TROTTING WITH TOTS: AUSTIN
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SNOOPY BLOGGY




​ BLOGGY BLOG

POWER BREAKFAST: TOFU SCRAMBLE

8/30/2017

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Kind of tired of the same ol', same ol'?  

Give TOFU a fighting chance.

It's simple, yummy and easy to make!

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SIMPLE TOFU SCRAMBLE
serves 4-ish

* Firm Tofu (14 oz) -broken into bite size pieces
* 1/4 c. nutritional yeast flakes
* 2T. Almond Milk (or nut milk of your choice)
* A squirt of lemon juice
*Salt + Pepper to taste
* Stir-ins of your choice

---Add all items to one skillet, heat over medium heat for 2-4 minutes and devour.



Try spicing it up with these fun fixins:

scallions
sun-dried tomatoes
spinach
sliced kalamata olives
diced tomatoes
avocado chunks
black beans
salsa
a sprinkling of dried sage

​
For added creaminess try adding in a dollop or two of vegan cream cheese - Tofutti makes a good one!

Bonus tip: Tofu freezes well, so you can buy bricks when it's on sale and pull it out when you're ready to use it!

-VEGAN + GLUTEN-FREE

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Running mile intervals with BOB squared

8/22/2017

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​Danielle


I have to run 4 one mile intervals pushing a double stroller with two “littles” on board.

Start time:  9:50 am.
Temperature: 89 degrees
35 + days of 100 degree temperatures or higher in ATX

Once the two “littles” are safely secured in their car seats, we head out.  The car ride is supposed to be my time to mentally prepare myself for today’s run.  I’m hoping for quiet contemplation.  It is not to be.  I find myself screaming unkind names at pokey drivers on MOPAC.  Next, I find myself  in a hostage takeover of my phone by my five year old who wants to listen to “Trolls” and “Sing” soundtracks.  I can’t listen to those soundtracks one more time without going POSTAL!

Quickly the five year old starts with the; “Are we almost there?  Why is it taking too long?  Why won’t Olivia stop screaming?  Will (so and so) be there?"  ENOUGH ALREADY!!!  I try to use this time as an opportunity to hydrate and fuel my body.  This consists of 20 oz of coffee and leftover waffles. 

Once we arrive at the park, I load the girls into the double “Bob,” stroller, with our snack cups, four water bottles, sunscreen, diapers/wipes, and we are off. 

After a 400 meter warm up I think, “This isn’t going to be too bad.  Four miles will go by fast.  I just have to make it through the first two, and it’s all downhill.  I’m going to rock this work out, because I rock!!!  I’m Super Woman, I’m a BAMR,  (Bad A** Mother Runner!)”

First mile:  Before I even have a chance to start, there’s a meltdown.  Clearly my 5 yr. old thinks she has power over what music I get to listen to.  I mean, I am the one running,  so I should be able to listen to whatever music I want, Right?  Wrong!!!!  Obviously” Jay Z”  and “Rage against the Machine” take a back seat to “SING.” Really? I’ve listened to that sound track 100 times already, TODAY! Do I really have to listen to it again? Yes, clearly the answer is yes. Fine!!! If losing this battle means I can run a flipping mile in peace, so be it.  It’s “SING” for the win. 

400 meter recovery: That wasn’t so bad. One mile down three to go. The girls are content, “SING” is playing, and snacks are being eaten. All is right with the world. 
Second mile:  I’m going to bust this out in under eight minutes.  No problem,  that last mile had a slight incline, so this mile will be all downhill, against the wind, with no shade, in 90 degree heat in the middle of summer in Texas.  I got this!!!  Right!!???
400 meter recovery:  Man that was harder than I thought.  I hate running.  I hate training.  I hate summer.  I hate the sun.  I hate the “SING” soundtrack.  I hate that I only have 400 meters to recover.   Why can’t I just have a full half mile to recover?  Who wrote this stupid training schedule anyway?

Why do I have to do 4 one mile intervals?  I think I’m just doing three.  I mean it’s the middle off the summer, I’m pushing an extra 100 pounds, and there’s no shade in this neighborhood.  NO WHERE!!!, I’ve looked. Ok, it’s over.  I’m just doing three miles.

Third mile:  The “SING” sound track is over, FINALLY! I get to listen to my jams.  This is going to be the best mile ever.  I’ve got my music and I’m in my groove.  I’m going to rock this out and chill in the pool. I love life and I love running. This training program is not that bad, as long as I modify it to my liking, right? I mean, no one will know.  HEHEHE (inset evil laugh)

400 meter recovery: Fine, I’ll do 4 miles, just one more. I mean, if I don’t, run the last mile, I’ll be lying to myself, cheating my training schedule. I’m not a liar or a cheat. Let me hydrate, pop a piece of gum, and I’ll be on my merry way!!!

Last mile: 300 meters in and it’s harder than I thought.  I need a drink, I need to stop, I NEED it to not be so HOT!  I only have a little over half a mile to go.  At the 500 meter mark, Olivia throws her snack cup. We’ve already lost one this week, so I have to stop my run for the 100th time. Pick up the snack cup. Start running even though O is now throwing a fit.  One shoe down, the second shoe’s down the sewer. I have to stop for the 101st time to pick up a single shoe. 

200 meters to go, I’m good, I got this, I am Super Woman!!! I just have to make it to the next stop sign, nothing can stop me now. 100 meters, only 10 more seconds; look at me, I’m FLYING!!  

My last 400 meter recovery; I want to walk, but I can’t, it will affect my average pace.  Look at me, (checking my average pace) I’m fast, I’m strong, I’m awesome! I CAN DO ANYTHING!

“I am woman, hear me ROAR!”
​

Awe, now it’s time to cool off in the pool!!
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Member of the month - August - Lenora

8/14/2017

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It's that time again- time to meet another one of our motivated (and motivating) mamas! Every month we feature an interview with one of our fabulous runners so you can get to know us. How do we choose who to interrogate? With a draw out of a hat by the nearest toddler in tow.

Lenora G hails from Edmonds, Washington, where she spent many hours traipsing the beaches and shorelines of the greater Seattle area. Nowadays her waterfront running usually takes place around Town Lake on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Lenora can be found navigating either her Summit X3 double stroller, or her BOB double stroller (yes, she owns two of them, and no she won't be getting rid of either of them anytime soon) over the many hills of the trail with her two eldest kiddos. In fact, most of the mileage she has done while training for races has been on the trail, and with good reason. Its restrooms, water fountains, accessibility, and popularity make it the go-to spot for most Austin runners. This also means there is never a shortage of random passersby who will cheer on this pregnant mama (baby #3 is due September 1st) as she speeds along.

Lenora is no stranger to running while pregnant. Gideon (3) and Gloria (1.5) are both seasoned pros at bouncing along with their mama, or cheering her on as she races. In her running career, Lenora has completed an impressive 24 sprint/Olympic triathlons, 6 Half Ironmans, 2 Ironmans, 13 Half Marathons, 6 Marathons, and thousands of training miles. It's no wonder her most prized running attire are her Ironman finisher shirts. Lenora also completed the Bastrop Ragnar this year while pregnant, which proved to be great training for the sleep depravation that a newborn provides.

Her long list of running accomplishments and her six years of teaching middle school reading and writing made Lenora more than qualified to be the Marathon High Director for four years. This non-profit trains underprivileged middle and high schoolers to run the Austin Marathon. Education and working with kids is a family affair, as her husband, Sam, is the assistant superintendent for IDEA Public Schools.

Although people have told her she looks like Brooke Shields, Lenora claims she does not have any hidden talents aside from swimming, running, cleaning, cooking, and parenting (which are all pretty darn impressive talents). She does, however, have a penchant for picking great young adult fiction books, and dreams of one day being a middle or high school librarian whose only job is to put really great books into the hands of students. Her dream library would probably also feature a cardboard cutout of Thor, although she is ready for the superhero genre of movies to take a backseat, since she's seen the insides of her eyelids more than the plot lines as she has tried to support Sam's fandom in recent years.

When they're not racking up the miles in the stroller (while Lenora tells them over and over again, "We are almost done!"), Gideon and Gloria love to play at Roy G. Guerrero Park. This huge park and playground is rarely crowded, although the lack of shade makes it a better fall/winter destination for play. Lenora's laid-back attitude is rarely ruffled, but she still cringes at the memory of Gideon throwing raisins at the rows of people in front of him on an airplane ride. If you see her on the trails (and you will not be able to miss her triple stroller this fall), say "hi" and prepare to be greeted with a smile!
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Recipe: Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

8/8/2017

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VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE + DELICIOUS


​I'm still trying to figure out why this amazing cauliflower puree tastes as divine as any full-fat, dairy-laden alfredo recipe I've had before.  Either way, I sure am glad it tastes the way it does, and that it's gluten and dairy free and contains WAY less fat.  Definitely worth giving this sauce a fighting chance.
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photo credit: Puja Thomas-Patel via indiaphile.info
Ingredients + Instructions:

2 T olive oil, heated in a medium/large sauce pan
Add in:
2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
2 tsp pine nuts
*Cook over medium heat for 3-4 min (or until amazing aromas begin to fill the air)

Add in:
1 small head of cauliflower (about 3 cups), chopped
2 1/4 C. almond milk
2 tsp salt
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp basil
1/2-1 tsp pepper
*Cook over medium heat for 8 min (or until cauliflower is tender)

Put ingredients into blender and add:
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/4 C. nutritional yeast flakes
Blend until smooth

Tips/Things To Try:
  • Best served over spaghetti squash, GF pasta, quinoa or a mound of roasted veggies
  • Toss the finished sauce with 'Beyond Meat' Chicken and spinach for Chicken Alfredo
  • Add more nutritional yeast flakes to thicken and make an Alfredo Dip instead
  • Roast the Cauliflower before adding it to the pot for a nuttier flavor
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Running during Pregnancy (Part 1)

8/1/2017

1 Comment

 
Iradis 

Since we are a group of stroller pushing runner moms, chances are that at any given point there are moms either anticipating pregnancy, currently pregnant, or navigating the postpartum world. 

One thing I remember vividly from my pregnancy days was the idea that my running (or lack of) was something that would go by the wayside during those 10 months.

The good news is that being on the other side of multiple pregnancies now, I’m here to say that your running doesn’t have to drastically suffer just because you are pregnant. Also, I want to give you a short pep talk and tell you that if you find yourself pregnant and unable to (or under doctor’s orders) run, that is completely okay!

By the way, I’m not a doctor and don’t know your specific situation, so please take this post with a grain of salt. These are just observations I had during my experience of running during my pregnancies. 

My hope is that if you are considering running during pregnancy, that you would find some encouragement and maybe even helpful tips from this post.​
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photo credit: Emma Simpson via unsplash

Before Pregnancy

Before my last two pregnancies, I was running consistently and had a solid mileage base and specific pace. By consistently, I don’t necessarily mean a huge amount of mileage but I was consistently running and was comfortable with my routine. This means I had a solid base established and wasn’t going to be starting something new, once I found out I was pregnant. 

Mileage varied with each of the pregnancies but overall, the main thing for me was that I wasn’t looking to increase mileage very much if at all. Pace also varied a lot (honestly, every run can feel so different!) but I always again made sure to tune in and listen to my body.

Finding Out
One of my first thoughts when I found out I was pregnant, was “thank goodness I’ve been running consistently!” Don’t get me wrong, there were much more important thoughts happening but in regards to exercise, those were my thoughts. 

Thinking back, it was a validating moment for me as a runner. I’ve been a runner for 11 years now, so knowing that I could continue running in this new phase of life was encouraging. Seeing other moms who were pregnant and still running (even while pushing double strollers) was also encouraging and motivating.

Early Pregnancy
During those first few weeks of the first trimester, being sick all day long is almost an automatic recipe for not having the desire to peel yourself away from the couch or toilet, lace up your shoes and go for a run. 

Mentally, I had to tackle each day as it came. I knew that once I started running, I wouldn’t feel sick anymore. One tip to have a strong mental game? Don’t talk yourself out of it. Even if you get sick before and after a run, knowing you’ll be just fine during the run helps your mind stay strong in getting that run done.

Another mental roadblock that you might encounter as a pregnant runner is the comparison to others of distance/pace/duration/a previous pregnancy/you name it. Just the fact that you're out there, running during pregnancy and pushing a stroller is AMAZING. Don't sell yourself short. 

Hydration was super important in those early weeks of pregnancy, as were plenty of snacks. Depending on the time of year and climate where you live, this could look like a bunch of extra ice water or a thermos of hot tea/coffee. Snacks are just as crucial and this can certainly vary from day to day and person to person. Find something that works for you, have it on hand and eat it before you start feeling sick.

Part two of this series will cover running during pregnancy in the second trimester, more practical tips and always some encouragement. 

Until then, happy pregnant running!

Disclaimer: I’m not an expert, just a girl who loves running and has been doing so for over a decade. Everything I share about running during pregnancy is what has worked for me and what has been okay for me to do during my pregnancy. Always check with your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise regimen.
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    Picture
    LISA W: ex Arizonian hockey player (does Arizona even have ice?), psychs herself out every time she gets close to breaking a 9 min mile, Mom to 2 curly-headed squirts + a non-bias food-loving dog, Tonks... wifey to her college love, Timothy, Lego fanatic. And can't put up any guests in her spare bedroom since it has turned into JoAnn fabrics. 

    ​
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    IRADIS J Native Floridian, plays the flute like a champ (she is the beauty behind our National Anthem on race day), Mom to THREE kiddos under 4 years of age (and she does it with ease, people), met her hubs in a coffee shop in the Sunshine state, avid reader and has the most gentle soul of anyone you'll ever meet.

    ​
    Picture
    DANIELLE D Midwesterner at heart (Go Royals!), lover of all things pink and green (you should see her daughter's rooms), eats sweet peppers like they're candy, had two completely natural childbirths (hint: she has superhuman powers), breastfeeding advocate, Mizzou grad (she and Loren actually attended the exact same years, but did not know one another), loves to quilt and does not own an inside voice. 
    ​
    ​
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    LOREN M Central IL born and raised attempting every sport possible. Mom to 2 polar opposite kiddos and wife to a man she met on an airplane, her magic Mike. Throw in a white lab with too many allergies to count and you have yourself a fine fam. Loves pickles, green olives and is a (temporary?) vegan.  Took up running in order to eat french fries on a regular basis (they're vegan, right?). Mizzou grad. Skincare junkie and waxing Nazi. The Queen of random encounters. To all the TWT members: Don't hate, just Belieb ;)

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  • HOME
  • *RUN-RAISER 2020*
  • ROUTES
    • ARBOR TRAILS
    • ALL-ABILITIES PARK
    • BAILEY PARK
    • BALCONES PARK
    • BRENTWOOD PARK
    • CAT HOLLOW PARK
    • BEE CAVES CENTRAL PARK
    • OLSEN MEADOWS PARK @ BRUSHY CREEK
    • BRUSHY CREEK >
      • CHAMPION PARK @ BRUSHY CREEK
      • CREEKSIDE PARK @ BRUSHY CREEK
      • LAKE PARK @ BRUSHY CREEK
      • TWIN LAKES PARK @ BRUSHY CREEK
    • BERRY SPRINGS PARK
    • CENTRAL MARKET NORTH LAMAR
    • CIRCLE C PARK
    • CLARKSVILLE PARK
    • COMMONS FORD RANCH PARK
    • CREATIVE PLAY / SAN GABRIEL RIVER
    • DICK NICHOLS PARK
    • DITTMAR PARK
    • THE DOMAIN
    • DRIPPING SPRINGS PARK
    • EASTWOODS PARK
    • ELIZABETH MILBURN PARK
    • EMMA LONG PARK
    • GARRISON PARK
    • GAREY PARK
    • HIGHLAND HORIZON PARK
    • HILLTOP PARK
    • KATHERINE FLEISCHER PARK/ WELLS BRANCH
    • LADY BIRD / TOWN LAKE >
      • BARTON SPRINGS POOL
      • DEEP EDDY POOL
      • MARTIN PARK
      • METZ PARK
      • ZILKER PARK
    • LAKE PFLUGERVILLE
    • MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK
    • MUELLER >
      • BARTHOLOMEW PARK @ MUELLER
      • JOHN GAINES PARK
      • NW GREENWAY @ MUELLER
      • LAKE PARK @ MUELLER
    • NORTHEAST METRO PARK
    • OLD SETTLERS PARK >
      • JOANNE LAND PLAYGROUND @ OLD SETTLERS
      • VIRG RABB PAVILION
    • PEASE PARK
    • PFLUGER PARK
    • RATTAN CREEK PARK
    • REED PARK
    • RICKY GUERRERO PARK
    • RIVERY PARK
    • ROBINSON PARK
    • ROSEWOOD PARK
    • SPRINGWOODS PARK
    • STAGECOACH PARK
    • SW WILLIAMSON COUNTY SPLASH CITY
    • WALNUT CREEK SOUTH/ EAST COMMUNITIES YMCA
    • WALNUT CREEK NORTH
    • WEST ENFIELD PARK
    • WILDFLOWER CENTER
  • RATING SYSTEM
  • PICTURES
  • CONTACT US