All Kids Count 5k

I wasn't too sure about this race. I signed up to do it solo. After picking up my bib, I was filled with so much self-doubt.

I acknowledged my fear and gathered my things. I spent a quiet evening home alone watching a movie and trying to calm my nerves.

My training hasn't been the best for the past three weeks. Headaches and fatigue. Now, this stomach ailment. At any rate, I was determined to show up and try.

Well, it wasn't as bad as I thought. My worst fear, being the last one across the finish line, did not come true. What I continue to find is a bunch of encouraging people who are willing to give you a high five, thumbs up, and encouraging words.

I ran the first mile. I took two walk breaks during the second mile. The third mile was rough. My run/walk ratio was probably 50/50. More than anything, I kept telling myself to run my own race and stop worrying about being at the back of the pack. I need to embrace and accept that I am a back of the pack runner.

As long as I finish in under an hour, I'm fine. I am out there doing something I never thought I could do -- running! So what if I'm slow! I did it and I am very proud of myself.

As I just tweeted, it doesn't escape me that in about a month I will be doing TWICE the distance. I will be ready. I need to stay healthy and injury-free.

I also decided to do another month of my plant-based challenge. I also think I need to stay away from eating out. Going home soon and my cousin, who is always so supportive, has already found some vegan restaurants for me to try.

Black Beans and Brown Rice Extravaganza!

Well, I decided I was gradually ease into the 28-day challenge. I want it to be a lifestyle change, not a diet or a challenge.

Sunday I made Engine 2's Black Beans and Brown Rice Extravaganza It's yummy. There's a lot of chopping but it is well worth it!

Sunday I threw in some salsa. Yesterday I ate it without any topping or dressing. Tonight I sprinkled a tablespoon of Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar in my bowl. This is definitely something I will add to my rotation.

Next I'm going to try making the Plant-Strong Burgers using lentils.

Engine 2 Challenge

I am thinking about starting the Engine 2 Diet Challenge. I watched Knives over Forks a couple of years ago. For the most part, I have been semi-vegetarian. I really do not like meat, never had. I just do not like the texture. However, I do like a nice burger. I also like chicken and fish.

Right now, I probably eat red meat once every two or three months and chicken two or three times a month. Well, I take that back, I eat turkey sausage almost every day for breakfast. Other than that, I get most of my protein from beans and protein powder.
Today I felt like crying. I’m sick and tired of being tired. I know a lot of it has to do with my consistent running. The other part is my thyroid. I am convinced this increased dosage is doing nothing for me. If I go back, she’s only test me again and probably give me another increase.

So, I have been researching thyroid function to see if making any nutritional changes might help. This is one of the reasons I am thinking about doing the challenge. I have already tried a few of the recipes. I especially liked the Raise the Roof Sweet Potato Lasagna. I think it will be challenging and interesting to see if I can get more sustained energy from eating a plant-based diet.

Well see….