Not injured...

Went to the docitity doctor today to get checked up on what is going on with my leg pain. Like I said in a previous post, I have had some extreme pain in my left leg starting at my foot and growing up through my calf.. and then sometimes my knee hurts and sometimes my hip hurts. Last week, when I finally decided to make the appointment, I was in a lot of pain, kind of limping around when I walked...much less ran on it.

But like all doctors, it took them a week before they could fit me in. In that week, I took off a couple days but still continued to run. And by yesterday, on my 4 mile non-stop (except for crossing streets) run, it was starting to feel better. But I decided to keep the appointment just in case.

So I went in today, letting them know that I thought the main cause of the pain was starting in my foot... with my bunyon (which by the way, is a gross word... can't "they" name it something else?). I have been having to really stretch out my calves and my toes... Yoga Toes are my best friend sometimes (I actually have the generic from Walgreen's). So the doc examined, asked a lot of questions, even took X-rays.

And nothing.. well, that he could easily diagnos. He told me to go to this other running shoe place in town and have the owner, who knows anything and everything about feet and running to look at my shoes and let me know if I need to get a different pair. If he doesn't think there is anything wrong with the shoes I have (and have been "fitted" for multiple times) then I should call back and talk to the foot and ankle specialist.

I am glad it's nothing serious, and I can still run... but I am a little disappointed, because in all honesty, my foot still hurts. I hope it goes away. I don't want to have to buy another pair of shoes when I just got the ones I am using now. But I guess that is a better alternative than not running or something else.

Recipe Review

So finally, I got to cook out of one of my new cookbooks that I bought last week. Saturday morning G and I got up early and went to the Farmer's Market to buy fresh, organic veggies and then we finally went to the grocery on Sunday for everything else. So, last night night I busted out the "Cook Yourself Skinny" cookbook and tried the Chicken and Bean Burritos with Pineapple Salsa.

And let me just say... it was pretty good! It kind of took forever to make though (I am not so sure the "in minutes" part on the cover of the book is accurate). And I was even trying to make everything at once to make the process go faster.

But in the end, the burritos were light, flavorful and yummy! And best of all, G liked them too. Sometimes the healthy recipes can taste a little flat, probably because we are so used to so much salt in our meals, but with the pineapple and red onion mixed together there was really a little suprise there.

I would suggest trying out this recipe, and maybe even have it for friends... since it's kind of a "make your own burrito" with the specific ingredients.

Here's the recipe if you don't feel like making the jump:

Serves 4
Calories per serving, chicken and bean burritos: 436
Calories per serving, pineapple salsa: 28

For the chicken and bean burritos
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained, if frozen
1 15 1/2-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeño (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 pound bone-in, skin-on split chicken breasts
3 peppercorns
1 carrot, sliced

1 bay leaf
3 medium tomatoes (2 quartered, 1 diced)
1 white onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 medium flour tortillas
1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar
1/4 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

For the pineapple salsa
1 cup ripe pineapple, chopped
1/4 cup red onions, chopped
1/4 cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add beans, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, salt and cayenne, and stir until well mixed; set aside.

2. Put the chicken, peppercorns, carrot, bay leaf and 3 of the garlic cloves in a large saucepan, and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly in the broth. Remove the chicken from the broth, and remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into small pieces, and return the meat to the broth.

3. Put the quartered tomatoes, onion and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato mixture and cook, stirring until thickened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shredded chicken to the tomato mixture. Stir until well mixed.

4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Warm the tortillas, one at a time, until pliable, about 1 minute. Divide the cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, bean mixture and chicken with its sauce among the tortillas, spreading the ingredients in a line down the center. Fold in the top and bottom, and then roll in the sides. Serve immediately.

5. To make the pineapple salsa: Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Set aside.

*I have not been paid to advertise Cook Yourself Skinny or any of the recipes in the book. I am merely giving my review based on trying it at home and sharing with others

North East Touring

G and I have talked a few times about wanting to go up to the northeast and tour around. Nothing particularly planned, but just to see the scenery. I have never really been up to the northeast except to go to NYC a couple of years ago. But I would really love to see that part of the country.

We are thinking about maybe going on a driving trip this fall to see the colors. I just love the fall time with the changing leaves and crisp air, so why not go and visit some of the most beautiful places this time of year? I'd even love to get all the way to Cape Cod.

I am just not sure where to go and what to see. Plus, we would like to bring big dog, Charlie with us, so we would have to find pet friendly hotels or bed & breakfasts.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good driving route? or pet friendly "tour"... nothing organized with a group or anything, but a list of places to see and things to do?

Cookbooks!

I have recently bought 2 new cookbooks that I am really excited about.

This first one has 500!! healthy recipes. The images in the inside were so inticing that I HAD to buy the book. Everything just looked soo yummy. You guy buy it at Amazon too!

This is the second. Cook Yourself Thin. Not only is this a cookbook, but it also includes a shopping list and a good discription of what the purpose of the book is... to be able to eat your favorite dishes, but making substitutions for a healthier way to eat it! Can be found here

I can't wait to try out EVERY recipe in each one. Ya'll know I am on a kick where I want to be uber-healthy, and I think having these 2 cookbooks at my immediate disposal is a definite PLUS.

Now I just gotta get to the store to get some yummy ingredients.

I'll let you know how it goes (and hopefully be able to give some reviews on various dishes)

Injury

To give an update:

My running training is still going strong. I must admit though, we have maybe missed one run a week for the past several weeks. BUT! due to good reason - life, weather, pain.. etc.

This past saturday, G and I did a 10 mile run. We probably only ended up running about 8 out of the ten, but we were at least out there getting it done. We had to stop a few times and stretch. G had to stop once, just to sit down and let his legs recover a bit. Plus, stopping for water breaks and waiting at cross walks. We both felt pretty good on the run. G and I both have had some leg pain over the past few weeks, but saturday we felt pretty good (I think it was taking a few days off before the long on saturday).

Speaking of injury though, it might be time to see the doctor. As much as I don't want to go because I don't want him to tell me the worst (not being able to do the race), I feel that it is better to go so that I don't cause any serious damage. And it may be nothing (cross your fingers), that a few days off can't fix.

Back when the pain started, I attributed it to old shoes and inserts. So, I have replaced both, and while it was better for a while, it seems to have come back. Basically, it feels like I am running up hill the whole time because of the tightness in my calf. Self-diagnostically, I think it has to with my foot - either torn muscle or bunyon issues. But the pain starts in my foot, up through my arch and into my calf.. and on the worst days, up to my hip. I try to run on it as long as possible and just ignore the pain, but if I stop and start again, it just gets worse.

So to the doctor I go, next wednesday. Cross your fingers and pray real hard that its only minor. I will be VERY disappointed if it prevents me from doing the race.

Where does the time go?

I am a horrible blogger. I started this blog as a way to get some things off my chest, and also talk about anything and everything I felt was worthy of typing.

It started out all good.. but now things have kind of gone down hill. I wish my life was more interesting to write about. Or that I was able to tell these hilarious stories about every day activities. But unfortunately, that is not how my life works. boo.

I am selfish enough, and self aware enough to know that I want more followers and more commentors. But how do you get those, probably by writing more appealing material. I need to work on it. And I'm going to. I want to. I want to make this something I enjoy doing and look forward to doing. Rather than something that I struggle with trying to find a topic each day.

So bear with me while I get back on track to better blogging.

(does this all sound familiar???)

Nesting...

I want to nest.

G has lived in our house for 3.5 years, and I have lived there 2.5 years. The only room that is "semi" done is our never used dining room. There is so much that I want to do with the house, but am currently in a limbo state of decorating.

See there is a chance we won't be there much longer. So I dont want to put in all this time, effort and money decorating a house that we will more than likely move out of. But I am definitely at that stage, where i want it to feel warm and cozy and not just a place we sleep in. Catch my drift?

I keep looking at furniture on the internet, and almost hit the "buy" button, but then remind myself, that it may not fit with in a new home (because or current place of residence is so awkward and furniture has to be bought specfically). And G asked me the other day why I hadn't printed out our wedding pictures and put them in frames.. I'm like HELLO! we have no shelves to put them on..

Needless to say I want to decorate our house in a more suitable fashion. I just hope I get to soon. But until then I'll just lust after the following...

Sloane Mahogany bookcases from Crate & Barrel

Pottery Barn type gallery wall... I LOVE this

Chloe Velvet Metro Living Chair from Macy's (in Ivory)

 

 

And a bed that is off the floor.. PB

Amongst MANY other things.

How is it...

- that I can go out for a nine mile run on saturday, and struggle with a 3 mile run on monday
- that my knee can hurt me all day, but then on said run, its ok, its other parts of my leg that hurt
- that I can run 5 miles a week and never loose 1 lb.
- that my "to-do" list never gets shorter
- that my 100 lb lab just now started chewing on a bone I gave him 3 days ago
- that everyone I know seems to be having kids
- that I am in my late 20s
- that I can never find worthy blog topics, but could read useless information about other people all day
- that I never have enough clothes but can purge like there is no tomorrow
- that there is never any thing to eat in the fridge
- that i am where I am
- that i have a lot of creative ideas but would rather sleep my free time away
- that i am always tired
- that I have managed to surround myself with wonderful friends (even if they dont live so close)
- that I don't live near a beach

????

What to say..

It's amazing to me how I can quit something so easily. Does this ever happen to you? You start a project, feeling very confident that you will be able to keep up wih the task and BOOM! you have failed. UGH. It happens to me a lot and it's frustrating.

I have every intention of keeping my word and being good about the promise to myself. But in reality, I let myself down a lot and get disappointed.

I have gone back to "crap" eating this week. I am still trying to not snack on bad stuff through out the day.. or make daily trips to the Walgreens (to save on money too) and I have been semi successful. But I definitely haven't been tracking everything I eat, like I planned. This whole loose 5 lbs thing is hard. And maybe it's because I have never "had" to diet so I dont really know what to do, or how to be committed. And it's not like I "have" to now, but more of a want to be healthier in my food choices. (But geez if a McD's coke isn't exactly what you need sometimes).

Like I have said a million times, I wish I had a live in chef that would make me all these delicious, 0 calorie meals, then I wouldnt have to worry about what's on the label.

And what's up with your body changing when you are nearing 30?!? I mean I am still over 2 years off, but things are definitely not the same as they were last year, and I have trained/training for two 1/2 marathons this year! I run 5 days a week dammit!! Shouldn't something be shrinking?!?

Sorry, it's a bitch-fest over here. I am just frustrated. But I am going to see my doc next week and going to ask about my BC. I think it's making me gain weight.. seriously.. i know that's probably not a true fact, but my body feels different, even in the last few months.. hopefully I can work this out.

Happy Wednesday. Hopefully I will have a happier post tomorrow (if anyone has even read this far)

Fitting it all in.

Do you ever have that trouble just fitting everything in?

I can't seem to make time to do it all. And I am a young, married girl with no real responsibilities! I don't understand how mom's and uber busy people can do it all.

Here's my point. We have 24 hours in a day. 8 of which we are sleeping (well I need 8 hours, it could be less for others). 8 hours we are working (in my case 9 hours, I work 8-5, but do get an hour lunch, which I go home or run a few errands). And then we have another 8 hours to do everything else. For me, one hour goes to getting up and getting ready in the morning. 1 to 2 hours goes to running in the evening. Then you gotta take in time to make dinner and eat. And usually I have to do some kind of personal work. And then all of the sudden it's 11 o'clock and time to go to bed.

I have an on-going "to-do" list and try to check as much stuff off as possible. Like this week, since G has been gone, I have tried to get as much off the list as possible, and pretty much succeeded, but there were a few things left that had to be left for another day. I would just love for there to be a day when there wasn't one thing on my to-do list. I mean, don't get me wrong, there are days when I completely avoid the to-do list. But seriously, just one day when there is NOTHING. I guess that never truely happens.

I guess part of it, is that I feel bad for leaving my dog by himself for the majority of the day. Even when I am at home, I still feel like he needs more attention, or something. He is a VERY spoiled dog, but still. I worry about when G and I decide to have kids.. am I going to have time?! Or will I feel like I have spent enough time with them? I am worried. I want to be around. I don't want to be busy...

but then again, I like be productive. So it's kind of a double edged sword.

Do you ever feel like this?

Recap.

Things never end up as planned.. isn't that the way it goes?

Friday, G asked if I wanted to meet him in Chicago for a quick trip. See, G had gone to Minneapolis for work and was supposed to be there for 2 weeks (hence the time frame for my "experiment"), but he ended up deciding to come back early, and we were going to meet friday night on his way back. So, needless to say, my work out and my diet went out the window from friday on.

Since I was driving 5 hours, I ended up getting something to eat on the road, aka fast food. BLECH. Not good for the body. Then, we got up the next morning, skipped our long run and headed back home.. and stopping at cracker barrell for brunch.

Like I said, things never end up as planned. I need to regroup and start something new. I REALLY want to loose a few pounds before heading to Hawaii but it's just so hard to get started on the right path, and even harder to stay on it. I am seriously considering doing Weight Watchers again. A few years ago, when I lived by myself, and had to make all my own meals, I did weight watchers, and lost some. But like I mentioned in my previous post, it's hard to do this kind of stuff when you are feeding someone else that eats twice as much. I dunno. We'll see if it happens.

I am not too worried about missing my run on saturday. Honestly, my legs needed a break. My calves are on fire these days. But my new shoes came on friday and I can't wait to put them on tomorrow and head out for a 5 mile run. We have a month in a half till the race, and I am determined to be as prepared as I can be for it. Sometimes your body just needs a rest. I hope that everything will feel good tomorrow and I can continue on my training without pain.

Happy Sunday!