Good morning – how’s everyone on this Tuesday morning? I’m doing pretty well. Things have been busy, busy at work and yesterday just flew by. Here’s a quick look:
Breakfast yesterday was a delicious honey wheat double fiber English muffin with peanut butter and topped with banana. And of course, a side of cranberry juice.
No mid-morning snack for me because I ate an early lunch at about 12:15 Lunch was simply leftover tomato-basil soup from Sunday night. And it was even better today – more flavorful.
Looks kind gross in that Tupperware and horrid lighting, but it was good. My late afternoon snacks included some Horizon organic raspberry yogurt with granola and a Larabar.
I flew out of work right at 5:00 because I was pumped to meet up with Katherine for a nighttime run. I can’t tell you how psyched I am that she lives so close, runs at my speed and, if her schedule allows – is always ready for a run. But the girl does have one busy, busy schedule.
Anyway – we started off our run around 83rd and York and headed to the East River. We headed south to 59th street and then turned around. This was a first for me – I’ve never run along the river or in Central Park when it’s dark outside. I always head to the treadmill, albeit with some notable frustration.
Running in the dark was very interesting. The East River Esplanade is actually pretty well-lit, but it has its dark spots. I was surprised to see that there were quite a few other runners out there, even some women by themselves. Katherine and I joked about telling one lone female runner that she could run with us and be our friend – I just don’t think I’d ever be able to get out there by myself in the dark.
Once we turned around, we continued north back past 83rd and all the way up to 107th. That’s about where it starts to get a bit scary for me. Altogether, we ran 5 miles and here is our breakdown (thanks Garmin):
Mile 1 – 9:22
Mile 2 – 9:08
Mile 3 – 9:11
Mile 4 – 8:48
Mile 5 – 9:00
Total: 5 miles in 45:31
I’ve got to also say that although my first 2010 race this past Saturday was technically in colder temps, last night’s run felt pretty frigid. I talked to my mom after the run and she made the good point that even though Saturday was technically colder, I was running in the sun, so I may have felt some residual heat or warming. That’s probably why last night felt colder to me.
Do you run in the dark? If yes, do you run alone or prefer to have a buddy?
I also feel that city night running is much different than running at night in the suburbs. Even though there are more people generally out and about in NYC, there are also more potential sketchy peeps. Last night I was too nervous to run in Central Park, even with Katherine, hence we hit the river instead.
When I got back to the apartment I started dinner almost immediately, but I did snack on some raisins and walnuts to tide me over. I was ravenous.
Dinner was baked chicken stuffed with chopped apple and feta cheese, with balsamic vinegar drizzled over top. We also had a side of vegetable couscous. Hubby informed he is not a fan of couscous – of any kind. I forced some curry couscous on him a few weeks back and he didn’t like it, but I thought maybe it was just the curry flavor – apparently it’s couscous in general.
Up close
After dinner I also ate the rest of the apple with some peanut butter for dessert.
We finished dinner and started scanning the tube, and seriously, The Bachelor was the only thing on. We started watching it and it was getting on my nerves, so just as I was about to turn the channel they announced that some drama was going to happen in the second hour and one of the girls was getting kicked off. Those producers and editors are darn good, because then I just had to see what the drama was. And what happened next…I watched the whole two hours of the show!
I have to admit, that was a twist that was way better than any of the fake drama they could have planned or instigated. Ha! I’m dying to see this “staffer” that hooked up with Rozalyn. And what exactly happened between them… Oh the drama!
Sorry for getting a little sidetracked. I leave you with some interesting health stuff in the news:
Counting of Calories Isn’t Always Accurate
Healthy Aging, With Nary a Supplement
The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating
New York City leads drive to cut U.S. salt intake
Are you a salter? I salt a few things a bit, but nothing crazy. I know a few people who are salt obsessed and put it on EVERYTHING. Usually without even tasting the dish first.
That’s all for today – have a good Tuesday!
Eat, Read, Run 
Ha! Had to laugh my hubby hates couscous too, also hates quinoa. I love couscous though especially since it cooks much faster than rice.
I don’t mind night running, but then again I’m in NH. My issue is more so the slippery roads and crazy drivers. I usually stick to downtown where it is well lit and cleaner side walks or quiet neighborhoods where I can run in the road and not get hit.
Yup – my hubby hates quiona too. Actually he has refused to try it, so he “thinks” he hates it, but doesn’t know for sure.
I’m not a huge salter, though I do add a pinch in some things because I find it helps bring out the other flavors. I can’t remember the last time I used a salt shaker on a meal once it was prepared though!
Thanks so much for the run last night! It’s funny how consistent our miles were except for the ones that included the dreaded stairs btwn 80th and 81st Streets 🙂
I don’t love running in the dark but I don’t hate it either. It is good motivation to run faster!
Also, I am a salter. I’m trying to not salt so much but darn it, it is yummy!
I am definitely a savory girl but I don’t add salt to things- I would just rather eat something salty than something sweet. You guys are brave for running at night! I would never run outdoors in the city (or anywhere) by myself, but I would feel more comfortable doing so if I had someone with me. Have a great Tuesday!
We had couscous for the first time about a month ago, and surprisingly my hubby liked it:) And I am generally NOT a salter, which I’m thankful for!
Me too – my Dad is a big salter and when I was younger I thought I was going to go that route, but thankfully I did not.
I only feel comfortable running at night with a buddy as well. Central Park, however, feels prety safe and I’ve run there at 10PM with no problems before. I would only recommend doing that with someone else, however.
Well it’s good to know that if I have a running buddy again I shouldn’t be too nervous about running in Central Park. I can only run by the river so many times before it gets boring and I need a change. Thanks!
I will gladly go for a run in the dark in the summertime, but when it’s cold and dark…you’d have to pay me. Glad you two gals had a fun run, though! The East River Esplanade is quite lovely for running and walking purposes, too!
I love your stuffed chicken recipe. It looks both flavorful and filling!
I would only run in the dark with a buddy – I am too scared otherwise!
I don’t salt my food – I will just sprinkle salt on corn on the cob!
I think it is rude when people are eating dinner at someone’s house and they salt their food before they even taste it!!!
I am not a salter, I salt some things but never salt before I taste it. Salty food is not my thing 🙂