Half Marathon Training

For those of you who run and race, have you ever had the day-to-day ups and downs during training? Well, that is what my training has been like during this half marathon prep. I know there are going to be bad training days but it seems like I have had a too many. One thing I have learned during these days is that these types of runs are what make me stronger. It is so frustrating having a bad run, but I learned this weekend that it motivated me more to go out there and try again.

This weekend’s training was supposed to be 8 miles on Saturday. It was a beautiful spring day, not a cloud in the sky, and this happened.

I only got in 4 miles. I was sluggish and tired. I did not sleep well the night before so I knew ahead of time it was going to be tough. I finished this run with a little stretch and told myself I will not give up. I immediately planned on running the next day and wow what a difference a good sleep will make.

Another beautiful day and my run was strong. I totally got my confidence back and feel like I am right on track. After this awesome run yesterday, I sat by the lake and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Now on to the yum yums. I do the best I can to avoid processed foods especially when I am training for a race. Whole foods give me the energy and nutrition I need. After my run I was craving a green drink but I wanted something  besides just spinach as my base so off to Earth Fare I went. The kale was beautiful and on sale. I got a bunch of kale and then I thought about dinner and found these Natural Beauties 🙂

I decided I wanted roasted sweet potatoes for dinner, so while thinking of what I wanted to go with my lovely potatoes, I made my kale drink and headed to the porch. There is nothing like a gorgeous Sunday afternoon sipping on a kale drink. Hale to the kale! 🙂

I can say the weekend training was a success even with the bad run on Saturday because it only made me stronger! Dinner was baked chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli on the side.

To prepare these beauties, I just gave them a good wash, chop, and tossed them lightly with EVOO, sea salt to taste, and sprinkled with fresh rosemary, then roasted at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. Simple and delicious.

What’s on your dinner plate when training for a race?

 

March Madness! Go Green! #FitIn5 Day 7

March is the perfect time to incorporate more green in your life and when I mean green, it is the green that we eat!! Today’s challenge, day 7 of the 29 day challenge, will include the next 5 days. The challenge is to add a little more green in the diet such as these beautiful little brussels 🙂 We all know there are so many health benefits of adding more vegetables in our daily nutrition but are you actually doing it? I challenge you to add 1 more vegetable than you normally do every day for the next 5 days. Try something new to make it interesting and don’t complicate it. Just go to the grocery and you will find so many beautiful plants sitting quietly in the produce just waiting to be bagged. All it takes is a good wash, a chop or two, a little EVOO, sea salt and pepper and roast for about 15 – 20 minutes on 400 degrees as I did with these delicious sprouts. I would love to see your photos, tag me on IG or Twitter at @nthefitzone or comment here or on my facebook page.

What is your favorite vegetable to roast?

Consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise program.

Grilled Corn Kicked Up

Summer nights and sunsets are so pretty. Do you look at funky clouds and see shapes of things? Check this one out. I see a dinosaur:)

The other night was taco night and along with tacos, I fired up the grill for some summer corn. The Husband and I love to grill anytime of the year but summer is the best time for corn on the cob. I fetched some fresh jalapeno from the garden which kicked this corn up to something special. Bam! This is how it went down.

Shucked and washed four ears of corn. Simmered 2 tbsp yogurt butter with garlic and chopped seeded jalapeno. Placed corn in large ziplock bag. Drizzled 3/4 of butter mixture into bag. Zipped and shook it like a Polaroid picture until coated with the butter. I know butter is not the healthiest choice, but little splurges make things more interesting. Wrapped each ear in nonstick foil. Placed onto the grill about 350 degrees turning frequently. Grilled until done. Cut into little ears and served hot. Soooo tasty!

What do you see in the clouds? Have a great day!