back in the swing of things!

Sunday, I made my mom and I open faced tuna melt sandwiches (recipe #30) - which I then forgot to photograph.  But they looked something like this (thanks google images).  I don't think I left them in the oven long enough because the tuna wasn't warm; but my mom said she doesn't like the way tuna tastes when it's warm so I guess I'm glad I didn't cook them longer!

Today, I'm back home and went on a run with M.  I was feeling fairly sluggish, but we actually went faster than I guessed.  We went about 3.5 miles in 42 minutes, which is an average of 12 minute miles (doing 1 minute walking / 6 minute walking intervals).  Those 6 minutes were feeling LONG for some intervals, though.  Also, we stopped after every 2nd interval to stretch / so I could catch my breath, which I'm sure helped me keep up the pace. 

On my drive home, I was determined to do some strength work, but by the time I actually got in the house, I only managed to do 25 crunches before dinner.  Then, I did a little more strength work while I watched Bachelorette - one of my favorite shows!  Oh reality TV, I know... are there any other fans out there?  Who do you like? Not like?  So far, I'm sick of the Weatherman (I was surprised he got a rose), and I think Craig R. and Kasey are kind of  annoying.  I really like Chris L. from Cap Cod, am excited about her chemistry with Kirk (what a kiss tonight!); think Frank looks better with his glasses on, like Roberto quite a bit but don't think he's "the one" after their one on one.  Similarly, I really like Jesse but also do not think he's "the one".  Justin, I can't decide about!  I liked him, but then he cried, and he's causing all this drama... but, I don't think he's there for "the wrong reasons," honestly.  I wasn't terribly surprised that she kept him, even though the guys were all sorts of mad.  Everyone else I either somewhat like or have no opinion of yet.

Anyway, M and I are going running again Wednesday, but thinking about switching up our routine.  One idea was to do a shorter run overall, but with longer intervals of running (e.g. 10 min run, 2 min walk, 3x).  Part of me thinks we can totally do that and it would be great, but the other part knows that 6 minutes felt long at some points today.  Another idea is to do shorter intervals (like 2/1) and try running a bit faster during the runs?  Or, we might just stick with what we've been doing but go for a shorter time.  Any suggestions?

I have this month's issues of Self magazine, which had an article featuring Kate Goucher, an elite marathoner.  They featured a running program, which also included some speed work.  I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it, but it's definitely something I'd like to try!  I enjoy reading health/fitness magazines, and I am pondering whether or not I want to subscribe to one.  Does anyone subscribe to Self, Women's Health, or anything similar?  What are your favorites?

Now that I'm back in town, it's also time to get back to some regularly scheduled cooking!  Tonight I made Tilapia with Thai Peanut Sauce (#31).  Despite having seafood twice while I was gone, I was still craving more, so I was excited about dinner tonight.  I've never made tilapia before, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  First, it stuck to the pan, even though I had heated oil in the pan first.  Then, it was flaking pretty easily so I thought it was done, but it was still a little raw in the middle.  It still tasted pretty  good, and I love love peanut sauce.  It was served with stir fry vegetables, and I added in a little pasta for some carbs!

After dinner, I was still hungry (I always get more hungry AFTER dinner, why is that?) so I snacked on some blueberries and tried drinking water.  Then, made myself lunch for tomorrow, so I made mini meat loaves (#32)!  I used to love meatloaf growing up, and I think this was the first time I ever made it myself.  It was a pretty basic version, but I'll have to let you know how it tastes.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to local blogger, Sarah.  Sarah is a runner and works less than a mile away from me!  I met her once through my college roommate, Susan.  Anyway, Sarah is doing a giveaway on her blog right now, which I think is so cool!  I don't have anything to give away right now, other than offers to cook for anyone who's local, but maybe I'll come up with something!  That's all for now, but stay tuned for an exciting week of running and cooking!