One run at a time

Hey all! Meant to post last night, but I was too tired to type. Why? Last night was my first training run of the season! Hooray :)

So we met at the Marina Green and set off on our runs. My run was 4 miles...that ended with a friendly little hill (remember this one?)

Yeah...I think I'm going to have to start making friends with hills. I am happy to report that despite that little speed bump, I was able to knock out those 4 miles in just over 38 minutes...and felt good! Woo!! I'm FINALLY getting some speed back :)

Afterward I totally braved the akwardness and went to the group dinner at Askew Grill in the Marina.

It was a quick walk from the Marina Green and sort of near my bus stop. I teeter tottered b/c it was totally out of my comfort zone, but I knew I really should mingle. So I did. And I'm glad I did.

I was a little overwhelmed by the menu, but finally settled on a Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewer (roma tomatoes, red onions and coconut cilantro jasmine rice - not really sure where that rice was?) with the Chop Salad (mixed greens, mango, tomato, onion, cilantro, celery, carrots, candied almonds, green onion, parmesan, honey lime vinaigrette). No picture, had to reserve battery power on the phone.

It was the perfect amount of food once it actually got to the table. In all fairness, I will say that we kinda bombarded the folks at the restaurant when like 20 or so hungry runners came storming in. I like to think the service is a little faster on any other given day? The skewer I picked went perfectly with the salad...I was a little worried at first with the celery (I usually don't put celery in my salad), but it was a really nice crunch and clean flavor. I'd totally get it again!

I passed on our second Alpha Bar attempt tonight, partly because I thought it was next week and partly because I wanted to rest up for tomorrow night. What's going on tomorrow night? My first Sunset Run! Yes, I'm excited about a 5 mile non competitive run. Whatever, it was $10 and all of that goes to a charity (this week it's L'Athletique d'Haiti). Plus we get a nifty shirt and it's a fun run. Can't wait.

So for dinner tonight, I wanted some ruffage in salad form, but then my tastebuds started craving a grain of some sort. I ended up combining the two and making a Mustardy Brown Rice Salad

I think there are some shortcuts that can be made, but I ended up taking the long approach :\

Mustardy Brown Rice Salad

1 package Trader Joe's Organic Frozen Brown Rice

2 tbsp chives, chopped

2 roasted piquillo peppers, chopped

1 c mache

1/4 c arugula

1/4 c candied almonds (see below)

2 tbsp dijon mustard vinaigrette (see below)

1/2 block tofu, baked and sliced

Microwave brown rice according to directions, empty into a bowl with chives, arugula and mache to cool. Add peppers, almonds and vinaigrette, toss and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes.

Add tofu slices last, mix once more and serve immediately with a sprinkle of almonds.

Candied Almonds

1/2 c sliced almonds

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp butter, melted

pinch cayenne

pinch garlic powder

salt

pepper

Preheat oven to 450. Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Spread out on cookie sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, making sure almonds do not burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

juice of one lemon

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp garlic powder

pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Whisk all ingredients together.

Dinner hit the spot! The only thing I'd change about it is maybe throw in a little something sweet...maybe a couple mango pieces? I thought it was a great blend of grain, crunch, ruffage and tang. This will definitely make a repeat appearance :)

K. I'm turning in now. I'm all caught up on Lost (last night's episode - WTF?!) and I've got an extra early day of work tomorrow. Will definitely let you know how the run goes. Nitey :)