Back to Running & Slow Cookin'

Tomorrow, running will ensue. There's no longer any tightness in my IT Band that I can tell. I've biked, I've worked out to Jillian Michaels videos, none of which have resulted in any further pain. With that being said, I will ALWAYS do a day of rest after a run that's any longer than 15 miles. I never want to take off from running because of over-training.

Yes, it has only been three days, but I can't stand any other form of exercise. The bike hurts my butt and although I love Jillian, she's not a pair of running shoes on a river-side trail. I've also been feeling ginormous! I've tried to cut back a few calories here and there since I'm not burning as much, but I LOVE FOOD! Tonight, I made slow-cooked Cheesy Chicken and Rice. The flavors were all there, but, I think I'll opt for baking next time. The rice was a bit mushy.

Here's the recipe I used though, if you want to give it a try. Got it from Campbell's...

What You'll Need

Vegetable cooking spray
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
1 3/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 bag (about 16 ounces) frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
3 large carrots, sliced (about 2 1/4 cups)
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 1/2 cups water

How to Make It

1. Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with the cooking spray. Place the rice in the slow cooker. Layer the chicken, 1 cup cheese, broccoli, carrots, soups and the remaining cheese on top of the rice. Pour the water around the edges of the slow cooker and do not stir.
   
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir the rice and vegetables before serving.

Since Peter and I don't exactly like following recipes, I added chopped red bell pepper, onion, salt, pepper, paprika, and some garlic.  I added the cheese and broccoli 30 minutes before serving. Also, just did 2 cans of Cream of Chicken. No mushrooms for us. Blegh! We always top off our meals with Sriracha. If you've never tried it, you are missing out! I always thought Frank's Red Hot was the best, but I was horribly mistaken.

Anyway, I'll definitely keep you guys posted on the status of my run tomorrow! Hopefully my next post will be only of how amazing it was to run again!!!



Question Time!
Do you find it difficult to cross train? Do you find it boring?

Do you ever feel "fat" when you can't run? Do you change your eating habits?

Have you ever tried doing a Jillian Michaels video? Do you have a favorite?

Do you have any good recipes that's a runner must-have for dinner?