Runnin' on Veggies

I decided August 1^st will be the month (maybe longer if I can stand it) that I go VEGETARIAN for a month.  Thought about going vegan, but I don’t think I can handle no cheese or eggs (especially if I am training for my half). 

Now, I must say that August will prove a difficult month since it has 31 days instead of 30, but I digress. :/  I can do ANYTHING, I am WOMAN, hear me ROAR. Lol.  I do believe it will be difficult, and will take mega effort…but I am willing to give it a try.

I will be eating a lot of hummus.  I think I will buy a food processor and start making my own.  Surely I can find a good recipe online, and not have to worry about store bought hummus (but it still tastes great!).

I think I am going to try and find some new recipes so it won’t just be salad all the time.  Send me some recipes please!!!

Who else is with me? Raise your hands!!

Here is a recipe that I am going to try soon.  Enjoy!

Lentil and Squash Casserole

Serves 4

1 cup lentils
1/4 cup brown rice
1 small delicata squash, peeled, seeded and chopped small
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

 

Cook lentils and brown rice in simmering water until soft, then drain any excess water. While lentils are cooking, place squash in a covered dish with a little water and steam until soft, about 3-4 minutes; drain. Combine lentils, rice, squash and all remaining ingredients and stir gently together. Can be either served immediately or baked. To bake, place in a large casserole and if desired top with a little more shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Running Event signs

I was reading some fitness blogs and saw these ideas for funny signs to hold at running events.  Some of them are hilarious!  My favorites are in PINK.

(hint, hint. I would really like one of these for MY half marathon!).

‘You are stronger than think you are’

‘Less than 1% of Americans have run a marathon. You are one of those 1%.’

‘Run, Walk, Crawl, just FINISH!’

‘You may be in 5,698 place, but you’re number one in my heart!’

‘On a scale of 1-10, you’re a 13.1!’

‘Getting up early to make this sign was hard too’

‘Google results are forever. Keep running.’

‘Keep going, there’s MARGARITAS at the finish line’

‘You actually paid money to do this?!’

‘Cause 13.2 would just be crazy.’

 ‘WORST PARADE EVER.’

‘I’m a stranger but I’m proud of you’

‘Kick some asphalt’

‘Chuck Norris never ran a half marathon’

‘Don’t stop! … That’s what she said!’

‘If you want a ride home, run faster I am leaving soon’

 ‘Free puppies at the finish line’

‘You’re not just a runner anymore; you’re a half-marathoner!’

 ‘George Clooney is waiting for you at Mile 17!’ (held by a girl)
‘Halle Berry is waiting for you at Mile 17!’ (held by a guy)
‘THEN at Mile 17, George Clooney moved to mile 24!’

‘If it were easy, I would do it!’

‘It’s just a hill — get over it’ 

Join us for the LaPorte by the Bay Half Marathon on December 4^th, 2011. 

#6 Complete a 1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles)

#6 Complete a 1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles)

So #6 on my list is to complete a ½ marathon by May of 2012.  I have always looked at runners and thought, I could never do that.  So in my head my lack of belief in myself became the “I don’t’ like to run” excuse.

In my life over the last few years I have come to realize that I can do stuff, I am just choosing not to by negative self talk.  That is sort of where the list came from.  Some items scare me to death, but I am doing them.  I can only limit myself so far before I want to break out of my comfort zone.

So the ½ Marathon (13.1 miles) I choose is the LaPorte by the Bay Half Marathon on December 4^th, 2011.  I am scared and filled with self doubt but I am working towards my goal every day.  Part of the marathon includes running up the Fred Hartman Bridge TWICE!

Here is a pic of the bridge.  Craziness?  I think so! The bridge is actually really, really, really steep but it just doesn't look it by this pic).

So I want YOU to sign up and complete it with us.  Go to http://www.laportebythebayhalfmarathon.com/ and sign up.  Otherwise you can come out and support us!!! 

So far there are about 6 of us running and YOU and YOUR friends can be included.  Proceeds go to charity (Bridge Over Covered Waters).

To train for this I am going running in the mornings 2-3 times during the work week and longer runs on Sat or Sun (sometimes both).  I am working my way up to 13 miles.  On Saturday we meet at different places throughout Houston to train together as a group (Memorial Park, Kemah Bridge, LaPorte bridge, Seabrook trails, Huntsville State Park, etc) and you are welcome to come with us.  We all go at our own pace so do not feel like you will be left behind.  Email me or comment if you want to come (for safety reasons I am not going to post where we are going!). 

Trust me if I can do this, then YOU can too!

#30-Send a care package to Iraq

So originally the list said 1 care package...but you all know me...it turned into 3 care packages. lol.  I found 2 addresses on Any Soldier and one was sent to me from a friend.  I bought tons of stuff for them and I am so excited to send them out.  I keep trying to write a letter to add to each box, but I haven't had time yet.  They are sitting there, waiting to be mailed.

Here are some pics!

Everything I purchased from Wal-Mart!  Look at all the great stuff!

Box #1-The boy box includes boy socks, chapstick, blow pops, granola bars, sunflower seeds, baby wipes and beenie babies (they said they meet civilian kids and like to give kids toys).

Box #2-My friends friend's box including chapstick, velcro ball catching thing, pop tarts, rice krispie treats, blow pops, baby wipes, sunflower seeds, etc.

Box #3-The gilr box-including girl socks, great smelling shampoo, tampons, candy, flavored drink mix, granola bars, etc.

Ending a long term relationship

We’ve been together for as long as I can remember. Neither of us has gone out of the way to celebrate anniversaries but it’s been what; close to 15 years now? My goodness. I guess as far as relationships go - we haven’t set any world records for longevity, but it’s been what often feels to me like a lifetime.

What can I say? You’ve been with me through good and bad times alike. In the beginning, I remember that we didn’t jump into things right away, but rather we slowly eased into our relationship, little by little. We’ve become so close -- inseparable, some might say, that for a time I couldn’t even imagine life without you. Even though it’s not what I necessarily wanted for myself, I assumed we would be together, always.

Maybe it was my insecurity that kept me with you for so long, or perhaps I simply became too complacent. Often times I didn’t even think about the troubles we were having, and lived somewhat comfortably -- though looking back now, I realize I was in denial. Sure, there were plenty of days when I suspected I could do so much better, but I never had the guts to separate myself from you.

I think it was your mean streak that finally made me start seeing things in a whole new light. You were never the complimentary type, but at some point you really began to influence my moods and self-worth. You made me feel bad when I tried on new clothes -- especially if I had gained some weight and had to go up a size from the previous year. Oh, and when I tried on bikinis? There you were…mocking me! Making me feel ashamed and ugly…sometimes I even cried! During those times how I wished I could’ve just walked away right then and there, but I knew that it would take some planning and time before I could completely remove you from my life. How is it that I stomached everything you put me through for so long??

I think you suspect that something’s up -- I can see the difference in you. I can tell you want to hang on -- and you know what? Be my guest. It’s a desperate tactic, really -- and it won’t work forever. Every day brings me just a little closer to being free of you forever.

Muffin Top, your days are numbered. Let’s keep this last bit of time we’ll have together as civil as possible, shall we?

Sincerely,

Stephanie