fighting disappointment

Have you ever woken up determined to do something but unsure of how you were going to pull it off?  Well, this morning I laced up my running shoes, grabbed some water and headed outside to start a six mile run.   I had the whole route mapped out in my head and I was thinking strategically about when I should hydrate when I started noticing how tight all of my muscles were.  After a few minutes of stretching I wasn't feeling any looser so I just decided to go for it.   It was only 9:30 in the morning but it was already a blazing 91 degrees.  I have been fighting a sore throat + head cold for the last few days but I have missed two other training days this week because my cold has left me feeling light headed.   I really wanted to pound out my long run today.   After completing struggling one mile in roughly 17 minutes (yikes!) I knew I wasn't going to get very far.  I ran another 1/2 mile before I needed to head home.  The longer my runs are, the harder they are to complete on a treadmill, but the hotter it gets outside, the harder it is for me to complete my runs outside.  Such a dilemma!  Despite unplanned disappointment like today, I continue to be thankful that I am finally to a place where I am setting aside time to exercise.  Only a few short months ago I wouldn't have even dreamed that I would ever blog about a Saturday morning run, regardless of the capacity!  Progress.    

Training woes aside, I wanted to post one of my all-time favorite recipes for your enjoyment.  It's not exactly chili weather today but according to the weather channel, the storms-are-a-comin' which means that the warmth and comfort of this uniquely flavored chili could be a great addition to a rainy supper time.  


CHILI CON CASHEWS
From La Leche League: Whole Foods for the Whole Family

1. Saute in 2 Tbsp. olive oil in stock pot:
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 bag shredded carrots
• 2 sweet yellow onions, diced
• 2 yellow, or orange peppers, diced
2. Add:
• 1 can salted cashew pieces
• 3 cans beans*
• 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp. salt
• dash pepper
• 1 cup craisins
3. Simmer for a couple of hours

*For beans, use: light or dark kidney, butter, black, garbanzo, or sweet corn