Marine Corps Marathon Training

Over the past 17 weeks I have been training for my FIRST marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon!! I have ran short, ran long, ran injured, ran with some fabulous women and my wonderful husband and kids.  I have taken ice baths for the first time, used KT tape, iced my injuries, taken rest days, cross-trained, cried, sweated buckets, lived in the fear of the gov't SHUTDOWN, but I have.not.QUIT!  I have 6 days until the marathon and I am READY!!

This is my training plan-what a mess!! LOL I know it looks a mess
but it has kept me organized and I've been able to cross
 the runs off as I go! I just keep it on my fridge!

BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL

Last weekend my husband and I ran the Baltimore Running Festival.  My husband ran the 5K and I ran the Half Marathon.  This was all part of my "Taper" for the marathon.  The course was great, lots of hills, it was cold and a little drizzly before my run but a better forecast than the days prior.  It was also difficult starting a race at almost 10 am! I had to think about things like when and what to eat that morning and make sure I didn't drink too much and use the port-o before I started...that didn't work out so much and I ended up finding a potty at mile 7 which kept my from my goal us a sub 2hr half.  Official time: 2:01:43

We even had some cheerleaders!

They are so motivating!

ARMY Ten Miler

This weekend I needed to do 10 miles for my "taper" I got into the Army 10-miler when the registration opened up way back when and the race was this weekend.  I told my self not to "race" but to treat it as a training run (with 30,000 of my closest friends).  I was very proud of myself for just enjoying the run and sites.  My time was average for a training run.  About a 9:30/mm One point in the middle I caught myself running and chatting with someone going WAY too fast and had to back out.  I could have kept it up but I didn't want to overdo it and risk hurting myself.  Better safe than sorry!! This was also my first race with TEAM FISHER HOUSE!!  They were wonderful!! It was such a great team to run with.  They were so loud every time I passed them and had a great meeting tent after with snacks for meet up and recovery. I'm very excited to be running with them for MCM too!!

Official Time: 1:33:31  

6 MORE DAYS

Just 6 more days until the marathon and I am ready!  Just a few more short runs and a lot of REST days.  I am excited and still nervous!!  I am happy that I have met such wonderful strong women through this process.  I wish it wasn't so late in my training but I am going to continue to run with them after MCM is over because they are fabulous!! We have been through a lot together on our long runs. As I type I'm wearing a new shirt that says, "What happens on the long run, stays on the long run".  Very fitting! :)  Although these pictures are too awesome not to share.  A few weeks ago when Congress couldn't handle their job and the Government shutdown we were still training for OUR Marathon!!  We ran DC!  The parks were closed :( but that didn't stop us!  One tiny barricade in the middle of the national mall? A road closed sign? We are Bad@$$ Mother Runners!! Two did 13 miles and two did 20 miles! WHOOP! 

Photo courtesy of: This Mama Runs for Cupcakes

Thanks for stopping by!

Jess

My Get Fit Journey

I should probably update my "after" shot but it's pretty recent (May 2013).
I also think the before weight is a lot higher.

So I was going to title this "My Weight-Loss Journey" but it just didn't feel right.  I didn't set out to lose weight or get "skinny".  My goal when I started this journey was to get healthy/fit.  I guess somewhere in the process I have gotten to the point where some may consider me "skinny".  I however do not feel this way.  I am fit, strong, and healthy.

Now you may be wondering what made me wake up one day a decide I needed to get healthy?  I've always considered myself a healthy eater.  I love veggies, I always eat salads with baby spinach instead of iceberg lettuce and load it up with veggies.  I eat fruit and lean meats, rarely red meat.  I don't eat a lot of dairy...except for cheese (I love cheese). Well in the Fall of 2011 I got a physical and when I got my blood work back I was in shock! Now I knew I was overweight, I knew I wanted to lose it, it just wasn't happening and the number on the scale wasn't motivating me. However, being that I have my bachelor's degree in Bioligy/Forensic Chemistry when I received my bloodwork results I was motivated! I never thought that my cholesterol and triglycerides would be so high! I don't eat a lot of sweets or red meat so what could it be?

SEPTEMBER 2011 Bloodwork:

Weight :195.5 lbs

LDL: 95 (good)

Triglycerides: 245 (high)

HDL: 40 (low)

I immediately started Weight Watchers*.  The reason for this is because I've used WW before with great results while working.  I love to cook my own food. I don't like prepackaged food, I don't like to be restricted and I needed to learn portion control because I knew WHAT I was eating was okay.  I found it was definitely HOW MUCH I was eating.  An entire Whole Wheat bagel with light cream cheese for breakfast, a sandwich and salad for lunch, chicken veggies and rice for dinner.  The norm.  Well I had to change it.  If I wanted a bagel it had to be a half a bagel or a bagel thin with light cream cheese and a cup of berries.  I'm not a fan of eggs but I really made myself eat them because they are a great source of protein and 3 egg whites were only 1 point!  I loaded those bad boys up with spinach, mushrooms and any other "free" veggies, a little light cheese and I was good to go! On days I was going to have a lighter lunch or dinner I added 2 turkey sausage which were only 2 points!  Chicken with salad or veggies for lunch, I like to add some couscous, quinoa or lentils for some carbs/protein.  Veggies and hummus or string cheese and fruit for snack.  And dinner is the same as lunch protein and veggies small carbs like sweet potatoes, couscous, brown rice etc.  I've tried Paleo and I can do parts of it but I can't cut out dairy 100% and I like a little bit of complex carbs.

NOVEMBER 2011 Bloodwork:

LDL: 76 (good)

Triglycerides: 161 (high)

HDL: 37 (good)

One of my running buddies!

As you can see in 2 months my bloodwork was already looking better and that was all diet change (I hadn't even started working out!)

After I had lost about 25 lbs I decided to start working out...in the form of running/walking.  Well BAD idea!  I wasn't ready, actually my knee wasn't ready!  I had fallen in a grocery store a year before and landed on my right knee, didn't realize the extent until I tried to run and it hurt!  I got some x-ray's, MRI and a referral to PT.  I ran my first FULL 5K in June 2012 and registered for my first 10K in Oct 2012 (the MCM10K).  I was told not to run by my Dr and Orthopedic but my Physical Therapist said it was ok.  We worked hard to get me to a point where I was comfortable and I completed my first 10K in 1:06:44!! YAY!!  The week after I was in a funk...I needed another goal and found that in order to keep going I would need another race.  I signed up for my first HALF MARATHON!

We do the Susan G Komen every year as a family.  This year my sister in law's joined us and we had a great time! I'm so proud of them! This was also the first 5K run I did back in 2012!

The whole crew!

My knee was still not 100% so I ended up getting a cortisone shot which helped a lot.  I trained through the winter for my first and second Half Marathon.  My first was the Rock N Roll USA (2:06:36) in DC March 2013, my second was the JBA Inaugural Half Marathon (2:05:11) in April 2013.  They were tough but I finished and I did well! I also decided to register for the Marine Corp Marathon in Oct 2013 (because you can only go bigger right?)

We've had some 5K runs in between the big races which have been great and my 8yr old has ran with us.  I really suggest getting kids involved not only in healthy eating but also in getting active!  My kids love it! My oldest either runs or bikes next me while my little one is in the stroller.  They give me a little resistance and motivation at the same time.

My husband, sister-n-law and I also completed a Spartan Sprint in Tuxedo, NY! It was TOUGH but so fun! We were looking forward to a Super in August but due to a mission we were unable to go.

This is pre-mud

I'm really looking forward to October as my schedule is FULL of races!

October 12th- Half Marathon!!

Baltimore Running Festival

Half-Marathon

http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/

October 20th- Army 10-Miler!!

I am running with Team Fisher House! Please help me in my fundraising efforts!

http://www.teamfisherhouse.org/site/TR/Event/General?px=1004359&pg=personal&fr_id=1096

October 27th- Marine Corps Marathon

I am running with Team Fisher House! Please help me in my fundraising efforts!

http://www.teamfisherhouse.org/site/TR/Event/General?px=1004359&pg=personal&fr_id=1099

Now I know running isn't for everyone, and I never thought it was for me but I hope that I can encourage you to find something that you enjoy and go out there and do it!  This isn't all I do!  I love to bike, cross-fit, hike, play in the backyard or park with the kids.  There is just so many ways to be active get rid of the excuses and get fit!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jess

*I am not being endorsed by Weight Watchers, nor am I suggesting this is the only way to lose weight. This is what worked for me and I suggest finding what works for you.  I highly suggest consulting a doctor before starting any workout or diet program.

Spring Rolls and Smoothies

I was cruising the aisle of World Market a few months ago and found these goodies:

Organic Ramen, Rice Paper wrappers, Sweet Chili sauce, and Sweet Chipotle Jerky

The Sweet Chipotle Jerky was awesome, there wasn't nearly enough in the bag to really share, but I did. I will definitely be looking for this again, and maybe some other flavors!

I haven't used the Organic Ramen yet but I plan to in the near future...please feel free to share your recipes!

As far as the Rice paper and the Sweet Chili Sauce, I had plans for those!  Vietnamese style spring rolls!

The rice paper wrappers were very easy to use.  You just place each wrapper in a bowl of hot water for about 5 seconds prior to wrapping.  It will soften then place on a cutting board, fill and wrap like a burrito!

 Sweet Chili Sauce is my son Austen's favorite.  He puts the stuff on everything!  I did already have form Franks at home but I wanted to try this brand, plus I got it for a buck!

Ok Assembly!  Here are my ingredients: Grilled chicken (you can use shrimp or tofu here), julienne cucumbers, shredded or julienne carrots, cilantro (you could also use mint), and avocado.

Heat ONE wrapper at a time or they will stick together.  Place on your cutting board and add your ingredients but don't overfill!  The wrappers stretch but you don't want them to break.  I really like that you could see the avocado through the wrapper of most of them!

Serve them with the Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping.  My kids had them will bunny Jell-O.  They make great Appetizers.  They would also be great with some Miso Soup!

GREEN MACHINE SMOOTHIE (Makes 2 servings)



1 Small Avocado
2 Cups Spinach
1 1/2 C Coconut Water
1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
1 Cup Ice

Blend all ingredients for a delicious and refreshing treat!

Ry LOVES this smoothie!

Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Jess

The views and opinions expressed in this post are mine, I have not been paid for my opinion of any of products you see listed.

Sorrel, Potato and Sausage Soup

What in the world is Sorrel?

We got this crazy green in our CSA box from Farm 2 Family. I wasn't sure how to use it.  It can be added to soups, or salads but has a very sharp taste so I added into a soup, kind of like a kale, escarole or spinach.  It did change the color of the soup to a funky purple since the leaves and stems were a reddish color.  The soup was still great though!  So if you ever find this funky leaf in your garden, CSA box or want to try something new here is a recipe for you!

Sorrel, Potato and Sausage soup



2 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic
3 italian sausages (I added these after but decided that the soup was too good with them not to have them!)
1 medium onion
2-3 potatoes peeled and cubed
6 Cups Chicken Broth
Salt and Pepper
Parmesan cheese

Heat your soup pot to med-high, add your olive oil. Chop your onions and garlic. Add them and sausage (not pictured) to the pot.

  Peel and chop the potatoes. Half of these were from the CSA and the other half, I had and needed to use up...I really should have only used half..this was TOO much! Add them to the hot tub!

Make sure your Sorrel is rinsed and dried, give it a rough chop and add it to the saute. Give it all some S & P.  If you don't have sorrel, this will work with Kale or Escarole too!! It may also work better if you add it at the end, the sorrel seemed to be a lot tougher than a normal leaf lettuce though.

  Once you've given everything a nice saute and stir, add the broth.  The pic below was with 4 C, it wasn't enough once I decided to add sausage, especially with all those potatoes!  You can adjust if you want it chunkier though (4C-6C). Simmer for 20 min.  Remove the sausage and slice it up, add it back to the pot and serve it up topped with some Parmesan cheese!

Here is the finished soup pre-parm.  It was VERY good!  We devoured it after a killer cross-fit workout!

I hope you enjoy!

Jess

Do you CSA?

This year our family is participating in a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture.  I have coordinated pick up with a a great family of farmers, Farm 2 Family aka The Farm Bus to deliver fresh produce, hormone and antibiotic free meats, cage/soy free eggs, fresh bread (gluten free also!), dairy, honey, granola, pasta, etc to Military Families on Joint Base Andrews, MD!  We have 12 families currently signed up for biweekly and 3 for weekly.  This is the first year and everyone has been VERY happy with the produce and other items so far!

I'm a little behind but I was hoping to post pictures of each box and possibly recipes that we have made with some of those items! So far we have been getting a lot of greens, salad mixes.  I eat a lot of salad and the boys do pretty good so nothing has gone bad.  We have LOVED the asparagus and now we are also getting some great strawberries.  The first two weeks were biweekly and this week we have switched to weekly pick up!

First Pick up
Bibb lettuce, Sorrel, Celery clippings, carrots, apples, potatoes, asparagus, baby garlic,
sweet potatoes, basil, spring mix, spinach, oregano

With the Bibb lettuce we made Bulgogi as well as lettuce wraps 

We has tuna steaks with roasted carrots and asparagus.  I just roast them in olive oil and salt and pepper.  I like to add parmesan to the asparagus when it's done (I've been doing this way longer than Pinterest has ;)

We LOVE asparagus! It's our favorite Veggie!

I also made a quick Caprese salad with some pearl tomatoes and mozzarella I picked up from Trader Joe's using the Basil from my CSA box as well!

Caprese Salad

 

2 C Tomatoes

1 C Mozzarella

10 leaves Basil ripped

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 Tbsp Balsamic

S&P

add all ingredients to bowl

Tuna Steaks are GREAT! This time I changed it up a bit.  I just gave them some olive oil, S&P and seared them on each side.  I cooked up some of the baby garlic/spring onions (not sure WHAT it was) in the pan when they were done and sprinkled some on top.  Also added some Ginger Dressing/marinade to the pan for a few minutes then poured it on top.  Done!

I had no idea what Sorrel was and it took some Facebooking and some google-momming to find out what this leafy green was...I'll post the recipe that I came up with in a few!

The sweet potatoes have been saved for a few weeks down the road for our favorite! Sweet potato fries!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jess