Pushing through and forgetting about the crocodiles....

Today was my 3.5 m Easy + 1 m @ level 7 run. Since we had quite a few errands this morning, I went out around 6 this evening, when it was 80°F (around 30°C). Oh, it was a hot and humid struggle. I managed the 3.5 miles in 37:08 at a pace of 10:37, not without a great deal of huffing and puffing, and a few rests in between. I got back home to do the last mile on the treadmill. I do not yet have the 'legs' to run at level 7 for a mile consistently on my own, so the treadmill is a good training tool in helping me build up the endurance needed for that pace. Even so, level 7 was just a wee bit too fast as I felt a bit knackered, so I did the mile in 9:13 at level 6.5. My total time for 4.5 miles was 46:21 and the breakdown turned out to be:

Mile 1: 10:23
Mile 2: 10:40
Mile 3: 10:54
Mile 3.5: 10:22
Mile 4: 9:13

When I run outside, I usually run sans ipod. However, I took my ipod with me today, and whilst I would prefer to run without it, as it is quite hard for me to override the uncomfortable sensation of running slowly, I thought it was worth a try to attempt to get the right beat. I started with Come on Baby Light my Fire and ended with Asereje. It's ok, but I am not easily distracted by music when I run outside. On the treadmill it's fine, as I really think about the songs, whereas outside I actually concentrate on the matter at hand! Still, I am going to try this a few times and see if this actually has an influence on the quality of my running.

Stuart went out for a run as well, and naturally we were starving afterwards. I had not prepared anything before hand, and needed something quickly. Step in Trader Joe's Meatless Meatballs. This is a lifesaver! These meatballs are pre-cooked, so all I needed to do was to make a quick tomato sauce, and add the meatballs. I left to simmer for about 15 minutes and everything was ready in 30 minutes. I started boiling the whole wheat pasta when I added the meatballs. It usually takes around 12 minutes as whole wheat pasta takes a few more minutes to cook. Strain, add to the sauce immediately, and grate the parmesan cheese (takes me about 2 minutes to grate enough for both of us), and voila' it's done. A glass of Bordeaux, and we had a very yummy dinner.

Serving Size 6 meatballs:
Calories 140 Calories from Fat 50
Total Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 560mg 23%
Total Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 4g
Sugars 1g
Protein 16g

I think these meatballs are actually quite amazing.  They are delicious, very healthy and you can whip up a great meal in 30 minutes.  We have a very small freezer, so I cannot make a few meals and store them, but I am going to try and make a batch of this, some ragu' and some pesto tomorrow.  That way, I only have to boil the pasta if I don't feel like cooking.  Have a great Sunday!