Author: Maria Runs

So excited!!

Guess what!!!

Tomorrow I am going to the Olympics!!!  Athletics in the morning and hockey in the evening 🙂

We missed out on the first ballot, but got up super early for the second chance, and although it took about an hour, and the website kept crashing, we finally got some tickets confirmed. I was excited at the time, but I am even more excited now!

Today I managed to tire myself out completely- I did a 4 mile run, then headed into work, as I had to put all the furniture back in my classroom. Let me tell you, there is a lot of furniture in a classroom! When I finally got home, midafternoon, I treated myself to watching the women’s marathon on i-player! It was exciting to see all the landmarks on the TV- I am sure it persuades some people to come to London.

Catch you later!

🙂

Tough run, and then a fun day out in London

Hey- I hope everyone loved Super Saturday and am not getting fed up of me raving about the Olympics yet!

Where did I last leave you? Friday I was at a wedding all day- it was lovely, there was no rain, I spend the whole day with some fab friends- wonderful stuff…

Saturday the plan was a 12 mile run. Recently I have been going out before breakfast, so I decided to do that. It did not go so well. I will not ramble on (really?) but it was hard. The weather was muggy which didn’t help, but I felt like I had no energy- I walked several times which is very unlike me, and I even had to stop for the toilets at one point. Andy caught me up again and ran with me for a bit which was nice, but I just wasn’t feeling it. It started raining lightly after about 5 miles, then eased off, but then when I was about 1-2 miles from home it poured down- torrential rain. First the rain washed all the salt off my face and into my eyes, then the rain filled my eyes (had to take my glasses off) and at points I could not see because my eyes just could not get the water out. In the end I cut it a bit short and did just under 11 miles, but it was a struggle. I was quite fed up when I got home, but in reality I know that I had not slept enough, and had not eaten normally the day before (wedding meal in the afternoon, slice of cake in the evening), and probably had not drunk enough either. Anyway, as I keep saying, I just want to enjoy the GNR, and so what if I have to walk a bit??

Breakfast could not come soon enough! Nectarine, raspberries, muesli, maple cereal, chia seeds, almond milk, topped with soya yoghurt and pb.

I spent the rest of the day chilling- watching some sports on TV, popping to town to pick up my new glasses, then spent the evening at Andy’s parents- I was so excited during Mo’s race! I really didn’t think he would do it- I thought he would do better in the 5000m so it was even better!!!

This morning we headed into London- we made pretty good time- leaving home at 9am and getting to Tower Bridge at about 10.

When we came out of the tube station it was very exciting to see the logo on the bridge.

(Andy’s camera for most of these as the battery ran out of mine after 3 pictures!)

You can almost see the colours here!

We walked over the bridge to by the Tower of London, and then it started raining very hard!

See those black clouds- they were on their way to us!

We waited in the shop for a bit, and then when it eased off we walked up to the course. Then it started raining hard again, and we still had a while before it started (and we were near the end of the loop bit) so we headed down to a Starbucks for a warm drink and a sit down. Just in time, as it poured even harder.

At about half 11 the rain had nearly stopped, so we went back up to the course. I was so jammy- the crowds were about 2 or 3 people deep, but the man I stood behind moved as soon as the runners went past on their first lap, and then a child moved away, so I got right up by the barriers! Plus we could see them on the way past in both directions, as they ran up the road, turned and ran back down the other side.

Seeing the runners was so amazing- they are just so fast! Plus I hear about them all the time on marathon talk- I felt pleased that I actually knew some of them! All the crowd were cheering every single runner past, but there were big roars for the GB girls. I saw Freya Murray go through, and a little later Claire Hallisey, but never saw Mara (and only later I saw the news story that she pulled out after 5K- such a shame)- extra big cheers for them. The sun came out, and it ended up getting quite hot. After they went by the third time we started to wander to the river.

We saw a band playing very lively music, and walked passed one of the water stations too.

We walked over to St Paul’s, and I was so excited when we came across an Earl of Sandwich! We have been to these in America before, but never seen one in the UK! That was lunch sorted!

Just look at that blue sky- hard to believe it is the same day!

We then walked along the river (lovely views of the Eye and Big Ben etc) and then up to Trafalgar Square. Nelson was wearing a Union Jack on his hat!

A lot of it was still pedestrianised (as they had closed lots of roads I suppose) which made it lovely- much better as there were quite big crowds.

We also stumbled across a free exhibition of different Olympic torches- belonging to the Prince of Monaco. It was very interesting as they gave us a leaflet about all the torch designs- but we only took a picture of the London 2012 one.

Exciting stuff!

Finally we headed to the big Wholefoods- what a lovely shop. And yes, I managed to spend quite a bit!

Drinks- vanilla chai (love this and had just run out), plus mango and tropical coconut water.

Snacks- popcorn (for Andy), chocolate pretzels, yummy zest pesto.

Chocolate and things- pb, marzipan bars, coconut bounce bar, raspberry and coconut chocolate, earl grey tea chocolate, lucuma powder.

Plus some doughnut peaches- I have only ever had these in the US before and they are so good- had to have one as soon as I got home.

Then we headed home on the train, and collapsed in front of the TV for some more sporting action!

Phew!

I am hoping to have a run tomorrow morning before I go into work, but I looked just now and my trainers are still soaked from yesterday. I have put them in the airing cupboard with some newspaper, but might have to wear my old ones I suppose if they are not dry.

Did you watch any of the women’s marathon today? What did you get up to this weekend?

Loving the summer!

Hey peeps!

I hope you are all having a lovely summer. I cannot believe that nearly two weeks have passed- time flies! Plus I have managed to fit so much in to the last few weeks- I am sure I am even busier in the holidays than when I am at work.

I can’t even remember this week! Monday was a 6 mile run before breakfast (again, slow and not great- my legs just don’t like Mondays for some reason), working at home, a walk to the shops, and I even managed to watch some Olympics.

Tuesday I went to London for the day!

Me and a friend had tickets for Buckingham Palace, which was great, but no photos were allowed inside the palace- boo! We looked around (they give you headphones which makes it more interesting I think), we popped out for a quick lunch (yummy hummus salad wrap and peach iced tea from Pret) and then went back as we had timed tickets for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition- that was also very interesting (and I could have taken pictures but didn’t, whoops).  Later on we went to the Mews (where they kept horses but now keep carriages) and you could take pictures there, and I actually did.

I liked the car- the Queen can stand up in it before she has to get out- very handy.

At one point there were loads of little carts- I liked this one (goat cart) the best.

This carriage is wooden, and several hundred years old. I thought they only had one carriage, but no, there are loads.

After that we wandered over to Hyde Park, as we knew they had big TV screens up. It was more of a faff than we realised, because you had to go in certain entrances (some were exit only) and be searched. But when we got there the equestrian team were getting their medals, so we watched that for a bit. We were hoping to see the gymnastics team, but none of the screens showed it, so after a bit we decided to go and have an early dinner.

We saw quite a few of the mascots in different places.

Quite cool 🙂

Then we went to a fab vegetarian cafe, Mildreds. (My friend had been there before with a friend of hers that is veggie, and she thought I would like it). It was fab- so fresh. I had a mountain of a salad in the end- grated carrot, fennel, apple, salad leaves, fennel seeds, pumpkin seeds, sultanas, probably other stuff too, oh and goats cheese. Yum.

We must have walked miles, so I was pretty tired by the time we got home!

On Wednesday I went into work for the morning, and then went out for lunch with some friends from work (waffle house- yummy hummus and avocado one again). I had to pop to the cinema on my way home to pick up tickets, then went on my Sweatshop run – we did a slightly longer route (3.5 miles in 35 mins- quite quick), so with that and running there and back it ended up being 5 miles. Then after a quick shower and dinner we went to see Batman.

This morning I had a short run (30 mins, just under 3 miles), had a haircut, did some shopping (got 3 tops and a jumper in the Debenhams sale, all for ÂŁ40), then went out for lunch (Waffle house again- Banoffee waffle this time) with some other friends! I love that place. Then I was off to Body Pump (might be my last one before holiday- it was fab), and tomorrow I have a wedding to go to. I feel like I don’t waste the holidays. Plus more medals for team GB- woo!

I have taken some random photos of foods this week:

A yummy peach melba breakfast- nectarine (nearly a peach), raspberries, muesli and almond milk, with a little pb on top. I think that was a post run breakfast, and it was amazing. I have not had much luck with nectarines recently, but these ones are amazing- perfect ripeness.

A yummy salad of spinach, tomatoes, peppers, beetroot, basil tofu and watermelon.

Wedding cake (this must have been last week!), fig and strawberries.

A tasty quick lunch of pitta, hummus, pepper and avocado (I got some super cheap from Aldi). Plus iced mint tea.

Toasted tea bread, lime curd/ hotel chocolat pb spread, plus apple.

I also made some more tea bread- I took out 100ml of water, and added in half a can of pumpkin puree, plus ginger, cinnamon and cloves. It has come out super moist- more like a pudding, but it still slices really well, and is lovely (esp with pb spread on it).

Right, I am off to catch up on the Olympics from today- have a fab weekend everyone!

Are you busier on days off or at work?

Are you going to the Olympics?

Olympic fever and garden delights

Hey peeps!

I am sure you are all glued to your TV’s right now, enjoying all the sports on offer. I have been loving it! I have never watched an opening ceremony before, and just put it on for a bit to see what it was like, and ended up watching the entire show. One channel was showing it without the commentary which was so much better- we did turn it over for a bit, but the chatter was so inane we quickly went back to the other feed. I did wonder if it would be a bit too arty, but I just enjoyed it all- the fireworks, the dancing, the music, the little cultural references sneaked in (like the most famous weather forecast ever!)- it just showed how fab Britain is. I was so pleased to see Beckham involved, as I think he has turned into a fantastic role model for younger athletes, and actually is proud to play and work for his country (and not just rake in the money like most footballers), plus he was involved with the bid, and I loved that they nominated up and coming athletes to finish the final part of the torch. I also though that London looked amazing, especially at night all lit up. It is a city with so many brilliant landmarks, impressive buildings (historic and modern), lovely parks, and the fireworks helped to showcase that I thought.

After a 5 mile run, a walk to the shops and some work on Friday, I chilled out in the afternoon by painting my nails (Primrose Hill Picnic– what a pretty name) whilst watching The Spirit of the Marathon- it got me into the mood for the opening ceremony I suppose.

I also made some rosemary foccacia from my Lorraine Pascale book.

I was a bit worried that it was too brown, but it was soft on the inside still.

(Mine was so much darker than the photograph)

As well as picking rosemary, I picked some fresh mint, and had it in mint tea, and also with pineapple and watermelon.

So refreshing 🙂

On Saturday morning, I had my longest run this year (since the Great South Run in October I think)- just over 10 miles. It was not quite as hot as it had been, which I was grateful for. I also turned my Garmin around so that I could not see the screen any more- that seemed to help a lot because I have been getting into the habit of thinking about how far I have to go, which makes me feel more tired. I want to run on feel really, especially on those longer runs. It took me about 1 hour 55 I think, which is not bad seeing as the GSR took me 1hr 50, and in March I could not even walk half a mile! I am sure I have said this before but I am not going to worry about a time, I just want to enjoy the experience, but going these longer distances does give me some confidence.

I had a delicious breakfast waiting for me- raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackcurrants all from the garden and allotment, alongside muesli, hazelnut milk, chia seeds, and a little drippy pb on top.

I have also been loving coconut water to rehydrate- it is just so refreshing, although I cannot find the mango stuff at the moment, which is my fave flavour.

Earlier in the week, I finally received one of these:

I think I had to use my Starbucks card 15 times to earn one, but now Andy has a card too, that counts towards the total too (basically the reward scheme is on visits and not per item, so you are better to have separate cards linked to the same account if that makes sense). I used to buy both our drinks on my card, which would earn one star, but now if we buy them on our own cards, we get 2 stars.

We had opticians appointments, so as a post-run treat, and a pre-opticians treat (I hate things like that) we went to Starbucks. As it was warm I got a soya chai tea latte, only iced. It was delicious (Andy had one too and liked it, but decided that it is not as good value because they fill it up with ice haha!). We shared a cinnamon roll- reading my GSR recap it seems that I need a cinnamon roll after running 10 miles!

Then this morning started with more garden produce:

I really fancied pancakes, so made up a quick batch with wholegrain spelt flour, hazelnut milk, apple sauce and coconut (random, but it worked). While they were cooking I made a sauce with blueberries and blackcurrants (from the garden), in a little water, with a tsp coconut sugar. The mix was only small (I think 40g flour or something) but it made a pancake mountain! I also had some hotel chocolat chocolate peanut smudge sauce (but it is not as nice as Dark Chocolate Dreams)- the fruity sauce was the best bit though- delicious.

After that I have been mainly relaxing- I thought my legs would be more tired, but they have been OK. We watched the Grand Prix, and a lot of the women’s road race (such an exciting finish!)- then we had a walk, and got back seconds before it poured with rain.

I am off for another fix of the Olympics- what sports have you enjoyed watching? 

Many recipes

Hey peeps

I know I keep going on about it, but I cannot believe how fantastic the weather has been these last few days- just in time. Normally it is lovely right until the schools break up, so I am enjoying every second.

Last week I picked a load of blackcurrants from our garden- I made some of them into a cheesecake, but I still had a massive bowl left (I would estimate at least 400g, as they filled a pasta bowl- much more than the little punnets you can buy in the shops anyway).

I was going to make some jam, but I mentioned it to someone who suggested blackcurrant ice cream- what a fab idea. I have a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream book (and I must say, the peanut butter ice cream from that book is divine) so I flipped through for ideas. They had lots of fruity ones, and also a coconut one which caught my eye, so I combined a few recipes to make my own. They have different base mixes, one with raw eggs (which scares me, so I never use that one), and one has condensed milk and cream. They suggested to add coconut cream to the normal base, but I decided to replace the cream with coconut milk, to add to the coconut flavour.

400g blackcurrants (approx)

1/2 cup water

2 tbs coconut sugar

1 can light condensed milk

1 can coconut milk

1 mini can coconut cream (I used the Waitrose essentials one)

50g dessicated coconut

First up, I cooked the blackcurrants- I put them in a pan with a little water (probably 1/2 cup), added a couple of tbs of coconut sugar, and heated until the berries burst and it looked a beautiful purple colour.

While this was going on, I toasted the dessicated coconut on a tray in the oven, for probably just less than ten minutes.

Then in a jug I mixed the condensed milk with the coconut milk. Now I have never used canned coconut milk (or cream) before- mine seemed to have separated into milk and oil, so I just used the milk but (from both cans), but I am sure you could use it all??

Then I added the blackcurrant mixture and the toasted coconut to the base.

Wow- purple!

This was then poured into my ice cream maker. I don’t think I had frozen the bowl for long enough, plus it was a warm day, so the ice cream did not go as thick as usual.

But once it was done I put it into some tubs for the freezer, and it firmed up further.

It was delicious- I think blackcurrants go really well with something creamy as they are a bit tart, so the coconut ice cream base was lovely. I would like to replace the condensed milk too, but I am not sure what with- I am wondering if using plain yoghurt might be nice.

Next up, tea bread!

I saw that Phil had made the most amazing looking tea bread, and I could not wait to try it. Look here for her fantastic recipe. Hers had sultana and coconut, but I swapped in raisins as that is what I had (I am sure it is basically the same). I am already thinking up other variations as it worked so well.

I made mine with:

400ml Earl Grey tea (2 teabags), 1 cup self raising white flour, 1 cup wholemeal spelt flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 cups raisins, 1/2 cup coconut, a little lemon zest, cinnamon and 2 eggs.

Any recipe which has dried fruit being soaked is already a winner in my book- I love how they plump up so much. Here are my raisins soaking in Earl grey- how civilised.

There is the mixing bowl- super easy- just mix it all together.

I could not wait to try it warm from the oven- it was amazing!

Lime curd went very well with the earl grey I feel. I have also enjoyed it toasted for lunch. It holds together so well- and considering it has no butter/ oil, and no sugar in there, it is very flavourful indeed. I am thinking of adding in some pumpkin puree next time for a pumpkin tea-bread.

Finally, some cookies:

All ready for a chocolate-free girly meet-up. I used the ever reliable Millie’s cookies recipe, and replaced the 200g chocolate chips with 100g butterscotch chips and 100g peanut butter chips (both from American Soda).

They have turned out well, but the butterscotch chips have a very strong flavour and almost overpower the peanut chips a little. Next time I would use less (say 50g) butterscotch chips, and more peanut ones.

Phew, that is enough recipes for now. I am off to body pump later (and guess how many people turned up to the Sweatshop run yesterday? 3! Three! ) and hoping that the air-con actually works.

What is the best recipe you have tried lately?