Living in the South, we get a lot of flack for wiping out the bread and milk aisles when the meteorologists foresee any kind of snow flurry. And to be fair, it IS kind of a joke… especially when instances like a few weeks ago (all kinds of school closings and this was all the snow we saw) happen quite frequently.
On Friday though, the snow started falling and didn’t stop until sometime Saturday. The 4-6″ inches of snow and ice kind of put a dent into my running plans, but I can’t complain. This is gorgeous!
Stay warm out there!
My house is starting to smell like home-cooking again! I’ve been in the kitchen twice this weekend, which based on the past couple of months is completely uncharacteristic of me. On Saturday, I made one of my favorite standbys: Mediterranean Chicken and Rosemary Orzo.
Cooking is like riding a bike. It just comes back to you. I hadn’t made this dish in what feels like forever, but I still remembered the recipe without having to look it up and it came together really quick.
This morning, I woke up craving french toast and french press coffee (a theme?). I silently whined to myself that IHOP french toast (two slices = 464 calories) was off-limits and I didn’t need to spend the money anyway. Then it hit me.
I went downstairs and grabbed two slices of Publix Light Wheat Bread (80 cals), I soaked them in 1/2 cup egg beaters (60 cals), and cooked them in a pan till slightly brown on both sides. When they were done, I topped them with 2 tsp of powdered sugar (~20 cals) and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I also had two cups of french press coffee (~6 cals) with 2 tbsp plain creamer (60 cals) and four slices of turkey bacon (100 cals) on the side. It was delicious and totally hit the spot! At 326 calories, I will definitely be doing this again.
C25K update: Yesterday morning, I met Patten at the park and we synced up our C25K apps for W3D2. Neither one of us were looking forward to the 3 minute runs since last week had been so rough on us, but we pushed ahead. It was much warmer out this weekend. I wore pants, a short-sleeved shirt and a light jacket which was a nice change of pace from my layered shirts + jacket + scarf + gloves combo. I slowed my pace down for this run and settled back into a medium jog. The run was challenging, but I felt much better than W3D1. Even still, I’m committing to running more than once this coming week.
It’s true what they say, you know. The older you get, the faster time flies. 2010 has started off with a bang and hasn’t slowed down one bit (a good problem – I’m not complaining!). I’ll be honest and admit that I’ve become a little complacent after my surgery in November. Once you get out of a routine or break good habits, it’s REALLY hard to get back into the swing of things. I have gained a small amount of weight back and it’s really annoying me… but something always seems to take top priority from tracking calories and working out (work, friends, etc.). Last night, I got really upset and told myself that I was throwing away all my success in the past year. Okay, so that’s a little exaggerated, but I’m glad I got pissed. According to the Phoenix Theory, that’s the first step in the right direction.
And the winner is…
Congratulations, Flynn!!
I’ll contact you regarding the details soon!
Back in December, I posted an initial review of my customized VitaminID pack from NatureMade. I was really excited for the opportunity to try it and since starting my vitamin regimen, I’ve experienced a noticeable difference in my energy levels, my complexion and the strength of my nails. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re getting the essential nutrients your individual body needs from having a customized vitamin pack is pretty cool, too. 
The awesome people at Ignite Social Media have partnered with NatureMade and are offering one of you an opportunity to customize your own VitaminID pack!
ENTRY RULES:
- For a chance to win, leave a comment telling me why you’re proud of yourself today.
- For a second chance to win, follow me on Twitter and then leave a second comment telling me your Twitter username. (If you’re already following me, you still need to leave a second comment for an additional entry.)
- You have until Thursday, January 21 at 11:59 CST to enter.
- The winner will be chosen via random.org and will be announced on Friday, January 22.
- Good luck!
Here’s the downside to being 20lbs lighter than I was this time last year: I get really cold, really quick. With it being so cold here in Nashville, I haven’t kept up with my running as much this year as I would’ve liked. Though I acknowledge once a week isn’t enough, my friend Patten does do a good job in holding me accountable to a good run on Saturdays at least.
This past Saturday was still cold, though much warmer than weekends past. I synced up my music with W3D1 of the C25K iPhone app. I’ve really become partial to pop/dance music… i.e., LOTS of Britney Spears & Black Eyed Peas. I never ever thought this Classic Rock girl would say that.
The first 90 second run was challenging, but doable. The 3-minute run was rough. In fact, I think I finished the interval 20 seconds early. I was so disappointed that I pushed through and finished out the others. Needless to say, I was REALLY happy to finish. Also, I’m REALLY looking forward to warmer temps with the Spring season.
Oh! This was also one of the first real runs with my new shoes. I’m quite happy with my new purchase! The Saucony ProGrid Omni 8s give tons of heel support (one of my primary reasons for selecting them) and are snug fits. I feel like I have extra bounce and energy in my stride when wearing them. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for new foot attire.
With the chaos of the holidays (and the end of my CSA Fall share), I haven’t found myself in many kitchens lately… well, in terms of actually creating a home-cooked meal. To be honest, I kind of missed it! And really, you can be nutritious in eating out, etc., but by cooking at home you are in complete control over what goes in your body. That’s my main driving force in honing my culinary skills.
Last night, I decided to have a night in with dinner (Breaded Chicken Parmesan, Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes & Vegetables, and a glass of Woodbridge Cabernet) and a movie (Valkyrie). I included the recipe in yesterday’s post, but I always tend to put my own spin on things, so here’s Breaded Chicken Parm, Amanda-style:
3 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1.5 tbsp oregano
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 tsp parsley
- a few turns from the pepper mill
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.25 tbsp dried minced onions
- 2 tsp of crushed red pepper
- marinara or pasta sauce
- shredded Parmesan cheese
- olive oil
I mixed the herbs, pepper, onion, garlic powder and red pepper together with the bread crumbs in a small bowl. I took the three chicken breasts and cut them down the middle, making two mini fillets and drizzled a very small amount of olive oil on each half. I put each half of the chicken breast into the bowl, completely covering it with the bread crumb mixture, then laying it in a 9×11 greased pan. The three chicken breasts yielded 6 small fillets which could probably serve 3 people… or myself and one hungry, hungry roommate.
After all the fillets were breaded and in the pan, I popped them in the oven at 325 for 20 minutes. After 15 minutes, I flipped them and baked for another 20. When they were done, I flipped them again and placed 1 tsp of roasted garlic pasta sauce on each fillet (The general consensus was that there was too much sauce, so spread lightly… maybe even less than a tsp!), topping them with the parm (about 1/2 tbsp per fillet) and baking again for another 5 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the chicken should still be moist, but fully cooked.
It was something different, but quick & easy to make with a lot of ingredients I already had on hand. I really enjoyed it (roommate did, too – the highest compliment!) and will definitely be making it again.
Happy & healthy eats!
My friend, Patten, is a drill sergeant! At 7pm last night, he had me outside in pants, two shirts, gloves, and a hat running in 13 degree weather. To be fair, I needed it and it WAS warmer than our Saturday run. 
Even though he’s further along in the C25K program, he reverted back to finish W2D3 with me. We ran his appropriately named “Marriott Route” (which took us right by the Marriott down the street).
I don’t know if it was the change in scenery, running with company, or the fact that all the right songs were coming on my playlist, but I felt awesome. I ran each interval with no problem. I was able to focus on my breathing and ended the run with plenty of energy. If only all runs could be like that!
I still haven’t replaced the battery in my HRM and I’m debating about whether or not I want to do that. As much as I love knowing how many calories I burn per run, it was kind of nice just focusing on being active and enjoying how good I felt without being anal about calories and times.
The downside happened this morning when I woke up with a lot of pain in my left heel. I remember it happening before but I guess I’ve just ignored it.
I realized I probably should trade in my running shoes for a new pair. After all, they’ve gotten a lot of use since last November. It’s about time.
With the help of Ebates and OnlineShoes.com, I purchased a new pair of Saucony ProGrid Omni 8s. The reviews were all very good and the heel support sold me. OnlineShoes.com offers the cheapest prices (with a 6% return from Ebates) and free 365-day returns and exchanges so I felt pretty good purchasing with them.
I have a pretty busy Wednesday lined up with meetings and work opportunities so W3D1 will have to wait till Thursday… unless we’re completely snowed in! If not Thursday… definitely Friday. Or Saturday.
On nutrition fronts, I’m trying to get back in the kitchen and cooking more things that don’t involve microwaves. Tonight I’m trying a recipe from SparkRecipes.com: Breaded Chicken Parmesan… reviews coming soon!
I’m going to have to practice writing 2010, especially since 2009 was so incredible – I was kind of sad to see it go! But like all good things, it came to an end. I spent New Year’s Eve surrounded by friends with one goal in mind: to celebrate. And celebrate we did!
My friend Terri (who I met on SparkPeople last year) hosted us all and cooked up a table-full of delicious hors d’oeuvres. We spent the night eating, talking, laughing, reminiscing, and ringing in 2010 with a champagne toast. I wouldn’t have chosen to spend it any other way.
The next morning afternoon, we all met up once again at the Pfunky Griddle – a restaurant local to Nashville where you sit around tables with built-in griddles and cook your own pancakes, eggs and potatoes. I really have the best group of friends a girl could ask for.
I’ve done some thinking about my resolutions for 2010. I felt like I was copping out a little by carrying over the same ones from last year. I made great strides toward better health, but didn’t meet my weight goal thanks to some setbacks. I decided that I wouldn’t carry over the same resolutions so much as I would alter and add to them. I finally formed a simple list of what I’d like to see myself achieve in 2010 – for all parts of myself: mind, body & spirit.
Mind:
- Read 12 books this year
Body:
- Lose the remaining 40lbs
- Run a 5K without stopping
Spirit:
- Form new relationships
- Set aside Amanda time
For those of you just starting out with resolutions and goal-setting, take a moment to check out this post on Faithful Provisions. It’s mainly geared toward budgets and financial saving, but I love the SMART acronym. Additionally, you can check out more of my thoughts on goals and resolutions, here.
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C25K: W2D2 Update
My friend, Patten and I met up this morning at the park. He has been a great motivator in helping me get back in the swing of things. I believe today was a start of a weekly routine where we’ll get together and run. Even if we don’t stay at the same pace (which we don’t), it helps to know that someone will be there in the same vicinity, holding you accountable to your goals.
Speaking of, today was ROUGH. I haven’t run in quite sometime and it’s true what they say… if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. It was 16 degrees and snowing, but Patten and I are rockstars and got out in the middle of it, anyway. I was cursing myself the entire first running interval thinking “Uhh. This was a mistake.” It did get easier and, of course, in the runner’s afterglow, I was proud of myself and looking forward to the next run.
2010 is off to a great start… HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The holidays are always a busy time and this season has been no exception! Here’s a recap (so far) in pictures:
Christmas at Belmont (my alma mater!) at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with host, Trisha Yearwood (this will air nationally on PBS tomorrow! Check your local listings for times).
Speaking of my alma mater, I participated in my first event with the BU Young Alumni Council this December: Pancake Night! During exam week, the students always have Wednesday (aka Dead Day) off to study. From 9-11pm, the Young Alumni Council was in the cafeteria serving up free pancakes with all the toppings. In the end, we served over 700 students. Pictured above is me and my friend, Patten. Our pancakes were the best of the night, obviously.
I hosted a Dove Chocolate Party at my place.
A girl’s gotta splurge every once in awhile!
My friends throw the best Christmas parties and they were certainly not in short supply this year. I love this pic of the girls taken at my friends’ 5th Annual Soup-er Christmas Extravaganza this year. Each Soup-er party features a big pot of soup and a Dirty Santa gift exchange!
Tomorrow, I leave bright and early and hit the road to Florida (via Atlanta) for the holidays. Here’s wishing you all safe travels and a very, merry Christmas!!
32 degrees and sunny. I’m proud of myself for getting out here despite the cold and getting to bed at 2am. I don’t know what happened between this run and the last but I’ll need to repeat whatever it was. The entire workout seemed to fly by and it was the halfway point before I knew it. I never felt winded and dare I say… I feel like things are getting back to normal.
The only bad part is also slightly amusing. At the halfway point, I was running along, feeling pretty good and decided to look at my HRM to see the caloric burn: 42 calories. Whaaa? Then I noticed my BPM read 55. Considering mid to high 60s is a normal resting rate and I was actually running at the time, I concluded my HRM had finally bit the dust after a year. It’s probably just a battery thing. Hopefully.
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