GLUTEN FREE ~ MEAT FREE ~ RUNNING FREE
Something I discovered today…
I should never, ever, EVER skip morning coffee. I had 2 cups of green tea…but it just wasn’t the same. I do not function well without my coffee.
I was having massive coffee withdrawal brain fog. Which…in many ways is probably not healthy either…but I mean…I was making really stupid errors and doing really stupid things. ALL THE STUPID THINGS!
Now we know…and knowing is half the battle…
…but first…
COFFEE!
It was about…Wednesday afternoon…and I’m sitting at work…working (because, what else are you doing at work?)…and all of a sudden I just start to feel…meh. Welcome to the Ohio River Valley. The area of the country where air quality is horrible in the spring and allergies have me all…
Yeah…SUCK!
So, from Thursday on…the struggle has been real. I’ve gone from feeling really good to…meh…back to good all in a matter of an hour. But, this too shall pass, and yes…I will survive.
1. Bondi Band Compression Socks
On Tuesday, my Bondi Band Compression Socks arrived in the mail. All of the #BondiBandAmbassadors got a pair to test drive. I decided to wear mine out to hill repeats. Yep…hill repeats are back in my life…and they still suck. Why am I doing hill repeats? Have you seen the elevation chart to the marathon I’m running in September. They say to train according to your race. My race has HILLS FOR DAYS. I’m struggling with these. It seems I just can’t get the power on the uphills that I used to get. I hope, in time, this will change. But, it’s aggravating and frustrating when you’re one of the first people to head up a hill and get passed up by every one on the way to the top. Stupid hip.
Anyway…the point of this tale was to say, the Bondi Band Compression Socks (and they do sleeves) are comfortable and nice. And they come in fun patterns. I was secretly hoping for argyle, but I was sent the pirate ones. As I was born on National Talk Like A Pirate Day…this will do. Head over to Bondi Band‘s Web site and check them out. If you place an order, please feel free to use my discount code to get 10% off your purchase. When you checkout, use CELIATHLETE.
2. Meal Prep
Yesterday, I felt like a total rockstar. I got up…and muddled through a 14 mile solo run around my town because the usual suspects I run with were all doing the Barn Yard Dash up at Hubers. They were also winning ALL THE AWARDS! That being said…I had planned to do 16 miles in Frankfort with two amazing runners that my coach, Linda Word, also coaches. I had to cancel due to feeling like death in a pollen-infused bubble. MEH. So, I went out on my own, early, and got it done…before 8 am. Afterwards, I went to get coffee, breakfast, hit up the Farmers Market, do the rest of the grocery shopping, and then…I got into my kitchen and made ALL THE MEALS for this week. ALL THE MEALS. They are done and in the fridge…ready to go. Seriously. And this was all accomplished before 4:30 p.m. I think all the cooking and prep only took 2.5 hours at most. I’m getting the hang of this meal prep thing, I think! This also means that I have my entire Sunday to do whatever I want, instead of stressing out over making all the meals for the week, which is my usual Sunday panic/freak-out. YAY!
3. Future Sister Time
Nothing will brighten my day more than a text or call from my sister. Especially when said contact means she is planning a trip up this way. This time, she’s aiming at bringing Landon up with her. Now, Landon is a bit of a soccer star there in Alabama, so I thought, if it worked with the schedule, doing a Louisville City FC match with them. I would, because I am an awesome auntie, spoil Landon rotten and get him a scarf or shirt or whatever he wanted. And food. And the match. I love seeing my sister and spending time with her and her kiddliewinks. I am SO excited. Now she just needs to dial in on a weekend. I can’t wait to spend some time with her. It’s never long enough, but it is better than nothing.
4. Runner Girl
Dean, one of the numerous friendships that I have made in the local running community here in Louisville, is quite the craftsman. He has gifted many a female runner with these amazing wooden Runner Girl’s that he makes himself. I was on the receiving end of one today at the Breakfast Club run (where I did 2 more miles than I thought I was going to do…quicker than I intended). She is hanging proudly off the rearview mirror of my car. Super special. This little gift meant a lot to me, for real. It’s the little things in life that mean the most to me. This was one of them. So, thank you, Dean, for this little token. It lifted my spirits after a hard week…and totally just makes my car look complete! I display her proudly!
5. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of Warm Weather
I won’t lie. I would much rather sweat it out and fight through hot weather than step outside and run in cold weather. Warm weather is my friend and I love being out in it. But humidity…humidity and I don’t even talk. I can gut anything out in the heat, but add that sweltering, stifling humidity to it and I’m all…
Couple that with the allergy issues I mentioned above, and every run has just felt…so much harder. You know, it’s summer. And the past 2 summers I’ve pretty much sat out thanks to injury after injury after injury…and I have been wanting to gut out another summer of running. I’m weird…the heat doesn’t bother me much. I can go out in any dry (not humid) heat and rock a run that when I finish I’m all…
…but this week has just been humid. And my 14 mile solo run was not what I had expected nor wanted on Saturday. But I got it done…pain-free. So…if I have to conquer allergies and humidity all over again for the first time since 2013…I will. I can do this. And I’ll smile, even after a disappointing run…
Any day I am able to run without pain is a good day. Even when the run is anything but good. I’m thankful and blessed for each day I am able to do what I haven’t been able to do for far too long.
So, remember, bad runs happen. Keep smiling.
6. Stress Relief
This past Wednesday was National Running Day! YAY, RUNNERS!! And running has been quite the stress reliever for me. However, given the amount of time I had been forced to take off due to all the injuries…sometimes where activity was very limited, I lost a lot of my good habits I started to embrace back in 2013. And I have been really starting to get mad at myself for stress eating and just eating out of boredom. That being said, instead of doing the organized 4 mile group run for National Running Day (it’s okay…I dedicated 6 miles that morning to 2 friends who currently are injured and can’t run) on Wednesday, I was meeting with my sports nutritionist and she and I are focusing on a plan to break me of bad habits and what I do when I do get stressed out. I am already feeling a bit better about things and am working to do a few other things, nutrition-wise, that will help me in the long run (ha…punny). Stress is no joke…and it affects everyone differently. It puts me in a dark, unhappy place and I’m not happy there. Time to get out of it. I’m sure there will be days I fail…because I’m human…but I’m being proactive before this becomes more difficult and harder to fix.
What struggles have you been dealing with lately? How do you break yourself of bad habits? Did you do something for National Running Day?
Summer’s here…let’s get this party started!
I know, I have been horrible about these weekly posts about good, shiny things with rainbows and sprinkles and all that lot.
But the truth is…
…I’ve been busy.
Like…very busy. On the road, racing, cooking, baking, seeing friends, living life…
That sort of busy. The kind of busy when I get home on Sunday from finishing up any and/or all grocery shopping and errands that were ignored Friday night and Saturday due to time constraints or whatnot…and I really don’t want to do anything except sit and veg, foam roll, and watch Game of Thrones.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But…I do like my little roundups of what has been going on…so here’s one for this week. I’ll try to be a bit more consistent…
So, what have I been doing? Well…where to start?
1. Back-To-Back Weekend Half Marathons
Okay…I know, when coming back from a year off of injury, the last thing I should be doing is racing back-to-back long distances, right?! Well…technically…not in my case. My PT and I have discussed the importance of mileage as I attempt to build myself back up to a marathon distances. I already transferred my bib for the spring one that I signed up for, and have made someone a very happy racer to have that bib and chance to be part of a marathon I have been dying to turn. That being said, my training continues and last weekend, I was scheduled for a 16 miler…and this past weekend 13 miles. It just so happened that last weekend was the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & Mini Marathon race. I signed up because my friend, Deana, encouraged me to do so. With 16 miles on the docket, I got up and ran 3 ahead of the race and then completed the last 13.1 miles in the rain…with lots of people and a medal at the end. A couple of months ago, I signed up for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon up in Indianapolis. I ran this one back in 2012, and this year, Meb Keflezighi was not only sending off every wave of the race, but he was running from the back of the pack to the front. HOW COOL!! So, I signed up and went up to Indy this past Friday night to race on Saturday morning in the humidity. That being said, I had my first completely pain-free race and came within 1:06 of matching my PR time for a half. I never did get to meet Meb though. He started just after I finished…and I beat his time. Something tells me that he wasn’t here to all-out run this one, though, LOL! So, I’d say my return to running has been smart, slow, and steady. It’s been fun having races on the schedule again. I am not running any races this year for time or for PRs…just for fun. And that’s making a big difference in how I approach going into them. But it is nice to see that my fitness and strength haven’t gone to hell in the forced year off.
2. Captain America: Civil War
I am totally #TeamIronMan. My roommate is totally #TeamCap. So, we have our own little Civil War as it is. That being said, today we went to the movie theater and saw Captain America: Civil War and it was everything I expected and more. I hate seeing a divided Avengers…but I love where they took this movie. I loved how everything played out and how they are setting up for future films on the way. If you haven’t seen it yet…GO. Do not hesitate. Do not pass GO or collect $200. (Monopoly reference there, LOL!) Buy a movie ticket (I know they are expensive…but OMG…WORTH IT) and sit your butt down in a movie theater seat with popcorn and a drink and just…ENJOY IT!
#TeamStark forever!
3. The AlterG Treadmill
Welcome to the spaceship!! That’s what AlterG tweeted back to me after I blogged about my experience running on an AlterG Treadmill. First of all, this is forever happening. Seriously, I am going to pay for package minutes to run on this thing because it is going to mean I can train like I need to and take all the pounding off my body and come out of it faster, stronger, and injury free. It’s totally worth it. After getting to take a spin, as it were, and test it out…I can see why so many elite runners make use of the AlterG when recovering from hard races and/or from injury. This machine has forever changed my way of training and recovering. I am very fortunate that my physical therapist office has one to use. Seriously…life changing. Regular treadmills tear me up. This one…I could fly…so fast…and when I was finished…nothing even twinged at me. LIFE CHANGING!
4. NuttZo
I posted week or so ago about the Spring Sale going on with NuttZo. I’m a #NuttZoAmbassador and decided I would take advantage of said sale. If you missed out, I even offered my ambassador code for a 20% discount. Stay tuned, as I am certain more sales will be headed this way. That being said…I purchased the big jar of the Chocolate Power Fuel and then one of each of their available varieties: Original Peanut (Smooth), Original Peanut (Crunchy), Chocolate Original Peanut (Smooth), Chocolate Original Peanut (Crunchy), Power Fuel (Smooth), and (my personal favorite) Power Fuel (Crunchy). If you are unfamiliar with NuttZo…you’re missing out. Nuttzo is a medley of seven organic nuts and seeds…all combined to make a healthy, omega-rich, organic nut butter. I love being a product ambassador for this amazing nut butter. It’s pricey…but it’s worth it. Take a chance and try it out! You can find it in local stores or find buy it in their online store. #NuttZoFanatic #NuttZoLove #EatNuttZo
5. Re-reading the Harry Potter Books
I blame the upcoming release of a movie, the new book coming out, and the fact that the best time I had in Universal Studios a few weeks back was at both Harry Potter Worlds. All of that has spawned me to revisit the entire book series. In fact, I just wrapped up the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and will be starting Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets this week. SO looking forward to it. This re-read was a long time coming. Been meaning to do this for awhile.
6. The new Goo Goo Dolls album, “Boxes”
I have been a fan of the Goo Goo Dolls since…well…forever. No joke. I was with them in their punk music days, and then stuck with them when they went mainstream rock. I love their music. And, somehow, they sneaked an album out on me. Seriously. But after my race on Saturday, I went and picked it up. This album is AMAZING. I have listened to it all the way through at least 4 times this weekend. If you haven’t heard it yet…listen to it…purchase it…enjoy it. Nice to have some new material from them.
7. Repaying an Act of Kindness
So, just before the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon…like…Thursday morning (the race was Saturday), my Garmin 620…died. It refused to charge, hold a charge, or turn on. I was not a happy runner. I posted about it on Facebook and had a lot of beautiful souls offer to let me borrow their watches for the race. But, one of the race ambassadors, and a lady I came to know and count as a friend during the whole Norton Training Program for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & Mini Marathon, Melissa, offered just to give me one. It was a no-frills watch. In fact, it was the original Garmin I had before I got the 620, so I even knew how to work it. She didn’t ask for me to pay for it, she just said she’d give it to me. So, in order to repay her, I do what I do best…I made her Lemon Blossoms, picked up a soft pretzel from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, and delivered them to her that Wednesday around lunch. It was nice to talk for a moment about our upcoming plans, and she and I are going to take a run together soon. I love having someone join me on my morning runs. We’ll have a good time. This woman has a big heart and a beautiful soul. I am so happy I got to know her.
8. The Return of Sweet ‘N Savory Food Truck
So…a month or so ago, I went online to find out when Sweet ‘N Savory would be returning to Louisville to serve up their amazing gluten-free crepes. I know they had mentioned they had their first event planned for April, so I wanted to be in on it. But, what I found instead was a message that the owners were pursuing their first love…training horses, and would not be returning. I was happy for them, that they were making a good living and doing what they love…but selfishly, I was sad because their crepes and their gelato were like none other. Well, this weekend while I was on the road, I saw messages about them being in Louisville and serving. Turns out, they are under new ownership. The new owner is Brandon Lutsch, who is very familiar with the importance of gluten-free foods as his wife is a Celiac. I am going to go and introduce myself once they have their May calendar up. I hope to become as good friends with them as I was with the original owners, Richard and Ashley! I can’t wait to get my hands on a crepe!! I’ve been crazing!!
And that’s a wrap for these past few weeks. Logging off for some decaf coffee and some Game of Thrones.
Have you eaten anything fun, new, and exciting? Do you have a favorite food truck? Have you ever done or been a recipient of a random act of kindness?
Ah, it’s Sunday. A day to rest and relax right? RIGHT?!
HA…never!! Today, I’ve done countless loads of laundry, prepped and cooked all the meals for the coming week, took recycle to the store, took care of a cat, did some necessary shopping, mailed off a package, finished up (much-needed) grocery shopping, organized the pantry, and polished off a book. I’ve blogged on my race on Friday night, made up lunches/snacks for tomorrow, and have even changed sheets on the bed. And showered. Important.
This has been a chaotic and crazy week. I got back into town from a relaxing (ie: NON-RACE) weekend in Orlando, Florida. Sure, the Star Wars Half Marathon was running at Disney World that very weekend…but I was not quick enough on making a decision to run, and by the time I was certain I was going to be able to do it, registration had closed. Instead, the day before I headed out to get to Florida, I did my long run. On a Tuesday night. On tired legs. But it was done and I didn’t have to do it alone…or in Orlando, where I had no idea where I could safely and effectively go running. As it was, I found a park where I managed 5 miles, and I did 5 miles back and forth on this 0.20 mile boardwalk on Cocoa Beach while I was away. But that was it for the running. The rest of the time I was exploring…but we’ll get to that momentarily.
With a couple of days away from the office, I was overloaded with work, so I ended up doing something I hate doing. I brought work home and put in some time away from the office. It had to be done…or I’d still be buried. This made my week even more stressful because I was trying to fit in all my normal stuff while having to do some work at home. It meant…the normalcy took a lot longer to get around to. And grocery shopping never happened. So, my roommate and I were living out of the pantry/freezer/fridge for this week.
So…with all that being said…some good stuff has been going down these past two weeks…so let’s take a look at some of the highlights!
1. Universal Studios Florida
It’s Marvel Superheroes, it’s Harry Potter, it’s rides, rides, rides. And I had an absolute blast. I met Captain America (he told me I had beautiful green eyes!), which had to happen as he is the favorite superhero of my nephew, Chace. I flirted with the driver of the Knight Bus at Diagon Alley in Universal as well. SO MUCH FUN. That being said, I vastly prefer Disney to Universal, but it was actually nice to step away from the Disney monster and do something I’ve been wanting to do, but couldn’t pull myself away from Disney. HA! And thank goodness for my friend, Jenn, who was willing to go on the thrill rides with me. Cathy refuses. She’s a big baby. OH…and I bought a wand. I have my own Harry Potter type of wand. It’s Ivy…with a Unicorn Hair core. And I loved it because I was able to cast magical spells at both of the Harry Potter lands at each Universal Studios theme park in Florida. It takes so little to make me happy.
2. Toasted
Eating out with me can be…difficult at times. Thank you Celiac disease and lactose intolerance. That being said, while I was in Orlando, thanks to my Find Me Gluten Free app, I found the most perfect place to dine. In fact, we (Jenn, Cathy & myself) ended up having dinner there three times. The place is called Toasted, and it specializes in Crafted Grilled Cheese & Burgers. And…they have gluten-free buns, bread, and veggie burgers. They also have vegan cheese. This…was my happy place. To top all of that off…they had gluten-free fries. And, let me tell you, the Truffle Oil & Rosemary fries were to die for. We learned, after our first visit, that one order of fries would do for the three of us. Amazing sandwiches. I had a different one each night…never got sick. Let’s hear it for gluten-free dining done right. If you find yourself in the Winter Park area of Orlando…go and check them out.
3. Gluten Free Snack Cakes
Okay…I admit it. I love my desserts. I have tried, for ages, to give them up. But the sweet tooth reigns supreme. For sure. And, after getting my roommate a little tipsy on her birthday, I took her grocery shopping. And bought a bunch of stuff I didn’t need but wanted to try. And, despite trying to be a little better about my choices…I discovered a new product from Schär‘s Sch’nacks! These delightful little treats are simply a gluten-free, unrolled version of a Swiss Roll. They are little single serve cakes that are filled with cream and dipped in German chocolate. And they are light, and amazing. I have to resist buying them too often…but a treat every now and again is always fine. There are 10 cakes per package…and I only have one after dinner each night. Seriously…a worthy investment for an every-now-and-again treat. Back to some fruits and vegan yogurts after this. And I’m back to cooking real food…and not just living out of the fridge/freezer/pantry…which is also a plus.
4. Road Bike Shoes
Today, I meandered over to Schwinn in Clarksville, Indiana, and purchased a pair of road bike shoes. Now that I have a road bike, I figured I needed to get the clip-in shoes so I could ride it. They are very nice at Schwinn and even discounted the price of the shoes and put the cleats in for me. YAY!! I hope to get fitted to my bike next weekend, time permitting! Crossing my fingers. Then, I get to practice clipping in and out…and probably taking a few spills during said process. It’s actually…kind of exciting. Not the falling part, but getting the necessary gear and stuff done to get out onto my bike.
5. Running my fastest mile at my favorite 5K
Friday was not only Earth Day, it was the running of the Pro.Active For Life 5K in Frankfort, Kentucky. I go to Frankfort quite often for the races, and while 5K races are one of my least favorite distances, this just happens to be my favorite 5K race. It’s not just the race itself, but the people. Frankfort, honestly, some of the best people in that running community. I can’t say it enough. Not only did I win my age division this year, but I pulled off a 6:53 mile. Shocking myself. Even more shocking…the entire run was pain-free. And…I was only 6 seconds off my PR (also set at this race). Stronger every day. Trying to be really smart when it comes to my training.
6. A long, solo, pain-free Saturday morning run
![20160423_094933[1]](https://theceliathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/20160423_0949331.jpg?w=168&h=300)
So, Friday night I churn out a speedy 5K (even if my finishing picture looks like I’m just cruising, LOL!), knowing that Saturday, I was on my own for my longest run since…forever. I am signed up for (although still not 100% sure I’ll be running) a marathon in June. Bib transfer can only happen through May 1, leaving this Saturday the only chance I had for attempting a long marathon-training type run. And, I had to do it solo, as everyone I know is either recovering from Boston, running Big Sur, running London, running Derby or running Flying Pig. So, they are either recovering, out of town, or tapering. So, Saturday morning, I laced up, still feeling good, and went out for 20 miles in my area. No crossing the river (it was Thunder Over Louisville day anyway…so this was probably better in the long run…ha…I made a punny). So, I just sort of went. I never pushed my pace…I ran comfortably and just sort of made the route up. The last 5 miles, however, I decided to make the toughest. I don’t know why. I’m sadistic like that. So I hit up the Fast Freddie route…which is HILLS FOR DAYS!…and came out of it better than I even expected. Once again…no pain. And 20 miles done. Alone. And way better than I dreamed. WITHOUT ANY PAIN! I spent the rest of the day out and about, doing some grocery shopping and regular shopping and eating good food for recovery and fuel. This…was the type of run I mentally needed. And while it does make me feel better, I still don’t know if I’ll run in June. I’m pondering for one more day before making that call.
7. Game Of Thrones
The new season of GoT starts tonight, and unlike last year, I’m set. HBO Now was downloaded this morning and I’m set to watch this season as it airs, instead of getting spoiled. I know I read the books, but the show has gone away from how the books actually worked out, so it’s nice that I won’t have to attempt (and fail) to avoid spoilers this time around. It’s the little things in life. SO…YAY!! It’s the little things in life…like Season 6 of Game of Thrones.
8. Caramelized Honey Latte at Starbucks
![IMG_20160414_083307[1]](https://i0.wp.com/theceliathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160414_0833071.jpg?w=259&h=259&crop=1&ssl=1 "IMG_20160414_083307[1]")
![IMG_20160417_081150[1]](https://i0.wp.com/theceliathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_20160417_0811501.jpg?w=258&h=259&ssl=1 "IMG_20160417_081150[1]")
They keep selling out of it, but when I went to Florida this past week, I was introduced to Starbucks latest (and greatest) drink. It’s the Caramelized Honey Latte and it is AMAZING. It reminds me a lot of The Bee Sting, one of Ha Coffee’s signature drinks in Kauai (I miss Hawaii!). I get mine with coconut milk and it is…OMG…to die for. I had it hot and iced while in Florida. The Starbucks at Universal Studios City Walk sold out of them…and the one here in our local Target sold out too. I think this drink is quite popular. And it should be. It is made of super YUM!! If you haven’t tried it…RUN, do NOT WALK, to Starbucks and give it a try. You’ll thank me for it.
So, there are some of the highlights these past couple of weeks. Here’s to hoping for a bit more relaxed and easier week ahead. And I hope everyone had a great week and enjoyed a beautiful weekend. And for anyone racing this coming weekend…good luck!!
Whew.
Anyone else out there have to contend with stupid strong winds this week? I swear, it was strong winds all week. You know…those types of winds that, when you head out for a run, you are running into the wind…and when you turn around to come back…you are still running into the wind.
That being said, the cold temperatures have really wreaked havoc on my body. At least, I hope it’s the cold weather…hard to say when spring weather has all but disappeared…despite being mid-April-ish! UGH!
But that being said, there has been some amazing stuff going on this week for me too. Sometimes it might seem mundane, but, you know…simple things make me happy, and there is nothing wrong with that.
1. My new favorite piece of kitchen gear
This…is a cutting board. This is a cutting board made by my super speedy, awesome, super-talented friend and running buddy, Dennis!! How amazing is this?! I love it. I tried it out all this week, and it seriously makes me happy just to chop up my vegetables and fruits and tofu…and whatever else needed a happy bit of chopping.
Dennis, you’re super talented and I thank you so much for this gift. Seriously, my favorite thing in the kitchen.
2. Game of Thrones
Okay, so, I don’t have cable. Nor do I have anything Apple that I could get HBO Go or whatever it was so I could watch Game of Thrones Season 5 while it was airing. This meant, I was dodging spoilers (and still am whenever an actor from the show starts trending). But, I purchased the Blu-Rays the other day, and have dived headlong into the season. I’ve gotten through half of the season so far and am eager to wrap it up. And then I need to figure out how to watch Season 6 as it airs…if possible. Shhh…no spoilers!
3. Cupcake of the Week
I have never been a cupcake person, but lately, Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, has been putting out a new weekly special…CUPCAKE OF THE WEEK! And they always just sound so amazing. I think I’ve only missed out on 2 of the weeks (once because I got a cookie, and the other because they were sold out). But it has been my favorite thing to check out when I go in for Soft Pretzel Wednesday. It’s usually the dessert I split with my roomie that night. A nice mid-week treat for sure. Anyway, some of the standouts have been the “Unicorn Cupcake,” the “Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake” and the “Hot Fudge Sunday Cupcake.” I missed the Cookie Dough one so maybe they’ll bring that one back sometime. All allergen-free…and all have been totally yummy!!
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
![IMG_20160220_193610[1]](https://i0.wp.com/theceliathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_20160220_1936101.jpg?w=258&h=259&ssl=1 "IMG_20160220_193610[1]")
Are you aware that the new Star Wars came out on Blu-Ray and DVD this week? I got the special edition at Walmart…because it had BB-8 on the cover. Dammit, I’m such a BB-8 fangirl. Regardless, I LOVED this movie. And I love the new characters. And I really love BB-8. So, yeah, I braved Walmart and bought the Blu-Ray this past week. I hear my Sphero BB-8 droid will react to the movie if I have him turned on and watching it when I am. So, yeah…that’s happening.
5. PB&J Breakfast Bowls
Want to know what my latest obsession is? Parfait bowls. Now, I’m not new to breakfast parfaits, but this is a brand new, and SUPER good way to eat them. And I have the Chobani Cafe in SoHo, NYC, to thank for it. I eat this every morning after the gym. And this coming week, with me heading out of town, this is breakfast all week. Super easy to make:
Place yogurt in a bowl. Scatter grapes over yogurt. Place the grape jelly in the center. Place the peanut butter around the edge of the bowl. Top off with nuts. Enjoy!
I have done variations on this, using orange marmalade and either Smudge, Nutella, or the NuttZo chocolate versions. Also strawberry with the chocolate Smudge, Nutella, or NuttZo is also delicious. Want a healthy but delicious breakfast? Make this. You’ll thank me for it!
6. I HAVE A ROAD BIKE!!
It finally happened. After years of talking about it. And over a year of trying to get one for myself, but always having medical bills (hello, MRIs) to cover instead…the perfect bike finally came into my life. Someone was selling their road bike that they hardly rode for a really good price. Way less than what the bike was originally purchased for. It had been sitting in her storage room. It came with all the gadgets and gizmos. And it is BB-8 colors, so it was truly meant to be. I’m taking it to get fitted properly for me so I don’t do any hip damage or get injured…and then…I’m road ready. FINALLY!! I love this bike. And, yes, I did name it BB-8.
How was your week? Has the wind in your area been crazy-strong and gusty too? What fun and exciting things do you have coming up? Buy anything fun this week?
I usually post a little list of blessings, interests, loves, and other such nonsense in my blog on Sunday…but my weekend was SWAMPED. Race on Saturday, and then Sunday, I had to make the 23 hours that my roommate (Cathy) got to have to celebrate her birthday the best 23 hours ever. It sucks to lose an hour on your birthday.
It doesn’t suck , however, when you get to wake up and work out, finish up shopping, and then try out a new pub for dinner.
THAT’S how you birthday. I made sure she got nice and drunk and then I went grocery shopping. Because if she’s drunk and I go to the grocery store with her, I can buy ALL THE THINGS I want, but normally can’t justify putting in the budget.
No worries, she is very aware I do this. LOL!
So…this past week’s list includes:
1. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Harry Dresden. Are you familiar with Harry Dresden? If not…get familiar. The Dresden Files is a (currently) 16 book series written by Jim Butcher that chronicles the life of lead character, Harry Dresden, a private investigator and wizard as he recounts investigations into supernatural disturbances in…get this…modern-day Chicago. It strikes a bit of a blance between fantasty and detective fiction. And it’s awesome. I listened to the entire series on audiobook (it is read by James Marsters…and HOLY HELL…he does it well) while at work and…each book was amazing. They never really falter. And, you really do just all in love with the characters. And Harry’s dry humor is charming and downright hysterical. I cannot count the number of times I busted out laughing at the office. If you haven’t read these…start now. The first book is Storm Front.
Go.
2. Downton Abbey
With great sadness, I sat down last Sunday with a hot cup of tea and watched the very last episode of Downton Abbey. I have been an avid follower and viewer of this show. I’m not exactly sure what to do with myself on Sunday nights now. It feels like I lost a good group of friends. One thing I will say is that I was so happy that everyone got their happy ending. With all the crisis’ and craziness that this show went through in the 6 seasons it was on the air, this was the ending it needed and the one the fans deserved.
3. NUUN Natural Hydration Tangerine Ginger Vitamin & Electrolyte Drink Tabs
So, awhile back I was in Whole Foods, and I spotted a tube of a NUUN product I hadn’t seen before. It was up near the registers at the time, and I was intrigued enough to go ahead and just buy a tube. I now wish I had purchased more. The flavor is Tangerine Ginger (with my stomach issues, ginger is always a welcome ingredient)…and it was a part of their Natural Hydration line. This means, the formula of NUUN was created to hydrate the body naturally and “put back a little of what life takes out.” The tabs are light, low in calorie, and DELICIOUS! NUUN calls it “U.” And I have yet to find them on their Web site anymore. But…I can still find them (for now) at Whole Foods. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I poured a glass of water the other night and dropped a tablet in…but I was wowed!! Seriously. Just…a whole lot of healthy yum!! More, please! (I am a NUUN Ambassador as well, so this is a double YAY!) #nuunambassador2016 #nuunambassador #nuun #nuunlove #nuunlife #nuunhydration #makeyourwatercount
4. Birthday Fun
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As I mentioned above, my roommate rang in another year this past Sunday. With having to turn clocks ahead, Cathy only had 23 hours to make the most out of her day. So, we started it off with a traditional visit to the gym. Hey…we’re a bit odd, LOL! We went
shopping, where she bought Season 1 of The Monkees on DVD at Half Price Books. And then, I took her out to eat for dinner at the latest pub here in New Albany…the Floyd County Brewing Company, where she indulged in fish and chips and I ate a large and amazing salad that had berries and spinach and pecans…all the good things. Cathy even had a beer flight and discovered her favorite of the 4 she sampled was the Bavarian Rapture, which she then got a pint of. She was a little tipsy when we left, but it was a fun time and she got to try out a restaurant she’d been meaning to for awhile now. And we were both impressed. There was a delicious Allergen Free Candy Bar Cupcake from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe afterwards. We had no birthday candles…so I lit up candle Cathy got as a gift and she made a wish on that.
5. Racing…
As I mentioned in my previous blog, I ran a 10K race this past weekend. It has been awhile since I pinned a number on and went out to pound the pavement. I was pleasantly surprised with my performance, my speed is inconsistent, but it’s coming back. My hip is still weak so I am continuing to work on that. But it was SO nice to get back out there and race again. I had missed it. Thanks, Rodes City Run 10K, for the amazing morning!
And there it is…hopefully I’ll have some new things to share next week!!
I hope you guys all had a good week and some fun, new adventures!
Five years! Five whole years. In some ways, I feel that the Celiac diagnosis happened a long time ago. In other ways, it feels like it was yesterday. The journey go discover what was making me sick was a long, stressful, and tear-filled journey. I have never felt so completely empty and so completely scared in my entire life.
And it all started a couple months after returning from my New Year’s trip to Ireland.
I’m about to get very real with you for a short moment…so please hang with me.
There is something very, very scary about stepping on a scale, in your clothes, and seeing only 2 digits reflecting back at you. In my jeans, tennis shoes, and shirt (with sweater), I went to my doctor for a check-up…and weighed in at 92 pounds…in clothes. I hadn’t been feeling well since before going to Ireland. I was fatigued all the time, often falling asleep on the couch while watching television or a movie. I had no energy. My body ached. I was angry and cranky and just a really mean person at times. My brain felt like it was in a fog. And it was just…bad.
While in Ireland, I discovered that when I ate sometimes, I would feel really sick. Or I would get a pain in my side that would just make me want to curl up and not move for awhile. It continued upon my return, so I went to the doctor…
The doctor immediately started running some tests on me for things like diabetes, gallbladder issues, cancer, and the like. I was told to take in more food, so I started to really up my protein, carbs and calories, any way I could think possible. I was probably taking in 5000 calories a day…and still losing weight. It was scary. My doctor ordered ultrasounds and a HIDA scan just in case it was the gallbladder or liver. Those results came back normal. As did all my blood work…save for a B-12 deficiency (and being vegetarian, that wasn’t unusual). I was tested for anemia, diabetes, and an overactive thyroid…but nothing was unusual. Everything was “normal.” But it wasn’t. I wasn’t feeling well.
And during this time, my friend, Heather, contacted me and asked me a few simple questions about my symptoms. And she said I needed to get tested for Celiac Disease. She sent me a link with the symptoms, and asked me what my current in-take of wheat, wheat gluten, and other food products that might react to someone with Celiac was. She had a friend diagnosed with it and thought the symptoms were familiar.
Guess what…she nailed it. Despite my calorie and food intake, I was still eating foods that my body couldn’t handle. The gluten was making me sick and malnourished. It was causing my body serious harm and doing great damage. A change had to be made. And it wasn’t easy. For weeks, I would go into the grocery store and just cry…stand in the aisle and burst into tears. It was not an easy transition…and for awhile…I still cheated. And then, I realized that the cheats weren’t helping me any…just making me sick.
So…the stopped.
And…three years after that, my malnourished body finally began to show some signs of recovery. The weight loss I was dealing with was because my body couldn’t absorb the nutrients from the food I was eating. So…once I fixed that…and gave my body a fair shake at healing…everything started to fall back into place.
Five years later, and I feel healthy. I no longer live in a brain fog, or drop off to sleep on the couch for no reason. I don’t yell and get angry over stupid things. But, most importantly, I feel good. I have become a strong runner. My muscles and my body are still on the rebound, at times, but I look healthy. And I don’t get the mean and hurtful comments about “being all skin and bones” like I used to. I didn’t ask for that to happen to me…but it did happen. And the comments that people would make about me cut deep. They still hurt at times.
So…there it is. Five years ago, I had to make a change in my life…or put my life at serious risk. Without hesitation…my eating habits changed and soon, so did my health. I am living life again…and, trust me, this gluten-free, dairy-intolerant, vegetarian still gets her foodie freak on. You would be amazed at the foods I can eat!! Oh, and it has made me become quite the chef too. My kitchen experiments don’t always work out…but when they do…bliss.
There are times, when the office does pitch-ins or has lunches where I feel a little left out because there is rarely something I can eat…but you will never hear me complain or “hate” the fact that I am a Celiac. I don’t want people to say to me, “That’s horrible, I could never do that!” Guess what…it’s not horrible, and yes…anyone could go gluten free when it is the only option to feel happy and healthy again.
YES…I do get miffy at the people who treat it like a fad diet. I know there are people who go gluten-free to enhance their athleticism, or because it’s the “hot diet” at the moment. But, it does make it really hard for people like me, who medically have to eat that way, to be taken seriously. No, I can’t have just the filling of a pie…if it touched the pie crust. I WILL get sick. No, I can’t use your peanut butter if you have spread it on regular bread and then put the knife back in. I WILL get sick. No, I can’t eat that meal you put down in front of me because the pita bread was put on the plate. I WILL get sick. And YES…you need to remake the entire dish. Yes…that cookie WILL hurt me if I eat it. This is not an easy lifestyle…but it DOES get easier.
My health is the most important thing. And I never want to go through the months of worry and stress and pain I had to go through to get these answers. I am fortunate enough to have restaurants around me that handle my dietary needs without making me nervous about going in there. I have a gluten free (allergen-free) bakery that I visit at least twice a week. My life wasn’t made more complicated by this disease, it was just made more interesting.
I am fortunate enough to be a healthy weight, running strong, and being the best Celiac I can be! Nothing slows me down for too long…
So…five years later…feeling fantastic. Still a work in progress. I want to build up my muscle mass again, so strength training will commence. My body is strong…it can handle it. Because it will just make it stronger in the end.
This disease didn’t drag me down…quite the opposite. This disease opened my eyes and made me really examine my health and my choices. I’m healthier now for it.
My journey wasn’t easy…but a journey worth taking rarely is. I have learned a lot about my body, my food, and myself. And I’m not done yet.
Another weekend has come and gone, and what a weekend it was. This week, I had a fantastic meeting with my physical therapist. She had me working so much more on strength and balance. Afterwards, she did a strength test on me and discovered that my legs and hips are FINALLY equal in strength. That took awhile. And, with 6 days that day to the day the injury began to really bother me…she was very excited about my first upcoming double-digit run on Saturday. 10 miles was the goal…and I was both terrified and excited about it.
And then…my other hip/quad started to act up. It felt like a muscle strain, but it was enough that got me worried about Saturday morning. So, on Friday, I contacted Katie (my amazing physical therapist) and we went back and forth as to where the pain was, how it felt, and what I should do. In the end, she told me to stretch, foam roll, and give the run a shot. If I didn’t hit 10…then to try again the following week.
On Saturday morning, in air temps that felt like 1°F…I struck out on my run…on a steep hilly course…and got through it. Pain free. No limping. No pain. Nothing. It made me feel confident and amazing and strong…all at the same time. And relieved. This is an ongoing battle, for sure…but I needed that run. More than I even knew until I was done.
Anyway…here is a list of 10 fantastic and wonderful things for this week…just because sometimes you find blessings…
1. A short, but amazing visit from my sister and nephew
Side-by-side or miles apart, we are sisters connected by the heart. Seriously, my sister and I have always been close. We have seen and done so much together. We have been with each other through thick and thin. Our bond is amazingly strong. When we get together…watch out. Insanity ensues. She wanted to come and visit and chose Valentine’s Day weekend to do so. And we had an absolute blast. Added bonus…she brought one of her boys with her…Chace (age 6). And we had SO much fun. We braved the cold air and the snow…which Chace loved…we ate good food…we shopped…we played video games…we attempted to play Chinese jumprope, we laughed, snorted, and curled up together to watch a movie. Chace and I baked a special cake. Chace told me that he loved me. Do you know how much that made me want to cry (in the good, happy way)? These are the moments I live for…and miss out on…because I live away from the rest of the family. I hated it when they had to leave. I cried a little this afternoon. But, she’s already planning another trip…and bringing Landon (age 9) this time. I love my sister. And next time, the weather should be better so she and I can finally get that run in together.
2. BOSU
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I am now the proud owner of a BOSU. I have wanted one for a long time now, but when this became part of my physical therapy, not having to go to the gym to do it became a bit of a priority. The BOSU Balance Trainer is an exercise tool that targets multiple areas of fitness like endurance, strength, balance, and stability. The squishy dome side on top offers a bouncy surface for everything from cardio to strength training. Flip it over…and you work your on your core, lower body , and flexibility. Due to lots of amazing Dicks coupons and a gift card…I didn’t pay anything out of pocket for this. I love it. It’s pink…not blue like they normally are (because…princess). And now I can work on the strength and balance exercises that Katie (the PT) gave me to work on…in the comfort of my own home. SO happy!
3. Feeling like one of the group again
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As I mentioned, this Saturday I was set to run 10 miles. I had originally made plans to do this early to have a bit more time with my sister and nephew…but those plans didn’t pan out. Probably for the best, with how cold it was. All that being said, I got up and went out to run with the training group, and ended up striking out for the first 3.5 miles with people from my old running group. It felt so good to be back out with them. They ended up not tackling the heavy hill climb at Iroquois, but since I skipped hill day due to weather, I decided I needed to climb, even though my PT said to try to stick to flat roads. Seeing them, running with them, talking to them…it all just lifted my spirits. I hadn’t felt that good in a long time. I knew I missed it…but I really miss them.
4. New Running Shoes
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Sometimes something as simple as a new pair of shoes can make the world feel better. Everyone knows that I love running in Newtons…but…I also love me some bright colors on my feet. And the new version of my Newton running shoes are…silver. Life’s too short to be stuck with boring running shoes. And, as I was in need of new shoes, I went out to fleet feet and went to see Jackson (it was his last day there)…and tried on the shoes I originally went in for…the Adidas Pure Boost X (the ones that were made by women for women). They were…not what I expected. Very different. And, while they felt good, I was a bit worried about lack of support on the arch of my foot. So, Jackson went to work. After I said no to the Adidas Energy Boosts (too much shoe)…he brought out a few more to try. After I gave the Asics Gel Cumulus a try (liked them), and then the Brooks Women’s Launch 3 (loved them), and then the Nike Pegasus Air Zoom 32 (really loved them)…I did something I didn’t expect. I went back to a Nike shoe. Of course, I still have to really road test them, but they felt really good in store. I have heard only good things about the Pegasus…so here’s hoping! THANKS, JACKSON!
5. My nephew’s reaction to the snow this morning
I’ll just let the video speak for itself…
He wanted to see snow…he got his wish. He was so excited. And so cold. Love this boy!
6. Being treated to a cake by Chace
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Chace is like his Auntie KJ…he loves to cook and bake. And this weekend, he brought the chef hat and apron I got him for Christmas and go to work baking a cake for dessert and to take home to his dad, brother, and sister. It was a gluten-free funfetti cake (sprinkles rule!) with a strawberry frosting and decorated with some red sprinkles for the Valentines Day holiday. He’s an amazing little boy in the kitchen, and he’s got quite a future as the chef he talks about becoming. The cake…for the record…was super-moist…and super-yum! Afterwards, we all snuggled on the couch and watched Pixar’s Ratatouille.
7. Morning smiles on an early, cold, running day
I have met some of the best people through running. After taking an entire (basically) year off due to this nagging injury, it feels good to be out and running (even if it is slower than I would like) with people. Sometimes, I end up alone and on my own. But I always start with a group. And in these groups, there are people who just make you feel welcome. That’s how Melissa made me feel on Saturday, when I was standing around, arms crossed, just dreading going out in the cold. She pulls me into a picture…and everything just felt better that morning. Sometimes it is the smallest gesture that makes all the difference. Thanks, Melissa!!
8. Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Dough
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My local allergen-free bakery…Annie May’s Sweet Cafe…sold out, but reserved a cup of their cookie dough for me…because Valentine’s Day isn’t much fun when you’re single…so a big cup of cookie dough is a good meal choice, yes? The hardest decision after getting it out of the fridge today was to have it with red or white. HA! I love my bakery!!
9. Funny Faces
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Sometimes you just have to be goofy…in a nice restaurant…with your nephew who requested to sit by you. Because life only happens once. Just be goofy! I love him!
10. Chocolate!!
Forget Valentines Day. Just give me chocolate. Dark chocolate, especially. I’ll love you for life. And, trust me, I ate plenty of chocolate this weekend. Because I love enjoying the sweeter things in life with the sweetest people in my life. And we are a family of chocoholics. It’s a lifestyle.
~*~*~
Heading into a new week…here’s hoping this upward trend in my recovery continues. Here’s hoping that the winter weather goes away for good. Here’s hoping for many more good days over bad.
Have a great week, friends!
Injuries suck! I don’t have to tell anyone that. Not only do they keep you from doing what you love to do, but sometimes…they just refuse to go away.
Five days from now will mark an entire year since the initial problem I was having with my hip. I know this, because I log what I do every day, and I went back through last year’s runner’s journal and discovered my last run was on February 17…I complained that it hurt to get back into my boots (I was at the gym on the treadmill due to weather)…and on the way home, it hurt like a mother just moving my foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
I guess I never mentioned that, because last year was rough…and there wasn’t much that I felt like blogging about. Now I wish I had…because I’ve kept a lot of anger, sadness and pain to myself, whereas this could have been a journey.
All that being said…here I sit…almost an entire year later and my hip still flairs up. I can’t do my hill repeat nights without being in pain the next day. Running on the treadmill at the gym sucks. It is painful (more than running outside, believe it or not) and boring. I don’t know how people log miles on a treadmill. I can’t focus on anything but those numbers…and how slow each freakin’ second is ticking away.
All that being said…there are days I wish I had one…because being outside sucks…and being at the gym sucks. At least at home I could put in a movie or watch a show and maybe it wouldn’t suck as hard.
I’ve been back in physical therapy for a couple of months now. For awhile, it was twice a week. Then once a week. I had an initial running analysis done by my therapist, Katie (who is awesome…and a running specialist and runner herself), by having her film me at different angles on the treadmill and going through each frame…showing me exactly why my leg ended up fractured last year when I first came back. You see…my hip hurts, sometimes to the point that it makes me limp…sometimes to the point that standing up is a problem. It changes from day to day. Sometimes, I am pain-free. There is no rhyme or reason to how these days pan out or what kind of a day it will be (except for post-hill repeats…that night and the next day will always suck). In the initial analysis, she showed me how I was not trusting my right leg because of the hip. It is my “Bambi leg.” While it took about 3 seconds to push off with my left foot, when my right foot came down…a second, if that. I was limping while running, and didn’t even realize it. Strength in my right leg…next to nothing. My body was so imbalanced…it was crazy. So, the primary focus was strengthening…and then…very slowly…ease back into putting some mileage in on these legs.
And that’s what I’ve been doing these last couple months. Physical therapy, strengthening, then…running. I’m not focused on speed or time right now. It’s all about getting that mileage in…rebuilding that endurance. It’s hard to tame the speed demon though. Muscle memory and all…I put on those running shoes and I just want to fly.
I just can’t. Usually around Mile 4-6 on a long-ish run, the hip will seize up or begin to hurt. And then I’ll hurt for the rest of the day…if not too bad, I do the plyometric exercises that Katie assigned me. If it’s bad…I skip them and opt for some rest. This journey has been long, tedious, tiresome, and I’m still on it. And I think that’s the most difficult thing for me.
When this all happened, I figured I’d be better…because everyone I know who has had a torn hip labrum has gotten a shot, had surgery, and just…gone back to what they were doing. But my Cortisone shot didn’t work…and surgery…not an option…and the whole thing is just this really rocky road that I keep stumbling around on, catching my footing, and then stumbling again. I am a big ball of emotions…anger, frustration, hope, sadness, pain, fear, redemption, courage…it’s all there.
I’m not better…but I am on the road to being better. I don’t know if I will ever not have some sort of pain. I admit, I panic anytime something else flairs up…and with this cold weather, you better believe I’ve had some moments.
The long of the short of it is…I’m not where I used to be, I may not ever be where I used to be. But I am doing the best I can with what I’ve got.
On Wednesday, I saw Katie again and she reassessed my strength, finding that my right and left legs have equaled out. Got that strength imbalance fixed. In fact, the hip flexors and adductors are actually stronger than the outer muscles now. Go figure. With all that being said, and with my mileage continuing a slow climb…Katie will see me one more time at the end of the month. After that…it will be on an “as needed” schedule.
It freaks me out…because a part of me likes having these sessions because I feel better coming out of them. I feel more confident. But I also know…I can’t always have someone there holding my hand. I have to do this on my own. I have to once again find that strength, that courage, and that will…and I have to let go…of doubt, fear, and negativity.
It won’t be easy. It never is. But I know me…I’m determined. Very few of my runs may ever be fast. Very few may ever be pain-free. I’ll take the good runs…and I’ll use the bad runs to focus on getting stronger…
But, yes…it is time to let go…it’s time to hit that pavement again…perhaps a little scared…perhaps a little doubtful…but stronger…and better.
…just not faster. At least…not yet.
Face your fears…and you won’t fear them anymore. You’ll learn from them.
Every run…every day…is a learning experience for me.
I have said it numerous times since once again striking out on the road and attempting to come back from the torn hip labrum, the injury that has plagued me now for a year. Exactly a year. I noticed my Facebook memories showed where I posted that I had “pulled a muscle in my back…” That was where this all started. The beginning of the downward spiral.
EVERY RUN IS A BLESSING!
While my weekday runs have been kept short and easy, my mileage is slowly increasing. By about 1-2 miles a week. Physical therapist approved.
Last week, I ran 5 miles. This week…I gave 8 miles a go. And I finished it. Around Mile 6, my hip flexor started to twinge, which made me evaluate my running form, and do exactly what my physical therapist instructed to do. I kept my footfalls as light as possible and brought that knee up, so that the right hip and leg wouldn’t get lazy. My Bambi leg will get stronger. It has to.
So…with 8 miles down, I thought I’d share 8 blessings in my life these days. Here goes:
1. My sister and nephew coming to visit me next weekend.
We are a fun-type of goofy when we are together. Seriously, there is never a dull moment when the Brady sisters get together. And her youngest boy is a ham…as you can tell from this picture. HAHA! I have been dying to have her come back to visit, and this time we get an added bonus of Chace. Karla, seriously, I can’t wait to see you and spend some time with you!!
2. Annie May, Ashley, and Laura – and the rest of the crew at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe on Frankfort Road in Louisville, Kentucky.
If you live in the Louisville area, or are visiting, or passing through…make a point of getting over to Frankfort Avenue and stopping in at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe. This place feeds me 3 times a week (Soft Pretzel Wednesday, Saturday Breakfast, and Sunday…with the take-home breakfast goodies). Amazing gluten-free eats. Most are vegan as well. The Apple-Cinnamon French Toast…is amazing. And right now…heart-shaped doughnuts. Oh…hell yeah. This place has been giving me a variety of foods, all safe for me to eat…for almost 5 years now. I am so lucky and thankful to have this place in my area. If you have food allergies or not, if you love good food, you gotta stop here. And if you don’t see yourself coming to the area, check out their site, because they do ship some items nationwide! And while there, go ahead and peruse the menus. BTW…I highly recommend the vegan mac & cheese (OMG), the chocolate chip cookies, the COOKIE CAKE!, the toaster pastries, and…well…EVERYTHING, really. I do think I’ve had it all.
3. Sales. Sales. Sales.
It’s not that I’m cheap, but I like to buy things and not spend a lot of money. I am a sale-seeker, a bargain-hunter. I love me a good sale. And today, after my run and breakfast, I went to the mall and bought about 7 items…for less than $30. LOVE a good sale. And good (and cute) clothes to boot. Oh yeah…retail therapy.
4. MyBread Gluten Free Pita Bread.
You know what love is? Love is never having to be without pita bread. And that’s not easy when you are a Celiac. Not only does MyBread Gluten Free Bakery make gluten-free pita bread (and sell it….at stores…I get mine at the Whole Foods in Louisville, Kentucky), they make it deliciously good. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free. And they are SO SO SO good!! I’m making Italian nachos tonight for dinner…and these will be the nacho part of said dinner.
5. Tea.
Specifically…Dryad Tea, based out of Denver, Colorado. I discovered them at the sci-fi convention, StarFest a couple of years ago. I’ve been ordering ever since. Their artisan teas are hand blended and all inspired by music, mythology, geekery, and works of literature. AND…my roommate, Cathy, had a blend made specifically for me for Christmas. It’s called “In Summer” (like Olaf) and contains green tea (my favorite), strawberry, ginger, chamomile and mint. It’s fantastic. My favorite tea…and it was blended specifically for me. All teas are vegan and gluten-free friendly. Check out their site…place an order…for real!
6. Swimming.
I. HATE. SWIMMING. Okay, technically, I really don’t hate it. I just haven’t learned to embrace it yet. There is something about the water that makes me anxious. Maybe it was my near-drowning experience as a child. I can swim. I’m a good swimmer (just ask my coach), I just have some weaknesses. One of which is convincing myself I won’t drown if I put my face in the water. I’ve gotten better about that, but, UGH, I get worn out. Endurance in the pool doesn’t happen if I have to breathe out in the water. I hate it because this makes me feel nonathletic and weak. Top that off with the fact that I don’t like not being good at something. So, whenever I have to get into the pool, it’s a struggle. But I keep doing it. Even when I don’t want to.
7. Disney.
Whether it’s the parks, the movies, the races, or just the store…I’ve always had a soft-spot for Disney. And now that they pretty much rule the world…
Don’t hate…I used to dream of becoming an animator for Disney. I could draw every Disney character. I probably still can! I love visiting Disney World and Disneyland. I never went as a kid, but I think that makes me appreciate the trips now more than ever. I love RunDisney events. They’re always amazing and fun. And I love Disney Movies. I’m still working my way through all the animated films in order…but, progress is being made. This weekend…Toy Story 3.
8. The X-Files.
Anyone else out there an X-Phile? I was beyond elated when The X-Files returned to television. Sure, it’s only for 6 episodes, and they are halfway through them, but it’s like hanging out with old friends again. I was the biggest X-Files fan in Big Flats, New York, I believe. And I was okay with that. This show was life-changing. And being able to hang out with Mulder & Scully again has been a nice treat, for sure. I can’t wait to start the entire series from the beginning…which is happening soon!
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Little things and big things…everything and anything can be a blessing.
The Celiathlete 