Well, last week I was all set to run two 5Ks back to back. The first was on Thursday, for the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, and the second was on Saturday, for the Golisano’s Stroll for Strong Kids 5K. I used to walk the corporate challenge every year, and this was going to be my first time back in a few years. I was so excited knowing I was going to run it. Then my body intervened.
A warning to all men and those of the squeamish variety, you may want to stop here. For those who are prepared to witness the gory details, read on. By Thursday, I was having major issues. On Weight Watchers, we call it TOM, or time of the month. Mine usually lasts 3-4 days. More than anyone needed to know about me, right? Well, it turns out that women go through a lot with this one part of being an xy creature. For some reason, my tom was on it’s 7th day and it was about 10x heavier than I have ever experienced. This results in a lot of cramps, (blood clots, which are very painful), and a significant blood loss. Being that it was still going so strong, I thought to call my gyn. It turns out that she was on vacation, but the nurse practitioner advised me to take 600 ibuprofen every 6 hours, put my feet above my heart and ice my abdomen. This would hopefully slow things down.
I informed her that I was on my way home to change for a 5K. Her reaction was “Umm, you really can’t do that.” Running will make it worse, as I was so happy to learn. (NOT) So bummed as I was, I didn’t want to pass out on the course, or worse yet, have my pants mysteriously change colors as I crossed the finish line. Yes, that would be worse.
By Friday morning. I thought it was done, but by the afternoon, I was back in full swing. By Saturday morning, I was mainly in the clear, but so drained that I had to sleep in and miss the second 5K. It sucks to sleep in, an action which seems so lazy, but my body just didn’t have the “juice” to get me going. Grossed out yet? Don’t worry. I’m done with that stuff.
Next Sunday I have the Tour de Cure. I have committed to riding 40 miles, and I am so excited. I plan to go to the gym at least 2-3 times this week, so I can be warmed up and ready. In order to have a good week, that typically involves good planning on my part. Sunday is my day to do that. Laundry in the dryer, bed stripped, groceries done, kitchen cleaned and prepped stuff for the week.
Here are some fun pics of the food prep. I seriously could re-invent myself as a chef with no problem. I did it once and I could so do it again.
Cut up the cantaloupe I bought last week. So sweet and perfectly ripe.
Portioned out with raspberries on top. Yum.
Some peanut butter chobani dip and strawberries. I think I need some more portion containers.
Next, it’s on to spinach salads for the week. Gotta build up that iron! Above is my salad spinner. I love how it folds up like that. Isn’t that the coolest?
Fresh spun spinach. Now that’s some clean eating.
I baked one Wegman’s mojo marinated chicken breast, and one balsamic rosemary. The mojo, I decided to shred, so it would be pulled chicken. nom nom nom. I split each breast into two containers (4 total), separate from the salad, so I can microwave it at lunch and have hot chicken on my salad. So fantastic!
Here are my 4 salads. Spinach, sliced baby bella mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, broccoli, artichoke hearts, black olives, 2 with parmesan, and 2 with feta. 2 containers of light ranch, and 2 of fat free parmesan italian.
Well, I’m ready for the week, and I have no more room in my fridge!
When I went to go grocery shopping today, I was still feeling tired and I knew how easy it would be to go home and lay on the couch all day. None of the above would be accomplished and I would be filled with self resentment. What a way to live! I had to reject that notion, for the reality of what I wanted for the week. One of being able to grab what I needed/wanted, having my clothes all put away, my room clean, and everything in nice OCD order. Much preferred. Now I still have time to relax, and enjoy my evening.
Dinner for tonight will feature mahi mahi with pineapple mango chutney (Wegs), and steamed broccoli.
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