The weather Wednesday night wasn’t promoting any eagerness from Ted nor I for the Ride of Silence.

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We sat in the car for an hour watching as more cyclists gathered in the parking lot of the New Hartford Recreation Center.  The police showed up to lead the way.  Just before 7pm, we assembled to hear about the history of the Ride of Silence

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There were so many cyclists.  It stopped raining when it was time to begin the 10 mile ride down Genesee Street and all around the main roads of Utica. The police stopped traffic.  Not a peep was heard from any cyclist. It was all hand signals.  The shouts of support from pedestrians and beeps from car horns were the only noise to be heard as we rode. 

When we all arrived back at the Rec. Center, a great big CHEER rang out in support of the cause. It was cold and wet but the experience was rewarding.

Other exercise

Thursday morning was an easy 5.46 mile run.  No weights, just running.  We went down the Parkway and around the golf course. I couldn’t believe the golfers were out at 5:30 AM !

Thursday night, I was on again off again with cycling.  For some reason, I am really nervous about it. I don’t like riding after work because the work traffic is horrendous.  I’m not thrilled about riding with the group, they ride fast, hard, and it’s somewhat intimidating.  Ted wants to ride. I don’t want him to have to go alone.  What to do?  Experience the discomfort, suck it up and go. 

When we got to the SUNY parking lot to meet up with the others, this is what we found

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Silly us.  The Ride for Missing Children is today and the group will be pedaling 90 miles. No wonder the parking lot was empty!  

Ted and I rode the route but simply covered 14.25 miles instead of the usual 20.  Our average pace was about 12 mph instead of the usual 15 mph.  We’re hoping to ride next week in South Carolina where it will be flat and HOT.  I’m looking forward to not seeing a hill for a week. 

Friday Run:  Yes, I ran again.  5 days this week and then I’ll run Half on Sunday.  It was a relaxed pace of 9.26 and 3.55 miles.  Feet feel good.  Legs feel good.  All in all, systems check good. I should be ready physically for the Half. Mentally? That needs some more work.

RECIPE DELIGHT!

It has FINALLY warmed up and that means “Eat Salad” as the kitchen heats up when the oven is turned on…even WITH air conditioning.  Why not create a balanced, filling meal from a load of greens, soy protein, and other good foods packing a lot of flavor.

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Beet-Edamame Salad with Honey Yogurt and Chive – Serves 2

How do you say it?  “Ad-Ah-Mah-May” Sometimes I say “Ad-Ah-Mah-ME” and then Pam laughs at me but at least I know what I mean.

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  • 1 10.4 oz can of beets (or better yet, cook them fresh!)
  • 5 to 6 cups mixed greens (salad mix)
  • 1 cup cooked Edamame, shelled
  • 1/2 cup Kashi GOLEAN Cereal, dry *Kashi adds a valuable source of protein, fiber, PLUS 480 mg of potassium!
  • 6 oz of Honey Non-Fat Yogurt (if you don’t have honey yogurt, add 1 tsp honey to plain, non-fat yogurt).
  • 1 tsp dried chives (or better yet, use fresh!)
  • 2 TBS minced fresh onion
  • 1/4 cup + 2 TBS Crumbled Reduced Fat Blue Cheese (You may use Feta instead)

Cook the Edamame according to the package directions.  Rinse with cool water and set aside.

Place 2 1/2 cups of the salad greens on plates.

Divide the beets between the two plates. Sprinkle on the edamame, divided between the two plates. 

Mix together the honey yogurt, chives and onion.  Pour half on each plate. 

Top with 1/2 each (or 1/4 cup each) Kashi cereal plus divide the cheese between the two plates.

Enjoy!

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Approximate nutrition per serving:  380 calories.  28 g protein.  41.5 g carbohydrates.  12.5 g fat

This salad doesn’t BURST with any one flavor. If you wanted a flavor to really be prominent in this recipe, what would you change or add?

Joanne

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