2010 - Year In Reflection

I know, I know.  You haven't had enough of these year in reflection posts so I thought I would put another out there for you.  I like to take some time to reflect on a race or a training session.  Was it hard and what did I do good or bad?  Can I continue the good, can I change the bad?  I spend a lot of time thinking and getting to know myself better.  The theory is that the better I am the better I can make you.  It may work, it may not but I do know that when I smile at somebody they smile back.  So if I am better than so are you.  It is a cyclical world and we all have to pay it forward.

So in the reflection of my life let's break this down to personal, professional and performance.  Alliteration anybody?  New word I learned this year.

Personal -
This year was the year that I got re-married.  I got divorced officially in 2008.  Two short years later I was married again and I will say that this has been the gold star on 2010.  Karen is everything I could want in a partner down this path called life.  Do we have the perfect relationship?  Yes.  Why would I say that?  Because it is our relationship and I can only compare it to that.  Us compared to Us.  It doesn't matter that another couple does this and we do that.  It doesn't matter that we do that and some other couple does this.  We need to live our lives our way.  That is how we know we will be happy.

So here is the story of how we wound up getting married.  One Sunday I told her I as going to a bar with some friends to watch the Giants play the Chargers.  It was late in the 2009 season and the Giants were on another downhill slide but could still get in the playoffs (sound like 2010?)  Well the Giants charge out and I'm on top of the world.  They then go on to blow the game and lose and I left the bar with time on the clock because I was disgusted.  On the car ride back home I thought about the Giants and my life.  See they had the world in their hands and they let it slip away.  I was not going to do that with Karen.

I got home, I sat down on the couch.  She was working and watching the Green Mile.  As we were sitting there I looked at her and said 'Hey, you know you mentioned marriage the other day.  So do you want to?'  Her response was 'Do I want to what?'  And I responded with 'You know get married?'  She had a tear (she will tell you no) and we decided to get married.

We had a small wedding at the JP with Chico, her mom and dad.  My mom and Bill flew in from Charlotte, along with my best-(wo)man and two other friends.  We had a reception at a local restaurant and subsequently had our first fight as a married couple at the end of the night.  Good times!

Personally this was a great year.  I got married, developed a solid relationship with Chico and am closer to my Mother, Sister and Bill than ever before.  I am also much closer to those friends that matter and have put the garbage to the side like spring or fall cleaning.  I also discovered that friends are not just the ones that you can physically hang out with.  Friends are those that are commenting on your blog, sending you emails and texts, wishing you the best during a marathon or a triathlon.  Friends are those that are encouraging your and motivating you and inspiring you.  Friends are those that make you laugh.  I will say that in 2010 I gained a world of new friends....you.....and I thank you for being there for me.  You are all AWESOME!

Professionally -
So 2010 started out like any other year in the past 15 years of my life in corporate America.  Time to re-evaluate the business.  Time to prepare for the upcoming negotiating season.  Preparing an automated buying system.  Plan, execute, deliver.....ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!

Then July came and the news was that I was being let go.  I spent 13 years with the company.  I worked late nights.  I worked weekends.  My reaction to the news....LAUGHTER!  What else was there to do?  Cry?  Nope, that wasn't happening.  I got my severance and in all honesty that is a true word.  The relationship is severed.  I don't speak to anybody from that company anymore and it is somewhat sad.  I kept up my end of the bargain and sent emails and a couple of phone calls.  They don't get returned.....well spring and fall cleaning as I said before.

I am not bitter one bit though.  It opened my eyes up to the fact that in order for me to be truly successful I need to be doing something that I love.  Something that I have a passion for.  Working out.  Nutrition.  Health.  All of these items are in my world and I love each and every one of them.

With that I started Marathon Makeover North Dallas as a side business.  It was to be a business that occupied my weekends essentially and be a way for Karen, Chico and myself to travel for vacations because of the extra income it would generate.

What I have learned is that I have an entrepreneurial spirit.  I love getting things off the ground.  I have my hands in a handful of different projects now and the best part is I am learning about talents I did not know I had.  I have the ability to social market.  I have the ability to market via print as well as online.  I already know the television and radio business so now I am way more rounded out as far as marketing talent is concerned.  I have also learned how to network better and the statement 'you never know who you are going to meet' has been pushed front and center in my new world.

Am I looking for a job still?  Yes, I am but in a world in which I will be happy on a daily basis.  I have hired a career strategist to keep me on the straight and narrow and my eye on the prize.

Performance -
Can I say this was my best year yet?  I sure can.  I raced more than ever before.  I trained harder than ever before.  I trained more than ever before and from all of this I had performances like never before.

In 2010 I raced 11 times.  5 running races and 6 triathlons.  I placed on the podium in one 10k race and one sprint triathlon.  I completed my first Olympic Tri in under 3 hours and believe that I left something on the course.  I ran my 2nd marathon to the tune of a 50 minute improvement on my first and a time of 3:39:23.

I know that I have put miles on my body, my bike and my lungs like never before and I feel better than I have ever before.  My mind is more confident than ever before and its from knowing that I can do things like run a marathon in under 4 hours and be able to think of qualifying for Boston.  I also know that I can compete in a 70.3 race and it will show in April of 2011.


In reflection 2010 has been the best year of my life.  I learned about true love.  I learned about who I am as a person and what my passions are.  I learned that the only obstacle to achieving greatness are the ones we put on ourselves.

Do I have resolutions for 2011?  Nope.  I don't resolve to do anything, I just lay out goals for myself and watch as they tick off the list.  What does that list consist of?  Loving my wife more each and every passing day.  Continue to solidify my relationship with Chico.  Continue to find out who people really are.  Continue to work on the projects I have going and to do that successfully.

I will compete in my first 70.3 race and hopefully a 2nd as well as qualify for Boston.  I have times in my head for the 70.3 races but won't let it out of the bag.  You know what I need for Boston (3:15) so that is the goal there.

2011 will be here in less that 14 hours for those of us in the CST and I will wake up on 1/1/11 and put up a 9 miler.  Now that is what I call a great way to start a New Year.

Here's to you and all you do.  Thank you for motivating and inspiring me.  I can't do the things I do without you.

 

Athlete's Plate - December 30, 2010

Athlete's Plate - December 30, 2010

This is the last Athlete's Plate of 2010 and it is perfect to end the year with a menu dedicated to Lindsay from Chasing the Kenyans.  If you have not been to her blog, go but not until you are done reading all of my posts, then go as fast as you can.  Lindsay is an extremely funny person.  She is creative in an artsy way.  She can draw, she can rap, she makes videos, she can move boxes from cubicle to cubicle.  But most of all she can run.  That name (Chasing the Kenyans) is no joke.  Lindsay is fast and determined.  Don't believe me?  How about the fact that she grades herself every month based on her workouts.  That is really holding yourself accountable.

So, Lindsay, my fellow HoneyMilk drinker this menu is just for you.  I hope you enjoy it and I hope that J makes the dishes for you.  I also hope that your Dad can get through another season of rooting for the Mets and if he needs a shoulder to cry on he can have mine.

Breakfast - KENYAN Ugali Breakfast

Ugali is essentially a polenta cake made with cornmeal, water and milk.  Ugali is typically served as a side dish to meat and vegetables This is my version of Ugali.

Ingredients: 1/6c of cornmeal for polenta, 1/2 cup of HoneyMilk, 1tbs Paremesan Cheese, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, spinach, 1 slice of tomato, 1 egg, balsamic vinegar, 1tbs olive oil, cooking spray
Servings - 1
Directions:
1- To make the Ugali bring the HoneyMilk to a boil, slowly stir in the cornmeal and parmesan cheese.  Continue to stir until it all combines together.  It will be slightly grainy, but will be creamier than just water.
2- Remove Ugali from the heat, form into a cake and set aside.
3- Spray a pan with the cooking spray and cook your egg.  I made it over hard so that the yolk wouldn't dribble everywhere, but make it to your liking.
4- Toast the 1 slice of Whole Wheat Bread
5- Heat the olive oil in a pan and once hot add the polenta cake and cook so that the cake holds together.
6- I used a can but you can use a cookie cutter or some other device to cut the bread, cut the polenta cake and egg.
7- Now stack.  Bread, Polenta Cake, Spinach, Tomatoe, Egg
8- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar
9- Serve with coffee, tea or a glass of HoneyMilk.

AM Snack - Frugal Fitness Bars

(This comes from Lindsay's use of 50 cent sneakers and $12 sweatpants)



Picture courtesy of ifood.tv



Ingredients - 1 mashed banana, 1 1/2 cups dry oatmeal, 1 tbls ground sunflower seeds or flax seed, 1 tbls whole wheat flour, 4 scoops vanilla protein powder, 3/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup olive oil, melted, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup Vanilla HoneyMilk, 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Servings - 12
Directions -
1- Mix all ingredients together in bowl. Pour into 9x12 Baking Pan
2-Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours and store in baggie.
3-Thaw slightly before serving.

Another alternative is to pour into a muffin pan and then you won't have to cut them.

Lunch - Creative Couscous and Veggies

(Samples of Lindsay's creativity can be found here and here)

Phote courtesy of MyRecipe.com



Ingredients - 1 zuchinni, 1 yellow squash, 1 eggplant, 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, 1 onion, cooking spray, 1c water, 3/4c uncooked couscous, 1tsp hot pepper sauce, chopped fresh cilantro, 3/4c cherry tomatoes halved

Servings - 4

Directions -

1- Cut vegetables (not tomatoes) lengthwise and grill or roast or saute

2- Once cooked, cut vegetables into bit size pieces

3- Bring water to boil

4- Stir in couscous and then add hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper

5- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork

6- Add in cilantro and tomatoes and vegetables

7- Serve and enjoy

PM Snack -  EMINEM POWER BAR

(Hopefully after today Lindsay's diet will include more than M&Ms)

Photo courtesy of MakesAndTakes.com

Ingredients - 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3/4 cup shredded coconut, 4 oz applesauce, 2 1/2 tbsp flaxseed, 1/4 cup honey, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 2 oz chopped pecans, 2 oz slivered almonds.

Servings - 24

Directions -

1- Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.

2- In a mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, applesauce, flaxseed, honey and brown sugar. Stir in nuts and coconut.
3- Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 F for about 20 minutes.
4- Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut into bars.
5- Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

Dinner - FIRETRUCK Roasted Tomato/Sweet Potato Fries with Polenta/Mushroom Burger

Ingredients - 1 portabella mushroom, 1 polenta cake (see recipe above), 1/2 sweet potato, 5 round slices of yellow squash, 1/4 onion sliced in length pices, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 can of fire roasted tomatos, spinach, 1 tomatoe slice, 1/2 avocado, handful of olives, 1tbs olive oil
Servings - 1
Directions -
1- Mince garlic, cut onion into long slices, cut sweet potatoe into chuncky fries, slice yellow squash into 5 rounds
2- Heat olive oil in saute pan.  Once hot add onion and sweet potatoe
3- After 5 minutes add in yellow squash and garlic.  Cover and let cook for 5 more minutes
4- Add in 1/2 can of fireroasted tomatoes and cover and cook for 5-10 minutes until sweet potato is soft
5- Grill portabella mushroom until it is soft but firm.
6- Saute your polenta cake so that it browns on both sides.
7- Place mushroom on plate and top with polenta cake
8- Place sweet potato fries on side
9- Finish with a small spinach salad of spinach, tomato, avocado and olives

Lindsay - I hope you enjoy the menu.  And don't forget you need to nominate somebody for the next edition.  Please email me on Monday with that name.  For those of you looking for a menu for me to create for you leave me the most glowing message of my blog and menu then go to Lindsay's and do the same.  Yes bribes work, but more than money (maybe not) we want to be buttered up.

Thank you for reading.
-----------------------------------------
Athlete's Plate announcement:

I have decided to create a book of recipes from this past quarter of 2010.  It will include only my recipes and not those that I borrowed from other sites.  I will post once the book is ready for you to get, and I will do this each quarter with recipes so that you don't have to scroll through the blog to find your favorite recipes.

One thing I ask is that if you make a recipe let me know how it came out for you.  What you liked, didn't like, etc?  And if you change it in anyway let me know.  I love experimenting with food and from your ideas I can get more creative.











BuildASign.com - Product and Customer Service Review

This blog has become a labor of love.  I love coming to my blog to find out who has recently posted and then read what they have on their mind.  See I am a people person and I'm about what can I do for you.  So you can imagine my surprise when I got an email from Megan at BuildASign.com that started like this:

Hi Jason,


I enjoy reading about your experiences as an aspiring triathlete, it's so inspiring.


I am really into health and fitness, so my company is letting me send out products (at no charge) to the best sites and blogs I find in the fitness genre-- and Life Of An Aspiring Triathlete is definitely one of them!
 
With the New Yorker in me I just did not trust this.  Anything like is simply is just too good to be true.  So I emailed Megan back and the emails were being sent back and forth like a tennis ball between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (I'm a Nadal fan because I like his check me out flair, but Federer is the consumate professional who is always even tempered --- what? This is a multi-sport lifestyle blog and tennis is a sport.)
 
Anyway I finally brokedown and trusted that Megan's email was legitamite and I placed an order.  Well, you know I can't do it right the first time.  That is why I love triathlon.  It is about repitition and getting better.  Megan emailed me and told what I needed to change and finally I got it right.  What I ordered was Mile markers for Marathon Makeover participants to follow when we start our Saturday morning runs on January 22nd.
 
I could not fathom the idea of creating 22 separate links so I sent that to Megan and asked if I needed to create 22 of them.  She emailed me back and told me that she would take care of it.  I then realized I needed to make an adjustment and emailed her and she made the change and the signs were done.
 
She then sent me a confirmation email along with a tracking number.  The package was to arrive by January 5th, but to my surprise the delivery occured prior to Christmas and the mile markers look AWESOME.
 



The road to the finish line of a marathon begins with Mile 1.

  
These are going to not only help the participants in finding their way around the route that I lay out but what a great marketing tool as well.  They are big and bold and will certainly capture the eyes of drivers and pedestrians alike as we start down the road of a healthy lifestyle for the Marathon Makeover participants.
 
Let's put this on a grading scale:
Price Points - B+ I have seen some sites that are cheaper but BuildASign.com is competitive
Products - A+ There are so many choices that I could not stop myself the first time in I went to the site
Customer Service - A+ Megan was a treat to work with and she answered all my questions and concerns in a timely manner.
 
Overall Grade - A When the entire package is looked at BuildASign.com is a great company to work with and I would not hesitate to order from them again.
 
All of this being said Megan was kind enough to generate a discount code for my followers.  You can go online and order stickers for your car or fridge.  Get some lawn posters.  Get a Banner that says in 2011 I will be an Ironman....whatever you want and you will get 10% off when you use the code SWIMBIKERUN.  This code is vaild until January 31st.
 
(Disclaimer - I was not paid to write this review or given additional product for the coupon code.  I told Megan I was going to do a review and if she would like to offer my followers a discount and she happily agreed.)

California On My Mind

So on Sunday I went to my blog and saw something that I very rarely look at.  What I saw was the 70.3 Oceanside countdown.  I have not paid attention to this very much because of the DRC 1/2 Marathon and the Dallas White Rock Marathon.  My coach emailed me a couple of weeks ago to tell me that the training was going to ramp up because California was coming up.  It still never dawned on me what that meant.

Then the number finally hit home.  On Sunday I saw 98.  As in 98 days away.  I was 14 weeks away from racing in my first 70.3 race.  I was 14 weeks away from going from an aspiring triathlete to a half-triathlete (not true as I'm a triathlete now but the enormity of the feat just hit me that way.)

Now I am not one to get nervous about these things as I have planned for it.  I have been training for it.  I put myself in a position to succeed.  It's what I do, but the days were for some reason just staring me in the face.  Derek and Mandy (check out their blogs - super cool people doing super cool things) have had a countdown for IMLP going for sometime and I thought it was great.  I have had this countdown on my blog for sometime and it helps to alert you when the race is coming up but it finally spoke to me.

So for the past three days I have been California Dreamin'.  I even changed the background on my blog to what I believe resembles the coast in Oceanside the morning of the race.  This whole race has changed my view of training.  Before it was like I knew I was training for this race, but now each session means more.  To me it means going faster than the guy sleeping in.  To me it means going longer than the other guy just going through the paces.  To me it means pushing my body to the next level.  To me it means pushing my mind to places I never thought existed.  I am honing my craft and my craft is my mind/body connection to not just complete the event but to COMPETE in the race.  Am I dreamin' that I can win....absolutely not, but what I'm dreamin' is that I am going to be the best I can be on that day and I will not accept other options.  Failure is not an option.  Coasting is not an option.  I signed up to compete and compete I will.

On the home page of the 70.3 California website is the following description:
Athletes will enjoy the calm waters of the 1.2-mile swim course in Oceanside Harbor, the tough one-loop, 56-mile bike course that includes the coastal beauty of San Clemente State Park and the challenging inland hills of Camp Pendleton 13.1-mile run through the coastal neighborhoods of Oceanside.


The 1.2 mile swim starts with a wave start and I have 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete the swim.  The 56 mile bike is 1 loop with a 4 hour and 20 minute cut-off.  The 13.1 mile run is 2 loops with a cut-off of 3 hours.  Total time to complete the race is 8 hours and 30 minutes.
 
My training has gotten me to the point that I know I have the endurance to complete this race today.  What I also know is that the training has ramped up to the point of pushing my body further and further.  Coach was not lying when she told me it was going to get harder.  It has gotten to the point that I almost lost my lunch twice in the past week.  Once during 12x400 repeats at a once unthought of pace of 6:00-6:06/mile and once during a 2 hour trainer ride where I was pushing the RPMs higher and higher.  Today may be the third time that this happens because I have 6z800 repeats at a pace of 6:15/mile.
 
All of this being said I am loving it.  I am loving the fact that my body is responding to this training by being able to go faster, harder and longer (insert joke here.)  I am loving the fact that I look forward to swim training now.  This has been a breakthrough week for me.  A week in which I say....who cares if you throw up?  Are your competitors throwing up or are they eating cookies and cake and candy and sleeping in because it's the holidays?

There is no substitute  for hard work.  There is no magic pill (Thanks Jon) to getting faster.  There is no more powerful muscle in the human body than the mind.....as the mind goes so does the body.  My mind is being trained just as much as my body.

So as I continue to dream and visualize the race I will leave you with this:

or maybe this is more your style:

Maybe something more modern:

  No matter your style and flair just know that I got California On My Mind....

Reflections from Christmas

Yesterday we all celebrated Christmas in our own special way.  Hopefully you all had a day filled with family, friends, gifts, a little bit of arguing, hugging, and laughing.  I know I did and I wanted to share with you what happened yesterday that made me smile.

The day started with me waking up and immediately knowing that I was alone.  A feeling that I don't like as I am always the one that wakes up first, kissed my wife gently and sneaks out of the room for some coffee, toast and prep for a workout.  Where was Karen and noticed the doors to the bedroom closed.  I went out there and she was just laying there on the couch and she told me she couldn't sleep and didn't want to bother me so that I could get much needed rest because of the hard training week I had.  Gift #1

After breakfast we decided to go for our planned run.  I was going to run 8 miles at a 7:45-7:50/mile pace and she was just going to log how many every miles she wanted to.  We went to a new place to run.  The 380 Greenbelt and it was incredible.  The path was crushed gravel that was flat but the scenery was perfect.  It is an area that is essentially closed off to life.  I started running and past two guys coming in the other direction then all of a sudden I see a white tail dart across the path.  That was a deer wasn't it?  A few moments later I come up on another deer.  Just standing there staring at me.  What do I do?  I stand there and stare back.  I shuffle some leaves around but the deer doesn't move.  I wait and finally the deer walks away from me and I start running again.  I am prepared to spring if the deer comes after me.  I pass and a few moments later a much smaller one standing there.  I smiled the rest of that leg of the run because of the beauty of nature.  Gift #2

Karen and I stop for lunch at an Indian restaurant.  First time I have ever had Indian food and it was beyond delicious.  The great part about it is that they have a lot of vegetable dishes and I dove right into one.  It was hot and tasty on a rather cold day.  Best part of this meal was eating it across from my wife and knowing that although 2010 has not been the best year of my life I was sharing a meal with her.  Gift #3

I decided to call my Mother and wish her a Merry Christmas.  I dialed her cell phone and no answer.  I called another number I had stored for her and there was an answer but it wasn't my mother.  I figured it was Bill's (my mother's fiance) mom who had come down from Virginia.  We spoke for a while and we laughed.  I asked to talk to my mother and the woman asked me who I thought I was talking to.  I said Bill's mom and she said no and that her name was Mary.  I had the wrong number but my conversation with this stranger was great as we laughed and talked about our families for over 5 minutes.  When I hung up the phone I just smiled as what a great moment I just shared and hopefully brought joy to somebody else.  Gift #4



I finally got a hold of my mother on the third number.  My mother has not had a great 2010 either but we spoke on the phone and all of that stuff didn't matter.  We enjoyed each other's voices and I told her that I was going to be heading up there soon (I might drive there after the New Year to surprise her.)  I miss my mother dearly and all my other family in Charlotte.  I spoke to my sister for some time and she told me that 2011 was going to be a different year for her and she was going to lose 60 lbs and I was so happy for her.  I then spoke to Jayden (my nephew who is 5) and that kid is great.  He is something special and just makes me laugh every time I talk to him.  Then it was time to talk to Bill and we laughed about my conversation with Mary.  Bill is such a great guy and I am happy that my mother found him and has made a life with him.  She deserves it.  Gift #5



Jayden's version of pushups

Bahamundi Men about 2 years ago

 



Sitting at the house the rest of the afternoon waiting for Chico to come home.  See Chico has been with his dad for the past 10 days and while it gave Karen and I the opportunity to get back to our dating ways and retrieve that love again it is hard to go 10 days without the little guy.  He was dropped off by his dad around 5pm and it was great to see him.  We told him that Santa had come to this house and left stuff in his stocking and under the tree.  What we actually did was leave his gifts under his tree and not under the family tree.  He ran to the family tree and said that he guessed that Santa thought he was a naughty boy.  From there we told him to clean his room and that would help him start his new year as a good boy and maybe Santa would come back the next year with a lot of gifts for him.  He went flying into his room and well.....see for yourself. Gift #6.

One of his gifts from his Aunt was these socks/slippers.  I just laughed the entire time at them and he loved them.



I watched Chico rip through his gifts and make an attempt to play with every one of them at the same time and I remembered what it was like to be a kid.  I thought about how I wanted to do everything.  Be a professional athlete, a fireman, a cop, an entrepreneur.....all at the same time.  I then thought about all the things that I have been doing lately.  Starting Marathon Makeover, getting Athlete's Plate to be syndicated on two other websites which would push it to 4, starting an e-book for Athlete's Plate, Training, Finding a job, Starting a Non-Profit, Researching a career as a travelling personal cook....I want to do it all and I can.  I thought of thanking Chico but he would have no clue what I was talking about but he provided me a great gift by going back to being a kid and forgetting about all the restrictions we as adults put on ourselves.  Gift #7

Karen made dinner last night and it was a chili that we removed the chicken from as we continue on our quest for a more plant based diet.  The chili was a green chili that had white beans and hominy.  It is so tasty and I threw in some chipotle peppers and hot sauce and made it spicy.  Chico was playing with one of his toys and Karen and I sat at the table and we talked.  We reflected on our lives so far.  What had gone right and what we needed to fix but then we spoke about our 'first' Christmas.  I was living in New York and she was in Dallas.  We would talk via video chat.  She was having a hard time putting together a toy for Chico and I so wanted to be there to help her.  I had her move the camera so I could see the toy and we talked through it for a long time but never got it done until she called a friend.  It was a great time of looking back and how we started (long-distance after meeting online through divorce recovery) to where we are today and how we couldn't imagine not being with the other.  Gift #8

While Karen and Chico watched a movie I watched the Cardinals-Cowboys game in the other room and thought about the fact that we went to Karen's Ex-Husbands house for Christmas Eve so that Chico could have everybody around him all at once.  It was a nice gesture by the Ex and while we were only there for about 30 minutes it was nice to have been invited.  It also opened up my eyes to the Ex's world and it led me to think that I used to want so much but it all revolved around having more and more money.  I had a high-paying job but for the past year I was not happy with it.  I was just not myself and once I saw what the Ex had which was family and friends and lots of smiles around him I realized I didn't need a ton of money to be happy.  I needed to do something that I love and that would bring family and friends close to me and that would make me happy.  Gift #9

Christmas day ended with Karen and I laying in bed and just laughing.  All the cares in the world were gone.  All the issues of life were gone.  Chico got a lot of Christmas gifts.  Ginga was snoring and we were now capable of ending the day the way it started and that was with us together and me realizing that I had everything anybody could ever ask for.  A loving wife, a great behaving step-son and a quiet snoring dog.  All was well with life.  Gift #10

This was the absolute best Christmas Day I have ever had.  I learned a lot about myself and it is something that will carry me forward in life.

What were you able to reflect on during the Christmas holiday?  How has it changed you for the future?

Thank you for reading.  I truly do appreciate it.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to wish you all of very Merry Christmas.  Today has been a very special day and tomorrow I will lay out all that has transpired for me today.

Athlete's Plate - December 23, 2010

Athlete's Plate - December 23, 2010

This week the Athlete's Plate is dedicated to Marlene over at Mission to a(nother) Marathon.  Beth from Shut Up and Run nominated her and I am glad that she did.  I had not been following Marlene so it led me to stalk follow another blog.  It is choc(olate) full of great inspiration, pictures and stories.

Here is what I was able to find out about Marlene while perusing her blog:

1- From Canada

2- Began her running career essentially in 2007 and has since been pounding the pavement to the tune of (at last count) 35 races which include 4 marathons.

3- Has lost 12.2 lbs since November 1st but she isn't counting.

4- Her husband runs as well

5- Has 491 followers (go say something nice to her now so she nominates you.)

6- Doesn't run in your normal running gear all the time (M&Ms, Colored Stockings)

She is an inspiration to all of us.  Go check out her blog and start following.

Breakfast - Tim Horton's Hears A Who! Green Eggs and Canadian Bacon (Ham) -- Dr Seuss 

Ingredients: 1/3c Egg Substitute, 2 tbs Salsa Verde, Handful of spinach, Vegan Cheese, Whole Wheat Tortilla, 1 slice Canadian Bacon (not shown in pic)

Servings - 1

Directions:

1- Heat up tortilla in microwave for 20 seconds to get it soft.

2- Place spinach on top of tortilla

3- Cook egg substitute in non-stick pan

4- Place egg in middle of tortilla

5- Top with vegan cheese

6- Top with Salsa Verde

7- Place in microwave for 20 seconds so cheese melts.  Anything longer and the spinach will let out a lot of water so even if the cheese isn't fully melted it will still taste great.

Serve with coffee and away you go.

AM Snack - Bathroom Changing Crunchy Oatmeal Bars

(recipe courtesy of Thatsmyhome.com)

 

Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups regular oats, uncooked, 1/2 cup flaked coconut, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 cup wheat germ, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cashews, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup sesame seeds,

1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings - 30
Directions:
1-Combine first 8 ingredients in large bowl; stir well, and set aside.
2-Combine honey, brown sugar and oil in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; add peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until peanut butter melts. Pour honey mixture over oats mixture; stir well. Mixture will be dry at first; continue stirring until moist.
3-Press mixture into a greased 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan, using greased fingertips. Press mixture flat with the back of a wide metal spatula. Bake at 250 degrees F for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into bars while warm. Let cool completely in pan.
4-Remove bars from pan. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Lunch - Festivus Mulligatawny Soup (Seinfeld reference)

(Recipe courtesy of Food.com)

Ingredients - 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped , 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 whole dried chili, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 tablespoon coriander, 4 cups vegetable stock (store bought is ok), 1 large carrot, finely sliced, 1 large new potato, rinsed unpeeled, & cubed, 1 large green pepper, finely chopped, 2 -3 plum tomatoes, chopped, 1 stalk celery, finely sliced, 1 can coconut milk (398ml), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced,  

Servings - 6 to 8
Directions -
1- In a large pot over medium heat sauté onions in melted butter until soft and translucent but not caramelized.
2 -Add seasonings to onions; continue to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes till they are well incorporated.
3 -Stir in Vegetable stock, then add vegetables and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
4 - Stir in coconut milk and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool several minutes. Remove whole dried chili. Using a hand blender blend well, while a allowing some variance in texture to remain.
5 - Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro, and let stand for 1 hour or so to allow the flavors to mature.
6 - Reheat gently and then serve. Preferably with warm Nan or pita.

 

PM Snack - Pretty In Pinto Bean Pink Quesadillas

Ingredients- 2 whole wheat tortillas, black & pinto bean spread, vegan cheese, spinach, mushrooms, avocado
Servings - 1
Directions:
1- Create spread by draining and washing 1 can of black beans and pinto beans
2- Place beans in food processor and blend with olive oil added until you reach your desired consistency
3- Place spread on both tortillas
4- Place spinach on bottom tortilla
5- Place mushrooms on top of spinach
6- Place vegan cheese on top of mushrooms
7- Place other tortilla on top with spread side down
8- Place on panini press that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray
9- Cut avocado in 1/2 and remove pit.
10- Using 1/2 of the avocado smash with fork
11- Cut the other 1/2 of the avocado into slices
12 - Cook quesadilla until tortilla gets crunchy (maybe 2 minutes)
13- Spread mashed avocado on top of quesadilla and cut into 4s

Dinner - Grilled Chicken with Quinoa and Dried Fruit

(go to this link for reference)



Photo courtesy of Little Stomaks



Ingredients - 4 oz chicken breast, 1 cup of quinoa (will create more than 1 serving - close to 4), 1/4 cup of dried fruit
Servings - 1
Directions -
1- Grill your chicken after putting salt and pepper to taste.  Can't grill then heat up oven to 350 degrees and bake.
2 While your chicken is cooking place quinoa in pot with 1 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
3- Remove quinoa from heat and let sit with lid on for 5 minutes
4- Add dried fruit to quinoa and mix and fluff
5- Make sure chicken is cooked all the way through and plate.

Ending the Year With A (Virtual) 70.3

Lucas over at The Super Fatlete is putting on a virtual 70.3 race that started on 12/20 and ends on Christmas Eve.  What a great way to keep the competitive juices flowing and training through the holidays.

Today he announced a catch to this virtual race of his.  The catch was that if you ate cookies, brownies, cake or pie you were penalized.  Another great way to avoid the sweets although the penalty is 1:00 for 3 cookies.  Depending on where I am at in terms of time on at 11:30pm on 12/24 I might take that one minute penalty.

So the concept is to get in 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking and 13.1 miles of running in this timeframe.  He has a spreadsheet all set up for you to input your times, distances and dates as well as those sweets.  Does all the calculating for you.  Easy Peasy.

So on Monday I had a swim session that got me the 1.2 miles followed by a 90 minute trainer work out.  Guess who skipped that and is now thinking I can't get to the 56 miles on the bike.  I have a 90 minute trainer workout today but that will likely net me around 20 miles on the trainer as I am slow on the trainer.

Yesterday I ran 6.2 miles but let me be clear on the miles.  My training called for a 10-15 minute warm-up followed by 12x400m with :90 RI at 6:06 to 6:10/mile pace and then a 10 minute cool-down.  Here in Texas it was an un-winter like 80+ degrees.  I went to the track at lunch and as we all know the track is hotter.  I put up 1.5 miles in the warm-up and then time for the 400s.

The first one was done at sub-6 pace and so was the second one.  I couldn't tell what the Garmin was telling me so I just kept at it.  After that I was in debt and my pace slowed down starting with #4 as #3 was done at 6:03.  #4 through #12 was around 6:28 pace.  It was at set #8 that I almost lost my lunch and thought only two more you can do it.  It wasn't until I was done with #8 that I realized I had to to for 4 more and not 2 more.  Each set after that was followed by hands on knees, breathing heavy and virtually puking all over the ruby reds.  I pushed through it and finished.  I began my cool-down and walked one lap.  I got around to walking the 2nd lap and when I was done I realized I could just add 0.2 miles more and make it an even 10K.

I have more running to do tomorrow so I know I will get to the 13.1 miles on the run and just need to push the trainer today to get that 56 miles in.

There is some stiff competition in this race that I know of so I need to really push it.

Good luck to my fellow competitors and keep up the good work through the holdiays.
------------------------------------
The Athlete's Plate blogger nominee reveal:
Beth at Shut Up And Run has nominated Marlene from Mission To A(nother) Marathon.

Head over to Marlene's blog to wish her a quick return to health.

Athlete's Plate by 4 year olds

So as I was getting ready to peruse through the nominated blog tonight and begin to build the ideas for an Athlete's Plate based on that blogger when I remembered that I was given a Holiday Cookbook by Chico's teacher when I picked him up the other day.  Karen and I have gone through this many times and laugh each and every time.

Go through the menu and let me know your favorite.

Chico on the cover....that boy has some cooking gear!!!!

Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chicken Pizza

Cheese Tacos and Pepperoni Pizza

Chocolate Ice Cream and PB & J

Cheesy Pasta and Fruity Green Beans

Texas Chicken and Spaghetti with Meat (not meatballs!)

Meat (not meatloaf!) with special sauce and Mashed Potatoes

Ice Cream Sundae

You can leave a comment after you stop laughing.

So I Was (Borrowed Idea)

So I was over at She Said I Need A Goal on Thursday and the post inspired me.  Go check out the blog and be sure to follow on Twitter as well (apparently you will be shouted outed if you don't - read today's post)

The basis of the post was to take the words So I Was and add a word to it with a description.  This may or may not have been the original idea but this is what I'm running with.

So I was


Wondering what I would make for dinner to continue this idea of eating a plant based diet.  It has worked so far and I feel leaner and stronger and the challenge of cooking meals to keep this going is excellent for creativity.
Contemplating what is going to happen at the recruiter meeting I have today.  Will they just pop out a job and say let's apply to these or gather more and more information to find the ideal scenario for me?  What if I don't like what they generate?  What if I love it?
Thinking I need to get over to the blog that SUAR has nominated.  No I won't tell you who it is but be sure to get some great blog posts in between today and Wednesday morning so that I have some fuel for a menu.
Wishing That my wife was able to spend all day with me today.  We had a great weekend with friends on each day but the best times were when we were alone together enjoying each other's company.  Even when she was taking a nap and Ginga (our pug) was laying next to her on the couch doing the same thing.

Hoping that this Cybil like weather would finally pick one direction.  Of course that direction would be the one in the high 60s and not the mid-30s I experienced on Saturday morning down at White Rock Lake.  It was so cold my foot felt like a block of ice while I ran the first few miles.

Recommending you grab some Kleenex and watch the Kona telecast again and again.  I won't ruin it for you but it's a tear-jerker.  NBC did a great job once again mixing in the music with the events on the screen.  Of course we want to see more age groupers but in the end they did a great job.  Find a friend with it on their DVR and watch it again and again.  I've already seen it twice.  Just grab the Kleenex first.

Talking to my coach and her husband last night and I learned a lot.  I learned that my coach was a flight attendant in her prior life and 'commuted' from Dallas to Los Angeles to then fly to London.  Land in London and run 20 miles.....yes I found the right person for my personality.  I also learned that I need to apply for a job at a company and let coach's husband know because of his contacts.
Listening to the debacle on ESPN that is known as the Heist at the Meadowlands.  I am still trying to formulate the end of this game in my head.  If you watch the NFL then you know what I'm talking about.  If you are a Giants fan (like myself) I am with you in the consolation.  If you want to email me with just curse words feel free as I feel the same way.
Contemplating starting a non-profit organization that recognizes children that lost their dads early in their life.  I lost my dad when I was just out of college and I miss him dearly.  He was not physically at my wedding (either of them.....go ahead and laugh it's funny!), he did physically help me move to Dallas, he did physically see me compete at the US Open and finish my first Olympic tri in under 3 hours or my fastest marathon in 3:39:23.  But he was there each step of the way and I am contemplating helping others get through this type of hard time.

Laughing at everything.  There is nothing in this world where we can't find some humor in.  No matter how hard life may seem there is always room to laugh and smile....yes you can include crying but in the end you will get through the hardest of times with humor.
Enjoying the HoneyMilk Creme Brulee' that I made for Karen and myself on Friday night.  There are some adjustments that need to be made but for a first try this dessert came out awesome.

In awe of the sweater that Michael Vick wore at the press conference at the end of the Eagles-Giants game.  It was a black/white/grey plaid pullover sweater that just looked good and something I might have to find online and stare at.

Missing my mother, sister, nephew and mom's fiance.  They live in Charlotte and I have not seen them in a long long time.  I truly do miss them and really need to make more of a concerted effort to get in touch with them.  Emails and Facebook are great but they cannot replace the feeling I get when I hear their voices.

Excited about getting offered a job but in the end the starting salary is palatable but the growth salary just won't be enough to make ends meet while we still have the house.  I will have to pass on the offer but hopefully that means there is another around the corner.

Staring at my pug walking around the house with a bone that is bigger than her.  She loves that rawhide and I need to take lessons from her. It's the small things in life that mean the most.  She has toys all over the place but in the end it is a rawhide bone that keeps her busy for hours on end.  Good Ginga!!!!!


So what were you _____________ ??????

Product Review of the Adidas AdiZERO Tempo Shoe

Adidas AdiZERO Tempo Shoes

If you are a regular follower of my blog then you know I just bought a pair of Adidas AdiZERO Tempo Shoes.  If you are new, then you can go to my blog post here to read how these are going to get me to Boston.

So today I was finally able to run in these wonderful looking shoes.  Since the shoes became available to me my training has involved time trials for swimming and cycling plus one rest day.  Needless to say I have been itching to put these bad boys to the test and see how they would perform.  Were they as light as they felt?  Would my foot feel stable in them?  I was told they are extremely comparable to my Asics DS and I know how light and stable those are so I was excited to have another shoe that was just so much better looking.

The adidas site provides product information and details which are below:

Product Information

Presenting the ultimate lightweight stability running shoe. The adidas adiZERO™ Tempo is the lightest running shoe in its class, with ground-adapting FORMOTION™ and TORSION® SYSTEM for response. Pure and simple in appearance and function, it gives you everything you need, with nothing you don't.

Details
Weight: 9.5 oz. (size 9)
FORMOTION™ adapts to the ground to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable run possible
Air mesh upper for maximum ventilation; Non-slip lining for comfort and performance; adiPRENE®+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency
TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot integrity; Pro-moderator medial support device prevents overpronation
adiPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact
Blown rubber outsole for lightweight grip and cushion
Imported

Today's training called for a one hour and fifteen minute run at a pace of 7:46/mile so I knew this would be a great test for the shoe.

I put them on for the first time with the idea of running.  When we got out to our local running area I immediately understood what the description of 'air mesh upper for maximum ventilation' meant because my feet were frozen.  It was about 35 degrees at the lake and I was cold.  So in terms of description this was spot on.  It took me about 3 miles before I didn't feel like I was running with cement blocks for toes, but this is not a con one bit.  In a warmer setting there is no doubt in my mind that my feet would not heat up because of the ventilation.

In regards to the shoe being lightweight I can say that I barely noticed the shoe.  As a matter of fact the ICE club that I was running with actually felt like I was running without shoes.  It felt so great to be able to cruise through this route without wondering if the shoe was going to be too heavy to maintain that 7:46/mile pace.

Just because I didn't feel the shoes on my feet in terms of its weight does not mean that they didn't support my foot.  This shoe felt just as stable as the Asics DS which weighs about 0.7 oz more than the AdiZERO.  The difference in weight was noticeable but not the stability.  Each foot strike was met with a response that almost felt like I was springing forward.

The shoe is extremely stylish if you like to introduce yourself at a party with a 'YO.....THE PARTY JUST SHOWED UP' which is my personality.  As a matter of fact during my run a woman on a bike said 'i love your red shoes' as she passed me.  So if you want to be fast and stylish then get these.

The Adidas adiZERO is perfect for me and makes me regret not purchasing two from RunOn! so that I could have a training pair and a racing pair.

And I just found out that they actually make a pair of shoes called the adiZERO Boston....so I guess I now have two regrets.....except the Boston's don't come in Ruby Red and I like to be the life of the party.

So did I hit my training goal you might be wondering.  After all these shoes were everything they were supposed to be but how about performance.  The 1 hour and 15 minute run was done at a pace of 7:42/mile which is 4 seconds per mile faster....yes they worked

See you all in Boston in 2012....these shoes are going to get me there.

Disclaimer:  I was not asked or paid to review this shoe by Adidas.  If Adidas would like to send me a pair of size 9 white adiZERO Boston's for review I would be happy to do that for them.

Pay It Forward Winner Revealed and More

So you all want to know who won the Pay It Forward giveaway, but I am going to hold off on the announcement because you will see if it were you or not and just leave.

So here is the More and then the winner.....don't scroll down....c'mon read the non-sense I am writing here.

1- It has been brought to my attention that I should put my recipes in a cookbook or something of that nature.  Well I would love to, but that is a lot of work plus as you know my joy for the Athlete's Plate comes from actually going through your blog to find out more about you.  Maybe one day I will just upload all the links into an eBook and give it away to the first 10 people that want one and then after that charge $1.99 for them.......what a concept.....I'm on it.

2- I really love HoneyMilk more than I thought.  I went out today and bought all the ingredients for the healthiest creme brulee' I could find and when it said soymilk I said to myself HoneyMilk....so I am going to attempt that tonight and surprise Karen with a little dessert and some wine.  Don't worry she doesn't read my blog at work so it will still be a surprise.

3- My coach is coming up to Big D this weekend with her CompuTrainer and seriously.....that is my Christmas right there.  The words watts and power and outage were in her email and I honestly don't know if she doesn't have electricity at home or not because I did not read the email after those words and jumped up and down like a kid.

4- We have a showing of our house tomorrow and this came on the day we took our house off the market so maybe this is the one.  That would be better than a CompuTrainer Christmas.

5- I had an interview yesterday and one today and hopefully they are springboards into a career in health and fitness.  Being unemployed is for the birds....not a lot of fun I tell you.

6- I sat down with Juan yesterday and he is feeling much better.  Got a 2nd opinion on his injuries and it was a better diagnosis.  I am excited for him because IMTX is still in the plans.  That being said we discussed starting a Tri team up here called Team JAG.  His name is Juan Aguirre so you can see where the JAG comes from.

7- No Chico for the next 10 days which is tough but on the bright side it gives Karen and I an opportunity to go back to our dating days and not adult parenting days.  It is a way for us to rekindle the fire and fall in love all over again.

8- I am anxiously awaiting Beth's nomination for the next Athlete's Plate.  With all her followers it must be hard to pick just one but it will be great either way.  Beth I told you were going to be involved in every post from here on out.....LOL!!!!!

9- To Jennifer over at Miles, Muscles and MommyHood.  Chuck Norris would have given Lola the camera too because he is not as tough as Lola!!!!

10 - Lastly and because you came this far.....head over the EAP.  Do it now.  It is a great site for Endurance Athletes.  The banner is right there to the left.  Click on it, go check it out and then sign up.  Great site.

PAY IT FORWARD GIVEAWAY WINNER

So after counting and re-counting how many comments were left (Thanks EMZ, Allison and Julie) I came up with 29 unique comments and Random.org picked out #27.  That belonged to Whitney who runs the blog Running With Whit.  First thing I noticed about her blog was the plaid.....very cool.  She has been blogging since March of this year and runs with the Rush Running team.  In 2009 she discovered the sport of triathlon.

Here profile has the word FUN in it 3x so I'm going to assume that she likes to have fun and that is my kind of person.  Always keep smiling.

Whitney send me your address so I can get the books out to you prior to Christmas and don't forget all your promises.  Read them, write something inspirational/motivational in them, host a giveaway, let me know when the giveaway is going on, then mail the books out to the lucky winner of your blog.

So to all of you who did not win the books here is a hint on how to win them over at Whitney's blog.  Go over there and become a follower.....then you already got that out of the way and only need to leave one comment when she hosts the giveaway.....easy peasy.

Athlete's Plate - December 16, 2010

ATHLETE'S PLATE - DECEMBER 16, 2010

In the third installment of the Blogger Athlete's Plate menu I am presenting Beth from Shut Up and Run.  Beth is an open book to say the least.  When I informed her that she had been nominated by Q she was excited and essentially told me that everything was fair game.  If you have never been to her blog, and I doubt that you haven't as she has over 1000 followers, then let me just say this:  BRUTALLY HONEST.

Beth is open about everything us runners go through and not just about running.  Yes, there is discussion of poop, fart and her favorite the shart.  But she is honest about being a real person in terms of wife, mother of children and a 3 legged 1 eyed dog.

I would think that spending a weekend in Beth's house would force you to wear Depends from the laughter that would be going on during the stay.  I would think that the conversations would be so real you would not want to pack up your stuff and leave.

All that being said Beth's menu was harder tocreate then the two previous Blogger Athlete Plates because there are no really hidden secrets in her blog.  I went scrolling through and hit older post, older post, older post so much my mouse button got stuck.  Where was that hidden gem I needed?  I found one that I hope she had forgotten about and brings a smile to her face.

Leave comments here and on Beth's page so that she will nominate you for a menu.

Breakfast:  Oatmeal with brown SUgAR

Ingredients: 1/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup HoneyMilk, 1 tbs ground flax seed, 1tbs brown sugar, 1/2 banana, 1 serving blueberries, cinnamon for taste

Servings: 1

Directions:

1- Put oats and HoneyMilk into a pot and heat over low to medium heat

2- Add in ground flax seed and brown sugar

3- Stir until milk starts to boil

4- Once boiling stir feverishly until the mixture gets to your consistency

5- Remove from heat and pour into bowl

6- Add in blueberries and banana

Enjoy with coffee

AM Snack - PARTY IN MY CABANA cookies

(from Vegan on the Cheap by Robin Robertson)

Ingredients: 1/3c margarine, 1c SUgAR, 1/3c HoneyMilk, 3/4c creamy peanut butter, 1tsp pure vanilla extract, pinch salt, 2c quick-cooking oats, 3/4c chocolate chips

Servings - 24

Directions:

1- In medium saucepan melt margarine over medium heat.  Stir in the HoneyMilk and sugar.  Cook, stirring until it just comes to a boil.  Cook, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar.

2- Remove saucepan from heat.  Add the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt, stirring until well blended.  Add the oats and chocolate chips and stir until well mixed.

3- Drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet.  Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.

I eat my AM snack around 11-11:30p so this is a perfect snack for that time with a glass of milk.

Lunch - Tootin' Torta Rustica

(from Vegan on the Cheap by Robin Robertson)



Pic courtesy of StaciSnacksOnline

 Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants cut into 1/4" slices, 2 tbs olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 8oz white mushrooms (chopped), 8oz of turkey sausage or no sausage at all, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried marjoram, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, 2 10oz packages of frozen spinach (thawed and well drained), 1 15.5oz can of canellini beans (drained and rinsed), 1/4c nutritional yeast, 1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes (drained), 1 9oz jar roasted bell peppers (drained and finely chopped), 2tbs chopped fresh parsley, 1 14" pie crust, 1 9" pie crust
Servings - 8
Directions:
1- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Brush eggplant slices with 1 tbs oil and bake for 10 minutes on each side.  Set aside to cool.  Reduce oven temps to 400 degrees.
2- In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbs of oil over medium heat.  Add onion, cover and cook for 10 minutes until soft.  Uncover and add in garlic, mushrooms, sausage (if using), basil, marjoram, oregano, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper.  Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.  Stir in the spinach and cook until all liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes.  Set aside to cool completely.
3- In food processor, combine the beans and yeast and process until smooth. Set aside.
4- In medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, roasted peppers and parsley.  Mix well and set aside.
5- Place the pie crust into a 9" springform pan.  Press against the edges and sides and let edge of dough hang over edge of pan.
6- Spread a layer of the bean mixture on the bottom of the pie crust. Top with layer of eggplant, followed by spinach mixture, and then the tomatoe-pepper mixture.  Repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used up.
7- Place other pie crust on top and crimp edges.  Place 4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
8- Place the pan on a baking sheet or wrap the bottom of the pan with foil.  Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes.  Cool the torta in the pan for at least 30 minutes.  Remove the sides of the pan and serve.
 

PM Snack - Chocolate SHART Brownies

(from Vegan on the Cheap by Robin Robertson)

 



Photo courtesy of coffeeandvanilla.com

Ingredients: 1c canned black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/2c SUgAR, 3tbs canola oil, 4tbs unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ripe banana, 2 tbs instant coffee, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 c all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp salt, 3/4 c semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 c walnut pieces
Servings - 16
Directions:
1- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 8" square baking pan and set aside.
2- In a food processor, combine black beans, sugar and oil, and blend until smooth.  Add the banana, coffee, and vanilla and blend until smooth.
3- Scrape the mixture into a large mixing bowl.  Add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix until smooth.  Stir in the chocolate chips and walnut pieces.
4- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (25 to 30 minutes.)  Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for several hours before cutting into squares.

Dinner - SWIMMING Upstream Salmon and Brown Rice



Photo courtesy of windsorlegiontrack.com



Ingredients - 1 4oz piece of salmon, Brown rice, 1/2 medium carrot (chopped), 1/4c raisins, spinach

Servings - 1

Directions -

1- Grill salmon or saute if no grill available.  Leave the salmon alone and don't touch it.  It will naturally pull away from the grill or pan and then you can flip to cook on other side.

2- In 1 tbs of olive oil saute the carrots until your preferred tenderness.

3- Cook brown rice according to package (I use quick and serve -- in the microwave for 90 seconds)

4- Combine rice and carrots and raisins until thoroughly mixed.

5- Saute spinach in pan.  Use more than you think as spinach wilts down into nothing.

6- Place spinach on plate with salmon on top.  Put the rice to the side.

Enjoy with a nice glass of wine.  I prefer red, but drink what you like.

Remember to eat in moderation so don't go eating the cookies/brownies in one sitting.  Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day as well.

Beth - I hope you enjoy the menu as much as I enjoyed going through your blog.  Lots and lots of material and there could be a full year's worth of Athlete's Plates from your blog.

Please email me your nomination for the next Athlete's Plate and I will notify them of the nomination.

Happy Eating and as always KEEP SMILING!!!!!

---------------------------------

Please do not forget the Pay it Forward giveaway.  Simple entry.  It expires tomorrow at 12pm CST.

To enter go here.