Thoughtsday (a day late)

Runs for the week: Have been slim. There were a lot of "life things" to take care of this week, so I pretty much squeezed in runs whenever I could, no matter the distance. My longest was only 4 miles (oh, heeey), but I would really like to try and get 10 miles in tomorrow morning.




One great revelation I had this week was that I can run 3 miles in the morning and still make it to work on time! I used to think I could only run when I was able to get into the office later, but I was wrong. So that's neat, except I still need to work on not being a baby when it's A. cold, B. foggy, or C. dark outside. My positive running mentality just got quite the hit.

Onto the thoughts!

1. CHOCOLATE. It's all I can think about. What are some good vegan chocolate chips/bars/fountains I can invest in? These need to happen - delicious and no bake? I'm there.

I have been fulfilling my sugar cravings via the heavenly bulk bin at WinCo. This is the haul I got the other day before a 2-hour work meeting. I accidently ate all the licorice, and was sick the rest of the night. The whole incident made me feel like a child.

2. COMPOSTING! I made my own bin this week and am sooo excited to feed my garden some nutritious food this summer. This list is pretty fun to read, although I shuttered a little when I got to the end about urine. I like my soil UNsoiled, thanks.

3. I need to update my running playlist! It's been a good 6 months, and I've found myself changing songs all too frequently lately. I just discovered Lord Huron, who sound a lot like Fleet Foxes, and am in love. They make for surprisingly good running music...I just imagine running through fields with deer. Typically though, my workout playlists are all about Britney, Girl Talk, Arcade Fire, etc. Bring on the beat!

What are some good songs/artists you've been into recently? I need some help!

Enjoy your Friday!

vegan: athletes and sweet potato soup

No run today!

I did, however, use my energy towards finishing up an informational book about Scott Jurek. Perhaps you've heard of him?

I've been waiting to read this since it came out, and it did not disappoint. I had it on hold at the public library for quite awhile,  and it ended up becoming available at the perfect time. I'm currently trying out a vegan diet, and it was a tad questionable about how I could keep it up when will I begin marathon training at the end of the month. Scott (Mr. Jurek? Dr. Jurek?) cleared up a lot of those woes and made me feel more secure that I will be fine. He incorporates a lot of his personal experience with food and diet in general, which was insightful to read. There are also recipes at the end of every chapter, which I will totally get down with.

Another aspect I appreciated was his discussion of mental strength and the role it plays in running (well, in his case, ultra marathons. I don't think I have enough mental matter to endure one of those). It's such a huge factor in reaching any goal - believing that you can do something, especially when you've put forth the proper training and effort. However, he also realistically describes how sometimes you can't reach your goal, due to one factor or another. When that happens, learn. Do it again. Adjust. Et cetera.

After finishing that, I decided it was time to whip up something using the sad sweet potatoes on the counter that were thisclose to getting thrown away. I saw this Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup recipe in my latest issue of Whole Living, and holy cow, did it deliver. Flavorful, warm, and filling.

Make sure you absolutely do not pass on the cilantro. It is required, and makes it taste just that much better.


Tell me about your recent eats! Anything new and/or delicious lately?