Most of you know I have been training for the NYC Marathon for a few years now. I’ve had ankle tendon surgery and two stress fractures as a result and haven’t toed the line yet. This week, I received my acceptance to run the 2018 New York City Marathon. I’ve been resting, cross training and working on my strength as I recover from the femoral stress fracture that resulted from last year’s attempt. Suddenly, March has arrived and it’s time for me to begin running again. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about it, especially since I’m carrying an extra twenty or so pounds right now. But, March is the target month to begin running as I’m healed. Currently, I am 43 days into an 80 day strength training program and feeling stronger each day. Tomorrow morning it’s me and the road, or treadmill, depending on the weather.
My nutrition needs to change when I am running and in training. I’m not quite as free with my choices and very focused on using food to fuel me, rather than soothe me. This requires both soul searching and action. The switch also requires mental focus and tenacity, especially on days when I just want to eat and drink a glass of wine. I am aware of what is making me stress eat and know what I need to do about it. Taking a page out of my favorite reread – The Four Agreements, I’m plan to take control of my thoughts and get back to focusing on me.
I have written about the Four Agreements several times already, but here is my original post, from 2016, that describes what the agreements are – Life Change .
Specifically, at this point in time, I need to work harder on these two agreements:
- Don’t take anything personally; and
- Don’t make assumptions
Both of these are very hard considering my career is one in which everyone feels they have the right to make judgements about me. Every decision I make, every word I say is looked at and scrutinized. But, at the end of the day, my decisions are connected to me and other’s are connected to them. My decisions are not personal, they are always made in the best interest of those I represent – children, parents and teachers. I need to continue to remind myself that responses to these decisions, should also not be taken personally. These are two agreements I work hard on each and every day, as I’m sure many people do.
As I enter this training cycle anew, I will once again reflect on the strong connections between the principles of exercise and education. I’m looking forward to many long runs, which I find challenging, but therapeutic. Today is my last supper in some ways, as it’s the last one outside the training window. I have prepared three meals today that will get us through the week, but I will be focusing on a more balanced approach to eating. My food choices have to be more about fueling and rebuilding this tired, yet capable body.
As I did my menu planning for the week, I was conscious of the days I will be running and what I plan to eat. Tonight’s dinner for my husband and I will be Sunday Sauce, with homemade pasta, but I also prepared a healthy chicken dish that we will pick on during the week. As I searched for some new recipes and inspiration, I came across the site – Laughingspatula.com. There was a treasure trove of easy, quick and healthy meals for the week on the site, many Whole30 and Paleo friendly. The chicken dish I cooked today comes from her collection, with some minor tweaks.
One Pan Roasted Chicken with Sausage & Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, bone in
- 1 pound small red potatoes halved
- 6 sweet Italian sausage links
- 1 in large red onion cut large chunks
- 1 bag baby carrots
Marinade
- 1 large lemon – juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves large garlic – chopped
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes
- salt & pepper to taste
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Pour a glass of Chardonnay and turn on Alexa for dancing in the kitchen.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Combine all marinade ingredients, stir and set aside.
- Brown sausage, then cut into pieces
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Arrange chicken, sausage, potatoes and onion in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
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Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl.
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Pour marinade over chicken and toss to coat.
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Bake one hour or until chicken reaches 165 degrees and potatoes are tender.
Please let me know how you like this one pot meal; and if you have a recipe to share I ‘d love to try it out. Your family recipe could be featured here on the blog, along with the story of your loved one. Leave me a message below and I’ll get back to you.
Reclaiming My Health 