I missed the #fitblog chat on Twitter last night because I was meeting my friend Robyn at the gym for yoga. I got there early enough to attempt my first run at 2.5 miles!
This is a big step for me because I know that ITB syndrome can flare up again around 2.5/3 mile mark. I have a follow-up appointment next week with the sports medicine Doc and I wanted to be able to give him a report at 3 miles. I think I will fall short of that and only be at 2.75 miles–body willing–but that’s close enough.
I hopped on the treadmill and pounded out 2.5 miles with no incident! I am really happy with that. Towards the end of my run I increased the speed to 4.8. I did that because I was trying to reach 2.5 before the yoga class started. So I think I pushed it a little too much. Oh well.
After my run (yay!) Robyn and I joined the yoga class. Back in November I was taking yoga pretty regularly (once a week) and was starting to see some improvement in my balance and strength. Yeah….that’s all gone now. I’m starting from scratch again.
Sun Salutation
Yoga felt great last night. The teacher seemed to be focusing on the back. Lots of poses for the back stretch like Camel Pose:
Camel Pose
And Cobra Pose:
Cobra Pose
I need to teach Michael these poses for his back. It’s been hurting him for two weeks now. Poor guy. 🙁
My new favorite yoga pose is Tree Pose. It really puts me at peace.
Tree Pose
I had a good workout and a good time at yoga.
Gym Stats:
Time: 1:38
Calories Burned: 537
Activities: Return to Running Plan, Yoga
I got home from Yoga and Michael was making turkey burgers for dinner.
I celebrate the commercial holiday of Christmas–the tree, Santa, presents, etc. But really in my personal life I celebrate Yule. Yule is the Winter Solstice–also known as the shortest day of the year.
The shortest day of the year usually falls on December 21st or 22nd each year and in turn the longest day of the year is the Summer Solstice on June 21st or 22nd.
Part of the tradition involves burning a Yule Log. It’s a celebration of the returning sun! Thankfully! And for good luck in the new year.
The other component to Yule is eating a delicious winter dinner–often times I make soup. This year I slacked off. My schedule was just too busy and things didn’t line up like I wanted them to. But Michael made a delicious dinner so I’m going to call that our Yule Dinner.
He made some fries from the last yam we have.
I ate my Bacon Jalapeno Turkey Burger on the last of the onion buns and Michael had his on a Sandwich Thin.
The fries were tasty but on the mushy side. We can’t seem to get the recipe quite right. Any tips?
I’m wondering if we should broil the fries to make them a little crispy before serving them. I’m really baffled at this point.
Michael and I shared some cookies for dessert.
I’m looking forward to starting my 4 day weekend now!
QUESTION: Do you celebrate any other holidays besides Christmas? What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Carbzilla
I love the idea of celebrating Yule!
What’s up with Michael’s back? I’m so over my own back troubles. It’d be more interesting to hear about someone else’s. Has he been to a chiro?
I haven’t done yoga (or anything besides walking) in forever. Just when I was raring to go back, I hurt myself. Soon, soon. And bike training. I haven’t forgotten. 🙂
Lisa Eirene
I’ve been celebrating it for about 15 years now and I wish I had been more on the ball yesterday so I could do it properly!
Michael hurt his back doing weights. I think he said he was doing Dead Lifts? We got massages, then he went to the chiropractor. He said never do Dead Lifts. Good to know. I hope he feels better soon. It’s been 2 weeks and he’s pretty miserable. 🙁
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
That burger looks awesome with those yam fries! I think if you broil them or just cook them for longer until they get a little more browned, you’ll get them crispier. Keep in mind they wont really get as crispy as fried fries no matter what you do, but if the outside gets drier and crispier they can be delicious.
Lisa Eirene
Thanks for the tip! The flavor of them are magical. I just want a tad crisp.
Shannon @ BetterNextTime
I toss my sweet potato fries with an egg white before baking. It’s the only way I’ve found to get them crispy! (Makes them incredibly prone to sticking to the pan, on the down side.)
Lisa Eirene
Interesting! Maybe we’ll try the egg white next time. Sounds like a good trick!
marie
I forgot to tell you we made your bacon turkey burgers – we had cayennes, so we used those instead of jalapenos but they were fantastic!
Lisa Eirene
That’s great! I’m glad to hear those burgers are catching on!
Chuck Cornwell
How refreshing to find one our American cousins who also celebrates Yule. I have been reading your blog for some time now always gaining a sense of peace from it and now I know why. I wish you well for the year to come and hope your celebration of the Mid Winter Festival of Yule was enjoyable. Kindest regards
Billie x
Lisa Eirene
Thanks for reading Billie. Yes, I celebrate Yule. For about 15 years now. 🙂 Have a wonderful holiday!