I don’t know why I can’t make a habit out of morning workouts…at least on the weekends. Weekdays are probably a lost cause and lately, it seems like I am literally sweating (in January…in Michigan) before I even make it to work. Getting a baby to daycare (on time) is a workout in and of itself. The infant room is at the end of this looong hallway, and I kid you not, the car seat, even without my 98th-percentile baby, weighs a TON. I should be hulk-like by now.
But outside of daycare drop offs, or my new favorite move of playing tug-of-war with the dog…while brushing my teeth, morning workouts are a struggle.
Yet, I typically feel my best after a morning workout and better yet, it’s then out of the way for the day. It’s not that I don’t enjoy working out most of the time, but it is just one more thing on the to-do list. As the hours in the day pass by, the workout can sometimes get bumped down to the bottom of the to-do list and sometimes, even fall off all together.
No bueno.
But Sunday evening, I said no to an ice cold beer (success #1) while hanging out with friends and just as impressive, I actually did fulfill my workout at 5:30pm when we returned home. As it is dark by that time, it’s all the more difficult to drag myself to the basement and get in a run. However, Mr. Prevention’s suggestion to start watching State of Affairs from episode 1 was a great one. It’s my new “treadmill show”. Aren’t DVRs the best?
Despite the challenge of getting on the treadmill, it was the best run I’ve had since Shea was born. I’m still no speed demon (not that I ever was), but I did 4 miles in 42 minutes at 1.5% incline and felt awesome. Had the show not been over and dinner still left on the to-do list, I would’ve kept going. As they say, you never regret a workout…but great workouts are most certainly great motivation for future workouts.
After my shower, it was going on 7pm and thankfully, my repertoire of quick and easy meals is growing. This one? Ready in 20 minutes or less…and that includes the prep time. These simple ingredients make for big flavor. So simple, yet so good…and under 200 calories per serving!
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 6 oz dry soba noodles* (or whole wheat spaghetti)
- 3 heads baby bok choy, thinly sliced
- In a large saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- To the broth, add the green onions, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and noodles; cook 7-9 minutes. Add the bok choy and cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until just tender. Serve hot.
*gluten-free
Today at work was BANANAS. Off to cuddle up with my Kindle in bed 😀
Be well,
That’s a great time for 4 miles Nicole! Great job! I am not back to running yet – need to drop some pounds first so I don’t injure my knees, but walking on an incline is no joke.
Hugs!