Dessert/ Dinner/ Exercise/ Fitness

An Answer

Hey yall!

I’m currently watching Forrest Gump for the first time ever! Can you believe that?! One day, the sous chef, Nick, at work heard me say I had never seen it before so the next day he brought me his copy and told me to go home and watch it. I’ve had it for weeks but tonight seems to be the night! Probably due to the fact that it’s only 7:00 but it feels like 10:00. I feel like I have so much time!

As promised, this afternoon I had a big wedge of banana bread with pb&j:

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Perfect fuel for a run except I only ran 4 miles instead of 5 1/2. Today BOTH my shins were killing me. Folks, after much thinking and praying, I just don’t know if I’m meant to be a runner. It kills me to type that because I want to SO bad…..but not if the act of running is not enjoyable to me anymore (aka I’m in tons of pain).  It’s just not worth it when there are other activities that I enjoy pain free. I’m going to give it a few days, ice and pray (and kick with a fin in the pool that Ryan claims will heal me) but I might have to focus my efforts into something like yoga and the elliptical machine instead. 🙁 Everyone has their gifts I guess!

When I got back, it was only 5:00 but it felt like 7:00 because it was already getting dark and I was STARVING! This time thing messes me all up! I boiled some potstickers and edamame for a quick and satisfying dinner:

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And, later, I had a fage with 1/4th cup pumpkin granola….just can’t get enough!

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I’m off to finish my movie and get everything ready for the week….its a short one for me though since I fly out to Chicago on Friday morning!!!!!! Yay!!

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  • Lindsay
    November 3, 2008 at 12:18 am

    Hey Jenna!
    I love Sunday’s also. I’m so sorry about your leg. Have you maybe thought of biking? Biking has been so much better for my knees and shins than running, i just got back from a 2 hour ride and i feel pleasantly sore, not in pain!
    Also, what is a potsticker? What is the nutritional profile like?
    Thanks. 🙂

  • jenna
    November 3, 2008 at 12:21 am

    Lindsay,

    A potsticker is an asian dumpling. These are filled with chicken and veggies. I believe its something like 250 calories for 5? I’m not quite sure though. It depends brand to brand and if you have the dipping sauce with them!

  • Cat
    November 3, 2008 at 12:23 am

    Sorry to hear that you’re still in pain when you run, but I have to say that running 4 miles is a huge accomplishment! Being “a runner” doesn’t have to mean that you run 5+ miles every time, it just means (to me) that it’s an activity that bring a great deal of satisfaction and something that “you” feel good at according to your own standards. Although, since I seem to feel more pain than joy when I run long distances, I have a feeling I’m not “a runner” either. But I do have to give you props for running 4 miles! You go, Girl! 🙂

    Have fun with Forrest! I’m watching Bridget Jones’s on Lifetime 🙂

    And one tiny thing I noticed is that your dinner post says Nov. 3.

  • jenn
    November 2, 2008 at 6:30 pm

    OMG Forrest Gump = the best movie everrr!!!! I wish I could run like Forrest. Sometimes when skool gets overwhelming I think about just taking off too (but I can’t figure out the logistics of it).

  • jenn
    November 2, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    Jenna, did you use the veganomicon recipe for your banana bread??

  • VeggieGirl
    November 2, 2008 at 6:32 pm

    Jeez, it’s about time you saw that movie, haha!! Love it 🙂

    Ooooh, LOVE how that PBJ is glistening!!

  • jess
    November 2, 2008 at 6:32 pm

    Aw Jenna- I’ll definitely keep you in my thoughts. Although, I seem to remember you speaking about yoga with the same (if not more) excitement that your diction reveals about running. Didn’t you do it nearly Every day at one point? Hopefully you’ll be able to re-find that passion. In fact, that could even be something you could get certified in (through AFPA also, if I remember correctly!) and bring your joy to others. Plus, it’s a great work out too. Although I will miss cute pictures of you in your camel-bak… you’ll just have to hike with it!!!

    I’m sure Forrest Gump will cheer you up, or at least distract you. And your snack? Delish- Fage and granola go together just ‘like peas and carrots’ 😉

  • Erin
    November 2, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    I can’t believe you’ve never seen that movie!
    It is so amazing.
    I can’t run either because of my shins, hips and knees. It’s hard to give it up because there is a certain satisfaction in being a runner, because a lot of people equate it with mental and physical strength. I used to consider myself an athlete, but now that I’ve stopped running, I don’t really use that term anymore. Elliptical isn’t exactly a competitive sport!
    But I’ve accepted it and I feel happy that I’m able bodied and can enjoy fitness at all! I hope you find peace with this decision. It’s hard!

  • polly
    November 2, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    Jenna,
    I’m sorry about your shins. BUT, thankfully you do love lots of other things too, and ya never know, a 2 miler here and there might be your thing! and enjoy your YOGA, sweetie!

    We are watching Ty and Extreme Makeover Home Addition tonight, it’s our family date.

  • raybelle
    November 2, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    i saw you’re doing a beth moore study. i am doing “stepping up”. it’s quite good and challenging!

  • jenna
    November 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    Jenn,

    No—I have my own recipe. I linked back to it in my previous post!

  • Kristie
    November 2, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    I’ve never seen Forrest Gump… and I own it! I have to try to watch that one of these days…

    REALLY sorry to hear about the running… I hope that it can maybe still work out for you, but otherwise at least you have other go-to activities that you enjoy! Maybe you could still do some runs every once in a while but just keep it as a “treat” exercise of sorts.

  • Laura
    November 2, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    I hope you love the movie! 🙂 It’s a good one.

    I hope everything works out with the running! I’m sure it’s hard to decide what you should do. Please don’t hurt yourself!

  • Oh She Glows
    November 2, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    The time thing messed me up too! I was starving for dinner at 5pm as well. It’s funny how 1 hour makes such a difference to our body clocks.

  • HangryPants
    November 2, 2008 at 7:27 pm

    Aww Jenna, I’m really sorry. You should run in your own way that’s best for you. 😀

  • Andrea
    November 2, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    sorry you’re still in pain 🙁 i like what you said though… if it’s not ‘your thing’ that just opens up other athletic opportunities for you like biking, yoga, swimming, hiking, etc.

    i LOVE forest gump! especially the bumper stickers at the end 😉

  • Mara
    November 2, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    I hope I can make it to meet you in Chicago! Have a safe trip!

  • Megan
    November 2, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    Jenna, what is the brand of the potstickers you buy?

  • Megan
    November 2, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    Jenna, what is the brand of potstickers you buy?

  • Betsy
    November 2, 2008 at 7:43 pm

    I can’t believe you’ve never seen forest gump before!! Enjoy it!

    I think it is definitely best that you listen to your body with the running. You don’t want to push yourself so hard beyond comfort that you end up with a permanent injury. You’re such a yoga girl anyway! Good luck with everything.

  • jenna
    November 2, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    Megan,

    I believe they are called “Ying Ling”…the bag has a panda bear on it and its all natural!

  • LadyLara
    November 2, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    Hey Jenna,

    I’m so sorry to hear about your continued shin pain. Have you tried taking 10-15 days off any leg activity and continued icing on those days? When I ran cross country and track in high school this was the remedy any time someone had shin splints (did you know h.s. girls cross country has the highest injury rate… because of shin splints!). I haven’t heard of someone with such continued shin splint pain… I hope yours heal or you can find joy in your other activities! =)

  • Tamara
    November 2, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Hey Jenna! Sorry to hear about your shins. Good luck with your decision. I’ll be eager to hear what you decide and how you enjoy trying other forms of exercise. I, too, have thought about doing the elliptical many, many times. I tried it a few weeks ago and really loved it and worked up a sweat — I was pleasantly surprised!
    Just think of it as a new adventure, and have fun! 🙂 Good luck!

  • Megan
    November 2, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    Hope your shins feel better soon! Love your dinner! I had pumpkin granola in yogurt today too! YUM!

  • Jenny
    November 2, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Forrest Gump is such a good movie! I have gottne the “Jennayyy” jokes my entire life though, haha it’s silly.

    I’m no runner either, I’d love to be able to run races one day, and enjoy it, but I just don’t think it’s in the cards. To each his own 😉

  • claire
    November 2, 2008 at 8:38 pm

    I just made your banana bread and it is really good. One of the first recipes that (in my awful apartment oven) cooked all the way through in the said amount of time! I’ll post about it soon, so if you get alerts for links, you’ll get one from me! 🙂
    I, too, am not meant to be a runner. Makes me sad because I really enjoy the time just enjoying the outside and time I can talk with God. However, the day after I run my knee really talks to me, so now I do stairmaster and cybex/elliptical. Oh, well!

  • Sarah
    November 2, 2008 at 8:52 pm

    Jenna, I am with you. I started running last fall and I trained hard for a few 5ks, a 10k, 10-miler and half-marathon which I ran in April of this year. I did really well too! But I took a few weeks off and ever since then, I have tried several times to “get back into” running and it has been so hard. I’ve been experiencing a lot of knee pain even just after doing 3 minute intervals for 20 minutes! It is very disheartening but the good news is that it probably means we are meant to be doing something else that we could end up enjoying even more, right? I’ll keep you in my prayers, just know that you aren’t alone 🙂

  • Anita
    November 2, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Wow… I can’t believe you’d never seen Forrest Gump!!! It’s on TV here, like, all the time. It’s a beautiful movie. You’ll definitely love it! I think it might be a book too, but I’m not sure.

    I hope your shins feel better soon… I’ll think happy healthy thoughts for you! 🙂

  • Mel
    November 2, 2008 at 9:02 pm

    That sucks to hear you are still in pain, hopefully it will pass soon and you can run all you want! 🙂

    I love Forest Gump, I actually watched it last night at a friend’s house. I hope you enjoy it too!

  • Danielle
    November 2, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    I feel you Jenna! I love running and I want to be a runner so badly but A.) I messed up my left leg after a wonky motorbike experience and B.) I just think my body isn’t the right kind for running. I think I’ll continue to jog/run but I just can’t imagine getting my legs to move fast without being painful. It makes me sad also. I’m very sorry about you shins(almost said fins..almost) I really hope everything works out for you!

  • jennk
    November 2, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    I am sorry to hear about your running. I’ve been inspired to read of how much effort you have put into it! I seem to be unable to run as well. I am able to Spin and stair climb without problem, but I have never been able to run without knee pain. The Chicago Marathon was a few weeks ago and I have to say I found myself becoming quite envious of all the people I knew who were running it. It is hard to have a passion that you aren’t able to act on, but I am trying to be content with all the things I am able to do (but, not so great at the contentment part yet). I hope the best for you as you continue your journey. Please, keep sharing 🙂

  • emily
    November 2, 2008 at 10:37 pm

    I’m having my own running troubles so I deeply sympathize. There is something truly heartbreaking about having the *desire* for physical activity (which half of our country lacks) and then not being physically able.

    2 facts: 1. I DESPISED that movie; 2. I had to look over my shoulder when I typed that because it would possibly start a fight with my husband!

  • Kailey
    November 3, 2008 at 6:17 am

    Aw, so sorry to hear about the running! You’re so good about listening to your body that you’ll find exactly what’s right for it, which will make your body sing. I understand wanting to be a good runner (I’ve just come to terms that it’s really not for me either). No matter, you’ll find what’s best ! 🙂

  • Lindsey
    November 3, 2008 at 7:23 am

    Jenna, you have such a positive attitude! No matter what you decide to do, I’m sure you have the full support of all your friends in blogland.

  • Heather
    November 3, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Sorry about the shins! That’s so frustrating. But it’s better to find an activity that you enjoy AND that feels good than to get stressed and possibly risk injury. Good luck Jenna!!

  • caitlin
    November 3, 2008 at 8:17 am

    4 miles is great!!!

    i want you to run the 1/2 marathon in tampa so bad!

  • Katie
    November 3, 2008 at 8:18 am

    Hi Jenna!
    I’ve never posted here before, but I found your blog through SELF.com’s ‘Eat Like Me’ blog, and I have to say, I love what you’re doing!

    Anyway, about shin splints–have you tried different shoes? (Sorry if you’ve talked about this before and I just haven’t read it yet.) I ran cross-country and track in high school, and always (always!) got terrible shin splints at the beginning of each season. Besides taking time off and ICING as much as possible, I’ve discovered that shoes make such a HUGE difference. If you go to a running store they will figure out what kind of stride you have and how your feet work when running. For example, I have flat feet and am a huge overpronator, which means I get shin splints on the inside of each leg (unlike people with very high arches, who get them on the outside of each leg). It wasn’t until I bought a stabilizing running shoe with major arch support that also keeps my ankle from rolling in on each stride that I was able to run comfortably. And I honestly have not had shin splints since. My shins have been a little achy as of late, but I am well due for a new pair of shoes. (If overpronation is your problem too, I highly recommend Saucony Grid Omni series or Saucony Stabil series.)

    Anyway, sorry for the hugely long post. Good luck with your shins and finding the right exercise for you! Love your blog–keep it up!
    kt

  • Teddy
    November 3, 2008 at 8:30 am

    Hope you like the movie! it is a classic and I am surprised you havent seen it 😉

  • Beadie
    November 3, 2008 at 8:41 am

    I also feel like I have tons of time of the day of the fall back time change!

    Sorry about the running 🙁 I’m sure you will find something you love just as much.

  • lauren
    November 3, 2008 at 8:45 am

    I went to whole foods last night and bought the pumpkin granola! brought it with some fage for today! and last night, I ate edamame and potstickers! funny!

  • seelivelee (for the love of peanut butter)
    November 3, 2008 at 9:23 am

    your going to have an awesome time in chicago! Edamame <333

  • seelivelee (for the love of peanut butter)
    November 3, 2008 at 9:23 am

    RUN FOREST, RUNNNN!

  • tsbrown
    November 3, 2008 at 9:31 am

    I am so sorry about your shins. Take care of yourself. I am doing Beth’s bible study also and just love it! Thanks for recommending it!!!

  • Catherine
    November 3, 2008 at 9:39 am

    Aww sorry to hear your shins are still bothering you!! Jenna, you should totally enter my ZAP peanut butter giveaway… all you have to do is enter a comment telling me “What motivates you to stay healthy”

    http://stevianspice.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/zap-contest-enter-now/

  • runjess
    November 3, 2008 at 10:50 am

    If you enjoy running and want to continue, I suggest you see some specialists about your shins. Maybe you’re in the wrong shoes or need some orthotics. I’ve been very frustrated lately because I keep getting injured and I’m trying to train for a marathon, but I’m seeing an Active Release Specialist who is currently fixing up my Achilles, and it’s giving me hope.

  • michelle
    November 3, 2008 at 11:38 am

    Hey Jenna,
    Sorry about your running dilema!! Perhaps, after a few days rest you can try again, but if its too painful then i agree, something pain free is the way to go!!!

    Be well!

  • Mariposa
    November 3, 2008 at 1:05 pm

    Hi Jenna,

    its too bad about your shins, you are right though, some people are not made to run, and you definitely DONT want to cause permanent injury to yourself! My knees bother me big time when I run, so I had to stop- even though its the most kick ass way for me to get back in shape besides dancing. Now i walk fast and on a super incline to get a good burn.. but its definitely NOT the same! One day I will buy an elliptical…

    Love the banana bread.. I can’t wait to make some!!!

  • Amy
    November 3, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    Jenna – I can relate to your running issues. I have a foot condition that prevents me from running. It was heart-breaking at first b/c I had developed a love for running. But it HURT everytime I did. The podiatrist told me I don’t have the feet to run – I thought WHAT? He recommended I bike or do the elliptical. I have taken up spin classes & the elliptical since then & am doing GREAT – I LOVE to SPIN!!! Its so nice to not be in constant pain from running & I’m in just as good of shape as when I was running – maybe better b/c I’m no longer in pain. I think you need to LISTEN to your BODY…if running hurts, don’t do it!!! Try other activities – you will find something you love just as much.

  • joanne
    November 3, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    Good suggestions regarding seeing a specialist and/or changing running shoes. If you think about it though, there are a lot of injuries that take more than a week or two to heal. If you take time off, and maybe in 8 – 12 weeks or so, set up a plan where you slowly get back into it. Sometimes, if we let an injury heal then think it’s feeling good one day, we tend to push it past it’s limit and aggrevate it all over again. In the meantime, there are so many other great aerobic forms of exercise where you can still enjoy the outdoors – espec. since you’re in FL. So don’t rush it and if you do run again, take it REAL slow no matter how good you’re feeling. Take care.

  • jenna
    November 3, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Joanne and runjess,

    I’ve actually been to a specialist and been diagnosed with shin splints and severe overpronation. I’ve also been fitted for shoes by a running specialist as well. Oh well. I was very down about it but I’ve sort of just accepted it now. I think some people are meant to do things and others are meant to do equally great other things! Even though I can’t run a marathon, I sure can do a great yoga headstand. 🙂

  • Kim
    November 3, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Add me to the list of people who haven’t seen Forrest Gump. I have it here, on VHS from my sister, but no VCR! LOL!

  • ModelBehavior
    November 3, 2008 at 6:04 pm

    aaawww yea, forest gump is one of my all time favs, Tom Hanks is too funny!

    http://www.modbehav.com

  • Julie
    November 3, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    I hope your shins feel better, I’m in the same boat! I was training for a 10k, running non-stop, and finally my hip just gave out (yes, I’m 85 lol) anyway, I haven’t been able to run for 2 months!! There’s nothing like the runners high and I really miss it too, but there’s always the elliptical.