Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Happy 4th of July!

By

Saturday’s lake day didn’t result in any Jim Beam-fueled chants, but my friend Kristy did make the most patriotic jello shots the world has ever seen.

They were just as good as they look!

We also enjoyed a great spread – everyone made something to share.  I sweat we didn’t plan the Mexi-theme… obv nothing says the 4th like Mexican. 🙂

The goods included (back to front): watermelon salad, Tostidos, peach-avocado salsa, my chipotle corn hummus, veggie sticks, and bean salad.

Not pictured: sandwiches and a ridiculous amount of beer.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2 hours until the Peachtree Road Race!!!  I’m so pumped.  This year will be my 4th one.

4th on the 4th.  Tee hee.

This is also probably the best running-shape I’ve been in.  I’m especially excited to see how this impacts my endurance – Atlanta is a hilly city!

I hit up the expo yesterday to pick up my number and peruse the freebies (free Vega Sport powder samples!).  Parking downtown is a nightmare, so I decided to jog there and back.  Not a terrible idea until i was half way through the run home and reallllly wishing I wasn’t carrying that bag full of freebies.  🙂

After a hydration-filled day, I got in bed early in hopes of being well-rested.  This was only moderately successful since

  1. I was too excited to sleep and
  2. I firmly believe it is impossible to feel well-rested at 5:30 am (it’s still DARK!).

Nevertheless, I have my gear ready to go and I’m drinking a cup of coffee with my pre-race Chia Banana Pudding.

I made the pudding the same as the linked recipe, but added a bit of almond extract and cinnamon.  LOVE the additions!

Items to Remember Not to Forget:

  • Race number
  • Safety pins
  • Ribbon (orange for Leukemia)
  • KT Tape
  • Inhaler
  • Gum
  • Watch
  • Shuffle + ear earphones
  • MARTA (ATL’s Metro) card
  • Sport Bean samples

________________________________________________________________________________

Last week I decided to begin posting a weekly workout recap on Mondays.  Even though it’s a holiday, I’m sticking to it and using this to add to race motivation!

My running was light due to the pesky Achilles injury, but I really enjoyed a weight-focused week.

Workout Recap (6/27-7/3)

  • Monday – Yoga for Runners, 30 mins stationary bike intervals
  • Tuesday – Biceps/Back, 84 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Legs, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Thursday – 4 mile run, Core, 84 push-ups
  • Friday – Tris/Chest (w/ 1 mile of intervals), 84 push-ups
  • Saturday – Lake day! (that counts… right?), 84 push-ups
  • Sunday – Shoulders, P90X Ab Ripper X, 4.5 mile run

***

It’s already been quite the weekend!  I have a feeling I’m going to want a post-long weekend vacation day.

What’s the most fun you had over the long weekend?

Did anyone else enjoy jello shots? 🙂

***UPDATE: I did it in 51:08!!!***

Weekend Stars

By

Every once in a while, the stars align just right…

 

and a perfect Saturday is born.

This Saturday began with the 21st Annual Pride Run at the park across from my condo.

There was a special buzz in the air following the news that New York joined a growing number of states extending the basic right of  marriage to all of its citizens.

I’ve run this race 3x so far and it continues to be one of my favorites.  The course is great, it’s well-organized, the runners are friendly, and it gets strong crowd support.  Even the police blocking off the streets cheer the runners on!

This year’s race solidified the event’s place in my heart… it marks the first time I placed in the Top 3 Females Overall!

I earned 3rd place overall and 1st in my division!!!

Stats:

  • Distance – 3.14 miles
  • Time – 23:41 mins
  • Pace – 7:45 mins

 

I have NO idea where that came from, but OMG I was thrilled!!!

 

Post-race I walked across the park for some raw milk (I know it’s controversial… but it does have benefits and it tastes like a milkshake!), farm eggs, and peaches.  There is nothing more delicious than local, fresh food.

 

The afternoon was filled with softball and some quick pre-reunion weight lifting.

At the reunion I saw some people I was looking forward to reconnecting with, which was nice.  Overall… I don’t know what I expected, but was just ok.  High school seems like a lifetime ago, and it wasn’t the best of times for me.

 

In true foodie fashion, dinner was the best part of the night.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

A small group of old classmates (we are now good friends) – myself, Mallory (my BFF), Greg (her husband), and Laura (another friend) – all met for a pre-reunion dinner at Bocado (887 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404-815-1399).

Thank god because the only food they served at the event was a cold tray of chicken nuggets.

 

Bocado has been on my “to try” list for far too long.  Several have contended that they serve the best burger in Atlanta; however, the other menus items are the real standouts.

 

My jalapeno-infused tequila cucumber martini was light and clean tasting.  The flavors were perfectly balanced – a great start to dinner on this hot day.

We enjoyed our drinks with a cheese plate made up of:

  • Purple Haze (goat, California)
  • Humboldt (goat, California)
  • Ewephoria (sheep, Holland)
The Ewephoria took the prize as the favorite, and the best named.

 

Our cheeses were served with radishes, cranberries, honey, and perfect crusty bread slices.  I say perfect because often toasted bread is so saturated in olive oil or butter that it becomes a chewy, greasy mess.  These slices were brushed with just enough olive oil to compliment the flavors.

For dinner Laura and I ordered small plates to share.

These were the best Fried Green Tomatoes I have EVER had.  Normally I’m not a huge fan due the the soggy, greasy nature of the dish.

The chef’s interpretation of the dish did not suffer from this affliction.  The tomatoes were cut into spears and battered in corn meal, leaving them crisp and relatively light.  They were served over a bed of greens and radishes with hot sauce and a buttermilk herb dressing.

Our Beet Salad was served in a bowl with farro, orange segments, fennel, toasted hazelnuts, avocado, and goat cheese.  The flavors played together quite well.

Toasted hazelnuts added a dimension to the more typical beet-orange-goat cheese combo.  I especially enjoyed the different textures – the crunch of the nuts with the slightly chewy farro and creamy avocado and goat cheese.

 

The Burrata was the one dish that I wasn’t impressed with.  The eggplant caponata on top was great, but the burrata itself was a bit too rubbery.  It was the only dish we didn’t finish.  However, it was served with a kalamata olive country toast that was delicious.

Our waiter highly recommended the Summer Squash Salad.  As advertised, it was very good.  My only complaint is the heavy hand on the olive oil.  The squash was delicious and the cherry tomatoes were some of the best I’ve had this season.

Mallory and Greg both ordered the infamous burger.  It was quite good.  As good as Holeman & Finch?  My vote is YES… but it’s very close.

The burger is served with house-made herbed french fries and a side of a buttermilk herb sauce.  I’m not a HUGE french fry eater and I could have eaten an entire plate of these.

For dessert we chose a Banana Bread Cake layered with chocolate ganache and cinnamon icing.

We hated it.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Several other bloggers have begun posting recaps of the previous week’s workouts.  I love the idea – if for no other selfish reason than to have a reference for myself to look back at.

Workout Recap (6/20-26)

  • Monday – 4 mile run, 84 push-ups
  • Tuesday – P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Triceps/Chest, 3.5 mile run
  • Thursday – 4.5 mile run, 84 push-ups
  • Friday – P90X Ab Ripper X, 15 mile bike ride, 84 push-ups
  • Saturday – 5K, softball, 30 mins upper body weights, 84 push-ups
  • Sunday – Softball, P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups

***

I never was a cornflake girl…

Was high school a good experience for you?

Do you like when bloggers post workout recaps?


Balsamic Asparagus Pizza

By

Have you guys been watching Extreme Makover Weight Loss Edition on ABC?

 

I’m shamelessly addicted.  Watching these people lose massive amounts of weight in a year… I can’t imagine how hard it must be – at 400 lbs – to get started and get it done.

Last night’s contestant, Dana, lost 203 lbs in a year with a torn ACL.  Interestingly, he was already trying to lose by taking water aerobics.  Chris Powell (the trainer) told him that weight-less exercise wasn’t going to cut it and started him on a program that used his body weight to work out.

 

Timely encouragement/reminder that there others dealing with things much bigger than I am.  Why?  Because I think have jacked up (technical term) my Achilles tendon.

It hurts.  Sharp pain walking down stairs. *wine* *whine*

I’m not sure what happened.  I felt fine running Saturday’s ACS 5K race, and then as I was walking down the stairs to my car a few hours later I noticed it was sore… and it has gotten progressively worse since.  Playing ball Sunday probably didn’t help.

 

In hopes of catching it at the beginning I visited the chiropractor on my way home from work tonight.  It didn’t help. I was instructed to take it easy, ice it, and massage the area.  My calf even aches.  Bollocks.

 

Maybe if I take the week off of running (and walking down stair cases) it will be better by the weekend?!

Tonight’s workout was an easy 45 mins of shoulders and P90X Ab Ripper X.  I hate being limited.

________________________________________________________________________________

Good thing dinner was not limited.  It was quite tasty!

 

Yesterday I was craving pizza something fierce.  The opportunity to sate that craving didn’t present itself, so tonight was declared Monday Socca-Pizza Night!

It was late when I got home to eat… pics are going to leave something (i.e. light) to be desired.

My Pizza:

  • Socca base (I used herbs de provence this time)
  • Morels
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Balsamic asparagus


 

The real stand-out here was that balsamic asparagus.  It is the easiest thing you’ll ever make; however, the balsamic reduction coating it will give it a decadent taste.  I ate the extra pieces standing up over the stove.

________________________________________________________________________________


Balsamic Asparagus

  • 1/2 bunch asparagus, hard bottom snapped off
  • 1 tsp good-quality balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 C yellow onion, diced
  • Juice from 1 lemon wedge
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Heat medium skillet over medium heat.  Add in asparagus, onion, and balsamic vinegar, tossing to combine.  Allow to sauté for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally.  

When the asparagus just beings to soften, remove from heat and top with lemon juice and pepper.

Serves 2.

***

Have you ever injured your Achilles?

Have you been forced to slow down for an injury?

Any advice is much appreciated!!

 

Tasting, Tasting 1-2

By

Saturday and Sunday I visited the tasting tents at the Food and Wine Festival.  I miiiight have snuck in Saturday… shhhh!

The gates of heaven

The food was all good, but I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more variety.

There’s only so much fried chicken and BBQ I can consume.

Indian-Spiced Fried Chicken and Waffles = worth it

An exception to the “too much fried” rule is the above Indian-Spiced Fried Chicken and Waffles by Asha Gomez of Spice Route Supper Club.  I have GOT to check out one of her events ASAP.  Rumor has it she may be looking for a restaurant space…

Celeb Highlight: I got to meet Chef Norman Van Aken (the father of fusion… I shook his hand!).

Food Highlight: The beer, cheeses, and desserts (duh).

Best beer – New Heaven

The cheese spread (pun intended)

Coming to Whole Foods ATL soon!

I wish I’d done a better job remembering to photograph… there’s was just so much to eat! 🙂

My favorites beer/cheese/dessert:

  • Wild Heaven Craft Beers – I’d had these before, but Invocation and Ode to Mercy are the two brews offered by this new Decatur, GA-based brewery.  If you find them, drink them immediately.  It’s the best new beer I’ve tasted in a long time.
  • Sweet Grass Dairy’s Truffled Chevre – Decadently delicious.  There’s no other way to describe this.  Need proof?  They are complete OUT for the season.  🙁
  • The Hungry Peach’s Peach Cobbler Cupcake – Moist, flavorful, light… dignity is the only thing that kept me from devouring their whole display
  • High Road Craft Ice Cream – Every flavor was good (I shamelessly sampled everything), but if I had to cheese I’d say don’t miss the Caffeine Cacao and the French Toast (JUST like your mamma’s… in ice cream-form).  Good news for Georgian’s – they are coming soon to Whole Foods!  #godblesswholefoods

I had a great time hanging out with 2 new friends on Saturday and the Lippy crew on Sunday.  (Nathan’s wife, Chelsee = coolest chick ever.)

Me and Nathan Lippy. Our hair matches a little.

________________________________________________________________________________________

If you ever wonder if your “clean” way of eating really makes a difference, eat like I did all weekend.  Monday I woke up feeling like crap.  Too.  Much.  Rich.  Food.

I seriously almost hurled during the flight to my client meeting.

At least it was better than it would have been: I ran 5 miles Saturday morning, took an hour walk that afternoon, played 2 ball games Sunday morning, and then ran 3.5 miles.  I should re-name this blog Run-Eat-Repeat. 🙂

I’m trying to mini-detox this week.  It’s not working so well since I’ve been traveling, but I’m definitely eating much cleaner than I did this weekend!  Monday I drank my breakfast (not in a noon-game tailgating way) before rushing to the airport:

Some days, you just need a green smoothie.  This was one of those days.

I did my P90X Ab Ripper X (best ab workout ever, btw), followed by my 75 push-ups (are you doing yours?!).  Then chugged enjoyed this refreshing smoothie.

Mango-Almond Smoothie

  • 1/2 champagne mango
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 C fresh spinach
  • 1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp Maca
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • water (adjust to desired consistency)

Put it in a blender.  Pour into glass.  Top with your favorite crunchy treat (I love this low-sugar citrus-granola).  

Drink up!

***

More like what I gorged on this weekend… but whatever… 🙂

Even though we’re already mid-week, this may be a timely discussion question given the upcoming long weekend…

How do you detox after a weekend of indulgence?

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

By

After some killer runs, my knees cried “Uncle” yesterday.  

Not to be outdone, my toes felt a little cramp-y. 

Truth be told, I wasn’t shedding any tears over skipping a run in the chilly, windy weather.  It was the perfect time for an often-neglected shoulder workout.

In yesterday’s post I mentioned that some women shy away from weights/protein for fear of becoming She-Ra.

Similarly, women shy away from shoulder workouts.  The linebacker  look isn’t sexy on women, right???

That was my fear until a trainer set me straight.  You CAN work out your shoulders in a way that will leave them looking hawt.

Non-football shoulders

My Anti-linebacker Shoulder Workout:

1. Military Presses – 4 sets of 10 reps

I like to do these on a stability ball to further engage my core.  Sit on the ball (or edge of an exercise bench) with a dumbbell in each hand.  Raise your arms so that your elbows are bent at a 90° angle, in line with your shoulders.  Raise your arms overhead without straightening them without locking your elbows at the top.  Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.

Tip: Be sure to keep your core tight throughout the exercise.

2. Lateral Raises – 4 sets of 10 reps

This one is simple: simultaneously lift your arms out to the side until they are parallel to the floor.  Be sure to keep your core tight and don’t lock your elbows.

Tip: For an additional challenge, pause at the top turning your hands (making a pouring motion) so that your thumbs point toward the floor.

3. Front Raises – 4 sets of 10 reps

Lift your arms in front of your body until your hands are even with your shoulders.  Pause for a moment at the top then slowly lower your arm back to the starting position.

Again, keep your core tight and don’t lock your elbows!

4. Front Raise Clockwise Circles – 3 sets of 25 reps

With a light weight in each and, lift your arms in front of your body until your hands are even with your shoulders.  Make small, clockwise circles without locking your elbows and keeping your core engaged (are you seeing theme?).

Superset these with….

5. Front Raise Counter-Clockwise Circles – 3 sets of 25 reps

Same thing, in reverse.

Extra Credit:

6. 3-Way Arm Shaper – 20 reps each

I took this from Shape Magazine.  It doesn’t focus exclusively on shoulders, but I find this helps me to finish with a satisfying burn out. Total masochist.

A. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at sides and lean against a wall. Walk feet out about 18 inches, keeping them close together, and squat until thighs are parallel to ground. Raise arms out to sides to shoulder height, palms facing down.  Lower arms. Do 20 reps.

B. Rise up and rest legs for 30 seconds, then lower into the wall squat again, but with feet shoulder-width apart. Extend arms at sides, then curl weights to shoulders. Do 20 reps.

C. Rise up and rest once more, then squat against the wall with feet wide. Hold dumbbells next to shoulders, palms facing forward, then extend arms overhead. Lower and repeat. Do 20 presses.

Click here for a video of these moves on Shape’s website.

Follow that up with 15 mins of abs (I did the P90X Ab Ripper X), and you have a solid 45 min workout.

If you’re really hard-core, do your 3 sets of push-ups too.

Don’t forget to get your 20g of protein!

In my Cereal Bowl:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Fiber One cereal
  • Banana
  • Chia seeds
  • Cinnamon

***

Almost Friday!!!  I’m going to the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival this weekend.  Soooo excited!

Does your body ever force you to take unplanned rest days?  

Have your toes ever ached?!

Chocolate-Avocado Pudding

By

This week has my nerves a bit frayed.  

I’m in a funk.

I can’t shake this tired feeling.  My banana muffins turned out salty.  Stevie is turning into a terrorist.  My photos aren’t loading properly on Flickr.

*Whine*

Tonight I got through half an hour of P90X Yoga and hit the stop button.  Bah.

Funk = Comfort food.

So tonight I met a friend for some authentic tonkotsu ramen at Yakatori.  It was sheer deliciousness.

Creamy, rich, pork-y broth.  Fresh noodles.  Crispy cabbage bites.  Not too salty.

The service is friendly, the decor is simple, they don’t have forks, and most patrons are not native English-speakers.  Awesome.

This isn’t microwave ramen – you will wait for your food.  Totally worth it.  They bring out crisp, sesame-coated green beans for you to snack on.  If you’re in Atlanta (and you eat pork), it’s a must-try.  Warning: they only serve the ramen at dinner.

Continuing the comfort food, I made chocolate pudding.  With avocado.

If you don’t spill 1/2 the container of coconut butter (try cleaning that off the floor… epic FAIL), this literally takes just 2 mins to prepare.

You can’t taste the avocado – it only adds some good fat and creaminess.  I swear.  Crosses don’t count.

Mine – of course – included chili powder and cinnamon for a little Mexi-flare.  You can leave out one or both of these, but I strongly urge you to at least try the cinnamon.

Did I mention it has 16g of protein?!

Chocolate-Coconut Pudding

  • 1/2 avocado
  • 2 T cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s Special Dark)
  • 2 T unsweetened coconut milk (I used So Delicious)
  • 1 T almond butter
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • 1/2 T coconut oil
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 packet Stevia
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional… I like all my food spicy!)

Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth.

Devour.

***

Don’t cut your tongue licking the blades (that’s right… I deserve a Darwin Award.)

What is your favorite comfort food? 

Does it change seasonally?

Shallot and Kale Socca

By

Yesterday I couldn’t figure out why my quick, 5K run had me struggling.

While running, I only look at the distance on my watch (I ignore the time/pace).

Post-run is when I look at the time.  I don’t know why, but this has always been my ritual.  No pressure, I suppose…

Stats

Distance: 3.14 mi

Time: 25:52 (?!?!)

Pace: 8:13  <—– figured out why the run was so hard!


That may be my fastest pace ever.

Then I came home and did P90X Ab Ripper X.  Rawr.

______________________________________________________________________________________

No running today – taking a rest since it’s a crazy day at work (in a good way).  Lots getting done AND we sold an add-on for a cool project.  Always a good way to start the end of the week!  (Yes, I designate a beginning to the end of the week.)

That’s not the only good news today…

…drumroll please…

I finally made Socca successfully!

 

Attempt #1: on the stove top in a pan.  Epic fail.

Attempt #2: in the oven, still a gooey mess.

 

After this frustration, I put down the chickpea flour.  Almost.  I did make some delicious Gena @ Choosing Raw’s Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers.  Two thumbs up!

Today was my day.  With “All I Do Is Win” in the background, I created a masterpiece.

Attempt #3:

I also roasted some tofu and topped it with Muhammara (which freezes beautifully, btw).

There were a couple snafu’s…

DO NOT skimp on the EVOO when greasing the pan.  I almost had to eat my socca out of said pan.

I also got too excited about the socca working… subsequently over-cooking my roasted tofu.  Whatever.  It still tasted good.

This was enjoyed on my patio in beautiful, 70 degree weather. While watching the guy across the street sunbathe at his pool.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Shallot and Kale Socca

(adapted from Dorie Greenspan)

  • 1/2 C chickpea flour
  • 1/2 C room temperature water
  • 1 tsp olive oil (plus more for pans)
  • 1/2 tsp herbes de provence
  • 1/4 tsp teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 C diced shallot
  • 1/2 C kale

Saute the shallots and kale in small pan.  Set aside to let cool.

Whisk flour and spices together in a small bowl.  Add water and oil, whisking to combine.  The batter with be very thin.  Stir in cooled shallots and kale.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours (can stand overnight).  Preheat oven to 500 F.

Place an 8-inch round cake pan in center rack of oven.  Add a tablespoon of oil to pan and swirl to coat the bottom (don’t skimp on the oil – this was my remaining blunder!).  Return to the oven 1-2 mins to heat the oil.  Remove the hot pan and pour the batter into pan.

Cook for 5 minutes, turn on broiler and broil for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the top is getting some nice burnt patches. Remove from oven and flip out onto a plate or cutting board.

***

Are you on the Socca-train?  What’s your favorite version?

 

Snow Day

By

Snow days are much more fun when you don’t have to work.  This is the downside of technology.

No matter – I did get to go sledding in the park last night at 1 am!

Check out my crazy-dark-red hair!

In the daylight this afternoon, I went for a walk/run around my neighborhood.

3.5 verrrry careful miles took 50 mins!

I did have to stop for some people-watching.  Lots of sledding (pool toys are the most popular sleds this year), snowboarding, and even spectating from the comfort of a couch.  Yep – someone hauled a couch out to the park so they could watch the action with all the comforts of home.

Source: AJC.com

The neighborhood bar is open (and packed).  A group was playing hockey in an icy parking lot.  People who decided to drive and just spinning their wheels in place.  Peachtree Street is a solid sheet of ice.

Source: AJC.com

I did my P90X – Ab Ripper X before lunch when I got home.

Apparently snow makes me eat random things.  Lunch was a corn tortilla with hummus, sautéed asparagus, red pepper, onion, and garlic with sides of cucumber, carrots, and yellow raspberries.  Followed by a Think Thin bar (6g of protein, 0g sugar, and reasonably tasty!).

This one is my fav - love the crunchy pieces of toffee!

Needles to say, I’m looking forward to a football-game-watching-worthy dinner.  I never thought I’d say this, but I’ll do it for Baby Sis…

Go Tigers!!! 🙂

I’m trying (holy snow-induced ADD, Batman) to get my work done so I can go play, too!

I’m going to stop procrastinating now.

Follow Me!

instagram_b facebook_b twitter_bpinterest_b
rss_a email_ayoutube_b googlep_b

Popular Posts

Home | About Me | Privacy Policy | Fitness | Recipes | Training & Nutrition

Affiliate Links: This site is monetized through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to make a purchase through one of these links, Sprint 2 the Table would receive a small percentage of the sale price. Thanks for your support!