I looked at the temperature and it was 32 degrees.  My body wasn’t ready for the cold nor did I relish the idea of running so many miles, dropping Shane off at home then going out again to finish the run.  I decided to start my 12 mile run with 4 speed miles on the treadmill.

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It was a good thing I did those 4 mile in the warmth of our basement because it was cold and windy outside. My thumbs were numb by mile 5 (outside miles) and I just wanted to get home but still had 3 to go.  I pulled the sleeves of my shirt over my right hand and put my glove back on.  That helped a little bit.  On the right hand anyway.  

Stopping to give Shane water was a real trip.  That send my hands into full blown frozen-dom.  There was no warming them up, no matter what I did.  The hot bath when I got home took care of icicles left on my body.   Before my bath, I put the ice pack on my leg.  For some reason that ice pack didn’t feel as cold today. Confused smile

We accomplished our goal and ran 8 miles outside.  Total miles this Saturday:  12.00 *Like how I write “WE accomplished OUR goal….”  as if Shane had a mileage goal Eye rolling smile

Lentil Soup with Greens and Potatoes

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After eating all that good food on Thanksgiving, our bodies wanted something on the lighter side but warm and fulfilling.  I had some lentils left over from when I cooked the whole bag and used only part in the Lentil Loaf.  I had frozen the lentils, knowing I would be making soup within a month.  Lentils freeze fine for a short period of time.

This dish had all my favorites: lentils, escarole, hot cherry peppers, and sweet potatoes. 

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Serves 4 – with a salad and some home made bread.

  • 2 heads escarole – separated and washed well. Cut large leaves into 4
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 hot cherry pepper slices (the kind from the jar) – chopped
  • 1 large sweet potato – peeled and chopped into 3/4 inch pieces
  • 3 cups brown lentils – cooked (To cook: follow directions on bag)
  • 32 oz vegetable broth
  • 1 TBS Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 TBS dried Basil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp fresh ground pepper

Place the escarole in water and bring to a boil.  Allow to boil for 10 minutes. Drain.

Heat the olive oil in the same pot you used to boil the escarole (wipe it clean) over medium high heat.  When hot, add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and hot peppers and sauté for 1 minute.  Add the potato, lentils, broth, cooked escarole and all seasonings.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and allow to cook, uncovered for 30 minutes.

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Top with grated Parmesan cheese for added YUM!

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What’s your day after the FEAST meal?

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