Run On!
Best. day. ever. What is it about a beautiful, sunny day that makes me want to run?!
I was looking forward to getting in my last run before this weekend’s 5k. Wait. Did I tell you guys about that? I think I forgot, sorry! I’m attending the FitBloggin conference this weekend and New Balance is sponsoring a 5k run for the attendees. When I got the email about it, I jumped on the chance to do it. Then, I got nervous and was having some signer-upper remorse. I kept thinking about my past 5k race and started shaking in my sneakers boots envisioning being with all the fit peeps who race often. Thankfully, this is supposed to be a “fun run” instead of a race and some of the other attendees who also signed up are “sloggers” (we even talked about getting slogger shirts!), so I feel a little more comfortable about the whole thing. Note: I’ve been informed the appropriate term for slow runners/joggers is really Penguin! I didn’t know that! Secretly, I like saying slogger better 
Anyway, I headed to the trail and happily finished a 4 mile run. My hip was mildly sore this morning, so I made myself stick with the Galloway Method of running and walking. I’m not entirely sure if I’m doing it properly. I’m reading the book right now, so I’ll give you guys the low-down on that soon. For now, I’m starting with a 5 minute warm-up walk, then run about 1/4 –1/2 mile with 1 minute walking breaks along the way. I’m pretty comfortable with that and I did notice that my legs felt really good nearing mile 3 so, I ended up running the 4th mile without stopping 
As soon as I finished, I dug into my dashboard breakfast – blueberry nonfat Chobani and a Buttermilk Banana Oat Muffin….
I ran a bunch of errands in my stankiness, then headed home for lunch. I chose the leftover Mediterranean Style Quinoa and put it over fresh baby spinach with a splash of good balsamic vinegar…
The balsamic vinegar bumped the flavor up, big time. It was a great addition!
Salt was a requirement for snack time. Although, I don’t like to give in to those cravings for fear of retaining the Atlantic Ocean afterward, I decided to go with it so as to avoid a possible munchfest later. I chose a dual salt shaker of pretzel logs and Trader Joe’s savory thin mini edamame crackers…
Waaaaaater……
Before I took little daughter to dance class, I whipped up my dinner for later – Indian Spiced Chickpea and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup. Joanna posted this last week and I thought it sounded delish! I changed it up a little by using less olive oil and I only pureed half the chickpeas, leaving the rest to add in whole for more texture. Also, I didn’t have some of the spices listed, so I used cumin and some tandoori spice that I found in my cabinet!
Come dinner time, I couldn’t wait to dig in! I served it topped with plain greek yogurt …
and a side of naan…
Such a good dinner!
Have a great day, everyone!
p.s. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
What is your favorite salty snack?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
27 comments
I love that there is a name for what I do – and I prefer slogger/slogging/slog over Penguin!
Thanks for keeping it so positive. I have a hip problem to when I slog…it can be so discouraging and I find myself totally “off” when I am not able to start the day with a slog. I am grateful for blogs like yours that keep it real and keep it positive! Thanks!
Enjoy your FitBloggin slog! You’ll be great!
I’m so glad you tried that soup! I like the change you made by adding whole chickpeas….great idea!
I feel so left out cause I’m not going to Fit Bloggin
Its so close too!
My favorite salty snack is Wheat Thins!!! YUM!
I’m totally a slogger (or Penguin), too! Hope you have fun at the conference. I’m jealous of everyone who is going.
At least you’re slogging! Last year I was able to run but since “quitting” I am now just working my way back up. But gotta start somewhere, right?!
My favorite salty snack is ligth potato chips….I hardly ever eat chips but when I do that’s what I will have.
You can do it! How exciting to be doing another 5k. I’m not doing one until May.
Salty snack would be crackers!
I wish I could go to Fitbloggin! Those meals look delish.
Soup looks good!
I am sure you will do just FINE in the 5K. It is all about the FUN, so ENJOY it!
Oh, Im all about the POPCORN when I want a salty snack!
Just found you from A Healthy Kitchen and so glad she mentioned you! I love all your posts about food, it gives me great ideas. I am an avid runner, so I get excited seeing people’s progress there too!
Marisa Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Welcome and thank you for your kind words!!
I’m coming to FitBloggin. I will be the awkward one that does a weird thing called joggunning. Oh well. You’ll be fine. Better than me, I’m sure! It’s 3.1 miles and I’m happy about that.
Marisa Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:55 am
LOL @ joggunning! Can’t wait to meet you!
So wish I was going to FitBloggin! Say hi to my brother Charlie – he is going to be one of the speakers! I can’t remember if I told you that or not!
Great job on the run – and I am totally going to try that soup recipe!! Thanks for posting it!
You’re going to do great in the 5K. Just look at you go! Wish I could be there too.
I just finished the Galloway book on half marathons and just starting his other running book. I half-way tried his method during one run for my C25K and it really helped with my energy level at the end.
As always, your eats look wonderful!
Hm, that soup looks good.
Ohhhh good luck on your 5 k this weekend! I have an 8k (Shamrock Shuffle) that I do every year (chicago). My cousin’s husband is doing it this year too. It’s his first 8k and he did one 5k last year. He got the running bug too!
I’m not a huge salt fan so I’m not usually into salty snacks. I get unsalted saltines (I know, that seems wrong!). lol
Marisa Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Thanks, Amanda! Good luck to you, too this weekend!
wow, that dinner looks really good. i wish i was going to fit bloggin! it would be so fun to run with you!
Marisa Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Wish you were coming, too
Good luck on your run !!
Speaking of quinoa, I tried Black Quinoa for the first time this morning. I kept thinking that it was like poppy seeds or something- it’s totally different from the white variety !
what a grea run! i love crackers
hehe. I was most definitely a ‘penguin’ on my one and only 5k
Yummy eats all day long! I could eat at your house any day.
Slogger or penguin just have fun! Will you be blogging for us while at the fest so we can know what’s happening?
Marisa Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:58 am
I hope to be blogging while I’m there! If not, I’ll make sure to take lots of photos and update you all when I get back on Sunday.
That soup and naan bread looks so so good. I think I can smell it. lol.
I love Naan with soup. Such a great combination. I am so jealous that you are going to FitBloggin. It is going to be a great time.
[...] bowl of Indian Spiced Chickpea and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup with a dollop of [...]
SO excited to meet you this weekend!!!! it’l be a great time. AND the weather is supposed to be unbelievable , so our fun run really will be FUN!
XO