Another reason why fall rocks---more fall recipes

One of my best friends from home owns about a hundred (or more) acres of land which produces about 100 pumpkins every year. Whereas most people go out and buy pumpkins to celebrate the fall season, she’s doing everything she can to get rid of them. Last year she gave me 6 pumpkins just for decorating. Boy do I wish I was able to get my hands on some of those pumpkins this year.
For now, canned pumpkin will have to do.

I started out my day with a bowl of pumpkin banana pie oat bran. Pumpkin banana pie you ask? Yes. This was an ultimate bowl of oats. So good that I could only eat half of it. The pumpkin added a lot of volume.

It sucks to have to rely on my cell phone for pictures but this is better than nothing. Can you see the amazing pumpkin color in there?

Pumpkin Banana Pie Oat Bran

• 1/2 cup So Delicious Unsweetened coconut milk (or whatever milk you have/want to use)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup oat bran
• 2 tbsp canned pumpkin
• 1/2 ripe banana
• Pumpkin pie spice (love it!)

I topped everything with my normal flax and PB but damn this was good. Pumpkin pie spice rocks.

Here’s another recipe that I actually have to say rocked as well. When it comes to baking, I usually find a recipe I like and stick to it…I find there’s not room to play around with baking. However, I found this recipe online and knew I needed to tweak it to make perfection. I won. Pumpkin aside, the real winner to this recipe was the use of White Whole Wheat flour.

I decided to give white whole wheat flour a try since Dennis hates whole wheat. According to their website:

Milled from white whole wheat, rather than red, unbleached King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour has all the fiber and nutrition of traditional whole wheat, with milder flavor and lighter color. Thus, white whole wheat is a great way to add whole grains to your family's diet.

I figured this would be a great way to use whole wheat without changing the flavor of my favorite baked goods. I think I see some homemade pizza dough in my future.

White Whole Wheat Pumpkin Nut Bread

• 1 & 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs (or 4 egg whites or 1/3 cup egg white/substitute)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce (you could sub more apple sauce for the oil but I didn’t want to mess with it too much and leave it dry)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. each of nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice
• 1/4 tsp. cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350*. Mix all ingredients together in a big bowl and pour into a greased (I use Pam) bread pan. Bake for 60 minutes. Cut and enjoy. SO good. Even though there’s no picture, believe me, it was awesome.

TIP: I have a really hard time baking because 9 times out of 10 most of what I bake ends up getting thrown out…we just don’t eat it fast enough. So, my mom suggested slicing the bread into individual pieces after it cools and freezing them individually. I wrapped each piece in aluminum and put them in a freezer safe Zip-Lock bag. This eliminates waste. Thanks Mom!

One last thing— does anyone out there have a heart rate monitor that they use to track their mileage/pace? I used mine today on the treadmill and I found that they were way off from one another. I’m not sure how accurate the treadmill is or how well the Garmin works while ON the treadmill but if anyone can help me out with understanding which of the two are more accurate I’d appreciate it. Do I follow the treadmill’s guide to mileage and pace or do I believe I’m running a 7:57 pace when the treadmill says it’s an 8:15? Help!!!

Running group anonymous

I’d been planning on joining a running group for a while now, but not knowing what our future was going to be, I decided to hold off until a job and location were set in stone. After researching local running groups in the DC and NOVA area, I found one that seemed to suit me: The Potomac Runners.

They meet three times a week; twice in DC for a track and tempo run, and once on Saturdays for a long run in Alexandria. I wanted to find a local place to meet up with people for the longer runs, so I set my alarm for 6:30 Saturday morning and made my way to the Mt. Vernon Trail at 8.

Since this is a holiday weekend, the group was very small, but everyone was really nice and welcomed me with open arms. (Even the Red Sox fan who immediately started trash talking with me.) Oh, did I mention that I got my hands on a Garmin FR60? I got an amazing deal and I’m really glad I have it. It doesn’t have a GPS but it has a heart rate monitor, I can save and synch my workouts on my computer, and it tracks my mileage. This came in handy during my first run with the new group.

I started out running with a group that was running at a 9 minute pace. I ran a little over 6 miles last Sunday so I didn’t want to increase my mileage too much. The goal was 7 miles. This is where the Garmin came in handy. I ran 3.5 miles with the group and turned around to head back. This trail went right through Old Towne Alexandria and since everything looks the same, I got lost. When I was done with my 7 miles, I asked for directions and found that I was about 2 miles off…BOOO! I ran (very slowly) for about a mile longer and then walked the rest of the way…only to find out that the group I was running with ran an 8 mile loop! I should have just stuck with them. Who knew?

So here are my stats from the run (I’m so glad I can do this now!)
This is only from the 7 miles.
Total: 7.08 miles
Total time: 1:06:32
Mile 1: 9:29
Mile 2: 8:49
Mile 3: 9:32
Mile 4: 9:37
Mile 5: 9:21
Mile 6: 9:45
Mile 7: 9:58
Calories burned: 741
It shows that I’m burning just over 100 calories per mile. That’s good to know—I really had no idea. What I found interesting was that miles 1-4 I burned 105 calories per mile, then miles-5-7 I burned 106. Weird.

Now that I found a running group, I feel like I can start making some friends. Nothing’s better than having people to run with, even though I ran most of this run alone anyway. Once people get more familiar with me I’m sure I’ll find someone who can be my running buddy (no one beats my friend Ann though!)

Other things this we did this weekend included:
Celebrating our friend Kelly’s 30th birthday in downtown DC
Buying a new living room set (much needed purchase)
Visiting with my cousin and aunt from Richmond as they were passing through from NY
Trip to Trader Joe’s and an International Market where I found that Kabocha Squash everyone keeps telling me about (can’t wait to try it!)
And of course, watching my team win the ALDS. Go Yankees! (and football too, but I never get to see any NY Giants games down here)

No luck with the fixing of the camera, by the way. We’re just going to have to save up for a new one. Until then I’ll figure out a way to get fun ways to brighten up the blog. Tomorrow’ I’ll have a few recipes (whole wheat pumpkin bread) and another run with my new Garmin. Yay!

One big pissed off Gato

Poor Marley.

 
(no my camera isn’t fixed. These are from my cell phone. BOO)

A few days ago I found a bald patch on his leg the size of a quarter. After giving it some time to see how it would heal, we noticed it was getting a little funky so we knew a trip to the vet was due.

First of all, he’s a big cat. There’s no doubt about that. However, getting him into his cat carrier is never a problem. Usually he’s so interested in anything new that he walks right into it so he can see what’s going on. This time, he was not a happy kitty. He did NOT want to come out from under the bed.

I tried using treats, food, more treats, more food…nothing would get him out. He was like, “Oh hell no…not again!” We have put these guys through a lot in the past month so I’m not surprised that he was so hesitant. After seeing him poke his head out from under the bed to scope out the treats I left, I scooped his large behind up and shoved him in the carrier. (After a few minutes of wrestling with him and listening to him hiss at me)

This vet also talked to me about his weight issues. Good thing is, he’s lost 1.2 pounds since April. YAY Marley!! Bad thing is, he still has 6 more pounds to go. And he has to wear this cone type thing for 2-3 weeks while his wound heals.

Dylan didn’t like what he saw when he came home either. He growled, hissed and swatted at him all night. Poor guy couldn’t catch a break. Dylan—less than half of Marley’s size –wouldn’t let him under the bed to sleep. He’s just miserable. Poor guy.

This is Marley in our bedroom closet lying on our dirty clothes bag. It’s the only place Dylan will let him hide.

Happy Friday everyone. I have to try to get my camera fixed and get outside to enjoy this beautiful day.

 

Speed work, turkey chili and postseason baseball

Ahh, October. There’s nothing like it. Postseason baseball is one of my favorite times of year, especially when my team is playing.

 
(I really need to get my camera fixed!!)

I woke up super early this morning to get my turkey chili started. I was at the store at 7:30 a.m. buying chili powder and a red pepper (how did I plan on making chili and forget those ingredients?) Everything was in my CrockPot and cooking by 8:30. I’ve been thinking about this chili all week, and boy was it worth the wait.

Rockin’ (and really simple) Turkey Chili

• 1 pound 99% Fat Free turkey chili
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cans (rinsed and drained) black beans
• 1 can (rinsed and drained) corn
• 1 whole medium yellow onion
• 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 whole medium red pepper
• 3 or 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp hot sauce (slow cooking enhances the potency of things so I don’t overdo it. You can always add more later if you want)
• Salt and pepper to taste

You know the rest: Cook chopped veggies and turkey in olive oil in a large skillet on the stove until the turkey is no longer pink and veggies are soft (about 10 minutes) Then add chili powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Give a good stir.
Transfer to slow cooker. Add beans, corn and tomatoes. Stir again. Put lid on and don’t touch for 8 hours. Cook on low.

I serve mine with a dollop of plain yogurt and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. SO good. (Sorry, no pictures..camera is still broken. But trust me—it looked good and tasted even better)

Speed work:

I ran a nice long run on Sunday (around a 10K) and a nice easy 4 miler yesterday. I really needed to get some speed work in (and some weights as well) so I went to the gym after I was done getting the chili together. I started out with
15 minutes on the elliptical at level 7 as a warm up. I like using the elliptical as a warm up because it gets my heart pumping but without the pounding on my knees (which have been feeling great lately. Foot too!)
Then I hit the treadmill and ran at “race pace” for two miles. Here’s my stats:
Mile one: 8:38
Mile 2: 8:29
Total time: 17:07
Then I ran at a slow pace to recover for the next five minutes, then walked for two. I felt great! I love speed sessions. Makes me feel like I can kick someone’s ass.
Then I did some combination lifting on the balance ball. I used a 15 pound body bar and did some arm raises/crunches, and then I did leg raises and lunges on the Bosu ball with the body bar while doing bicep curls at the same time.

Then I went to the DMV. I’m officially a Virginian. No longer a Masshole.

All that running around made me ready for chili and baseball. Oh, and I can’t watch my beloved team play without a beer. (Magic Hat #9. I wanted the Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout but Dennis had dibs on it)
I’ve actually gotten to a point where I can only drink ONE beer or one glass of wine. This is obviously a good thing, since I don’t miss my crazy college drinking days one bit (well, I should say I don’t miss feeling like garbage) And since I’m putting so much work into taking care of myself, I honestly don’t WANT to drink like I used to. Uh oh, I think I’m getting old…

My camera died on my coconuts

I started out my day with a gorgeous run along one of the many trails in Fairfax County VA, but have nothing to show for it. I brought my camera with me and almost cried when I couldn’t turn it on. I’ve taken ridiculously good care of this camera—kept it in its case, never dropped it, always made sure it was secure and safe. I used it last night to take pictures of the cats being silly and had no problems with it. And then all of a sudden---nothing. What’s up with that?

Oh well. I’m going to take it to the Geek Squad tomorrow to see if they can fix it. Until then, you’ll have to settle for just words.

The weather here has been awesome. This morning was sunny and in the mid 60s. I actually set out to just walk since I haven’t been feeling well but I felt so good out there that I just started running.

Fairfax county has amazing running/walking/biking trails and I’ve been dying get out on them. I ran about 4 miles into Olde Town Alexandria and back (4 miles round trip) and am happy to report that I had no pain and had no nausea or headaches to complain about today. What a way to start my day!

I came across So Delicious Coconut milk while shopping this weekend and decided to give it a shot. They were out of my unsweetened soy milk so I got the unsweetened So Delicious instead. The verdict? It’s great in my oats but terrible in a bowl of cereal. It really tastes more like coconut water than milk, but I’m the one that wanted the unsweetened kind.

 
Source

To go along with the coconut theme, I also remembered that I have this jar of organic coconut oil that Dennis’ sister sent to us a while ago. Since Dennis hates coconut, I claimed the jar for myself. My latest concoction: Coconut salad dressing. You really need to give this a shot.

Coconut Salad Dressing

• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp organic unsweetened coconut oil (I have to put it in the microwave for 20 seconds or so to liquefy it)
• 1/4 tsp fresh garlic
• 1/2 tsp oregano

Stir well and pour. I like to make it ahead of time to let the garlic set, but it’s good either way. I’ve also used garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
I really like the coconut oil in this because it evens out the strength of the vinegar and garlic. So good. Give it a try!

What is my problem with yoga?

I have a great friend who went through a major drug phase in college. It was so bad then when I went to visit her, I barely recognized her. It wasn’t a physical change as much as a personality change—she was NOT the same person I knew and loved for so many years.
It started small but eventually turned into the bigger stuff. She was then prescribed drugs to help her get away from drugs. Make sense?? She became addicted to these pharmaceutical drugs and also battled with anxiety and depression. She said she came close to killing herself a few times while she was taking these prescribed drugs, and nothing helped her…until she found yoga.
Yoga transformed her life. She is now strong, healthy, drug free and happier than I have ever seen her.

Now, if this is not a story that should convince me to change, then I don’t know what else will.

She and I had a long talk about it a few years ago. It went something like this:

Her: Nicole, I think yoga would be great for you.
Me: Why is that?
Her: Because you’re a lot like me…I was always really uptight and everything bothered me. Yoga has taught me to let things go. I think it would be a huge benefit for you.
Me: I’m uptight?
Her: <laughs out loud> Girl, I love you, but yes. You are.

When I told Dennis of this conversation, he laughed out loud too. “I’ve been telling you that forever,” he said. Damn. I’m uptight.

And my brain doesn’t like to stop. I don’t know how to shut it off sometimes. That’s why I like to run, because I’m not really thinking about much when I’m running. I listen to my music and concentrate on the task at hand. I always feel refreshed when I’m done…even if my run felt bad because I couldn’t pick up my speed or because I didn’t feel well, I still feel happier after a run than I did before. I love the fact that running makes me mobile. And I know how bad it is for my body (i.e. bad knee and now recovering bad foot) But honestly, my foam roller has helped my knee to feel better … I’ve found the source of the problem and if I can keep up with it, then I will be fine.
But I always come back to yoga.

Why can’t I get into it?

Everyone I know that participates in yoga loves it. And I mean LOVES it. My friend Reba took me to a hot vinyassa flow class for my birthday this past May and I.LOVED.IT. You can read about it here. I felt like I was hooked! However, since it’s so expensive, I gave up on it. I can’t afford to pay $20 a class. This definitely deterred me.

So I tried doing some DVDs. I hated them. I can’t keep up. I’m not good enough to do the moves without seeing them in person and having someone there to show me what to do.
So I tried a class at my gym. I hated it.
It was so stressful! I wrote about that class here.
I couldn’t keep up, I felt sick and overstressed. It took everything not to walk out.
So I tried some of Polly’s webcasts. Hmmm….now this is something I can get used to. I loved what Polly was doing. She broke them up into mini sessions so you can pick and choose which type of yoga you wanted to focus on. Abs, arms, back, legs, whatever you want. And they’re short so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
So why did I stop?

I don’t know.

I was expecting to feel this amazing transformed feeling, but to be honest, our lives got very complicated. We had to find a new place to live, then after we moved we had to find another place to live since Dennis got a job, I was in VA for a week looking for our new address, we packed, we moved…you get the picture. The past 2 months have been nothing but chaos for us. This should have been the time to use yoga to my advantage!! Instead, the thought of it stressed me out even more. I can’t slow down! I have too much to do! Run! Walk! Lift! Spin! Go go go! That’s just how my brain works!

The moral of the story? I’m reading again how amazing yoga is and I really want to know what my problem is. Why can’t I bring myself to stop and let yoga bring me the peace and happiness it’s brought to so many others? Is it because I can’t let myself stop and slow down?
If you are out there reading this and you’re a lover of yoga, please tell me what you think. Maybe it’s just not for everyone.

Off all week

This week has been on and off for me since I’ve been feeling like I’ve been fighting the flu. It started out with five days of an upset stomach and achy back and turned into the past four days of a massive headache. It’s strange too because the symptoms have been on and off – as in I was waking up feeling bad, then feeling better as the day progressed, and now I wake up feeling great and the headache gets progressively worse throughout the day. Weird. So I decided to take the last few days off from blogging to give my brain a rest. And honestly, I really haven’t had much to talk about, which is very abnormal if you know me.

I haven’t done anything great this week except for run a fabulous 10K in lieu of the race I didn’t run yesterday (I felt like garbage so I decided to skip out.) The run was nice. I ran at around a 10 minute mile pace which I was fine with. I didn’t want to push myself too hard since I’ve been “off” all week. We’ve had absolutely gorgeous weather this week so I made sure not to let the weekend slip me by without at least one run..especially since we wasted at least an hour of our day yesterday at Ikea. That place is one massive marketing scheme. They give you only one way out, forcing you to walk through the entire warehouse and pass the checkout line before you can leave. Tricky bastards. Somehow we managed to get out of there unscathed and empty handed.

October is shaping up to be a great month with postseason baseball, a friend’s 30th birthday party and a possible 10K. I also have some amazing meals planned and I can’t wait to share them all with you. Let’s just say my Crock Pot will be getting some good use this month, and so will my oven. I absolutely love this time of year—from this time through Christmas, I’m one happy girl.

Random picture of the day:

Come get your hairs done at Dana’s Hairs. Hey, Dennis thought it was funny too…