Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

October 1st is World Vegetarian Day!  This recipe seemed fitting 🙂 I make it with tofu.  I know tofu gets a bad rap, but when it’s seasoned well it’s really good!  You can also sub chicken or just do veggies if you prefer. Start with your extra firm tofu. Drain the tofu and place it on some paper towels to dry it.  I bought tofu that was already cubed, but whole tofu works just as well. Press to dry it as much as possible. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet.  Add the tofu and cook until golden. Add the corn, mushrooms, and carrots. Combine and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the chili powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil.  A little sesame oil goes a long way.  Start with a splash and add more as you wish. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and add the balsamic vinegar. Pile the tofu mixture into the romaine lettuce hearts. And top with avocado. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 package (12-14 oz) extra firm tofu 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots 8 oz mushrooms; roughly chopped 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 cup soy sauce drizzle of sesame oil romaine lettuce hearts 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar avocado (optional) Instructions: 1.  Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.  Dry tofu block and add to skillet, then break it up into very small pieces.  Cook tofu for 5-10 minutes until liquid cooks off and tofu starts to turn golden. 2.  Add corn in with the tofu.  Then add mushrooms and carrots.  Cook for a 2-3 minutes. 3.  Add the chili powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil.  Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. 4.  Turn off the heat and stir in balsamic vinegar.  Adjust your seasonings to taste. 5.  Pile mixture into romaine hearts and top with sliced avocado. ENJOY! #choosejoy Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Socially Unacceptable Things Runners Do & My Last Hard Workout

Wednesday:

Crepe and coffee at The Perch for breakfast!

Beautiful sunrise…

Today’s workout called for…
2 mile warmup
10 miles at 8-8:10 pace

2 mile cool down

I gave myself permission to just do my best. My body is tired and heavy and I didn’t want to overdo it this close to Chicago.
I ended up having a strong run!  Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy, but I did it.
I just kept telling myself that this was the last time I have to do this for a while.

I normally do two runs on Wednesday, but because I’m being a good taperer (is that even a word?!!) I went to the gym and did a little TRX and light lifting.

Here is a list of 45 Insanely Effective TRX Exercises.

And in honor of World Vegetarian Day, I made these Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps for dinner!  Recipe coming soon 🙂

Lastly, here’s a funny list from Run Haven…

Socially Unacceptable Things Runners Do

1.  Blowing snot rockets. This habit has become so ingrained in my actions that I’ve caught myself doing it when I’m NOT running. It’s just second nature.

2.  Peeing in the woods or other outdoor locations. I don’t think there are many races at which I put up with porta-potty lines. And if I’m trail running and have to pee, well, I’m not waiting until I get home. Heck, I’ve even taught my daughter the fine art of peeing outside.

3.  Changing clothes in public. When I finish a run and the weather is extremely hot or cold, one of the first things I do is get out of those sweaty clothes. If I finish at a location that isn’t home, I don’t think twice about whipping off my wet shirt and changing into a dry one, right next to my car. It’s pretty much a given post-race.

4.  Not changing clothes. Conversely, there have been more than a few times when I’ve stayed in my post-run clothing for a couple of hours before getting around to taking a shower. I walk in from a run, walk back out to take the kids somewhere, or start right in on some writing, and well…it’s a while before I finally get cleaned up. Good thing I’m a freelancer!

5.  Chatting openly about bodily functions. These functions include peeing, pooping, farting and the like. Let’s just admit it- running can sometimes do a number on the GI system. I’ve compared notes on all of the above bodily functions with more than a few runners before. The funny, the embarrassing and the “what works for you,” sometimes creeps into running conversations, doesn’t it?

6.  Inhaling vast quantities of food in public. Ever finish up a long run or race and just have to eat, no matter what’s available? I know my friends and I can do a number on a good burger, fries and beer after a marathon. You’d better not get between us and that food, either!Those are just a few of the not-so-socially acceptable acts I’ve pulled off over the years. What about you? Can you add to the list?

Are you a vegetarian?  Or do you do Meatless Monday?

Are you guilty of the above list?  I am, except for #1.  If I was able to blow a snot rocket, I would.

#choosejoy