What’s a girl to do… Become a WOMAN!

Hello Blog – Hello Readers!

I have not been here as I should have been…Visiting you and checking in…

But I will be one year older tomorrow.  This means a new FACET to the jewel of life.  May it be shining and fully illuminated when I leave this earth and travel to the next dimension!  One new facet is sure to elevate the content NEW adventures and in turn this blog!

Here is a quick list and info session on what I have been up since I last posted…

1) I have completed a RAW 7 DAY CLEANSE.  This cleanse was very interesting.  It is a 3 part system you take daily.  In the Morning you take a probiotic powder.  Pur the powder in your mouth, swish it around for 45 seconds and swallow.  Follow up with some herbal supplements to cleanse your organs and in the evening a powdered elixir with water, and more herbal supplements. NEXT CLEANSE: A Liver Cleanse.  I pinned the cleanse on my clipboard via Pinetrest.

2) I have continued running, though I must say the frequency needs to change.  Sticking to one program is not in my forseeable future, but rather a nice rhythm.  I tend to work rhythmically rather rath by a strict schedule.  What about you?  Accountability to a general list is great, but I must face the fact that I will not live forever and I really need to have a better handle of that silly thing called TIME… I cannot believe I am going to be the ripe age of 38 and there is so much I feel I can still do!   I am hopeful and positive about the future.  I love people. I do

n’t want to harm anyone.  I only wish to spread love, yoga and running in the world with some delicious snacks and foodie kindness Which leads me into …

3)  I have been busy in the kitchen the last few weeks.  I have made both RAW and COOKED dishes while I was on the cleanse and even now.  Going out to eat is far to difficult at this point!  I wish I could share at the moment but alas…I am still without a camera and have not been able to find the time to get a new one. Which if you have any suggestions that would be great! (Thumbs up!)  I usually like to read reviews and make the best choice by both reviews and online shopping to maximize my dollar. But again..and happily there has not been a lot of time for internet surfing!

4) It always seemed like it was my Moms job to keep everything together. She managed a household around my sister, my father and I.  She was amazing and still is.  Everything was sooo organized ALL OF THE TIME.  I used to think that was because she was MOM and they all did that stuff. WRONG! The amount of planning she had to have had on her mind is CRAZY! And she had two children.  Actually THREE if you include my father…HA HA (Just kidding Daddy   Growing up and maintaining my own household with my tastetester without children (unless his are visiting which is always a JOY!) is hard enough! Of course I could reason it out like my business is a child, but really it isn’t.  I suppose these are things I hope to get better at as I age.  Things are not an ENTIRE MESS but they can be SO MUCH B.E.T.T.E.R! Kudos to all the MOMS out there who maintain the home and carry on with their careers! You guys are amazing! Especially when I see you guys in a race in shape and pushing a stroller and your pregnant!

5) I am looking for an ALL FEMALE race to complete this year. Woman are amazing to me and so beautiful for so many reasons.  Unfortunately I don;t always see the woman around me as impressed with each other.  I think woman need to be a little more supportive of each other…rather than hating or glaring at each other.  Woman have enough problems gaining equality in a bit of a chauvinistic world and we wast time and energy being mean to each other.  I also think that woman need to respect themselves a bit more when it comes to relationships.  If we are not happy within and have no plan for ourselves then we cannot have a successful relationship with anybody. Not our boyfriend’s, wives, significant other and most importantly OURSELVES…LOVE YOURSELF LADIES!  Sorry, I digress…I would like to find an all woman race that supports the empowerment of woman.  Not an illness but maybe a shelter or something. Any information out there would be much appreciated!

6) I would like to have better dialog with you.  Please leave comments or email me regarding anything you see on the blog or anything you would like to see on this blog!

And finally,

7) I have found myself reading more and more!  Falling in love with Sculpture, cooking, FOOD TRAVELS and most importantly food and health and their connection to each other! In the weeks I have last written I have read “THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY” – biographical novel about Michelangelo, “A YEAR IN PROVENCE” – Peter Mayer’s journey to Provence, ” Naked Came I” – A biographical novel about Rodin, “FRENCH KIDS EAT EVERYTHING” – A womans journey to France for one year with her children and all of the FOOD FAUX PAS she encounters, “LOSING VIRGINITY” – Muellers journey to Italy and beyond in search of pure olive oil and what is actually being used here in the USA and beyond.  Love to read, love that there are FOODIES in the world and LOVE LIBRARIES AND BOOKS!

Thank you for reading this post and visiting this blog.  Whomever you are out there.  Just know that there are never any highs without lows, you will never be happy 100% of the time but you will find happiness is you love yourself within.

Namaste!

The – Veg 888 – Blogger

Patience…

Patience is: the bearance of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. and Yogic philosophy is always calm, present and aware. 

Although we practice the asanas/poses we don’t always practice the philosophy.  Staying in the moment , being calm and aware is not always the way we live.  It is so easy to forget being in the moment.  It is easy not to be calm.

There are times when I am in such earnest to reach a goal, that I forget to enjoy the journey of meeting the goal. 

This last week has been difficult and this week will be a very BIG TEST for me.  A test of patience and a week to truly practice AHIMSA.

I have spoken about Ahimsa -or- the love for all living beings.  I must remember that this includes myself. 

My taste tester suffers from migraines.  Usually they will last about 4 days and then pass.  Unfortunately not this time.  We are on day 28 of  a cluster-migraine episode.  At times it hits him and he is in bed for most of the day in pain.  Other times he is able to function normally.  He can get out of bed, he can do various things he usually does, and although he still has a headache, he is able to get through the day. 

The health of my taste tester is important, as is my own health.  It is difficult to be at the store all day and then go home and nurse a bit of a grouchy taste tester at night.  But this is what brings me back to realizing that all of this is a journey.  A journey to find a balance between sickness and wellness.  A journey to pack everything into a day that needs to get done and hoping that other things can wait.

Time for the mat to come out and really align my energy.  I have been working through poses the eve before a long morning run, or practicing poses to open my hips and stretch my hamstrings in preparation of a run.  I am totally afraid of an injury.

Maybe the injury I am worried about most are the injuries I carry in my mind.  The days have become difficult to ease through.  Most of the time I find myself wondering what I can do and what I can add to both my diet and my life to find peace and stillness. 

Running helps tremendously.  Usually the realizations that come to mind while I am running make me happy and I am filled with thought and awareness.  Just then a bad behavior or a bad energy usually interjects at that moment and I allow it to hinder my growth.  That is where the definition of patience is.  Being able to not allow any hinderance of my life.  physically, Mentally and Spiritually. 

And then all at one I can hear the word “BREATHE” ring in!  Breathe and stay focus, calm and aware!

“C’mon ladies let’s get through this race!”  I yelled as we approached heart Rate Hill.  “Don’t give up! Keep it going!  Let’s do this!” I surprised myself as I heard my voice.  It was the first time I have ever done that  and I must say it felt great to encourage the ladies around me!

I ran the Brea 8k this weekend.  It was a delightful race!  That probably sounds crazy, but it is true!  I really enjoyed my experience, but I feel as though I could have and should have pushed myself!  I was so convinced that I would injure myself.  I feel stupid about it now, but lets hope this weekend will be even better!  It is time for the Mardi Gras 5k in Valencia again!

This year the course changed and I totally didn’t think Heart rate hill was as difficult as last year.  Sooo that is positive.  What is negative..I was 2 mins slower than last year which I really don’t understand, other than my own thoughts in my head.  My left groin has been tighter than usual so I am trying to be careful…maybe too careful.

I have recently been trying different supplements to aid my runs.  I tried the vega gel.  That only makes me feel like I want to go to the bathroom.  Something you definitely don’t want while you are in the middle of a 5 mile race and it is barely 2.2 miles in…Need I say More?  I think not!

By the time I came down the final stretch headed toward the finish line, I felt great.  The urgency to go to the bathroom faded to tolerable and I felt as though I probably could have run faster and about 3 or 4 more miles if not for that small issue…I felt great. Least until I saw my time.  But I will let than one go.  It’s just my ego messing with me anyway.

What does GI Joe say? “Knowing is half the battle?”

So how are things for you out there in the blog-o-sphere???

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!

DESIREE DAVILA, Pepperdine COASTAL & Chinese Firecrackers

How are you readers? How are you fellow bloggers?

Before I begin this posting…

CONGRATULATIONS

DESIREE DAVILA!

Desiree Davila made the Olympic marathon team today!!!!

Okay just had to get that out!

The sun is out and it is an absolutely beautiful day here in Southern California!

Things here at the Veg888 blog are coming along.  Slowly at the moment, but still progressing!

The first races of the NEW YEAR are rapidly approaching!

The Pepperdine Coastal Run and the Chinese FIRECRACKER 5k/10k are are the first races I will be running for the second time!

I ask myself what that will be like for this VEG888 blogger this year? Oh dear!

I ran a 5k race in Long Beach on Christmas Eve.  I year ago I ran as well.  What was the difference? The location. I feel positive that I have continued running.  I love it once I am out there.  The challenge is getting out there and doing it! Especially in 43 degree weather! Brrr! I know I know…that is probably a statement someone on the EAST coast will think is ridiculous. But what can I say?  I am a California Girl!

The next few weeks will be dedicated to training for the PEPPERDINE COASTAL5k/10k and the Chinese FIRECRACKER 5k/10k .

Last year I entered the 10k at the Pepperdine Race.  It was my first 10k and I ran it in over 1 hour..not quite and hour and half but almost.  This year I am hoping to BEAT the EXACT time and hopefully finish the race in less than an hour.  This race is a FLAT & FAST course.  The only draw back is the smelly waste station we run past the first 5k of the race. (For those of you who have never done this race…PLEASE RUN THIS RACE! The proceeds go to some wonderful programs geared toward children! You can see their website HERE!)

I plan on running the new 2012 training course to prepare for these 2 races.  My theory?  If I can run the hills on the course for 7 miles then I will be more than prepared once the 10k Pepperdine race comes & ready for the hills the Chinatown Firecracker 5k/10k  race throws at you the initial 3/4 mile of the race!

IF any of you readers have been to Dodger stadium then you know what I am talking about!  If you haven’t…my trusty Garmin told me we climbed a little under 200 feet of elevation the initial 3/4 mile of the race! Whew!  You can read my experiences about those two races HERE and HERE!

On the food front…Introducing the newest delectable treats I have recently added to my repetoire!

Introducing…

The Yoga Bar

Cocoa Butter, Dates, Honey, Pistachios, Cashews

This wonderful bar is absolutely sublime. It is a completely CALM and delectable treat.  This bar is totally RAW.  It has honey so it is NOT Vegan.

Up Next…

I AM STRONG!

This bar is not for the weak hearted!  It is the strangest food I have ever had!  It is spicy, herby, and actually good in a strange sort of way.  After I eat this bar I usually feel like I could run around like the ROAD RUNNER!  As to if I would actually be faster…I don’t know..BUT I will say it helps me get out of the door to run.

The bar contains a blend of herbs and it based on Merlin’s Original Root Elixr as well as some RAW ingredients.  You can check out Merlins Website HERE and the I AM STRONG BAR ingredients HERE.

Both bars are GREAT additions to the day!  Try them!  Later on in the month I will be hosting a giveaway and these TWO bars will be included!

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

EXTRA – XTRA Read All About It!

Here are some interesting stories I read today!  I love to read about various topics DAILY and I thought I would share!

RAW Vegan/ Vegan News Today

1. Tennis Star Venus Williams has decided to adopt a RAW VEGAN Diet!  Venus is hoping to manage her autoimmune disease issues with this latest change in her lifestyle. This is a phenominal answer to her problem.  Very PROACTIVE!
2. Larry Hagman has decided to embrace an all VEGAN diet to combat Cancer. I am really excited to see an 80 year old man make changes as well.  Change your diet.  Change your life.
3. Fiber rich vegan/vegetarian diet help your micro flora.  This is very much paying attention what goes in must come out!
4. 8 Ways to Detox! You can’t have a headline with the number 8 and me not mention it on this blog!
5. Food Trend Pioneer from cooked to RAW!

News of Vinegar, Oil & Spices

1. Check out the book titled “Extra Virginity” by Tom Mueller.  He talks about the History of Olive Oil and the best types to eat, cook, un-cook, or dip with!
2. In the winter blahs can be highlighted with spice! This is a nice article geared toward the positive side of spices!
3. Experiment to spice up your diet and your health! We know that spices help our health, but this article goes into some options that will lead you to more adventures in the kitchen!
4. Global Warming may be threatening the TRUFFLE industry in FRANCE!A Truly sad day it will be when there are NO MORE TRUFFLES….EVER!

Running Highlights

1. The Olympic Trials will be underway this weekend.  For any information about who will be there and what’s is happening with them head over to THIS website!
2. FOUR AWESOME WOMEN are Olympic hopefuls this weekend in Houston! You can read their stories HERE!
3. Pick up a copy of the latest issue of RUNNERS WORLD and read a wonderful article about MY FAVE – DESIREE DAVILA! Go Desi!(She will be there this weekend and I wish her the very best!)

ingredients, catfish, kale chips and mental stimulation

Hello Longevity Seekers!

I am hoping you are well this wonderful week in April! Southern California has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL this week! Warm and Breezy ~ Palm Trees dancing!

Ingredients

I acquired a DVD called “INGREDIENTS”. I am unsure if anyone has seen this DVD, but it is a wonderful film made to explore the SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT and Support of the LOCAL CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in your area.

The DVD informs us of some rather shocking facts upon it’s opening and features some really wonderful community efforts in Oregon, NY and and few other stops along the way.

There is a wonderful quote I wrote down from the beginning of the documentary…

“I started growing vegetables with my husband…to recreate what we think is our duty. Our taste buds are there for a reason. They are there to guide us to BETTER NUTRITION. It isn’t greed or gluttony to like the taste of food. It is a natural drive to nourish ourselves.” Carol Boutard, Ayers Creek Farm

Did you know…

• 17,000+ foods are introduced to the American Public each year.
• Most Children born during the year 2000
• will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents
• An overabundance of processed foods has put our children at risk for Type 2 Diabetes
• There is no culture in the world that spends less money on their food that the US.

How do we change this? With our Forks!

Local Food systems are available and need to be intergrated into your life! Biodynamic Farms, CSA Farmers Markets and growing our own vegetables is really the best way to change things!

Fresh Food is ABSOLUTLY out there!

The Veg888 Kitchen will begin attending local Farmers Markets and BEGIN growing it’s own lettuce/greens! I am part of the fossil fuel consumption. We all are! As a society we really have to Reduce ~ Reuse ~ Recycle!

It’s like I always tell myself – “BE ABOUT IT – DON’T JUST TALK ABOUT IT!

Catfish

I will only cover this documentary very briefly.

I had wanted to see this DOCUMENTARY for a VERY LONG TIME! It is difficult to find certain movies at various times and I was finally able to “seize the moment” and buy this Documentary.

The story begins with communication between an 8 year old artist and a young film maker name Yul Shulmen. The story begins to spiral from there and the end will have you absolutly astonished and the path everything follows. Even to THIS DAY.

In case you see this movie, I will not go into detail. However I will say this. The places our minds can take us the moment someone reaches out to us is amazing and very clear in this Documentary.(?) I place this question mark there since it left me feeling like it was all a planned/staged setting. If you see it, I would love to see what you think!

And finally…KALE CHIPS!

When I went completely Raw for the Parasite Cleanse I kept seeing recipes for KALE CHIPS!

Although I wanted to try them, something always happened and I just never did.

Last week, I decided I would like to try adding them into my diet. Why? RAW Lacinto KALE has protein, calcium and if you add nutritional yeast to your mix – you get B12! Very important for us as Vegans/Vegetarians!

So here we go!

KALE CHIPS

For 1 Bunch of Kale…

1 C Sunflower Seeds (Soaked)

1/4 C Nutritional Yeast

1/3 C Water

2 T Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic

1/2 tsp Paprika

1/4 tsp Chipotle

1 pinch salt

Place all ingredients into a Food Processor or Blender until it is a thick paste.

Once the paste is made, place over the kale and massage the paste onto the kale.  Once all of the kale is covered it is ready to place onto a teflex sheet and place in the dehydrator.

These will be in the dehydrator for 5-6 hours.  I made 4 trays worth! They were delicious!

Here they are all in a jar ready to be eaten!  I enjoyed them quite a bit! In fact my taste tester ate the ENTIRE JAR in one sitting!  I will make more this weekend.  I will try another flavor of course! Something spicy maybe.

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste

Fresh Fuel, Love and Success

I enjoyed a wonderful salad for lunch yesterday…

“Fattoush” - Cucumbers, Radishes, Sumac, Lemon Juice, Fresh Mint, Olive Oil and LOVE!:)

Wonderful Salad in all it's GLORY!

RULE #1

Eat as many greens as you possibly can!

I made up the above stated rule after reading a “blip” out of the THRIVE fitness book by Brendan Brazier!

Leafy vegetables are a rich source of chlorophyll, important in offsetting stress by alkalizing the body.  Chlorophyll also cleanses and oxygenates the blood, making it an essential “modern world” food and a true performance enhancer.  Having more oxygen available in the blood translates to better endurance and an overall reduction in fatigue.  In their raw state, chlorophyll-containing plants possess an abundance of live enzymes that promote the quick rejuvenation of our cells.  The consumption of chlorophyll-rich, leafy green vegetables combines with moderate exercise is the best way to create a biologically younger body.

Makes you think, huh?  I am totally down with the “younger body” and better performance vibe! What about you readers???

RULE #2 & RULE #3

#2 Drink Chia and #3 Drink Rejuvelac DAILY!

I shared my last Chia recipe with you HERE.  Last night I made another elixr that combines both Rule #2 and Rule #3!

CHIA – BANG!

6 Strawberries

6 Dates

2 cups Rejuvelac

1/2 cup Chia Gel

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender and drink!

In all of the research I read about the chia, many of the complaints were about the consistency and taste.  TASTE / FLAVOR don’t matter IF you are taking this into your body for nutritional benefits.  Luckily the seed is open to many many additions!  It mixes pretty easily with just about EVERYTHING!  I haven’t found anything it is bad with.  I have even taken shots of it by itself.  I must say say this – While it is not something that has flavor (bad or good), I am guessing it is the gel consistency that makes people not like it…drink it! Nutrition! NUTRITION! Nutrition!

As far as rejuvelac…I am still brewing this wonderful elixr.  Definite difference with this one – It can be a bit difficult to get down the “hatch” so to speak.  Not the flavor.  NEVER the flavor.  It actually tastes REALLY REFRESHING!  It is usually the smell that can keep me at bay for about 15 minutes.  Once I am drinking it, I usually just DOWN IT!  I usually take in approximately 20oz a day.  I would like to get to 32oz.

This wonderful sprout finds itself turning GREEN these days!  Even the Chia has been sprouting in the kitchen!  I love life and the definite presence it has in the VEG888 kitchen!

I was reviewing an Anne Wigmore book the other day and found this “blip” about REJUVELAC!

Rejuvelac – The Enzyme Drink

Rejuvelac is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dextrines, phosphates, saccharines, lactobacilli, saccharamyces, aspergillus oryzae and they have the faculty of breaking down large molecules of glucose , starch, and glycogens.  This is the reason rejuvelac is an aid to your digestion.

The natural lactic acid and fermentive enzymes which are produced during the fermentation process have a beneficial effect on the metabolism and a curative  effect on disease.

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Questions, Experiences and Life!

Hey guys!  How are you this week?

I didn’t want this week to pass without sharing some pictures, experiences and articles!

Saturday – March 26, 2011

Saturday evening, my taste tester and I attended a concert.  Closed the store early and drove to UCLA.  The college was hosting an event called “Acoustic Africa”.

Each artist brought their own flavor to the performance.  I don’t know if you are familiar with the Putumayo company, but most CD’s produced by this company are GREAT.  The company itself was established to introduce people to the music of the world’s cultures. It is nice to have a compilation of world music when you are relaxing alone or spending time in a social setting.  I really enjoy music from ALL OVER THE WORLD!  What about you?  Do you like world music?  Do you get out to see performances of any kind? TELL ME!

The artists received a standing ovation.  I was hypnotized by the performance!  There was so much talent on stage!  Whew!

My taste tester and I drove to our FAVORITE late night spot – PURE LUCK!  To my extreme dismay they closed at 11:00!  They are usually open until midnight!>:( BOO!!!!

We got back in the car and headed home.  On the way home we saw a CRAZY 1 car accident!  Scary!  People were definitely driving drunk! Another BOO!  Don’t get me wrong, I am open to a wonderful cocktail or two but NEVER EVER DRIVE DRUNK!  Know what I mean???

SUNDAY – March 27, 2011

Sunday was the Buena Park Knott’s Berry Farm 10k Snoopy Run.  The race started at 7:00 am which meant we needed to leave by 5:30am.

Something happened between midnight and 6am…My taste tester and I were watching a movie, talking and laughing.

I got up to grab some water.

My taste tester asked “What time we needed to be out of the house?”

I responded 5:30 a.m  Why?  You don’t want to run anymore?

No, I do.  But it’s a little after 6am…

Needless to say we didn’t run!  We still needed to register and there would not have been enough time.  We went to bed after realizing the time.

We took advantage of being at home and I cleaned the fridge, he did laundry and I rode the bike 11 miles.  It was nice day!

~FAST FORWARD 7 Days~

FRIDAY – April 1,2011

Kept the store open until 9pm.  We headed to Whole Foods for pre race/post race goodies!

I wanted to maintain a light and ALL RAW theme until after the race.  We have been drinking rejuvelac and maintaining out rythem in that aspect. I also made a drink that helps us feel really energetic!

Here is our Salad we had for dinner the evening prior to the race!

The next morning we got up at 5am and began our usual stretching, morning elixr and “The Spirit of the Marathon” DVD playing.  I think I am ready for a new RUNNING DVD.  Any suggestions out there???

About 30 minutes before we left I made this MAGIC POTION!

CHIA-FIRE-LOBO

1/2 cup soaked Chia

16 oz FRESHLY SQUEEZED LEMON JUICE

2 tbs Agave Syrup

2 tbs Cayenne Pepper

Directions:  Place all ingredients in a glass jar.  Make sure the jar you use has a lid.  Once all ingredients are in the jar, Cover it and shake it up. This makes (2) servings. (NOTE: To make the Chia gel – 2 tbs + 1/2 cup water – Allow to soak for 1 hr.)

SATURDAY – April 2, 2010

I attended the RUN SEAL BEACH 5k/10k.

The course receives 2 stars out of 10

PROS:

• Everyone out there got up to exercise and experience fitness!
• The course had A LOT of women show up today!  I always find that SOOOO positive.  I love to see women taking care of themselves, being social, and just pretty much happy!  Women are beautiful and I think it is important to be supportive and kind to each other!  To many people are negative toward other in life.  Let’s all be positive forces during these rather trying times in life and earthwise.
• A 15 year old holds the course record for the 5k as of today!

CONS:

• Horrible course.  We ran along the street and there were STRONG FUMES from all of the vehicles.
• All of the trash I saw along the way!  Especially the cups! Please runners hold your cup/stash your cup in your pocket! Something! PLEASE DO NOT THROW THE CUP ON THE GROUND! Better yet-come with water in a RECYCLABLE CONTAINER!
• GROUCHY SEAL BEACH OFFICERS!

This successfully makes the 7th race I have run since December! YEAH!

This weekend is the ARCADIA DERBY 5k – Saturday April 9,2011!  So exciting!  I am also hoping to do the Lake Balboa 10k on Sunday!

I will continue to eat superfoods, chia, and RAW this week!

Check in with you later!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Kind Love

Hello Longevity Seekers!

How are you today?  Long Living? Living Long?

The week is easing into SUNSHINE and I am easing into the week pretty nicely.  What about you?  What is the weather like today?

Have you meditated? Visualized?  Even just 5 min – Do it!  It will help immensely!

This Weekend in L.A…

SATURDAY

My taste testers kids were in town this weekend!

One of them – the youngest – performed at the California Metal Fest!

Pretty cool for a kid that is only 14 years old!  EXTREMELY cool to be a ROCK STAR at 14! GO IZZY!

What made it even better was his older brother graced us with the pleasure of spending the night!

This is always nice!  I get to cook veggie food for kids and feed a wonderful appetite – healthfully and mindfully!

Ever since these kids were born my taste tester made sure to put instruments in their hands.  They both seem to be quite successful at keeping music in their lives.  Positive things, positive things!

We have made plenty of “Late Night Craigslist missions” for these guys!  I am happy to see that it is all paying off! Drum pedals, amps, bass cases, etc.  you name it – we have probably gotten it!

Growing up with a supportive parent is one of THE KEY TO SUCCESS! Don’t you think?

So that was Saturday and when Sunday arrived it was time for him to go!  Always seems – just a blink of an eye and the kids are gone…but we will see them soon.  I am hoping they will come and experience a race with us!

Although I planned on attending the Claremont Red Cross 10k – that thought was quickly out of my mind once I saw the rain! Heavy Rains!

Since I didn’t attend the race it gave me the opportunity to cook for “Nitro Roc” one last time.

SUNDAY

RAW Smoothie attack!!!

Here is my RAW date strawberry banana RAINY SUNDAY smoothie prior to blending!

2 bananas

2 tbl RAW almond butter

8 dates

6 strawberries

1 bottle OXYGIZER water

Directions: Blend ALL INGREDIENTS until smooth!

Why OXYGIZER?

OXYGIZER improves measurably performance during periods of high physical stress and the resulting regeneration phase. Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Marktl (Head of Science at the Institute of Medical Physiology at Vienna University) and his research team have completed their scientific ergometry tests. Using a randomised double-blind study, these tests have proven the effective infl uence and effect of OXYGIZER on the body’s performance capability.

Additionally, Sunday was the Los Angeles Marathon!

CHEERS ETHIOPIA!

Ethiopia dominated the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday!

WINNERS

Men’s Division

Markos Geneti ran the 26.2 miles in 2hrs 6mins 35 seconds!

Coming in shortly after Geneti was Nicholas Kamakaya in 2hrs 9min 26sec!

Womens Division

Buzunesh Deba ran the marathon in 2hrs 26mins 34 secs.

Coming in shortly after Deba was Amy Hastings from the USA.  This was her debut in the marathon. She completed the marathon in 2hrs 27min 3sec!

Great going ladies! YOU RULE!

Those are CRAZY times! The male winner also broke the LA Marathon record!

There were a total of 19,626 finishers on Sunday.  11,896 were men and 7,730 were women.

UPDATE MARCH 24, 2011: 19866 Finishers – 12045 M / 7821 F

Exciting stuff!

Depending on the weather I may run a 10k Sunday.  We’ll see.  I will monitor the weather and figure it out by Saturday evening.

Stay tuned for more Musical Meditations, Race Reviews and Recipes!

I thought I would leave you with this image…

 

Kind Love ~ Love Kind!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

2 Jars Full of Sunshine

As noted in the past my wonderful customers bestow ALL kinds of fruits, vegetables and other NATURAL delights!

A few weeks back I was able to fill a few large mason jars with FRESHLY SQUEEZED Orange Juice! Delicious! That was the beginning of my JARS FULL OF SUNSHINE!

A customer stopped by to bring me a bag of oranges and a bag of grapefruits! YEAH! I was able to have 2 more Jars of Sunshine! Very EXCITING!

Jar with GRAPEFRUIT JUICE!

This has made adding Chia Seed to liquid a WONDERFUL ADVENTURE!!!

I am hoping to do another 10k in Claremont this weeked and would like a better time than the previous Sunday.  Fingers Crossed!

Since the CHIA was used by the Aztecs BEFORE they were going to face ANY ENDURANCE CHALLENGE – I figured THAT’S WHAT I NEEDED!!!

Went for a run last night.  Whew.  I only ran 2.75 miles and at about the 2.5 mile mark I felt a challenge to finish.

While running there can be any one thought going through my mind.  I usually use my runs as THERAPY for the week and/or day.  The challenge to finish is ALWAYS THERE in life – It could be any given situation!  So I just listened to my breath and concentrated on what the problem was.  Was I mildly dehydrated?  Were my fuel tanks low/empty?  What was it???

I drank Chia on Tuesday, I also drank the Chia with my orange/grapefruit mix Wednesday.  Do I need to incorporate into my diet longer? Do I need to have MORE Chia then I am having now? Tonight I plan on taking it in right before my run.  Test it on myself.

I must admit I felt a bit rickity upon the initial 15 minutes of my run. That was a concern!  Usually I get out there and get it done on RACE DAY. What was this pain about??? My initial opinion was I am ACIDIC as oppose to ALKALINE.  It is also my opinion that I may have been MILDLY DEHYDRATED and not as ALKALINE as I was on Sunday AM. I’ll get out there and get it done this evening and see where this takes me. Maybe the run was too short.  In retrospect, I don’t usually feel warmed up until mile 4 or 5.  I feel like endurance in the mind isn’t the hard part about this latest adventure in life I have decided to adapt.

The challenge of THIS equation is what is difficult —>

NUTRITION + RUNNING = SUCCESSFUL RACE

I have taken in more Cacao the last few months than ever before.  Mostly because I know it is a bit of a stimulant and was said to help with endurance.  I usually add it to my smoothies.

While researching the EXACT REASON the Cacao is called a SUPERFOOD, I came across a few articles that were extremely NEGATIVE about this RAW food product.

As I read the theories regarding RAW Cocoa, I began thinking about it’s origin.  Back to the Aztecs and beyond!

Notations of cocoa in History is difficult since many of the codices were destroyed by the early church and conquistadors.

However, the information still available indicates the Aztecs drank chocolate with chili peppers NOT sugar or anything sweet.

I wondered IF the chili’s were added for a reason.  Most people today equate chocolate with sweet rather than hot.  That is unless you are lucky enough to have a mother that made mole – pronounced <MO-LE>.

Growing up my mother made spicy BROWN mole, spicy GREEN mole and other times a beautiful RED HOT HOT HOT mole.  It just depended on what she was feeling.

I digress…sorry!  So I looked up one of the MAJOR ingredients of a CHILI pepper – CAPSICUM! The results I found are interesting!

Capsicum (Digestive, Circulatory), aptly described as the plant that bites back, is a common condiment in certain diets. The plant grows in warm climates and is added to many herbal formulas as a catalyst for the other herbs.

It’s red color is partly due to its high vitamin A content. Capsicum has been used for decades as a catalyst for other herbs. Because Capsicum stimulants circulation and enhances blood flow, it is considered food for the circulatory system, a common condiment to the diet.

As a cardiovascular stimulant, Capsicum assists in lowering blood pressure and breaking down cholesterol buildup. The warming properties of Capsicum are useful for people suffering from poor circulation to the hands and feet and other related conditions.

Capsicum has been used as a digestive aid to ease intestinal inflammation, stimulate protective mucus membranes of the stomach, and also relieve pain caused by ulcers.

Capsicum is commonly used to buffer pain from other ailments, including arthritis, varicose veins, headaches, menstrual cramps and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Since Capsicum is used as a catalyst in Herbal Medicine.  Why would it not be reasonable the chili’s were added to the drink as the catalyst? In addition to Chia and Cocoa, Spirulina was used the Aztec empire for endurance as well.

All of these endurance foods had to have worked wonders.  I believe they were being taken into the body in all of their NATURAL RAW states. The Chia, Cocoa and the Spirulina.  Corn is also mentioned as an endurance food.  I will test this fact on my body!

Thanks for reading.

I will update my finding!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

(As I am typing this post a customer just brought me 2 more bags of oranges and grapefruits! YES! The universe must be telling me I need to be taking in Vitamin C)

10k Grunion Run + A RAW Refresca :)

Greetings from the Garden of

Veg888 Love & Kindness!

Hello Longevity Seekers!

As promised here I am with another race tale, a RAW food Recipe & a REVIEW

THE RACE

The 10k Grunion Run adventure began Saturday March 12 with a drive that would last  1 1/2 hrs! The drive on Saturday was nice and easy.  A bit slow.  My taste tester and I left about 10 am and arrived in Dana Point at about 11:20-ish.  I had NO IDEA it would take us that long to get there, but we needed to register and pick up our bibs for Sunday.

Since the drive took about an hour and a half on Saturday and the race was at 7am Sunday – I knew we had to be out of the house no later than 5:15 am.

We left and began our drive.  Sunday, as you all know, was the first day of the time change! Whew!  We woke up at 4:20 am and did our usual ritual before a race.  Took the Yoga mat out and stretched, had our kick start elixr in the a.m. and played our “Spirit of the Marathon” DVD.

My taste tester is usually the one who pops in the DVD before the races and usually has a small area set up for me to WAKE UP!  Thank Goodness for the love and understanding a 10 yr relationship can bring you! Whew!

It was still quite dark when we left. As we drove to the race, my taste tester had to use the bathroom.  As we pulled into a parking lot we saw a small bunny go prancing by.  He was so cute with his little cotton tail and brown coat.  I thought to myself, maybe this is a sign we would do this race quickly…

This was the second 10k challenge!  The 10k Pepperdine race had taught me that I needed hydration during a longer run.  I also didn’t like holding the bottle throughout the race.  Again, the benefits of a 10 yr relationship - by mile 4 to the FINISH LINE my taste tester held my bottle for me!  Yeah!

Since I wasn’t totally convinced he would stick with me this race, I wanted a hydration belt.  So what does someone do when they need reviews and info about any one subject?  Go online and research the hydration belts that are out there!

A REVIEW

I found a hydration belt that seemed to suit what I wanted by a company called AMPHIPOD.

I was introduced to this company by my sister and her new husband around X-mas time, when they gifted me a this really cool pouch I could carry my keys, ID and phone in while I run.  It clipped right onto my waist band. The really cool part about the product was that it didn’t bounce around AT ALL!  I figured since it was a good product and all of the reviews stated their belt was the best.  So I thought  I would try their hydration belt.

The belt itself was quite cool.  Initially it was difficult to put the bottle back into the clip and I struggled a bit while I ran, but mid race I moved the bottle to the front and it was ALL smooth sailing after that.  The next 10k race I run, I think I will try one of those bottles that has a grip on it.

What about you readers???  Do you have any thoughts or insights about this???

I filled the bottles with 10 pH water and was sooo happy I did!  Whew! I got thirsty.  I ended up leaving one of the bottles in the car and took one for the run.

Each bottle holds 10 oz of liquid.

The day before I drank a 1/2 gallon of the 10 pH water, had a spirulina shake, a really delicious Chia Drink and ate VERY LIGHTLY.  Veggies mostly.

Here is the Chia Drink

Mamma Chia

A close up…

Arriving at the Race…

We arrived at the beach about 6:00 am.  It was still dark and there was a very calm vibration in the air.  Most of the people running the 10k were in their 30 years plus.  VERY COOL!

Walking toward the Start Line!

THE COURSE

This was a fast – mostly FLAT course.  I really enjoyed this run and would like to do it next year. The course was clearly marked.

Miles 1-4 were nice and easy.  I didn’t really hit my “warm up level” until about mile 5.  I did however enjoy the fact that we ended up running more than a 10k!  We ran a total of 6.56 miles.  I felt as though I could have run another 3 miles!  As to if I really could have – well I will have to try that at another time! (15k here I come!)

Mile 5

The ocean was so CALM.  This was the first time in a little while that I stopped and took a picture during the race.  At this point I saw I was a bit over an hour.

Sorry for the blurry picture…

I wanted to finish the 10k at 1hr 15min or no more than my last 10k -

I ended up finishing the 10k in the same amount of time, however once I looked down at my Garmin it read 6.56 miles instead of 6.2 miles.  That brought my pace to a 12 min 11 sec mile.  Faster than the Pepperdine which was a 13 min 54 sec mile.  I’ll keep working and working and working!

RAW FOOD

After the race I had a wonderful Date and RAW Cocoa shake! YUM!

For the next 4 hours I wanted nothing but ALKALINE foods in my system! I figured it was a FABULOUS recovery method!

I made a Mineral Rich Crust Pizza with Avocado and Jalepeno Hummus! Served it with salad and little tomatoes!

Mineral Rich Crusts…

Topped with Avocado and Hummus…

And finally…

We drank a lot of water and went to bed pretty early!!!

TODAY

I made my first CHIA drink to enjoy.  This miracle seed is said to help with staying hydrated AND endurance.  How could I not drink this wonderful SUPERFOOD???

CHIA REFRESCA

CHIA STRAWBERRY DRINK

1 cup Chia Gel(*)

7-12 Strawberries

Directions:  Place strawberries in blender and blend.  Pour into a mason jar and/or container with a lid.  Shake and Pour!

(*) To make Chia Gel – 2 TBS + 1 CUP WATER = Allow to soak overnight.

*PLEASE NOTE:  You can add agave, date sugar, stevia or any other natural sweetner if you wish.  I liked it au natural*

Thanks for reading!

Love & Light!

Namaste!