New Plans, Races and Recipes

So I had a kid, a pretty awesome one...you may have seen her plastered over Facebook, Instagram and MiniFancyPants (yes, she has her own blog).  I had full intentions of posting all these great posts...but baby, work, life got in the way.

Somewhat recent February - Sofie - 6 month shot

I started running with her about 6 weeks post-baby, once I got the official clearance.  I truly think the running, walking, strength training and lots of yoga while pregnant helped me have a faster recovery process after Sofie was born.

About 4 weeks post-baby - lots of fast walking at the park

6 weeks post-baby - I can still run (sort of)

I did a 10K in November, just 11 weeks post-baby.  I think I made it through about 4 miles before I did 2 small water walk breaks about a minute each.  Definitely slower than my time last year, but I was very happy to be back.

New mommy run club?

Got milk? Doesn't everyone run with a breast pump?

I was on a relatively good track, running-wise, keeping to a 4 mile runs and strength training and spinning. I signed up for the Love 1/2 Marathon in March...

I got super excited because as I was deciding which 1/2 Ironman to do, low and behold, the WTC decides they will do the Princeton 1/2 Ironman.   So I signed up for that, knowing that I have swam, rode and ran the course many times from both the NJ State Tri and just in general my riding and running routes.

So that happened, then after getting ourselves ready for a 1/2 Marathon plan of long runs with friends and babies...

Running with Sofie in the Bob Stroller - a little hard in the wind...or in general

and numerous Snow Apocolopse that have been happening in NJ, we couldn't take the dreadmill for another day and decided to go outside and be super careful....and I was, until, my clutzy ass falls on a rock and sprains an ankle.

So, as I type I am just finally at almost healed on this damn ankle,(almost 6 weeks) which does not help at all in the motivation department.  Knowing there is no chance in hell I will be running the 1/2 marathon in two weeks.  Super Sad Face. 

During that "time off" the baby has kept me feeling like I ran a marathon daily because she is always on the go...(may have been my fault with keeping so active being pregnant - the Sofinator does not stop!)

So here is the new schedule, I figure if I write it, it will happen...

Redbank Sprint 5/18

ODDyssey Half Marathon 6/8 - MAYBE

NJ State Olmpic (Wait List) 7/20

Princeton 1/2 Ironman 9/21

It's short and sweet, but with the baby, I don't know if I want to over-extend myself this year. 

I leave you with two of my favorite new green salads that are helping me get back to pre-baby weight!

Grilled and Green Quinoa Salad

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
1/2 jar capers
1/2 can of artichokes in water (Trader Joe's)
1/2 can green olives (Trader Joe's)
1/4 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley
2 cups baby spinach
2 grilled chicken breasts
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil

Rinse quinoa and add to water in pot.  Bring to a boil and reduce to low for about 20 minutes covered.  Grill chicken breast pieces (or use leftovers).  Make the salad with the rest of ingredients.
Add balsamic and olive oil to liking - I use about 2 swirls of each :)  Add drained quinoa and eat.

Warmed Super Green Salad

1 cup Tuscan Kale chopped
1 cup Swiss Chard chopped
1 chopped hard boiled egg
5 cherry tomatoes
1/3 chopped cucumber
1/4 cup of chopped/shredded carrots
1/4 chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup of goat cheese
1/4 cup of chickpeas or kidney beans
Balsamic and olive oil

Equal parts in large bowl chopped Tuscan Kale and chopped Rainbow Chard (with stems) - I use the Trader Joe's cleaned in a bag super easy for the busy working mommy or anyone.  Add remaining ingredients.  Microwave for 45 seconds and add dressing of choice (balsamic and olive oil).


Now I can get back to training!

And still able to spend time with the hubby and drink some good beers...