Bind & CrEATe

This month was a doozy in terms of running. It was the first official month of half marathon training, and I had 72 miles slotted for the month. I ended up running 57 miles (with another 4 tomorrow, bring it to 61) because I skipped a few runs when I was sick and in California. Ultimately, I’m pretty pleased with this mileage, and I’ve completed almost 1/3 of my goal in just three months. Training for a race really racks up the miles.

I’ve learned a few things about myself as a runner this month. Running has given me hours to think and ruminate, so I have plenty to say about my experiences.

It’s extremely helpful to have a running partner who is a tad faster than you. It’s motivating & inspiring, but also sometimes annoying. Kristen can talk more than I can, and sometimes I feel like a weak link in our running conversations. But she’s always fine when I tell her, “I can’t talk this mile.”

Hill running is important, necessary, and I should stop avoiding it. I’ve had two of my most favorite runs this week on the same trail in Schenley Park. I had to walk for 15 seconds, but I’m okay with that. I can tell I’m getting faster and gaining more endurance by running this awful hills.

I am not eating enough protein. It shows in my diet, lack of energy, and lack of muscle rebuilding. I’m working on ways to include protein powder into my mornings and more lean meats throughout the day. I don’t want to feel so depleted the day after a run.

Running is helping me lose weight and stay fit. I’m maintaining a five-pound loss on Weight Watchers and consistently losing each week. Even better than that, I’m wearing a pair of jeans today that used to be uncomfortably tight. An added perk.

I am more at peace. I think this might be the most important thing I’ve learned. I feel restful. I feel more at peace and calm when I run. Running is my therapy (in addition to my real therapy). I don’t have a lot of work stress, but I do worry about what people think sometimes or stupid things like that. When I’ve finished a run, most of those worries or insecurities have completely left me. I especially like that.

In April, I am scheduled to run 100 miles. Wow, that sounds insane just writing it out. But I’m running high mileage on Sundays, and I’m still only running 4 days a week. I like this schedule quite a bit. Here’s to a good half marathon time (I’m hoping for 2:25 or better. That would be a 10-minute improvement from three years ago, and I think I can do it!)

EDITED TO ADD: I just realized there was one more day in this month, which brings my grand total up to 61 miles this month!

This begins the first in a short series of posts from our vacation. To summarize: it wasn’t long enough, we packed our days tight, and I left feeling like I’d seen everything there was to see. Basically, it was amazing. We stayed with my cousin, who was a gracious and energetic host, and he took us throughout the city and beyond. While there, I tackled some of my “monthly projects” by way of 1. a new restaurant and 2. a new adventure (obviously).

There was one place that particularly captured my heart in terms of food. It was nestled in a town in Sonoma Valley, and we stopped there amidst several winery tours and tastings. Apparently, it’s a San Francisco favorite. Meet Cafe Gratitude, where you order based on how you feel.

The minute I walked into this place, I felt warmth. The waitress introduced herself to me, asking what my name was. I liked that Ash cared about us, why were there, and how we needed sustained. The restaurant was a hobby shop of goodness: handmade crafts, Buddhist mementos, books and jewelry. Though I do not dress the part, I feel more connected to this type of culture than others out there.

I’ve never been to a place where you order based on how you feel. I like this idea, very much. I feel all sorts of ways, and I’m never sure what type of food matches my mood. At Cafe Gratitude, it was easy. That day, I was feeling particularly Whole. The dish looked like it would not only sustain me but tickle my belly as well. You know I’m all for some belly hugs via foods.

The “I AM WHOLE” Bowl was so.freaking.big.and.good. I finished about half of it. The kim chee was out of this world, probably the best I’ve ever tasted. I absolutely love sour cabbage. I also enjoyed the few almonds that found their way into the bowl, and I tried the sea vegetables (which differed from seaweed salad). All in all, I felt complete with this meal. It was the perfect thing to eat after much, much wine. And later, more, more wine.

And, of course, there was this. A way for you to say how you felt about your experience at the restaurant. I loved looking through this book and reading the different responses. There are some very creative souls out there, and people really appreciate a good lunch or dinner experience. It seems, above all things, being comfortable is a number one priority. I would have to agree with that sentiment.

A great find in a great city. I wish I could go back there, now.

It’s (finally!) time for me to hit the road and fall in love with a new city.

I’ll return next week with stories to tell, food pictures to share, and adventures to highlight. I have a feeling I’m going to like my stay.

xoxoxo

Rose

On Monday, Cat and I had some roomie bonding time through cooking. This has become routine in our life as roommates and one that I greatly enjoy. I like that we share common interests when it comes to food (mostly vegetarian, for example, and a love of kale), and she’s supportive of my Weight Watchers plan (making foods low in points). Plus it gives us time to catch up on life, which is always necessary & needed.

Admittedly, she did most of the work for these meals in terms of food preparation. It’s nice that she gets home earlier than me because then we’re ready to start when I get home. The process seems to go faster that way, though not in this case (as this soup needed to simmer for “hours.”)

Roasted Tomato & Rosemary Soup with Kale & Potatoes

While we got that soup heated up, we prepared ingredients for a crockpot recipe. Two items at once: perfect! I’ve found this method of cooking to be quite effective because I’m never hungry (something is always, usually available), and there is variety to it. Plus I can eat upon getting home at 6 p.m., which is always when I’m most hungry. I can’t believe I used to cook something each and every single day when I was a healthy living blogger. Wow. I mean, don’t get me wrong – I still missing cooking something on the fly (like tofu, for example). But making meals ahead of time really saves me & Cat time throughout the week.

Crockpot Turkey White Bean Sweet Potato Chili

This is a really hearty meal, especially after a run. It hits the spot.

I am a bit behind on my “restaurant a month” challenge. I visited some new places in February but didn’t end up documenting them. I’ve been trying to save money because I’m heading to CALIFORNIA next week. I’m sure a week there will more than make up for the lack of restaurants I’ve written about on the blog. Stay tuned.

We had Friday off for Spring Break. I had so been looking forward to that a day. A day, all for me. A day to run, to clean, to bake, to be. I am a productive bee when I’m wide-awake, alone & inspired. Tack onto that feeling better (cold: half gone). I long and crave for days and moments like these, when it is just me, the kitchen, and some baking supplies. I had no idea, however, what kind of experience I’d be throwing myself into: a day of baking bread. It wasn’t easy & it wasn’t short. But in the end of course I’m glad I (haphazardly) accepted the challenge of making Mara’s Cinnamon Pinwheel Bread.

Did you ever decide upon a project before reading the directions? I do this incessantly, almost to a fault. My friends shouldn’t be surprised. I am sometimes too fast, and it’s come to bite me in the ass many times. This may have been one of those times, but instead – I decided to look at it as a lesson (everything is always, always a learning moment). Never bake bread unless you are prepared for muscle working & waiting. Never bake bread just because you have “all the ingredients on hand.” Bake bread because you are ready to work for it. You long for an outcome that’s gooey, delicious and warm.

There are some things worth rushing. And there are some things that take (k)needing. They take a little arm power and elbow grease. Those are the things that bring some of the most desirable outcomes. Endings that knock you off your feet, make you want to relish in a moment, a bite, a story – just a tad bit longer. Those are the endings for which I strive.

Patience. Patience. Patience. I will chant the mantra all year long until I fully realize it. Thank you, Mara and your pinwheel bread, for making me seek out just a bit more of it.

This week I’m welcoming: slow renewal. In many forms. I’m looking for it.