Weekend in San Fran & 1/2 Marathon Race Report

Where do I begin with this blog entry after a weekend of such greatness?  If you just want to read about the race then scroll on down otherwise I would like to blab a little about this lovely city. 

See how much I love it? 

I Left my Heart in San Francisco 
Accustomed to the mild temps here in America's Finest City I didn't imagine traveling to northern California in July would come with such chilly winds.  Angela and I went straight from the airport to the Mission via the BART to hear Edie Carey, one of our favorite independent artists, sing at Dolores Park Cafe.   The moment we stepped off the subway I shivered and dug out my jacket.  It felt like San Diego winter.  Of course, like always, I felt instantly at home on the sidewalks of San Francisco despite the cold.  We saw people riding around on their commuter bikes just like in good old Chicago.  I watched a group of girls wearing colorful scarves and hats walking down the street with their embroidered yoga mat bags slung over their shoulders.  A line of chatty 20-somethings grew progressively longer outside a homemade ice-cream shop as we sat inside the cafe watching out the window.   We ordered sandwiches and a glass of wine as we waited for Edie to begin her set.  She performed beautifully as always, but this show was far better than any before.  Behind her fog was rolling over the hills as she played her guitar and sang to us with her hauntingly beautiful voice.  We were in silent awe of her and the city's glorious backdrop.  At that moment I was feeling nostalgic about city life.  For a moment I missed it.


The Expo & "Is that Dean?"

I am overwhelmed by the mad house that is the RACE EXPO.  The crowds and the noise slightly freak me out.  I grabbed my t-shirt, bib and all that other good stuff and wanted to make a bee line for the door but was forced to stay.  I had to walk through the entire expo because Ang wanted to take a peak.  I am so glad she dragged me through the chaos because we spotted Dean Karnazes just moments before he left.  I don't remember what I was doing at the moment, probably rolling my eyes or sighing, when Ang nudged me to say "Isn't that Dean?".  There he was, up close and personal.  Face to face, our eyes locked, and he realized we are running soul mates.  It was amazing!  Okay, he never once looked at me, damn it, but a runner can dream.  I actually couldn't believe how itty bitty he is in person.  I mean, he is buff, don't get me wrong but he is a little, tiny, buff man.  I realize that little tiny buff man can run like nobodies business so I was star struck.  I didn't run up and try to talk to him like I could have and maybe should have.  Instead, I pulled the paparazzi move and just took pictures of him with other people.  To the left is the picture of him and the unknown woman that I cropped out, sorry mystery woman!  I have to mention that I saw Tori Spelling later that day at a book signing.  Two celebrities (kind of) in one day!  I felt like a lucky lady.  

 

The 2nd Half Marathon - Holy Steep Hills!

In the San Francisco Marathon you are able to choose the full 26.2 or the 1st or 2nd half.  I already knew when signing up for this race that the 1st half marathon is far more scenic than the 2nd.  However, the 2nd half starts later and is less hilly.  I now realize what they mean by less hilly; it is less UP hilly and more DOWN hilly.  The 1st half goes over the Golden Gate Bridge and is basically one scenic turn after another.  The 2nd half, my half, started in Golden Gate Park and winds through for 6 miles before exiting.  This portion of the race is pleasant as you run beneath trees and wind this way and that.  We did a few U-turns and hit a few hills and I felt great on every incline.  The hills were a nice confidence booster.  My only issue with this part of the race was the crowding.  Half marathoners were merging with full marathoners and the crowds were a definite obstacle.  At times I had to run up into the  bumpy grass on the side of the road to zip around people.  I wanted to go faster at a few points and couldn't manage to weasel my way through the mass of runners.  This became slightly frustrating but I got over it quickly as I realized many of those people were at mile 16 while I was at a measly mile 3.

Once we made our way out of the park and onto the streets we ran through the Haight-Ashbury District.  I expected there to be many spectators, like in the Chicago Marathon, but instead it was silent.  It felt eerie, almost like running through a deserted city.  Silence, literally.  I think I heard crickets at one point.  Okay, exaggeration.  There were a few disheveled people that were clearly woken from their slumber in an alley by the stampede of runners.  They were kind enough to cheer us on.  Now I feel bad that I woke the homeless at an early hour, but hey, we needed their support.


Along the way there were random crowds and many people yelled nice things at me like, "Go Kate!" "Nice pace Kate!" and "Damn girl, those are some short shorts!"  The last thought may or may not have been in my head.  I wore shorts that I normally only wear for yoga class.  They rode up my behind the entire way and became shorter and shorter.  By the end I was running in panties.

While there were some uphills in Golden Gate Park there were some extreme downhills through the neighborhoods.  When I say extreme I mean as close to vertical as a street can get before being considered a cement wall.  Most runners took to the downhills cautiously but I decided to hell with it and blasted down those streets.  One misstep and I would have face planted it pretty badly, but luckily I came out unscathed.  After those crazy down hills I returned to flat surfaces and my body was out of whack.  I felt like I pulled something in my left butt cheek, to use the layman's term.  My feet were throbbing from the intense impact but I knew I still had a ways to go.


I don't exactly know where we ran after the Haight-Ashbury but we wound through some industrial areas that weren't so pretty.   Even so I didn't mind because hey, I was in San Francisco!  I hit mile 10 and thought "Only 3 to go? How can that be?"  I felt strong and energized and assumed we were only at mile 9 or so.  That shows how much I pay attention along the way.


The Results are in...
I went into the last stretch feeling strong so I pushed it.  I sprinted the last quarter mile and dashed my way through the finish.  That felt amazing by the way.  Ahh, I love reliving those moments of personal glory.  My goal in this race was to finish in 1:50 or less.  Angela and I tried to stay near the 1:50 pacer.  Oftentimes we were ahead and other times right in line with the group.  By the end I had no idea where I had left them.  I wish I could say I left them 5 minutes behind, but not quite.


I finished with an overall time of 1:48:05 (8:15/mile).  I am happy with it :)  It gives me a new goal of 1:45 in my next half marathon.   This was my 1st official half as last year I ran 13.1 of the Chicago Marathon to cheer Ang along, finishing in 1:54:00.  I had a pretty big improvement in only 9 months.


Post-Race
After you cross the finish line there are the usual goodies handed out.  I loved the jamba juice smoothie I was handed immediately after and enjoyed the bottle of cranberry Joint Juice.  Yum!


I would highly recommend doing the full or either half of this marathon, if only to give you an excuse for a weekend getaway in SF.  If you don't mind waking up around 3:30 AM then I advise you to choose the first half, because trust me the views will be far superior to the 2nd half and they will make all of those grueling hills worth it.

I am already daydreaming about my next San Francisco visit... who's with me?

Meatless Monday: Herbivore, San Francisco

One of my favorite things about San Francisco is the countless amount of veg-friendly restaurants and cafes.  I tried one in particular this past weekend and I felt I should pass it on in case you live in the Bay Area or you are planning a visit.


Herbivore is the name, and an abundance of vegan fare is the game.   They have 2 locations in San Fran and one that recently opened in Berkeley.    I found it on google maps and after reading mixed reviews I wanted to check it out for myself.


I was needing to refuel after pushing it for 13.1 miles on the streets of San Francisco.  I was pretty boring with my choices, but I have no regrets.  I ordered an avocado sandwich with fries and salad...I know, snooze fest!  Either way, the food was simply divine and there was no shortage of fantastic choices.  Everything is vegan so there is no need to ask questions about what contains animal secretions and what doesn't.  Everything is fair game and the menu is quite extensive.  This could be a challenge for the indecisive person.  

My Boring Lunch that hit the SPOT!

They serve breakfast until 1pm to my delight, as I was able to order a side of pancakes.  Rich but not overwhelming.  Can I say holy deliciousness!?  Angela had a tofu scramble breakfast burrito that was one of the most flavorful concoctions I have ever tasted in a tortilla.   Even the side salad tossed next to my sandwich was good.  Full of dark leafy greens, sliced beets and super tasty dressing; I managed to finish every bite.  I was impressed.  I would have loved to sample the entire menu, but I had a plane to catch and I wanted to fit into my seat (and my pants) on the flight back.

Vegan Pancakes ~ I died and went to heaven! 

Desserts are also fresh and available with vegan vanilla bean ice-cream as a topping!  While there are sweets on the menu there is not much sweetness to the service.  Our server was kind of blah but she did her job, so no major complaints.  She forgot to bring us our coffee (umm, hello, do you know I am an addict?) but when we eventually got it we were pleased with their brew and it's lovely smell. 

Tofu-Scramble Breakfast Burrito (with Black Beans, YUM!)

I wish there was an Herbivore in San Diego so I could eat my way through the whole menu.  It is the kind of place you can take your whole entire, meat-eating, picky family because everyone would be able to find something enticing on the menu.   :)


Cheers!

Ramblings of a Non-Morning Person

It isn't often I get my tired butt out of bed before 6 AM just to run.  I always think to myself, "I'll do it later" and then I do.  Sleep is just far more gratifying at that hour than trotting around while half asleep.  Let's face it, as healthy as I try to be, running just seems like the most ridiculous prospect in the wee hours of the morning.  Hey, I am just being honest friends.

That's me in the morning

This morning, you won't believe it but I woke up at 5:40 AM.  Where is my gold star?  I popped a piece of toast in the toaster (which burned, big surprise) so I toasted another and had a few sips of water.  I ate my food and pushed myself slowly out the door.  I live in southern California, and it's July for crying out loud and get this, it was raining on me!  How cruel, San Diego.  The one day I decide to roll myself out of bed and onto the streets of my hood the sky decides to drop fluids on me the entire way.  I know what you're thinking, I am such a wimp.  I won't deny it, because to be honest it wasn't really raining.  It was drizzling, but STILL, it was not fun, okay?  This is the reason I moved away from Chicago; to avoid nasty weather at all costs.

By the time I returned to my warm and dry abode I felt like I deserved a nap.  But, of course I had to get ready for work.  I threw my soggy self in the shower and off I went to my 8-5.  Now the day is over and my run was done before I even had time to think about it.  As much of a complainer as I am, I am sure glad I ran my lazy booty around in the drizzle this morning.  Now I can go eat some vegan fro-yo and enjoy this evening. 

How do you get your butt out of bed in the morning?

Or, do you say screw it and run in the evening?

photo courtesy of: www. jasonbstanding.com

The Shoe Dilemma

When that time comes to retire my worn shoes I usually walk into my nearby running shoe store.   There I am greeted by a 19 year old sales person whose job is to assist me in finding "the right shoe" for my foot.  First off, I know these kids don't have a background in bio mechanics so I have always been wary of heeding their advice.  If you have a high arch they push you to buy highly cushioned, super supportive shoes.  By the way I have the highest arch you've ever seen; I was born into heels.  On the other hand, if you have flat Barney Rubble feet they will try to squeeze you into motion control shoes.  I don't mean to discredit the smaller shoe stores staffed with knowledgeable sales people; I am speaking strictly in terms of most major retailers. 


A few months ago I switched brands and tried an entirely different type of shoe.  I chose a pair that sounded in theory like the right pair but they didn't feel right.  Hello Kate! Red flag!  Within two weeks I was selling my bib for an upcoming race and doing swim workouts.  Why?  Because I had a stress fracture in my 3rd metatarsal.  It was quite disheartening and since then I listen to my feet and nobody else about running shoes.

Just today, Gretchen Reynolds posted an interesting article about this very topic on her Phys Ed section of the New York Times website titled 'Do certain types of sneakers prevent injury?'  I have to say, I love that Gretchen uses the word sneakers.  I didn't know people still said "sneakers" and what's worse is my mom calls them "tennies" short for tennis shoes.  I find it cute, but let's move on.

In Gretchen's write-up she mentions a few studies conducted by U.S. military researchers that were recently published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine.  What they found was almost no correlation at all between wearing the "proper running shoes" and avoiding injury.  Injury rates were high among all the runners, but they were highest among the soldiers who had received shoes designed specifically for their foot types. If anything, wearing the “right” shoes for their particular foot type had increased their risk of pain or injury.  A later study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found the same thing.  "The right shoe" was more likely to result in pain.

Now, in my humble opinion, I do NOT believe a running shoe can prevent injury.  That said, I definitely feel a running shoe can contribute in part to injury if one is wearing a shoe that doesn't feel right.  My opinion is based off of my own experience and this study seems to validate that.  Many even believe that today's shoes weaken the feet by providing too much support.  This was one of the controversial messages in the bestseller 'Born to Run' which advocates barefoot running.

I say, go with how you feel.   After my fracture I exchanged the awkward feeling shoes for a pair that felt comfortable and I was good to go.  I made it through the last several months pain and injury free by listening to my feet instead of the "shoe experts".   Sometimes I think we, ourselves, are the best judge for what is right.  Common sense prevails this time, my friends!   

Update on Kate

I am lessening my mileage this week in preparation for the San Francisco Half Marathon this Sunday and I am already itching for my next race.  Since training for a half marathon is similar to how I always run in terms of distance, I am looking forward to pushing my limits and running farther than ever before.    

Last week, I bit the bullet and registered for the Malibu International Marathon on November 14th.  I typed in the worn numbers from my credit card, entered my t-shirt size, clicked register and now it is official.  I will really run for 26.2 miles in Malibu.   I signed up for this race in particular because it is put on by Forever Runners, whose mission is to promote health and fitness and it is an eco-friendly event.  What really sold me is the marvelous coastal view along the way. 

I am so motivated and excited I can hardly sit still.  My mental countdown has begun and I am sifting through various training plans that will nicely intersect with my half marathon.  I am tossing around routes in my head and scouting out training partners for those arduous 18+ mile runs.   Any takers?

To top off my excitement I received a call from Noelle and my mom last night.  "Guess what?" screeched my 12-year old sister.  While I was expecting her to say she got another fancy gadget or a new dog or pony (which has been the case in the past) she actually surprised me with "we're coming to San Diego in November!".  She yelled with her excited giggle which always make me smile and miss her even more than I usually do.  Considering the huge age gap between us we are closer than ever.  Today, to push me over the edge of elation, I find out my Aunt Kate is also jumping on the bandwagon!  They will ALL be here to celebrate Noelle's birthday and to cheer me on at Malibu.    


While it won't be easy I know seeing their smiling, cheery faces will help me move forward one stride at a time on race day.  God knows I will need all the motivation I can get.  Their company and the loads of laughter they bring along will be a happy distraction before race day.

With happy thoughts on the brain I leave for San Francisco this Friday.  And, with any luck I won't miss my flight this time and will return with a splendid race report on Sunday for all of you.  


Good luck to everyone racing this weekend in San Fran!!  Kick boo-tay and most importantly, HAVE FUN! :)

Meatless Monday: Polenta with Kale & White Beans

This week, I decided to think outside the box and make some deliciously satisfying Polenta accompanied by sauteed kale, onion, white beans and a touch of balsamic.  Usually I stick to brown rice, whole wheat pasta and cous-cous so it was a pleasant change for this creature of habit.


Polenta, which is basically cornmeal paste, originated in Northern Italy and today still surpasses pasta and pizza in popularity in parts of Italy.  To make polenta from scratch you would need a copper pot and have to stir for an entire 50 minutes or so.   I don't know about you, but it isn't ideal for me to stand over a pot for 50 minutes straight.  Today, we can buy polenta in a tube and save ourselves an hour.  I prefer Food Merchants Organic polenta (shown below). 

Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium.  It has great flavor and texture and goes well with just about anything, much like spinach.  

Polenta with Kale & White Beans

Ingredients:

1 18-oz. tube Food Merchants Organic Polenta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup minced red onion (or white if you prefer)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch kale, washed and chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 15-oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, plus more for drizzling

Slice the polenta into 1/2-inch thick rounds.  Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and brown the polenta on each side.  I use cooking spray but feel free you use oil of your choice.  Note: It takes a few minutes longer if you decide to use cooking spray. 

While the polenta is cooking, heat a large pot over medium to medium-high heat and add the olive oil.  Add the onion and saute until it’s softened, about five minutes or so.  Add the garlic and saute for about a minute more, or until fragrant.  Add the kale with the water still clinging to the leaves, give it a stir, and cover the pot.  Cook for a couple minutes to start wilting the kale, then add the vegetable broth, cover and stir again.  Cook the kale until it’s tender, about ten minutes or so depending on how hot your pot is.

Once the kale is almost tender, stir in the white beans and cook with the lid off, just until they’re heated through.  Add the balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

To plate, place a couple polenta rounds on the plate and top with the kale mixture and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Buon Apetito! 

Recipe adapted from http://www.cestlavegan.com/

An Exercise in Self-Confidence

3 miles into our 12 mile run I felt like a slug.  Every time I looked at the Garmin it said anything from 9:00 – 9:12 pace and it felt tough.  Granted, this is a pretty typical pace for a long run but it normally feels easy, and I usually have the urge to speed up.  Earlier in the week I did a tempo run with 4.5 miles at 7:30 pace and that felt easier than this!


I tried not to let the extra effort take away from the beautiful run we were on.  It wasn't a trail run or an adventurous jaunt in the middle of nowhere, but it's a route I enjoy.  Angela and I ran from Mission Beach to La Jolla, where the seals reside.  The route took us down the hectic strip along the beach through a swanky neighborhood full of homes that make my jaw drop, time and time again. The residential portion of the run is hilly but the constant ocean breeze inhibits you from sweating up a storm. We made our way to the Children’s Park which is now the home of a colorful array of seals and turned back around.

On the way back to Mission Beach I suddenly felt more energized.  By the time we hit 9 miles and stopped for water I felt fabulous.  With 3 miles to go I wanted more.  I was wondering to myself how it is possible to feel fatigued at mile 3 and wound up at miles 9-12.  We sped up on the last mile and crossed our imaginary finish line by the Wave House.  I felt like I could go on at a fast pace.

This isn’t the first time I have felt significantly better toward the end of a run, so I started tossing around ideas in my head.  Maybe it takes me longer to warm up than most people.  Or, maybe knowing that I have many miles ahead brings about self-doubt and negative thoughts. The second scenario is probably more likely, which means I need to work on my attitude and self-confidence.  I bust out tempo runs to get faster, I do long runs to build endurance, I practice yoga to feel centered and limber, but self-confidence is its own entity.

Sometimes I repeat a mantra to myself in hopes that the message will sink into my stubborn brain and I will truly believe it.   Other times I play make-believe that I am running on a track at the Olympics waving at my adoring fans.  And sometimes it just takes a good, hard race to do the trick.  Last time I raced, it brought me up a notch on the confident scale.  I surprised myself, which means I didn't expect much in the first place.  Luckily the San Francisco Half Marathon is just around the corner and I hope to finish strong and fast.

After this Half Marathon I begin training for the Malibu International Marathon in November and I would like to ditch the self-doubt before I get into those 18 and 20 milers. 

Please help, fellow women & runners:

What helps build your self-confidence on long runs?

Generally speaking, what makes you feel strong, capable and self-assured?

Thanks Everyone!

Meatless Monday: Bob Harper Goes Vegan

Recently, an article on VegNews announced that Biggest Loser  trainer, Bob Harper, has gone vegan!  Although I do not watch The Biggest Loser I am inspired by the incredible weight loss that has resulted from the show.  I am delighted that at least one of the trainers is promoting a cruelty-free diet because I know fitness "guru" Jillian Michaels is certainly not.  

I don't know a great deal about Jillian Michaels, aside from the fact that she declares soy to be dangerous for women while having absolutely no educational background in nutrition, chemistry, biology or anything related for that matter.  In the past she tweeted about veganism being unhealthy.  It frustrates me when people with great influence make claims such as these.  People seem to trust Jillian Michaels when it comes to their health but I think they should look deeper into her qualifications before doing so.  Don't get me wrong, I think Jillian has a place in the fitness community but she is not a Registered Dietician and should not be touting false claims.  

On that same note, Bob Harper is also not a dietician, but it will be encouraging to see someone on a mainstream TV show express the benefits of a vegan diet from his own experience, if he decides to do so.  Jenny-O is one of The Biggest Loser sponsors so I won't be surprised if he is tight-lipped about veganism.  I can only hope he has the chance to speak his truth.  

Meat heavy, high protein diets are the recommendation in most commercial gyms.  Bob Harper going vegan is in my opinion, a step in the right direction.  Currently, most personal trainers are expected to bring in revenue through protein supplement sales and most encourage their clients to eat higher protein amounts in order to gain muscle mass.  As many of us know, excess protein is not beneficial in any way.  Hopefully, Bob Harper will educate contestants and viewers about protein needs and vegetarian sources rich in protein.  While protein deficiency is a concern in developing countries, it is practically impossible to find in the United States.  I will delve deeper into the protein issue and shed some light on common protein myths in a future blog post.  

Veganism is a process of learning, making changes and growing.  Bravo Bob!  I hope you continue happily on your vegan journey.  

Sweet Home San Diego

I remember tackling a massive hill a few months ago and saying, "the next time I run in Chicago it is going to feel like a piece of cake!”  The only hill you encounter when running through Chicago is when crossing a bridge; otherwise, it is flat.  I assumed because I have been running on the hilly terrain of San Diego I was stronger and tougher.  I figured since Chicago is a pancake, it should also be a piece of cake for a Californian like me.  I was mistaken.


I only ran one time while home in Chicago for 3 ½ days.  I forgot just how hot and humid the weather is in July.  As soon as I stepped outside I felt myself suffocating from the moisture in the air.  There is no ocean breeze.  Instead, hot gusts like heat coming off the back of a bus. It was rough!  Or, it is possible that I have become thin-skinned.  Either way, I was not a fan of running in that weather.  I had to take a 10 minute walk break at one point just to catch my breath.  I felt under-hydrated and eventually nauseous.  This may have been the one moment when I wished I was back on the beach in San Diego.  Luckily, that moment passed as quickly as it came.

My lovely sisters & beautiful nieces

Instead of running in the mornings I woke up with my family and enjoyed breakfast and conversation.  I was able to play with one of my 3 year old nieces and snuggle with the dogs.  I delighted in these uncharacteristic mornings with my family and wished they could last longer.  I was originally supposed to run a 10K with Angela and some of her family but I declined and spent the morning with my little sister and Bella.  Now that I am living on the west coast these mornings are all too rare. It was one of the best decisions I could have made.  I chose family over running, and I am so glad I did.

I have since returned to San Diego and my daily routine.  My days again involve a morning coffee with soy milk, work all day, an evening run or yoga and some time in the kitchen preparing a simple dinner.  I have had some fantastic runs and feel like myself again in that regard.  I love my days and the simplistic life I lead but I also miss my family.  I miss catching up on the happenings of my clever, 12-year old sister and spending the night on her bottom bunk.  I miss hugging my mom and holding Hubble the Schitzu like a newborn baby and I miss rubbing the bellies of both my pregnant sisters.  And, of course I miss the raucous laughter that ensues when my family comes together. Although I am far away I am certain I am a better sister, daughter, niece and aunt than I would be if I lived there, simply because I am happy.  I am living the life I have always desired and I know that shows. I hope I am an example to my nieces and my little sister that it is important to live their life in a way that feels right.  Maybe, just maybe, they will grow up to be runners and join me in races.  You never know!

Happy Running!

Back to the Ocean

This Week's Runs:
Mon: OFF- traveling
Tues: San Diego Track Club- 8x400s w/ warm-up and cool-down run
Wed: 8 mile tempo run (4.5 miles @ 7:30 pace)
Thurs: Rest
Fri: 5 mile run & 1 hr Hot Yoga
Sat: Slow, hilly trail run
Sun: 12 mile run

Meatless Monday: Enduring BBQ Season

Meatless Monday is actually Meatless Tuesday this week due to the holiday.  I have yet to unpack my suitcase, catch up on e-mails and haven't even delved into the July issue of Runner's World which proves I am running behind.

Summer is officially here!  This means pool parties, beach outings, outdoor festivals and of course barbecues. BBQ typically refers to grilled, smoky meats and clearly that is a problem for the vegetarian individual. Unfortunately, that smell everyone oohs and ahhs about is animal flesh roasting on the grill for human consumption.  I know it sounds disgusting, but lets face it, it is disgusting.   So, how do we look past that and enjoy ourselves?


My method, which proved 100% effective this fourth of July weekend, is to come prepared! Go shopping beforehand and buy something for the meal as well as something you can make for a side-dish that way you can graze along with everybody else.

I like to make something fitting for a BBQ.  This helps me to avoid interrogation and questioning about why I am not eating a big beefy burger or hot-dog.  Bringing tofu or tempeh can provide a great opportunity to expose friends and family to delicious vegetarian fare, but in my case, I receive more disdain from others than genuine curiosity.  I don't always feel like educating and defending my position.  You may be lucky enough to receive praise for your meatless masterpiece, but unfortunately in my family it's more like mockery.  It's okay, I still love them!

I included a recipe for grilled Portobello mushroom burgers that blend right in with the beef patties and are better for the environment, the animals and YOU!  Enjoy.


Grilled Portobello Garlic & Avocado Burger Recipe

makes 4 sandwiches

4 large portobello mushrooms

2 tablespoons olive oil

Minced garlic (to taste)

1-2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning

salt & pepper

4 kaiser rolls or burger buns

1-2 avocados
4 slices tomato of your choice
1 cup salad leaves or lettuce
a few handfuls of sprouts
cheese, soy or regular (if you prefer)

Heat an outdoor grill to 400f.

Wipe the mushrooms clean. Using a spoon, scrape off the gills from the mushrooms. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, italian seasoning, salt and pepper and minced garlic. Brush the olive oil and vinegar mixture all over the mushrooms.


Place the mushroom caps on the grill and grill about 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip the mushroom caps, and grill another 2-3 minutes. If you like cheese, place cheese slices on portobello caps (gill side) after you have flipped them. Remove grilled mushrooms to a plate, and cover to keep warm. If you are not using an outdoor grill, broil the mushrooms in the oven; about 3-4 minutes per side.

Cut the bread roll in half.  Place "burger" on bun with sliced avocado on top. Top with lettuce or salad greens, tomato, sprouts and condiment of your choice. Place the other bread slice on top. Secure sandwich with a toothpick. Serve with a side of soup or salad.


Some other foods that are simple and great for barbecues:

• Cold bean and corn salad – w/ diced onion and peppers
• Homemade guacamole and chips
• Black bean dip
• Grilled vegetable skewers
• Homemade hummus of any kind with chopped veggies and warm pita bread
• Veggie burgers, hot-dogs & Chik'n (favorite brands are Morning Star and Quorn)

Startling Stat:

500,000 animals are killed for meat per hour in the U.S.




photo courtesy of Natural Selection

Packing for Chicago

It is after 9:00 PM as I sit here still sweaty from my gym session, looking around the apartment wondering what to pack.  I leave for the airport tomorrow at the crack of dawn and I still have laundry to do. Procrastinate? Me? Never.

I love running for so many reasons I can hardly list them all.  I love that running is incredibly versatile and accessible.  While I can't pack an elliptical in my suitcase or dumbbells in my carry-on I certainly can throw a pair of running shoes in my bag and still make it through security. 

Tomorrow, I will arrive in Chicago for the first time since I moved to California 8 months ago.  I will be greeted by the somewhat crazy, exceptionally lively bunch that is my family.  I will willingly cram a ton of family time into just a few days.  As fun as this will be, it will also be tiring as I make my way from the suburbs to the city and all the way out to the rural town in which my mom resides.

Depending on where I decide to run I will either admire beautiful cows grazing in the tall grass or traipse along Lake Michigan marveling in Chicago’s architecture.  Either way I will satisfy my urge to run.  That little bit of quiet reflection and peace will do me good and give me the energy needed for a weekend packed with family parties. 

While I miss Chicago’s energy, culture and urban beauty I don’t think I will soon forget why I moved here.  Just last night I had the most gratifying run on the trails outside of my home.  I wove up and around the canyon with delight feeling like everything was right in my life.  Because it is.  

I live a pretty effortless life these days.  I work, run, practice yoga, cook, read and sleep.  I don’t chase after cabs or buses anymore and I am certainly never in a rush to get anywhere.  After all, this is California.  Nobody is ever in a rush.  I have become spoiled with an uncomplicated existence here and I expect to feel worn out after this activity-packed weekend.

Now it is close to 10:00 PM and I still have not packed my suitcase.  I am not stressed or crazed like I would have once been.  I am in no rush anymore.  In the end, as long as I remember my running shoes I will be just fine. 

Happy running & have a safe holiday weekend everyone!