Training and Arnold Sandwich Thins and Sweet Potato BGT Chili

Friday training:  What ever happened to my Friday Off rule?   It seems to have been tossed out the window when the training for a marathon came into play.  So today was running, no weights, just focused running. 

A 2 mile warm up.  A 3 mile tempo run.  1 mile easy pace.  Shane and I went out the door for another 3.3 easy miles.  Total Miles = 9.3.    Six more miles on tap for tomorrow to meet the goal of 50 for this week.

How’s the  hamstring you ask? It felt heaps better today, barely noticeable.  It was getting a little aggravated during the last 2 miles but definitely on the mend.

Friday is my official “cheat” day when it comes to food.  All those miles might give me permission to eat unmentionables tonight.  I just need to ask myself the following:

1.  Do you want to suffer from bloat following dinner?

2.  Do you want to suffer a sugar – high headache?

3.  Do you want a night of extreme discomfort by way of tossing and turning and sweating and tingling?  (Yes, all that happens to me when I eat out of my “zone”)

1,2, and 3 sound pretty crappy but maybe a number 4 should be added which asks….

4.  Do you want an extra glass of good wine?    Easy answer:  YES! No matter what the consequences.  I prefer to think of the consequences as an over dose of antioxidants. 

Running Thoughts:

Here’s a quote from Chef and Marathoner, Pam Anderson

I run marathons twice a year to keep me training year-round, so I’m not obsessing about a PR every time.

Five years ago, Runner’s World contributing chef Pam Anderson weighed nearly 200 pounds. Instead of trying another fad diet, she started cooking healthier and took up running. Today she’s 45 pounds lighter and a seven-time marathoner. “I got an ankle tattoo of a winged foot to remind me how much running changed my life,” says Anderson, author of The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight and Eating Great.

Source: RunnersWorld 

I like that idea of the “winged foot” tattoo, but not the idea of having ink injected into my body.  I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo….. and the pros and cons continue. 

One more blurt of wisdom to keep in mind….

A marathon is a 10K race with a 20 mile warm up. 

That little piece of advice should keep me honest in my up coming 26.2 mile run.

I just signed up for a half marathon on September 19th, Delta Lake Half Marathon.  My last race before the big one. [heavy sigh] I’m not into another race before Oct. 3, but it will be good practice and hopefully build confidence. [another heavy sigh]

FOOD THOUGHTS:

I received one of the best packages from Foodbuzz: Arnold Multi Grain and Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins.  The perfect bread to wrap around your favorite sandwich or chili.  Use it for dipping in oil or pasta sauce.  Endless possibilities.

The perfect sandwich for any hearty appetite.  Sweet Potato “BGT” Sandwich.  BGT is Bean and Green Tomato.  If you remember, I made THIS recipe for the Mezzetta Sandwich contest.  The following version is cooked in a stew pot and left to simmer for 30 minutes as all the flavors combine to create a balanced filling for your favorite bread.  The key?   The Arnold Sandwich Thins that wrap themselves around this mouth watering  stew of beans, tubers, and green tomatoes.

Sweet Potato BGT Chili Sandwich – will serve 4

• 1 15 oz can Dark Red Kidney Beans, drain and rinse
• 1 15 oz can Garbanzo beans, drain and rinse
• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 2 TBS olive oil
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 2 1/2 cups chopped green tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped Mezzetta Julienne Cut Sun Ripened Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 1/4 cup sliced Mezzetta Calamata Olives
• 1/4 cup chopped Mezzetta Deli Sliced Tamed Jalapeno Peppers
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• *Optional:  Soy Bacon for Vegetarian
• *Optional:  Grated or Sliced Cheese
• *ARNOLD Sandwich thins, 100% Whole Wheat (19 grams of whole grains, 5 grams of fiber, 100 calories each).

Microwave the sweet potato on high until cooked (about 8 –9 minutes for a large potato).  Allow to cool then mash.

Heat the oil in a stew pot and add the onion. Let cook about 5 minutes on medium to medium high heat.  Add the tomatoes and let cook another 3 – 4 minutes.

Add the Mezzetta products: tomatoes, olives, peppers.  Add the beans and the sweet potato.  Add the salt and chili.  Stir.  Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer 30 – 40 minutes.

Toast the Arnold Sandwich thins and top with chili. So good!

Cheese please

Joanne