Couch to 5K Program

Oh well, it only took me months to post this...

But here it is, a link to a great running program, similar to the one I started. Like copyright infringement similar. I highly recommend it and apologize for not posting it sooner.

Couch to 5K.

What I like about the couch to 5k program is that it`s simple. You can run for distance or for time. I like running for time, and, like running for distance, time-running has it`s drawbacks, but the drawbacks only become more evident as you get `better` at running. So enjoy the bliss of ignorance now new runners! Because basically running is a lot like deciding to be Sisyphus and push a giant boulder, that would be your ass, up a mountain over and over again.

Oh shoot. I`m doing it again. Making running sound bad or like torture. That`s only because my runs have been so hard lately. If it isn`t a flu, a virus or accidental lactose intolerance then it`s an IBS flareup, all of which makes running difficult. Complicating matters was a temporary loop of comparison and the voice in my head going into over-drive, demanding that I run 10k during IBS flareup so I didn`t lose my `race pace`.

But all of that is how not to run. How to run is a lot easier than I tell myself it is. Stick with an easy, gentle pace, go crazy when it feels good and stop when it hurts. That`s the best advice I can give to a new runner, and myself.

Is it time to shave?

Probably, yes. But since it's winter time I'll keep it simple, defcon 1, the capri shave. Defcon 5 is reserved for sexxy times, Dr. appts and bathing suit season.

Seaweed Salad Recipe

Oh sweet, abandoned blog. I apologize for neglecting you. But I come bearing presents: food related presents to be exact and what could be better than that?

Every Saturday or Sunday, I cook big batches of food for the week. This week I am craving Asian inspired flavours and ingredients. I'm not feeling 100% and when that's the case I usually have to work my as off not to eat a lot of sugar, but at the same time, who wants to spend all their mental energy fighting themselves?

Not me!

So I've found the perfect compromise, for me, anyway. Seaweed salad. I make mine a tad spicy (helps me control my appetite) a little sweet (the rice wine vinegar does that nicely) and a little, well fishy (that would be the seaweed). Together the flavours combine like magic and the best part is -- this salad is so easy to make, it takes 20 minutes, TOPS.

Ingredients

* 3/4 ounce dried Wakame seaweed (you can use it whole or cut. I get mine at Fairway on Quadra or the Japanese market on Shelborune, super cheap, too)
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
* 1 apple
* 2 scallions, thinly sliced
* 3 hot red peppers, thinly sliced and diced
* 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (not seasoned)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional imho)

Method
Soak seaweed in water for 5 minutes. You can cut the uncut wakame in wide strips of 1/2 inches. Drain the water. In a bowl, mix and stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and ginger. Stir it till the sugar is completely dissolved. Now cut the apple into pieces of say 1/4 inches and add as a dressing along with seaweed, scallions, red peppers and cilantro. Toss and combine all the ingredients well. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.