Happy Easter Eve

Happy Easter Eve!!

Craig and I are headed to church in a few hours to celebrate Easter. Our church service starts at 11 p.m. tonight (Saturday), so that when the clock strikes midnight, we are celebrating Christ’s resurrection during the first hour of Easter Sunday!

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Now backing up to this morning. . . .

Usually on mornings I do a long run, I get up and eat a pretty hearty breakfast: a piece of toast with peanut butter, a banana, and a bowl of cereal.

But this morning, I knew I was only running 9 miles, and I could survive on less food. So I toasted half of a bagel and spread some raspberry jam on it.

I didn’t want to dilly-dally too much because I planned on going to a yoga class this morning and needed to be back in time to eat and get to the yoga class by 9:30 a.m.

After my lighter breakfast, I did a few things around the apartment (laundry in the washer, unloaded the dishwasher), and then headed out the door 45 minutes later.

I started off feeling a little tight and sluggish, but more often than not, I usually don’t feel that great starting out. Seriously, the first 5 minutes of running is never that enjoyable, but I know I’ve got to stick with it to get to the good part! 😉

Today I did a loop-route that I had been running clock-wise, but today I decided to run it counter clock-wise, and it felt like I had never run the route before! I love that!

Distance: 9 miles

Time: 1:17

I attempted a self-timer shot, but I think I need some tips from Skinny Runner. She is much better at these things.

During my entire run, I was dreaming about this bowl of oatmeal.

I have been loving the thick, creaminess of Bob’s Red Mill Scottish Oatmeal.

The oats are more finely ground and have the texture of grits, Malt-O-Meal hot cereal, or Cream of Wheat.

This time I used store-bought Scottish oats, but I’ve also made my own Scottish oats at home.

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal

1/4 cup Scottish Oatmeal

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup water

1 banana (half in oats while cooking, half on top)

1 teaspoon chia seeds

dash of salt

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (mixed in at the end)

I had to eat this breakfast quick because then it was time to get to the yoga studio. If you don’t get to Anchorage Yoga at least 15-20 minutes before class starts, there’s a good chance the class will already be full!

I had Craig sign us up for the class online, so we had a spot secured because we have come close to not being able to get into a class before.

“Hi, my name is Craig, and I am a weirdo.” Good thing I love him and all his quirks. 😉

Love the interior decor of the studio—clean and modern.

After a sweaty 90 minute session of Bikram, I was running on almost 3 hours of exercise-induced endorphins! Love that!

After a shower, it was time to give my stomach some lovin’ as well.

I had been to Terra Bella once before, and you can read about that experience here.

The menu has a little something for everyone—vegetarian choices, gluten-free options, sandwiches, soup, salads, pastries, and coffee/teas.

Some comfy chairs for lounging. Main dining area.

Our food. . . .

I ordered the Mediterranean Salad, which I had been thinking about since my friend Jen ordered it the first time I came to Terra Bella.

 Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

A blend of red bell peppers, cucumber, olive, red onion, pine nuts, feta cheese, and quinoa on a bed of mixed greens dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.

I liked the salad but didn’t love it. It had a nice light dressing and the quinoa was flavorful, but maybe I’ve just over-done it with the Mediterranean flavors of feta/kalamata olives/cucumber/red pepper.

Oh well, I had no problem eating it all. 🙂

Craig ordered the Black Bean Burger.

Black Bean Burger

Our house veggie burger made with black beans, lentils, tofu, and spices. Served on our house-made toasted wheat bun and topped with avocado, pico de gallo, spring greens, and cheddar cheese.

I really liked the burger; it reminded me of the Lentil Walnut Burgers I’ve made before.

Craig also had a house salad on the side.

After filling our bellies with delicious food, it was time to take our recyclables to the recycling center.

Then after a stop at the grocery store, the rest of my afternoon/evening has been spent finishing my laundry, talking to my sister and mom, and eating (a lot!). I’ve been a bottomless pit all day!

I hope you all have a blessed Easter and enjoy your time with family and friends!