By Carie Moore
On Sunday, I started a structured meal plan.
You see, I was sent on a parts run Saturday and the doughnut store was open, so I had to stop. They were amazing. And I say “they,” not just “it.” Yes, I had more than one doughnut. I will spare you the details on flavor, texture, and taste. I was sent again on Sunday after church and of course they had a $10/dozen deal, so I had to stop, again.
It’s now Day 5 of my meal plan. My kids can tell as well. If you eat a lot of broccoli and cauliflower, your system goes through some “changes” the family doesn’t always appreciate. After the doughnut incident, I finally wanted to get my 5k done that I mentioned in a previous post. It was beautiful, and by beautiful, I mean 70s and a 25-mph wind I could use in my favor and help push me through the 3.1 miles. Since I hate running, any advantage I can take, I will.
A couple days prior I had tried to do it and none of my apps would lock on to GPS. I read the help section and it said to make sure you’re in a clear area. I’m in rural North Dakota, there’s not a tree in sight and I’m half a mile from the barn, so it makes PERFECT sense why I have no signal! On this day, however, it was working so I thought, “Now’s my chance.” I started the workout and the timer was going and so was the distance. I had my “run” playlist on and my hoodie from last year’s run on that I didn’t complete but registered for. I was Crocus Road bound, wind pushing me and determined.
I ran farther and harder than I have ever run and was like YES!!! I was at about 1.5 miles, so I decide to just walk a bit. I was curious what my mile time was just for the heck of it. I pulled that armband and phone off like a rockstar, push the screen button and there’s my map. It showed my starting point and where I was with nothing in between.
Apparently, you need to keep your screen ON or it just records your 2 points. Funny thing (not really funny) is that it just draws a line between those 2 points. But since I’m doing a virtual run, I must show my time and miles on 1 of the 2 apps they recommend. Apparently to get this thing done right, I need to strap one of the tractor monitors and GPS antenna to myself.
When you register for these runs, you get sent a packet. It has your new hoodie for the run and a number and some other goodies. Since there are real runs and virtual runs, they just send out the same packets. With the virtual run, you have a month or so to complete it.
As I got to the mailbox I thought I might as well check the mail since I’m walking back. Lo and behold, there it was, my race packet. Someone definitely has it out for me!! But I will complete it!
Here is a delicious and healthy meal choice, to help counteract those unhealthy choices we may have made earlier in the day (like doughnuts).
Chicken Veggie Soup
1 large can chicken
Celery-3 stalks
Baby carrots-6 cut up
Chicken flavored brown rice - 1/2 bag of microwave ready
1/2 can corn
3 pepper & onion frozen blend - 1/2 of bag
Can of diced-petite tomatoes with celery, onion, and garlic
2 large cubes of chicken broth
Water to desired consistency
Salt and Pepper
Garlic powder
Celery salt
Poultry seasoning blend
You can alter this by the type of veggies you like. I simmered it for about 45 minutes to cook the celery and carrots. I also topped it with a few of the new cheese dips that are out.