Author: Maria Runs

3 is a magic number

Or it could be called Run by numbers (did anyone else used to love painting by numbers?)

So now I have the Embrace song in my head.

Anyway, I love numbers. I love it when a digital clock is symmetrical (e.g. 21.15), or when the odometer on my car makes a good pattern, so I was very excited when I got back from my run this evening to see basically all 4’s and 3’s. 4.43 miles in 43.34. Not bad. I went around the fields (the same as the Sweatshop run) although it ends up being slightly shorter due to no tiny detour to and from the shop. It was lovely going through the fields again, and I was worried about getting lost, (but decided that worst case I could just turn around and re-trace my steps), but I found the way and just loved it- being away from traffic is super. Plus the 10K I am doing in 2 weeks time is all on country lanes and fields so I think it is good practise.

It was sooo hot out there though- I didn’t go out until about 5pm I think, but the sun was still going strong. Again, all good practise for the race as last time I did the race it was on a very very hot day indeed. Last year it was overcast (and actually pretty cold)-Andy and his brother did the race, but I was just getting back into running again after my op, so I was a spectator instead. So who knows what it will be like- I am ready for anything!

This weekend we went to Dorset, but I have not sorted any photos yet, so you can look forward to those on another day! We had a run together along the seafront in Bournemouth on Saturday morning- we set off and almost immediately there was a steep uphill section, which wore me out right at the start. We ran along the top for just over 2 miles, then came down some steps and back along the seafront. That was super tough as suddenly we were running into a strong headwind, and sand from the beach was blowing right at us (I was feeling smug earlier when I saw a lady running in full length tights- there I was in my capris thinking I would nice and cool- but no, I think I had harsh exfoliation on my legs and sand micro-dermabrasion (is that a word?) on my face from the stinging sand)- I really struggled although I think in the end we averaged 10 minute miles so not too bad.

Earlier in the week I was sent some food from the Boots Shapers range (Shapers for Later)- they are launching evening meals to go alongside their lunch meal deals. This links with numbers as the Shapers meal are all calorie counted- the main meals are under 500 calories, and the side dishes/ desserts are under 100 calories.

Unfortunately the main meal they sent me was a chicken meal (I did ask for vegetarian things, but there was a little mix up somewhere)- Andy had it but it reminded me of an Innocent Veg pot- lots of veggies in there, and you just microwaved it so it was ready quickly. I think it would be a good option for a lunch if I knew I was working late (well the veggie ones). They also sent me some fresh fruit with a passion fruit dip. I did try the dip but the fruit was so sweet I didn’t want to cover up the fresh taste. Finally I was sent some jelly and fruit- (the jelly was veggie)- that was a nice snack- I especially loved the pomegranate in there- I hardly ever have it but it was delicious.

Very summery.

They also have side dishes, although I am not sure if they are going to be priced like the lunchtime Meal Deals (where you get main, side and drink for  £3.50 I think?).

Do you ever get ready meals? Most of the meals I cook (or should I say Andy, as he does most of our cooking at home) are pretty much from scratch, but on occasion I do like the Innocent Veg pots- if I have Parents Evening or something then it is great to just put something in the microwave instead of having to wait for another half an hour for an even later dinner. Or if we are out we might pop to Boots or M&S for a nice sandwich or salad for lunch. And we do sometimes treat ourselves to a nice Waitrose pizza for dinner.

Are you a fan of seeing number patterns?

Kitchen Appliances- my dream list

Hey peeps,

As I am sure you all know, I love baking. Baking is a bit like running, in that there are claims that it is a pretty cheap hobby, and anyone can do it and you don’t need fancy equipment. Now, all that may be true, but what is also true (with running and baking) is that there is a lot of (expensive) equipment and paraphernalia that can be purchased to support the hobby.

For example, when starting running, all you need are trainers and a good sports bra (ladies), but of course pretty soon you will want sweat wicking tops, stretchy capris/ leggings, twin skin socks, running gloves (because “normal” gloves are just not for exercise you know). Then you might want proper runners earphones for your mp3 player, and a heart rate monitor or watch, or GPS watch, and then maybe a bottle to hold, or a waist pack, or one of those hydration rucksacks if you are super hardcore and can work out how to clean them…..Then comes the race entries!

And so to baking. Again, you can start off with minimal equipment and ingredients: a bowl, a wooden spoon, a set of scales, a baking tray. But pretty soon you will want different shaped and sized baking trays, fancy spatulas, lemon zesters and juicers, perhaps a sugar thermometer, some pretty cupcake cases….

And all that before you get to the equipment! A few years ago I bought a food processor, and I really love it- it is great for making raw treats as it blitzes nuts and dates really well. I also use it for grating carrots if I am making a carrot cake (I did use to do it by hand but it took so long and turned my fingers orange), or for making salads, or that delicious avocado pasta sauce.

But, the top of my list is one of those beautiful kitchen-aid mixers. I think I would actually only use them for making butter icing (which I hardly ever made because I don’t like it that much) but they just look so pretty!

I am also on the lookout for a new blender, as my old one stopped working last year. Of course I have the bog standard appliances non-baking appliances like a kettle (for teapots, as I now have the hot cup for cups of tea), microwave (good for porridge) and toaster (great for crumpets, yum) but the pretty kind of appliances will always be on my wish-list too!

Do you have a hobby that started out pretty cheap and now takes all of your money?? I hope it isn’t just me!

*Post contains a sponsored link, but all the content is by me, as I am sure you can tell with how it rambles on.

Common gym mistakes

Hey peeps,

After the London Marathon the other weekend I am sure some people are getting inspired to start a new exercise regime. I have a little guest post for you, all about common gym mistakes (and if you read to the end you will see some of the mistakes I have seen too- one of them still amuses me today).

Common Gym Mistakes

A common gym mistake made by new gym-goers and regular fitness fanatics is underestimating the amount of fuel to consume both before, during and after a workout.
If you have never been to a gym before, take a large bottle of water, approximately 1 litre. I always keep a spare bottle in my car or gym locker in case of emergencies. The most important thing to remember is that you need to replace the fluid that you are sweating out as it is your body’s way of cleansing. Make sure that you also drink plenty of water or energy drinks after your workout as well, to restock your fluids on your body’s cool down. LA Fitness have water on tap at all of their gyms so there’s no excuse!

Food is just as important as water. Lots of people who go to the gym with the purpose of losing weight go on an empty stomach with the notion that this will help them lose weight faster. This is completely wrong as your body cannot burn off the energy unless it has fuel and will tire much quicker. Proteins and good carbohydrates such as brown rice, brown bread and cereal bars are a great source of fuel to keep your body going. However, try not to eat too close to a workout, I find a banana is a fantastic source of energy without compromising feeling sea-sick or risking stomach cramps and stitches halfway through your time at the gym.

It is also important to refuel after the gym, and remember that your body continues to burn the fat well after your workout. It doesn’t mean that you should go home via the chip shop (or Starbucks!), but again stick to carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins to keep your metabolism going.

Without fuel your body cannot function and it is easy to forget this when many of us are seeking to lose weight and see food as the enemy. Just make sure you choose the right food and drink to aide your exercise and see improvements whatever your aim.

So, what was the mistake I noticed?

Years ago I used to belong to the gym, and used to go about 3 times a week after work. The gym was only small, with a couple of bikes, maybe 6 treadmills, plus a few other machines, and weights machines. Anyway, there was a lady who was only wearing a swimming costume while on the exercise bike. To this day I can’t quite believe that she did that! But I would say wearing cotton is a massive mistake (especially light grey!). If you are going to get sweaty, cotton gets damp and then does not dry, so it goes soggy and rubs (and the light colours show up the sweat a lot). So I would say get a cheap sweat-wicking top as it will leave you feeling much cooler and with less chafing.

I also think fuelling is a massive issue, and something that can take a while to get right. I find that bananas are not good for me to have before I exercise, whereas a post race banana is something I really look forward to.

I have also learnt over time that I don’t always need something to eat before I workout. I used to be a bit paranoid about feeling hungry during a workout (I had a couple of dizzy spells at one point and started to equate feeling hungry with feeling faint), so I would always have a small snack like a cereal bar before going to the gym. Since taking up running I have learnt that I can run in the morning for up to an hour before breakfast, and if I am running further I can manage with a small snack, head out and eat breakfast when I get home (and on these runs I run much faster too- no stomach issues to slow me down). But this is individual to everyone so I think you have to work out what suits you.

I also think that fitness classes are sometimes underrated, and I wish I had tried the classes out sooner. I really enjoy them for something different, and find them really motivating (this is a lot to do with the instructors)- but then if you try one and don’t like it you have only lost an hour.

Finally I would say that you should make the most of the induction time with the instructors. When I look back I was so nervous about going, and really just wanted to get on and do it myself, so I didn’t ever have a program set up for me, but I can see how beneficial it would have been, as I just spent my time plodding on the cardio machines and then guessing at random weights for all the weights machines.

Are you a member of a gym? What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a member?

Black bean and avocado tacos

These are delicious.

You should make them.

That is all.

On Sunday I was flicking through the Waitrose magazine and came across this recipe for tacos. I showed it to Andy who agreed it looked delicious, and  so we had that for dinner on Sunday. (It is a free magazine so I think it is OK to put it on here??)

Ingredients:

One red onion

Small tin of sweetcorn

Coriander (we had none so used fresh basil)

Tin of black beans

1 avocado

Cumin (we had none so left that- a little chilli might be nice if you like spicy things)

Lime juice

Olive oil

Wensleydale cheese

2 Tortilla wraps

Method:

Chop the onion and cook in the olive oil, then add the cumin (if you have it). Then add the drained black beans and sweetcorn, and heat through.

Meanwhile warm the tortillas in the oven for a few minutes.

Take the bean mixture off the heat and stir in the lime juice, coriander, chopped avocado and some of the cheese.

Remove the tortillas from the oven, put the bean mixture on top, and sprinkle with a little more cheese and the coriander (basil). Serve with a salad (we had it with salad), or some salsa.

I also think it would be lovely on those mini soft taco circles that you get in America- will have to see if I can find them here. OK, so it looks a bit dark here, but it was so delicious. We added the cheese because it was in the recipe (and cheese + sweetcorn + beans always go well together) but I think that could easily be left out to make it a vegan dinner. As you can see my avocado obsession is continuing, but it is good to find something that we can both enjoy.

Also it was ready in about 10/15 mins, so would be perfect for a speedy midweek meal too.

What are your favourite speedy meals?

Do you try out new recipes that often? I tend to find ones I like and stick to them, but when we try something new I generally really enjoy them (although then you have to choose which regular gets pushed out of the way for the new one!).

5 miles + waffles

= a pretty good Sunday indeed!

I am so excited by all the comments on my Parkrun post- I really think it is great- for beginners or the super speedy runners too. I hope some of you decide to give it a go- and think about it, if you don’t like it you can stop half way and not take a chip at the end- and it is less time than going to a new fitness class or something.

This morning I woke up early and headed out for a 5 mile run. I have a 10k in a couple of weeks and I really want an official sub 60 min time (I think the closest I have got is 61 mins, and I have managed it on a training run but there is something official about the chip timing) so I am trying to make my weekend runs that sort of distance so I can go a bit faster. I ran up to the local lake, around in a loop, and when I got to 2.5 miles I turned around and re-traced my steps. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze, but once I got going I was fine in my vest. There were rabbits to be seen, herons on the lake, and quite a few people out jogging and walking.

I kept up a pretty good pace, around 10 min miles (I was trying to take a photo of the time but it was not that clear, and also trying to multi-task as I keep the nuun tabs with the camera)- just over 5 miles done in 50.29. I know I need to go a bit faster as of course a 10k is 6.2 miles, but I ran hard yesterday so I think with some rest beforehand I should manage it (and of course there was stopping to cross roads).

Like my new socks? I love the Hilly twinskin socks, and when I bought myself a couple of new pairs before Easter I was most excited to see they now have left and right foot shaping. What I really wanted to do after that run was lay on the sofa, but I had to get showered and changed (and dry my hair- takes sooooooo long) as we were meeting friends for brunch at The Waffle House. I had a lovely breakfast one with dried fruits in the waffle, topped with bananas and cinnamon sugar. Delicious.

We have spent the rest of the day pottering around and are going to head out to the cinema later.

Last night I made a chickpea stew- I love meals like this as they cook away while I can get on with other things. First I chopped and roasted a red onion,  an orange pepper, some butternut squash, half an aubergine and a courgette- I added a little olive oil and some paprika. I think I roasted them for about 35 mins. Then I put them in a pan with a tin of tomatoes, half a tin of water (swish it around to get all the tomato juice), a drained tin of chickpeas, a little lazy chilli and a tablespoon of ground almonds. I just left it cooking for ages. Then I served it with some avocado- delicious.  Also I have 2 more portions of it for the freezer now- you can’t beat meals like that!

Happy Sunday everyone 🙂