Run Life Updates

Post-Marathon Lapse

After running in the marathon I STRUGGLED to do any sort of intentional physical activity.  I made it to the gym literally two times for teeny tiny runs, before getting sick.  Then I felt too sick even function on a general level.  It ended up being 29 days of a no-running streak.   Muh.

Winter Running?

I've been skeptical of the winter running bit for sometime now.  FYI - it doesn't get brisk in mn IT GETS COLD.  Slipping and falling on ice while you are a mile and a half from home sounds really un fun.  However, I met Sara, who is also a blogger in mn and we are going to commit to running outside together once-every-two-weeks.  Which sounds like enough to me.

Thanksgiving 5K

I got "happily" conned into running into the Charities Challenge Thanksgiving Day 5K, with some other people.  I've run these races before and they are really fun and casual.  They don't chip time, so the pressure to PR was off (not that I would've anyway).  Officially I crossed the finish line at almost exactly 38 mins.  Unofficially, I probably was a bit faster as I didn't cross the start at the gun.  I also spent a while talking to walker who had gotten a hip-replacement recently - it was a good story.  Totally worth whatever I lost in time.

#RWRunStreak

Ann at Twelve - in Twelve is encouraging people to join the Runner's World Run Streak.  You run at least 1 mile/day.  I don't usually run "just a mile" and I don't usually run everyday... so I think it should be interesting.  Very Interesting. (ok - jk)

Dippy

One way to burn through your food budget rather quickly is spending a lot of time in the dips and spreads deli area of your grocery store.  I was recently at the nearby chain grocer and found that a 6oz tub of sun-dried tomato spread/dip was $3.99 - ouch!  The thing about these is that they are relatively easy to make at home for less.  Also, you have the luxury of knowing what's actually being putting in to them.

I recently made a spread by blending Cottage Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, a dab of mayo, a splash of milk, and a sprinkle of shredded colby.  I made a ton it for way less than 4 bucks.  If were to make it again, I would probably trade out the mayo and milk and use more cottage cheese.  I would also add some Italian seasonings.  In my brief skim of several dip recipes online many suggested using cream cheese, but cottage cheese is healthier and I had it on hand.  I took the risk flavor wise, but it seemed to work fine.

I put this spread on wrap with Spinach and Black Olives

 It would be fine to eat this as is, but I prefer most things warm if possible.  So I grilled it on my George Foreman. 

I grilled it, because things taste better grilled

This method works well for Quesadillas too. 

All over the place.

When I created this blog I tried to a pick a theme that I could maintain and keep to somewhat successfully, knowing full well that I'm completely all over the place.  I figured since food was something I was pretty much planning on eating for a long time - a food theme would be a good choice.  That being said this post is even more random than I normally am.

My cat is awesome (and a Prima-donna) She climbed in the bowl herself

And she even wrote a book about being Awesome. (ok, I just spotted this at Barnes and Noble, but don't you agree that the resemblance is striking)

I like Spinach, Eggs, Grapes and lots of dairy - including Coffee Creamer, if you could even call that dairy.

I also like this: it's basically my secret shame.

I have a boyfriend, and he's pretty darn awesome.

We like Capresse Salad.  

 
So, there it is: I have cats, I eat weird, and I'm braggy about my bf. 

Food Stamp Challenge

The "Food Stamp Challenge" is a congressional effort where various non-typical food stamp users are encouraged to challenge themselves to eat on a budget similar to that of someone who only can use food stamps to buy food.  Basically, people who accept this challenge eat on less than $21/week/person (or something around this) - which is similar to the allotment given by food stamps.  Encouraging politicians and others to connect with reality of poverty is always something I would encourage, my problem is that this challenge probably doesn't do that.

For one, poverty when part of your daily life bears far more challenges than finding adequate food.  Proper shelter, adequate healthcare, basic transportation, and a way out are all things that come to mind.  You simply can not get an understanding for this in one week - no matter what you were doing. 

Additionally, the Food Stamp Challenge is more of a commentary on how ill equipped people are to eat on a budget in the first place than how difficult it might be.  Currently, Morty and I budget for $40/week (just shy of $42/week - which would be approximately our allotment).   We eat meat, we drink coffee, we have indulgences, and fresh produce is not out of sight.  We are laughably far away from running out of food and furthermore, my shopping trips do not resemble an episode of Extreme Couponing.  Granted, we are not always perfect, but for the most part we stay on track.  While we do budget for our eating out separately (as I see that as entertainment too), I'm not convinced that altering for this would throw my calculations off too wildly.

In the articles I have been reading related to this challenge; I've been trying to figure out what makes this so difficult for people.  They are often purchasing things like generic mac and cheese and tuna fish.  First off, yuck and yuck.  Second, kind of unimpressive health wise.  I've also seen hotdogs on some lists, which seems questionable too.  I would love to seem some good examples of people following this challenge, but from the articles I've read it appears people are favoring bland and unhealthy options that require little to no cooking.   

Rarely do they take advantage of filling, yet healthy resources such as lentils, rice, barley and beans.  All of these can be purchased economically and provide nutrition as well.  Also, limited effort seems to be made to stretch meals.  Often times things are being made per serving.  A large vat of chili or soup would be easy to create, affordable and stretch to several meals. 

As far as vegetables are concerned, a common complaint is the lack of budget for them.  However, a head of cabbage is usually less than a $1, same with a bag of carrots.  Frozen vegetables are often on sale for $1 per bag as well.  In contrast a bargain brand bag of chips is $2.50, a dollar more for the name brand.

On one persons list, an included item was chicken breasts, which were said to be on sale, but it is still a much more expensive way to purchase chicken than buying a whole chicken, which would make for several meals.   Also included was a frozen meal, I guess I would need to know more, but that sounds like an expensive item to me as well.

My point here (in this rambling post) is not to malign the actual SNAP program or anyone attempting to work within it's limits.  I, for one, am glad that assistance programs like this exist.  I just raise an eyebrow when people tell me that it's impossible to eat healthy on a lower budget.