I did my long "run" yesterday. It's the first time I have attempted to exercise more than an hour on my long run day in over a month. (That's my first mistake. I don't know why it took me so long to get to over an hour.) This was a simulated long run, of course. After four weeks of cross-training, I don't feel anywhere near ready to do a six mile plus long run. In any event, I went in to the Y and managed somewhere around 1:10 to 1:20 on the elliptical. I am guessing at the time because the machine actually stopped recording the time at 1:05, and it took me a while to recognize that. I was surprised that I would last that long on the elliptical, but reading the fourth book in the George R.R. Martin Fire and Ice series really made the time flip by fast. That, and listening to one of my favorite Killers albums. I was multi-tasking!
After the elliptical, I headed upstairs to run on the track. That went pretty well. I only did a mile, though. By then, my legs were feeling really tired after the long elliptical session. Cardio-wise, I felt good, though. So, the foot felt more or less fine - the usual ache after, but no sharp pains. The shin felt pretty good immediately after the run, however I did notice some tenderness later in the day. This morning it is back to what I will call barely tender. I guess this is all a good sign, but I wish it would just go back to being nothing at all, like the other leg. I have to keep reminding myself that I am still dealing with a tight IT band on that leg and patellar tendonitis on that leg, too. That part of my anatomy is just bound to be messed up until I get a handle on all that. So, I guess I should take what I can get. As long as it doesn't hurt worse, I'll keep trying to get back into running. This time, I swear, if it starts to hurt worse, I am seeing a doctor.
Mushroom Risotto
Last night was a night for comfort food, so I made an old standard - a vegetarian risotto recipe that I originally adapted from the cookbook Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson. This has since gone through so many changes, however - not the least of which is that it is no longer a slow cooker recipe - that I do consider it my own. If you want creamy, filling comfort food, that is super simple and quick to make, this is it.... The kids are hit or miss on this one. If they are hungry enough, they'll inhale this and claim it's delicious. If they aren't, they'll pick at it and begrudgingly take bites. What does that tell me? Nothing. They do that with everything. The adults in my life like the recipe well enough, though. Enjoy!
 |
| My favorite broth. BAM! |
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 TB of olive oil
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
8 oz. package mushrooms, chopped or sliced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
Saute onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil.
Stir in broth, mushrooms, thyme, and salt.
Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. (Note: Sometimes, if there is a lot of moisture in the mushrooms, the first simmer can take longer than 15 minutes. In that case, just let it simmer until most but not all of the liquid is gone.) After 15 minutes, add peas and corn, cover and let steam in pot on medium-low heat for five more minutes. Done.
 |
| DONE! |
Do you have any favorite comfort food recipes you like to cook up?
yum - that recipe looks right up our alley. My H will eat it with the cheese, and I will eat it without. Regardless, I can't wait to make it. I've been craving Risotto for some reason lately...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I was thinking of you today during my swim. Wondering how the foot/shin/etc was feeling.
I can't use the elliptical, it puts my foot to sleep (which is a "no no" according to my Ortho). So I'm swimming before my running to push it "over" the hour threshold until I get my miles back.
Hey there! Enjoy the recipe. It's really easy and good. (A great combination in our household.)
ReplyDeleteThe shin is still so-so. I think I am starting to dip into the post traumatic injury syndrome. That is to say, I am so paranoid about it now that I am finding it hard to assess it objectively. It is still tender after workouts, but not as bad as originally. I really should see someone to narrow down the possibilities, but I hate the idea of going to a doctor now when I may be well on the mend. :) I am committed to giving it some serious cross-training and slow running for another week or so. If it is still bugging me then, then by all means I am off to a doctor. (Finally.)
That sucks about the elliptical. I have heard a lot of people complain of feet falling asleep. Mine don't luckily. I recently read, though, that if you hang on with your arms at all it can cause too much pressure over the toes and snoozing feet. I let my arms swing free (a la running), so maybe that is what helps.
Glad to see your own running is picking up and going well. That's the type of story I hope to soon be writing. :)
I always hate that the cardio machines cut you off at an hour. They are obviously not built with marathon training in mind. Reading, elliptical and music?! That is some serious multi-tasking.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can understand putting off the doctor visit. Last time I went in for an injury, I was not pleased with the results. It seems that if it is something minor, you get a brush off and the obvious prescription of rest, simple stretches, exercise according to how it feels, etc. So you almost have to wait until something major happens to get any real answers. Hopefully, your self-prescribed program does the job! And for a lot less money.
Yo Momma, I know what you mean on the gym machines. Although I have to say I can't get too upset. I was blatantly ignoring their signs saying "30-minute limit cardio equipment." Um, yeah. I would be the first person to step off if all the machines were full, but until that point, I profess ignorance. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty sad about not seeing the doctor, isn't it? When you come right down to it, I don't go because of money. Hopefully, the path - good or bad - will become clear soon, though. I hate this limbo of not knowing if I am doing the right thing. We'll see!