Diva's Half Marathon

Diva's Half Marathon in North Myrtle Beach, SC

My first race. 

The Diva's Half Marathon Series, an all women's race, on April 28, 2013 with my Mom and Mali. Our cheerleaders for the race weekend were: Kyle, Zeke (dog), Molly (dog), Grant, Baxter (dog), Martin, Haley, Kevin, and Daisy (dog). 

The series was spread over 3 days for this race. The first and second day runners are able to go pick up their packets, walk around running boutiques and learn about fitness in their "Health & Fitness Boutique" Expo. Of course, I had to buy a souvenir, two shirts to be exact. The third day was race day.This was my number for the race. 

  

After packet pick up, we all met up for dinner to fuel up for the next day. For dinner I had pasta with chicken, and roasted veggies.

That night we all tried to get to bed early considering the next day was the race. I probably went to bed around 10 pm because I was so tired from traveling, touring the city, and walking the beach that I passed out in no time. 

Race Day

Waking up was easy, because I was pumped to get started. The hard part was getting food in me. I tried to keep the morning of the race as consistent as possible with my training because when I trained I had oatmeal with chia seeds, coffee, and water. I ended up eating a couple bites of oats, drinking 3 small cups of coffee and drank a bottle water. 

The race started at 7:00 am sharp. We all arrived at 6:30 am to have enough time to use the potty and get a spot at our corral, which was around the 10:00-10:30 minute mile. 

I cant recall how many runners there were at this race, but we started about 10 minutes after the official start time. 

Mali and I only ran the first mile with Mom. Sad, but we wanted to make this first race count for me. 

The scenery was beautiful for this race. Beach front for the first two miles, beautiful beach homes for the next 12 miles, and finishing off the last 1.1 miles beach front again. 

To be honest, this race was tough for me, mentally and physically, but I only stopped at the hydrating stations. This is what helped me to regain my focus.

I remember getting to the 10 mile mark and telling myself that I only had to run a 5k. The last 3.1 miles really tested my ability to believe in my training and trust body.

I crossed the finish line strong with a sprint. The crowd of people surrounding the finish line was a power boost like in a Mario Cart game. I was going so fast. I felt empowered. I felt strong. I felt unstoppable. Mali and I had been hand in hand the whole entire race, from beginning to end.

We both finished together at the official time of 2:20

My mother finished at 3:01

This experience is once in a lifetime and it was a pleasure sharing it with my best friend, my mother, and all of our cheerleaders.

Mini Taco Rolls

Mini Taco Rolls

These are a play on pizza bites or pizza bagels, but they don't taste like pizza.....they taste like tacos....

Ingredients:
1. 1 garlic clove, diced
2. 1/2 onion, chopped
3. 1/2 green pepper, chopped
4. 1 pkg. Lean Ground Turkey
5. 1/3 c Tomato Sauce
6. Nasoya Wonton Wraps

Directions: 
1. In a skillet, sautée garlic, onion, and green pepper with your favorite seasonings. 
2. Add lean ground turkey and brown. 
3. Once browned add a little bit of tomato sauce. 
4. Preheat oven to 350. 
5. Place filling onto Nasoya Wonton Wraps and close like an envelope using water to bind. 
6. Place on a pan. Stick in the oven. And let them brown ~ 8-10 minutes.

Green Smoothie

Green Smoothie

Experimenting with smoothies is so fun. I believe that no matter what you put into a blender, it will come out so tasty. 

All you need for this delicious smoothie is a handful of spinach, a handful of kale, 1/2 of a large cucumber, sliced, and 1/3 frozen banana. 

Tuna Quinoa Patties

Tuna Quinoa Patties

Ingredients ➡1 cup cooked quinoa
➡10 oz can of tuna, draine (the big mama can)
➡1/3 cup liquid egg whites
➡1/3 cup bread crumbs
➡1/4 parm cheese
➡ Your favorite spices/seasonings. I added some mustard, sriracha, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley.

Directions
1. Cook 1 cup of quinoa 
2. In a bowl, break down tuna and toss with egg whites, bread crumbs, parm cheese, and spices. Add the cup of quinoa into the bowl once it has been cooked 
3. Bring a pan to a low-medium heat
4. Once all ingredients are combined, grab a spoon and start forming into patties
5. Place onto pan and flip over after 5 minutes or until browned on one side
6. Flip onto your plate and ENJOY! 

Macros for 1 patty (makes about 15 small patties): 1.1g fat/ 4.7g carb/ 6.8g protein 
Macros for the whole bunch (about 15 patties): 16.9g fat/ 70.3g carb/ 101.8g protein