Half way there!

Actually, more than!  I had originally thought that this C25k program was nine weeks (I think once upon a time I was using a nine week program), but the program I am using now is only eight weeks.  

This morning I finished week 5 day 2!  I'm definitely getting to a point in the program where it's not "easy".  I'm trying to get into a routine so that I complete each week of training during the calendar week.  Sunday is day 1, Tuesday is day 2, and Friday is day 3.  Week 5 day 3 is a 20 minute run with no breaks.  I'm nervous about it, but as the little engine that could says, "I think I can!".  Pssh, I know I can!  Friday here I come!

It's helping that I have the right attitude.  I really am enjoying my runs.  It's not a chore to go out and get my workout done, and even if I struggle, I feel great afterwards.  So much so that I've upped my goal... 10k here I come!  I downloaded a program that is just the continuation of the C25k program.  So I'll be staying on my current pace for the 5k (which Sakief and I run officially on December 5), and then continue on afterwards.

Sakief has just started training for a marathon.  I think I owe some of my "success" to my competitive side.  Not that I ever want to run a marathon (seriously, never, if I say something crazy about running a marathon, slap me), but if he's running and doing well, then I want to be too!

Only 10 runs left until I finish the program, ahh!!

Eggroll in a Bowl

Sounds a little silly, doesn't it?  But this recipe is easy, tasty, quick, and potentially very versatile.

One of the issues everyone runs into is time and energy.  We're running late, it was a long day, blah blah blah, and now we don't want to cook dinner.  Usually when that happens you order a pizza, or Chinese, or something else that you don't really want to eat when you think about it. But it's easy, it's tasty, and you don't have to do anything but sit on the couch and wait for it to show up.

This is one of those recipes that can fight back.  It literally took me 10 mins to make, and when you might be craving Chinese, it's a pretty good substitute.

Ingredients:

12 oz uncooked ground sausage (I used the light pork sausage from HEB)

1 bag unprepared cole slaw (cabbage and carrots)

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp chopped garlic

1 Tbsp minced ginger

Directions:

Cook sausage in large skillet and drain fat.  Add cole slaw, garlic and ginger and cook until veggies start to become soft.  Add soy sauce and make sure it is fully incorporated.  Serve.

That's it!  

Here's why I think it could be so versatile too... you don't have to use pork sausage, try chicken, or turkey, or veggie sausage if you like.  I also think if you make it without meat, and add more veggies (like bean sprouts and mushrooms) it would make an awesome side, especially if your main dish is something with an Asian flare (or just great to serve something saucy over instead of rice!).

Tonight I'm attempting a shrimp and "grits" recipe (cauliflower can be used for anything!), so if it's not a total flop, expect to see it here soon.

I finished up week 2 of running today.  The original plan was to finish Friday or Saturday, but Friday I ended up busier than I expected, and yesterday I woke up feeling like crap (thank goodness for peppermint tea and Sakief, I rebounded like a pro).  The weather this morning was AMAZING and it felt really good to run outside.  This is the first run I've had where I just felt good all around, and I think I may have actually enjoyed myself *gasp*.  I feel more than ready for week 3 which significantly bumps up running time, and plan to kick myself out of bed early on Tuesday to get it done before my day starts (here's looking at you Sakief).