I Whip My Hair Back and Forth

It was a beautiful morning for a run here in Chicago, and a great day to try out my new shoes! 

Today was my long run, 5 miles! I haven't run 5 miles since last February and with my ankle and knee bothering me, I was pretty nervous. I went out thinking, walk or run, just finish those 5 miles! Well, not going to lie, the first 3 were pretty rough and I had a side cramp that would just not go away. However, I ended up finishing very strong and feeling like I could keep going! I guess I just need to get through that initial hump. 

However, at 4.5 miles my earphone kept falling out, my playlist ran out, and then the wind kept whipping my sweaty ponytail into my face! (Hence the blog title... still can't believe how young that girl is! I whip my hair back and forth, I whip my hair back and forth...). Anyone else have these frustrations?? 

Anyway, I finished the 5 miles in 45 minutes and 39 seconds, which put me at a 9:06 min/mile pace. I was pretty happy with that! When I got back and stretched and rolled out, and then it was time to eat! 

On the menu today was banana oats and a strawberry protein smoothie! The oats were made with 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 a banana! (ate the other half before my run). 

The smoothie had 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup almond milk and 1 scoop vanilla protein powder. Just like a strawberry milkshake! Although I must say, the smoothie without the banana in it was just not the same...

After getting some work done I decided to go to a Hot Yoga class. My shoulders were so sore from my workout with my trainer Friday and I knew it would also be great for my legs after my run this morning. When I got back it was time for lunch! 

I decided to make a giant salad with spinach, shredded carrots, cucumbers, chickpeas, mushrooms, sweet onion and some raspberry-infused balsamic vinegar! 

Hit the spot. Probably going to be making some Homemade Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt in a bit for dessert... Now it's time for the last of my reading, figuring out lunch for the week, and relaxing in this beautiful weather! I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday, and for anyone on the East coast, stay safe and dry! 

Green City Market

I have exciting news! 

Can you guess??

Okay, I'll tell you...

I got new running shoes!!!!!

Well, I'm pretty excited. I've been needing new shoes for a couple months now, but I wanted to wait until I started up running again, and then I just never made the time to go! To get my shoes I went to Fleet Feet Sports. They have tons of different brands and all the sales people are great with helping you find the right shoes for your specific needs. They also offer training programs for various types of races and sell plenty of other running gear in their two locations! 

I tried out a few different styles, but ended up choosing Adidas' SNOVA Glide. I loved them because they are light weight but gave me plenty of arch support. So comfy! I can't wait to try them out on a run tomorrow! I wore them out of the store and headed straight to the local farmers market, Green City Market! 

It was a beautiful day out, not to hot but plenty warm for me! Perfect for the market, and everyone else thought so too; I'd never seen it so busy! 

"Green City Market's mission is to improve the availability of a diverse range of high quality foods by providing a marketplace for purchasing sustainably grown food and to educate, promote, and connect farmers and local producers directly to chefs, restaurateurs and the greater Chicago community. We also support small family farms and promote a healthier society through education and appreciation for local, fresh, sustainably-raised products."

I'm a big fan of local foods and helping out all these local farms and businesses, so I try and go whenever I can! Plus it's just fun, I love strolling through and looking at all the kinds of produce and products. There are also food stands: Italian food, bakeries, tamales and crepes! 

I ended up getting some peaches and blueberries from Ellis Farms! Sooooo delicious! I wish I had stayed around longer but I was getting hungry and ready for lunch with my brother and sister-in-law! We ended up going to a placed called Frances' Deli. It's a favorite of theirs, and was very busy (and loud) today! 

They have been in Chicago since 1938 and in 2011 they were a Michelin Guide Favorite and a Bib Gourmand Winner! And I just thought it was a local deli... We went for lunch, but they also have great breakfast food! I came here before when my whole family visited last March! I got their grilled chicken salad, which ended up being a great choice. 

I got it with low-fat honey mustard dressing and dipped the chicken pieces in the dressing; it was almost like chicken tenders in honey mustard sauce! Which was an all-time favorite of mine growing up (okay... still is). My brother got his chicken sandwich on what they called Black Bread? Not sure about the name, but the bread was amazing! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!

What is one of your favorite childhood dishes?