healthy

I've never liked my knees. They kind of bend inward. And they look completely un-feminine in skirts. They hurt- a lot. I was very adventurous (and clumsy!) as a kid, so they are covered in scars.


This picture was taken after my 5K Saturday. These knees have let me train with them. They let me get through the 3.2 miles without hurting at all (although one is in pain now!). But you know what the best part is? These knees are my own.

As I stand in my kitchen eating brownies right out of the pan, I ponder why I am not losing (but rather gaining) weight. Hmm.

I'd much rather eat my healthy foods, but so often I eat crap that I don't even enjoy just because. Because it is there, because it is a habit, because I can. I've tried the whole "I won't snack during ___ time" or "Only one snack..blah, blah.." and it doesn't work.

I will come home from work starving and stressed and not have the patience to wait for my healthy meal to reheat in the microwave. It IS 4 minutes, after all! So I will snack. I would like to fix this snacking issue all together, but I will save that for another time. Now I am focusing on replacing the thousand calories of icky crap with foods that are actually good for me!

Hence the bag of 3 Golden Delicious apples cut into pieces of all sizes.
Also, I am working on a plan for my food choices. Basically, it is just all fruits and veggies, yogurt, lean proteins and whole grain products (except pasta). I'll explain that more later.
In preparation for the week, I took stock of my oatmeal! Really, I am an addict. We've got: organic wheat bulgur, reduced-sugar quick-cooking oatmeal (for snacks!), multi-grain hot cereal hot cereal (sooooo good! just needs a bit of flavor added!), McCann's steel cut Irish oats (filling!) and Quaker steel cut oats (cheaper than McCann's.. haven't tried them yet!). And there's a nice can of pumpkin!

I usually go for slow-cooking grains, but this product is amazing. It takes only ten minutes to cook and is delicious. Perfect for when you're short on time.

Do you have any Sunday night rituals to prepare for the week?

Thank you to all of my blogging friends for your support in this 5K event. Honestly, your comments, advice and encouragement got me through- and definitely made me run a little bit faster when I was ready to take a break!

My time was 34:35. For lots of "real runners" this may not be fantastic, but it was huge for me. 1- I broke the goal I set for myself. 2- Before I could only run one minute at a time. 3- I kept a consistent pace by measuring myself with others in the race. It is a good starting point to base my next race from! And I definitely plan on training to do longer races. I love it.

Proving to myself that I can actually accomplish something with a bit of determination and hard work gave me a nice boost of confidence. I need to get in gear with my weight-loss goal, and this race proved that IT is possible. I'm working on a plan (I thrive off plans and lists), so I can expect to see results soon.


David and I made up. He gave me a card of congratulations and promised that he would invite me to the next 5K. After an afternoon of playing with the dog and walking through a nature park, we headed out to Zen Forrest for dinner. I have been wanting to try this place for a while, so I was so excited. I ordered the Tofu Zen:Tofu steaks are lightly dusted with rice flour and pan fried. Then a combination of fresh vegetables, wood-ear, shitake and straw mushrooms are sautéed in a delicious sauce... Oh my gosh. I ordered it heavy on the vegetables, light on the rice-- I have been pretty carbed-out lately! (A delicious salad came before the meal, too!)
I asked for a box, expecting to not finish the whole thing. Honestly, I ate everything except for one stick of tofu! I finished the meal off with a light ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. Probably not the best choice, but now I feel content and ready to kick myself into gear!

We saw this truck in the parking lot. Can you believe somebody drives this thing down the road? It was awesome!!

healthy ashley is an honest and uplifting space for those trying to lead healthier, happier lives. Beginning in December 2007 to satisfy a craving for health and writing, healthy ashley now offers every day inspiration, reflection and tips.

healthy ashley proudly boasts triumphs as well as struggles- because that's what striving toward a healthy life is all about!

Thanks for stopping by healthy ashley! This blog documents how I balance fitness, food and life as I try to become the healthiest and happiest version of myself. I hope along the way I can inspire you, too!

I started training for a 5k in February 2009. That September I spontaneously signed up for a half marathon (and ran it!) and never looked back! I have run three half marathons and three full marathons. I’m also training for a 50k trail race in April 2010 and a half Ironman in May 2010. I’m slow, but I can go far!

Shin splints did keep me off the road for about six months. I now keep my shins healthy with these tips!

In addition to running I practice power yoga, take my road bike out for long rides, practice swimming, strength train and swing dance! I have to enjoy what I’m doing to consistently workout so I like to mix it up on a regular basis! Cross training keeps me healthy when running, too.

I’ve been a vegetarian since October 2001 after losing my beloved pet goat, Noel. In July of 2009 I eliminated dairy and eggs from my diet in hopes that would relieve the terrible stomach pain I had been suffering from. Not only did the stomach pain go away, but I had more energy than ever before! I love my vegan diet and don’t miss the dairy or eggs at all!

I live in Orlando, Fl. with my black lab/boxer Dixie and cat Jack. I love my pets and the excitement they bring to the house!

I have a degree in public relations and a passion for health and fitness. I’m currently trying to figure out how to combine the two for an awesome career! I now work at lululemon and do freelance public relations work. I’m also a certified personal trainer through NASM.

I believe in the power of positivity, goals, friends and love. Please check out my memorable posts and the homepage to see what I’m talking about!

Want to chat? Email me at healthyashley@gmail.com
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I set a goal for 35:00. I surpassed that. By myself.

The race was called "Defending Innocence" and is in remembrance of Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped, raped and murdered all a few hours from my home. The race was all about protecting kids. This is an issue very close to my heart. An immediate relative tore my family apart through abuse on children. My life was broken to pieces from what this person did and the victim will never be the same.... I thought that this was simply be an issue I care about that I could support. Walking to the race and seeing the statistics, hearing the music... all to keep kids from experiencing what my family went through...what he did... was too much. I cried and cried. It brought the issue back in my mind. I took a break in my car and gave myself a pep talk. I would allow myself to cry later.

Also, I was alone. David didn't come. Surrounded by running groups, families and couples, with me fighting back my tears, I seriously did not want to run. But I did.

I ran so hard and pushed myself. I didn't wear anything to keep time. And with my progress, I was placing myself way above my goal.

At the end of the race, I turned the last corner to go under the bridge leading to the finish line. There were kids all over. There was a musician playing a melody on his guitar above the bridge. Then I saw my time. I felt such pride. I did it. I did it in spite of David not coming, in spite of not being the best runner, in spite of what this "immediate relative" did to my family. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions at once. I can't even explain it, but I couldn't keep from crying.

In a way, it was like I beat him. I beat cruelty to children. I beat reliance on a man. I beat my bad knees and my headache. He might be able to hurt my family, but I can fight back. I could put my mind to something and beat it.

Here I am 9 hours before my 5K.

I didn't get to run last night. And I didn't walk tonight- or get in a great stretch. David and I got in a silly fight (due to the fact that we are both exhausted) so he left and I might be going to the race (1 hour away) by myself tomorrow. I might also be eating only 1/2 of the batch of banana oatmeal I made for the two of us for the morning. I am upset, so I can't get to sleep. I am upset, so I ate chocolate for no reason. I have a headache now. My alarm is set for 5:30 am. It is 11:10pm. My weigh-in shows that the scale keeps going up. I've never seen the number I saw this morning. I want to badly to kick myself in the butt and get in gear-- but it seems impossible with the huge load of assignments for school (I'm a senior and the classes are getting tough), work is becoming more demanding (which is good, but just a lot), my sister-in-law had her baby 2 days ago and I still haven't seen her, I'm working on a side project for a friends business, (was trying) to train for th 5K, catch up with friends.... and I can squeeze in so little sleep each night. It is like everything is working against me. So I feel too stressed, sporadic, and sleep-lacking to get on track. And that lovely time of the month is coming very soon (possibly pre-race? That would be GREAT).

....where was I going with that..?

So.. my 5K is this Saturday. I've done other 5Ks before, but this is the first since I have made a real effort to become a better runner. I am consistently improving now. Along with getting better has come a new sense competition. I am all about beating myself. (And proclaiming some great time to all of my blogger friends Saturday night!)

I had plans to really train for this. I wanted to establish my mile time and work on improving that with each run. But my schedule decided to take a different turn. I have been swamped with school, work and side projects. When I am able to run, it is sporadic. I've also had to sacrifice many of my other workouts (consistent strength training, more cardio) because of my schedule. I'm getting so little sleep as is!

Anyway... since I am a new competitive "almost runner," I am stressed out about not being ready for Saturday. I want a good time, but I worry that my skills aren't where I want them to be.

I am planning on running lightly and walking a lot today ad tomorrow. I can have a bit of endurance when I need to, but I don't want to strain my body before the race. So, any pre-race tips to do my best come race day? Dish on your running star secrets!

I've been trying to avoid asking for help on this issue on this blog. It's not exactly dinner table conversation, eh?

Breathing issues are what usually slows me down when I run. I gasp and gasp... sometimes leading to feeling as if I can't breathe.. But lately, phlegm (yep, that's how it is spelled. You totally thought it was flem, too?) is coming up and blocking my throat. Mmmmm! So normally little things like this would be no big deal, but it makes my already-tough breathing even more complicated. And then I focus so much on how I can't breathe because of this in my throat -instead of focusing on how I am running!

I've consulted my boyfriend the runner and consulted Google with a few searches. The best advice I've gotten is to just spit it out. But... 1) I don't spit! and 2) I'd like to not have it disrupt my breathing in the first place.

Tips? Personal experiences? Help a gagging (almost) runner out!

In light of the recent holiday, I'd like to pose a discussion regarding balancing your health and goals with the pressures of family.

I'll begin with my situation. I've posted before about how my family's influence combined with other events led to an eating disorder. In my family I am the only vegetarian. I am also the only one who works out on a regular basis (not saying that I am the only healthy one :) When I sit down to holiday meals (or any family meal for that matter), my family will push food on me. My grandmother with a second dinner roll, my mother urging me to order dessert, or my father laughing at me when I order a salad.

Tonight I found myself taking a second helping of pasta at dinner. I was already full. The pasta wasn't anything special that was just so good that I needed more... but I felt guilty for eating right and not over-stuffing myself.

I want to figure out how to handle a family who doesn't know how to accept my goals or eating habits. I've spoken up plenty of times. It's not a horrible situation, but I do find it taking away my control. What do you do in these situations? Do you have family or friends who continue to push certain foods/habits on you? Please let me know what works for you!

Oh yes I did!

Minutes 1-5 I was thinking oh how great it would be to post it on this blog, as if I was on my way to becoming a real runner. Minute 6 I was considering answering my title question with: "Not yet!!!" Minute 7-9 I was silently chanting, "Quitting is not an option!" The food that was in my stomach at the start of the run is now coming up. Eww. I felt pretty nauseous, s I finished my short workout with 5 minutes of walking and 5 minutes on the bike. Woohoo!

On Saturday, my family and I headed to Sarasota Beach, FL. for a relaxing day at the beach. Unfortunately, it rained all day, but we still had a fantastic time in the pool and a yummy dinner at Tommy Bahama's. I loved sharing good times with my family!

The restaurant and menu are impressive. I ordered a big salad- I had been pretty overwhelmed by the plantain chips, bread and more bread. The salad didn't look to photogenic, but David's looked amazing! He ordered the Sanibel Stuffed Chicken. Here are a few shots of his!



What a cool looking statue! He was actually naked under the guitar....! It was graphic! LOL
This Easter has been especially meaningful to me. I love it especially because it seems less commercialized than other holidays. Whether or not you celebrate Easter, I hope you had a great weekend.

Happy tagged me and graced me with a lovely challenge. She told me to sum up my life in a six word memoir. I like to talk, so this was tough!! But here it is:

"Whether past or present, keep running."

I've had a lot of things happen in my life. During those times, I had the option to cry 'poor me' or to keep running. I chose the running. I've persevered and it's made me stronger. I don't know what the future holds, but I can count o the fact that I will keep running. Don't stop!

I guess I get to tag six people now? Hmm....maybe just four will work! Here's to For the Love of Oats, Robin, Cat and Creating Diva.

Thanks Happy!
Photo

Yes, actually. I ran for 8 minutes straight (speed: 6.8) Now, for all of you real "runners", flip to some other blog right now..

... because I am SO PROUD of my 8 minutes! EIGHT!

Okay. My running history:

-Always: Run intervals of about 1 minute run, 2 minute walk (barely catching my breath)
-Recently: 1.5 minute run, 1.5 minute walk (movin' on up!)
-One month ago: I ran for 3.5 minutes straight (Tough!! It was duing the beginning of my C25K program)
-Two days ago: 5 minutes straight (pretty smooth. I couldn't believe I was able to run for that long.)
-Five minutes ago: Two minute warm-up and then 8 minutes straight! (breathing was okay; could have gone longer if it wasn't for my dessert cramping up my stomach. Ugh!)

I dared myself to do it- and I followed through until the end. I've been so content running at 1.5 minutes at a time. After all, "I can't really run."

But it's funny what we can do when we put our minds to something..

*** My 5K is 8 days away! I want to run tomorrow and hit another 8 minute mark! Maybe 10!?!? I've got to get ready here!!

I stumbled across this quote today:

Quitting smoking is easy. I've done it a thousand times."
-Mark Twain

How many of us could say this about dieting?

This is why my focus has shifted to "health" more than "weight loss." Health is about treating our bodies right. Health doesn't go out the window because you had a brownie. Health is an ongoing journey.

I'm just sayin'......

To my blogger friends: I am still keeping up on your blogs, and I will comment and discuss as soon as I can cross a bit off of this HUGE to-do list! I haven't forgotten.

Until things come down, here's an episode of "Ashley Procrastinates":
(Late last night) I decided I wanted to try something different for breakfast the next morning. I combined cooked oatmeal, pumpkin, 1 egg white, apple pieces and cinnamon and turbinado sugar together in an oven-safe bowl. I let it sit overnight and baked at 350 for a while this morning. It was good, but it could have been better.. too dry for my liking. I will improve.

Since I was young(er), I've had this creative, arts-and-craft-y side to me that only comes out between the hours of 11p.m. and 6a.m. During those hours, I am best to clean the house, dance, re-organize my shoes (again), bake a new recipe, invent a recipe, sew, paint anything, do my taxes, etc... As a result, I've been staying up late to finish school, work or side projects... which leads me to "unleashing" my creative side.

I decided I didn't like the plain wood on this chair. Now, the colors may be hideous and the paint job less than fantastic, but I am known to have to let my creative juices (or purchasing juices..) flow NOW. I can't take a trip to the store! I have to do this NOW! So, the chair is now the color of the kitchen paint and the rails were born from leftover craft paints in a box.

At least it now looks better than it did!

Because I don't have enough random photos of my puppies...
Hope you all are doing well! I'll talk to you soon..!

Fettuccini noodles cooked in tumeric enhanced water with organic kale in a savory broth (vegetable broth, leeks, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar - kale and leeks from Fully Belly CSA); organic Fuji apple; Annies whole wheat cheddar bunnies and shredded spicy monterrey jack cheese.

Leftover St. Paddy's day bread reinvented with organic salt free peanut butter and sliced organic strawberries (first of the year, and not as tasty as they appear) - both in the sandwich and in the container; chocolate soy milk.

This lunch is to St. Paddy's day what a Christmas Tree is to Christmas, all show and no substance. I decided to pass on the corned beef and cabbage after envisioning what might become of such traditional fare in the hands of an impulsive 6 year old with a decent throwing arm,  wielding a fork and surrounded by his encouraging and exuberant peers.

When I opened my CSA box this week and found this pair of interwined carrots peeking out I smiled. Two days later they still make me smile. They are so unique and beautiful that I wonder if I should send them off to be eaten or if I should display them in my kitchen to be admired. This is one of the things that I love about organic farming. The methods allow vegetables and fruit to just be. Sometimes that means that they are not smooth and unblemished, often it means that they are not uniformly shaped, but always, underneath either an oddly unattractive (think celery root) or an extraordinary exterior (think intertwined carrots) something delicious and uniquely beautiful dwells because nature has been allowed to do its thing.

O's?  

Organic whole wheat pasta with pesto (chopped basil mixed with olive oil, garlic and pinenuts, processed and frozen from early Fall, defrosted and mixed with a touch more olive oil, pecorino cheese and a touch of seasalt) and kalamata olives; organic red leaf lettuce; organic beets (Full Belly), baked in foil, then quartered and marinated in mustard and vinegar; Organic Valley cheesestick homemade whole wheat brownies.

I almost didn't include this lunch because it makes me feel like a fraud.  The fish - -Striper - -was purchased impulsively at Trader Joe's and I didn't realize until I got home that it was imported from a fish farm in Vietnam, where I am guessing that it's antibiotic filled discharge is polluting a once lovely body of water.  My apologies for contributing to the natural resource exploitation of other countries.  To add to the deception, my son is convinced that this fish is chicken.  

So I bought the salami for the pizzable lunch and now I'm stuck with an entire package that I really don't want anyone to eat. . .however, waste not, want not. . .I don't know what that means except that my  desire not to waste is stronger than my nutrition ideals.

Aidan decided that since I refuse to buy him a lunchable, we should simply make our own.

Organic whole wheat pasta with pesto and sundried tomatoes; organic green lettuce salad and carrot sticks; organic apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and raisins.

As suspected, Friday's soup was rejected.  Perhaps packing broccoli romanesco chesnut soup on Pizza Day at school was not the best planning.  This lunch was met with much more enthusiasm.