Run to Learn

I have a love hate relationship with running. I like running after it's over, however during the actual run, all I can think about is how I'm getting tired, how my foot itches, how my shoulder muscle is sore, etc. This quickly gets me down and makes me feel even more tired, like I can't go on.

I find this a strange phenomenon. When I run on an elliptical at the gym, I can go for much longer without this situation occurring, primarily because I can get engaged into a book. It may be weird, but I typically prop up a book on the machine while running. I realize that running in a gym is easier than running outside, but the differences are quite drastic.

I do have an iPod and I tried running outside with music, but music just doesn't suck me in, leaving me in the same predicament. Luckily, I've discovered a new way to take my mind off running: podcasts. More specifically, the "Stuff You Should Know" podcasts. The more recent ones are about 30 minutes long (earlier versions are only 5 minutes each). They are really interesting and amusing as well. I also get more excited to run, because I refrain from listening to them except when running. Today I listened to one today about counterfeiters. For example, did you know that the Nazi's were big into counterfeiting? It wasn't so they could have more buying power, but to undermine the Allies' economy via inflation. They counterfeit British pounds and then they dropped the money from planes. Crazy!

Question of the day: do you do anything to distract yourself while exercising?

My favorite cookbook right now is Veganomicon. This is somewhat surprising because it has so few pictures (I typically like pictures to inspire me), however each recipe I've tried, and I've tried quite a few, has turned out great. Recent I made a few recipes out of it: the smoky tempeh and the baby bok choy. Both were delicious. I also made an interesting carrot and arame side dish from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, which was surprisingly tasty. I also heated up some leftover brown rice to serve as a side.



I've also been getting into raw desserts. I made another dessert from Ani's Raw Food Desserts, the chocolate ganache "cake". I had read online lots of good reviews, so I decided to give it a whirl. The best thing about raw desserts is how quick they whip up if you have all the ingredients. The cake was quite tasty, but my favorite part was the delicious chocolate frosting. Mmm!