Hyannis 10K RR

Well I have my first race of the year under my belt, and the best I can say is that I perservered!

My first 5K went beautifully and as planned, but the second 5K the lack of training and miles showed. I was pretty footsore and tired by 5 miles, and felt every extra pound I'm dragging.
The second 5K ended up 10 minutes slower than the first 5K which is not the kind of split to put up. I ended up DFL for the 10K, first time that has ever happened to me in a race -- but it was no doubt deserved.

Still, it was a fun, lovely day. We had breeze and sun and around 30 degrees when we took off -- hard to tell what to wear and I had clothes coming off and going back on throughout the race. I'm happy its done, and ready to actually train for the next race -- probably a 5K, maybe even Groton in April. I'm also hoping to get my sister to join me for this race next year.

Recipe of the Week - Chickpea Hot Pot

(as modified from 101cookbooks.com)

1 large yellow onion, chopped
a splash of olive oil
a couple pinches of salt
2/3 cup uncooked bulgur
1 14-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cup cauliflower, trimmed into small trees
2 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 1/2 cup fresh chopped asparagus
zest of one orange
salt and pepper to taste
1T bouquet garni
1 cup water (if necessary to thin)

In a large pot over medium-high heat saute the onion in the olive oil along with the salt - for a minute or until the onion begins to soften a bit. Stir in the bulgur. Stir in the chickpeas and the stock. Bring the ingredients to a simmer. Cook for another few minutes, it should start to thicken. Taste to see if the bulgur is cooked through, if so add the orange juice. If not, simmer for a couple more minutes before adding the juice. Stir in the cauliflower and the kale as well - simmer another few minutes, until the cauliflower is just tender. If the stew is on the thick side, thin with a bit more water or stock. Taste, and add salt if necessary. Serve garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and red onions.
Serves 4 - 6.

(Serving 6 = 3 points/serving)

Just enjoying a bowl now, after shoveling 8 inches of snow. I need to pack and then I'm off to Hyannis for my 10K. I'll be back tomorrow with a report!

Foot cramps

I have always gotten them, mostly when swimming, but occasionally other times. I eat well balanced meals, with lots of fruits and veggies, so I feel like I get all the essential vitamins and minerals. I rarely wear heels. So why on Monday afternoon did I get such intense foot cramps in the pool that I had to quit my swim after only 900 yards? They came in *waves* which is a recent development in the word of my foot cramps. Any thoughts on what I need to add into my routine/do differently?

Welcome to the Grand Illusion (with apologies to Styx)

I've been fooling myself. I cannot ignore the WW program and expect to lose weight. I cannot eat with impunity because I still cannot eat *properly.* I still have -- and will always have -- an eating disorder. For the rest of my life I will always have to weigh and measure. For the rest of my life I will have to think about every bite. For the rest of my life I will have to be accountable for what I put into my body.

It's not all bad though. I know that the program *works* and that if I keep doing it properly, I will have success. I also know that I can do the program properly. So instead of fooling myself, I have to do what I know. Some days are going to be painful. Some days I'll be faced with choices I don't want to make. But in the end, I'll be healthier, fitter, faster, and more content with myself.

The plan is simple, really:

1. Back to veggie eating, with fish mixed in. I feel healthier doing this, for some reason.
2. Journal, journal, journal.
3. Don't give in to cravings -- grit my teeth, say no, and they will eventually be banished.
4. Figure out the balance between work/life/training. Know it may require constant adjustment as well as constant vigilance.
5. MOVE. I have a 10K next Sunday which I am walking -- but I will be out there moving. Once I get past that event, I need another goal, and a training plan I can live with.
5a. Become one with my bike. Its time to really put cycling in the forefront of my training, especially if I want to race at Pumpkinman in October.
6. Have Faith in myself.
7. Don't forget my various support networks.
8. Use visualization and mediation more.
9. Remember the skinny jeans!

Recipe of the Week: Chana Masala with Spinach

1TB curry paste (Indian)
1 TB chopped garlic
1 sliced onion
2T tomato paste or 3T sauce
1 15oz can chickpeas with some of the liquid reserved (1/4C)
1T lemon juice
1t red pepper flakes
4C fresh baby spinach

Heat the curry paste with a little oil in a hot pan. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until onion is clear. Add tomato paste/sauce and stir. Add chickpeas, lemon, pepper and cook until heated through. Add spinach and slowly stir through the chickpeas until wilted and cooked.

Serve over rice, bulgar or plain.