This weekend our family travelled down island to Victoria, BC for the Times Colonist 10K and half marathon race. Tod, my husband, did the half marathon, of course, and me being the "not runner" gave the 10K a whirl. I did this very same 10K race two years ago. Tod and I had just gotten married and I had only been eating a healthy diet for 1 year. I stopped running to walk twice and I was pooped out. I loved the race though and vowed to run it again. Last year I had just given birth to Kyri, so she would have been tiny and I was not ready to run. This year I have been keeping up with my regular healthy eating and doing Zumba twice a week. I ran twice to prepare, even though Tod said that doesn't count as "training", but they were great runs and I think they helped.
I can't even explain how exhilarating the run was. At one point I even cried. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and emotion that the tears just started streaming. I quickly thought No stop crying, you're wasting energy! Looking forward I could see the road packed with heads, different coloured shirts and people in cool costumes. There were bands playing every km and friendly people waving with signs and smiles. I had my ipod on and I was listening to my running playlist, with included Kyri's favourite song Crazy For You by Hedley, some dance tunes and some of our favourite Neon Steve Tracks.
I didn't even see any km check points until I got to the 5k mark. I was surprised I had gotten that far without even being tired. I felt great. My lungs and my throat felt great, my legs and my hips (what usually bother me) felt awesome and I knew I was on the right track to finishing this race without stopping. I thought about my blog, writing to all of you, I thought about all the mom's out there who stay at home and love what they do, I thought about Kyri and how much love and joy she has brought to our family and I told myself I am running this race for all of you! I grabbed my Vega Gel pack and slurped it down. It's full of electrolytes that gave me a huge boost of energy, at 7km, and I ran like the wind.
As I ran along the ocean it was very windy with rain but it just pushed me to keep going. I can do this! Bring it on! And at some point,s it honestly felt like someone was pushing me from behind. GO MANDY GO! Running back into the downtown core was again exciting. Seeing all the high rise buildings got me pumped to run across that finish line. I saw the 9km check mark and I started taking faster, longer strides. I wanted to give it all that I had for the very last km. With my family, friends and readers in mind I gave'er! I saw my father in law on the side lines cheering me on, and as I saw the finish line I took a quick glance at the time, raised my arms and cheered as I crossed. I did it!!! A lady put a medal around my neck and my eyes filled with water. My body was done like dinner, but I did it! And I felt great!
I honestly believe with my whole heart that I did such an awesome job because of my diet. All the living nutrients I get everyday are stored in my body. I was able to run and feel so darn amazing because of all that energy I had stored. The Vega Gel pack sure helped but it was also my discipline and drive that I have. There were two times around 8km where my body said stop and walk, catch your breath, but my body said No! Keep going! You can do this!
That run was more than enough proof for me that all of these meals, snacks and treats are full of beneficial nutrients. I am not on any diet, I just eat natural alkalizing foods and that gives me what I need to be able to run 10k races! I'm blown away on how great I feel today, 24 hours after the race. My hips are a bit stiff but my legs, energy levels and mood is better then great! I hope you all give a race a try in the next year. Be proud of yourself! The time doesn't matter, as long as you finish, running or walking.
EAT HEALTHY!!!!
Garlic Asparagus on Brown Rice, Topped with a Lemon Coconut Tahini Cream Sauce
Feeling rushed for time? This dish is easy and doesn’t require much time spent. Around 30 minutes for a nice warm home cooked meal. What more could anyone ask for.
Serves 4
· 1 1/2 cups brown rice or basmati rice
· 3 cups filtered water
· 1 tsp. coconut oil
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
· 5 mushrooms, chopped
· 8 stalks of asparagus, cut in two
Sauce
· 1 400ml. can coconut milk, full fat
· 1/2 lemon, squeezed
· 1-2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
· 1 1/2 Tbsp. Tahini - sunflower seed butter
· 1 tsp. unpasteurized honey or 1/2 tsp. clear unpasteurized agave nectar
· 1/4 tsp. celtic sea salt, ground
· 1 Tbsp. Braggs Liquid Aminos or Tamari (soy sauce alternative)
1. Bring 3 cups of water and rice to a bowl in a medium sized pot. Turn the burner down to low/medium heat and cover. Cook for 25 minutes until bubbles are gone. Take off heat and fluff with a fork. Cover for another 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, add the coconut oil to a pan and turn it on to low heat. After coconut oil has melted, add garlic, bell pepper and mushrooms. Cover. Fry for 5 minutes. Add asparagus and cook for another 10 minutes. Stirring every 3-4 minutes.
3. In a high speed blender add all of the sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more nutritional yeast if you would like the sauce to be thicker. Pour into a medium pan and heat on medium/low until hot.
4. When rice is done serve to plates. Top with vegetables and add sauce. Garnish with ground celtic sea salt, chia seeds and nutritional yeast.
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