Wise, insightful posts are so inspiring.
I so admire people who can write them.
Kat wrote one such post today in her bi-weekly guest spot below. I am forever grateful to her for bringing a mature different voice to this blog.
It make me feel less guilty for sharing crap interesting tidbits like this:
Hello Kitty beer. It’s a real thing in China. Apparently it comes in lime and peach flavors… and there are 4 more coming. Like banana. *gag*
Rather than making about a million inappropriate jokes, I going to stop and let Kat take over. Her Vegan Eggplant Parm recipe certainly tastes better than Hello Kitty fruity beer.
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A 50 K, a 50 mile, and Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
The rest of my West Coast Trip ROCKED! I finished 3rd in my age group at the Mount Tam 50K, and it was such a beautiful race! However, I wore the wrong shoes, and my feet ACHED! I wore the Saucony Kinvara trail shoes (which I love, but only for about 15-18 miles or so). I got new shoes as soon as I got home (to wear in my 50 miler last Sunday).
Mount Tam 50k
Then I went zip lining through the redwoods! I highly recommend this! (Editor’s note: I’ll pass on the 50K but sign me up for this!!!)
I learned so much about the trees and how adaptive they are. They really are super cool, and the zip lining is a blast, too.
After 10 days, getting back to “normal,” has been a slow process, at best, but I’m so happy to be home with all of my babies – the three kitties and the three puppies! (Editor’s note: I always feel that way too – even after the most amazing of trips.)
I also was super excited to run the Yeti Snakebite 50/50 on Sunday, September 1. So many of my friends were there to either run 50K or 50 miles, and it was awesome to see all the friendly faces. Unfortunately, it was a much harder race and hotter day than most anticipated, so tons of people were unable to complete the race (and I was super slow). However, I finished the 50 miler, a little over 12 hours after I started.
Krista gave up her whole day to crew for me. She showed up at every aid station to bring me things I needed and wanted and to help me though. I am humbled and grateful to have people in my life who care about me and are willing to support me in my (crazy) endeavors.
My new Innov8 Trail Roc shoes also ROCKED! I was a little nervous, having only run in them once (for about 6 miles), to wear them in such a long race, but I highly recommend them. They are lightweight, but have a beastly cleat (Editor’s note: Best description ever) on the bottom to help you on the trails, while not hurting your feet for short spurts on pavement.
The Race itself was extremely difficult, and when it rained (POURED) on us, it was slippery and dangerous. EEK! I also got off-trail for a bit, which reminded me to just smile through it and eventually cross the finish line! The volunteers were amazing, and kept us going even when super frustrated.
It helps to step back after a race like that and ask yourself, “Why?” Why do we do this? Why do we intentionally do things that we know will hurt, that will push us to our physical and mental limits?”
I keep coming back to the answer that it shows me that I can push through the most difficult feelings, and survive when I want to quit. Applying this lesson to life, I keep wanting to also show myself I can do it with a smile. (Editor’s note: That, and you’re a little crazy. Which is why we get along. 😉 )
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At my house, we recently started getting fruit and vegetable delivery, once a week, from Cold Life Organics. They have several options for boxes, and you can add on to any box, skip a shipment, or change which box you need or want. It’s only $40 for one week for two people! It’s been awesome, and with the variety they bring, it encourages me to try new things and think outside the box. 😉 (Yes, that was a cheesy pun. You’re welcome!)
Last week we got eggplant. I wanted to have friends over, rather than going out and spending more money, so I decided to get creative for my vegan friend, Ann. I ended up doing a play on Eggplant Parmesan, sans the Parmesan… and it was SO GOOD! (Editor’s note: Holla at this friend!!!)
It was super crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, and perfectly delicious. Using the pecan meal with the nutritional yeast gave it the perfect amount of nuttiness that we didn’t get from the real Parmesan, and the garlic gave it an awesome little kick with some sweetness. And I would not do this without the fresh basil! Try this recipe!
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Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
- 1 Medium eggplant
- 1/2 T org. buckwheat flour
- 1 T almond meal
- 2 T pecan meal
- 1 T dried parsley
- 1 T nutritional yeast
- Big pinch salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 Large fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Plenty of coconut oil
- 16 oz jar of tomato sauce, or homemade tomato sauce (I made my own)
Pre-heat the oven to 425.
Mix your buckwheat, almond and pecan meal, parsley, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and fresh basil in a bowl with a fork. In another bowl, pour some melted coconut oil.
Cut eggplant into ¼ – ½ inch rounds. First dip them in the dry mixture, then into the coconut oil, then back into the dry mixture. Make sure it gets a good coating on there. Repeat with the whole eggplant.
Place on baking sheet lined with foil and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy on top (I had to broil mine an extra 2-3 minutes after).
Let some of the oil drip onto a towel/paper towel and let cool for about 3-5 minutes. Then serve with sauce!
Makes 3-4 servings.
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I think Kat nailed it this week with a #strangebutgood recipe! And I am adding this to the list of things to beg her to make me…
What do you do for self-improvement? How do your workouts help? It clears my mind and helps me remain more focused on goals!
Do you have organic veggie delivery!? Would you look into it?
I’m all over eggplant recipes right now! Can I make this without the yeast though? I don’t want to have to buy something. Haha.
You can TOTALLY make it without the yeast. That was actually an after-thought for me. 🙂
” I don’t want to have to buy something.” <--- LMAO! I <3 you.
50 miler? dang it girl! I have done a 50K but never a 50 miler, I think I’m going to take one on next year in December. I am scared but excited, any tips for me?
50Ks are still super badass! But a 50 miler will push you way beyond what you think is humanly possible, and it will hurt a lot more. When you get to that point (for me it’s been somewhere between 40 and 50), it’s okay to cry and curse, but you really just have to believe it’s possible, and have the desire to push through the pain. Also, crossing the finish line is ALL kinds of emotional (in a good way) and so worth it… so looking forward to that moment when all your training comes together, is priceless.
I also recommend NOT running a 50K the weekend before. I just did that … OOOOPPSSSS.. but these are all training for my 100! 🙂
Hope this helps. Feel free to email me if you want help with a training plan. kats319@gmail.com
If you let me guest post on your blog…… You would get a WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF MATURITY ON YOUR BLOG……………. A level BELOW SEVERELY IMMATURE.
HELLOOOO kitty! – Okay, mind just went to gutter. I wonder if there will be a fish flavor – Okay, STOP GIGI. JUST STOP.
Have you and Laura met in person.. !?! lol. I see sparks of friendship flying. SILLY!
GiGi, yo just say when and I would LOVEtTo have you guest post.
Oh my gosh. I want that hello kitty beer. Even though I don’t drink beer. I just want the cans. Too sweet.
Oooh boy, I can’t even imagine a 50 miler since anything over 3 miles seems to kill me 😉 Clearly, I am no runner.
Lol not everyone was born to run distances. But you have your own bad-assery!
It’s only 2.3% alcohol and it’s fruity… I think it would be more of a light spritzer. 😉
Dang… rocking up and down Mt. Tam huh…. LIKE A BOSS!
lol I LOVE that phrase, “Like a boss!” 😉 thanks!
Have you seen the video on YouTube? Like a Boss rocks!
Whew, I’m tired just reading about a race that long! haha The eggplant looks great, BTW.
🙂 Thanks! It was exhausting. Please try the eggplant!!! So good!
no delivery here BUT BUT BUT we are finally doing an all organic CSA!
As organic as possible is awesome! I think I even feel the difference eating more organic and more at home! Love it!
First off, Hello Kitty beer?! In banana flavour?!? I’m not a beer fan to begin with, but that sounds particularly terrible.
And congrats on finishing the race Kat! I find that exercise definitely helps keep me centered and keep my moods regulated…I’ve been taking this week off from formal exercise (my mind and body needs the break every once in a while) and I noticed that I’ve been snippier and more easily annoyed than usual…my brain just needs those exercise endorphins, apparently.
I threw up a little in my mouth reading about banana beer.
Sam- you are so right! I totally get more easily annoyed when I’m not feeding my brain feel-good chemicals from running/yoga/etc
This looks awesome! I love eggplant parmesan but can’t have the gluten or dairy without some major health problems! Totally going to give this a try.
Can you do soy? I have a recipe of a vegan eggplant rollatini that’s also GF! I think I’m going to make more of an effort to cut gluten out, actually…
Laura – I always feel that way about my posts not being insightful or wise. And I’ve been told over and over that they don’t always have to be. I find yours to be enjoyable and inspiring.
Kat – um, way to go on that race. And that dish looks fantastic. Love the idea of using the pecan meal.
That surprises me – I always find your posts to be insightful!
Well that looks totally yummy!!
Laura, I always love your posts! Don’t ever think they aren’t wise or insightful, you just do it in a fun way! 🙂
Dude Kat….congrats! That is awesome
Thanks! And agreed , Laura is more insightful than she thinks!
I don’t think this recipe is strange, but it definitely sounds good!! I love that you had no trouble whipping up a vegan feist for your friend – awesome!! And 3rd place at your 50K – you rock!! 🙂
Lol, thanks! Vegan is somehow second nature to me… even considering I’m not actually a vegetarian or vegan. You should try delivery if it’s available.. it really encourages you to think outside what you normally would make
Kat, you always amaze me with all you do & your wonderful attitude!!! Love the quote as usual!!! Love the way you had disappear blurred! 🙂
CONGRATS on your racing & fun! 🙂 Do you see the Hoka OneOne shoes on those long races. I wear them just with my regular stuff – no races & crazy stuff for me – treadmill, Ellip & StairMill & 1 outside run. They saved my exercise life!
BTW, Kat, do you have a blog & IG & Twitter account.. I think I have looked for links before…. Laura, you can help here! 🙂
Nope… my blog is Kat’s blog every other Thursday. 🙂
Thanks so much Jody! I do often see the Hokas! People who wear them are just crazy about them!! And no, I don’t have any kind of twitter that I use… I do have instagram, but barely use it, and the only blogging I do is here on Laura’s page every other thursday! I’m not extremely “plugged in” with technology and social media. 😉
As soon as I saw the picture of the Hello Kitty beer I had to share it withy co-worker who is obsessed with Hello Kitty.
Oh, zip-lining is on my bucket list and looks like so much fun!
Awesome. Glad I could class up your day. 😉
You should totally consider zip-lining somewhere cool, with super tall trees.
Your running is astounding, its as if you never stop girl 😀
You deserve to treat yourself with these gorgeous vegan parmesan eggplant, it looks super delish!
Cheers
CCU
Thanks so much for the compliment! I guess not stopping is the idea.. in running and in life! 😉
As you know, I’m a huge fan of bananas but banana kitty beer does not sound appealing.
I agreed with the editor. Kat you are crazy, which is also why I find you so appealing. What’s a little 50 mile run? Phew, nothing for you because you’re amazing. Great job.
Lol! Your inner dialogue about my run cracks me up! What’s a little 50 mile run? haha! It’s pretty intense.
Thanks so much!
hey Kat where did you guys go ziplining? that looks awesome!!!
It was a place near sonoma. “Sonoma Canopy Tours”