April 30th

Today I have been finishing up laundry, picking up the house and grocery shopping. I also went for a run with Masey. In the hottest part of the day. I sure am a smart one. We ran a little over 3 miles and walked a little over 1 mile then did lunges for .2 (the rest of the way home). I don’t know how Bess did the mile lunge, but I don’t think that I will be doing that anytime soon. However on the ‘run’ part of this outing, I felt amazing. It was really encouraging because the last time I went out it was miserable. I just have to remember that where there are bad runs, there are also good ones! I also think that a big part of having better runs is that I no longer feel like I HAVE to run. Not training for a race makes me feel like I can run as much or as little as I want and it doesn’t matter. If I want to walk, great. If I don’t, that’s great too. I definitely didn’t feel that way while I was training for my half. I’m loving the freedom, baby!

On our run we played with the most adorable boxer mix puppy, Zucchini and we also had a near-death experience. We both almost stepped on a snake. I didn’t run with my phone or camera, so I don’t have a picture to share, however it was huge. The creepy guy camouflaged in so well that we were literally steps away from stepping on him. Something that I’m glad we avoided. I tried to figure out what type it was, but was unsuccessful in finding a picture.

Anyway, after our death-defying run (I may be slightly exaggerating on that) I stretched, foam rolled, iced (my knee) and tried to quit sweating. It was definitely my first hot run since last summer. It was almost 90* today and I sure felt it.

My Fitfluential #proof for the day!

I have to give a shout-out to my running shorts. Although this is a super awkward crotch shot, these shorts are the bomb.

I usually can’t run in shorts because of my thunder thighs, but these don’t “V” up awkwardly in the middle don’t really ride up at all! These are Nike’s and I recently got them at Dick’s Sporting Goods if you’re interested. I’m in love, it felt so good to run in shorts and not feel uncomfortable. I pretty much only wear crops, but they are all black and super hot in the sun. So having shorts for the summer will be amazing.

Dinner tonight is a share-worthy recipe I adapted from my Everyday Food Light cookbook.

Bean and Polenta Bake Adapted from Everyday Food Light - serves 4 (I apologize for the not-so-great pictures, I finished cooking after dark)

What you need:

• 1 T EVOO
• 1 bunch of scallions, chopped thinly and white and green parts separated
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can (15.5 ounces) in juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 8 oz plain prepared polenta
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 t hot sauce, or as much/little as you taste buds allow (I like Cholula)
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded cheese (I like to use cheddar)

What you need to do:

• Preheat oven to 400*
• In a large sauce pan (I used my French oven) heat 1/2 T oil over medium heat. Add white part of scallions and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, stirring constantly (about 3 minutes).
• Add both beans, tomatoes (with the juice), corn and water. Bring to a boil.
• Lightly mash about 25% of the mixture. Just enough to “open” the beans, not make refried beans.
• Reduce to a simmer and cook until mixture has thickened, about 10 – 15 minutes.
• While beans are simmering brush a baking dish with remainder of oil.
• Slice prepared polenta and lay on bottom of dish until the dish is covered.
• Remove bean mixture from heat, stir in green parts of cilantro, scallions and hot sauce
• Pour bean mixture over polenta and top with cheese
• Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly
• Let stand 10 minutes before eating
• Garnish with cilantro
• Enjoy!

Also delicious eaten like so.

April 30th:

I can’t let the day go by without talking about what day today is. April 30th is a day that brings tears and smiles. April 30th is the day we lost my sister and it is also one of my best friends birthday. A year ago today we lost my little sister, Christa. I explain here what happened. Short version is that she has always been a very sick little girl and after a life long battle, she lost. I am much more at peace with her passing than I am my brothers. Her quality of life was simply awful and I know for a 100% fact that she is better off now. Her little body is no longer in pain and she is whole and she is healed. I miss that sweet girl so very much, but I feel better knowing that she is no longer in pain. Love you, Kika girl.

For the smiles part of the day, I want to wish Larissa a happy birthday. Laris, you are one of the most kind, genuine and beautiful people I know. I love you dearly and miss you tons. I hope that you have the best birthday ever and I wish I was there to celebrate with you!

(I’ve seen this picture a million times and just noticed Ben and Courtney photo-bombing it in the back. Haha!)

Do you have a day that brings you smiles and tears?