For those following along, I've completed 4 weeks of a vegan diet.
Workouts: 5 CrossFit classes.
Percent vegan diet: 100%
Weight: Minus 12 lbs since May 7.
Mood: Good.
This was a good week. This is becoming more routine and less of an effort.
I've had a few discussions with friends and acquaintances about the "why" of my dietary changes. I'm struggling a little with the word "vegan" because I'm not living a vegan lifestyle in other ways. I still carry a leather bag. I haven't researched my cosmetics. I'm using "plant-based" more and more to describe my eating choices. It feels more honest, overall. Perhaps it's just semantics and perhaps I have more time on my hands to think about semantics. Basically, I'm experimenting with this diet to see if my health improves. It's all about me. I left the vegan descriptor in my introduction above because I have adhered 100%...it might be nice to use a little honey now and then, though.
Time. My free time has changed in a couple of major ways. I spend more time prepping and cooking meals now. Those brussels sprouts aren't going to shred themselves and I've found that pre-cooking and storing in the fridge tends to cause some foods to degrade a little. Some things are tastier if I prepare them right before I'm going to eat them. I spend more time consuming my meals. There's a lot of chewing to be done when the plate is full of plant material. I spend LESS time snacking on the sofa in front of the television. I'm simply not as hungry as I was a couple months ago. On days I go to the gym, I'm able to sleep a precious 15 minutes extra because I stopped having pre-workout snacks. (My go-to a couple months ago was half a peanut butter sandwich.) I'm not starving when I get home from the gym even though I'm going 12 plus hours without eating. Finally, I'm spending less time at the grocery store. I hit the produce department and a couple aisles for grains/nuts, and I'm out of there. I'm no longer browsing the aisles of the grocer like I'm on an entertaining shopping expedition.
So the question is, what to do with all this time? I've been thinking of taking up knitting again. I'm also browsing travel sites to dream about my next big adventure.
I'm looking forward to seeing my physician later this week. I'll let you know how my bloodwork turns out. As good as I feel, I expect to see improvement in my labs.
Thanks again for all your kind words of encouragement. Your support is highly appreciated.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Monday, June 4, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
I'm Kind of Amazed
For those following along, I've completed 3 weeks of a vegan diet.
Workouts: 5 CrossFit classes.
Percent vegan diet: 100%
Weight: Minus 10.5 lbs since May 7.
Mood: Good.
I encountered some challenges this week.
I was invited to a birthday party and I knew there would be an open bar. I've abstained from alcohol since the first week of May for several reasons. I don't want to succumb to disinhibition-induced eating. I don't want the empty calories. I'm avoiding processed food as much as possible. But, hey, it was a celebration. Right? I had 2 drinks and avoided the adorable cupcakes on a platter nearby. My feet were aching (high heels and a little dancing) and my friend and I were hungry. We pulled out our phones and searched the neighborhood. Mai's!!! Mai's is a local Vietnamese restaurant that's open until 4am. I was happy to see tofu pho with vegetarian broth on the menu. I could only eat half of that beautiful bowl of soup but it was a good choice. I was in bed by 12:30 but had to be up early Saturday for an 8:00am crossfit class followed by a clinic to work on handstand pushup progressions. If I say that I was pretty sore, quite fatigued, very thirsty, and a little cranky, I'm not exaggerating. So those reasons for avoiding alcohol? Number one continues to be dehydration. It's just not worth it to me.
My next challenge came with the Memorial Day weekend. Because I'm not traveling this weekend, I've had a lot of time on my hands. In my quasi-boredom, I've surfed social media and there are a lot of pictures of BBQs, beginning-of-summer celebrations, etc, etc. I was invited to a couple cookouts. I declined. I don't trust myself with all that grilled meat yet. My commitment to a plant-based diet is for 30 days. I NEED to honor this commitment to myself. I want to see the results, look at the data, and make a decision for my lifestyle based on reality - not some "hope" that things can be better. I'm attempting to stay busy at home. I ironed some clothes in the back of the closet that now fit me. I planted a tomato plant and some herbs out on my patio. This morning, I'm participating in the Memorial Day Murph workout at my CF gym. Doing 3/4 and planning to smash last year's time.
Things ARE getting better. My sleep is improving. My workouts are more intense and I feel like I'm getting more out of them. Best of all, my arthritis pain is drastically improved. I've had ZERO ibuprofen or Tylenol this week. Zero. It's been decades since I could say that. I'm kind of amazed.
As always, thanks to all who have reached out and asked me how it's going and offered their support. Much appreciated.
(A snapshot of this week's farmshare. It's easier to be excited with all this beauty available.)
Workouts: 5 CrossFit classes.
Percent vegan diet: 100%
Weight: Minus 10.5 lbs since May 7.
Mood: Good.
I encountered some challenges this week.
I was invited to a birthday party and I knew there would be an open bar. I've abstained from alcohol since the first week of May for several reasons. I don't want to succumb to disinhibition-induced eating. I don't want the empty calories. I'm avoiding processed food as much as possible. But, hey, it was a celebration. Right? I had 2 drinks and avoided the adorable cupcakes on a platter nearby. My feet were aching (high heels and a little dancing) and my friend and I were hungry. We pulled out our phones and searched the neighborhood. Mai's!!! Mai's is a local Vietnamese restaurant that's open until 4am. I was happy to see tofu pho with vegetarian broth on the menu. I could only eat half of that beautiful bowl of soup but it was a good choice. I was in bed by 12:30 but had to be up early Saturday for an 8:00am crossfit class followed by a clinic to work on handstand pushup progressions. If I say that I was pretty sore, quite fatigued, very thirsty, and a little cranky, I'm not exaggerating. So those reasons for avoiding alcohol? Number one continues to be dehydration. It's just not worth it to me.
My next challenge came with the Memorial Day weekend. Because I'm not traveling this weekend, I've had a lot of time on my hands. In my quasi-boredom, I've surfed social media and there are a lot of pictures of BBQs, beginning-of-summer celebrations, etc, etc. I was invited to a couple cookouts. I declined. I don't trust myself with all that grilled meat yet. My commitment to a plant-based diet is for 30 days. I NEED to honor this commitment to myself. I want to see the results, look at the data, and make a decision for my lifestyle based on reality - not some "hope" that things can be better. I'm attempting to stay busy at home. I ironed some clothes in the back of the closet that now fit me. I planted a tomato plant and some herbs out on my patio. This morning, I'm participating in the Memorial Day Murph workout at my CF gym. Doing 3/4 and planning to smash last year's time.
Things ARE getting better. My sleep is improving. My workouts are more intense and I feel like I'm getting more out of them. Best of all, my arthritis pain is drastically improved. I've had ZERO ibuprofen or Tylenol this week. Zero. It's been decades since I could say that. I'm kind of amazed.
As always, thanks to all who have reached out and asked me how it's going and offered their support. Much appreciated.
(A snapshot of this week's farmshare. It's easier to be excited with all this beauty available.)
Monday, May 21, 2018
Week 2 Recap
For those following along, I've completed 2 weeks of a vegan diet.
Workouts: 5 CrossFit classes.
Percent vegan diet: 100%
Weight: Minus 8.4 lbs since May 7.
Mood: Remains overall upbeat.
It's getting easier, y'all.
I haven't experienced too many cravings for meat but thought about cheese more times than I think one usually would in a normal day. Years ago I took a meditation class and worked with a technique to gently push intruding thoughts away from my mind's eye. I've been calling on that method to deal with intruding thoughts of cheddar and mozzarella. I imagine the back of my hand ever-so-gently pushing the thought off to the side. It's working so far. In reality, simply acknowledging that I'm THINKING about cheese during the day tells me that I probably haven't thought about it enough. It was an easy grab from the refrigerator when I was hungry and I fooled myself into thinking it had something I needed to sustain me. Don't get me wrong. It's delicious. I simply ate more of it than was healthy for me.
The other epiphany I had this week was around my use of food as entertainment. I stayed at a friend's house this weekend - watching his place and his dog. I do this fairly often (every month or so) and previously, I haven't taken much of my own food because there are so many great restaurants close by. I rationalized not cooking because: I didn't want to dirty up the kitchen, he uses different oil/condiments/etc, and I was allowing myself the "treat" of hamburgers, fries, chinese food, chicken caesar salad, beer. You get the picture.
This weekend I carted all my own food to his house. I cooked all my meals. I drank oceans of water. I still felt as if I'd been treated but the difference was I was treating myself better.
None of this is earth-shattering and I'm aware of that. I hope that by putting some of my thoughts into words, I can start to cement the changes I'm experiencing into my behaviors. Maybe someone reading will be encouraged. I certainly appreciate the encouragement I've received from those who are reading along. Your kind words mean the world to me. Thank you.
One more thing. I received a HUGE dose of inspiration watching the team from CrossFit Central Houston compete at the regional CrossFit competition. Congrats to them for their strong showing.
Workouts: 5 CrossFit classes.
Percent vegan diet: 100%
Weight: Minus 8.4 lbs since May 7.
Mood: Remains overall upbeat.
It's getting easier, y'all.
I haven't experienced too many cravings for meat but thought about cheese more times than I think one usually would in a normal day. Years ago I took a meditation class and worked with a technique to gently push intruding thoughts away from my mind's eye. I've been calling on that method to deal with intruding thoughts of cheddar and mozzarella. I imagine the back of my hand ever-so-gently pushing the thought off to the side. It's working so far. In reality, simply acknowledging that I'm THINKING about cheese during the day tells me that I probably haven't thought about it enough. It was an easy grab from the refrigerator when I was hungry and I fooled myself into thinking it had something I needed to sustain me. Don't get me wrong. It's delicious. I simply ate more of it than was healthy for me.
The other epiphany I had this week was around my use of food as entertainment. I stayed at a friend's house this weekend - watching his place and his dog. I do this fairly often (every month or so) and previously, I haven't taken much of my own food because there are so many great restaurants close by. I rationalized not cooking because: I didn't want to dirty up the kitchen, he uses different oil/condiments/etc, and I was allowing myself the "treat" of hamburgers, fries, chinese food, chicken caesar salad, beer. You get the picture.
This weekend I carted all my own food to his house. I cooked all my meals. I drank oceans of water. I still felt as if I'd been treated but the difference was I was treating myself better.
None of this is earth-shattering and I'm aware of that. I hope that by putting some of my thoughts into words, I can start to cement the changes I'm experiencing into my behaviors. Maybe someone reading will be encouraged. I certainly appreciate the encouragement I've received from those who are reading along. Your kind words mean the world to me. Thank you.
One more thing. I received a HUGE dose of inspiration watching the team from CrossFit Central Houston compete at the regional CrossFit competition. Congrats to them for their strong showing.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
E is for English Breakfast Tea
I'm baking 3 loaves of banana bread to take to work. Never got around to eating those bananas (except 1) from a few days ago. My place smells yummy. I used walnuts from my grocery trip earlier this afternoon.
I'm trying to keep quick, portable foods handy for lunches. Having the time to heat a meal seems to be a thing of the past most Mondays through Fridays. I boiled these eggs. I have nuts, yogurt, berries, carrots.
I slipped some more tea bags into my tote and I'll take them to work tomorrow. It seems a cup with a tiny bit of cream and sugar is just as good a pick me up as coffee and somehow not so aggressive. Maybe it's all in my head. And maybe that's exactly as it should be.
©Michelle Scofield, January 5, 2014. All rights reserved.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Crockpot Ready Protein Post Run
13.1 miles 2:56:52 13:30 pace 7:00 am 75 degrees
I woke today with no pain so it was up and at 'em. By mile 9, I was aware of my right lower extremity. I'm not going to say I'm at a decision point regarding running the marathon in January. I'm not there yet. I finished the solo half marathon. I'm glad to be home. It was hot and humid as hell today. It wasn't a pleasant run. This isn't supposed to be easy. Or so I've heard.
I have a massage scheduled at noon and I plan to enjoy every moment of it.
Yesterday was a (for the most part) enjoyable day. I got a haircut. I took a spin in my own car with my car guy trying to find the funny noise it's making. We couldn't figure it out but he replaced the wiper blades and he's not a bad guy to hang out with. :)
I had dinner with a dear friend and we're trying to figure our way back to each other.
I'm post-run brunching on homemade crockpot blackeye peas made with:
dry black eye peas (about 2 cups)
salsa
3/4 cup of left over Pappasitos rice
about 3/4 cup of left over Pappisitos pico (onions/tomatos/cillantro)
1/2 cup chopped pancetta
water added throughout the day yesterday - just enough to keep them moistened.
No, it's not precise. None of my crockpot recipes are. It is, however, delicious!
©Michelle Scofield, November 17, 2013 All Rights Reserved
I woke today with no pain so it was up and at 'em. By mile 9, I was aware of my right lower extremity. I'm not going to say I'm at a decision point regarding running the marathon in January. I'm not there yet. I finished the solo half marathon. I'm glad to be home. It was hot and humid as hell today. It wasn't a pleasant run. This isn't supposed to be easy. Or so I've heard.
I have a massage scheduled at noon and I plan to enjoy every moment of it.
Yesterday was a (for the most part) enjoyable day. I got a haircut. I took a spin in my own car with my car guy trying to find the funny noise it's making. We couldn't figure it out but he replaced the wiper blades and he's not a bad guy to hang out with. :)
I had dinner with a dear friend and we're trying to figure our way back to each other.
I'm post-run brunching on homemade crockpot blackeye peas made with:
dry black eye peas (about 2 cups)
salsa
3/4 cup of left over Pappasitos rice
about 3/4 cup of left over Pappisitos pico (onions/tomatos/cillantro)
1/2 cup chopped pancetta
water added throughout the day yesterday - just enough to keep them moistened.
No, it's not precise. None of my crockpot recipes are. It is, however, delicious!
©Michelle Scofield, November 17, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
(After) Working Out
7.04 miles. 1:24:30 12:00 pace. 3:45pm. 65degrees
There is a solution to every problem. By the time I drive home after work, it's getting so late that the tail end of a longish run puts me making my way home in the dark. Today I finished my last dictation, locked my office door, changed into my running gear, and headed out the door. The weather was great. It was a little weird being on the streets where I trained last year.
Sugar Land drivers still pay no attention to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Anyway...it's one solution to getting that midweek run accomplished.
I stopped at a drive through on the way home and brought a chef salad with turkey home. Yum!
(We had an office lunch today and I ordered grilled tuna. Yes, I'm THAT person...and I heard about it. Why do we have to hear about it?)
Happy Wednesday! The weekend is just around the corner.
M
There is a solution to every problem. By the time I drive home after work, it's getting so late that the tail end of a longish run puts me making my way home in the dark. Today I finished my last dictation, locked my office door, changed into my running gear, and headed out the door. The weather was great. It was a little weird being on the streets where I trained last year.
Sugar Land drivers still pay no attention to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Anyway...it's one solution to getting that midweek run accomplished.
I stopped at a drive through on the way home and brought a chef salad with turkey home. Yum!
(We had an office lunch today and I ordered grilled tuna. Yes, I'm THAT person...and I heard about it. Why do we have to hear about it?)
Happy Wednesday! The weekend is just around the corner.
M
Friday, October 18, 2013
Be Happy
12.18 miles 2:30:48 12:23 pace 4:40 pm 70 degrees
I wore my compression knee socks today and my legs felt less fatigued while I ran. Also, my shoes felt less lead-like. I think I'll try to remember to wear them for my long runs from now on.
The weather has taken a sweet turn to coolish. And misty. It's a runner's paradise out there.
I stuck close to home because I knew I'd be finishing in the dark. I ran a little along Brays Bayou and then back through Hermann Park and a couple times around the Rice Trail. It was much darker than I was comfortable with coming along Braeswood on the Hermann path. (I sprinted my finish.)
I'm still not loving this running. It feels like a lot of work. It is a lot of work. Twelve miles at the end of the day at the end of the work week. Yeah.
Oh, and my left second toenail is threatening, threatening. I may start a pool to see when it actually gives way this year.
I'm not feeling a lot of positive. The political nightmare of the last two weeks really bummed me out. I'm going to take a break from the internet and from anything on television that smacks of politics. I'm liking pictures of babies, kittens, and puppies right now.
And cooking shows. LOVE cooking shows, even though I'm not all that into food (for me) right now. The Top Chef in New Orleans has me paying attention because my sweeties are in New Orleans (of course). And Master Chef Junior is adorable. The little kids try so hard and Gordon Ramsey helps them out and seems like a different guy with them. :)
So...if I'm not around, I'm filling my tank with delicious, happy, thoughts. I hope you have a few of those, too!
©Michelle Scofield, October 18, 2013 All Rights Reserved
I wore my compression knee socks today and my legs felt less fatigued while I ran. Also, my shoes felt less lead-like. I think I'll try to remember to wear them for my long runs from now on.
The weather has taken a sweet turn to coolish. And misty. It's a runner's paradise out there.
I stuck close to home because I knew I'd be finishing in the dark. I ran a little along Brays Bayou and then back through Hermann Park and a couple times around the Rice Trail. It was much darker than I was comfortable with coming along Braeswood on the Hermann path. (I sprinted my finish.)
I'm still not loving this running. It feels like a lot of work. It is a lot of work. Twelve miles at the end of the day at the end of the work week. Yeah.
Oh, and my left second toenail is threatening, threatening. I may start a pool to see when it actually gives way this year.
I'm not feeling a lot of positive. The political nightmare of the last two weeks really bummed me out. I'm going to take a break from the internet and from anything on television that smacks of politics. I'm liking pictures of babies, kittens, and puppies right now.
And cooking shows. LOVE cooking shows, even though I'm not all that into food (for me) right now. The Top Chef in New Orleans has me paying attention because my sweeties are in New Orleans (of course). And Master Chef Junior is adorable. The little kids try so hard and Gordon Ramsey helps them out and seems like a different guy with them. :)
So...if I'm not around, I'm filling my tank with delicious, happy, thoughts. I hope you have a few of those, too!
©Michelle Scofield, October 18, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday Hotties
5.01 miles 1:05:20 13:02 pace 5:45 pm 93 degrees
Mother. Freaking. Hot.
There should be a dedicated elevator in my building for those of us who are post-exercise. I feel a little embarrassed when I'm riding with one of my neighbors and I'm wearing eau de sweat. Today I rode up with two very handsome, very European, very nicely dressed gentlemen. All I could do was smile and try not to drip.
On the mileage front, I'm right on track. Although I wasn't going to sign up for any sanctioned races, I'm feeling less than 100% motivated so I have a bib for a 30K run on December 15th. That fits in with my training schedule and to get out there and run that many miles in one day (unsupported) is asking a lot of me. It was 60 bucks but I'm not exactly out there spending tons of cash wining and dining lately.
Speaking of food. I'm craving fruit. Meat - not so much. I need to up my protein intake and I'm going to have to work on that. I had a few (6?) almonds when I got in from tonight's run. I'm drinking Gatorade on ice. I have no idea what I'll have for dinner.
Must plan better. (Yes, I have plenty of greek yogurt, almond milk, hummus. I'm really not hungry.) Scrambled eggs may be the winner tonight. Lots of veggies in the fridge. I know I can't exist on fruits and veg. I have a feeling the heat is what is knocking my appetite out.
What I'd give for a cool front.
©Michelle Scofield, September 25, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Mother. Freaking. Hot.
There should be a dedicated elevator in my building for those of us who are post-exercise. I feel a little embarrassed when I'm riding with one of my neighbors and I'm wearing eau de sweat. Today I rode up with two very handsome, very European, very nicely dressed gentlemen. All I could do was smile and try not to drip.
On the mileage front, I'm right on track. Although I wasn't going to sign up for any sanctioned races, I'm feeling less than 100% motivated so I have a bib for a 30K run on December 15th. That fits in with my training schedule and to get out there and run that many miles in one day (unsupported) is asking a lot of me. It was 60 bucks but I'm not exactly out there spending tons of cash wining and dining lately.
Speaking of food. I'm craving fruit. Meat - not so much. I need to up my protein intake and I'm going to have to work on that. I had a few (6?) almonds when I got in from tonight's run. I'm drinking Gatorade on ice. I have no idea what I'll have for dinner.
Must plan better. (Yes, I have plenty of greek yogurt, almond milk, hummus. I'm really not hungry.) Scrambled eggs may be the winner tonight. Lots of veggies in the fridge. I know I can't exist on fruits and veg. I have a feeling the heat is what is knocking my appetite out.
What I'd give for a cool front.
©Michelle Scofield, September 25, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Making Lemonwater out of Lemons and Water
4:30pm 97degrees 2.13 miles 27:43 13:01 pace
All I wanted to do today was move. It didn't have to be fast. It's dangerously hot so my goal was to get past 20 minutes without having to hail one of the passing Texas Medical Center ambulance crews for a defibrillator.
I jogged through the sunny patches and walked through the shade.
I'm a little sore from an excellent yoga class last night and I didn't want to come home from work and sit around and add to my soreness.
Day before yesterday, I rode the stationary bike for 30 minutes. (The bike display said I went 9 miles. I didn't move forward one inch.) I'm thrilled to have such a beautiful gym to use but I feel claustrophobic exercising indoors - even with the beautiful view of the park. Or maybe BECAUSE of the beautiful view of the park. I considered using a treadmill today but I simply had to be out there. It's a big draw for me. It's one of the reasons I moved to this place.
I'm sipping a glass of water with a big squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of salt. Yes, I forgot to buy Gatorade. And yes, it's basically the same thing. Surprise! It tastes pretty good. There are lots of recipes on the net for homemade sports drinks. Some add sugar or coconut water. Most have a base of water, citrus, and salt. I'll add something vitamin rich to my dinner tonight, too. I don't want to ask for trouble. I know the heat is nothing to play with but it's nice to have a park so close.
©Michelle Scofield, August 13, 2013 All Rights Reserved
All I wanted to do today was move. It didn't have to be fast. It's dangerously hot so my goal was to get past 20 minutes without having to hail one of the passing Texas Medical Center ambulance crews for a defibrillator.
I jogged through the sunny patches and walked through the shade.
I'm a little sore from an excellent yoga class last night and I didn't want to come home from work and sit around and add to my soreness.
Day before yesterday, I rode the stationary bike for 30 minutes. (The bike display said I went 9 miles. I didn't move forward one inch.) I'm thrilled to have such a beautiful gym to use but I feel claustrophobic exercising indoors - even with the beautiful view of the park. Or maybe BECAUSE of the beautiful view of the park. I considered using a treadmill today but I simply had to be out there. It's a big draw for me. It's one of the reasons I moved to this place.
I'm sipping a glass of water with a big squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of salt. Yes, I forgot to buy Gatorade. And yes, it's basically the same thing. Surprise! It tastes pretty good. There are lots of recipes on the net for homemade sports drinks. Some add sugar or coconut water. Most have a base of water, citrus, and salt. I'll add something vitamin rich to my dinner tonight, too. I don't want to ask for trouble. I know the heat is nothing to play with but it's nice to have a park so close.
©Michelle Scofield, August 13, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sweet Thoughts
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 10, Day 1
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 62
Planned activity: 4 mile run
7.07 miles 1 hour 19 minutes 11:10 pace
I'm going to do my best to fit it all in this week. That includes rest days, doctor's appointments, work, driving an extra 4 hours total to get to work at clinics I'm covering, and a long flight. I also have these runs on my schedule:
3 miles. 7 miles. 4 miles. 15 miles.
This is all contingent on my Doc allowing me to continue to run. I'm not in as much pain. I saw the MRI report. The sprinkles missing from the top of the caramel sundae are his eyes reading the films. (I LOVE me a caramel sundae!)
So...I'm going to adapt, adjust, fit-in, make-do.
Tonight I thought I'd shake off my "it's-eight-in-the-morning-here's-your-first-consult" day with an easy 4 mile run. The weather is beautiful. I was feeling pretty good, except for being hungry. (I didn't plan so great today and I ended up grabbing a turkey sandwich at a hospital cafeteria but didn't have any snacks to ward off afternoon hunger.)
Before I set out on my run, I ate a handful of mini pretzels and drank half a glass of Gatorade.
It really WAS a beautiful fall day. I love the sound and feel of leaves crunching under my feet. As I came up on 2 miles I realized that I could go another 1.5 miles, turn around and I'd have 7. Not a difficult sell. I finished in the dark but, hey, I run in the dark most mornings.
As I finished up (around mile 6), I realized that my mindset about distance has shifted. I now consider a 12 or 15 mile run a long run. 6 or 7 isn't such a big deal.
I'm about to tuck into the sweet potato I baked last night. I have a feeling it's going to taste extra sweet after an hour plus of running. Not as good as a caramel sundae. I'm not going to lie to you. A root vegetable doesn't hold a candle to ice cream. I may be obsessed with running but I haven't lost my damned mind.
©Michelle Scofield, Nov 12, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 62
Planned activity: 4 mile run
7.07 miles 1 hour 19 minutes 11:10 pace
I'm going to do my best to fit it all in this week. That includes rest days, doctor's appointments, work, driving an extra 4 hours total to get to work at clinics I'm covering, and a long flight. I also have these runs on my schedule:
3 miles. 7 miles. 4 miles. 15 miles.
This is all contingent on my Doc allowing me to continue to run. I'm not in as much pain. I saw the MRI report. The sprinkles missing from the top of the caramel sundae are his eyes reading the films. (I LOVE me a caramel sundae!)
So...I'm going to adapt, adjust, fit-in, make-do.
Tonight I thought I'd shake off my "it's-eight-in-the-morning-here's-your-first-consult" day with an easy 4 mile run. The weather is beautiful. I was feeling pretty good, except for being hungry. (I didn't plan so great today and I ended up grabbing a turkey sandwich at a hospital cafeteria but didn't have any snacks to ward off afternoon hunger.)
Before I set out on my run, I ate a handful of mini pretzels and drank half a glass of Gatorade.
It really WAS a beautiful fall day. I love the sound and feel of leaves crunching under my feet. As I came up on 2 miles I realized that I could go another 1.5 miles, turn around and I'd have 7. Not a difficult sell. I finished in the dark but, hey, I run in the dark most mornings.
As I finished up (around mile 6), I realized that my mindset about distance has shifted. I now consider a 12 or 15 mile run a long run. 6 or 7 isn't such a big deal.
I'm about to tuck into the sweet potato I baked last night. I have a feeling it's going to taste extra sweet after an hour plus of running. Not as good as a caramel sundae. I'm not going to lie to you. A root vegetable doesn't hold a candle to ice cream. I may be obsessed with running but I haven't lost my damned mind.
©Michelle Scofield, Nov 12, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Thinking about Peppers and a Peck of Other Things
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 6
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 64
Planned activity: 12 mile run
5:15 pm 61 degrees 12.02 miles 2 hours 25 minutes 12:04 pace
I've never liked peppers. Let me qualify that. I've always despised bell peppers. I couldn't stand the taste of them: raw, stuffed, roasted, any way they were presented to me. I still won't eat one raw but I've prepared three meals for myself this week that included bell peppers. I'm eating scrambled eggs and peppers as I type this entry. Yum! My point...tastes change. Mine did. If you haven't tried something lately, do. You might be surprised.
I'm still in awe at how my diet has changed over the last year. I have to go to the grocery store every few days because of the need to restock my produce bin. I feel very fortunate to have the resources available to me to be able to purchase such a wide variety of fresh and nutritious food. I'm painfully aware that I'm in the minority of people that enjoy this ability to eat what I want, when I want.
There were dozens of runners on the road this morning. We're getting closer to the big Houston Marathon and Saturday morning along Lexington is prime time for long-run training. I think the majority of the people I came across were with Fort Bend Fit, a running club in this area. There were a few of us solo runners - running against the stream. Most of us exchange quick greetings as we pass each other. I had to smile (with a bit of envy) as I approached a group of three women, obviously running together. They were running side by side by side, filling the entire sidewalk. We made eye contact. I started to open my mouth to utter a chipper "good morning", but they kept coming, and...I was forced to yield to their three-strong sidewalk brigade and to step onto the grass. So much for running etiquette. *sigh* Oh, well. Such is life out here in Stepford. And people ask me why I want to move back to Houston. Three bad peppers may not ruin a peck of peppers but they sure pickle it.
ANYway...
I continued on, finished my run and I'm home with my peppers and eggs. And a delicious cup of coffee. My foot is on ice. It was achy during the run but not too bad. Oh, I used a pack of Gu energy gel at mile 9. Wouldn't have finished without it. It wasn't too bad and didn't have any tummy issues because of it. I felt like I was starting to bonk and perked up about 10 minutes after getting it down with some water.
Happy Saturday, Everyone! Hope your weekend is everything you want it to be. M
©Michelle Scofield, Nov 10, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 64
Planned activity: 12 mile run
5:15 pm 61 degrees 12.02 miles 2 hours 25 minutes 12:04 pace
I've never liked peppers. Let me qualify that. I've always despised bell peppers. I couldn't stand the taste of them: raw, stuffed, roasted, any way they were presented to me. I still won't eat one raw but I've prepared three meals for myself this week that included bell peppers. I'm eating scrambled eggs and peppers as I type this entry. Yum! My point...tastes change. Mine did. If you haven't tried something lately, do. You might be surprised.
I'm still in awe at how my diet has changed over the last year. I have to go to the grocery store every few days because of the need to restock my produce bin. I feel very fortunate to have the resources available to me to be able to purchase such a wide variety of fresh and nutritious food. I'm painfully aware that I'm in the minority of people that enjoy this ability to eat what I want, when I want.
There were dozens of runners on the road this morning. We're getting closer to the big Houston Marathon and Saturday morning along Lexington is prime time for long-run training. I think the majority of the people I came across were with Fort Bend Fit, a running club in this area. There were a few of us solo runners - running against the stream. Most of us exchange quick greetings as we pass each other. I had to smile (with a bit of envy) as I approached a group of three women, obviously running together. They were running side by side by side, filling the entire sidewalk. We made eye contact. I started to open my mouth to utter a chipper "good morning", but they kept coming, and...I was forced to yield to their three-strong sidewalk brigade and to step onto the grass. So much for running etiquette. *sigh* Oh, well. Such is life out here in Stepford. And people ask me why I want to move back to Houston. Three bad peppers may not ruin a peck of peppers but they sure pickle it.
ANYway...
I continued on, finished my run and I'm home with my peppers and eggs. And a delicious cup of coffee. My foot is on ice. It was achy during the run but not too bad. Oh, I used a pack of Gu energy gel at mile 9. Wouldn't have finished without it. It wasn't too bad and didn't have any tummy issues because of it. I felt like I was starting to bonk and perked up about 10 minutes after getting it down with some water.
Happy Saturday, Everyone! Hope your weekend is everything you want it to be. M
©Michelle Scofield, Nov 10, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Cooking Lesson
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 6, Day 3
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 88
Planned activity: 5 mile run
5:00am 63 degrees
5.02 miles 53:45 minutes Avg page 10:42 min/mile
I see I got the date and days until the Houston Marathon incorrect in yesterday's blog post. Sorry. I'm up to speed now.
This morning's run was overall pleasant. Loving the early morning coolness.
My lesson to myself: Yes, I can eat cookies once in a while. Especially given the number of calories I'm burning. Especially if they're homemade and oatmeal. No, I can't eat several the night before a longish run. I was preoccupied with the Presidential Debate. Old habits die hard. Get involved with television, munch on snacks. Aaaargh!!!
When you haven't eaten much in the way of sweets for several months, your gut tells you every step of miles 3, 4, and 5, "Don't do that!" Lesson learned. The cookies are in the freezer to be taken out in very small doses.
©Michelle Scofield, October 17, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 88
Planned activity: 5 mile run
5:00am 63 degrees
5.02 miles 53:45 minutes Avg page 10:42 min/mile
I see I got the date and days until the Houston Marathon incorrect in yesterday's blog post. Sorry. I'm up to speed now.
This morning's run was overall pleasant. Loving the early morning coolness.
My lesson to myself: Yes, I can eat cookies once in a while. Especially given the number of calories I'm burning. Especially if they're homemade and oatmeal. No, I can't eat several the night before a longish run. I was preoccupied with the Presidential Debate. Old habits die hard. Get involved with television, munch on snacks. Aaaargh!!!
When you haven't eaten much in the way of sweets for several months, your gut tells you every step of miles 3, 4, and 5, "Don't do that!" Lesson learned. The cookies are in the freezer to be taken out in very small doses.
©Michelle Scofield, October 17, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Blackberries and Ten Miles Done.
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 5, Day 6
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 92
Planned activity: 10 mile run
5:45am 70 degrees
10.04 miles 1 hour 55 minutes Avg 11:27 min/mile
I bought them yesterday. I considered having them last night but I fell asleep while reading and didn't have anything to eat after my seafood and veggie stirfry (red pepper, carrots, zucchini, shrimp, calamari, scallops). I crave fresh fruits and veggies and mile 6 of my run had me fixated on the blackberries in my refrigerator.
This is the longest run I've completed in 2 years.
I saw many runners this morning. I was coming back as they were going out. There is an active fitness club in Fort Bend. I didn't join. Sometime I wish I did. It's getting kind of lonely on these long runs.
By mile 8 my left knee was aching and it hasn't done that before. By mile 9, it quit. I was still thinking of the blackberries. (I ate a waffle pre-run and I had my water bottle with half sports drink/half water with me.)
As I write this, I'm enjoying oatmeal, a scrambled egg, and yummo! Blackberries.
Happy Saturday.
©Michelle Scofield, October 13, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 92
Planned activity: 10 mile run
5:45am 70 degrees
10.04 miles 1 hour 55 minutes Avg 11:27 min/mile
I bought them yesterday. I considered having them last night but I fell asleep while reading and didn't have anything to eat after my seafood and veggie stirfry (red pepper, carrots, zucchini, shrimp, calamari, scallops). I crave fresh fruits and veggies and mile 6 of my run had me fixated on the blackberries in my refrigerator.
This is the longest run I've completed in 2 years.
I saw many runners this morning. I was coming back as they were going out. There is an active fitness club in Fort Bend. I didn't join. Sometime I wish I did. It's getting kind of lonely on these long runs.
By mile 8 my left knee was aching and it hasn't done that before. By mile 9, it quit. I was still thinking of the blackberries. (I ate a waffle pre-run and I had my water bottle with half sports drink/half water with me.)
As I write this, I'm enjoying oatmeal, a scrambled egg, and yummo! Blackberries.
Happy Saturday.
©Michelle Scofield, October 13, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Icy
Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 1, Day 3
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 122
Planned activity: 3 mile run
Completed 3.02 in 35:04
Time and Temp: 5:00am 73 degrees
I'm typing while my foot rests on an ice bag. It doesn't hurt because I finished my run. It only hurts when I've been still for any prolonged period of time. It feels pretty good when I move. The problem is that I can't be in perpetual motion and I know that as I bump up the miles it's likely to get worse. I have an appointment to see the fabulous Dr. William M. Jones next week. It's the soonest I can get in. In the meantime, I'm going to keep my mileage relatively low and my surfaces flat. I'll ice and take rest days.
This is as good as I can do people. My name is Michelle and I am an addict.
On another front but I think (also) needing ice as a response:
Let your imagination tackle this B.S. situation:
Suppose a person entered a lunchroom full of people and was greeted with this:
"Michelle, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure? What do you need?"
"Could you please eat a sandwich? You're wasting away!"
W. T. F.
I've worked so hard to lose the pounds I put on when I was out of commission exercise-wise. I've struggled with my food issues. I've SWEATED and I've cried. I've faced my demons. What if a person had to deal with this shit at work? From a higher-up? Sure, maybe it got a laugh but maybe that laugh was gained at the cost of the inner embarrassment of someone who has dealt with food issues her entire adult life. Sure maybe the butt of the joke might need thicker skin but isn't work supposed to be a safe place?
Isn't it enough to be a stranger (Democrat) in a strange (Republican) land? Divorced in the land of the married? Now to be called out for this? For being healthy and thin? Let's just call a spade a spade. "You're different. You're not like us. We're going to make you feel like an outcast no matter how we have to do it." That's how it feels.
I'm a size 10-12. I'm not rail-thin. I'm not super-skinny. I was FAT before I took charge of my out of control self.
My response? Just a look. My best friend's proposed response? Not printable. I love him but if I followed his advice I wouldn't have the funds to pay entry fees for races nor would we be able to finance our mutual travel addiction. Some things are best met with icy stares.
Anyway...That's my rant of the day.
©Michelle Scofield, September 12, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, August 18, 2012
It's Saturday, 8am, and I've already put in my long run for the week. Looking at my distance and time, I burned almost 700 calories doing it. I'm quasi-hungry. Probably more thirsty than anything else. I could fix a big breakfast. Or...
I had bran cereal and a half cup of skim milk. I also poured myself a one cup serving of skim milk to drink. Now I'm enjoying my coffee. I'm still a little surprised at the changes I've made when choosing foods.
When I started this journey I struggled daily with feelings of sadness and shame. I felt as if I was being denied something (food) that gave me great pleasure. I felt punished for years of enjoying myself. I wasn't exactly looking at my situation in a positive way. Gradually, the negative yielded to the positive and I turned some corner and started running toward feeling grateful for taking control of my life. I began to be proud of my decisions and of the small gains I was making along the way. Thank goodness.
I'm reading "50/50" by Dean Karnazes. He tells the story of how he ran 50 marathons in 50 days, back in 2006. It's a motivational and touching book. He encountered many challenges and also met some really interesting people along the way. He's sprinkled little tips throughout the book to help the reader understand and prepare for endurance events.
One phrase he uses which really struck me is, "responsible for managing my own nutrition." He talks about some of the mistakes he made and how he felt afterward...sluggish, lethargic, and with muddled thinking. He encourages the reader to consider how food can do just the opposite. If one chooses one's food with thought, the food can provide energy and vitality.
I absolutely believe this translates to our everyday diet choices – not just when we’re training for a marathon. I feel so much better since the addition of lean proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits to my daily intake. When I "give myself a break" and consume a high fat, processed meal, I pay for it with less energy the next day.
To quote Mr. Karnazes: "How much discipline do I really need to do the thing that makes me feel and perform better?" Turns out, not as much as I once thought I did. Months of making healthier choices for myself has turned into more of a habit than a chore. The food I added as fuel gradually replaced the food I was using as comfort. Don't get me wrong. As I told my son on the phone today, I still get an urge for a particular food now and then and I'll allow myself to indulge but I've taken a good hard look at what that indulging actually means.
I no longer eat like it's my last meal. I know that whatever food I want to taste will be there tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. There are myriad reasons I ate as I did previously. I am grateful for each day that brings me understanding of those reasons and also for discovering how much better I feel now. Knowledge is power.
©Michelle Scofield, August 18, 2012 All Rights Reserved
I had bran cereal and a half cup of skim milk. I also poured myself a one cup serving of skim milk to drink. Now I'm enjoying my coffee. I'm still a little surprised at the changes I've made when choosing foods.
When I started this journey I struggled daily with feelings of sadness and shame. I felt as if I was being denied something (food) that gave me great pleasure. I felt punished for years of enjoying myself. I wasn't exactly looking at my situation in a positive way. Gradually, the negative yielded to the positive and I turned some corner and started running toward feeling grateful for taking control of my life. I began to be proud of my decisions and of the small gains I was making along the way. Thank goodness.
I'm reading "50/50" by Dean Karnazes. He tells the story of how he ran 50 marathons in 50 days, back in 2006. It's a motivational and touching book. He encountered many challenges and also met some really interesting people along the way. He's sprinkled little tips throughout the book to help the reader understand and prepare for endurance events.
One phrase he uses which really struck me is, "responsible for managing my own nutrition." He talks about some of the mistakes he made and how he felt afterward...sluggish, lethargic, and with muddled thinking. He encourages the reader to consider how food can do just the opposite. If one chooses one's food with thought, the food can provide energy and vitality.
I absolutely believe this translates to our everyday diet choices – not just when we’re training for a marathon. I feel so much better since the addition of lean proteins, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits to my daily intake. When I "give myself a break" and consume a high fat, processed meal, I pay for it with less energy the next day.
To quote Mr. Karnazes: "How much discipline do I really need to do the thing that makes me feel and perform better?" Turns out, not as much as I once thought I did. Months of making healthier choices for myself has turned into more of a habit than a chore. The food I added as fuel gradually replaced the food I was using as comfort. Don't get me wrong. As I told my son on the phone today, I still get an urge for a particular food now and then and I'll allow myself to indulge but I've taken a good hard look at what that indulging actually means.
I no longer eat like it's my last meal. I know that whatever food I want to taste will be there tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. There are myriad reasons I ate as I did previously. I am grateful for each day that brings me understanding of those reasons and also for discovering how much better I feel now. Knowledge is power.
©Michelle Scofield, August 18, 2012 All Rights Reserved
Monday, March 8, 2010
Mas Masa
How many people does it take to make a tortilla?
Define "make".
We gathered in the kitchen and looked at the newest purchase, a tortilla press. It was a worthy idea. We would come together and cook a meal as we'd done many times before. This time we'd take it one step further and prepare the most basic ingredients ourselves, the tortillas. Our host had taken the effort to purchase the corn and the flour. He had a press and he told us it would be easy. "Just add water until the dough forms a ball."
Bueno.
Almost an hour later we were still without a single success. We were lubricated with vodka tonics and there was guacamole to sate our building appetites. Laughter filled the kitchen and there was talk of walking to the grocery store on the next block to buy some packaged tortillas.
"No! We can do this!"
We added more masa. We got our hands dirty. We tried again. And...
Success!
We started cranking out one after the other of perfect round discs of corn, passing them to the cooks who heated them on the griddle. The smoky aroma started to fill the room. We toasted our success and laughed as the stack started building, waiting for the grilled fish, chicken and beef.
Our host beamed as we all sat down to a fajita dinner that night. We'd come together to make it happen. His latest gadget was a hit. There was talk among the crowd of some of us even buying one of our own.
Sometimes it takes a village.
Define "make".
We gathered in the kitchen and looked at the newest purchase, a tortilla press. It was a worthy idea. We would come together and cook a meal as we'd done many times before. This time we'd take it one step further and prepare the most basic ingredients ourselves, the tortillas. Our host had taken the effort to purchase the corn and the flour. He had a press and he told us it would be easy. "Just add water until the dough forms a ball."
Bueno.
Almost an hour later we were still without a single success. We were lubricated with vodka tonics and there was guacamole to sate our building appetites. Laughter filled the kitchen and there was talk of walking to the grocery store on the next block to buy some packaged tortillas.
"No! We can do this!"
We added more masa. We got our hands dirty. We tried again. And...
Success!
We started cranking out one after the other of perfect round discs of corn, passing them to the cooks who heated them on the griddle. The smoky aroma started to fill the room. We toasted our success and laughed as the stack started building, waiting for the grilled fish, chicken and beef.
Our host beamed as we all sat down to a fajita dinner that night. We'd come together to make it happen. His latest gadget was a hit. There was talk among the crowd of some of us even buying one of our own.
Sometimes it takes a village.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Are We What We Eat?
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 9:35 am
Run Duration: 32 minutes
Pace: 10.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 83 degrees
Humidity: 84%
Location: Rice University Track, Houston
I watched "Food, Inc." last week. Brilliant movie. I'm an independent film junkie so I'd been waiting for Angelika to bring this one to town. It was worth the wait. I come from farm country in Kansas and I thought I had a decent understanding of feedlots and grain farming. Wrong. I will admit that this film is obviously presented from a certain viewpoint and many of the corporations discussed weren't officially represented, but many times the narrator stated that Monsanto, Purdue, or Tyson declined interviews.
Since viewing the movie, I've been very aware of my food options and I realize - as I type this - that I haven't eaten any beef in a week. I'm not opposed to consuming beef (I don't think I am, anyway), but I absolutely don't want to consume corn-fed beef anymore. I picked up a brochure this week that listed local restaurants that serve grass-fed beef, so there are options.
I'm logging my dietary intake at mypyrimad.gov. The site allows me to track not only calories, but also essential nutrients and it's been very helpful to me in noting where I've been deficient, especially calcium. (I underwent a hysterectomy 8 years ago and am at risk for osteoporosis.) I'm also logging my runs at the site and I can see how my physical activity translates into caloric needs. It's helpful to me.
So, back to the movie. Another change I've made since watching "Food Inc." is to try to purchase more organic products. It's not that much more expensive, given my desire to eat fresh food at home instead of eating out in restaurants. I'm stopping by the grocery on the way home from work and purchasing the ingredients for salads. Fresh fruits are a sweet treat in this hot weather. Something's working. I'm feeling better, my clothes are certainly fitting better, and I'm taking more of an interest in what I eat. I feel more active about it, more involved - less passive.
Thursday night, I was at dinner with a couple of friends. While waiting for our meals to arrive, I mentioned that I had seen the movie. The response I got from one was, "I wanted to see it, but I was afraid I'd want to change the way I eat."
O.K. I smiled and waited for my fish, my spinach and my lentils.
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