January 22, 2019 by Darlene

Kastor’s Kooking

Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory

After reading Deena Kastor‘s recent book, Let Your Mind Run, I was intrigued by how important cooking and food was to her. So I googled and accumulated the list of recipes below:

Balsamic-Marinated Chicken – https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a20790839/deena-kastors-balsamic-vinegar-recipes/
Kale Sweet Potato Salad – https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a20815714/from-the-kastor-kitchen-kale-sweet-potato-salad/
Energy Bars – https://running.pocketoutdoormedia.com/kastors-kitchen-energy-bars_15148
Eggs Italia – http://www.espn.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/14098712/runner-deena-kastor-easy-eggs-italia
Grilled Vegetable Polenta Casserole – https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20500442/healthy-recipes-from-the-runners-world-cookbook/
Sausage and Cannellini Beans – https://www.motivrunning.com/nutrition-for-runners/eat-like-pro-sausage-white-beans/#
Roasted Fig Salad – https://running.pocketoutdoormedia.com/kastors-kitchen-roasted-fig-salad_17812

Carmelized Onion and Fig Pizza – https://chefd.com/products/caramelized-onion-and-fig-pizza
Avocado Enchilada – https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/vegetables/deena-kastors-avocado-enchiladas
Homemade Granola – https://running.pocketoutdoormedia.com/kastors-kitchen-homemade-granola_32776
Spring Frittata – https://running.pocketoutdoormedia.com/kastors-kitchen-spring-frittata_15144

See the source image

Pesto Pasta – https://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/the-healthy-dish-pesto-pasta
Grilled Peaches – https://running.pocketoutdoormedia.com/kastors-kitchen-grilled-peaches_15350

Beach Nuts, Best-Ever Guacamole, Stuffed Dates – http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/news/recipes/deenakastor

Sunrise Juice, The Green V – https://trailrunnermag.com/nutrition/deena-kastors-juice-recipes.html

Green Chile Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Lasagna , Cornbread Stuffed Portabellas – https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/deena-kastors-green-chile-pumpkin-pie/

And yes, in one of the articles, Deena mentioned that she is writing a cookbook.

Personally, I don’t cook often or make complicated recipes. I try to eat healthy but don’t always.

I should runfess that I haven’t made anything from Shalane’s cookbook yet and I’ve had it for quite a while.

But I am tempted to make the two recipes that I added pics of. Pasta and pizza – two of my favorite carbs!!!

As you know, the Tuesdays on the Run link up has been retired. There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner). The new link up is called Tuesday Topics and start today!!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! Do you cook healthy? Have you made any of her recipes? Would you buy her cookbook?

January 9, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: Running Guilty Pleasure

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Your Running Guilty Pleasure

Many might say mine is clothes because I always have to match but truth be told, many other runners buy much more running clothes than I. I don’t need to try every new item out there and I don’t like to spent my money on running clothes.

I have NEVER gotten a massage nor have I ever seen a chiropractor.

But I am a sucker for FOOD!!

Yes, I plan my runs by location near a desirable food locale like Starbucks coffee

or any ice cream establishment.

If someone mentions food after a run, I’m there!

I feel lucky to have found a bunch of women who feel the same way! You’ll never see any empty place in front of me after a run (only an empty plate LOL).

I am especially drawn to races with good post-race food options.

Yes, I know I most likely add back more calories that I have burned running.

Life is too short!

Image result for run all the miles eat all the food

Happy Running! What is on your running guilty pleasure?

November 3, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Favorite Fall Foods

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic for today is: Favorite Fall Foods (It was the topic a few weeks ago so I’m just late to the party.)

1. Pumpkin anything

Here are some of my purchases from past years:

And I’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve had:

I’ve even cooked with pumpkin:

pumpkin chili

Recipe

2. Apple Pie – especially when it is homemade with local apples (warm with vanilla ice cream is the best)

Recipe

2. Sweet Potatoes

Recipe

4. Butternut Squash Soup

Recipe

5. Cider Donuts – warmed

Happy Running! What are your favorite Fall foods?

June 23, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Summer Treats

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s topic is: Summer Treats

1. Outdoor Dining

I love being able to eat outdoors. I don’t do it at home but I do when I eat in a restaurant or at our marina.

2. Soft Ice Cream

Well, I like any kind of ice cream But open soft ice cream stands are a sign that “summer” has arrived.

3. Cute Clothes

Let’s face it, who likes to wear all those layers… sweaters, scarves, coats, boots….

Just give me a sundress and flip flops!!

4. Racing Opportunities

In the winter months if you don’t like in a warm climate, it is slim pickings.

But in the summer, I can pick from a number of races each weekend. I can make my decision based on location, distance, type of course, day, etc.

one of my favorite summer races (it’s this Sunday!)

5. Sunshine and Longer Days!!

This always makes me feel better. I hate cold weather and it seems to last longer and longer each year. or maybe I have less patience dealing with the ice an snow.

Without snow and ice to deal with, my choice of running locations open up. Check out some of the places I run here. Plus it is no longer dark when I get out of work. I can run anywhere I want!!

on the rail trail

Happy Running! What is your favorite summer treat?

March 24, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Food for Running

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic is: Food.

So what would someone who doesn’t cook much and whose post-run fuel is usually ice cream write about??

I am going to share what I use for energy before or during my runs:

1. GU

It works for me so why switch? They don’t upset my stomach and they are easy to carry on a run.

My favorite flavors are:

with caffeine – Salted Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Outrage
without caffeine – Root Bear, Peanut Butter

2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

They come in loads of flavors but I usually eat the plain fig or the blueberry.

They are made with 0g of trans fat, all natural, whole wheat , and are Non GMO, Kosher, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors are even gluten-free.

3. Bananas

runners and bananas

I love to eat them and they are a good source of potassium which is said to help prevent muscle cramping. Plus they come in their own wrapper. LOL.

4. Starbucks Chocolate Banana Smoothie

I am sure it must be heathier than a Latte or a Frappuccino, right? (This is obviously a pre or post run treat.)

It contains: A nourishing blend of mocha flavored sauce, a whole banana, milk, whey protein and fiber powder, and ice.

5. Larabar Bites

Are they healthy? Not sure but they do taste good. Here’s what their website says:

All 4 indulgent flavors are made from just 5-6 simple ingredients and are gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and dairy free.

Happy Running! What do you eat for energy?

January 25, 2017 by Darlene

Loving/Not Loving

l-nl

I haven’t done this in awhile so here it goes:

Loving: Noosa Yogurt ( I also add granola -usually gluten-free)

Not Loving: It’s expensive. The cheapest place to buy is Walmart. Not a fan. I prefer Target. But it is $.40 more there.

Loving: Getting out of work at 4 pm and it is still light outside. Soon I will be able to get my whole after work run in. I used to work until 5 pm in my old job (So I ran in the dark most of the winter).

Not Loving – My Job. It is what it is. And It’s not my cup of tea. But it pays the bills. Soon I will be traveling…ugh!! So far only scheduled for once or twice a month…

Loving – Our lack of snow. Sorry if you are a skier. But it’s great for us runners.

hooray for clear paths

Not Loving: My lack of motivation to work out. I haven’t gone to gym or done any strength training at home. I need a workout buddy. Plus the clothing. It’s cold out (when I run) and then it’s warm in the gym. How many outfits can I bring to work???

this photo was taken back in July

Loving: My Running Buddies. Alyssa had been busy for awhile so I was solo. Judy usually does not train in the winter. But they’re both back. I do short runs with Alyssa during the week and long runs with Judy on some weekends. Running is better with friends!!

: at UAlbany

Not Loving: Having to skip runs. If I’m not training for a big race, it really doesn’t matter but if I am (like for March 5 half marathon), I like to run 3 times during the week. This will be complicated with work responsibilities.

Today is Wednesday so I’m linking up with Coaches Corner–Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Rachel!

and Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle.

Happy Running! What are you loving or not loving right now?

November 18, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Foods

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s topic is Favorite Holiday Foods.

Warning. None of these are healthy.

1. Eggnog –Preferably with rum.

2. Starbucks Snowmen Cookies

3. Squash Soup – I make it with leeks and apples. YUM!

4. Pumpkin pie

5. Sweet Potatoes – With marshmallows, of course.

So now you know why I race so much.

Happy Running? What are your favorite holiday foods?

September 13, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Post Race Rituals

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Post Race Rewards/Rituals:

Here are my top 3:

Food

Chocolate Milk is my favorite post race reward. Next comes Bagels, Danishes, Donuts or some kind of Carb. Finally, there can be Fruit such as Bananas. (Of course, pizza and ice cream would be great but you don’t see them too often.)

Now this is perfect!

Results and Awards

with Holly & Jackie from the training groups

Of course, I always check the race results. Then I’ll wait for awards if I think I or a friend is getting one. Lately it’s been ME!!

Run More

Usually my races (except for half marathons) are part of a long training run so I either stay and run some more miles there OR drive to another location.

: Sept 10

Happy Running! What do you usually do after a race?

July 8, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Summer Food

Since it’s Friday, I’m linking up with three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC . Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My Friday Five topic is Favorite Summer Eats

Keep in mind that I don’t cook or bake much.

Salads

Just buy a bag of lettuce, a cooked chicken, dressing and some fruit and voila.

2. Fruit

Love summer fruit – cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries. etc.

3. Smoothies.

I used to buy these at Starbucks but now I make them – cocoa, banana, protein powder, almond milk…

4. Barbecues

I only seem to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs when they are on the grill. Also love steaks, sausage, chicken. NOT A VEGETARIAN.

5. Ice Cream

This improves any summer day.

Happy Running! What food do you enjoy in the summer?

June 10, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Healthy Starbucks

My Friday Five topic is Five Ways to Make Starbucks Healthier

Since I rarely cook or bake anything healthy or exciting, I decided to write about Starbucks. I’m experienced in this area..

Healthy Starbucks sounds like an oxymoron but believe it is not, you can get your daily fix and not go out on a limb calorie-wise.

1. Order online using the App.

When you order using the app, besides not having to wait online, you can more easily customize what exactly you want. There are customizations that you wouldn’t even know exist. Less caffeine, less ice, sugar-free options, milk options, etc.

2. Skip the Whipped Cream.

I know that frappuccinos and lattes look and taste better but you can save 100 calories. Instead add some cinnamon, chocolate or cinnamon powder on top.

foam, no whip

3. Skip the Sugar.

You can easily add the calorie-free syrups or artificial sweeteners. I like to carry my own Truvia or Stevia with me.

light mocha

4. Substitute Soy or Coconut Milk.

iced chai tea latte with coconut milk

5. Add Protein Powder.

I love the chocolate banana smoothies. I often have them before or after a run. But you can add protein powder to any Starbucks drink. You can also add a banana.

I’m addicted to these.

Okay, you may be saying that that it is costly and everything you add costs extra. True.

But keep your eye out for afternoon half price specials and days when you get double stars, etc. Eventually you will earn a FREE drink. (That’s when I go for the Venti size!!)

FYI: