The Celiathlete

February 5, 2016

Nuun Year Dash (Virtual) 5K – New Albany, IN (February 4, 2016)

Nuun Year Dash 2016 Virtual 5K

Race: Nuun Year Dash (Virtual) 5K

Place: New Albany, Indiana

Date: February 4, 2016

Time: 25:38

As you may have noticed on the side of my blog…or through my postings on social media (like my Instagram), for the second year in a row, I was given the opportunity to be an Ambassador for Nuun. I have been using Nuun since I began training for my first marathon, and I haven’t looked back to Gatorade or those sports drinks since. I don’t like the way all the sugar in those drinks messes with my stomach and body…so Nuun was a fantastic choice for me.

What’s even better is, just this month, they released their new and improved formula for their Nuun Active and Nuun Energy varieties. These tablets that you drop into your water now use a combination of plant-based sweeteners that help provide a balanced sweetness profile. This is obtained by using a combination of monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract. Nuun Active and Nuun Energy also now include 1 gram dextrose (d-glucose), a natural, fast-releasing carbohydrate serving roles in the production of the Nuun tablets (in regards to tablet integrity), as well as its ability to bind sodium and water to help increase the rate of fluid and electrolyte delivery. In addition, both Nuun Active and Nuun Energy are now certified gluten free, vegan, and Informed-Choice (trusted by sport certified). The upgrade was, ultimately, done to help take your favorite hydration product, and make it better. With the addition of a non-GMO sourced dextrose, the rate at which fluids and electrolytes make their way to working muscles increases. And the use of plant-based sweeteners provides an ideal sweetness profile, without being too over-powering or sweet.

I know that got a little scientific, but it’s a big deal and those of us who are a part of the Nuun family are excited about these changes. Especially me.

All that being said, as part of the Nuun Ambassador team and as a runner, once again, attempting a comeback from a nagging (1 year on February 16) hip labrum tear injury…I really wanted to participate in the Nuun Year Dash 5K/10K virtual race that was being held. I normally would have kicked in for that 10K distance, but I’ve worked too hard at getting back on the road to push too much, too hard, too fast. I stuck with the 5K distance, registered, and awaited the package with all the swag to arrive.

And it did…back on February 1. The actual event is taking place from Friday, February 5 – Monday, February 8…but my weekend is pretty packed and after my “long” run on Saturday (longest run since August when I did a 16 miler on leg with a stress fracture (which I wasn’t aware of at the time)) of only 8 miles, my hip might be done for. So, the training plan I am quasi-following had me scheduled for 3 miles on Thursday…so I figured I could run from my job to my home and tack on the additional .1 (yep…I live 3 miles away)…and that way I get it done (a day early, but still done). My roommate drove the car home from work…no worries, LOL!

At about 4:10 pm on Thursday, I went to go get changed, for the first time since August, into “racing gear.” Granted, this is a virtual 5K, and while there are prizes being awarded, the biggest reward to me, at this time, is the fact that I’m getting out there again and participating in group runs and…(virtual) races. I had no expectations for time or placement…I just wanted the distance. So, I stepped out in my bright colors (I’m always bright), my hair color, pigtails, and the provided race big. I knew I was going to freeze out there. It was around 33 degrees Thursday when I left work, and since the previous day had a high of 50, I didn’t think about the change in temperature when I packed my bag the night before. I put my Nuun Year Dash t-shirt on over my long sleeve tech shirt and hoped it would keep me warm for the (at least) 30 minutes I was out running. I got the provided race bib pinned on…left my stuff with my roommate to take home…and left the office just after 4:30 pm.

The biggest challenge, after my Garmin found it’s signal, which took forever, was going to be the stoplights and rush hour traffic. But this wasn’t the first time I’ve run home from the office…so…I knew what I was getting myself into. This is, however, the coldest it has been when I have run home from work, so there is that. HA!

I started by the YMCA and ran through the parking lot, around my building, up an incline, back onto Main Street, back toward the YMCA, managed to hit the light at the right time to cross the street and make the trek home. It was cold and windy…but the leg and hip felt good. I felt good. It had been ages, it seemed, since I ran home from the office. It was a blessing just to be able to do this. I was cautious, of course, trying to remember my training in physical therapy because the last thing I need to do is get another stress fracture because I am compensating for the hip. The run felt good, and when I caught myself favoring the hip and applying more time and pressure to the opposite leg, I fixed it immediately. I had to top at a couple of stop lights on the way, but once they changed and I made sure traffic was aware of me (I was in bright, fluorescent yellow pants…I’m hard to miss!), I continued on the route I had run so many fall, spring and summer days before. I probably got some pretty strange looks, being the only person out and running, wearing a race bib, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve never been normal…why start now?

I made the turn onto the road I live off of, with about 1.5 miles to go. There was a 4-way stop to navigate through, but I swore I saw my car (driven by the roomie) pull out just as I turned…so she would make it home to be my race photographer. YAY! I slowed slightly at the 4 way stop…then when I knew for sure all the drivers were aware of me, I crossed and made my way to the stoplight about a quarter mile further up the road. I had to stop again and wait for the lights…one to cross the road, and then the other to cross to the other side of the homestretch because that way I could just turn into my apartment complex and not have to dodge traffic to get there. Once that was accomplished, I had just over a half mile left. I made a small climb over a hill…knowing it was the last incline of the day…so I pushed a little more…then ran past the old cemetery…up the way…past a house with a barking dog…and toward my apartment complex. I half expected my roommate to be standing out there with the sign she holds at all my races and camera ready…but there was no sign of her. At all. My watch beeped for 3 miles just before I made the turn into the drive of the apartment complex. I took the turn toward my apartment building, and still no sign of the roommate. And then I hit 3.11 miles and…was done.

IMG_20160204_190346 — Me after completing the Nuun Year Dash Virtual 5K in my own city

After I stopped my Garmin and then started to walk to cool off, she rounds the corner, on her phone, still doing work, camera in hand…but the moment was done and so was I. I had her snap a few pictures (no official finisher photo this time) before calling it a day and heading upstairs for a nice hot shower to take the chill out of me. Because I was cold. I never really warmed up on that run, which is weird for me.

SO…while the official results have yet to be tallied, I can tell you this much…my official time for the Nuun Year Dash (Virtual) 5K is 25:38. I keep telling myself, I’m fresh to my comeback. Speed will (hopefully) eventually come back. For now, just be thankful for the time out on the road, and the ability to be out there running again. I’m really proud of myself for pushing it (a little) and for getting this run done…with perfect negative splits to boot! It’s hard, because I used to be so focused on my numbers and so speed driven, that this slow down hasn’t been an easy transition for me. I push as hard as my body allows sometimes, and while it’s not up to par with where I used to be, this is a fresh start…and I have to realize that with these limitations with my hip…I may never be pushing those 7 minute miles again. It’s not easy…believe me…there have been tears shed over this…but the best feeling right now…is my feet on that pavement again. Every run is a blessing. Even the slow(er) ones.

I am so proud to be a part of the Nuun Family and hope to continue to be an ambassador for their amazing (and new and improved) products. If you haven’t tried Nuun yet…I encourage it. It’s a great way to make your water count and to stay hydrated. Even on the cold runs. This race wasn’t against the others competing and participating, but against all the self-doubt, fear, and pain that I’ve dealt with for almost a year. This is definitely the start of, what I hope will be, a beautiful comeback.

(Obligatory hashtags: #nuunambassador2016 #nuunambassador #nuun #nuunlove #nuunlife #nuunhydration #stayhydrated #NuunYearDash #makeyourwatercount #letsruntogether)

February 3, 2016

Be A Hill Seeker…

12628611_978143846831_2466973914193834526_o — Hill repeats near home – 5 times up!

Be a hill seeker!

Most of us try to avoid hills, but what’s so good about flat?

Think about it: flat tires, flat hair, flat returns and — the ultimate — flatlining!

Life happens on the hills!

There are opportunities to prove to yourself that you’re stronger than you ever imagined.

If you never attempt the ascent, you’ll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side!

Every Tuesday, without fail, it’s hill repeat day. We all know from previous entries that I am NOT a lover of running hills. I know that hills make you stronger, but, damn, I just…hate them.

That being said, hills are what I’m supposed to be running. Seriously. My physical therapist said my hip flexor and adductor muscles benefit more from the hills because it’s forcing them to work together, and, trust me, they don’t always play nice.

Tonight, I was supposed to go out to Cherokee Park and do hill repeats, but we had the possibility of bad weather around the time that the run would be kicking off. So, instead, I opted to play it safe (which means…the weather never happened)…and keep it close to home. It just so happens that there is a winding, paved hill across the street from my apartment, leading up to a local park. Fantastic. It wasn’t how I wanted to do my hill repeats, but I had visions of getting out to Cherokee Park and having the run canceled. The plan said 3 miles…4 hills. I did a short warm-up, running through the parking lot toward the hill, and when I hit the base, it was game on. Time to climb. This hill isn’t as steep as the ones at Cherokee and Iroquois Parks…but it is relentless, winding, and just keeps going. So, it was a longer climb instead of a steeper climb. No biggie. It still involved a lot of work on my behalf to get to the top and jog back down, only to do it all over again.

Well, 5 climbs later, with the recovery jog down, I hit 3.25 miles. I probably could have gone one more time, but as I’m attempting a longer run this weekend, I felt it best to stick to the plan for now.

All that being said, this is the first time I have come out of hill repeats (in the 3 weeks I’ve done them) and still been able to walk normally. No limping. For the first time, I might actually not have to take 3 days to fully recover from a hard effort.

And, again, as of right now, time is the furthest thing from my mind. I treat each run as a blessing, because after almost a year…each run I am able to complete is just that. A blessing. I have missed this feeling! Speed is irrelevant…right now it’s about building my endurance and my strength back up.

I count today, even though it was done on my own, as a very good day. Definitely a win.

Who would have thought I’d actually look forward to hill day?

February 2, 2016

Life’s Too Short to Miss the Sweeter Things

Two fun facts about me:

1. I love eating healthy
2. I love sweets (especially chocolate)

What we have here, my friends, is a constant battle of sheer willpower. But, the fact of the matter is…sometimes you just have to find a way to treat yourself. Naturally, I stick to my necessary gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian lifestyle…however, this doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy some of the finer things in life.

That being said, 2016 is a year of change for me. I’m trying to improve myself, my body, my soul, my mindset…I’m trying to reach both long-term and short-term goals. And part of that is definitely making certain tweaks to the diet.

I’m not saying I am cutting out sweets and desserts entirely. That’s inhuman. But, I am cutting back on them. And once the current ones in the pantry are moved out…they aren’t coming back in. I buy gluten-free…so I’m too cheap to just toss the stuff away.

That being said, I’m always game for trying new ways to make an indulgence healthier. And awhile back, the amazing Lottie Bildirici, better known in the social media world as “Running on Veggies” posted about the treat she made for Kara Goucher (yes…THE Kara Goucher) when she was coming to NYC to run the NYC Marathon. Kara chose blondies as her treat and Bildirici got to work researching and coming up with a recipe that would not only seem like a treat, but be made with real ingredients, nothing processed, and be healthy. When the recipe posted, I was beyond intrigued. Granted, my foray into baking using beans as a base resulted in brownies that tasted like black beans, so I did have my reservations going into this…but I decided to give it a try.

Blondies made without flour…and by using garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and dates as the sweetener. Well…there was only one way to find out how this would turn out. I hoped for the best, since Kara Goucher was a fan…but…hey…some things you have to try yourself.

So this was what I put into my food processor this past Sunday afternoon:

12633743_977513629791_5452411879180776038_o

Everything but the dairy-free dark chocolate chips, that is. Any nut butter (or nut-free butter) will work, but I’m a huge fan, and an ambassador, for NuttZo…and it really is the best stuff on the market. Find it. Trust me…it’s worth the price!

After giving everything a whirl in the food processor, I was left with a light and fluffy fatter. I folded in the chocolate chips, sprayed down some muffin tins and began to evenly distribute the batter into 24 muffin tins.

12628600_977514687671_6802963384622352717_o

After baking for around 40 minutes, I removed the pans from the oven and let everything sit, untouched for over an hour. At that point, I moved everything to a sheet pan (carefully) and then into the freezer. But not without trying one.

First of all, they don’t taste bean-y…and they don’t taste like dates either. They actually taste like a decadent little dessert or muffin. Especially when warmed up in the microwave for about 30 seconds or longer. Although, I love them frozen too…but I’m weird like that. These are an amazing treat and one that I don’t feel bad about eating because…it was made from real food.

12622218_977531394191_8002316040978624430_o

I know a lot of people look down on those who enjoy a treat every now and again…but the fact of the matter is…we’ve got it all wrong. Not all calories are created equal. Just like now not all carbohydrates and fats are either. That’s the being said, I am a firm believer in counting nutrition, not calories. And that’s what making something like this is all about.

And trust me…they are SO good.

If you want to give them a try…you can get the recipe here! They are easy to make, and delicious. Trust me…you’ll want to keep these on hand! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack or dessert…these are truly a delicious and healthy treat.

Eat real food. These treats are more like a healthy choice than an indulgence. And what’s not to love about that?!

February 1, 2016

Product Review: Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables

Product: Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables – $8.50

Risotto is one of those dishes that you love to hate. Not so much in the dining and devouring part…but the making of said dish. Don’t get me wrong, I am a risotto fanatic as much as the next person, however…I much prefer the unorthodox way of cooking it…in a dutch oven…in the oven. Baked.

Stovetop…just never seems to want to work out fright for me.

That being said, back in my April (Spring) 2015 Cuisine Cube, I received a package of risotto from Bountiful Pantry’s gluten free selection. I was pretty stoked. Gotta love risotto. I couldn’t wait to find a night to cook it up.

And then…I just never got around to it. With everything that was going on with my hip injury, recovery, broken leg, travel, more travel, more recovery, the holidays…it’s been pretty non-stop since I received this box in the mail. Thankfully, it was good through April of 2016…so it wasn’t a waste.

Before I get into the product itself…here’s a little bit about Cuisine Cube. Cuisine Cube is a subscription service that delivers 5-6 gluten-free, full-size products to your door for as little as $34.99/month. Inside the cube, you will discover full-size products (not sample sizes) that are made by local and smaller, artisan companies, rather than those that you can find at the average grocery store. It has introduced me to so many new and delightful products. Each box contains a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert product…and then, sometimes, an extra bonus item. Who doesn’t love a little something extra, right? Keep in mind, however, that Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try! It’s like…Christmas…or your birthday…every month! Who doesn’t love that?! I did love it and I hope I’m able to resubscribe soon.

The dinner feature in the April (Spring) 2015 Cuisine Cube was the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables. Bountiful Pantry is best known for their healthy, easy-to-prepare, and delicious mixes ranging from appetizers, to soups, to salads, to dips, to stews, to chilies, to chowders, and various sides, among other things. Inspiration for their mixes stem from their home on the island of Nantucket, where the often cool, damp weather would inspire the desire for an inviting pot of soup. By starting with family favorites and classic New England favorites, Bountiful Pantry has created delicious and satisfying recipes that are easy to share. Since the creators follow a healthy, low-sodium diet, focusing on taste, they are seeking and finding new ways to pack flavor into their mixes using a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. They use the finest all-natural ingredients, including vegetables picked and dried at their peak of freshness. There are no preservatives, added salt of MSG in their mixes, and they are gluten free as well. Even better, meals can be prepared in as little as 30 minutes. Gotta love that.

Well, this weekend seemed like the ideal time to cook up a risotto because Sundays I’m usually batch cooking anyway. And as I’m working on clearing out my pantry, this was a logical choice. And I was pretty excited about it too. Because…risotto!! The only thing I wasn’t excited about was cooking it. But, no worries, it’s super easy. I first heated up 5 cups of vegetable broth. Then, I melted 4 tablespoons of vegan butter (Earth Balance) in a pan. Once it was melted, I added chopped onion and let it soften to the point of translucency. I took 1 cup of the broth and put it in a bowl with the dried vegetables and let it soak. Then, in went the rice to the skillet with the butter and onion. I gave it a stir to coat it all. And then…the long and tedious task of adding 1/2 cup broth and stirring began. Each time more broth went in, the rice would begin to plump up more and more. And when the broth was gone…and my rice was still a little crunchy…in went water until I got that perfect rice consistency. Then, the vegan parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of white wine went in. More stirring…and then…dinner was served.

With a glass of the white wine I used in the risotto. Just sayin’.

The Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables was amazing. Creamy and rich. The vegan parmesan really enriched the flavor and texture, bringing it to that perfect risotto consistency. The Arborio rice took a little longer to cook, but once it got to the proper texture…it was a fantastic dish to devour indeed. There is, naturally, an option to serve this as a side dish, but my roommate and I chose it for our dinner, so we took 4 servings of it instead of 8…having leftovers for lunch later this week. And I can’t be more excited about having it again. I loved how perfectly this cooked up, and despite having to add a bit of water, it got to that perfect rich and creamy consistency and the flavor…was spot on. The vegetables softened up and the seasonings perfectly added to the taste, no added salt or anything. Perfection. And all in a bag, ready to go.

So, what all is in the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables? Nine ingredients. Yes…just nine. They are: Arborio rice, peas, carrot, corn, onion, tarragon, chervil, parsley, and chives. This mix is gluten-free, non-GMO, no MSG, and no added salt or preservatives. This product is certified by the Celiac Sprue Association.

As for nutritional information for the Bountiful Pantry Risotto with Garden Vegetables…this isn’t bad. Even when you add in the butter, onion, cheese, veggie broth and wine, it is reasonable for risotto. A serving of the dry mix is 1/4 cup (51 grams) and there are 8 servings per package. In each serving, you will be consuming 170 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 4 grams protein. Not bad at all.

If you love decadent, rich, creamy and and flavorful risotto…why do it all from scratch yourself? Bountiful Pantry helps make it a little easier with their package of Risotto with Garden Vegetables. Big flavor. Big eats. It was amazing from the first bite to the last. My roommate and I probably could have eaten the entire pan if I hadn’t set the rest of it aside for lunches. It’s that good.

So, head over to Bountiful Pantry‘s Web site and place an order for one of their numerous mixes. But, if nothing else, try the risotto.

Bountiful Pantry's Risotto with Garden Vegetables — Bountiful Pantry’s Risotto with Garden Vegetables

January 31, 2016

If I Can Get Through This…

58cb00cd-7df0-42b1-bae5-ebd5e4cee60b_zpsu8uxp9of — 5 Miles at The Falls of the Ohio…pain-free!

It’s Saturday night and I’m finally home after a long, but busy-busy-busy, day out and about in Louisville. I have a tummy full of delicious Indian food from Shalimar, I’m fresh out of a hot shower, and I’m reveling in a day well spent.

But it was how the day started that truly set the tone. I got up, earlier than necessary, to be able to fit in my core and hip strengthening exercises. I even did a slight dynamic warm-up (with hot tea because it was pretty chilly this morning), outside of my apartment building, testing the hip flexor and seeing if it wanted to cooperate or be cranky today.

It was a little tight…mostly because it was early morning and I’d been sleeping (and I finally got some decent sleep) and it was cold. But it worked through the exercises my physical therapist got me, and I went upstairs to grab a bite before getting together all my stuff and heading to the Falls of the Ohio to go for my longest run (either outside or in) to date…since August.

5 miles.

5 miles used to seem like a warm-up to me. Today, it felt like it was the start of a marathon. I had butterflies in my stomach, going through every scenario of how this run might turn out. I was there, with strangers and some friends, and I knew there was only one way to find out.

I set out with the group running 4 miles…and hoped for the best. Especially since the start for us was straight up a hill. HA!

The whole time, in my head, I’m sitting there thinking…”left, right, left, right”…because I chose not to run with the metronome. I couldn’t imagine listening to that thing for 5 miles. And then it was “lift the knee, lift the knee.” And then, “This feels………OKAY!”

And so, there I was, running the Greenway and feeling like I was a runner again. My hip twinged only a few times, and that was my reminder to check my form. When the people doing 4 miles got to the turn around point, I had further to go. I needed another half mile before I got to turn around and head back. I needed 5…so there I was, leaving behind the group and striking out on my own. I had run over there before, so I knew that ahead would be a lot of desolate area. I saw 5 deer, which was awesome…but it was literally just me and a bunch of nothing. I turned around when I hit 2.5 miles and started back. Some of the run/walkers were at the water stop or just making it to the bridge as I came back that way. I rejoined everyone, got up another hill, and began running my way back to the start point.

When I hit 4 miles…I knew that I was now in uncharted territory. I had run 4 miles of hills the past two Tuesday nights…and I am pretty much crippled at the end of those runs for the next two (2) days…forcing me onto a treadmill for any scheduled mileage to simply take the pounding off my joints and body. I drew in a breath and set my feet to work…now really making a conscious effort to focus on my form. I wasn’t about to break into a limp, which is what happens after I stop running hills. (NOTE: My physical therapist wants me running hills, because it activates the muscles in my hip that don’t want to work together). And then…I got back to the starting tent and I stopped my watch. I started walking to cool down a little and…no limp. No pain. NO PAIN!

PERFECT NEGATIVE SPLITS! Yep…perfect. And I wasn’t even trying. I was just running by feel.

I did all my stretches and plyometric exercises assigned to me by my physical therapist. Still felt good.

But, I do think that the crowning moment was when Deana came in at the halfway point of her run and saw me. She stopped and asked if I was done and how it went…then gave me a hug and said the thing that has stuck with me through the entire day:

“We’re going to get through this!! We are going to get through this!”

As she has been dealing with nagging injuries as well, hearing it said to me by someone who understands…by someone who has not only encouraged…but inspired me…pushed me…and knows exactly what I am going through…I believed it. And it was what I needed.

So, thank you, Deana. And thank you to everyone on these training runs. I change my program at the start of February…making it a little more challenging, but without stepping it up too much too soon.

I’m cautious these days…and I’m okay with that.

I’m out. And I’m running. And that’s what matters right now.

I’m going to get through this.

January 28, 2016January 28, 2016

Three Things on Thursday

My life is a roller coaster these days. Good days. Bad days. Highs and lows. There are days I feel unstoppable and days that stop me cold. There are days where I feel on top of the world, and days where the tears just won’t stop.

There are pain-free days…and days where it hurts just getting out of bed.

This is my life…and has been since February 16, 2015.

Almost a year.

Still not better. Still fighting. Still not where I imagined I’d be.

I’m going to be honest, I came out of the weekend, despite the slip and fall on ice, feeling good. My pain levels were down. I was moving without problems. And then…Tuesday hill repeats. UGH! JUST UGH!! I did fine, but when I stop that’s when the problems start. And despite a round of stretches my physical therapist assigned me, I was still feeling it yesterday and this morning when I worked in my training runs.

All that being said, I’ve powered through a lot, and despite my demanding work/training/recovery schedule…I’ve done some pretty amazing things so far this week. I thought I’d share!

1. THEMED SPIN CLASSES

blog01 — I think I have the perfect (always colorful) tights for a Disco-themed spin class, yes?

Rocking perfect tights for a disco-themed spin class, yes?

My amazing and inspiring friend, Deana, is a very fun spin instructor. It’s always a mixed bag with her. And when you attend one of her classes, you are going to walk out of there a sweaty mess. She’s in training for her first Half Ironman, and we’re in training with her, in a way. At least on the stationary bike in the safety of the walls of the YMCA. HA!

Anyway, this week, Deana has had themed spin classes. And I am loving it. Monday morning, my 5:30 a.m. class was treated to Spinning to the ’90s. All the music was songs straight out of the 1990s…and I knew and even sang along with every single one of them. Not loudly, because, I wouldn’t put anyone through the torture of hearing me sing, but it really takes your mind off of that hill climb and definitely brought a lot of hoots and hollers from the class. And Friday morning, we’re getting a disco ball and having our own Disco Inferno all up in the spin room. And I am already working on what I intend to wear for said Disco day. There might even be a lava lamp. Regardless, I’ll be ready to work hard to the tune of the best disco songs.

Themed spin classes…who knew?!

2. HILL REPEATS

Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I'm DONE with hill repeats. — Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I’m DONE with hill repeats.

Love them or hate them…hill repeats are real. In fact, hill repeats are what my physical therapist currently wants me doing. So, every Tuesday, I’m out at either Cherokee Park or Iroquois Park here in Louisville…running me some major hill repeats. The past two weeks, I’ve knocked out 4 miles of hill repeats each Tuesday night. 4 freakin’ miles. To this point, that is the furthest I have run since…the stress fracture in my leg back in August.

I won’t lie…a little part of me panics every time I go out there for these. Hills do make you a stronger runner…but they hurt. In my case, they really hurt. But, I feel strong while doing them, and after some plyometric exercises and stretches…and a little TLC from my foam roller…I’m usually back in the game the next day. So yeah…hills. YAY!

I don’t worry about my time or how long I’m out there or even my speed. What’s important to me is that I am actually out and running again. Not completely pain-free…but being out there is SO much better than where I have been. I’ll take every chance I can get to attempt to get stronger again.

3. CHILI COOK OFF

Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoonbread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers) — Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoon Bread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers)

So, yesterday was the annual chili cook off at my office. Now, I have never actually submitted a chili to this cook off because, prior to this year, the co-owner (who has since retired) used to always tell me not to bother with bringing in a vegetarian chili, since his wife was making one. I just never argued the fact. With this year being wide open, I got a little carried away and ended up making 2 chilies and 1 batch of my gluten free corn spoon bread recipe that I’ve killed every time I’ve made it. Meaning, it’s extremely awesome. When it comes to cooking, especially in a quasi-competitive manner, I can be pretty indecisive on what chili to make. So, I did what any chef would do…

…I made both.

Pizza Chili (which I figured would be my star) and Hawaiian Chili.

I realized I was splitting my odds at winning, but…I love both of these chilies and they were both very different. VERY different. Even from the other chilies (there were 7 entries…2 of which were mine) that were entered into the annual cook off.

And, shocking me (and probably the rest of the office who doesn’t always want to venture into my plant-based, gluten-free goodies)…I won. With…Hawaiian Chili. So not the chili that I expected to win. I was seriously surprised. Of the two I brought in, I thought Pizza Chili would be the more popular one. And it was a very near thing with the runner-up, a Mexican Beer Chili. The winning chili is pictured above with the corn spoon bread.

I am so happy. This is the first time a vegan/vegetarian chili has won. And it’s the first time I have won anything at work. So…YAY!!

I’ve had many requests for this recipe, so I will leave it here. Do try it. It’s amazing.

Recipe: Hawaiian Chili
Makes 4 very large servings

Ingredients:

1 small onion, diced
2 garlic clove, minced
2 bell pepper, seeded & diced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups pineapple, diced
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
Crackers (optional…to serve on the side)

Directions:

Line a large pot with vegetable broth.

Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until onions are translucent and bell peppers are soft.

Add spices, stir to coat vegetables.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Serve with crackers

~*~*~

Seriously…make this stuff.

If you live in the area…come to tomorrow’s 5:30 a.m. spin class at the YMCA of Southern Indiana in New Albany and let Deana bring the funk and disco back…disco ball included.

And…run hills. Feel strong.

January 28, 2016

Product Review: Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers

Product: Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers – $4.59+

Growing up, I remember eating Dare Breton Crackers (the wheat versions) at my friends houses at little get-together or parties. I remember schmearing port wine cheese over them and devouring them by the box-full.

So, you can imagine how excited I was to see boxes of Gluten Free Breton Crackers on the shelves of my local Kroger and Walmart stores. Yep. Very excited. But, I never really could think of something I could use with them. And being on a super-strict budget these days, I had to pass them over time-and-time again.

Well, when I went home for Christmas, my mom picked up a box of the Herb & Garlic Breton Gluten Free Crackers…but we never quite got around to eating them. While I love cooking and making homemade dishes, with the craziness of the holidays and all the family, we tend to eat out more than in. And that’s fine. But it means the crackers remained untested and untasted.

However, the other day while killing off some time on a Sunday morning (after a snowstorm), my roommate and I were walking the aisles of our local Fresh Market, because we hadn’t gone out there in months. On sale, there in the cracker aisle, were boxes of Dare Breton Gluten Free Crackers. Of the gluten free varieties available, my roomie suggested we begin sampling them by going with the original flavor. So, it was settled. A sale meant they came home, so a box of the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original Flax with Crackers made it to my pantry.

And didn’t stay there long.

This week’s meal planning called for 2 days of soup and some chili too. I was participating (and ended up winning) in the office chili cookoff and…hey…crackers are great with both soup and chili.

So, Monday morning, out came the crackers, stashing some in little traveling baggies for my roommate and I to have at lunch when we heated up our homemade vegan Smokey Potato Soup. Lunch time rolled around, soup was assembled, and the crackers came out.

One bite…and I knew…I knew this was cracker gold. Gluten free crackers either are amazing or they taste like cardboard. These…are amazing. Light and buttery in flavor, these Breton Crackers reminded me so much of their original counterparts. They were great for dunking in the soup, piling chili on top and noshing, and just busting up to have a little added crunch in the soup. They’d be great to schmear whatever schmeary things you like to schmear on crackers. Cheese, butter, peanut butter, hummus…whatever. These crackers are perfect for all of it. The box even comes with two cracker-type recipes on it, in case you’re feeling uninspired. But crackers this good will leave you feeling anything but uninspired. Trust me. Love their crisp and flaky texture. So amazing. And, with the added addition of flax, the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers add a little bit of omega goodness to each serving.

I will probably always have a box of these in my pantry. No doubt. And one can always use crackers, yes?

Let’s talk about the ingredients that go into the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers. These crackers are made from corn starch, arrowroot flour, canola oil, coconut oil, green lentil flour, rice bran, flax seeds, sugar, salt, sesame seeds, modified milk ingredients, baking soda, ammonium bicarbonate, xanthan gum, soy lecithin, and natural flavor. They are processed in a peanut-free facility also.

As far as nutrition information goes, you’ll love this! The rather large, circular crackers that are Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers are a great way to enjoy a snack without the guilt. A serving size is 4 crackers (18 grams) and the box contains about 8 servings. One serving will provide you with 90 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0.5 grams polyunsaturated fat, 2 grams monounsaturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 80 mg sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram fiber, less than 1 gram sugars, and less than 1 gram of protein. They won’t fill you up or really wipe out your calorie count for the day. Gotta love it.

So, if you are still on the hunt for a cracker that lives up to the standards of the crackers you may have grown up with…try to find the Dare Breton Gluten Free Original with Flax Crackers. Their tender-crisp texture and wholesome taste are reminiscent of the Breton crackers I devoured before the Celiac diagnosis. What a great way to bring great taste from a trusted brand to the gluten free community. And for a very fair price.

So happy.

January 28, 2016

Product Review: McCabe’s True Original Granola

Product: McCabe’s True Original Granola – $5.49+

One of my favorite things to purchase at the grocery store on occasion is…granola. Especially granola that isn’t loaded down with sugar. Granola is so versatile. You can eat it on its own, put it atop yogurt, or ice cream, or oatmeal. It’s the perfect thing just to have on hand in the pantry.

And for a little while…I was without. But then my local Kroger ran a Manager’s Special on some items and one of them was McCabe’s Original Granola. With $3 off the regular price, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try this granola I had been eyeing on the shelves.

I admit to being a bit of a granola snob. Most gluten free granola is laden with excessive sugars and are far from healthy. But McCabe’s caught my eye because all ingredients are recognizable (no chemicals), and it was low in sugars and carbohydrates. It took me a major sale to actually buy it though because I never could fit it into my budget. But…now I think it’s worked its way into one of my favorite brands. And this is simply based off the True Original variety. Because, you gotta start with the basic.

McCabe’s Granola is a family owned business, run by Susan (mom), Chris (dad) and their sons Jameson and Michael. Their goal is to provide you with the healthiest, most flavorful granola and granola bars possible. They take great pride in their products and their family, and the products they produce definitely reflect this.

I purchased the McCabe’s True Original Granola. Basic. Simple.

But basic and simple doesn’t mean boring. Especially in the McCabe’s True Original Granola. I have eaten this over fruit, over yogurt, by the handful…and I never get tired or bored with it. For a granola that isn’t just a bunch of sugar…the flavor is awesome. This granola is proof that original isn’t simply plain. Becasue there is nothing plain or tasteless or boring about this granola. The bag refers to it as “The freshest, most natural, nuttiest granola in town,” and it’s not that far off. It’s low in sugar, it’s made with natural (non-GMO) ingredients, it’s gluten free. It’s awesome. The blend of oats, seeds, raisins, and coconut bring great variety for texture and taste. I love every handful (oh yes…I can (and do) eat this by the handful) of this granola. My pouch is almost empty, but now I’m willing to pay the full price. I know whatever flavor I end up purchasing, it’s going to be good.

McCabe’s True Original Granola is made from 100% natural ingredients that include: rolled oats, 100% pure maple syrup, sunflower seeds, cashews, ground flax seeds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, and unsweetened coconuts. Seriously, how can a blend of those ingredients not be amazing. It’s impossible. This blend of granola is amazing. The raisins are my favorite part…

As far as nutritional information goes, McCabe’s True Original Granola is awesome when compared to other gluten-free granola is outstanding. A serving size is 1/4 cup (28 grams) and there are about 12 servings per container. One serving will dish up 130 calories, 8 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fats, 0 grans trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein.

Lower in calories, sugars and carbohydrates when compared to other brands of gluten-free granola, McCabe’s really shines as a healthy granola choice. I can eat granola for breakfast or a snack, and I don’t feel at all guilty when I reach for this package. McCabe’s is certainly fulfilling their statement to provide a healthy and flavorful product. I am beyond impressed.

McCabe’s Granola is available in the following flavors: True Original, Delta Blueberry, Cran With A Twist, and PB & Chocolate. If you want a great choice for granola…this is definitely one that you should consider purchasing. For real. So go. Find it. Buy it. And devour it.

January 28, 2016

Product Review: Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix

Product: Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix – $3.99+

Who doesn’t love sprinkles?!

I mean, be honest here! Who in the world doesn’t love sprinkles?!

Sprinkles make the world go ’round. Sprinkles bring happiness and joy. Sprinkles are what smiles are made of. Sprinkles…totally rule!

And pancakes…who doesn’t love an amazing, buttery, soft, amazing pancake?!

Pancakes are awesome.

I mean…seriously…they are one of life’s most perfect food. Don’t argue this with me. It’s true.

So…imagine my glee…my elation…my “I MUST BUY THIS NOW AND EAT THIS” attitude when one day, while in Louisville and shopping the aisles of the Walmart Neighborhood Market (because, hey, it’s less skeevy than the regular Walmart), I spotted a gluten free mix that involved both sprinkles…and…pancakes.

It wasn’t a dream. Nope. It was a reality. And this very special (and happiness-inducing) product is brought to your grocery store shelves by the one and only…Hungry Jack. Yes…the Hungry Jack known for potatoes and syrup and regular amazing pancake mixes. That Hungry Jack.

Turns out they now offer a Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix.

Yep…you read that right…Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix. How many different ways can you say, “Get in my belly!”?

I purchased this box of pancake and waffle mix back in…October. I had every intention of making them while my parents were visiting, but, instead, my dad requested lemon poppyseed muffins…so this had to wait. However…good things come to those who wait. And patience is a virtue. One I don’t normally have when pancakes and sprinkles are involved, but, hey, I can be an adult.

I ended up bringing the mix with me to Columbus, Ohio, over the New Year weekend. It’s tradition to spend said holiday with my friend Jenn…and Jenn is quite open to gluten-free foods. She even has gluten free foods stashed in her kitchen for my visits. She eats said gluten free foods with me. Well, since Sunday we traditionally cook the breakfast, I told her I’d bring the mix and we could have some pancakes that morning. She upped the carb-fest with the promise of using up some more of the Magners Syrup we made when we made boozy waffles the last time I visited.

And so…game on.

The pancakes are super easy to mix up. The box says that 1 cup of the mix and 3/4 cup of water will make enough batter for 6-8 pancakes. This is false. Since there were 3 of us, this is what I made, thinking we all could have 2 pancakes, but I ended up adding more mix and water just to get the last necessary pancake for 6 pancakes each made from about 1/4 cup of the batter. So…trust me, you’ll need a slight bit more for those 6 pancakes. 8 isn’t happening.

All that being said, when these were browning on the skillet, they not only puffed up beautifully, but they got that rich, golden color too. The pancakes had that nice crisp outside, but were cake-y and soft and fluffy on the inside. And…they had sprinkles. Seriously…so, so, so good. Kind of like eating a slice of cake for breakfast, because…sprinkles!

All that being said, I am only now getting around to typing up this review. But in that time, I have also decided to give the waffle recipe a try. This just involved 2 cups of the mix (lots of sprinkles), 1-1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I substituted unsweetened applesauce), and 1 egg (or egg replacer). Just stir it up until you get rid of any large lumps…pour into the waffle iron…and let them cook to that perfect golden brown. This made 6 large Mickey Mouse waffles…but the box claims it will make 12 (4×4-inch) waffles.

The waffles were even better than the pancakes. And for the first time, my gluten free waffles got to a perfect golden brown on the outside. I was so impressed. And when I served them up (with a splash of real raspberry maple syrup from Michigan), it was like…a food epiphany. I mean…cake. Cake all over the breakfast plate. Not only were my waffles Mickey Mouse shaped, but they had sprinkles in them…and looked and tasted like an indulgent treat. Oh yeah.

So…I had the mix as pancakes…and then as waffles…so…how was it?

The product that the Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix produces is fantastic in either form. From the splattering of rainbow sprinkles to the rich, buttery flavor that comes from the buttermilk base…it’s pancake perfection. A rainbow of pancake perfection. These are the unicorns of gluten free pancakes. The pancakes and waffles are soft and fluffy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside. And that…it pancake and waffle perfection if you ask me. In addition, this mix actually is a good source of calcium. And a nice way of having candy (or sprinkles) for breakfast.

I might still be a little (or a lot) excited about these.

Anyway, as always, let’s take a look at what goes into the Hungry Jack Gluten Free Funfetti Pancake & Waffle Mix. This mix is made from rice flour, sugar, dextrose, leavening (baking soda, calcium phosphate, sodium aluminum phosphate, candy bits (sugar, vegetable oil [palm and palm kernel], modified corn starch, confectioners glaze, soy lecithin, colored with [yellow 5, red 40, blue 1, yellow 6]), potato starch, pea fiber, buttermilk, tapioca starch, canola oil, and contains 2% of less of: salt, potassium bicarbonate, hydroxypropyl, methycellulose, xanthan gum, calcium carbonate, eggs, artificial flavor, cellulose gum, yellow 5, and red 5. Yeah…not a very clean eat, but nice for a treat every now and again.

As far as nutrition goes, the mix isn’t too bad. The serving size is 1/3 cup of the dry mix (or about 3 4-inch pancakes) and the box contains about 11 servings. This serving will dish up 190 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, less than 5 mg cholesterol, 540 mg sodium, 40 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Despite being a pancake and waffle mix with sprinkles in it…the fiber and protein is higher than most to make you feel full longer. So, there is that. There is also 15% calcium and 4% iron in each serving.

So, yeah…delicious, amazing, fun, and fluffy…it’s everything pancakes should be. It’s everything waffles should be. And it is what so many gluten-free pancake mixes fail at being. I loved these. I have no shame in admitting it. It’s nice to change things up and have a bit of a treat every now and again. This mix was a fun, and also delicious way of brightening my breakfast plate…and my morning.

January 24, 2016

The Not-So-Fun Ice Capades at Home

icypavement_zpscieiceo4 First of all, yesterday’s post was my 1500th post on this blog. That’s pretty awesome, yes? YES!?

I think so!

I was still on a high this morning from my first pain-free day in almost a year…and when I did my core work and PT stretches, the trend continued. A twinge here or there…but no pain. I got through all of the stretches and exercises without wincing once. Not once.

Two days in a row. WOOT!

So, I happily made gluten-free funfetti Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast this morning and prepped to head to the gym for a bit of cross-training. No swimming currently due to sinus issues…but at least do a little something today. I ate, did dishes, got stuff ready for the gym and headed out.

With freezing fog, 10 degree temps, and cold air that made me cough just inhaling it, it was no surprise that there was frost all over my car windows. My roommate started up the car and I grabbed the scraper and went to work. As I finished up the passenger side of the car, I crossed behind to hit up the drivers side…and my foot found black ice.

BLACK FREAKIN’ ICE!

So…I slipped. I immediately countered in an attempt to find balance again. The shift through my balance off as my foot just moved with it…and…

BOOM!

Down I went. Hard. I sat there for a moment, every bone in my body having been jarred by the fall…but I felt fine. My roommate got out and helped me up and I moved away from the black ice. I was now…hurting.

SUCK!

I finished scraping the windows and got into the car to go to the gym. Now, being more cautious due to the fall.

So, the day started off really well…but one little slip on black ice sort of brought that happy, healing feeling to a crashing halt. I know people love to run in snow, but this is one reason I don’t anymore. I sprained my ankle a little over a year ago on ice…and that made it clear I needed to stay in on these days. With that being said, I did get my workout in at the gym, then went and got coffee and finished up grocery shopping.

And…I’m sporting a bit of a bruise…but at least a bruise is all I ended up with.

Be safe out there. Black ice is hard to see…and you may not see it until you’re on the ground.

Stay safe!