Good morning! It’s 65 degrees in Charlotte so I want to get this post up and then head out for a run! Today is the start of my on and off vacation over the next two weeks. I have not taken a vacation (or days off for that matter!) since starting at Metro so I’m looking forward to getting some rest and relaxation in.
I’m excited about this beach trip because I not only get to see my college friends but the house we rented allows dogs. Sullie LOVES the beach and swimming. I took her in to be groomed yesterday in preparation for the trip (it was a desperate situation) and she came back to me like this! I asked them to trim her up a little but this is the biggest haircut she’s ever received. I love i though and think it’s perfect for the summer/beach. I keep looking at her and laughing. She’s just too cute.
A few meals for ya…
Breakfast yesterday was sliced tomato and avocado topped with an egg. I am so happy to see homegrown tomatoes in the markets. They are my favorite! I also ate a flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookie as breakfast dessert. Oops.
I was running around all day and never got a chance to eat a proper lunch. Instead lunch ended up being a handfuls of nuts, a Picky Bar and then cheese, crackers and fruit. Sometimes grazing like that works better for me on busy days.
I took the 5:30 CrossFit class (the WOD included handstand pushups…yay!) and then taught yoga at Metro. I was excited to have a couple extra southwestern stuffed sweet potatoes leftover from the dinner that I delivered so I heated one up and made a salad to go alongside. This was my first time trying them and YUM! I will definitely be repeating this recipe.
For those who asked for the recipe, I am not going to type it out but I basically followed this recipe from Pennies On A Platter with some modifications. Try it! I’ve never thought to do twice baked sweet potatoes but they work well with the southwestern spin.
And because I am the biggest packing procrastinator ever, I opted to sit on the couch, eat cookies and drink a glass of wine last night rather than get my stuff together. I learned this packing procrastination skill from my mother (hi mom!).
I had a peach that needed to be eaten before my trip so I had plain goat yogurt, honey, granola, sliced peaches and sunflower seed butter for breakfast. Someone asked why I haven’t been eating yogurt and if it was a dietary thing. It’s not! I’ve just been more in the mood for things like toast and eggs lately rather than oatmeal and yogurt. But I am not consciously trying to make any major diet changes…other than trying to eat more animal protein in general but I’ve been trying to do that for months since I do so much strength training.
Just a head’s up…I led a strength/stability/core/mobility for runners clinic for the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation team on Monday night. I had a great group and we had tons of fun. I promised them an overview of the workout/exercises that we did and I’ll share it here too! Look for that early next week.
Off to run, pack and hit the road. All of my friends have been at the beach since Saturday so I have to drive down solo with Sullie. And then get her on a ferry by myself! Pray for us. 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
Sullie looks like a model!! Haha hope you guys have a great trip! 🙂
Jen, I meant to comment on these twice baked sweet potatoes on your earlier post. I sat here and actually thought, “Wow, i wish we were real life friends because that’s a meal i would have wanted after i had my baby girl!” hahahaha. Anyway, i love Sullie’s haircut (i’m biased because we have a golden too). Have a fantastic time at the beach and i look forward to trying out Crossfit at Metro soon. 🙂
Thanks so much for posting that link for the sweet potatoes! They will definitely be on my dinner list for next week!
Thank you for sharing the sweet potato recipe! They looked delicious 🙂
You should have recruited Brandon to go with you! That would have made the Sullie situation easier! Bet he’s jealous of your vacay! Have a great time!
he’s already there. i couldn’t take the whole week off.
Sullie’s cut is so cute! My parents used to get our goldie’s hair cut in the summer too! Enjoy your run…the weather here is perfect (I live in Winston) but it is supposed to get up to the 100s this weekend!!
i know! here too. yikes!
I love it when you take pictures of Sullie. She is so cute. I can’t wait to get a dog. (I need a job first, though.) Have fun at the beach! You deserve it!
we had to wait until it was the right time to get sullie and it was so hard. they’re worth the wait though!
have a great time! you definitely deserve it!
I tried to snuggle Sullie through the screen- what a cutie! Have a great trip 🙂
I have been a vegetarian for a little over 3 years and now with all the running and crossfit I am doing, I am considering adding animal protein in my diet (mostly chicken and turkey). i am MAJORLY stressed over this. More on where to start! any suggestions?
ps- have an awesome vacation, relax and treat yourself good! you work hard 🙂
Have a safe trip and enjoy all the relaxing time!
Hi Jen,
I have been a vegetarian (except last summer I tried meat again in Europe and wasn’t working out at all) for 3 years…do you notice a positive difference increasing animal protein when you strength train? I run and strength train and eat at lot of nut butters, nuts, egg whites and tuna/salmon once or twice a month. I’ve seen documentaries like food inc. and forks over knives which have deterred me away from eating more animal products but would like an opinion from you about this as I realize every side has a valid argument. Thank you!! 🙂
dude, I am totally in the same boat as you!!! Food Inc sent me over the edge. But now I am really starting to get curious about what animal proteins will do for my training (running and crossfit). I have been contemplating eating meat for a few months now but can’t make a decision!
Have a fun and safe trip!
Handstand push-ups are killer! Sullie is an absolute adorable dog! Have a great trip!
Yay! So glad to read your comment and see that Brandon will be there this weekend!
Enjoy your trip!
Your adorable pip looks super cute with her summer cut! Enjoy your vacation–time at the beach sounds amazing! We have a ton of lakes in MN, but it’s nothing like the ocean!
Oh I like the looks of that breakfast!! And breakfast calls for dessert sometimes! Have a great vacation!!
Have a great trip!!! Love those sweet potatoes and the eggs, avocado, tomato…perfect combination!
I never tire of Sullie pictures! Enjoy that vacay time – you deserve it sweet girl!
You deserve a break! Have a great time.