Thursday, July 30, 2015

Eye Candy

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 634 (running: 462.5; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $51.56
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 634 Aaron: 383.8 (b: 349.1; w: 34.7)  Elly: 127 Total: 1144.8

It was such a beautiful, breathable morning today that I went an extra mile and a half and saw some awesome stuff! Right off the bat, there were these:
I'm normally not a big fan of sidewalk obstruction because it usually means there's something on the ground just waiting to trip me. But, coming upon a sidewalk with a whole mess of zinnias spilling on to it? Yes. Please.

That moment was yet another reminder of one of the many factors contributing to my enjoyment of running: There is no way I would have seen these flowers from my car especially when the road, in this instance, is on the right and the flowers are blooming and falling to the left. Running has made the city I've called home for 28 years more of my own because I've seen so much of it up close and personal.

Another sight that caught eye to the point I passed it but backed right back up was this:
In all of these years, I never realized we had an ally that is not only so long but is also down hill. I thought all of them in this area were flat. Doesn't it look like an awesome place to sled?!?! If not for the fact that I'm standing to take the picture on a pretty heavy-traffic street, it would be awesome for sledding! I just don't recommend it ...

Okay, here's another couple of things that caught my eye that I most definitely wouldn't have otherwise seen:
Aren't those cool?! I've seen the ornamental peppers in garden centers, but I've not seen purple ones. and, I never think of how to use them, so I'm glad someone else figured it out. Both of these were in planters on a pedestrian-only area; I was glad to make the turn onto the path!

It was wonderful in and of itself to be out on a sunny morning where I could enjoy the sun instead of feeling like it was roasting me; these pretty visuals were icing on the cake! I also found 40 cents to boot -- what a great morning!!

A Rest Day is on deck for tomorrow before the weekend run. Given everything that's on the schedule, it's unlikely to be restful, but it'll still be a great Friday! Have a great almost-Friday day!! I'll check in tomorrow ...

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Wait ... What?!

Of course, you know what day it is!!!
"... Yeaaaaaahhhhhh ..." I fed that camel, by the way. For real.
I don't think that's ever going to get old for me.
So, the other day, I was in the gas station paying for gas (and, likely, a Diet Coke) when Pit Crew #2 kept talking about getting stuff. Now, both of my kids do that when we're in a convenience store because they know, way more often than not, we're not getting anything. So, along the way, they decided that it would be awesome to just keep asking when they know the answer is no. And, if they're not asking, they're doing some running commentary about how delicious this, that and the other thing look. To be honest, it tends to make me giggle because I know they're usually joking. I do think PC#3 has figured out that for about every 10 different trips to the gas station that he lets me know the donuts look fabulous, I'll probably buy him one.

But, he's not the one who was with me on this particular day, so when I kept hearing PC#2 talk about the monster protein bites in the cooler ...
... I knew two things. At least, I thought I knew two things.

The first, which I was actually right about, is that she was kidding and knew I wasn't going to buy them. The second thought in my head was, "Nice try on calling cookie dough balls 'protein' bites."

The second thought I had is where I was wrong. She kept going on and on about the monster protein bites all the way until we got back in the car. You know, those cookie dough balls. She kept talking about them -- sometimes seeming to mock them -- stressing the protein part. And, that's when it clicked. I turned to her and said, "Wait. You're serious that those were called protein bites?" She was all, "Um, yeah! They really were!" (I think she was a bit surprised by it herself.) I looked at her and said, "Oh! I thought you were just Daffy Ducking* me!"

* In the Loony Tunes episode, "The Stud, the Nerd, the Average Joe and the Saint," Daffy Duck starts working out with Speedy Gonzales to get himself in shape to run a marathon. Besides being wildly out of shape, he has the expected knowledge of nutrition. Here, he explains to Speedy that he supplements his diet with 'protein bars' throughout the day:
Well, PC#2 was not Daffy Ducking me in the least. I returned to the store a few days later, and I saw the ingredients on these Monster Protein Bites which included: quick oats; peanut butter; whey protein; honey ... I honestly can't remember what else. I don't recall seeing the candy bits listed in the ingredients, but I can't swear to that.

Once I got the information available, I was frustrated. (I was almost as frustrated as the day the sample lady at Sams, who was pushing the protein powder, kept telling me overandoverandover what a perfect meal replacement a protein shake would be for PC#3 who stood there in his basketball uniform at the ripe age of 10. As I did not see her nutrition and/or pediatric medical credentials, I ignored her level of expertise in the matter.) Anyway, these protein bites just struck me as one more quick-grab thing out there that can appear to be a good choice when, frankly, there's no real way of knowing when there's not even a nutrition label on the package. I mean, how many of these is a serving? How many calories are in a serving? How much protein powder is really in them? Was natural peanut butter (peanuts only) used or another that contains sugar? What's really in these?!

Have I ever let myself be lured in? You bet'cha. And, that's probably why I got frustrated seeing these. I've certainly eaten products that seemed to contain the 'right' things only to realize (or, should I say, ignore) I really didn't know information such as how much of the truly good stuff is in the product, how much of something that shouldn't be in there actually is (ie: sugar in some cases), how much constitutes a serving, and, I'm being honest, helping myself to more than what's likely the suggested serving size justified by the face that it was a better choice than, say, a candy bar ... 'been there?!

Are these particular 'protein bites' good or bad for you? I really have no opinion of that given there's not enough information provided to form one. As we work to teach our own kids better than we were taught about nutrition, it can be frustrating to often stop and explain that what's been labeled as good might or might not be as good as billed. But, we keep planting the seeds and hope we're being heard so they have a strong head start.

In the meantime, I have to say the aforementioned Loony Tunes episode is hysterical, so much so that it lives on our DVR. I don't mind living vicariously through Daffy Duck now and then!

See you after the morning run ...

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Refreshing

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 628.6 (running: 457.1; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $51.16
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 628.6 Aaron: 383.8 (b: 349.1; w: 34.7)  Elly: 127 Total: 1139.4


I saw these on my run this morning and thought they were super cool:
Not cool was the weather!
Nice morning for a 'swim'!
It was 78 degrees out, but that didn't account for the heat index! Again, I set a comfortable pace and took as much time as I needed. I even stopped in the middle for a water break in an air-conditioned building and a chat with a friend! So, instead of doing a 4-mile run, I actually did 2 2-milers.

That works for me!

The best part of my break wasn't the air conditioning nor the weather. It was actually that the friend I saw is a former boss of mine who has a way of making everyone around her feel like they can do anything. She just inherently believes in others. She assumes the best in others. She goes after what she sets her sights on and doesn't let anyone get in her way -- nor will she let anyone get in the way of those she believes in.

Many years after being her employee, she just as strongly believes in and cheers whatever it is I'm in to including my running. And, isn't that the kind of person you want in your camp ...!

Make sure you're surrounded by those who hold you in high esteem and have zero desire to tear you down no matter what your endeavors are!! That's the kind of awesome that will carry you through the entire day! Have yourself a great Tuesday, stay cool, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Monday, July 27, 2015

Safety First

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 624.6 (running: 453.1; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.82
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 624.6 Aaron: 383.8 (b: 349.1; w: 34.7)  Elly: 127 Total: 1135.4


I'm so very happy to report that I made it through my morning run without melting. It was super gross out; it took all of a half mile for the front of my shirt to start getting soaked. But, it was still good to get out and greet the day:
These are the days where the main focus of the run is safety. For myself, that means being more mindful of my pace than I am on most days; I can't let my body take over because my auto-pilot is faster than should happen in this kind of heat. It means making what I need more important than anything I want. 'Want to finish faster? Too bad, that doesn't matter today. Worried about appearances and/or making sure the run continues until the car passes and then walking may commence? That should be way out the window on any day, but, in this heat, it can't even hit the radar.
Okay, that's hysterical! But, there's no room for it on a day like today!
(image from the I Love To Run Facebook page)
There's also no room for comparing one day's run to another. I live by that anyway, but it really need not matter in extreme weather. My run today was actually really strong. I even went a mile longer than planned, and there was no reason for it that I feel I can control. So, when I head out tomorrow in similar conditions, the slate must be clear, and I need to do whatever I need to do to be safe. Period.

It most definitely was a great way to start the day no matter the weather! Like my shirt says, it was absolutely my happy hour!
My new shirt rocked this run. It was also
completely soaked by the end. Bleh.
I'll check in with what tomorrow brings! Stay cool and stay safe in the meantime!

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Made Just For Me

The other day, when I was having that conversation with my friend who wants to run an Ultra and I so-do-not, she said, "I really, really like the longer distances" to which I responded, "I really do like running 10 miles. I'm totally down with 13 when there's a medal at the end, though." Well, tomorrow, we're looking at 3-4 miles in a new shirt!

It's like this was just sitting and waiting for me to purchase it:
How. Many. Times. have I said the run is
the perfect way to start my day?? Thanks,
whoever, for making a running shirt just
for me ...
It was there on the clearance shelves. The appropriateness of that, in and of itself, is not lost on me.

While I was scouring the shirts, Pit Crew #2 (also in the clearance section: my girrrrl) was checking out some warmer gear. Look what she found!
Not good for the current heat index, but
it'll be ready and waiting for her!
It's totally her. I already can't wait to run with her wearing this!

I guess if I have a new clothing item then I must give it a test run tomorrow! Looking at the week as a whole, that'll be work out just fine!

Whatever it takes to get you going: Do it. Have a great start to your Monday, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Running With My Girl Is Like My Own, Personal Story Time

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 619.9 (running: 448.4; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.46
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 619.9 Aaron: 383.8 (b: 349.1; w: 34.7)  Elly: 127 Total: 1130.7


As the morning turned out, both Pit Crew #2 and I got our way. I planned to run no matter what even though I really wanted to sleep in a bit. PC#2 didn't want to run at all because she wanted to sleep. But, before she went to bed last night, she came over to my side of things and decided to run. She puts my teenage years to shame, but we're not talking about that right now.

I told her we needed to go out earlier than later because of the projected heat. Then, shortly before our alarms were to go off, it was thundering and raining pretty hard. Alarms, off! We both stayed in bed a little more than another hour. SCORE!!

We woke up around the same time we would have otherwise been finishing our planned run, and, as luck would have it, it was about 10 degrees cooler than expected for that time in the morning. We hurried to get ready so it wouldn't go away, and we went out the door to start the morning together! DOUBLE SCORE!
I love running with my girl for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is it's just more focused time for us to just talk. (She picked a good point in my running to start joining me; had we started together years ago, she'd be talking to herself ... if she weren't terribly distracted by my labored breathing just sayin'.) We don't have much of a problem finding talk time, but who doesn't want more? On today's agenda: Teen Drama. In today's 'complicated' scenario, this one guy likes this one girl uhhhh-gain, only he's not asking her out and, instead, seeking the advice of the girl's best friend, all the while the girl he likes isn't sure she likes him but doesn't really have an opportunity to reciprocate nor decline any offer for a date because the dude won't step up.

The above is my synopsis. PC#2 was much more sympathetic to the plight of all in her story.

You can guess I cut this all to the chase as I broke it down the way I saw it for my girl. Dude: Step up and take a chance. Best Friend: Get out of the middle of it and tell the dude that the decision is up to the girl and not you so he needs to be talking to her. Girl: Don't worry about it until he steps up. Then, if you want to go out on a date, accept. It's just dinner, not a marriage proposal. If you don't, respectfully decline.

Easy. And, yes, that is the way I operated even in high school. Drama has always made me want to barf.

As we plodded up a hill, PC#2 said, "Wow, it really isn't as complicated as I thought." I'm here for you, girl. I love running with her, and not just because we're running ...

Also here for us is Pit Crew #3!!
My little one is so very tall! I mean, my little ones are tall!!
You haven't seen him in a while, so I had to show him off. He's with Aaron almost every time we are picked up from our stopping point. It's cool, too. Sometimes they were out and about anyway, but, other times like today, he just tagged along. Even when they're already out, it's usually out of their way to come get us, and he doesn't complain in the least. That's what I call totally supportive!

In opposite world, check out the unsupportive-of-life cat:
She lies in wait, ready to trip the next person not paying
attention while walking down the stairs ...
Since we ran today, we're off tomorrow!! Yahoo!! It's forecast to storm, too, so this might all work out perfect all the way around! Make the most of every opportunity in front of you, and enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Ambition: Not Lacking

So, I'm saying the next time I am contemplating my own ambition or lack thereof or whatever with regard to how many running miles I'm logging this Summer, I should remind myself that Pit Crew #2 and I are engaged in an all-out battle for the ultimate Pool Volleyball title. It's a one-on-one tournament, best of 100.

No, I'm not kidding.

As of this evening, it's 6-3 in my favor. I've told her she does better when she doesn't do a handstand or underwater flip in between every point. I'm not telling her anymore, though.

What I am about to do is convince her that she really wants to go running with me in the morning. My thighs don't really love a run following these volleyball games, by the way. Something about the amount of jumping followed by being asked to lengthen and run seems to aggravate them.

Anyway, I'll check in tomorrow with the outcome and report! Have a great start to your weekend in the meantime!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Beyond the Number

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 615.6 (running: 444.1; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.17
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 615.6 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7)  Elly: 127 Total: 1115.9


Okay, so, yesterday, I had a conversation with a running friend who told me she is ready to take on an Ultra (totally bypassing the ol' marathon distance), while, this morning, virtual running partner extraordinaire, Mary Kate, sent me a message letting me know her legs feel like lead when she's running but that she keeps plugging away.
 
Daphne. Giving it her all.
I'm kind of with Mary Kate right now. (thumbs up!)
 
My whole point is that we all need to simply do the very best we can do at the time we are doing it. I've embraced that philosophy from the get-go of this running gig, and it's exactly what keeps me going. Were I to pressure on myself to run a certain pace or a certain distance all the time, I would hate running because I can't control every, single factor that plays into my runs. I prefer to have a life that involves running, not have running as my life.
 
Within the conversation with my future-Ultra runner friend, I did some reflecting on my Half Marathon times. I can't help but look at those times and see a whole story within the numbers. Those times reflect a great deal more than how I ran that day; they encompass 3-4 months of how my life was at that time. And, the next race time reflects another chunk of life. You might see now why I don't use my times against each other for the next race: I'm simply not comparing apples to apples when factoring in the entirety of what went into that stretch of training.
 
I'm proud of every one of the times I've turned in -- even the ones I don't particularly like I'm proud of. They all say more than how speedy I was or wasn't on a certain day.
 
I'm not a fan of comparison in general. Not my own races against themselves. Not one runner vs. another. Not my effort as compared to someone else's and vice versa. It's just not helpful. It's most likely unreasonable when factoring in, you know, life.
 
I think I was channeling Mary Kate this morning as I set out for my run. My legs, too, felt a lot like lead. My main motivation to keep going was that I'm not scheduled to run tomorrow! That and I knew that no matter how the run goes, it always ends up feeling better to do so.
 
I saw some cool weeds, by the way:
But, when I got home, I also wanted to show off my little zinnia patch!
I didn't expect to log as few miles as I have this Summer, but I'm okay with it. Not especially thrilled, but I also don't look back over the days feeling like I could have done better. Frankly, I couldn't have. Every minute of this Summer so far has overflown. I'm happy to have gotten it what I have!
 
I'll also be happy to rest up tomorrow for a strong weekend run with my girl! Take any pressure off you've put on yourself (as we tend to do that to ourselves, don't we?!), and I'll check in tomorrow!
 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Current Status

Aaron is currently unloading the dishwasher that I didn't even know was run. Where was I? This immediately following an unresolved discussion with him about why every t-shirt he owns eventually ends up with a hole under one of the arms. I said it's because of the way he must be taking it off. He said it's because his body has a way of making his shirts deteriorate.

*sigh*

That should probably explain why this fits me perfectly:
That's one tired dawg ...

I am running tomorrow although, at the moment, I'm having trouble visualizing actually doing so. I love Summer, but I have a hard time keeping up with it! Hence: TIRED!

But, ready or not, morning will come, and I will hit it. As has been happening all Summer, I'll do the best I can and be more than satisfied with that! More on that ... tomorrow ...

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Still Going ...!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 612.4 (running: 440.9; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.17
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 612.4 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7)  Elly: 127 Total: 1112.7


I just told Aaron "Um, you need to get your ass in gear," to which he responded while walking into the room, "Oh! About what?!" He saw me updating the Change Hounds progress and immediately understood my reply when I said, "Literally." So, he now knows what he needs to do to keep us on track based on the minimum miles I expect to do before the end of the month. He stated the obvious letting me know he's had a really bad month with this. It brought on a laugh from us both, and now we have a plan moving forward ... literally!
 
Elly deposited a contribution today with a mile run that followed my three. I'd already set sail when I thought to myself, "Huh. This could have been a good morning for Elly to come with me." Given the recent heat and humidity which might make a dog stroke out, I was actually taken by surprise. So, I got in a very solid three (killed it on time -- another unexpected surprise when I wasn't even trying -- remember how I've said that first run out after a string of humid runs is always a super star run?!) before picking up my furry girl to join me.
 
She was soooooo very happy, before - during - after:
It's not an easy thing to keep motivated when there are no immediate goals right in front of you. Speaking for myself, the main goal I have is very long term (Change Hounds wraps up in December ... that's a long way off!). I don't even have an intermediate one going on! I'm totally ready for The Family Summer Run whenever we figure out to do it, so it's been a challenge to stay motivated because sleeping later just sounds better right now!
 
If you're forging on even though there's not a carrot dangling right in front of you, BRAVO. It's just not easy! It's been fun, just not easy!
 
Be proud of whatever efforts you're making in every part of your life, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Monday, July 20, 2015

Wash Out

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 608.4 (running: 436.9; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.17
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 608.4 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7)  Elly: 126 Total: 1107.7

"My morning is going exactly as planned."
My morning schedule was completely foiled by a huge downpour! I knew it was supposed to rain, but, I hoped it would just rain and leave out the lightening and rain so hard you can't see through it jazz. (That didn't stop me from dropping off my recycling and getting shower-worthy soaked doing it, though!) I considered waiting it out, but I didn't know how long that would mean and if I could get a good run in in between predicted bouts of rain. So, I opted for the bike and the DVR. That tends to be a winning combination!

A ride on the bike also tends to make my next run better. I think it's from mixing up the muscles and working them different. I'm not really sure, but I still haven't incorporated the bike in to a normal routine because, frankly, I just like to be outside when exercising! To each his or her own ...

So, even though the morning didn't start off the way I expected or even wanted, it was still a great start. I capped off my workout with one of my favorite breakfasts of spouted bread, egg white French toast ...
I know I shared this the other day, but it's just that good. I forgot to mention then that I generously sprinkle each piece with powdered, sugar free French vanilla creamer, and it's so so so good!! I got that idea from Hungry Girl a couple of years ago, and no piece of French toast around here has been made without it since!

While I relaxed with my breakfast, Elly continued to keep me company the same as she did while I was on the bike:
"No run. Got told to get away from the bike because I was too
close to the pedals, whatever that means. No one shared
breakfast with me. Have to potty in the rain. *sigh*"
Even if things don't go the way you thought, I hope there are options to keep them moving forward for you today! Have a great start to the week, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Who Knew?

Hey, am I the only one who didn't know National Ice Cream Day is today and not on the 15th as I recall it is every other year?! I guess I should acknowledge that I don't actively delve into verifying the date every year, but I do know for a fact it has been July 15th because I have two friends born that day, and more than once, I've noted to both that it's National Ice Cream Day and they have agreed about how cool that is OR they've simply completely humored me because they don't really care about that but they care about me.

EITHER WAY, this moving target of a fake holiday is a total outrage.

You know those conversations you have either with someone else or just in your own head when someone says, "Oh my gosh, I don't even know how it's already Christmas" to which you respond, either out loud or in your head depending on just how rude you want to be that day, "Yeah, I know, it's not on the 25th every, single year or anything." Well, that conversation isn't happening with National Ice Cream Day ...

The realization of our early celebration this year did not disappoint my people, though, because it gave a reason we didn't even need to make more homemade stuff in the new maker. Have I mentioned it's one of the coolest (no pun intended) kitchen gadgets we've ever bought? It's so fabulous.

By the way, this is the most attention I have ever paid to National Ice Cream Day. Ever.

Also fabulous is that for the first time in weeks (which is another way of saying a couple of months ...), I almost have the entire week of running/rest figured out before the week even starts! That's progress like I've not known in a while ...

And, as it turns out, that means tomorrow is a running day! I'm setting sail solo, bright and early! It's my plan that it makes the day start out perfectly! I wish for the same kind of start for you (the perfect one!), and I'll check in after the morning run!

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Together

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 596.4 (running: 436.9; walking: 26.7; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.17
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 596.4 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7)  Elly: 126 Total: 1095.7

Well, we did it!!

No, there wasn't an official race going on -- we just survived the morning run! It was hot, it was sticky, it was difficult to breathe through the thick air at times, and it was hard! But, for all that was difficult, it was still a good one. We worked hard when we could, and we were responsible with both water and breaks. I admit I sometimes poked Pit Crew #2 for her opinion because I wanted to hear it was difficult for her, too (and that it all wasn't because I was a weenie). Not one to complain, she needed the poking, but she also did not hesitate to agree that, yes, mom ... this run kind of sucks!

Nothing like a sucky run together, though!
That's my girl ...!
For as gross as this run was, it will totally and completely pay off to persevere through the crappy weather. It's amazing how that first run feels on the other side of the humidity blanket when we can get full lungs' worth of air! Until then ... we keep going ...

PC#2 and I have a park-our-butts-on-the-couch date planned for tonight with the season opener of Hallmark's Cedar Cove (yeahhhhhhhh!! Fin.a.lly!!) which is the perfect way to wind down a day that we wound right on up together this morning! That's also the perfect way to slide into a Rest Day tomorrow!

I hope your Saturday was full, from beginning to end, of exactly what you wanted! I'll check in on Rest Day!

Friday, July 17, 2015

The Sweeter Side

I know I don't have to say what day it is ... but, I'm gonna!!
Yahoo!! I hope yours has been as good as mine!! Speaking of good ...

It was a Rest Day around here which is the perfect time to share some of my favorite, new indulgences! It's like this: The whole new-way-of-eating thing Aaron and I embarked upon stripped as much sugar out of our intakes as possible. And, while that's a good thing for health, let's be real: We still wanted some treats! Aaron in particular has a desire for sweet (that's why he married me, right? hahahaha), so once I got a strong handle on the whole THM thing, I did further exploring and experimenting to find things that were both sweet and good. That combo can be tricky because messing around with sugar substitutes/sweeteners can be a disaster in taste. Fortunately, we've found sweeteners we really like that work great with the following, delicious treats!

Let's start with the recent National Ice Cream Day indulgence situation! That day was just this past Wednesday (If you missed it, go ahead and indulge now; I heard from someone that it's actual National Ice Cream Month, and, I've not tried to verify that, so just go with it.), and it was the very day our new ice cream maker arrived on our doorstep. Remember this?
Well, that night, it produced this!
We started tame with some vanilla ...
And, I turned my portion of that into this:
... then I added a tablespoon of natural peanut butter and a few
pieces of dark chocolate (85%) for a moose tracks nod. SO good!
And, tonight, we made this:
"Brownie Batter" ice cream ... ohhh, yeahhh ...
The ice cream maker is sensational! It's a Cuisinart 1.5-quart capacity that whips up your ice cream in about 20 minutes! Extra bonus: No ice and salt required. It rocks. It's small and easy to use, so we've put it to good use already with ice cream recipes I found here. If you check them out, know that the staples of the recipes include your sweetener of choice (you convert your choice from the author's), unsweetened almond milk, whipping cream and -- this was my shocker -- cottage cheese! A good whirl in a blender puts all of your ingredients together before going into the ice cream machine! In 20 minutes, you're tummy is going to be smiling!

Aaron came home from work the day after having made the ice cream letting me know he thought about the ice cream all day long. That whole way-to-a-man's-heart and all ...!

Now, if you're craving something from the oven, I have a good one for you:
Ingredients include almond flour, sweetener, shredded coconut and dark chocolate (85%), and it definitely satisfies the warm-out-of-the-oven itch!! It's written to be baked in a skillet in the oven, but I opted for a stoneware pan in the toaster oven. Is your mouth watering yet? Hop on over to this site, and get the recipe for the Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Finally. This one might be my favorite because it's the most unexpected. Ready?
BAM.

Your eyes do not deceive you. It's a single-serve chocolate cake. (For perspective, the cake is 4" across and about an inch and a half tall.) Have I ever mentioned how much I love chocolate cake? (I think that's one of the few things on here I've never discussed ...) Anyway, when I stumbled upon a recipe for chocolate cake that comes in at 80 calories* and no fat per serving, I was, like, sign me up!

This particular recipe calls for both oat fiber (which I ordered from the THM website, but it does exist elsewhere) and coconut flour, but, you might remember we all find coconut flour to be disgusting. So, I just used oat fiber in its place, and it's wonderful.

* The swap of oat fiber for the coconut flour is what brought my calorie count down from the original recipe. Using coconut flour, by my calculation, the single-serve cake would be 180 calories. That's still a huge bargain for delicious chocolate cake, I just couldn't choke it down if it were in there. Of course, that would take the calorie count down to zero, then, wouldn't it ...!

The recipe is written for these to be microwaved or baked, so I baked it in the toaster oven. Perfection. Interested? You should be if you're a chocolate cake fan! Check out the recipe here! The recipe is called Chocolate Cake Master Mix; you mix a couple of batches of the dry at the same time, then you get the wet measurements for the single serving. NICE!

I wanted to share some of the sweeter side of life here because we all crave it sometimes, don't we?! How fantastic to find these sites that have so many great options all of which, in the long run, support my running endeavors. I TOTALLY WIN!

Ahhh ... just reviewing all of this kind of makes me full. Keep in mind we had the chocolate ice cream after dinner tonight, so these are all triggering my full tummy. If my tank were empty, well, I'd be in the kitchen right about now whipping something up!

I love how very (VERY) surprised both Aaron and I have been at how many great foods we've found, all the while returning to physically feeling so much better! I guess if I feel that good, I should be ready to bounce right out of bed tomorrow morning to run, right? Don't count on that; it's likely to already be in the 80s and humid when Pit Crew #2 and I head out! We'll be taking it slow, but we will go! I'm looking forward to the time with her!

Start your Saturday off just the way you want (and make yourself a little something sweet to wrap it up, just sayin' ...), and I'll see you after the morning run!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Heat Can't Keep Us Down!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 592.2 (running: 432.7; walking: 26.7; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $49.84
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 592.2 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7)  Elly: 126 Total: 1091.5

"Running? I think not."
It was another hot and sticky one out there this morning, but it was made better knowing there's a Rest Day scheduled for tomorrow!! YAHOO!! When I don't have a run the next day, I tend to push myself a little harder. That's just how it is.

That did not, however, prevent me from mandating a walk/water break right when Pit Crew #2 and I hit our first mile. As I told her, that was called a Safety Break. Yeah, it was that hot. And gross.

We cruised along rather well, all things considered, and we were thoroughly enjoying our outing. Then, it got even better when someone pulled up alongside of us ... guess who?!?!
It's our friend Juli!! She was one of my original running partners. She was the best because she didn't judge the extent to which I would puff while running laboring up a hill. Everybody needs a running partner and other support just like that. I was fortunate to have many. Anyway, in this morning's encounter, she drove alongside us for a minute while we ran so everyone could exchange morning hellos before she continued on her way to her run's starting point. Gooooooooo, Juli!!!

Like I told her, it's pretty cool how God made us all different enough that she has her route of preference and I have mine, and because a mix of people like different things, we don't overcrowd nor otherwise interfere with one another. Unless, of course, there's someone in a car driving alongside someone running who has someone running alongside her, and that trio stretches across the width of the street. That's overcrowding or otherwise interfering. But, no one was coming, so it was all good.

PC#2 and I continued on our way with just one more little walk break before wrapping it up. To avoid a repeat of yesterday's "Whoops ... forgot to start running again" moment where we walked double what we intended, I asked her, "So, do you want to run any part of this (last hill), or what?" to which PC#2 answered, "Sure."

It turned out that "any part" meant "all of." That wasn't a bad thing. And, even though the humidity sucked the very life out of most of my body, well, that's what tomorrow's Rest Day is for!
Tomorrow's also another check from the kitchen ... things have been goo-ood from there!! 'Can't wait to share ... see you then!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

All Good

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 589.2 (running: 429.7; walking: 26.7; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $49.74
 
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 589.2 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7)  Elly: 126 Total: 1088.5

It was a water bottle double-fist kind of morning ...
... one for each of us, that is ...

We survived the thick humidity which was actually easier than figuring out how to best get around the unleashed German Sheppard walking with its owner who insisted on holding its leash (sigh -- dogs don't like to chase moving/running things or anything ...). We saw bunnies playing, and we even found 35 cents on a route unlikely to produce much of anything. We ran hard when we ran and, one time, we forgot to get back to running after a walk break, so we had one long break instead of two short ones.

A lot can happen in three miles. And, it was all good.

Tomorrow's another outing; I'll check back in with what comes of it!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

The Report of New

"Mommy wasn't the only
one who was busy; I spent
a few minutes catching a
fly. BAM."
And, this is how the majority of my Summer usually goes ... it goes away! Fast! And, if I'm not paying attention, I'm going to miss it! I was so in tune to the day yesterday and not letting details get away from me that by the time I thought to jot some thoughts, I was exhausted! The humidity/heat index pushed me over the edge; it totally sucked the life out of me while we were at the pool! So, by evening, I had not one, single coherent thought to put together.

Perfect evening to watch The Bachelorette, amiright?

Today was almost equally busy and almost equally hot-humid-nasty, but I have more brain cells in tact. So, I wanted to share a bit of an update on how the food changes have gone around here because -- like everything else in life -- that's something that has changed, tweaked, retweaked and reinvented! With such a process comes some trial and error, and, now that we're deep enough in our own amazing journey (whoops -- The Bachelorette just slipped in there) process, I wanted to share a bit of what's happened around here.

Earlier this calendar year, I knew I needed to do something nutritionally to better support my running. Even after a good run, I found myself sluggish which is not to mention the fact that more runs than not seemed to require more effort than they used to. I immediately accepted something needed to change, and I quickly stumbled upon what has become the foundation for improvement. 

All of our changes came straight out of the Trim Healthy Mama book, their website and/or Facebook page (holy moly, that's the mother load of their information, support and links to reference) or other sites committed to the THM principles in their recipes. We started converting to these principles in February. Spoiler alert: Both of us feel way better, our blood work numbers are great and we have both shrunk back much closer to ideal in terms of clothes we can wear. That's my round-about way of saying we've slowly but surely dropped weight and have been able to do some shopping within our own closet. In short, this change totally works for us in every way and then some!

Most of the changing we did was not so much what we ate, but in what combination we ate different foods (check out their info for specifics). But, THM introduced us to some ingredients we would not normally have even noticed much less bought and tried. So, here are some of our choices and what we think of them:

First, nutritional yeast:
This was one of the first special-to-me ingredients I bought. Pit Crew #2 and I love putting it on our eggs so much that I bought double the amount when our first bag was gone. It is delish! Kinda nutty, kinda cheesy ... just a good little punch of flavor!

Then there's this:
Coconut flour is a staple in many of the baked products supporting THM (and other healthy alternatives to regular baked goods made with white flour). We tried. And, we tried. And, then we tried some more. And, we're done. All of us find it disgusting. It totally takes over the flavor of anything we try to use it for, and, even worse, we don't like the flavor it brings. I often just use whatever other flour called for in a recipe in its place, and I've yet to have a problem doing so.

Almond flour, oat flour and oat fiber have become my go-tos. This coconut flour stuff sucks. Although, we use coconut oil without any taste issue whatsoever. Go figure.

This particular flour is a huge winner around here:
This is what we found and use to make bread. You may or may not remember Aaron started using this in March, and he's become quite the whiz at making loaves with it. I admit it took me a short while to switch my taste buds to embrace this, but, once I did, I'm all getouttamyway!

I now have a new favorite breakfast:

That's about to become an egg white sandwich ... Toast the bread before doing anything with it because it helps it not crumble. After toasting, I spread a light wedge of Laughing Cow on the pieces, then I sprinkle with some skim mozzarella cheese. When the mozz melts, I just slap on the salted and peppered egg white (see it back there keeping warm while the cheese melts?). Commence to making yummy noises.
I fully admit it was difficult to make even a small one for Aaron to try because, selfishly, I didn't want him to like it very much so I could have it all. I'm like that sometimes.
Before I paint myself too terrible, I did buy him a new loaf pan
for his two-loaf ventures. You see above -- which you also saw
in March -- that having one pan makes for loaf number two to
be something of a blob. Yummy, but a blob nonetheless.
Okay, one more different-to-us ingredient that I would have never found and still can hardly pronounce is this:

Glucomannan is a thickening ingredient. The more you use, the more it soaks up. And, it takes very little to do a lot of soaking! In my first couple of attempts, I used too much, and things got a little gummy. Whoops. Eh, I was still learning. I have a good handle on it now and have used it masterfully if I do say so myself. For me, the shaker is key to make sure the amount going in is controlled. I'd rather have to shake a lot than use too much by spooning it because there's no going back once it's in the dish! This little gem of an ingredient has made for an outstanding Asian Chicken sauce!

But, I've also kept it out of some recipes, even when it's called for, because it can really make things dense. I make that decision based on our trials and errors, so, I have no concrete advice about it other than to be patient with it when you start. You will get a feel for your personal knack with it!

New ingredients and ways of doing things can be scary, annoying or both. I'm thankful I was in a really good spot to have an open mind and some patience because it's totally paying off. And, have I mentioned how many more yummy noises take place around here since rearranging and/or adding to what's on the dinner plates?! We tried a number of new things at the same time, but it's not necessary -- with this or almost any new venture in your life!! It took me almost 6 months to train for my first 5K, just sayin'.

With new ingredients and recipes came a resurrection of some of our old kitchen gizmos that collected more dust than saw use, namely the bread maker and the crock pot. And, as of today, thanks to our new kitchen ventures, we have something brand-spankin' new:
It's the cutest ice cream maker I've ever seen (better only if offered in purple ...). It came just in time for National Ice Cream Day which is tomorrow if you're needing to know!

Yeah, you know I'll have a report on that, soon! Before, though, PC#2 and I have some running to do! We'll each have a water bottle tomorrow and will be taking it slow, but we'll get it done! Enjoy the start to your Wednesday, and I'll see you after the morning run!