Andouille Sausage with Peppers

Hi friend, I wanted to share a recent find I came across at Walmart.  It's Smoked Andouille sausage with  Spanish paprika, black pepper and garlic.   This sausage is made with lean chicken and is 140 calories per sausage.  I usually start my Sundays with food prep for the week and this was perfect for my lunches.  I sliced peppers, onions and browned them in a little coconut oil, then when the peppers and onions were soft, I added the sliced sausage and cooked a little while longer.

This dish would be perfect topped on a bed of scrambled eggs or paired with quinoa or brown rice.

The next time I make this dish, I will plan my sides a little better.  Yesterday, I ended up eating my entire batch during lunch and dinner.  I easily consumed 600 calories.  At least I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch and dinner and ate it in two meals. Instead of face planting in one sitting.  Eating smaller portions is tough when you're a volume eater lol.

Nopales (cactus) and Eggs

Another "go to" dish is Nopales.  Have you heard of them?  If not, it's diced cactus and you can buy it already prepared in your Hispanic food section of your grocery store.  You just need to rinse it carefully before eating and it's best to pair it with something else because it has a tart flavor. I often buy this fresh and cook it myself by boiling garlic, onions, seranno peppers and cilantro along with the fresh cactus.  You boil it for about 10 minutes but you must rinse it carefully because it becomes slimmey.   It's not for everyone and I grew up eating  this dish in various forms.  I love mixing it with pico de gallo and placing it on a tostada with avocado.  Try it.  Don't be scared.

This time, I opened the jar, rinsed the cactus and then drained the excess water.  I took a pan and diced up onions, and garlic until tender, then added the cactus and cooked for about 10 minutes, stirring often.  Then I added my eggs and topped with hot sauce. I was out of fresh tomatoes, so next time I'll add that to the dish.  Here I ate it alone on a plate, but I often make a burrito using Brown Rice tortillas. Of course you must have hot sauce.  Just sayin....


I'm looking forward to experimenting more in the kitchen. I'm currently obsessed with Guy's Grocery Games.  I just love to see what the contestants do with odd items from the grocery store.  Pickled Pigs feet anyone?  No thank you.

Anyways, I hope your day is going well.  I'll catch you all later.

Best,
Paula

Happy Monday all. I hope you had a nice weekend.  Mine was low-key.  I really enjoyed the rain we had on Friday night.  My lawn certainly enjoyed it as well.

I’ve been laying low on the activity side as well. No workouts or running for the last 4 weeks. I’ve seen my regular doctor, an ortho and a physical therapist regarding my knee issue. Not sure if I ever explained but as a child, I had knee surgery that had me in a cast for a year.  It’s never really given me major issues but it would flare up time-from-time.  Apparently, I taxed my knee with all my running.  The Physical therapist said I had very little  muscle strength in my thigh due to my surgery and that I shouldn’t run at least for now.  It’s hard news to hear.  The PT has given me some leg exercises to do for the next few months and I will do them religiously… I also plan to go back to Kaia Fit and work out. I really miss it but I’m not going to lie… I’ve rather enjoyed sleeping in and not doing anything.  But I know that’s not good for me physically and certainly not emotionally.  No activity equals depression. At least for me… so today I’ll be heading back.

For now, I’m concentrating on eating less. EATING LESS. Very hard to do, RIGHT? I feel like I’m always hungry, even after a meal.  If I can just get my body USED TO WANTING less food, but obviously, it's a process. In the meantime… I keep telling self “food is just fuel. Not everything has to be a party in my mouth.”  Even though I love parties. lol. If you have any suggestions on how to eat less, I’d love to hear it. I know it’s a silly statement and there’s no one answer, but whatever you can lend to the conversation I would love to hear it.  For now, I'll food journal either on my fitness pal or even taking photos of what I eat... just to get perspective. Anyways, I hope you're doing well. 

TTFN,

Paula

working through the discouragement

Dear friends,

What a weekend.  Sunday was the Urban Cow Half marathon that I've been training for... it was a bitter sweet day.  The Sunday before I felt knee pain from an old knee injury that happened when I was a child.  I saw a doctor and was doing everything I could to heal.  It didn't happen.  Instead my daughter ran in my place. She and my friend did the Relay, each running 6.55 miles.

Here we are taking a pre-run picture. I'm trying to have a brave smile as I see all my awesome Kaia girls excited for their races.  Like our matching shirts?  While I was sad, I was also happy for my daughter and the others.

While my Kaia girls were racing, I joined our cheer squad at mile 1 and 11.

I absolutely love this sign!  And so did the runners who passed us by.

We rang our cow bells and cheered the runners as they came through.  I was so happy to see my daughter at mile 11.

She killed it and finished the second leg of the race in 1.23 minutes. My friend finished the 1st leg in 1.40 minutes.  I was proud of them.

Marathon runners had 4 hours to complete this race. By 11:45, we were still waiting for our last Kaia girl to reach mile 11.  I had been following her training and knew how determined she was to complete 13.1 miles.  She has lost a significant amount of weight and has battled knee pain as well.  I nearly began to cry as we saw her walking towards mile 11.  I saw the determination in her face. You could see the toll on her body and spirit as she walked towards us. Our cheer squad went to meet her and we walked alongside her as she neared the finish line. I couldn't walk all the way because of my knee but I shouted out: ERICA, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! She turned and smiled.  Have you ever been so happy for another person? I never knew it was possible to be incredibly sad for yourself and happy for another.  I guess I'm learning to be a better person.

I know if I were able to run that race, I would have been 15 minutes or so in front of her.  I heard one girl say out loud: "YOUR RACE, YOUR PACE."  I was so grateful to be part of that cheer squad. I witnesses so much in those few hours. 

....

Afterwards, I met up with both my daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren and we all celebrated my daughter's victory with breakfast at IHOP. It was a wonderful morning.

Later that evening, I was on Facebook looking at everyone's awesome pictures. I think that's when I let myself cry.  I had worked so hard and I wanted that feeling of accomplishment.  I wanted my cowbell.  But I know everything happens for a reason. Maybe I would have beaten myself up over my time.  Who knows.

It was then that I got an in-box message from one of the ladies at Kaia. She's 63 years old and ran the relay. She wanted to know how things went for me at the race.  I told her about my knee but asked how did she do.  She averaged a 13 minute mile.  I recalled her first run and commented on how far she's come since that first run.  

Paula, do not give up.  Eventually it pays off but you have to work through the discouragement and keep going!! 

I needed those words at that very moment.  It's one thing to know this and it's another thing when a 30 year old person tells you this but these words have so much power when a 63 year old woman who just ran 6.55 miles in 13 minutes tells you this... It  meant everything to me.  Imagine being part of a community of woman who inspire and lift you up in so many ways.

Yes, I'm working through the discouragement.... and I'm not giving up.

Flu-like symptoms after running

Happy Monday friends. I hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was pretty busy as usual. Do you ever feel like you need a day just to rest from your weekends?Yea, that's me.  Burning the candle at both ends.  My body is feeling the effects of running, Kaia workouts and family commitments.

The eyes never lie. This girl is T.I.R.E.D....

Yesterday I did 8 miles. It took me 2.15 minutes.  I averaged 15 minute mile. This sucks... Yea, I know. at least I'm not on the couch.  Jogging more than an hour really takes it out of me.  I've been missing my Kaia workouts.  I just can't shake the sheets in the morning.  I'm listening to my body and thinking it's just too much for me.

Next week is the Urban Cow Half-Marathon and I'll be glad when it's over. I gotta tell you. Every time I jog over an hour, I have flu symptoms. Honestly, who gets a low grade fever after running?

Resting and Nutrition is so important when it comes to running and Function Fitness workouts.  This girl will be glad when Sunday comes and goes.

Me thinks this is my FIRST and LAST half-marathon...

Persevere

Happy Monday all. Hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was busy. I spent Friday with my grandson volunteering at an Immigration Fair.  Many current and former law students joined attorneys to share the process and procedures of being a U.S. citizen and to assist people with the DACA (The dream Act). I know immigration is a controversial and complicated subject, and one that hits close to home.  I mean, I was born in Texas which is just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the border, so there is that…. Okay, I’ll change the subject because it’s a heated topic around these parts.

I am entering week 8 of my Urban Cow Half Marathon training. On Sunday, we did a pre-race run of the course. You could either do 11 or 13 miles. I chose the 11 miles and it was longest run ever. It was incredible to see young and old doing this race. 

I got behind a 3.15 hour pacer. She was power walking the entire time.  I was reminded again to embrace the power walk. Especially when your power walk is faster than you running.

This was a test run so I started my morning with oats and pumpkin.  I grabbed a water, and I had two GUs in my running belt.  My running partner did not have breakfast and no food so I gave her my running GUs. It was the right thing to do. After mile 9, I was losing steam. I had no more water. I was careful to take small sips.  Luckily, there was a 2nd water station set up with Gatorade. I filled my bottle as I knew I needed the sugar and calories.  After mile 10, it really got HARD.  Two power walkers had passed me. My friend was was ahead of me the first 8 miles was now walking. Her ankle was hurting. I felt bad about leaving her behind but this was pre-race. I knew the Urban Cow volunteer riding his bike up and down the course would continue checking on her. He had passed me like 5. Does this make me a bad friend?  I struggled with going ahead. She said she would just walk so I powered through...

The last 20 minutes I the run was difficult.  I did a combo of jog/walk. Another woman came behind me as asked me if I had eaten? When I said no, she handed me a protein bar. I was so grateful. I started to eat straight away.  By the time I got to the Finish to check- out, my GPS had said I completed 11.78 miles with an average pace of 14.5 minutes.  2:53 minutes I had completed nearly 12 hours.  I was so happy to be done.  I wondered if I could have done another 2 miles.  That course is longer… Do I have the inner and physical strength to complete the half?  Well, if I could do 12, I better do the 13.1 because if I don’t do it, I’ll never forgive myself.  

I wailed for my friend.  A couple of the other walkers were worried about her too.  I started to walk back to look for her and then I saw her.  I was so relieved. As she wen to check-in, I walked to get my car and pick her up.  I figured with walking to look for my friend, and getting there car, I probably did the 13.1 miles and guess what? I DID IT!

It’s interesting what goes through your mind when you’re running and walking for nearly 3 hours.  I played no music… it was just me and my thoughts.  There are some parts of the course, I can’t even remember and others I totally remember.  The last stretch on the River Road was incredibly difficult. But I knew where I was… I recalled how 2.5 years ago, I walked that road after one of my chemo treatments. I felt so thankful to be on that road again.  It was like the good Lord reminding me… you are capable. You are strong… You are alive.  Thank you Diosito… 

I am always reminded that I may not be where I want to be but I am certainly not where I was… And if I find myself in a place where I don’t’ want to be again, I know I’ll be okay… I know with God’s grace, I’ll have the strength to persevere. 

TTFN

Paula

Being Present

Happy Tuesday all.  I hope your week is off to a good start. I'm entering Week 8 of half-marathon training. It's been a challenge to do my regular Kaia workouts and my running 3 days a week.  Funny how 3 and 4 miles no longer feels scary.  I'm confident with shorter runs even though my pace still sucks but I see small improvements. I can jog a consistent 14 minute mile. Please don't laugh...

Last Saturday, I was scheduled for 10 but only completed 9.  It was tough but I know I'm capable of going the distance. I'll be wiped out by the end of 13.1 but I'm confident I can get it done in 3.5 hours. Again, don't laugh LOL.

 In between training, I did a 3 mile obstacle course with my daughters called Wipeout. Have you seen the show? I have to admit it was fun but scary.  I did the majority of the obstacles except for that one where you walk across a plank with huge red balls coming at you. If you are struck by the red balls, you fall into water that's waist high.  Even with a life jacket, I walked around. I got some great photos of my girls.  It was a great way to spend the day with my kids.

Here I am coming down a 50 foot slide.  When I look at the picture below my instinct was to focus on the imperfection of my 53 year old body but then I flipped the switch and all I see is Victory!

Look at my arms?  They look strong!  You can even see the beginnings of a waist.  I also see a woman who is fully present and in the moment. I know it sounds like a cliche... but life doesn't get any better than this....

I wish I could say my nutrition has been "on point."  Unfortunately, it has not and that keeps me farther from my goal of losing 10 lbs.  I guess it is true:  you can't exercise away a bad diet.    I'm working on getting my portions right. I've teamed up with a fellow Kaia girl and we started a soup exchange for meals.  I made an awesome 15 bean chili. Who knew there were that many beans ;-)....

Fall is just around the corner and I'm feeling inspired to play in the kitchen so if you have any great recipes, please share.

Later, gators
Paula

Mantras...they work!

Happy Wednesday all.  Are you looking forward to the three-day weekend? I sure am.  I'm in Week 6 of my Half Marathon training. It's seriously hard to train for a marathon.  I've been having back issues and there are times I can't sleep but I'm managing.  Warm-up, stretching, icing and Epsom salt baths are my new normal.  My first Epsom Salt scared the crap out of me.  The minute I got out of the tub, my whole body tingled to the point that I could not dress myself and I just layed on the sofa for 30 minutes.  Is that normal?

Mantras have also been a huge part of my journey.  You know I always say "I'm not where I want to be but thank goodness I am not where I was..." That's worked for awhile but this morning, during my 8 mile jog, I used "I CAN DO HARD THINGS."  That really got me past mile 7. I'm slow but I'm consistent so I can work with that....

I am a little behind in training.  I should be running 10 miles on my long runs but I'm gradually improving. Last weekend, I did 6.5 and today, 8.25 so that's a steady gain. 

I'm not sure I'll ever run like this again, but I  made a commitment to myself.  If you've read PWC, you might remember that I give myself a goal to complete each year around my birthday... and so Sacramento's Urban Cow 1/2 marathon it is....

I'm a hot sweaty mess, but I'm getting the miles done. Thank goodness for Mantras.  Do you have a mantra that you want  to share? What helps you achieve your goals?  I'd love to hear any advice you have... please hit me up in the comments, if you'd like.

Two more days and it's the weekend.... Got any fun plans for this 3 day weekend?

Adventures in Hiking and feelings of gratitude

Hi friends, how's your week so far? I'm bopping along with my training.  I'm up to 5 miles without stopping, but my pace idles at 15 mph.  My running partner is at 10:33 mph. I'm jealous for sure but I remind self that jealousy robs me of my own victory. So there is that... This morning, I dd a timed mile and I really pushed.  I was third from last and I came in at 11:19.  I'm doing the happy dance.  Gosh, if I could only sustain that... but it's an improvement and I won't be greedy.  I was scheduled for a 6 mile run but instead, I did a 6 mile hike.

My buddy Pablo and I drove to Carson Pass to hear a speaker talk on the history of Lake Tahoe and the Mormon Immigrant Trail. I didn't realize how vital the Morman's were to that region. Interesting stuff until I realized I was covered in ants...

After the history lesson, we hiked to Frog's Lake where we ate our lunch.  Afterwards, we continued on until we got to the sign that pointed to the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. My friend says there's a movie I need to watch about a woman who hiked this trail (I Made a mental note of that movie).  Gosh, I can't imagine walking to Mexico especially after hiking for about 2 miles on the trail. It was very rocky.  I didn't want to share this with my friend, but I was nervous. Look at them rocks?

Lots of small rocks

Elephant's Back in the distance

My friend wanted us to climb Elephant's Back by going up these rocks and then circling around.  Just look at Elephant's Back? It's deceiving for sure.  I tried to walk up but it was so unstable. I was scared to death that I would slip on a rock and fall and roll off the mountain.  I'm brave but not stupid. I could tell my friend wasn't too sure of me because he said "ummm let's try and get you home in one piece."  I was like "COOL!".

We headed back to the sign so we could hike to Lake Winnemucca.  Isn't it beautiful?  I would love to camp here but I doubt I could get my family or husband to do this hike.

After having a snack, we headed back to Carson Pass.

But first, I needed a picture to prove that I was  here.

Can I tell you a secret?  The last time I hiked with my friend  we did Mt. Tallac,  It was a goal I set for my 50th birthday. I remember being very tired. Two months later, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer.  The fear of that disease was with me the entire hike to Lake Winnemucca. I talking to God the entire hiking trip... I continued to Him for his grace and mercy that I was here... I think this is why I've started to blog again.  To have tangible proof that I am was here. Does that sound odd to you?  We all think about our legacy, right? 

This morning as I logged onto Facebook, it shared a memory from 3 years ago when I climbed Mt. Tallac.  Another reminder of how blessed I am.  I'm so incredibly grateful for the last 3 years. You know, I start each morning counting my blessings and setting my intentions for the day. 

I do my best to stay out of Fear.  I remind self that it's not what God wants for me or for you.  Some days are easier but I remind self that "today is the day the Lord has made for me... I shall rejoice in it."  I'm so thankful I have the Lord to lean on. I don't mean to sermonize this post. I'm just incredibly grateful for his mercy.

That's all.
Paula

TTFN
Paula

Stackin

Hi friends, how's your Wednesday?

I'm bumping along. This morning, I ran with my friend who does 11 minute miles and I really pushed. It was hard. But I shortened my running pace to 14 minutes.

After my 3 miles, I did my Kaia workout. It was tough... I could barely walk into my office. 

Stackin workouts is no joke.

I was reading Cup of Jo on my lunch hour and well, I couldn't resist resting my dogs... LOL.

It felt good to UNLOAD my thoughts in yesterday's post.  That was yesterday and today is today.  Don't you just love how you get a fresh start each day?

 Later, gators.

Having to worker harder

Good day internet. I hope things are going well for you.  I am struggling.  Don’t you just hate yourself for feeling jealous of someone else’s victory?  I don’t like this about myself. I’m trulyhappy for them but I feel like everything I do is mediocre. There are some people who excel at everything. I am not one of those.. 

Part of my half-marthon training is to do my Kaia Fit workouts which include HIIT, Tabata, AMRAPs and PLYOMETRICS.  They are tough. There are three levels (balance, Strength & Kaia). I generally work out in balance and strength. I work my ass off but I’m not winning any beastmode awards. But I’m okay with that… I’m getting through the workouts. I’m progressing.

Week 1, I did my running first and then my Kaia workouts.  It wasn’t so bad. If you look at my Saturday training below, I did an intense bootcamp class and I went all out, then I ran. It was tough.   But I made it through week 1 despite my sciatica. I saw a doctor but I’ll save that for another post.

Week 1:

Mon.                    Tue.                      Wed.                    Thur.                    Fri.                  Sat.

Kaia Fit                Recovery             Kaia Fit              Kaia Fit               Rest                 Power Hour

Run 2 miles                                       Run 3 miles                                                           Run 3 miles

(31 minutes)                                      (45 minutes)                                                          (48 minutes)

Week 2 is here and I did my Kaia workout as prescribed.  Except,  I saved my run for the evening. Immediately after work, I headed to the park. The weather was warm but there was a breeze. I was hoping my rested legs would mean a good run. NOPE…  My pace was 16.35 per mile. 

Yesterday's run was slower than last Saturday's run where I stacked my workouts. 

I know my only goal for my first half-marathon is to complete it and not worry about my time.  That’s what my common sense tells me, but then there’s that mean girl inside me that is jealous of my running partner who busted out a 12 minute mile. ;-(

I’m happy for her, but by the end of our 10 weeks, she’ll be running 10 minute miles, and I’ll be lucky to run a 13 minute mile…. I’m not looking for sympathy. Honestly. I’m just venting.   

I am so grateful that my body allows me to exercise but I would love JUST ONCE not to have to work so hard to achieve a goal where for others, it comes easier. Or does it?

I remain hopeful,

Paula

Week 1 -Training

Happy Thursday all.... hoping your day is going well.

Mine started out with a sweaty workout before heading to work. I just love morning workouts, especially given the 106 degree weather of the last couple of days.  I really feel bad for Daniel working in this hot weather...

At least my workout was only an hour.  We have  new owners at Kaia Fit and man-o-man. The workouts are intense.  I am being truthful when I say I can barely keep up.  One station was two burpees, and two frog jumps repeated 3xs. Then it was Russian dances on a tire, then front lunges halfway down building and back, then wall squats. That was only 1 station out of 5...

It was 74 degrees at 7 a.m. Gotta love this hot Sacramento weather.  The upside is my skin is aglow LOL

I arrived at work at 9 a.m. and completely forgot that my co-workers were giving me a much belated "congratulations on your wedding" potluck. I really do not like all the fuss.  I never know how to act or what to say as "thank you" never seems sufficient. Am I the only one that feels that way?

 Just look at the lovely cake my co-worker made for me.  Isn't it gorgeous?

 And it tasted wonderful as well.

I felt a little guilty about eating cake. There goes the calories i burned and then some.

Here I am all showered and ready for my day... Big difference, right?

I'm having a really good week. This is Week #1 of training for the Urban Cow half marathon. I'm scared to pieces.  I have sciatica issues and I'm not sure if it's very smart, but I generally try and do something outside the box just before my birthday.  So here I am training for my first half-marathon.

Does anyone have any suggestions in terms of running shoes?  I have Nike Max but they just don't feel right. I'd love to hear any suggestions.

All my best,
Paula

Where has she been?

Dear Blog,

I've missed you.  I still read lots of blogs, facebook and Instagram but I've strayed from blogging here and sharing my thoughts, food and shenanigams.  I want to change that but I don't know how often I 'll get to come here so for now, I'll just pop in here and there to document my life. 

Life is so short and things change within an instant and paulawannacracker is sort of my  "footprint" that I was here... Does that make sense?  It's also an awesome way to take the pulse of my life. 

Things are going well. I'm very happy. I continue to work out. Not so much to lose weight but because my soul needs it.  I still bike some and food is always in the center of my universe. Let me catch you up on what I've been doing.

 I've been working out at Kaia Fit. It's functional fitness and it's an awesome community of wonderful and supportive women. Today, I did three handstands. Who does that just before their 53rd birthday?  Me, that's who.

I've been embracing all facets of my gym.  We ended a 6 week program with fun obstacle courses.  Here I am going down a slip n slide of baby oil and shaving cream.  Life is teaching me to be more in the moment and it's awesome.

 What is even more awesome, is I get to share this workout with my daughter.  She was smarter than her mother. Instead of going down the slide, she had us drag her. Now why didn't I think of that? See, she's smarter than I.

I also been doing army craws. Ouch... my poor elbows. I'm learning to push myself  harder. You might think you're too old for certain activities but please, do not let that hold you back. I've been working out with some pretty awesome woman who are 50 and older and they're running, biking, swimming and kickin butt. It inspires me and well, I'm not taking anything for granted. Each day presents itself with good and bad... I'm learning to embrace it all.

I've had two high school friends pass suddenly and it's just another reminder to savor everything the day has to offer.

For instance, my husband... yes, my husband. After 14 years together, Daniel and I married. It was just he and I at the courthouse and it was very special.  The following weekend, our families celebrated with music, food and lots of laughter in our backyard. It was a perfect day.  My grands had a blast dancing.

Speaking of grands. I have a new granddaughter.  She just turned 1 years old. I'm truly blessed.

We planted a garden in our backyard and today, I made the best sandwhich in the world.  I am not exaggerating.  Sliced cherry tomatoes, avocado, salt and pepper on top of flaxseed bread. It was everything...

 I've been spending lots of time in the sun... As you can see, my hair is growing... thank goodness my chemo curls are almost gone.  Don't get me wrong, I was grateful for hair but there is only so much you can do with curly hair.

If you've followed my blog in previous years, you may remember my goal has been to lose weight.  Luckily, that goal has changed.  For over 1.5 I've been trying to lose 10 pounds so that I can have breast reconstruction surgery after my double mastectomy. The weight has not come off despite my efforts.  I was sad, but I got over it. My mantra was "it's all about the journey" and I held onto that but now, I  truly believe it.  My victories are that I am alive and enjoying my husband, children, grandchildren and a body that allows me to push it beyond "I can't do it."

I am capable of so much. I just needed to push past that voice that said: "It's embarrassing!"... "what will people think?."  "you'll look ridiculous."

I've grown alot these past 3 years. Cancer will teach you lessons that maybe you didn't want to learn but man... after the storm has passed... Life is truly magnificent.

Relish it... Do something silly. I promise you. You're your biggest critic.

TTFN...
Paula