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in What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW) · September 30, 2015

WIAW: Keeping It Simple

Lately I have been all about keeping my meals simple. This means leftovers, making recipes I am familiar with or that seem easy, and preparing foods on the weekends, like my on-the-go breakfasts. I think that I am getting to the point in training where I don’t have the energy to do anything extra, yet I want to eat everything in sight. 

So, here is how a simple Monday looked…through pictures (mostly), because isn’t that the real reason why you are here?

coffee

The usual pre-run coffee

egg scramble

Egg scramble (leftover from Sunday’s breakfast)

breakfast cookie

Blueberry almond breakfast cookies

apples

A jonamac apple from Fresh Market (first time trying these)

lasagna

Turkey and veggie lasagna (leftovers from Sunday night- also, picture from Sunday night)

pear

Bosc pear

lara bar uber

Uber LARABAR on my drive home from work

kombucha

Had Kombucha for the second time ever (and it wasn’t expired!)

salmon

Salmon (I followed this recipe), baked potato, green beans

dessert

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownie

And one random comment…when we were buying our salmon at Fresh Market the other day I just had to take a picture of this:

pumpkin salmon

Seriously?? I feel like this pumpkin thing can be taken a bit too far sometimes. But I’m not a big fan, so maybe it’s just me.

Would you eat pumpkin spiced salmon?
How do you keep your meals simple?
Do you find you have less energy to cook when you are marathon training?

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Previous Post: « On-The-Go Breakfast Recipe Round-Up
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says

    September 30, 2015 at 5:33 am

    OMG with the pumpkin salmon. It’s enough already! I think it’s all a marketing thing in the stores for the season but it’s getting annoying. I haven’t had kombucha now in a while, I saw it was on sale at Whole Foods. And yes to simple, I never feel like complicated meals.

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Kombucha is an expensive habit to keep regularly. And I definitely agree that all the pumpkin stuff is all about the marketing!

  2. Cat says

    September 30, 2015 at 6:25 am

    Hahaha pumpkin spiced salmon! Now I’ve seen it all 😉 Knowing me I probably WOULD try it… and like it! It’s not such a big thing here in the UK, so may be the novelty would appeal 😉

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:39 am

      I was really curious if anyone would like it! I can’t even imagine what it would taste like, but I think I’m turned off by it because I’m not a big fan of pumpkin.

  3. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    September 30, 2015 at 6:41 am

    The salmon. I can’t even…
    Is a jonamac a cross between a johnathon and a macintosh?

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:40 am

      I’m not sure, but probably! We read the description on the bag and they sounded good which is why we tried them. It did remind me of a macintosh.

  4. [email protected] says

    September 30, 2015 at 7:46 am

    That brownie looks delicious. That is one of my weaknesses when it comes to desserts. Pumpkin spice salmon? I love all things pumpkin so I’d definitely give it a try.

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:41 am

      If you ever get the chance to try pumpkin salmon I would love to hear what you think of it!

  5. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    September 30, 2015 at 7:57 am

    I have never heard of a Jonomac! Was it good? And pumpkin spiced salmon? No, just no…

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:41 am

      This was the first time I heard of it as well! It was good…reminded me of a macintosh.

  6. Kristina says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Pumpkin spiced salmon?! I’m not a big fan of pumpkin spice either. Well, to be honest I’ve never had anything with pumpkin spice so I don’t know for a fact that I’m not a fan, but I don’t really like the smell of it so I don’t think I would like it!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:42 am

      That’s how I feel about pumpkin spice! Although I will use it for baking, but definitely not on fish!!

  7. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:24 am

    To the first question, I would not, and now I want to gag! We are definitely on the same page with our approach to meals and our WIAW this week!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:43 am

      Yes- marathon training is tiring so who wants to think too much about cooking? I would love to hear what someone thought of that salmon who actually tried it.

  8. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Pumpkin spice salmon is just too far. I could see maybe ginger on salmon, but not cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. I love simple meals – especially anything involving baked potatoes right now as I want all the carbs!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 9:05 am

      Agreed! Ginger on salmon is good, anything else would probably be too much.

  9. Lesley says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:58 am

    I’m not a squash fan at all and pumpkin falls in line with that. Each year it gets worse and worse, and sorry, pumpkin spice salmon does not sound appetizing at all.

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Agreed! It’s fine to like that stuff, but I don’t see the need to put it on salmon.

  10. Jen B. says

    September 30, 2015 at 9:05 am

    Oh dear lord–I LOVE all things pumpkin, but pumpkin spiced salmon is a little too much, and that’s saying a lot coming from someone who embraces their inner Basic White Girl!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Glad you can agree! Just seems like it’s going a bit too far.

  11. Lilly says

    September 30, 2015 at 9:11 am

    BAHA that salmon. I would have to try it. I’m already turning orange with the amount of pumpkin spice I’ve been having, so why not? Keeping it simple is soooo the way to go. On occasion it’s nice to “jazz” things up, but especially when tired or busy, you have your “go to” meals for a reason! And your meals still look so delicious. I really want egg scramble right now.

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 9:18 am

      If you ever try it I would love to know what you think:) And most of the time it’s so much easier to stick with simple meals…who wants to stress out about making complicated recipes all the time?

  12. Suzy says

    September 30, 2015 at 9:15 am

    Oh for crying out loud. I could drop a D in a box, label it as pumpkin spice and make a killing off of it. This is getting ridiculous. 😉

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 9:19 am

      I knew you would agree that this is taking it too far! I’m with ya on trying pumpkin beer, but salmon? NO thanks.

  13. Jamie says

    September 30, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Pumpkin spiced salmon sounds like a big no-no in my opinion. I am definitely at the point in training where I am on total autopilot and just eating the same things because it’s easy, takes no energy, and I know it’s healthy… which means EGGS FOR DINNER! Haha. By the end of the day I’m just spent, and want to sit my butt on the couch 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Exactly! Anytime I try to make a meal that involved more work I instantly regret it.

  14. Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says

    September 30, 2015 at 10:35 am

    I always eat breakfast foods after a long run because they are so easy to whip up – scramble some eggs and veggies and cheese, pair with turkey or ham and GF toast or a wrap, some fruit after and iced coffee on the side 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 10:38 am

      Breakfast foods are so perfect post run! As much as I complain about cooking after a tiring run, it really doesn’t take that long to make eggs:)

  15. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

    September 30, 2015 at 10:36 am

    i just gagged a little thinking of pumpkin spiced salmon. although maybe it tastes fantastic, dont some people mix chocolate and avocado and say it tastes really good. personally that sounds nasty but maybe its fantastic. the salmon though, pretty sure thats just gross lol

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 10:40 am

      I agree with you! But considering I don’t love pumpkin I didn’t’ want to be too quick to judge:) But yea, definitely a weird combo.

  16. Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian says

    September 30, 2015 at 11:33 am

    I love those uber larabars. They make such a tasty, filling snack!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:21 pm

      I just tried them recently and they are so good!

  17. Angie @ Pace with Grace says

    September 30, 2015 at 11:47 am

    Pumpkin spiced salmon… I’m not sure about that. I would try it but don’t think I would spend the $ on it. I keep meals simple by prepping ahead and having protein options to throw into salads through out the week. I also use my crock pot on Sundays to cook a big meal and eat leftovers them through out the week. That PB chocolate chip brownie looks delicious!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:21 pm

      Those sound like good strategies! I definitely wouldn’t spend money on the pumpkin spices salmon either.

  18. Annette @ Sweating Through Life says

    September 30, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I agree with you. I love pumpkin spice things…but there has got to be a line. I mean, it’s not good enough to put on EVERYTHING.
    I also wish, once again, that I liked seafood. The salmon looks so delicious, but I just don’t like it:(

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:22 pm

      I am kind of picky about seafood. But salmon is one of the few kinds of fish I like. Just not with pumpkin spice:)

  19. Lizzy says

    September 30, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    You know it’s Wednesday when you scroll through a blog post filled with tons of awesome looking food and you find yourself drooling over the coffee! Sigh…

    I’ve noticed that I don’t feel up to cooking as much when I’m in peak training mode. It’s helpful if my significant other can pick up some of the slack, but mostly I just try to keep the freezer stocked with leftovers that have been pre-portioned for meals. That way I basically have the convenience of eating something packaged but it’s still homemade.

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:23 pm

      Haha, yes, definitely a Wednesday!
      That sounds like a great plan! Its so hard to get motivated to cook when you are already tired.

  20. heather says

    September 30, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    I have never tried pumpkin spiced salmon. I love all salmon, raw, baked, smoked etc, but I am a little baffled by this one. I love to cook so I make lots and then have leftovers and freeze them. All of these look delicious and healthy. Have a great day
    bakingrunner.blogspot.com

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      I was baffled when I saw this at the seafood counter! That sounds like a great plan to make extra food and freeze it. I think that would help over my next few weeks of training!

  21. Elizabeth says

    September 30, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    I am a fan of pumpkin/pumpkin spiced flavored things, but it can be taken too far and pumpkin spiced Salmon is one of those things! I would definitely not eat that. That lasagna looks delicious and is making me want to make that soon haha.

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Lasagna is one of my favorite meals during marathon training because its filling and there are lots of leftovers!

  22. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    September 30, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    that PB chocolate chip brownie looks amazing! i need to try that! and pumpkin spice salmon sounds interesting! i would try it!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:25 pm

      If you ever get to try it please let me know what you think:)

  23. Sara @ Oats & Rows says

    September 30, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    Wow, pumpkin spiced salmon?? I definitely would try it, but I don’t know about having it as a whole meal. I keep my meals simple by having a fish or meat that’s baked and roasting veggies at the same time. All done at the same time!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:25 pm

      I love meals that can all be cooked together! Definitely simplifies things and makes for an easier clean up!

  24. megabrooke says

    September 30, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    Mmm- I just went back to your breakfast post and I’m drooling! Also, all of these meals look damn yummy too!

    • [email protected] says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:26 pm

      Thanks!

  25. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    Really?!? Pumpkin-spiced salmon?!? I love salmon and I love pumpkin spice so…I don’t know, but I agree that it has gotten a little wild. I don’t know what it says about me that I’ve just started marathon training and I ALREADY don’t want to cook – ha! I’m so glad that you’re getting close, Lisa!!

    • [email protected] says

      October 1, 2015 at 5:15 am

      All this pumpkin spiced stuff is definitely being taken a bit too far…I don’t think thats something I would ever want to try!

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Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of n Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of nerves and not able to sleep? This is my first big marathon in 10 years, my first time traveling to a race in 10 years, and my first time spending the night away from my kids. And of course I’m tapering so I can’t run off the nerves 🙃 #marathontraining #taper #richmondmarathon
Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definit Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definitely overdressed for this run but it was nice to not wear gloves or a headband! This was the run I needed a week before my marathon. After last week’s disaster of a long run it felt great to just run an easy 10 miles. (And these days 10 miles feels like nothing). I think I figured out the fueling and shoes 🤞so nothing left to do but take it easy, carb load, and get in the right mindset! Is it unseasonably warm where you are?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to b Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
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I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
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