She Says: Patience Is a Virtue
I think I’ve been exhibiting a certain level of patience with myself and my ankle since spraining it 1 week ago. I don’t think about the half marathon I want to run in May. Instead I focus on each day. That said, every night I say to Mark, “Tomorrow I am going to be able to run,” and every morning I wake up and know that’s not the case. I can’t believe I miss running, but I do. Today I woke up and really thought I would be ale to do a short, easy run. At the gym, I hopped on a treadmill, incline 0, speed 6. I tried for 30 seconds before I stopped. While I can do almost everything without any sensation or pain, the act of stepping through while running was too much. It’s more important to me that I get better for the long term than run a few miles today. Interestingly, it was my decision to run a half marathon that gave me that perspective. I think I could go ahead and run a bit here and there and be fine, but if I ever want to do a half marathon I need to be able to thing beyond the first few quick and easy miles, just like I need to think beyond today and what is best for my ankle and body in the long term. Anyway, I was frustrated that I couldn’t run, but I used the elliptical instead. I cannot tell you how sick of the elliptical I am! Then I went to whole foods and bought flour instead. I had wraps to make people!
Before all this drama, I had breakfast. Yum. Today I used 1/2 Oat Bran, 1/2 Rolled Oats, Soy Milk and Almond Butter in my Piggy bowl.
Honestly, I couldn’t detect the oats at all and would probably skip it next time. I added more milk and am enjoying the creaminess of Oat Bran. I bought some Bulgar Wheat from the bulk bins today and am thinking about using that in my breakfast tomorrow. Have you ever had Bulgar Wheat before?
Honest Foods Pomegranate Walnut Plank Review
While I cooked dinner I had 1/2 of an honest foods pomegranate walnut plank that was in the box of goodies that honest foods sent us awhile ago. My favorite plank is the Maple Almond Crunch, but this is second. It’s not super sweet like the Maple flavor, but rather it’s fruity and tart. It’s full of dried cranberries and walnuts. Like with the honest foods bars, it looks like the planks are smaller now that they’re repackaged. A serving is still 1/2 a plank, but not that is 43 g instead of 57 g.
The newly repackaged honest foods products are now available at their online store.
Baked Penne and Veggies
For dinner I wanted baked ziti. Oohey gooey cheesy baked ziti. Now you all know I love my macaroni, but let’s be honest – I have not been as active as I usually am when I can run. To quote Angela, “despite not exercising and burning off extra calories, my mouth still wants a party.” So, I decided to try to health up the baked ziti vision in my mind by adding veggies and using reduced fat cheeses. I can’t bear the thought of fat free cheese. It smells and doesn’t melt.
I made a quick sauce. I like to use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand because I like thick sauce. I also added a ton of basil tonight.
Then to add some veggies in, I cut carrots and zucchini to the approximate size of the penne I was using. I pre-cooked the carrots, but not the zucchini. Then I combined low fat ricotta, shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese with the sauce. I baked everything at 350* for about 25 minutes.
I suggest letting it sit after it comes out of the oven because the cheesey sauce thickens up.
I did make my wraps today! Tasted one (of course) and they’re delicious!
See you tomorrow for some interesting Raw Foods discussions.
Tags: almond butter, baked penne with veggies, carrots, honest foods review, oat bran, pomegrante walnut plank, zucchini
February 17th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Sriously, first the duckie measuring cups, now the cutest bowl in the world! Where do you find it all?! (I saw the cups at Anthropologie the other day and thought of you.)
February 17th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I feel your lack-of-running pain! When I was in high school, an injury kept me off of weight-bearing exercise for 3 months. I swam every freakin’ day to get my exercise in, and now I can’t stand the smell of chlorine.
So, on that note, if you can’t run and are sick of elliptical-ing, can you bike or swim?
February 17th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I love how you lightened up the baked ziti!
Good job on the wraps too!
February 17th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I really love bulgur, but I’ve never had it for breakfast. I enjoy its chewiness.
February 17th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Love the baked ziti! Definitely going to try. Also, I should really try pure food and wine! I’ve had drinks there which was a great time, but never eaten there. It’s officially on “the list”
February 17th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Wow does that baked pasta look good… I don’t know why I don’t think to make dishes like that, they really are modifiable to what you have on hand. Thanks for the idea!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I’m sorry you’re still not able to run, my dear… I know how frustrating it is not to be able that one thing! Just power through it, and before you know it your ankle will be stronger than before and you won’t have to worry about it anymore.
My first experience with bulgur was this recipe:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bulgur-and-Black-Eyed-Pea-Salad-with-Tomatoes-Onions-and-Pomegranate-Dressing-238190
Have a nice night! Hope you’re not too down
February 17th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
totally with you girl! i used to run 5 miles EVERY day at 7.5 mph until 1 month ago when i had a hip strain among other things– i’ve been subjected to the elliptical since and i’ve been itching to get back ASAP! i see a physical therapist twice a week — i’ve realized it’s important to listen to my body and not push myself– today was the first day i could run a full 15 min at my normal pace without unbearable pain
it really pays to listen to your body– you may get the “runners high” now– but it will prevent your ankle from getting better ASAP! no worries lady– you will be back to your running self in no time! xo
February 17th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
tis easier to prevent an injury than cure it!! so STAY OFF that ankle until it is 100%.
you will be fine soon enough! no worries.
stop hitting on my sexy eyes!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I’ve never had bulgar for breakfast but I’ve been meaning to try it. Let us know how it goes! I’ve heard good things. I hope your ankle feels better soon – patience is definitely good to have right now.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Keep off the ankle! Do some yoga and calm yourself! No need to rush and pull a tendon or something ridiculous! It’s only been a week which is actually a pretty short amount of time for you to feel this recovered. Give it at least a few more days before you even TRY again.—– Dr. BR
So something very interesting is that my neighbors behind us have a pomegranate tree and the pomegranates fall into our yard. There are probably 10 back there right now that Brady is using as chew toys. The poms are rather battered looking, not super round and shinny like in the market, but I hope and pray every day that when they are in season (when is that exactly?) they will be ripe and wonderful and able for me to eat! Imagine if I had perfect, fresh poms just falling into my yard! They are $1 each at the market! Antioxidants and pom martinis all at once, and for free!!! Pray for me! I’ll send you some!
February 17th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
keep being patient. make sure to take your time, you want to run for the rest of your life, not just this one race!!!
Loving that pasta bake too!
February 17th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Bestie: I looked it up online and it said between September and January. The flowers look pretty online too.
Everyone: I will keep resting. I am sorry to be such a grump.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I have never tried bulgar wheat before. But I absolutely adore your piggy bowl!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:12 am
I’ve always wanted to try making those wraps of yours–it would be a lot cheaper than buying them, I am sure!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Heather, you are being so smart about the running. I admire you!
That baked ziti looks amazing. I want some of that oohey gooey cheesy goodness.
Looking forward to more raw food talk!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:52 am
I wish I could find Honest Foods stuff near me. I will have to order some of those bars online. I love Pom flavored anything!
February 18th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Where can I find that bowl?! Too cute. Sorry about all the ankle issues and running bummers! It’s frustrating when rest is all you really need, but is the last thing you want to do. Ziti looks mighty fine, too! (mighty fine- am I a 60-year-old man?)
February 18th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Your baked penne looks awesome! Super satisfying. Hang in there with all the ankle blahs!
February 18th, 2009 at 1:43 am
I’m glad you tried the oat bran/oats mix today b/c I was going to do it this morning, but decided not to gum up my rollies at the last minute. Good choice, I guess.
I just bookmarked that wrap recipe. Mama’s gonna wrap up some hummus love.
What does MARK want for HIS Jeopardy winnings? How about an autographed “Black Party” poster??!
February 18th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Ooooh, I had that granola plank today too! I’m jealous though, because it’s the only one I get to try, since they don’t have them around here. I thought it was really tasty, which I guess makes it worse, since I can’t buy them. Talk about torture!
Hopefully your ankle allows you to run properly soon. I know when I sprained mine years ago, I had to take a good month or so off the ice, and even when I went back it was still not right. Same when I pulled ligaments in my knee.
February 18th, 2009 at 3:00 am
oh no! sorry to hear about your sprained ankle! (Sorry I missed it! I’ve been catching up on blogs here and there). That’s such a bummer that you can’t run the half marathon. Just take it easy, rest and relaxation will surely do the trick. You could also do some exercises that help support your ankle, if it doesn’t hurt. I remember when I got shin splints in high school from over training, I would do quad work to help support my shin muscles. Good luck Heather!
February 18th, 2009 at 5:43 am
the ziti looks divine!!!
i’m so sorry about your ankle
i know what it’s like to wake up each day and be disappointed by inability to run! it SUCKS. any chance you could mix up a spin class with all the elliptical? i did this when i was injured last time and it was a helpful distraction.
February 18th, 2009 at 5:48 am
you’ve made a wise decision on looking at what’s beneficial to you in the long term. You can always run a marathon in the future, I’m sure about that.
Bulgar wheat is chewy and takes whatever flavor you add, so it’s very versatile to add either into sweet or savory dishes. I’ve tried it in oatmeal, in chili, or stir fries.
love love the piggy bowl!!!!! so cute!!
February 18th, 2009 at 5:57 am
LOVE the bowl
ADMIRE your being smart and cautious with the running. my sister was in the same kinda position, wasnt smart, and now can barely run.
IN AWE of your bloggingworkingliving.
WANNA TRY the honestbars.
February 18th, 2009 at 6:44 am
hey! check out my Road ID contest: http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2009/02/lindsay-real-life-emergency-and-road-id.html
February 18th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Hang in there with the ankle; and kudos for being patient!!
Can’t eat bulgur – not gluten-free
February 18th, 2009 at 7:59 am
I love this pasta dish! It’s so Rachel Ray of you
February 18th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Oh my gosh, bulgar is my absolute FAVORITE grain!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Don’t worry, you’re not being a grump. I know it’s hard when a routine is interrupted. We (the collective bloggers) love Heather!!!!!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I love bulgur – I think you’d like it for breakfast.
that piggy bowl is so cute!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Sorry to hear you still aren’t able to the run. The elliptical can be such a drag when you want to be doing something else. But you’re doing the right thing – just give it time to heal and you’ll be back better than ever.
I have used bulgar wheat in muffins before.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Girl, I have so been there. Everyone says, “Rest up!” and “stay off it until you feel better!” but it’s really hard to do – more so psychologically than anything.
I WISH I could remember facts and stats when I read them, but I do remember reading something about how runners only lose 10% of their endurance level per week when you’re out for an injury. And that’s assuming you’re not working out at all, which you are (I know, I got so sick of the elliptical, too).
And you are not at ALL being a grump – no one wanted to be around me for awhile when I couldn’t run! Have you tried to dip your ankle in an ice bucket?
February 18th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Take care of that ankle, girl! You will be up and running in no time!
I was shocked to hear that Jillian doesn’t like the outdoors…she’s pretty intense! Do you have the 30 day shred videos? I’ve only done them on OnDemand. The Biggest Loser workouts on their are pretty decent.
Hope you have a great day!
Kaneil, balanceisbest
any word from Girls on the Run?
February 18th, 2009 at 9:30 am
eeweee I spelled “there” incorrectly and I can’t fix it! I hate that! sorry!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Whole Foods is a cure all!! Pissed off about an exam (me)?! Go to WFs. Tired of the elliptical (you)?! Go to WFs
I love the piggy bowl!!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I love that pig bowl!!! I would probably think he was insulting me though… you know, calling me a pig… That dinner looks great too!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I love bulgur in any way, shape or form — it’s great for breakfast with vanilla, cinnamon, and soymilk!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Oh my gosh dos that baked ziti look wonderful!
Good job listening to your body and taking it easy, I hope your able to run soon, that must be so frustrating!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:20 am
patience is the biggest test. just know it WILL get better.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Good luck with the ankle.
I had oat bran this morning and I was thinking of mixing it with rolled oats. Interesting they didn’t come through in texture. I wonder about steel cut or whole oats. hhhmmmmm
Bulgar is one of my favorite grains, I eat it for breakfast lunch or dinner. I usually cook it in my rice cooker. I like to mix it into oatmeal, use it to make grain salads and as a rice sub.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Sarah (ghost world): I could take spin if my gym was in this centruy. I think it just got step class last week.
Kaneil: I do have the 30 day shred video (I won it in a blog giveaway) and like it so far. It’s tough!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Way to go staying off the ankle. It must be rough but you’ll be glad. In the meantime at least you have that ROCKIN ziti. Definitely looks like a mouth party.
…that came out dirty.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:38 am
That ziti looks AMAZING with all of the veggies… and can I tell you how impressed I am that you made your own sauce??
So sorry about the ankle, Heather! But it sounds like you’re taking the recovery nice and slow (good girl). Sending healing vibes your way!! I know it’s frustrating!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:46 am
the ziti looks amazing.. your Italian grandmother would be SO proud! i know mine would be!
stay off the ankle as long as possible.. don’t know if ive announced my “running story” but i ran and ran and ran like 5 miles a day about four years ago. i slipped while running thru a contstruction site one day and thought i just twisted my ankle- i ran on it and it hurt like heck for about six months.. and i finally went to the doctor, they took an xray and it turns out i had a hairline fracture!!!! and i was running on it!!!
my doctor told me to get off the treadmill for a year to let it heal and i wore a boot for about two months.. lol when the two months were up i started dancing..
so long story short- you never know whats REALLY going on on that foot- so be careful for now!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:47 am
That all looks great. I do agree that patience is a virtue, especially when working through injuries. Hang in there and keep yourself healthy.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Now THOSE honest food bars look delicious. Dried cranberries are the best!
I’m sorry to read about your ankle. I’m training for a 10k in May, and when I got hurt a couple weeks ago I just didn’t want to think about it. Luckily, you’ve still got two solid months to get better. If it makes you feel even the tiniest bit better, I know some runners who take to the elliptical and can stay in great shape, and without the pounding. Granted, it’s boring, but at least you’re able to do something!
P.S. The piggie bowl is so so so cute
February 18th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
so sorry you ankle isnt better yet! Have you tried the arc trainer? i really like that as an alternative to running and the elliptical.
your wraps and the pasta/veggie bake look great!
February 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
yummy pasta bake! and patience is SO hard through this, but you’re doing well
February 18th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I love bulgur and have eaten it sweetened up for breakfast and as a savoury side at dinner! Hope you enjoy it!
February 18th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
mmm love those wraps! and that CHEESY ziti!
i am definitely impressed with your running patience. nothing is worth ruining your ankle for years to come. and running will be soooo much fun when you can finally do it again!
February 18th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I swear by that positive attitude of yours. I also do things like saying “thank you for this healing” and focusing my energy on that area… it sounds so silly but i swear by it!
February 18th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
[...] on Wednesday he comes home and we watch Lost. So, I’ve been looking forward to that and eating my wraps. All in all, a good [...]
February 18th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I just caught up on your raw food challenge – sounds great! I don’t think I could ever go completely raw, but like you, am interested in learning more about it.
I love that quote from Angela. Her posts are filled with so much wisdom. That baked penne you made looks delicious – as do those wraps. Yum!