Green Light

I hope this morning’s post started your day off on the right foot! I loved reading everyone’s responses, and I’ve been smiling all day long, which is a pretty good way to start the work week after a 3-day weekend!

I should have also added ‘farmers’ markets‘ to my list of things I love. The Copley Square Farmers’ Market was in full swing this morning, and seeing it for the first time this year also put a big smile on my face!

For the locals, the Copley Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm until November 23.

Hooray for summer!

Green Light

So, I bet you’re wondering what my post title is all about. Well, I received the GREEN LIGHT to RUN again! WAHOO!!!!!

As you know, I’ve been working the folks at OMBE to help me accomplish one of ulitmate life goals, which is running a marathon. (Hopefully, Boston 2011!!) Now that I’ve tried a number of OMBE’s services, we’re narrowed down my treatment plan to include mostly chiropracty and massage.

So, this morning, I met with Eric, and after chatting for a bit and checking my hip/lower back alignment, he gave me the green light to run 2.5 – 3 miles, twice a week (at least to start). If things go well, I will be able to increase my milage, but, of course, we’ll have to wait and see how my body response. Even still, I am so happy to run again!

Eric gave me some advice for easing my body back into running:

• Before running, I should warm-up by walking for 5-10 minutes.
• Once my body is warm, I should stretch for another 5-10 minutes and then start my run.
• After running, I should be stretching for at least 15-20 minutes.

To be honest, I was really surprised by how much stretching I should be doing– even just for short run. I’m a bad girl and rarely stretch before or after running, so no wonder I got injured! I’m determined to run a marathon, so hopefully, lots of stretching is a step in the right direction for me.

Snack

After my appointment (and a quick 35-minute workout at Healthworks), I snacked on a pear while riding home on the T.

Lunch

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the USA Dry Peas, Lentils & Chickpeas Council, who challenged me to blog about 7 recipes, made primarily with dry peas, lentils, or chickpeas, over the next 2 weeks. I love a challenge, and I’m always looking for ways to include more protein and fiber into my diet, so I jumped at the chance to participate. Plus, the USA Dry Pea, Lentil & Chickpeas Council provided me with supplies to take on the challenge, so I had nothing to lose!

My first recipe is a Pesto-Chickpea Mash that I spread on a piece of Eziekel bread and added a couple of slices of tomato to create a delicious sandwich for lunch.

Pesto-Chickpea Mash

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup canned chickpeas, drained
• 1/3 of a ripe avocado
• 2 tsp store-bought pesto (or homemade)
• salt + pepper to taste

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
• Use a fork to mash all of the ingredients together.
• Spread on a piece of toast, crackers, pita, etc.
• Eat and enjoy!

On the side, I had a small salad.

After lunch, I made myself a piece of Ezekiel bread with peanut butter and caramel sauce. Mmm! I’m debating making another one of these babies. One just wasn’t enough!

So, I’m off to a fun event tonight! I can’t give you all of the details just yet, but I can tell you that I am equally excited and nervous about it. I promise to fill you in soon. Wish me luck!

P.S. Do you want to know how I really save money on groceries each week? Check out this post!

Tagged as: Boston 2011, Copley Square Farmers' Market, Lentils & Chickpeas, OMBE, USA Dry Peas