Keep on Keepin' On...

Since you don't run a 5K on a treadmill... I thought it was about time for me to switch it outside this week. WOW - what a big difference that was. 

Differences included: varying inclines, my speed (I think I started out faster than normal), the ground is alot harder (no springs, lol!), there are distractions that take you out of your zone - uneven road, cars, etc. I didn't make it as far as I had been going on the treadmill and I was super sore the next day... it hurt to walk down stairs. 

I was super discouraged and knocked myself down about it. I also had some personal setbacks that day with one of my daughters - some health issues that had been improving took a turn for the worse, and she needs to do consistent physical therapy for awhile - which she doesn't enjoy, is very gut wrenching and time consuming. She will eventually be fine, which I am so blessed and thankful for, but I just have a lot of stressers going on at home with not very much support at the moment. In the past, this is when I would have started feeling sorry for myself about the physical running challenges, challenges at home, overall mental challenges and quit a program.

So, what did I do...? I officially signed up for a 5K in the October that day to keep me pushing forward. I have a new attitude and am going to work it. This is a positive area in my life. The blog is almost like therapy for me and I'm glad people are relating to it and enjoying it :). I've decided to rotate my training between treadmill (with an increased incline) and outside until my body becomes more used to running outside - then I am going to solely run outside. 

PS - I've lost 14 pounds to date! And my goal is still to lose 66 pounds. I'm on my way...

SONG THAT KEPT ME RUNNING THIS WEEK: "Pump it Up" Elvis Costello

RANDOM TIP OF THE WEEK: When your sick of eating the same old steamed or grilled veggies - try different seasonings. My favorite seasoning on veggies is Paula Deen's "House Seasoning". I especially like it on steamed green beans and grilled asparagus. You can buy this pre-mixed see picture. Or you can easily make it yourself for cheaper. Her official recipe calls for 1 cup salt, 1/4 cup black pepper, and 1/4 cup garlic powder. However the pre-mixed version also has onion and is super good. My husband puts it on noodles - loves it. NOTE - probably not good for someone who is on a sodium restricted diet.
THIS WEEK'S RECIPE: Turkey Salad with Apples and Walnuts (modified from a Clean Eating recipe)

Since my previous recipes have mainly been dinners, I thought it would be good to include a lunch idea. I don't know about you, but I get sick of eating the same things over and over for lunch. This was a refreshing idea that was part of the Clean Eating magazine's 14-day meal plan (more on that next week). And it is a very satisfying lunch with the protein from turkey and greek yogurt, the fat from the walnuts and the sweet crunch from the apples.... enjoy! :). Look how big it was!

Chopped Turkey Salad

- 4oz chopped deli fresh low-sodium turkey breast

- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

- 1/2 chopped apple

- 1 chopped celery stalk

- 2 tbsp broken raw walnuts

- 1/3 cup non-fat plain GREEK yogurt
- 1 Tbs fresh lemon juice


Question for readers - Do you have a favorite "outside the box" healthy lunch?


UPDATE - 8/27 AM - I ran outside this morning ...did the full 28 minutes of running and it felt great! Just like in life you will have good days (runs) and bad ones... you just need to keep on keepin' on!