Hello!
Well, my day off yesterday did not go as planned! We ran some errands in the afternoon and I was struck with really bad lower back pain- I think it is hormone related because I get it at certain times of the month on occasion. I spent most of the night on the couch with a heating pad (felt so good!), so we unfortunately didn’t get to go to Raw Aura or to a movie.
However, we did do a lot of Florida Road Trip planning!!!
It looks like our first destination after visiting my mom and stepdad, will be Miami and then Key West. We spent all of last night just looking at Key West and we aren’t even close to figuring out what we want to do yet! If anyone has been there and can offer some help with planning, we would greatly appreciate it. We are going to spend a night in Miami and 2 nights in Key West. We also booked a rental car- Eric found an awesome deal with Budget for 50% off. Score!
This morning I was happy to find that my back pain was 100% gone!
I got up early and baked some orders and then I had a delicious Green Monster:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hemp milk
- 1 scoop Manitoba Harvest protein powder (Hemp Pro 70%)
- 1 T chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter (whoooooooa yea)
- 3 steamed kale leaves
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 t maca powder
- ice ice baby
SO GOOD!!!!!
Then I hit the treadmill for a great interval run!
The workout:
- 3 min walking warm up
- 5 min running at 6 mph (10 min mile pace) at incline 5%
- 3 min running at 6 mph incline 1%
- repeat, repeat repeat for total of 2.5 miles run
- 5 min walking cool down
It felt great! As you may know, I took a very long break from running after my second half marathon (about 2.5 months!). Given my injury prone body I think it is important for me to take long running breaks to give my body a rest.
I have recently been easing myself back into it over the past couple weeks. I was surprised to find that my endurance with running has not really gone down as much as I thought it would. I think that is due to keeping up with really high intensity cardio workouts (treadmill hill workouts, mainly). I will be talking more about my goals for the next 2-3 months on the blog Monday!
Post workout and shower I downed two delicious Carrot Chia Spelt Muffins from yesterday:
mmmmmmm.
Then it was rush rush rush as we have not one, but two family get togethers today!
I brought along a vegan chickpea dish:
VERY easy. Chickpeas, chopped peppers and carrots with EVOO and red wine vinegar. Plus seasonings.
Two boxes of Glo Bars:
And gifts! Lots of birthdays in Jan/Feb in our family.
Thank goodness Eric is on call this weekend because I am blogging in the car right now!!
Oh a funny story- we were driving in the car and I reached to get my sunglasses out of my purse when I saw a HUGE, thick, super speedy spider in my purse!!!!!!!!! I freaked out. I made Eric take the next exit and pull over at a gas station so he could remove my purse from the car and then remove the spider. I have a HUGE fear of spiders and my anxiety was through the roof being trapped in the car with one by my feet! Thankfully Eric came to the rescue (after lots of laughing at me) and we were able to carry on with our trip! :mrgreen:
Onto family visit #1, then #2 shortly thereafter!
Enjoy your SUN-day!
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh MY GOSH! I can’t believe I looked!! I was scared to click on the twitter link expecting a huge photo of a big hairy spider!!
I totally understand – I have a HUGE fear of spiders myself. Like, sometimes I feel they are crawling on me. I hate going into our garage or basement for fear of them being on everything I pick up!
EWWWW… I would have flipped too, and I’m not even afraid of spiders! Down this way, we get huge flying roaches, no matter how clean you keep your house or how often you fumigate–I once opened my cabinet to see one just chilling on the inside of the cabinet door. Wildlife definitely belongs OUTSIDE!
Have a great Sunday with the family!
I my house, we call them “pideys” LOL
BIG PIDEY!!!!!!!
Oh I would have FREAKED out, too. Ugh that’s such a horrible situation! Eeek!
So sorry your day off didn’t go as planned. Sounds like you got in some much needed relaxation, though :)
The road trip sounds so exciting!
Have fun today!
Your Florida trip sounds so exciting!!
Also, your chickpea dish looks delicious! So bright and colorful! I went to the store yesterday and REALLY wanted a red pepper but 1 red pepper was $2!!! I couldn’t justify it! I’ll just oogle yours!
I hate the fact that peppers whole as SO expensive. Even the green ones!
Where I live, organic red bell peppers were $2.49 USD last time I checked. But I still buy them on occasion because I like them and because I would easily spend that much on something else (e.g. a bag of chips or cookies).
We don’t buy organic peppers because they are so expensive :( I hate that about produce!
Oh. My. GOD. I would freak out if that happened to me!!! Eek!
That dish that you brought to the partay looks amazing– such beautiful colors and vibrance!!
Glad to hear that your back is feeling better….also, I can’t wait to hear more of your goals on Monday!
Yikes, spider in your purse!!! I would’ve freaked out too and probably end up throwing my purse out the window. yuck!!!!!
Glad you are feeling better and I also look forward to hearing your goals!!
You’re Florida trip is going to be exciting! Have fun!
Woah, a spider IN your purse?! Eeeeek!
Hearing about your Florida trip planning makes me anxious to plan our vacation for this summer!
Your chickpea dish looks awesome – I may have to duplicate it for our next family get together! Glad you had a great day off:)
I also took a 2 month break from running in November. I was supposed to run my first half but did something weird to my ankle and was advised by my (awesome,super smart) trainer not to run. I lost $60, but probably gained an important health and fitness lesson (and I am VERY stubborn when it comes to this sort of thing). Started back a few weeks ago, just doing a couple of t-mill sessions a week and am now running 3 and feeling great. I was also surprised by the fitness level I sustained even though I was off a regular training schedule. Cross training is great and especially with it being tough to get outdoors, it’s a good time to take advantage of other options so we’re ready for the warmer season! :)
Hmm that’s scary. I don’t know how you’d go from extreme back pain to no back pain! Please be careful! Maybe take a week off from exercise? You don’t want to further injure yourself. Pain can sometimes come and go, but it may be serious!! Be careful!
I am not scared of much but spiders seriously freak me out! And if one came out of my purse I might have had a heart attack!!
My bf is terrified of spiders. One day there was a huge piece of lint in our bed and I went to flick it off and he screamed, “What if it’s a SPIDER!!!!” It was soo funny. But in your purse??? How random. For some reason your chick pea soup reminded me of candy corn. Mmmm.
We rented a car with Budget when we drove down to Orlando earlier this month. We had 4 people and luggage and the car they gave us for mid-size was kinda small. Since it’s only you and Eric I don’t think sizing will be an issue but we had to upgrade to an SUV when we picked it up.
We got a great deal online though and then to upgrade was only $10/day so it all worked out.
Just to warn ya :)
I am also injury prone and it’s hard sitting it out, but good to know that it’s better for my body in the long run!
I can’t wait to hear about your goals- you are such an inspirational goal setter and getter!
I’m so jealous of you FL vacation planning. I’ve been wanting to visit Key West. Can’t wait to hear about it. Glad you had a great interval run!
I love your wrapping paper–so pretty! (I’m a sucker for a pretty wrapping job)
I love how your Things to Do & See list is largely restaurant/food based. The first thing I google when I plan a trip the US is the closest Whole Foods. Love US grocery shopping and having a chance to sample all the fab foods featured in all the blogs.
Haha the spider story is too funny!! I don’t have any weird fears anymore, but I have a fried who is seriously AFRAID of ears. if someone touches her ear, she actually starts tearing up. It’s so strange because she’s normal in every other sence!
Hello Angela!!
I have been reading your blog for sometime now, and I am super impressed. I aspire to be like you someday. I’m in school in Ohio, to become a Dietetic Technician, and will eventually go to Eastern Michigan University to become an RD. I’ve been vegan for awhile, and I love to bake.. Someday I hope to start my own blog and open up a bakery out of my house!!
Anywho, I took a trip to key west through a cruise I took over New Years Eve… I have some great advice on where to go…
JIMMY BUFFETTS MARGARITAVILLE!! I have been there twice, but until this last trip, I saw a Vegan Burger on their menu!! After having a couple of their delicious margaritas it was nice to see that there was a vegan alternative on their menu! It was I believe a Boca burger, so it did just fine curing my alochol-induced food craving! =) The atomosphere is great in there and they play some great music!!
For things to do, check out furykeywest.com . My boyfriend and I did parasailing through them, (our first time) and it was AMAZING. The crew is awesome, and they really do give you the time of your life. For 20 dollars (a small price to pay when you think of the memory that will last forever) they will record on video your parasailing adventure, and give you the disk to upload to your computer right when you’re finished. They truely are reputable and amazing!
If you’d like to see my pictures or key west and my video from parasailing, I can send them to you, so you get a good sense of what you’re in for!! =)
One last thing, sorry I’m talking your ear off… I’ve been making my own cold breakfast for awhile, and for sometime I thought I was weird because I never heated it, but it just tasted wayyyy too good cold, so I am happy to find someone else does just the same, try out my rendition sometime if you’re bored, I have tried yours and love it too!!
-1/2 cup old fashioned oats
-1/2 cup or a little more, soy milk
-about 1 teaspoon agave nectar
-a few chopped nuts- pecan, walnut
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-a small handful of blueberries OR
-about 1 tablespoon golji berries…
directions,
put all ingredients in somekind of tupperware container that it will fit it, and make sure you have a lip..
after all ingredients have been placed in the tupperware, place the lid on securely and shake the container to equally spread out the ingredients. Let sit overnight or a good 4 hours, open up when you’re ready, and ENJOY.. it’s HEAVEN!!
Thanks for having a website that I follow religiously and gives anybody with past eating issues some light at the end of the tunnel and someone to look up to!
=) Kelly
I would FREAK too if there was a big spider near me I got goose bumps just reading about your encounter with one! I feel its on me =S
I would have freaked out too — especially in the purse. eeeek.
COME SEE ME IN MIAMI!!! Key West is all about being laid back and partying at the same time. You will have a blast there. It is pretty touristy but there are lots of cute little shops and places to eat. actually driving there is a bit of a pain due to the tiny little roads that lead there so try and plan to go during a non rush time. Once there you can rent a scooter to ride around on while there which is really fun! The days are pretty much low key beach/pool/ beach activities, etc. Lots of rental type stuff since all the tourists if you are into that. Nights are all about the party but in a very very laid back kind of way. The bars get kind of crazy but not in a bad way just lots of people having fun. You can really wear anything and they are all on one street so people just wander around. its so different than miami. Irish Kevins is always a lot of fun. There a few more clubby type places but really the bars are the best.
I get lower back pain during a certain time of the month too. Enjoy your day with family =)
Hi Angela, I know you will enjoy your Florida vacation. I went to Miami and Key West 4 years ago, and really loved them! I did like Miami a bit more than Key West, but I think this is unusual. Miami is beautiful, the shopping is fabulous, and the food is delish! Key West is very colorful with a lot of character. I can’t think of anything specific to recommend, but I think you’ll enjoy both places. I hope Glo Bakery isn’t doing a number on your back. I still need to order some bars!!
Hey Doll! I would have crapped my pants if I found a spider in my bag!!! A friend of mine once found a MOUSE in her purse!!! EEEEKKKK
Planning before a trip is so beneficial! I always map out ALL the WholeFoods locations before I go anywhere with maps, so I always know a safe place to eat ;) LOL
XXOO
You must be so excited for your Florida vacation, sounds like a blast!
I can’t wait to start reading about your running goals.
I’ve been to the Key’s once during a college Spring Break. We stayed on Duck Key at a resort. Key West was about an hour and a half away if I remember right. Just a caution. Key West is like a college spring break hot spot filled with drunken college kids and bars.
I would have FREAKED OUT if I found a spider in my purse lol
Your roadtrip sounds exciting! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Key West
Good afternoon!
I follow your blog, it is wonderful! I enjoy a Green Monster everyday now. Anyway, I’ve driven from Ohio to the Keys about 5 times. I’m a scuba diver. The reefs off of Key West are amazing, I suggest a snorkling trip. Also, the sunset cruises are very nice (look for a sailboat), and bike riding through Key West is wonderful (watch out for the protected roosters that freely roam the streets). As long as you avoid Duval Street during peak hours, then Key West is sort of laid back. Also, the drive through the Keys is beautiful. Bahia Honda State Park is on the way and offers a nice beach and hiking trails. Check out bed and breakfasts for places to stay there. I hava a lot of pics, information, etc. if you would like to email me.
I suggest staying in South Beach when you’re in Miami. The shopping and dining is great. I attend Art Basel in Miami every year, so there are some great art galleries throughout South Beach. The hotels are great-very boutique and luxurious but affordable. Look for boutique hotels when you seach for lodging.
What a great trip to look forward to in this cold Winter!
Sorry to hear about your back….hope it feels better soon! And have an awesome trip!!!
I am super afraid of spiders too!!
Sorry you had some back pain yesterday but glad it was gone today!! Looks like you took your days off at the perfect time!! :)
Have fun with your fam today!
Oh gosh, I am TERRIFIED of spiders too! The way you described it, though, you sounded much more calm than I would have been! I wouldn’t have been able to wait to pull over and everything… I would have jumped into the backseat and freaked out immediately! Eek! Just thinking about it is giving me the chills…
Hi Angela! Seeing people ask you to come and see them during your trip really makes me want to ask to meet you! It’d be awesome and I can tell you I really enjoy you in my life even if it is ust a blog and not you in person…but I wanted to ask where you got the Booty camp dvd you talked about yesterday. It looks like a good workout and I’m interested in that! Have a great day!
bahahahahaha!!! YIKES!!! :)
I’d freak!!!
Okay…I am not afraid of spiders but if I had one in my purse and in my car and I was trapped with it I would totally freak too!!! Especially a huge, thick super speedy one!!!!
I have always loved the drive down from Miami to Key West…it is a two-lane stop and go road but so much character and surrounded by water on the bridges on both sides!
and you can stop and drive through the neighborhoods in Big Pine Key and see the key deer wandering around too…very cool!
I think my husband & I would freak if there was a spider anywhere in our car, haha. We’re both afraid of them! I actually think he’s more afraid than I am.
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