other day, I planted Rainbow Chard seeds. (Those of you who know me well know that this is waaaaaaaay out of the box for me -- I'll keep you posted!)

Trying something new -- KALE

I've heard forever about the benefits of dark green leafy vegetables. And until recently I've been willing to eat salad nearly every day, using the darkest lettuces I can find. But I've not ventured past lettuce in my greens shopping (and I don't even know if lettuce is considered part of "greens"). Anyway, I've been re-listening to the "Vegetarian Food for Thought" podcasts, specifically the ones about food. And I decided to try steaming kale, because Colleen says it's so delicious. And Tracy Reifkind's writings about her love of kale also helped to propel me into action.

Well, they are both right -- kale is delicious! Yesterday I pulled out my steamer and grabbed some kale. I cut it almost like you'd cut Romaine lettuce for a Caesar salad, put it in the steamer basket, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. That's it. It was mild, almost sweet, and would adapt well to any flavor you put with it. (Colleen says she adds some apple cider vinegar and a little olive oil.)

Instead of eating it on its own, though, I mixed the kale with some chickpeas and used that as the base for my taco salad last night. Tim and the kids had the chicken I'd cooked up for them and then mixed in iceberg lettuce (for the crunch), tomatoes, queso fresco, and salsa. Mine was the kale and chickpea base, then some tomatoes, salsa, and a little queso fresco, and it was DELICIOUS!

(There's still some steamed kale in the fridge -- let me try a little experiment here. Back in a sec...)

Darn it! Tim ate the rest of the kale. (I guess that's actually a good thing, right?) I was going to try it with ACV and see how it was. Maybe later today...

Vegan-ish?

I am vegan-ish. What does that mean? Well, it means I don't eat animals, nor do I drink milk or eat eggs. But why the "ish" part? Because I am not so vegan that I'm going to interrogate waiters, or refuse the occasional baked treat because it has one-twelfth of an egg in it, or (today) turn down my mother-in-law's casserole because it's made with cheese, eggs, and milk. I do use whey protein, and whey is a derivative of milk. A touch of Parmesan on a salad is a good thing, I think. I continue to eat honey, and let's not even TALK about my leather shoes, ok?!

What I'm trying to say is that I'm trying to find a sane balance that allows me to eat the way I feel is best for me, and still live in the world in peace. But then the question comes up -- why do I avoid animal products? If I'm asked this, I can give an answer, but my answer will differ depending on if I'm at the dinner table when asked or if it's just in conversation. (I'll soften my answer at the table, to be sure!)

So here's why I don't eat meat (or chicken or fish). There are several reasons, and I've assigned a percentage to each one:

• 35%: I don't want to eat dead stuff
• 25%: I think it's healthier
  
• 20%: I think it's better for the planet
• 20%: I want to be kind to animals

Probably the biggest issue is that when I see meat on the plate, I see a carcass, plain and simple. And from everything I've read, it IS healthier to stay away from animal products, it IS better for the planet to eat low on the food chain, and it IS kinder to animals to not kill them. And I should mention here that I've never been a big meat eater to begin with, so it's not like this is tough for me.

But what about milk and eggs? Well, I've never really cared for milk, and the more I've learned, it seems crazy for us to drink what's meant for baby cows. And sadly, drinking milk is directly related to the veal industry (where do you think all those baby cows go once they're born and have gotten their moms to produce milk?). Plus almond milk is WAY yummier than cow's milk! And eating eggs support an industry that really hurts chickens, and I don't want the way I eat to cause harm.

So that's kind of where I'm at, food-wise. I still have lots of unanswered questions, like how can I make this make sense when my family is NOT vegetarian, and what the heck do I cook beyond "something for them, and a salad for me", and where do caffeine and sugar fit into the whole healthy eating equation for me? My hope is that journaling about all this will help me to find some answers that make sense for me and for my family.

Caught up!

As of today, I've finally caught up with my running goal for the year! Although I've been running all year, it wasn't until March (I think) that I set the goal of averaging 20 miles per week for the year. I had been tracking my mileage, but didn't have any sort of running goal, so when I started I was at 15 miles per week average. So I've had some high mileage weeks (I think the most was 35) in an attempt to get caught up. And with my Mother's Day 6 miles (and yesterday's 8 miles and Friday's 6 and Thursday's 5) I'm at TWENTY!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Busy girl!

I have lots to write about, but in between training clients, putting finishing touches on May newsletter, doing my own workouts, and being a wife and a mom, I just haven't had the time to write!

Every single comment about the race was SOOOOOOOOO appreciated and put huge smiles on my face!

On a slightly negative note, if my period doesn't start soon, there may be no more food left in Rocklin, so if you're a local, you may want to stock up!

Race results

8th place out of 120 women in my age group.
Am I excited? You betcha!
Happy Sunday, everyone!

Race report

Post race, sporting the technical t and my finisher's medal.

The short version is I FINISHED IN UNDER 2 HOURS! Don't know official time, but it was 1:55 when I crossed the finish line, which means I maybe did a 1:53 or something like that. I'm checking to see when results will be posted. My Garmin thinks I did an 8:37 pace for the entire race, and I'm very happy with that!

Here's the longer version.
I got to the race an hour early. I checked my weblog from my Blackberry, and read the comments from Take One and Shelly -- thanks girls -- your comments warmed my heart and were with me throughout the race!

I lined up with the 9 minute mile people, and met a wonderful woman, age 66, who loves to run. She told me she started when she was 35 and hasn't stopped. I asked her how her training has changed, and she said that she's gotten slower (just finished her last marathon in 4:20 -- yikes, that's slower???) but she's still loving running, and is considering ultras. My new running friend looked wonderful and had the kind of energy and enthusiasm for life that I want to have forever. Great way to spend the last few minutes before the starting gun!

Miles 1 and 2 were run WAY too fast. I haven't downloaded Garmin data, but I think I was sub-8:00 for both miles. I tried to run slower, but it was just so fun! (Ok, so now I've downloaded Garmin data, and I was wrong. Although at times my pace was fast, I did the first mile in 8:37 and the second in 8:26, so I didn't run as stupid of a race as I thought!)

Miles 3 - 9 went great. Course is beautiful (click here for photos of the route) and the weather was perfect -- crisp, light breeze.

Mile 10 was when it started to feel hard. But I kept thinking about Tim and Austin and Tucker at the finish line, and that cheered me immensely.

At mile 12, SURPRISE -- there was Tucker! He had walked from the finish line back looking for me, and I guess there was about 3/4 of a mile to go when I saw him. Let me tell you -- my kid is an awesome race partner -- encouraging, sweet, willing to go at my pace (which was about 8:30 at that point -- still gotta download Garmin data!), and just wonderful.

Like I said, I crossed the finish line with 1:55 showing on the display, and hearing the cheers and whistles from my husband!


Me and my last mile partner!

After the race, we took pictures, I ate the BEST oatmeal raisin cookie, and then we headed to my parents house (they live a mile or so from the starting line). Had a nice visit there (although what I really wanted was a shower!). Then Tim stayed to work on their computer, and I headed home with the kids, with a quick stop by Noah's Bagels for my favorite indulgence: a super onion bagel with veggie shmear.

Lucky me -- I have 3 great guys to support my race!

If anyone local wants to run a great half marathon, Parkway is one to consider. It's well managed, there are lots of aid stations, the course is flat and fast, and the atmosphere is super duper fun, with lots of great free stuff at the end!

Now I'm showered and my tummy's full and I think it's time for a nap.

Wish me luck...

I haven't gone running since Tuesday, so I've got fresh legs. My iPod is charged. I'm wearing my favorite hat, shirt, and running skirt. I'm nervous, but that's just part of being me. If this race is anything like every other race I've ever done, I'll have tears in my eyes as we line up at the starting line. The last-picked little girl in me will be amazed and grateful to be standing among all the athletic people, realizing that I FIT IN!!!

My goal is a sub-2:00 half marathon. Wish me luck...

Then vs. Now

May 2004, Hawaii

May 2008, Rocklin

I think I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing now!