Astounding, astound me

This process, as I have mentioned, is about trial and error. Tripping over bumps and learning to hurdle over them or even avoid them altogether.

In the beginning of this whole 'journey', I've been less likely to listen to others and mostly, to myself. Ignored injuries and pushed myself further just so I could finish 2, 4, 5 miles. I just thought it was safe to assume that injuries came hand in hand with running. If I got this amount of miles done, I'd be a better runner. Um, no. Foolish.

Learning to hold myself back and literally pacing myself is something that's new to me. It's hard. I love pushing the boundaries, mentally or physically; I love the challenge and the rush of pride I attain from achieving something. (who doesn't)

At the same time, I love the rules I've created for myself.

Put your running gear on, 6:00 am sharp, stretch and walk down Nelson to Pacific St. Get to my usual spot, stretch my lower back and legs a little bit and start on my way towards Thurlow. I keep going at a slower pace until I feel the familiar tingle that twists and perpetuates itself into something exciting. Makes me so happy when I'm out there. Therapeutic.

I do however, need to find some more stretches, especially for the hips. I'm not really big on stretches although they're crucial after a run. I'd be fibbing if I said I spend about 20 minutes stretching. My stretches are usually 10 minutes and then I get bored so I half ass them. (Uh, maybe that's why your hip is acting funny !?)

Training

Here's the plan for the week:
Monday: Rest day

Tuesday: Did 3.23 miles on the seawall in 29 minutes (8:58 pace). Slow and easy.

Wed: Today's weights and core workout day. Will do it later, no time right now.

Thurs: 3 mile run in the morning.

Fri: Weights. (Yay....)

Sat: 3 mile run.

Sun: 3 mile run again.


Anyways, I'm off to get ready for work. Here's a recipe I promised a reader.

Brendan Brazier's Coconut Lime Chickpea Stirfry

I adapted mine because I didn't have a few of the ingredients but it still tasted awesome over brown rice. NOM NOM NOM.

" Protein-rich and alkalizing, this electrolyte-packed main course is filling yet easily digested. The addition of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric enhances soft tissue repair:

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp grated or finely chopped fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ large red onion, cut lengthwise into thin strips
1-½ cups chopped cauliflower
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1-cup bite-size torn spinach
½ tsp curry
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ mild chili pepper, finely sliced (or substitute ½ tsp dried chili flakes)
1-cup chickpeas
1-cup coconut milk
1 tbsp limejuice
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Heat frying pan to medium-high. Add coconut oil, ginger, and garlic. Lightly stir-fry. Turn heat to medium-low. Add vegetables, curry, turmeric, cumin, chili pepper, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add limejuice and cilantro. Serve with sprouted quinoa or buckwheat. Brown rice also works nicely.

Makes about 4 small servings."

Loving this: I get to see my friend today who just came back from Switzerland. I haven't seen him in almost a year? A LOT to catch up on.
Question: What are your favourite stretches? Have any good ones? Please share, my hips are starting to ache.