Nutty
By Brit Chick Runs. Filed in Uncategorized |Tags: banana, Bars, Carrot, Oatmeal, Running, Smoothie, Socca
Herro!
Something gross happened whilst I was running today – I swallowed a bug! Ok, nothing that unusual there..but it’s really erksome when you can actually TASTE the bug, as it gets stuck in your throat and sets up camp there. In case you’re wondering what bugs taste like – they taste nutty. Very much like peanut butter, actually.
(source) If you don’t like the above bloke, how about a cat instead?
(source)
Now, it COULD have been lingering real peanut butter taste, from the peanut butter finger I had before I left – but come on, you’ve seen the results from my OIAJs – no PB trace escapes me for long!
Howz about that run though jah? Welll….not so good. I did 4miles in 34.30 ish, which was fine, but the pain is still there. Over the weekend on my 3miler, I’d have given it a 5/10 on the Freya Pain Scale (anything 5+, and I have to keep walking), but today – like the last run – was a 4 or so. It’s the kinda pain where it’s there, it’s bugging you no end and stops the run being enjoyable, but at the same, it doesn’t feel like I need to stop. I DID stop, at each mile to stretch, but it only helped briefly. I just can’t work it out – sometimes there’s a bit of pain in my shin, sometimes in my calf, all mainly in the left leg. It’s hard to know WHAT the pain is, because I know that sometimes, running does hurt. That’s just running! The same as strength training hurts (‘feeeel the buuuurrrrrnnn!!’) but I don’t think this pain is normal.
I’m confuzzled.
Now – don’t go hatin’ on me here for having a little moan quickly, cos I’ve been proud of how well I’ve coped with the whole injury thing. But arghggh, it’s really, really starting to get me down! FOUR months, I’ve been injured! And I even had a glimpse of being healed a few weeks back (that only lasted 1.5weeks), when I had that incredible 7miler. I know there are more important things in life to worry about, but running is something that I feel defines me, it’s something I adore and am passionate about, and I have goals which I desperately want to achieve. With each day that goes by and I’m still injured, I can feel the marathon and half marathon (both in October) slipping away. I can also feel the debt collectors revving their engines, as my poor bank account gets bled dry by trips to the physio….!!
The worst part of it? That I just do not know WHY this is still going on. I’m stretching like a mad woman, I’m doing my own version of foam rolling (with a tennis ball!), I’m doing my calf strength exercises, I’m watching my technique, I’m eating my iron and my protein and my carbs, I’m strength training as best I can, I’m drinking more (I’ve even given up my Diet Pepsi habit so I HAVE to drink water!), I’m getting sports physio. Why why why!!??? It can’t be stress related (exams are approaching and I AM stressed) cos I was running strongly this time last year.
I’m just so, so very fed up and annoyed and upset.
Maybe if I keep drinking Green Monsters daily, the pain will go!? Put yo’ shades on for this picture!
Let’s hope!
OK – rant over! Onwards and upwards!
Post-run, I was looking for something delicious and comforting, to dull the pain from my blackened spirt (<—most melodramatic phrase ever there!! HA!). I’ve been seeing the dough-boy smoothie on Kath’s blog a few times recently, and thought ‘errr WOWZER’ on each occasion! Of course, I always forget to make overnight oats, so I never get around to it. Theeen yesterday, I saw Katie post her carrot cake in a bowl recipe, and ideas linked in my head, cogs turned, and two became one…..
Cooked oats.
Carrot, banana, maple syrup (and a boatlaod of other spices). Blend blend blend.
Voila!
Fresh figs – if you haven’t had one before, sort it out! Fresh figs are awesome when they’re really ripe – so sweet and juicy! I got a pack of about 8 for £1.20 from a greengrocers, which is crazy cheap and abnormal – but they are worth investing in! <—words of wisdom for the day.
It was actually a bit sickly for me – I have no idea why! In theory, it shoulda been awesome, but I don’t know..maybe my tastebuds were wacked out!? Of course, I finished it, cos I ALWAYS finish what’s on my plate :p but I did feel a little gross after! Ah well. You can’t #win on every meal right?
The dough carrot smoothie thing did hold me over well though, and come lunch time, there was no appetite! I decided to try and work one up by doing some abs work – which worked, cos I kept thinking about lunch, and all of a sudden, SOCCA entered my head! Closely followed by a mild desire for food! I grabbed it my 2 horns and ran with the urge. Enter- World’s Most Random Lunch:
A mix of gram flour, baking powder and chestnut flour. I’ve finnnnally worked out what chestnut flour reminds me of – bacon! It smells all smoky, and it’s kinda like what it smells like when my sister has bacon. Except, in a good, nice, vegan way…! Anyway – the chestnut flour gave the socca THE most amazing taste! Bliiiiss.
See, in my abs-daydreams, I’d only got as far as socca. But socca alone wasn’t really enough protein..so I added in a half serving of peanut flour.
But still, I kept thinking it wasn’t quite enough..so along came a lorra veggies – aubergine, parsnip, celeriac:
Note my talented carving skills. I bet the world is sighing with relief that I’m not a butcher right now.
Socca and veg and peanut flour? One needs more. But what to have!? Bar stash to the rescue!
Use-by – 21st March
I had half of that on the side too:
I was very unsure of that bar when I looked at the packet – crispy rice things generally aren’t my thing cos they remind me of eating air – but it was high in protein, so I thought I’d give it a go. It surpassed my expectations and was actually really tasty! Incredible! And now I have the other half to look forward to for a snack 
Happy days.
——
30 Day Challenge timeeee!
Day Three: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Bah – I hate drugs! I’ve never ever done drugs in my entire life, and never will. My mum is actually a drugs therapist – she works for a well known charity, which treats people for drug addiction. The stuff she deals with is horrific – Does anyone in England remembers the prostitute murders a few years ago? Where 5 or 6 women were killed in a really short space of time? My mum knew some of those women, because they’d come in for help, and a lot of the women she treated afterwards had been friends with the victims. The effect drugs can have on people is so, so sad. I could never touch them.
Alcohol – I used to drink when I was a teenager (it’s legal here from aged 18+, and earlier if you’re in your own house), at parties and stuff – but I really did it to fit in. I was 15 or so, and totally lost in the world. All the ‘cool kids’ drank, so I did too. I also found that when I drank, I became confident and overcame my crippling shyness. I’ve since stopped drinking completely – I don’t actually enjoy the taste or smell of alcohol, and looking back, I was an embarrassment when drunk. I once passed out in a bathroom at a party, slumped over a toilet seat aged 16. Not my finest hour. I’ve also realised how bad alcohol is for me, physically! I’m not saying alcohol is bad (heck, isn’t red wine meant to be good for you!?) but I personally don’t like what it does to my body, so I avoid it. Just my view
What are your views on drugs and alcohol?
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 10:19 pm |
One: I am in love with blended oatmeal and can only imagine your carrot-y version is YUMMY!
Two: Your meals are always full of so many yummy ideas!
Three: Drugs = bad. Alcohol… well, too much makes you look really, really ridiculous! Make sure you don’t get drunk unless you trust someone to look after you!
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 10:32 pm |
I hear where you are comming from about drinking, I did when I was underage and I had quite a few embarrasing episodes like you… I stopped having social drinks for a long time because I didn’t want that every to happen again. Finally I learned/realized that I can have an occasional drink without embarrasing myself so I do drink on occasion!However alot of drinks that I drank when i was younger i would never be able to smell or touch again, too many bad memories of getting sick eeeek. Drugs…… never tried them, never will.
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 11:08 pm |
Boo about the running pain! All you can do is rest and take it easy. Sometimes these things happen that no one can explain and it can be so damn frustrating! But forcing your body to do something it doesn’t want to do at this point in time will only make things worse in the long run. I hope it feels better soon, though, because I know how much you love running
*hugsss*
I’ve never thought of blending oatmeal…but I’m not really all about smoothies or anything. I like the texture of oats as they are
That protein bar looks DELICIOUS to me. Maybe I like that kinda thing.
I’m very against illegal drugs and stuff. I’ve never had the desire to take them. But alcohol, I’m not really against. Not when it’s being drunken (?) at social gatherings or when you’re having a wine with dinner or something. I guess the word I’m looking for here is “responsible drinking” (<–that's actually two words!). I drink but only with friends or family and only when I'm around safe people. When I was younger I used to drink for stupid reasons and there are so many cringey moments I wish I could take back. Oh well, you live and you learn.
xxx
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 11:22 pm |
That blended carrot cake oatmeal looks soo good! I’ve been meaning to try blending my cooked oats.
And HOW can you eat half a bar?! I TOTALLY don’t have the willpower, haha.
As for the drink thing, I totally love your view. Even just a few months ago I was out 3/4 times a week at pubs/bars/clubs drinking a lot. It was just before I started the blog and I was still with my ex… I was eating as I am now but drinking too much so definitely NOT as healthy! That sad, I still drink but I only go out ‘drinking’ once every few weeks. I enjoy the odd beer or glass of red with the occasional meal at home, though.
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 11:23 pm |
I’m sorry to hear about your running injury! I have one currently too and it’s SO HARD to not run! I’ve been resting for 2 weeks now and it’s still not better. Grrr. I feel your pain. Literally.
Gross about the bug!! But, hey, extra protein!
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 11:23 pm |
Drugs: NEVER.
Alcohol: I don’t mind a good beer every once and awhile.
Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 11:25 pm |
Have you thought the pain might be a stress fracture? I would get that checked out.
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 12:21 am |
Ugh, I’m sorry to hear about the leg frustrations, girl. I’d be upset too- totally understandable to vent!
Drugs- never done any of them, even pot, which surprises a lot of people. I do drink fairly often, but I try to keep the amount under control because no one wants to be THAT girl. I actually really, really, really enjoy the taste of beer, so that’s my drink of choice!
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 12:26 am |
Okay, swallowing bugs is disgusting. I’ve done if my fair share of times!
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 2:31 am |
Those figs look delicious! Like mini watermelons
Love that 30 day day challenge too… that’s the first time I’ve seen it in the blog world. great idea!
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 4:36 am |
Sorry about your injury! I know that has to be frustrating. You still have plenty of time before your races though! Have you tried kinesio taping? I had a calf tear and taping it allowed me to run through it with no pain.
Drugs – don’t do them, never have, never will. I just don’t understand the appeal!
Alcohol – I drink on occasion. I found that I basically had to cut back a lot during marathon training. It wasn’t worth being dehydrated during a run! I did used to drink a lot in college. Now I can’t handle more than two drinks!
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 4:54 am |
I don’t really drink anymore. I definitely went through my drinking phase when I was 16 or so, and it was NOT cute! I get really sloppy and annoying when I drink too much. Now I’m the designated driver
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 10:30 am |
Bugs taste like peanut butter?? ROFL :’)
I actually think your carrot porridge looks delish – but I’m a sucker for oats. I must have been a horse in a former life.
As for drugs – never done them and never will.
Alcohol – first of all, I’m not old enough to drink yet. Secondly, wine tastes like cough syrup to me! Reminds me of when I was little and got the flu really badly, and had to take Augmentin. I really, really don’t want to relive those memories (I HATE being sick!). So my guess is I’ll probably be teetotal even when I’m old enough.
BTW, I <3 your blog!
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 10:32 am |
And ohmygosh, fresh figs are SO expensive where I live! $24 per kilo! I’ll stick with the dried ones for now. Actually, I buy semi-dried ones that are soft and juicy and taste marvellous. They’re half the price of the fresh ones, too.
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 11:07 am |
aHH freya! im sorry about this injury- it must be insanely frustrating.. myeb you should get a more serious scan on it?? just to make sure its not something mroe serious than we think- like janae!
i LOVE your eats– fresh figs are the BEST =- agreed!
drugs= no
alcohol= yes when its party… but i dont enjoy it!
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 4:26 pm |
Hi, Freya
Long time reader, never commented though I don’t think.
I wanted to share my story with you – I am not saying the cause of your pain is the same as mine, but it may play a part…
Basically, I struggled with anorexia from age 13 to age 26 when I finally started getting help. I was a runner, like you, and ran miles and miles but little nutrition. Anyhow, I started recovering, gained to a normal weight, and maintained. About a year after recovering, I started to get some pains in my butt while running. It got worse and worse and I was diagnosed with sciatica and given steriods which relieved it for a bit. Then it came back. In the other side. Then in a calf. then in a hip. It seemed to hurt more when I exercised, especially when I ran. The pain came Randomnly – one day my left butt would hurt SO bad I coudln’t stand it – the next, my right calf would hurt and the left butt was fine. I saw physical therapists, orthopedic, nerve doctors, and a chiro. Diagnosis? Nothing wrong with me.
Finally at my last hope went to a specialist who hit the root of the problem. Basically, my years of anorexia took more of a toll than I thought. Years of exercising while starving my body of nutrients did damage I could not see. My muscles have scar tissue deep in them that built up during the years. In normal people, it will break up and repair – but not if you’re not nourishing your body. Worst part? I can’t fix this. Sometimes I have low pain days, other I want to cry. But I’m stuck like this and I hate my eating disorder for it. I can do very low impact exercise but sometimes it’s not worth it for the pain I’m in. Some days I don’t exercise at all but I’m in pain anyhow from days/years of the scar build up. Also, there is a bit of nerve damage from lack of nutrients to the nerves, which is also un fixable.
Now – I’m NOT saying this is the case with you. Not at ALL. but I AM saying that you should bring up your past with doctors and ask if it could possibly be an issue or related.
best of luck to you. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk
Holly
Sunday, April 17th 2011 at 9:38 pm |
Hey Holly,
Thanks for sharing your story, and I’m sorry you are suffering so much. It seems so unfair that you go through all the sh!t of recovering and succeed, and then still get left with a nasty scar from it. It’s not right!
I’m pretty confident this isn’t related to my past – considering the length of time I was at a very low weight, plus how long I’ve been at a better weight, plus my successes with running last year. I genuinely think I’m injured because I upped my training too fast in January, without enough stretching and cross training etc. It’s just frustrating that I’m still injured! But I AM improving, so onwards and upwards
Thank you for your input, I appreciate it.
Hope you’re ok!
Freya
Friday, April 15th 2011 at 9:54 pm |
Have you changed your running shoes lately? Because I was getting really tired after running, my right hip hurt a lot and felt like it was dislocated or something, not to mention my feet were always in the dump afterwards, and then I decided to buy a new pair of shoes. Oh my god, what a difference it made!! I don’t know if that’s what’s aggravating your pain, but maybe look into it?
Also, if you like fresh figs, you should come to Portugal in the summer! There are both green and black varieties, and most for like 1euro a kg and so so delish…
Sunday, April 17th 2011 at 9:39 pm |
Well, I changed my shoes fairly recently, BUT my gait has changed since then, so I got a new pair on Saturday. Interestingly, I wasn’t in half as much soreness today when I ran…!
Aaah fresh figs and Portugal..is that an invite!? :p