June 18, 2012

And so it begins (again)

This morning, I had a choice: wake up and run outside at 4:00 a.m., or run later in the day on the dreadmill. Jerry is back to working days, and with the kids home from school, I have to run outside before he goes to work or I can do it on the dreadmill whenever I feel like.

It was a tough choice! Neither option was appealing, but I ultimately decided on the dreadmill. There was no way I wanted to crawl out of bed at 4:00 this morning. Instead, I slept until 7:00, and then set up my computer to watch The Bachelorette while I was running.

Since today is officially Day One of marathon training, I actually have a schedule. The run today was: 50 minutes easy running with six pick-ups (30 seconds fast running). I did 8 minutes of easy running, followed by 30 seconds of fast running for a total of six times. My splits:
The 30-second sprints went by so quickly it was like they didn't even happen. Of course, running on the dreadmill is boring, but watching all the drama unfold on The Bachelorette helped pass the time.

When I was done running, I made a fruit salad. It's funny, my kids always complain about eating fruit--unless it's all mixed together and called "fruit salad". Then they LOVE it, hahaha. Hey, whatever works.



So Saturday night was fun hanging out with my brother Nathan, even if all we did was sit on the back deck and talk over a couple of beers. His girlfriend Jen was really nice, and they seem to be hitting it off well (they haven't been together very long). We grilled steaks (a portobello mushroom cap for me) and corn on the cob, and I made some cheesy potatoes--I have no idea what they are actually called, but they are good! I also made apple crisp for dessert, topped with vanilla ice cream. It was great being able to make dessert and not worry about eating it all myself ;)

We had a little bit of the dessert left over, and I managed to keep it in the house without eating it. That's huge progress! It is extremely hard for me to keep ice cream in the house overnight. I didn't even eat it yesterday--the kids and I ate the rest today after lunch, and now it's gone.




I feel bad that I didn't do anything for Jerry for Father's Day yesterday. I didn't buy a gift! I planned on it, but it just came up so fast and I've been pretty busy since school got out, so I didn't get him anything. I made him eggs for breakfast, and then I took the boys to church. After church, Jerry took the boys for a walk in the woods and I did my strength training (The Swing workout).

The workout gets progressively harder, which is good--after the first couple of workouts, I thought maybe it was too easy. I didn't break a sweat at all. But the sets get closer together (less rest time) and there are more reps in each set. I was pretty sore when I woke up today.

In the afternoon, my parents wanted us to go to a campground to go fishing. My dad has a little row boat that the kids can go in by themselves, and they think they are really cool. Eli spent most of the time working on catching a turtle on his fishing pole... and he did!
I love his face!
Jerry and I stayed for a couple of hours and by then, I was starving for dinner. The kids still wanted to fish, so my parents stayed with them while Jerry and I went to Panera for dinner. I got a cup of black bean soup and half of a tomato and mozzarella panini. It was on ciabatta with fresh basil--sooo good that I actually took a picture after taking a bite.
I'm definitely going to recreate this at home. I haven't mentioned this, because I'm not sure how it will play through... but I've been toying with the idea of becoming vegetarian. I've never been a huge fan of meat (I actually was a vegetarian for a year or so in college), and I've always said that if it weren't for my family, I would certainly be vegetarian. My boys love meat, so I've always cooked with it. Anyway, I'm not declaring anything for a while, but it's just something that's been on my mind lately.

I recently did an interview for SkinnyMom.com if you'd like to check it out. You can find it here.

41 comments:

  1. Are you able to set your treadmill to change speeds for you? Or do you just change the speed yourself when it's time? I've been having a hard time when I have to change the speed on my treadmill, it just kinda messes with my flow...I'm in my own world and then suddenly I have to change the speed and I end up tripping all over myself trying to adjust the speed. So I'm just curious what you do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I manually change it with the one-touch buttons. The numbers 0-10 each have a button, so to go from 6 mph to 8 mph, all I have to do is press the number 8. I actually like changing speeds, because it helps with the boredom!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJune 18, 2012

    I definitely think you should try out vegetarianism! There is a great website you should check out that has a ton of information on the vegetarian diet and how it can positively impact your performance as a runner. It is nomeatathlete dot com. Definitely keep us updated on your decision!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was actually the website that made me really start thinking seriously about making the change. I browsed that site for HOURS--very informative!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJune 18, 2012

    Jerry is a great guy for supporting you and letting you do all you do, its a shame you couldnt buy him a gift...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 18, 2012

      I don't understand why people say things like this. I have actually never commented before but am now. Whoever wrote this should be ashamed...because probably Katie will feel awful after reading this (although you shouldn't, Katie, since you know your marriage and your husband and since this commenter is just trying to be mean). Why say something hurtful like this? I don't understand it.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

      This is a BLOG and she puts her life out there, so whats wrong with people speaking there mind. What I hate about blogs that if you make a comment that even hints negative people jump all over you. I dont think the comment was all that bad dont you think with all the attention kate gets jerry deserves a little too...

      Delete
    3. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

      I don't think Katie needs to buy him a gift for him to have a good fathers day. As long as he knows she loves him and they had a good day together is enough I'm sure. Love shouldn't be measured with what someone can purchase for the other person. Clearly she felt bad about it, why make comments like these?

      Delete
    4. Um, just to stir the pot, remember this post http://www.runsforcookies.com/2012/05/missing-journal.html?
      As someone who's been married for a while I think I can safely say that I think Jerry already got his gift this year ;-)

      Delete
    5. I can understand why it looks, to the average reader, that I was very wrong to not buy him anything for Father's Day. But I do a lot for him to show him how much I love him on a daily basis--things I DON'T write about in my blog. Jessica has mentioned a few times how whenever we go out, I always think to buy something for Jerry because I know he would like it. Whenever we made our dessert runs to Whole Foods after a long run, I would pick him up a random six-pack of beer (he loves to try new beers). Or the choice I made to skip going to the 3-year anniversary of my wine club meeting so that I can go to Jerry's first race in August. Or buying candy and taping little notes to it to put in his lunch. I'm always thinking of him, and he knows it ;)

      Delete
    6. The battle of the anonymous commenters--love it. I can't see saying negative things on a blog. Mom always said if you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothing at all. I know you do millions of things for Jerry every single day, things he probably isn't even aware of a lot of times. I know my hubby depends on me for stuff he doesn't even realize--like when his soap runs out (he uses a bar, I use body wash), I make sure a new bar is in the shower, same with his shampoo, and I also make sure to buy all his personal care products when they run out--he doesn't even remind me. I put his pills in his pill container eery week, and sometimes I wonder how he would cope if I was gone. I can tell you & Jerry are a perfect match, and like I said in my comment below--the fact he got to spend the day with his family is all any dad would ask for on Father's Day!

      Delete
  4. Congrats on day 1 of marathon training - and nice work speedy!

    I like meat but I have to admit that I'm kind of enjoying my vegetarian meals. While I don't think I'd want to never have a piece of chicken, or a great steak again I think I could be one 90% of the time if I were on my own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been trying to think of something that I would really miss terribly if I were to go vegetarian, but I can't seem to think of anything! Probably just chicken broth--I make a lot of soup, and vegetable broth just isn't the same.

      Delete
  5. I was vegetarian for almost a year and my husband loves meat, so it was just hard. Some of my favorite vegetarian blogs: (I think they all are vegan though)
    www.ohsheglows.com
    www.peasandthankyou.com
    www.dailygarnish.com
    I get most of my lunch ideas from those blogs.
    I have never eaten at panera before, that sandwich looks awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lunch is always my hardest meal to come up with ideas for! Thanks for the references :)

      Delete
  6. That fruit salad looks heavenly!! As does the sandwich! I looove Panera Bread. Vegetarianism is cool! For the most part, I have cut red meat out of my diet. Meat quality here in Japan is no where near as good as in America. I have to cut a lot of tendons and veins out of my chicken before I cook it, and it's sick! Sometimes I think I want to be vegetarian. My bf thinks ultimately he wants to be vegan. Not sure if I can do that, but I do enjoy some vegan foods! I cut dairy out of my diet and people would challenge me, try to find slipups, like saying, "chocolate has dairy, some breads do, etc" so instead of saying dairy free I'd say "I try to avoid dairy". May be a good start for you, just avoid it if convenient! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ick! The tendons and veins would certainly make the decision for me ;) Actually, that's the reason I don't enjoy meat very much as it is. I just find it gross! I have to cut off every single visible piece of tendon or vein, and even then, I like to mix the meat into a casserole or something so I don't have to see it.

      Cutting out dairy would be VERY difficult for me, because you're right--it's hidden in so many things! I don't think giving up milk or cheese would bother me too much, but the eggs? Eggs are in almost all baked goods, which you know I love! ;)

      Delete
  7. That fruit salad looks delish!

    I haven't commented in awhile...but I just wanted to say that it is because of your blog and your inspirational story that I got off my ass and started not only a walking training program to participate in the Crim Festival of Races 10 mile...but to also start the Couch 2 5k training program! I am not running for three minutes straight...which I cannot believe! I never thought I'd be a runner, so thank you Katie for opening my eyes to the fact that I CAN run! : )

    Also, a silly TV related question...You mentioned really looking forward to watching Blue Lagoon: The Awakening (or whatever its called) on LMN. I watched it as well because I absolutely LOVE the second installment Return to the Blue Lagoon. I was just wondering what you thought of the LMN rendition? It left me lacking. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *now running....not 'not' running. lol oops!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

      I also watched the Lifetime movie because Katie mentioned it. I was very disappointed. If you like to read, I recommend the book On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves. I was a skeptic, but this book moved me. Loved it! And reminded my of my beloved Blue Lagoon with the whole deserted island theme. Didn't see the second one, might have to check it out.

      Delete
    3. Ernie, that is AWESOME about the running!! I'm so excited for you.

      I was hugely disappointed in The Blue Lagoon. I expect Lifetime movies to be a little cheesy, but this one was VERY corny and predictable.

      Lori, I've been looking for a good book to read. I think I may check that out!

      Delete
    4. AnonymousJune 21, 2012

      I just finished that book too...loved it!
      Lorrie

      Delete
  8. ElisabethJune 19, 2012

    I've recently considered going back to vegetarianism, too - I was a vegetarian for 1-2 years in college. I need to try out some of the meatless foods I've been avoiding before I decide for sure - like portabello mushroom caps (I don't like other mushrooms - are these good??) & tofu ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you don't like other mushrooms, you probably won't like the portobellos. I LOVE mushrooms! The caps are kind of meat-like in texture, which is why I substituted that for steak. I marinated them, but I wasn't crazy about the marinade I used--next time I'll try something else.

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

    Thank you for blogging about your weight loss and running, it has inspired me to do the same! I've hated running my whole life but I'm learning that it is really good for my body. I've only lost 10 lbs. so far and can only run for 15 min. straight, but that's better than I was 4 weeks ago!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great! You will be shocked at how your body improves with training. And "only" 10 pounds? Ten pounds is fantastic!!

      Delete
  10. This is my first comment! I have been reading for awhile now and you have inspired me to run my first 5K. I ran the color run in Chicago which wasnt a timed event but it was a good start! I actually had so much fun that I am running it again in a different city. Your blog has inspired me to get in shape and live a healthier lifestyle.

    Becca

    PS- tomato and mozzerella on ciabatta is my favorite sandwich at Panera. YUM!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've heard the Color Run is a really fun event--congrats on your first 5K!

      Delete
  11. One of my favorite lunches: sliced tomato on my double fiber whole wheat bread with balsamic vinegar drizzled over it, then pop it in the toaster oven for a little while. Sometimes I add provolone cheese. I have a panini maker but it's a pain to clean. If you're thinking of ever getting one, get the kind that the plates remove, like George Foreman. But putting the sandwich in the pan, laying a piece of foil over it then putting a heavy pot on top works just as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got rid of my George Foreman grill a while ago, but I used to make sandwiches in it. After eating this panini, I wish I still had the grill!

      Delete
  12. I would love to try going vegetarian. My (live in) boyfriend LOVES meat, like won't even eat a veggie lasagna, so I think it would be incredibly hard to avoid it and would take a lot of preparation. Perhaps it's something I could try for a week to see how it goes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is hard when the whole family isn't on board. I'm going to experiment and see how it goes. I'll probably cook a vegetarian dish with "sides" of meat for my boys (and Jerry).

      Delete
  13. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

    Hi! I've been a silent reader for about 2 years. I'm a vegetarian and have been since March of last year. I had done it in high school for 2 years but went back. I recently stopped eating seafood around April. The thing that is hardest for me is I'm trying to build muscle, tone up, and lose weight (~30 lbs). I find it hard to get enough protein in my diet (even with protein shakes). Its also hard for me not to eat too many carbs. I'm getting better though. Bought Tosco Reno's vegetarian cookbook which is helpful, and find recipes all over. My boyfriend is very supportive and tries everything with me. So long story short, I personally find it difficult to lose weight/maintain because of the carbs thing but it is an amazing feeling. Also, a great book I just read about vegetarianism is called Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. It is a very interesting book giving you all sides of the spectrum (less judgemental). Sorry this is so long. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just realized I have a fridge full of fruit--I think I have everything that you pictured in your fruit salad--so it's what we're having for dinner tonight, along with the stroganoff I just put in the crockpot. YUM! Yesterday I had to get my car licensed and didn't get home (I also went to the Mall and just walked around--it's cooler to walk in there than outside in the heat) until 2, and decided that was kinda late to be eating much for lunch. We eat supper early too. So I grabbed a peach from the fridge, then ate a banana and an orange. It was good, although not terribly filling. I celebrated with some strawberry shortcake after supper.

    I could never be a vegetarian--I love meat way too much. But good luck. I think with your tastes leaning that way anyway, you could do it easily. It is hard, though, when you have to cook for others. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I have hubby and son to cook for, but sometimes I think of all the healthier stuff I could eat if I was just cooking for myself. And...yes I could cook that stuff for me, and cook the other stuff for them, but I don't have THAT much willpower. I would be eating their stuff anyway, so might as well continue making only that, and just try to limit my portion size.

    I can tell what a relief it is for you to be back on your schedule for running. You are so driven, I wish I had some of that in me.

    Eli is adorable in that picture. It sounds to me like Jerry had a perfect Father's Day. I think, more than anything, Dads just want to spend time with their families on their special day. I know that's all I wanted on Mother's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  15. While I could never be a vegetarian, my boyfriend of 3 ½ years is a vegan. He always has been, he always will be, and he is a fabulous cook! I love the blog Fat Free Vegan: http://blog.fatfreevegan.com

    Good luck, whatever you decide!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Katie, good for you for being an HONEST AND NOT-ALWAYS-PERFECT HUMAN BEING! I can totally relate to you! I think it's funny too that someone gets up the "guts" to post a negative comment but can't even own it with their name. :) Moving on!

    You continue to inspire me! Do you use your Garmin on the dreadmill? Was wondering how you got your splits to be so spot-on. I am in the thick of my marathon training (working towards 50 by age 50) and your blog is part of my daily regimen! Thanks for keeping it real and always a great read.

    That fruit salad looks great, too!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've been a vegetarian since I was about 7 years old. I order the exact same thing when I go to Panera haha! Only I would have ordered the biggest the sandwich came! I have to cook separate meals for my family too. My husband is a carnivore and my kids really like meat too. bleh!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I had a similar running problem this morning except I couldn't get up to run at seven. I ended up taking my kids to the high school track where they chased eachother on the bleachers and I ran intervals. I have a feeling that was a one-time thing though!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Katie - have you checked out the website - Peas and Thank you? I thought you had commented on a recipe once before. Anyway, she has some great vegan recipes. I'm not vegetarian or vegan, but I've tried some of her recipes and I think they're great. Her site and book is entertaining, too - just like yours:)

    ReplyDelete
  20. how do you do an easy run so fast? I don't know how to run faster. my average speed is between 13-14 min miles.

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive