Daily Archives: March 8, 2011

9 Things that Motivate Me

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It was SO nice to get back out on the road and do some running in the sunshine today. :) I just wish the roads weren’t so slippery.

I wanted to go fairly long today since yesterday was a rest day for me, so I cranked out 8 miles in 1:12. (A little on the slow side for me.)

I loved breaking a good sweat today, and even though I wasn’t feeling up to par—and had to blow my nose every three minutes—I was glad to be out running again.

After Craig got home from work, we went to the gym where I busted out 30 minutes of weight lifting. I love how tight/firm muscles feel after weight lifting!

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Dinner tonight was a recipe from the Real Simple magazine—January 2011 issue.

Even though there are signs of spring in the air, I couldn’t resist making the recipe for Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes.

I wanted something ready for us after we got back from the gym tonight and using the slow-cooker was a fabulous answer!

The recipe contained sweet potato, black beans, pinto beans, and hearty chunks of tomatoes.

While Craig and I like this recipe, we still think Craig’s Chili reigns supreme.

This chili just didn’t have the chili-kick the other recipe does, but it was definitely still a good and easy recipe!

The original recipe can be found here.

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Sometimes we just need a little inspiration to keep us motivated to keep pounding the pavement.

These are the people/things that inspire me to keep running and doing what I love.

1. My sister

My sister is my clone. Craig is convinced that we are twins but my sister didn’t come out of the womb until 6 years after me. ;)

My sister, Kristy, is in her senior year of college and runs on the cross country and track teams, so we often swap running stories and running stats. We will run a marathon together some day!

2. My husband

I am so thankful that Craig supports me and my crazy habit! He never complains about me spending too much money on running shoes or apparel and always supports me when I have to/want to go to for a run.

He is my #1 fan!

3. Setting goals and striving for them

It is a never-ending cycle, but that’s okay because I don’t want this fun to end!

4. Looking at past pictures of races

There is just something about looking at pictures that makes me want to jump up off the couch, go for a run, and train like crazy!

I think it is the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that all the pain was worth it. (Even if it might not seem like that at the time.)


5. Having success at races or even after a hard workout or speed workout.

Crossing that finish line has got to be one of the best feelings ever, and if you are not a runner, put this on your bucket-list now!

I’ll never forget the time Craig and I ran a relay race in Arizona. He was SO nervous and kept asking me why I do this (run races). I told him he wouldn’t understand until he crossed the finish line. After he was done, I think he was on cloud 9 for the rest of the week!

6. Receiving compliments from others.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a good compliment?!?!

Hear others accolades gives me a boost of confidence. It lets me know there are other people out there who are paying attention to what I do, which motivates me to continue to do run my little heart out—plus, now have a reputation to live up to!

7. Sharing my adventures on this little blog of mine.

It is fun, and it keeps me accountable!

8. Other runners

Whether these runners are elite professionals or just your “average-Joe,” I am inspired by other runners! I don’t care what your pace is, knowing I’m not the only crazy one out there is encouraging!

Even though I know I’ll never be as fast as any elite athlete, I am still inspired by their speed. Kara Goucher is my running idol and simply amazes me. I had the chance to see her speak at a marathon expo and follow her blog regularly.

I also enjoy reading other blogs because they keep me inspired to do what I do.

Janae at The Hungry Runner Girl simply amazes me.

I also get inspiration from Skinny Runner.

9. The way running makes me feel:

- strong.

- the self-esteem boost it gives me.

- how freeing it feels.

Question

What motivates/inspires you?—even if it isn’t running-related.

Thai Peanut Tofu Noodles

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Last night I conquered a fear of mine. . . . .I made dinner without using a recipe!

It is really difficult for me to ad lib, but I came up with this creation all on my own! I did use a couple different recipes for inspiration, but it was mostly done with the few creative juices in my brain. :)

Thai Peanut Tofu Noodles

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
  • 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 oz. uncooked whole wheat spaghetti noodles
  • 2 cups coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 (12 oz.) package extra firm tofu
  • Garnish: dried cilantro, green onions, chopped peanuts

Directions

1. Press tofu for 15 minutes. Cube into 1-inch pieces. Saute in non-stick pan with oil.

2. Cook pasta according to directions. Drain.

3. Combine the first 8 ingredients in a small bowl. Microwave and whisk until smooth.

4. Saute coleslaw, sugar snap peas, and carrots in wok for 4-5 minutes.

5. Add spaghetti to wok and toss with vegetables. Add peanut sauce and toss to combine.

6. Top with tofu and garnish with dried cilantro, green onions, and peanuts.


Both Craig and I loved this dish! The peanut sauce was very flavorful!

It was super delicious, and I loved that it was pumped up with a decent amount of veggies!

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Over the weekend, a belated Christmas gift came in the mail for me: a Road ID bracelet. (Yes, a Christmas gift—Craig couldn’t decide on a color for me. ;) )

This bracelet is designed to be worn while running (or hiking or biking for that matter), and if something would happen to me, the EMTs/medical response team will know who I am! Scary but always a possibility.

This is the Wrist ID Elite.

The band is a flexible, rubber plastic like the Livestrong bracelets, and there is a nice watch-like clasp to hold the bracelet on.

It does cost a little more than the “sport” model, but I love the sleek design and the pink band! (There are other color options.)

Instead of having my address, phone number, and contact information engraved on the faceplate of the id, I chose the “interactive” option.

The “interactive” option contains a pin and serial number on the underside of the bracelet that the EMTs use to gain access to my emergency contact information online. That way if I move or change my phone number, I can go online and update the information rather than buying a new bracelet. (For a comparison, click here.)

I’m heading out the door for a run right now. Initially I was hoping to run 60 miles this week, but after getting sick last week, I know I won’t be able to accomplish that. I could if I really wanted to, but I know it wouldn’t be healthy for my body. Instead I think I’ll try for 50 miles and then use the next couple of weeks to build back up to 60 miles.

Question

Do you usually use a recipe to make dinner (or other meals) or the creative juices in your brain?

Do you use a Road ID?

This is the first time I’ve ever worn any kind of identification. I never carry my cell phone either. Bad, I know!