Wrapping up 2016

First I’m kind of addicted to these 2016 memes, can you relate?

After trying to avoid the crap storm a negative news and social media.

And not successfully doing it, ugh.

There were disappointments for everyone this year.

I like to see the ups and downs of 2016 as a reminder to focus on the positives and being a positive influence in 2017. To focus on staying strong and always looking at the bigger picture. 2016 was an interesting year for me that seemed to fly by too fast and doing a long recap just did not appeal.

A high of 2016 was being part of bringing SacTown VegFest back and also being part again this year. I hope this event continues to grow and we can bring in more inspiring plant based celebrities each year.

I did accomplish a lot in running. In the past I usually did about two half marathons a year with smaller races between, but I completed 3 half marathons and my first whole marathon in 2016 which is awesome. There was the Great El Nino Shamrock’n Half Marathon that really tested my tolerance for running in down pouring rain and wind and it was not as bad as I thought!

Then the flawed and challenging Peace-Love-Run Half Marathon lacking outhouses, hand washing, and even a clearly marked course. But still a great experience with perfect weather and a fun medal.

And new hill challenges with the Run Rocklin Half Marathon, one of the best organized races I’ve ever done with more clean outhouses than runners it seemed and plenty of food and goodies. But the first five miles going uphill was a new challenge that I might need to do again this year!

Of course completing my first marathon, the California International Marathon, was a huge high. For years I have been putting the marathon on a pedestal, an impossible goal for a casual part time runner such as myself. When I started doing half marathons, I considered how sore my feet were towards the end and wondered how it would be possible to double that mileage feeling like that. Well, I learned with the right shoes, gear, and training – it is possible and pretty awesome!

I am planning to complete more marathons and maybe even in 2017 which I’ll decide later this year because I also found balancing the time-consuming training schedule is not easy while working a full time job and having somewhat of a life outside of it. I am planning to build a stronger running foundation with more runner strength training and am looking to improve my half marathon time with at least two scheduled for 2017 so far. And I need to figure out a better solution for race medals because this is getting a little chaotic.

As for this blog, my goals are to focus on the two R’s – running and recipes. I am looking to improve my kitchen skills once I’ve completed the Rouxbe Forks Over Knifes program and really focus on whole food plant based recipes that are fast and targeted to those who don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen every day. Simple and delicious recipes that are free of processed oils and carbs. Sound good?

I did finally make it to Trader Joe’s yesterday to restock fresh ingredients and excited to find Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter there now!

And it has been great to focus on whole, veggie loaded meals after holiday eating like this simple tofu kale stir fry seasoned with tamari sauce and sriracha.

Oh and salads! I did not care that it was cold, this kale and pinto bean dinner salad was amazing with carrot, ginger, and tahini dressing.

Mmmm, and this sesame citrus oil free stir fry loaded with tempeh and veggies.

Hubby tried a new product in a marinara pasta dish – Sweet Earth Tuscan Savory Grounds.

And really liked it – the flavor and texture is very “pork like” with a savory herb flavor and simple list of ingredients I recognize. Thumbs up and we’ll buy again.