Super Sunday

I think this was my most productive Sunday... ever. I knocked out about 3 hours of work, ran errands, deep-cleaned my room and kitchen, did laundry, and went on a run. I also hung our first Christmas decoration!

It's just a door sign, but it's a start. We didn't get a tree last year, but I'd love to get a small one this year! My dad has the tradition of getting all the children an ornament each year-- we had to stop it at home because the tree couldn't handle anymore new ones, but every year since I've graduated college he's sent me one for my apartment trees. Last year I hung them from our 'balcony' (aka railing on the two steps in my apartment), but this year I'd love to actually hang them on a tree.

Fun fact: Decorating the tree is a huge tradition in my family. Even though my brother, sister, and I don't get home until December 22nd or later, my parents wait every year to decorate with us. And we always have glass bottle cokes and cookies while we're decorating ;) 

Run stats: Chilly Central Park run, 5.1 miles, 48:08, 9:26/mile. Hamstring still a little tender, but getting better!

A Different Type Of Marathon

Almost as satisfying as running 26.2. ;)

I got back to NYC last night around midnight, leaving the weekend open to take care of two important things: cleaning and cooking, both of which had fallen by the wayside since Sandy. I decided that today would be my cooking day and tomorrow would be my cleaning day.

I needed to go to the grocery store to start my cooking marathon, so I ran the 3.3 miles to Trader Joes. My hamstring is still tender, but it was a fast 3 miles. I did lots of stretching and icing before turning on the SVU Marathon and jumping into cooking. 

It took about 4 hours, but here is what I accomplished:

Turkey meatballs 

Lentil soup  

Broccoli-cheddar soup 

I'll freeze about half of the meatballs and both soups, so I should have enough food for a few weeks! I also pre-cut all the fruits and veggies I needed for green smoothies this week, and roasted some chickpeas for lunch salads. I hadn't really gone to the grocery store after Sandy knocked out our fridge so I had fallen into the habit of picking up lunch everyday... which isn't good for the wallet or the waist line. Even though I spent a bit more than usual at the grocery store, I'm well stocked and hopefully will be able to avoid falling into the 'I'll just order dinner' routine. Chicken was also on sale ($1.99/pound!) so I'm making sweet chili chicken and sweet potatoes tomorrow night.

Now back to the SVU Marathon and enjoying a quiet night in after a busy week!

Run Stats: 3.3 miles along the East River to Trader Joes, 30:08, 9:08/mile pace