REFLECTION UPON SPRING

Spring always brings with it a time of reflection and new beginnings and I always get bogged down with trying to decide how to improve upon last year and how to scrape winter's sludge from my marrow.  I become a melancholic mess this time of year; home sick and sick of being inside walls for months.  I want to stretch my limbs out as far as they will stretch and I want to feel the dull ache of cold slowly dissipate with the sun that creeps forward so stubbornly and with a hitch.  I want to shove my hands down into the mud until it touches my elbows and I want to feel the sharp salt of the ocean air deep inside my nostrils.  I want to listen to the buds on the trees open up; want hear the creak and crinkle of the leaves burst free.  I want to hear the whisper of the daffodil as it shrugs through the soil.  I want to watch the awkward young seagulls toss their clams from 15 stories up, gliding down with determination before their next of kin sabotages the entire operation.  I want to listen to the deep baritone repeat as the fog rolls in, bringing a fuzzy chill that fills every crevice of my skin.  I want to run and run; I want to run until I have exhausted every demon that has been chasing me, until they are all panting and riddled with exhaustion, until I can leave them many harmless miles behind me.  Only then can I slow to a jog. Only then can I let go of winter. Only then can I let go and let spring heal the wounds.  

Good Tips from Outside Magazine and a Recovery recipe from me

I was pretty happy to see that I am already covering most of the bases when it comes to Outside Magazines subscribed 'superfoods for workout recovery'.  Of course I would have to replace the whey with Vega Sport Performance Protein.  It is a great vegan alternative because it has branched chain amino acids and L-glutamine.  And it tastes pretty yummy too.  Here is the Outside Article:
Get to Know Your Superfoods

Here is my own favorite post-workout smoothie.  It makes me feel like I'm having a real treat to reward myself for a job well done!
8 to 12 oz almond milk (I use unsweetened vanilla)
1 scoop chocolate Vega Sport Performance Protein
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen cherries

Mix all ingredients in a blender and make sure to consume within an hour or two of a tough workout to help with recovery. 

Ready, Set, Go!

I am freeing myself from the deep-freeze blues.  I have officially signed up for the Maine Marathon in October.  I am reading books on sports nutrition and trying to really zero in on the fueling process this year.  It is something I definitely could pay more attention to- carb loading need not always be beer and vegan pizza:)  Sometimes, yes, but not as a norm.

I have also begun working with VegMe!  VegME! is a Maine-based nonprofit working to educate and support Mainers interested in plant-based eating.  VegME!’s efforts are focused on the benefits a plant-based (vegan) diet provides in four areas: hunger, nutrition, animals and environment.  Our mission is to put veg resource with veg need to serve Mainers.  I am having a grand time getting back into the game and hope that you will follow our efforts and join in some of the fun.  In the near future we have many events including a vegan meetup at Zen Chinese restaurant in Portland, 2013 MeatOut brunch at Pepperclub, Meatless Mainers day to name just a few.  Go to our page for more information on any of these.

Lastly, I am dreaming up a concept of a vegan running group.  Runs that end at a veg-friendly restaurant.  If anyone out there wants to take part, please contact me. 

Until next time, keep running, keep vegging, and keep making a difference in the lives of animals, people, and the environment!

All Work and No Run Makes Ange a Dull Gal

I haven't been skipping workouts.  Not at all.  I have actually been working harder than usual participating in some High Intensity Interval Training courtesy of Beachbody's Les Mills Combat.  It is actually pretty kick-ass; punches and kicks and burpees galore and with at least an hour 6 days a week. I am feeling more flexible and strong than I have in a while.  Check it out!

All of this said, I was beginning to feel increasingly grumpy.   Now, it is no surprise that I get a bit weird if I don't go for my runs for a long stretch of time but I didn't realize how much I needed that outside time until I spent a couple of weeks working out indoors and on the dreaded treadmill.  The holidays, the 5 hours of daylight a day, and the marvelous snow has forced me inside.  I recently read this great article in Outside magazine that explained some of the possible scientific reasons for this.  I highly recommend the article:  Nature as medicine.

So this morning I bundled up for my 1st run of 2013.  It was a good workout with sidewalks still quite snow-covered so there was some core work and my ankles are quite tender tonight.  It was grueling work and the wind was a bit raw and I was in the best mood I have been in days.  There is something more to it than getting a good sweat on.  I needed to be outside, for the sake of myself and the people around me who have to deal with my cranks.  I ended the morning with a smoothie from the Maine Squeeze- a GreenLight with mango, pineapple, dates, kale and ginger.  Perfection. 

So, if you are feeling less than thrilled about this new year, try heading outside for a wee bit.  You just might be smiling despite the bitter winter chill.

Things I've Had it With

Hello once again, my friends.  As you know if you live in Portland, this picture was taken during a more pleasant day.  I've quite had it with these days that don't really become light and I have had it with rain in mid-December.  Who wants to raise their hand and argue global warming with me?  Oh yeah, really?  Well, I will arm wrestle you for it. 

Actually, I've had it with quite a few things recently.  I've had it with people treating one another like shit during the holiday season- scowling at one another in busy stores and parking lots because they only care about the material things they don't have enough money to buy.  I've had it with people acting like animals are disposable objects for our pleasure and I've had it with people that treat me like I am some sort of extremist because I don't follow the mainstream diet.  I've had it with people that think I 'will change my mind' about bringing a child into this fucked up world.  I'm 35 people- the clock is not a-ticking.  I've had it with people who use their self-riteous attitudes to stroke their own ego- happy cows and cage free eggs and joyous salmon dancing in the fucking moonlight.  None of these are for the sake of the animals, but for the sake of people's conscience.  Speaking of ego, I've had it with 26.2 bumper stickers.  I've had it with people buying dogs from puppy mills and I've had it with the gutter-punk kids that put packs on their dogs.  Don't bring a dog into your begging when you don't know where your next meal will be and definitely don't have them carry your shit!  I've had it with people trying to convince me they need their 5 guns for protection.  I've had it with health care professionals that act like nutrition and diet is separate from health and I've had it with our inability to find a way to get less fortunate people balanced meals.  I've had it with the fact that the grain going to feed that fat cow for the rich people's bloody steak could have been fed to people instead of cows.  I've had it with people getting groceries and such in plastic bags- often just one or two items in each bag- and then throwing them out, unaware or uncaring about the islands of plastic growing in our ocean.  I've had it with people claiming to be environmentalists but opposing windmills.  I've had it with people claiming to be feminists throwing themselves at men desperately, using the excuse that they are 'owning their sexuality'.  I've had it with sexuality being the selling point for EVERYTHING.  And sex really does sell everything!  In that case, I gotta say, veganism in sexy.  Being strong is sexy.  Environmentalism is sexy.  Kindness is sexy.  Smiling at every goddam miserable looking shopper that you can is sexy.

Well, I think I got all of that out of the way for a while.  This was supposed to be a blog about the dreary day and look what happened!  Just try to spread some cheer people.  I am going to try like hell to be as nice as possible despite all of these things that I've had it with.  Because anger doesn't change anything.  So, get your anger out by writing it down or by harnessing it all into your arm wrestling matches and give one another some kindness, patience, and understanding.

Back Again

I believe it may be time to get up and running again (no pun intended).  I have a couple of things up my sleeve, including another money raising marathon- charity to be announced.  Which means summer will be consumed again by runs and fundraising so I will need much love from my family and friends!

The other thing I will be working on is 'Ban the Bag Portland'.  I think we can convince Portland, Maine that eliminating plastic bags is possible and desirable.  I am hoping for volunteers to help me go to businesses to get them to pledge to go plastic bag free.  I am also hoping to find some local politicians to get on board with this idea.  To even introduce the idea of an anti-plastic bag law is going to seem extreme to a lot of folks and I am ready for their wrath.  What is extreme is the state of the oceans these days.  We are at a critical point and we need to all wake up and do whatever little bit we can.  This is my little bit at the moment.  Join me!

Militant Vegan

I was accused of being a militant vegan today. I must say I was a bit flattered. Being a passive, middle of the road person most of my life, the fact that I am seen as 'militant' about something is something I am proud of. Better than a half-assed vegan. Better than a 'do it because it is trendy now' vegan. Better than a 'well, I eat turkey at thanksgiving' vegan.

Definition of MILITANT
1
: engaged in warfare or combat : fighting
2
: aggressively active (as in a cause) : combative


Speaking of militant, I wish I was out on the ocean with the Sea Shepherd folks, risking life and limb for something so much bigger than the everyday bullshit society tells us we should care about. Fighting for the environment instead of fighting the 9:00 to 5:00 so that maybe I can buy that expensive pair of jeans so the world won't suspect I am eeking by from one paycheck to the next- drowning in debt from just a couple of Christmases trying to show people love with stuff. Fighting for whales instead of fighting against the idea that people have that I am flawed because I don't want children or a career or a marriage that might fail in five years. Fuck that shit. Militant? I hope I can be 'aggressively active', trying to change my world in even the smallest way that I can.

Silence is broken

Silence is Broken

I suppose I needed a break from everything after the marathon but now I am back, trying to get the body into shape before I begin training for the Maine Marathon again. I am hoping to qualify for Boston- need to shave about 20 minutes from last year's time. This means work. Please follow me as I write about my recipes, animal and conservation issues, and my training. I will need all the support I can get!

MY SEEDY OATS

Is your oatmeal seedy? Mine is!

1 cup water

1/2 cup oats (GrandyOats Maine Grown Rolled Oats are the best!)

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

dash pure vanilla

Frozen Maine Wild Blueberries

1 Tbsp Chia Seeds

1 Tbsp Hemp Seeds

1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

Fruit of your choice

Do the oatmeal thing- boil water, add oats, simmer for about 10. Add frozen blueberries, spice, and vanilla when it is just about done. Put in a lovely bowl and sprinkle with seeds, maple syrup and fruit. I like to throw a banana in there for some potassium goodness.

Sit. Eat. Think about how bad ass you will be after all of that seedy goodness.

So strange

So strange to have everything all wrapped up for my marathon and fundraising! I had my raffle, sent the money to Sea Shepherd, they have cashed the check. It is all buttoned up and complete and now I feel a bit restless and purpose-less. I am so very pleased to have raised at least $1700 for the cause. I believe some people donated directly to the Sea Shepherd home page rather than my race page, so those donations weren't recorded.

Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who was in my corner for the entirety, or even for a second, during this journey.

Stay tuned for more running adventures, conservation and animal rights information, and the infrequent bursts of intelligence/ brilliance I may have. After a much-needed technology fast, I am back in business!

Maine Marathon Complete!

Well, I did it. With every one's love and support I ran 26.2 miles- only stopping for a bathroom and to sip gatorade. Came in at 4 hours, 3 minutes which put me at 312 out of about 900. For women marathoners, I was 93 out of 395 and in my division I was 19 out of 58. I am pretty content with that for a first timer, though I gotta shave about 20 minutes off if I am going to qualify for Boston. Yup, crazy as it is, next year is already on my mind. This morning I am very hungry, very sore, very chaffed from running in a freaking pouring rain but happy and feeling blessed because so many people were there for me through this journey.

I did hit the 'wall' as they call it so the last 6 were hell on earth. So I thought hard about why I was doing this- thought about Sea Shepherd and whales and my friends and family who pledged money to this cause because they love me and support me in all of my crazy endeavors. I am sure I will write more about this when it all sinks in...I am still processing the fact that it is over after all of that preparation!

Raffle Prizes Update

The lastest raffle prize list is still August 18th and 28th. The raffle will be held November 12 at the Gentle Thanksgiving vegan meetup. I am waiting to hear final word on a couple more prizes and will hopfully have a comprehensive list soon. I also must add a beautiful piece of pottery my good and talented friend, Ashley Bench created. It looks like the ocean and is valued at $75. It will be a piece of a prize package- just didn't want to leave it out!

Thai Yoga Massage

One of my lovely raffle prizes is a Thai Yoga Massage. Since a few of you have asked what it is, here is the description Laura gave me as well as a link to her blog. Sounds heavenly!

"Thai Yoga massage is essential passive Yoga. The practitioner guides and supports the recipient through a series of stretches and postures incorporating compressions, palming and thumbing the sen energy lines and pressure points. The mindful flow of Thai Yoga bodywork leaves one feeling more aligned with a greater sense of calm and body awareness in addition to being invigorated and energized."
http://lauravecchiomassage.blogspot.com/

Fast food healthy vegan style

I needed a quick dinner tonight and was very pleased with the inexpensive meal I came up with:

leftover brown rice (I usually keep some in the fridge)
can of Amy's Low Sodium Lentil Veggie soup
1/2 bag Whole Foods Frozen Kale
Braggs liquid aminos
Organicville Sky Valley Sriracha Sauce

simmer soup and kale together until hot. Add brags and sriracha to taste. Serve over warmed rice. Yum!

Natural Foodie: Vegetarian adapts to diet of the long-distance runner | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Natural Foodie: Vegetarian adapts to diet of the long-distance runner The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Here is the artcile by my friend Avery about my race. I am pretty excited!!!

Sea Shepherd passing under Tower Bridge, London

Sea Shepherd passing under Tower Bridge, London, a photo by The London Lettice on Flickr.

This is the picture that made me cry!

20!

This morning I completed the longest run in my training program. Then I had a smoothie. Then I took an epsom salt bath. Then I cooked some vegan pancakes. Now I feel lucid enough to write!

My journey brought me out to the Maine Audobon Society in Falmouth where a wedding was being held. I decided to backtrack when I got to the wedding party, rather than have one of their wedding memories be of 'that sweaty smelly jogger that panted and grunted by just as I was about to say I do'. The trails were just gorgeous and the weather is perfection. I stopped by Mackworth island on my way back into town as well. Portland is just full of spectacular trails. I am not begging to feel the full effects of running through fields of golden rod. My nose is so itchy it is distracting me from how tired my legs are.

My legs started to get pretty rubbery around the island. I felt like my feet weren't really connected to me and they were twisting round in a frightening manner but I was able to pull it together enough to continue through. I made some medjool dates stuffed with almond butter, chia seeds, dried chopped mango, and shredded coconut and that seemed to work as well as the cliff shots, though perhaps not as instantaneous. I think I will bring some on marathon day- maybe add some cacao nibs or something else with a bit of caffeine. I also carried a water bottle that I refilled at fountains and brought small packets of Ultima- I am on a pretty major quest to lighten my environmental impact as many ways as I can. I had my water belt but actually ended up carrying the bottle most of the way and that seemed fine.

Back in downtown Portland, I decided a smoothie at Maine Squeeze Juice Bar was the best reward and was thrilled to see a sign advertising 'vegan specialty food coming soon'. I got a smoothie called 'Fast as Light'- spinach, sunflower seeds, almonds, ginger, dates, and some other stuff. I must say it may have tasted better than any other smoothie I have ever had. My bath felt restorative and my pancakes (vegan peach pancakes with almond butter and maple syrup) were downright heavenly. Now I am hanging out with my loyal editor, Jonas the kitty, and trying to get the motivation to move again.

The strangest thing happened moments ago: I opened up a beautiful picture of the Sea Shepherd ship in London and just began crying. Dude! I think I have repressed emotion- some sort of shock that this is really all coming together and intense joy that I am finding a way to help. And perhaps runner's high = runner's cry. I dunno but it was bizarre.

The best part of this moment is the realization that now the tapering begins. Shorter runs, more rest, and race day very near!

Autumn Air

This is the weather I wait for, though I never know it until it arrives. It seems I would 'get it' after 33 years. I just ran the boulevard- 64 degrees with crisp clean air that even smells a bit like fall. I am itching to go hiking. I am eager to take on my next running challenge- to take up trail running. After the marathon I am going to pick up some minimalist shoes and hit the trails just in time for leave peeping and new snowfalls. And perhaps some running snowshoes this winter....
If I am going to remain in New England I want to embrace each season full on. I want to try snowboarding this winter, so that I might be one of those people that prays for snow. I want to swim indoors this winter so that I will not be afraid to try stand-up paddling next spring. I want to hit the gym and climb rock walls and run through snow storms. As I stare into the face of my 34th birthday, I want to take advantage of this body while it is at it's strongest. I am not afraid of 34. After this marathon, I will be able to do anything. Watch out world, because here I come!

Vegan Althlete Bad-asses!

My previous post proved that I am getting by with vegan nutrition but there are a few athletes that bring it to the next level. Here are
a few of my heroes!

Brendan Brazier- vegan triathalete and creator of VEGA products. (brendanbrazier.com)

Scott Jurek- ultra-marathoner who is rumored to bring pita and hommus on this long runs! (scottjurek.com)

Rip Esselstyn- former triathalete, Texas firefighter, and author of 'Engine 2 Diet'. (engine2diet.com)

These 3 are my heroes but we can include Mac Danzig -UFC, John Salley- basketball player, Prince Fielder- baseball player. These are only a few. If you are interested, google vegan athletes and prepare to be impressed at where a plant-based diet can get you!

Oh yeah, and he is not an athlete but let us add former President, Bill Clinton to the bad-asses list!
-

What do you eat?

I have had a lot skepticism in all of my 'athletic' endeavors about my vegan diet. People seem to equate red meat with strength. People worry about my protein. They worry about my iron. They say things like 'how are you working out that much and not eating meat'. Just looking at me should dispel the stereotype of waif-ish, weak vegan. I am...big-boned let us say. But seriously, I am far from skinny and build muscle pretty easily. I lift 4o pound boxes of bananas and 50 pound bags of potatoes daily. And I do so without eating animals! Here is what a typical day looks like.

Pre-run VEGA Sport performance optimizer (Thanks to my friends in Whole Body at Whole Foods for thinking of me when they had to mark a bunch out)

Post-run Good old-fashioned banana with a shmear of almond butter or peanut butter

Breakfast breakfast is usually oatmeal (Maine Grandyoats rolled oats) with dried fruit and nuts or vegan pancakes if I have done an exhausting run and need something fun.

Morning Snack Spelt Right Everything Emma bagel or sprouted grain bagel with 1/2 avocado spread on it. Maybe a splash of hot sauce if I'm feeling wild

Lunch I usually try to get in some raw greens- a salad with beans of tofu or tempeh. My current obsession is Curried Mango Tempeh salad from cookbook 'Vegan with a Vengeance'

Dinner dinner is often quinoa and kale with beans or broccoli tofu stir-fry over brown basmati rice. Of course I never turn down Silly's, Green Elephant, Pepperclub, Flatbread, Portland Pie....I am so lucky to have so many veg-friendly spots.

Snacks Whole Foods Sesame tofu is going to be the death of me. I am seriously addicted, I think. I am also a night snacker...cashews, chocolate chips, left-over whatever. I have been trying to control that beast

Other For long runs I hydrate with coconut water or mix up an Ultima electrolyte powder with water. Ultima is the bomb- no sugar (unlike Gatorade and Vitamin Water), vegan friendly and very environmentally friendly since you can mix it in your resusable water bottle. I decided not to eliminate beer completely from my diet while training. Moderation is the key and Portland is full of so many great bars with so many great local brews that are also vegan friendly. Now that I head down home stretch though, I am going to abstain and eat my veggies.


When I punch a day's food into livestrong.com, it is never protein and definitely not fiber I am low on. Surprisingly, it is often carbs. Oh, and it is lovely to see the saturated fat and cholesterol columns reading zero! Take that, doubters!