Good evening!
Today felt never-ending even though it was pretty much a typical day in the bakery.
My muscles felt progressively stiff as the day went on and I had lots of Glo Bars to make.
If yesterday was the running half marathon, today felt like the baking marathon.
I got it done, thankfully! I knew I had today to get caught up on all my orders today because tomorrow is a very special day in the bakery– (Gluten-free + Raw Glo Bars for sale at 9pm EST).
Around 7:30pm, I thought of you all.
I think of you a lot. Did you know that?
I think about what kinds of foods I can come up with to interest you. I was soooooo tempted to throw a stinkin’ veggie burger on the skillet and call it a night, but I wanted to create. I think if it wasn’t for this blog I would eat the same 3 meals everyday! :lol: Actually, I know I would because I totally used to.
I opened the fridge and I realized we had no vegetables to speak of except for 2 lone red peppers.
It was a sign.
This dinner was inspired by my wedding dinner on Saturday night which was a gorgeous curried rice stuffed pepper:
I love stuffed peppers.
It’s like Christmas morning when you cut one open. As Forest Gump said, You never know what you’re gonna get.’
Well, technically I knew, because I made this one, but we can pretend…
Easy & Delicious Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 2 red peppers
- 1.5 cups uncooked lentils (estimate only!)
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- 3-4 tbsp sweet BBQ sauce
- Sea salt, pepper to taste
Directions: Cook lentils according to package directions. While the lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 350F. Cut top top of the peppers off and carefully remove the inner seeds to your liking. Pop the peppers onto a baking sheet and into the oven to pre-cook for about 20 minutes while the lentils are cooking. Remove the peppers from the oven and set aside. Rinse the lentils with a colander and rinse out the pot that you cooked the lentils in. Place the drained lentils back into the pot and add the pasta sauce, BBQ sauce, and seasonings. Stir well. Taste. Adjust sauce if necessary. Fill the two peppers with the lentil mixture and place them carefully onto the baking sheet. Place into the oven for another 15-30 minutes checking it every 10 minutes or so. Peppers are ready when they have some character to them.
Lentils are quite the superfood boasting approx. 19-25 grams of protein and 18-22 grams of fibre per cooked cup, depending on the type you use. They are also very high in folate, iron, Vitamin B1, copper, and tryptophan. Tryptophan is thought to enhance relaxation and sleep, soothes nerves and anxiety, and reduces carbohydrate cravings.
I was feeling mighty relaxed after this meal too!
Chef Eric prepared the side of raw carrots and hummus…(and they tasted better because he prepared them and not me). Score.
Christmas morning…!
Eric proclaimed this was the best stuffed pepper he has ever tasted! And then he said, ‘Well, I think I have only had two stuffed peppers in my life, but this one is good.’
I’ll take it. :lol:
Race Quirks
Do you ever wonder what I think about during my half marathons? No? Didn’t think so. I am going to tell you anyways.
Yesterday during my half, I thought about what my race quirks are and this is what I came up with…
1. I always have to scream ‘yawhoo’ when the gun/horn goes off at the start of the race. I’m a 10 yr old like that.
2. I have never used an on-course porta-potty, only before and after the race.
3. I play 3-5 ‘power songs’ over and over and over during the race. These power songs change each race. Ninety percent of the songs on my Shuffle are not worthy race songs, meaning that they don’t pump me up enough to even play. Apparently, I’m quite the race song connoisseur.
4. I always clap and yell ‘good job’ to the runners in the lead (that is, if the course is a loop or out-and-back and they pass by in the other direction). In yesterday’s race we saw the lead women heading back a couple times during the loops. I always cheered for them and I even gave one a ‘side-five’. In my defense, the girl ahead of me did it first.
5. I thank every single volunteer that cheers me on or hands me a cup of Gatorade. I also thank some of the spectators that cheer for me. Sometimes it is a thank-you or sometimes I am so tired I just mouth the words and crack a sad, sad smile, but either way I try my best to show my gratitude, especially in the last few km’s when I need those words of encouragement so badly. I also think that positivity breeds more energy. When I smile and say thank-you, a bit of my pain is taken away. I will never forget the elderly volunteer lady who told me I had a beautiful smile during my 10 mile race. It carried me several minutes to the finish.
6. If I see someone struggling on the course, I ask them if they are ok. I saw a girl yesterday who stopped to walk and looked like she may pass out. I stopped to see if she was ok. I would hope that others would do the same for me!
7. While I consider myself a ‘happy runner’ in races, internally, I swear and curse like a truck driver. If you were to hear some of my inner dialogue while running a half, it would be similar to the Jerry Springer show or a Pussycat Dolls video. I curse, I get angry, and I do the MAD FACE when I see a hill approaching. It ain’t pretty. Note- mad face –> :angry: I also made this face upon seeing creeper on bike.
8. However, I always ham it up for the on-course photographer. The on-course photographer serves one purpose- a few seconds of sheer entertainment where I am not thinking about how tired I am. I give a thumbs up and a smile. I realize this looks extremely nerdy, but I get stage fright and can’t come up with anything else. The thumbs up works, and I use it. During my first 10k race, I threw my arms over my head and cheered for the photographer, but this used up way too many energy reserves. Rookie mistake. A thumbs up is energy efficient and practical. I highly recommend it. However… my right arm is oddly sore today….
9. I slow down going downhill and speed up going uphill. I don’t understand it, so I don’t expect you to either.
10. I do not run and drink at the same time. Much like I do not run while carrying scissors, I don’t expect to drink fluids while gasping for air and running and survive. I tried it once and I almost coughed up a lung. [However, I highly recommend drinking while running if you are using a Camelbak!]
11. I wear the same OLD ‘lucky’ white Nike hat for each training run and race. I wash it occasionally and the dirt doesn’t come off. I wear it anyways. I got it 9 or 10 years ago. I have perfectly good hats sitting in my closet, but for some strange reason I do not wear them.
12. I sing. Out loud. If you ever see me on a race course and you see me singing to myself, you know I am in a very bad, bad place. I did this around mile 11 yesterday. It wasn’t pretty.
13. I talk to myself out loud. I repeat my mantra. I say random things like ‘strong, strong, strong, strong, strong’ and adopt obnoxious breathing patterns similar to those annoying guys in gym weight rooms.
Do you have race quirks or just exercise quirks in general? Do you have any systematic ways of doing things or superstitious beliefs?
I totally do #9 too! I just want to get the hills out of my way so I pound those bad boys out!! That’s kinda funny that you do it as well lol
So what songs were on your playlist this race?
I will try to post the songs at some point! :)
First, I want to say thanks for the dinner idea! I have a lot of black beans and lentils I need to use up right now. I also happen to have some bell peppers! I’m totally going to make stuffed peppers tonight!
Also, I too have a white Nike hat that goes with me on every single run and race even though I have other hats. My Nike sign is no longer black, the hat is not very white anymore either but its the one I always wear!
you are seriously too cute :) i don’t race, but i can imagine that if i did i would be pretty quirky too! i like that you thank people though…that kind of spirit is really hard to find in people these days (where did manners go?!) and i think it’s something to be celebrated!
I’ve just read the comments of this post and I understand why you keep on blogging. Those readers are all amazing! Positive, fun, all so nice.
Those red peppers look delish!! I’ll try your cheesy savoury oats tonight :)
Your race thoughts were hilarious!!! This post just made my day : )
I love reading your quirks!!! Back when I was running, I didn’t have quirks persay but I’d always repeat mantras to myself to keep me going. And I would always try to think about how far I’ve come instead of how far I had to go.. or break down long runs into smaller runs like if I had a 9 mile run, I would just think of it as 3 3 mile runs that I would do every day and seemed like nothing to me, it really helped!
Ha!! I do so many of these things!! Especially the breathing patterns (always!!!) and the singing when I am really dying. Yay for exercise quirks! lol :P
I give myself goofy pep talks. “This first part is going to hurt but after that you’ll be good.” “Time to get shit done!” “No worries, girlfriend, you’ll get there.” “Feeling good, just keep this pace.”
Whenever I start hurting, I try to figure out why. Am I low on fuel? Am I hurting in one particular area or just generally fatigued? I have had good experiences with brief walk breaks helping my legs feel better without hurting my time so I’ll stop and walk for 45 sec. or a minute and that usually helps me recharge.
I did a 10 miler with a 1-min. walk break after each mile. For most of the race I stayed neck-in-neck with several other racers who didn’t stop to walk. I’d catch up with them after each walk break. Around mile 7 or 8 I passed them and increased my lead, finishing several minutes ahead of them because I had that extra oomph left.
That happened to me too! I would pass walkers and then they would pass me, etc etc. It was kinda funny. You gotta do what works for you! after I walk I find it harder to get going again at times.
Those stuffed peppers look amazing! I’m actually thinking about making stuffed peppers tonight, so reading your post was meant to be!
I get so MAD when I’m running and approaching a hill. Like they designed the course just to annoy me, ha!
I love all your quirks! They sound a lot like things I would do. I also love that many of your quirks show just how kind and genuine a person you are. Love that.
I like the idea of having a few power songs throughout the race. And stuffed peppers are awesome!
I love your quirks! And I love that we all have them…if you say you don’t, you totally do! You just haven’t acknowledged them publicly yet. :)
I focus alot of my breathing actually. I have learned the power of breathing so my internal monologue is cursing and breathing techniques meshed together. I also get giddy and excited so me jumping up and down and yelling yahoo is pretty common. Even if it’s in my living room as I begin another Insanity workout. :)
Dude, not using the portapotties during a race ISNT a quirk- it’s the luckiest thing ever and I’m so jealous if you!! I ALWAYS need to use one at least once during a race, so annoying!
I know what you mean about creating interesting meals just for the blog! I’ve only had it a few weeks and it’s already changed my eating abits for the better. I actually did eat the same stuff every.day. Oh, and the fact you curse in your head during races made me laugh. I’ll do the same thing everytime I come up on a hill or ice or something. The people who make out the trail have no idea how mach they’re hated at times ;)
Ha! I have some of those same quirks.
I do have one mantra I say when I want to stop-Feet don’t fail me now!!
This recipe looks delicious!! I love to recreate the foods that you post on here. I was wondering what brand of BBQ sauce you purchase? I know that some have high sugar contents in them and was just wondering if there is a particular one you prefer. Thanks and congrats on your race!!!
RIght now I think I have president’s choice brand, but I am going to make some homemade stuff soon. I think it should be rather easy!
I have done some serious coughing in a race while trying to run and drink at the same time. I just can’t ever seem to force myself to stop. I think the funniest thing is that you sing and talk out loud to yourself. I’m really not sure what I would think if I passed someone doing that. ;-)
Did you mean to have one quirk for each mile of your half?! Love that! :D
why yesssssssssss, yes I did. LOL (not really)
Yummm your stuffed pepper looks great! I haven’t had lentils in ages but I think I’m going to use them in a recipe soon. Love your race quirks – I have a few power songs as well that I tend to throw into my playlists to keep me going (especially when I’m getting towards the mid-end of the race and need an extra boost!)
Angela,
I’ve been reading your blog for weeks and must say your enthusiasm is contagious. I’m currently training for my first ever triathlon. In fact I’m doing a Sprint Tri the day before your Try-a-Tri. I can’t wait to compare notes!
I defiantly have similar quirks. I have also never used an on-course porta-potty, only before and after the race. I also consider myself a ‘happy competitor’ in races, but I to swear and curse like a truck driver in my mind. I most defiantly talk to myself out loud. Except when I am doing the swim portion of my race because that would be bad! I repeat my chosen mantra for my race. Which for some reason always ends up to the cadence of Dory’s just keep swimming, just keep swimming from Finding Nemo.
My own personal swimming quirk I usually count one, two, three, one, two, three the whole time. It’s how I remind myself to breath!
Congrats on signing up for your sprint tri!!! That is amazing. I am sure you will do wonderfully. I am starting to feel a bit nervous- more so on the transition parts than anything!
You just gave me an idea for dinner! The bf will love those stuffed red peppers. :)
I don’t have any racing quirks because I haven’t been in a race yet. But! My first 5k is this Sunday! I have noticed that when I run, I start talking to myself. “You can do this, Eunice. Come on. You can do this!!” Sometimes it helps, sometimes it just makes me more out of breath. Haha.
#5 for me! I make sure to thank every single sign holder, water passer, police traffic stopper, and spectator cheerer that’s out there! I figure they probably like to be appreciated!
I totally agree that saying thank you gives you a boost! I try to always say thank your or give a little wave to volunteers, police/traffic controllers, and spectators. During my marathon, there were lots of spectators in the last few miles…but you could tell they were tired – probably from having been there for so long! The people they saw were worn out, zoned out, and in pain. I found that if I cheered a little bit, the whole spectator group would give a good roar. Kind of like “we’ve got a live one here!” It took a little effort on my part, but it was so contagious that it kept me going!
I agree! I cheered for a spectator/photog at the very end of the race and then everyone else cheered it was fun. And I had a big smile on my face going to the finish.
i concentrate on my breathing so much that the noise can sometimes become deafoning. i feel sorry for anyone by me because i know they can hear my loud inhales and exhales but if i dont concentrate on inhaling and exhaling then my mind turns negative. not good. love the yawhoooooooooos, ill have to try that next time! :) I also think its uber important to thank everyone for helping out at the aid stations and the spectators….i know i wouldn’t be able to race w/o them! love the quirks
haha I know I think I scared someone walking when they heard my breathing approaching them!
Great job on the run! Your quirks are so funny to read about! =)
Hehehehe Angela, I loved reading your quirks, they made me laugh out loud! Your blog has inspired me to run, so yesterday I was struggling through a 2 mile run I thought of you running the half marathon and told myself, “If Angela can do it, so can I!!” Yeah, I know there’s a difference between running a half and running 2 miles, but still :P
Wow great job! 2 miles is 2 miles. And it is also over 10, 400 feet! That is a lot!
Hahah, I loved this list of quirks. Alot of them apply to me as well – particularly #7 – happy on the outside, cursing the running gods on the inside, lol :P
I’m afraid I may have contributed to your muscle stiffness while in the Glo Bakery. I just received my yummy order of Glo Bars today and I can’t wait to try them out! Thanks for throwing in the Raw & Gluten- Free bar, I will let you know my thoughts. Thank you! :)
Congrats on a great Half! It’s so good to hear of other runners who don’t use the porta-pots, can’t drink and run, play mind games to get through the final miles and thank the volunteers. I simply love running and going to races is a great motivator and a positive place to meet new people and encourage other runners.
Keep up your positive work Angela. You are making a difference in other’s lives.
I posted earlier but just read the rest of the comments and wanted to agree with another poster that your readers are such nice people! These comments are very encouraging.
I agree!
I made the stuffed red peppers tonight and they were awesome!! I hadn’t tried lentils before and I substituted some mexican chorizo for the BBQ sauce and we both loved it. Do you think you could freeze these? It would be super easy to make 4 or even 6 and have some meals in your back pocket for a rainy day. Thanks!!
I froze the peppers and it worked out great! It takes around 7-10 mins to defrost them in the microwave.
Those peppers look awesome. I do understand the temptation of cooking the same meals every day. After all, we’re creatures of habit, right?
I definitely do #7 and #13. I will swear at upcoming hills even though every sensible part of me knows it won’t help anything…And repeating mantras really helps out when I’m enduring hard climbs on the bike.
Amanda
amandaonfoot.blogspot.com
Loved this post – was really cool to read your running quirks!
Wow Angela! I tried the stuffed bell peppers, and they are delicious! Even my meat loving brother walked by as I was cooking them and commented on how delicious they smell! I used mostly lentils, but I ran out so I compensated using split peas. Also I ended up using double (or maybe even more) pasta sauce because 1 cup definately was not enough for me. Then I condensed the bean mixture to get it less liquidy. When it came time to fill the peppers I had enough bean mixture to fill 4 peppers plus a few bites of beans left over! It was probably because of the extra sauce, or the amount of beans I used was too much (1.5 cups), but left overs are never a bad thing! Thanks so much for the recipe and congrats on the race! You are such an awesome athlete!