Confession: Until yesterday, I hadn’t run for 2.5 weeks. After being on vacation for 10 days, then returning with a killer sinus infection and downing antibiotics, 17 days slipped by quickly. Although we walked our fair share of miles while in Germany and Austria, I was sure I had lost all ability to run.
Interesting though… out of curiosity I hopped on the scale yesterday and found out that I have lost 2.5 pounds since before vacation. Instead of being excited, which is my go-to reaction with weight loss… call it habit… I felt weak. I was convinced I had lost muscle and felt flabby. However, it made me all that much more excited to lace up the ‘ol sneakers!
So… I laced up…
and hit the pavement!
Wow… I felt odd. I couldn’t fall into a rhythm. I think I was running faster than normal… but how could I not with all the scary sites I came across…
Ahhh!! Pumpkin-man is after me!
Spiders scare the fool out of me!
Anyways, I gave it my best shot, but between not being able to sink into a steady pace and the tingling I felt in my shins, after 21 minutes of jogging, I decided I was done for the day.
I still felt pretty proud of myself and was relieved I hadn’t lost all ability. With my first 5k coming up in 2 weeks, I wanted to make sure I still had a shot at completing it.
I refueled with my first ever sweet potato and baked beans!
I see why this combination is such a hit- it’s delicious!!
The whole day ended up being an accidental vegetarian day. I had decided the day before that I wanted to try to make Indian food at home and chose Eat Live Run’s Channa Masala. First things first… I dressed the part by throwing on my bests vegetarian garb:
Then I followed her directions to a tee… Channa Masala. It was exciting because it was my first time ever using ginger root!
It tasted authentic and delicious! …even though Hubbs said he wished there was lamb involved. He said it would be too many chickpeas even for Indian people. 😛
On a side note… I don’t make Indian dished very often. In fact, this was a first. So I don’t have the necessary spices in my spice rack. But did you know you can buy spices from bulk bins?
It ends up saving me so much money because I only have to shell out a few cents to have the necessary spices, instead of shelling out a few bucks on spices that will go bad before I can use them.
I shop at Davidson’s Healthy Home Market and I adore their bulk sections!
What is your favorite ethnic dish??
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Oh bulk bins…how I love thee…
Mo@MommyRD says
Favorite ethnic dish = sushi (does that count?) Yummy eats and good job on the return to running.
Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries says
You’ll be back to running like normal in no time. Mr. KD would ask “where the chicken was” in this dish, so I know the feeling. Too funny!
christina says
good for you for getting yourself back out there! i didn’t run for 2 weeks and i was so scared to do it again. but you get right back out there!! proud of you! 🙂
Blond Duck says
I’m sure you’ll get back into it!
Lisa @ I'm an Okie says
I absolutely LOVE your neighborhood. How cute! I’d say 21 minutes is GOOD! Glad you got back to running. You’ll find your groove again.
Tina says
I tend to lose weight after a vacation too. And I don’t eat less or act anal. Goes to show balance can work just get back in the normal swing of things pronto. Glad you had a good run and feel back in the groove. 🙂
TheHealthyApron says
I really enjoy Indian cuisine and Mediterranean foods! I like your idea for the bulk bins. I will have to try that because you are right…spices go bad too!
Rachel says
I am very very cautious with ethnic foods. I dislike curry and a lot of middle eastern spices, but I do LOVE Pad Thai. I know it’s not very courageous but I really like it and try to order it at least once a month.
LizLivingVegan says
Getting back on the bandwagon is always the hardest part!! A sweet potato with baked beans sounds soo good! What a perfect fall lunch! And too much chickpeas?? Never!
Nichole says
I hope you felt rejuvenated, sometimes a break is what you need to get your mojo back.
I am such a wimpy ethnic food eater – can I say Mexican? lol
PS I have that same Urban Outfitters t-shirt!
Shawnee says
Can chicken chow mein still be considered ethnic? Anyhow, I love it!! Craving some now actually. 😀
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
Glad to see you are feeling better and were able to get some running in. You are going to rock the 5k!
Sarah for Real says
Nicely done! Now it’s my turn for a kick in the booty. Haha, we go back and forth so much! Halloween faux 5k here I come!
Melissa says
I’m sure you’ll get back into your running groove in no time. Chinese food is my fav “ethnic” food–Kung Bo chicken. I’ve only had Thai food once and it had waaaay too much cilantro for my liking, but that was many years ago so I think I need to give it another go.
Melissa says
OH the spice bulk bins are really cool! Wish we had those here.
maya says
It’s so easy to fall out of the habit of exercising after a long vacation. My most recent trip to the states is the only time I’ve managed to not end up on a weeks or months long exercise hiatus in the last few years. Congrats on bouncing back so quickly!
Corey @ The Runner's Cookie says
I’ve seen that recipe on a few other blogs, and it looks fantastic! I need to get more adventurous with ethnic foods – I think my problem is not having a pantry stocked for it. Often I get home without having planned much for dinner so the possibilities are limited. Meal planning on the weekends = new goal for the near future!
Kristy says
Why is it so easy to fall out of habit and so much harder getting back into it? I’ve been off schedule with my running for a couple weeks now and I hate it! Life just gets in the way sometime, I guess. Good luck! 🙂