Finding Life Lessons In Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts used to be the enemy.

When I was a little girl I absolutely hated when my mom would make brussels sprouts. I would have happily traded my brussels sprouts for broccoli and I believe that's saying a lot for a child. I remember my mom eventually stopped cooking them despite my dad's liking of them because mine and my sisters hatred out numbered him 2 to 1.

About two months ago I went home to visit and have dinner with my parents. When I sat down at the table I did my usual scan of the spread and notice these little balls of green disgust had made their way back on the menu. I almost protested the side dish until realizing that I hadn't actually tried them in over 10 years. So, I thought to myself, should I stick to my guns or get over myself, try them again in hopes that maybe something has changed over the last ten years, and maybe find out that I can actually stand them? After all, they are one of the latest featured vegetables on blogs and social media sites alike for their great cancer protecting nutrients. Much to my inner 10 year old's disgust I decided to try them... Voila! A changed woman. My mom baked them in the oven with olive oil and seasoning and to my surprise I liked them, so much so that I decided to start making them for myself weekly. I started off sautéing them with grape seed oil, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and topping them with some lemon pepper. I loved it! I've prepared them this way quite a few times since having them at my parents. About a week ago I decided to switch it up. I was in the mood for some spaghetti so I experimented by adding sauteed spinach, brussels sprouts, and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. It turned out wonderful, exactly what my taste buds were craving. The brussels sprouts life lesson to never completely write something off. Just because you didn't like it as a kid, or even a few years ago, doesn't mean you can't have a change of heart. My change of heart was a delicious one!

New Experiences 2014: Training For a Tri

I've just completed my second week of training, and my third day swimming. "I can't wait for my swim tomorrow!" are words I never thought in a million years would cross my mind. I actually happily got up for my swim time this morning.... Did you hear me? I willingly got out of bed at 6:30 am to make my swim reservation all by myself! That is unheard of these days!! Usually it takes the buddy system for me to make a morning workout happen before 10am. My usual swim buddy bailed on me last night, but I set my alarm anyway. Success!

This morning's workout consisted of a 30 minute swim, 45 minutes on the bike, and a short leg workout. If you were to tell my 23 year old self that I would eventually enjoy swimming as a workout as much as I love running I probably would have given you a look like you're crazy, laughed, then changed the subject. Anyways. Three years ago I didn't lift weights, I didn't ride the bike much if ever (usually only when I hurt myself and couldn't run), and I never thought twice about swimming, ever! Running was all I thought I needed, and, let me tell you, that train of thought has changed completely.

Running has become a once a week activity, maybe twice if it's a good week, and like a lot of people say, which I have certainly begun to notice, it can be pretty hard on the body. I still love to run, but I love being able to move and not feel crippled more. Last December I over exerted myself and developed Peroneal Tendinitis which made it very difficult to walk just 10 feet for about 3-4 days, and putting me out of commission to run for a good three weeks. This is the second biggest injury I've had from running, among many other less debilitating injuries. When I was 21, during track season I developed Patellar Tendinitis in my left knee, which was one of the most irritating things I have ever experienced. It was particularly aggravating because at the time I drove a stick shift which was painful to push in the clutch, and I'm pretty sure prolonged my recovery period. I'm almost certain that what set it all in motion was racing a friend down hill, not stretching afterwards, and then attempting a long trail run for practice the next day. Half way through the run during practice my knee just started to ache terribly, and with every stride I felt shooting pain along the outside of my knee cap. To add to it all I had to drive home afterwards. It was awful. Since that experiece I have tried my best to listen to my body, and make it a habit to stretch and foam roll after every workout. Apparently, I haven't been doing a good enough job. 

These days I've been running less, but maintaining my endurance with one long run a week, or two shorter ones spread out, paired with biking and weight lifting. Aside from my most recent injury, I've noticed a tremendous improvement in my ability to maintain my endurance with less running through lifting weights and cross training. My body as a whole feels so much stronger and more balanced, and although far less often, I'm still able to satisfy my love for running and races. As of two weeks ago, and as part of my goal for new experiences in 2014, I have started training for my first triathlon. I found this training schedule particularly helpful and use it as a general guide. 

Here's to new experiences in 2014, and hopefully a healthy and injury free year!