Tropical Rhode Island

June 28, 2010
By

No…not tropical island! I said, “Tropical Rhode Island.” It’s true, folks.  According to Mark Searles, we are experiencing tropical humidity levels today.  I believe every word.  It is sticky out there!

I didn’t set an alarm today, but I was up and running by six…apparently my body is well-trained!

Total Distance: 3.0 miles

  • Mile 1 – 8:44/mi
  • Mile 2 – 8:23/mi
  • Mile 3 – 8:19/mi

Total Time: 25:28

Average Pace: 8:29/mi

It was a good run, but I learned a lesson in headbands.  I wore a new one thinking it would keep the hair and sweat out of my eyes.  I give it two thumbs down!

This headband slipped right off my head and into the road multiple times.  Why did I keep going back for it?! I was very disgruntled!  Luckily, one kind neighbor had a sprinkler on.  I may have run through it a couple times.  Perked me right back up!  Anyone need a new headband? This baby went for it’s first and last run today!

I needed lots of water to recover from this morning’s run.  It also took awhile for my appetite to return.  Sometimes the heat does that to me.  When I got hungry, I only wanted one thing – pancakes!

I made a batch of sweet potato pancakes and topped them with some almond butter and syrup.  Pancakes are definitely taking the #1 breakfast spot.  Move over, oatmeal! I will never give up on oats, but these ‘cakes are so much more enjoyable on hot summer days.

The rest of the day was spent here….

…impromptu beach trip!  I nearly shrieked with excitement when my gram called to say that she, my aunt, and cousins were heading to the coast.  I joined right in.  I’m feel so blessed to live near the ocean.  It’s such a relaxing and inexpensive way to spend the day.  I packed my lunchbox and snacked throughout the day – yogurt, cereal, fruit salad, and almonds.  No photo, bad blogger!

When I got home, I took the best shower ever! Every post-beach shower fits this bill as far as I’m concerned.  I always feel so fresh and clean when I get out.  And I still had plenty of time left to enjoy the day.

My mom told me that she was headed to Pilates, so I decided to tag along.  I was motivated to go because I knew it would be a great class…and it was!  I love this particular instructor.  His classes are always well-organized, controlled, and purposeful.  He plans a total-body workout and provides a great stretch at the end.  Class got me all sweaty again, but it was worth it.

I came home for a delicious dinner – Spicy Mexican Penne.

The base of this meal was one serving (~ 1 c.) whole wheat penne.  I topped it with a spicy Mexican mix:

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 c. black beans
  • 1/2 c. frozen corn
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Saute the onion over medium-high heat until translucent.
  2. Add tomatoes, corn, beans, and spices.
  3. Stir and simmer until ready to serve.

How easy is that? I had one cup of the spicy mixture atop my pasta.  I also added 2 T. shredded Mexican cheese.  I mixed this into a bowl of kickin’ pasta perfection!  I love easy meals like this – so tasty and satisfying!

I need to get myself into the AC – PRONTO!  Stay cool!

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7 Responses to Tropical Rhode Island

  1. Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries on June 29, 2010 at 12:12 am

    I can never wear headbands when running! They just exasperate me! Sweet potato pancakes with almond butter sounds like just about the best breakfast ever. I agree with you, I’ll always love my oatmeal, but sometimes you just need a plate full of pancakes!!

  2. Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries on June 29, 2010 at 12:26 am

    Totally agree about the ocean. I could never live anywhere else!! Your dinner looks AMAZING!!

  3. Michelle on June 29, 2010 at 8:45 am

    mmm wow how good does that fluffy pancake look?? I am an ocean lover! Especially the sounds of waves rushing onto the shore. :) The only thing I don’t like is seeing polluted waters!! Ick..

  4. MelissaNibbles on June 29, 2010 at 9:20 am

    I’m with you on the ocean! We’re so fortunate to have as many beaches as we do in the MA/RI area. I’m glad you’re taking advantage of them!

    Sorry about the headband. I don’t like the thick ones. I use the thinner Goody no-slip grip (I think that’s what they’re called). They’re very slim, kind of round and DO NOT move off my head. I wear them a lot because I’m growing my hair out. They’re cheap too! I got mine at Target I think…

  5. Vicky on June 29, 2010 at 11:33 am

    up by 6?! I’m impressed / kinda wish I would be disiplined enough to do that because it gets so hot later in the day!!! And I’m so jealous of the beach! I hope you had a blast!

  6. Bekah @ runtrackmind on June 30, 2010 at 1:35 am

    Sweet potato pancakes…a girl after my own heart! ;)

  7. Pedal The Stress Away | Beck On The Run on June 30, 2010 at 7:53 pm

    [...] Tropical Rhode Island [...]

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