In typical fashion, I spent the weekend on the go.
Between the summer-ish weather and having to sit in the office all week, I couldn’t get enough of the great outdoors.  All of the St. Patrick’s festivities and running events made it feel like spring festival season!
Here’s a little highlight reel:
1. Dining Out Vegan
I’m still rocking the vegan thing and have gotten some cool meals.
The first pic is from the best Thai restaurant in Atlanta – Panita Thai.  It looks like a shack from the outside, but the food is incredible.  I ordered my eggplant-tofu dish “Thai hot.”  Cindy, the owner/our server looked skeptic but did as requested.  That may be the last time I order something THAT spicy… but my ego I ate it.  Cindy was impressed.
The bottom 2 pics are from ONE Midtown Kitchen.  The service-level was absolutely incredible.  Chef Drew VanLeuvan created a custom appetizer and entrée for me.  Or server, Bernadette, even brought out apple slices and asparagus stalks for me to munch on pre-dinner since I couldn’t eat the bread sticks!
My app consisted of roasted apples with ginger sorbet and roasted cabbage.  The entrée that Chef created was an asparagus salad with pickled strawberries, orange segments, toasted hazelnuts, sugar snaps, micro greens, and a balsamic reduction.  It was a lot of apples and asparagus, but it was fantastic.
Note: Chef Drew is leaving soon to start is his own restaurant. Â Sad news for ONE, but very exciting for the talented chef. Â I’ll be frequenting his new spot (and ONE, of course).
2. Baking Bender
The baking bug hit me. Â I made Sarah’s Sweet Potato Soda Bread (with just a little creative recipe-license – sooo good), a new oatmeal thing (recipe coming tomorrow!), and my Chewy Granola Cookies.
Who says you have to be running to carb-load?!
3. Summer in the Winter
Technically this is still winter. Â Atlanta didn’t get that memo – it was in the 80s all weekend! Â Some dude in the condo across from me was in the pool (see evidence below). Â I went on a long walk in the park with a friend on St. Patrick’s Day. Â As you might imagine, we saw many entertaining things. Â The pic below is some sort of photo shoot that was happening. Â Doesn’t it look like the guy is photographing her butt?!
4. Cheerleading
The Publix Marathon & Half Marathon were this weekend. Â I rolled out of bed early to cheer on fellow bloggers Heather, Lindsay, Lee, and Tina. Â It was my first time cheerleading a race, and I was surprised at how much fun it was to spectate and encourage the runners. Â I somehow missed Heather and Lindsay. Â Tina waved and she powered by in her hot pink socks… I was busy stuffing my face like a fat kid with a muffin and missed the pic. Â Fail.
I did get Lee! Â She claimed she was struggling, but she looked fantastic!
5. Refuel
Refuel brunch without running is totally acceptable, right?  I joined the runners for brunch at Stone Soup Kitchen.  Heather found this gem – they had several vegan options, all delicious.  Heather and Kirk (her husband, who also ran) ordered Vegos Rancheros that looked to-die-for.  I had a tofu scramble with green peppers, red onion, jalapenos, mushrooms, arugula, and red hot sauce.  It was SO good.  I also had a side of grits, but discovered that vegan grits aren’t my favorite.
You may have noticed the coffee.  The caffeine break is officially over. 🙂
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The workouts were pretty good this week. Â I was missing my weight workouts. Â CrossFit means I don’t have the time or energy to do both most days. Â Friday and Saturday I decided to skip the CrossFit and return to my trusty weights. I was shocked to find during Saturday’s P90X Chest/Tri workout that I could actually do more push-ups!
The BodyRock videos continue to get better and better.  I love that they are adding “bonus” rounds and using some weights now!  That makes some of these solid 30-45 mins workouts.  It may seem like I slacked on the push ups, but between BodyRock ad CrossFit I got my fill. 🙂
Workout Recap (3/5 – 3/18):
- Monday – This Body Rock 300 Rep Challenge
- Tuesday – This Body Rock (20 reps on the weights), 20 min treadmill incline walk, 100 push-ups
- Wednesday – This Body Rock, CrossFit,100 push-ups
- Thursday –  CrossFit, 100 push-ups
- Friday – Biceps/Back, This BodyRock (sans weight portion), 100 push-ups
- Saturday – This BodyRock (with the arse bonus – that was a good one!), P90X Tris/Chest
- Sunday – This Body Rock, P90X Ab Ripper X, 100 push-ups
***
There’s something about this weather that makes me believe I shouldn’t have to go to work tomorrow.
Did you run a race the weekend? Â How did it go?
Does it feel like summer where you live? Â Are you happy about it, or missing a true winter?
Khushboo says
Wow sounds like a great weekend…so nice of you to cheer on the runners on Sunday’s race! I just had a look at the sweet potato bread recipe and it looks delicious- I may have to replicate using canned pumpkin instead (I have an opened can at home which I am looking to use up!). It definitely feels like summer in Mumbai- gone are the days where eating outdoors was pleasant…way too hot now! Although I shouldn’t complain, I would definitely rather be too hot than too cold. Have a great Monday :)!
Laura says
You definitely could! just reduce the liquid a bit, as canned tends to add more moisture than fresh.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Yay! I’m SO glad you made that soda bread…I rocked out my savoury version this weekend and most of my friends seemed to dig it. [I’m pretty sure I ate half of it myself, though. Oops. ;)]
Secondly, I am definitely coming to ATL this summer. Probably late June. I’m happy you’ve found all the vegan restaurants for us already.
Laura says
I did the same thing! Half that loaf was consumed standing over the sink in the kitchen… with some sweet potato jam. My mom also says to tell you it’s delicious. 🙂
Are you really coming?!?!?! I cannot wait!!! How long? We will have to have a ATL blogger meet up!
Lee says
I think I look happy because I was just glad to stop running for a second! I’m so glad you were there though. For the entire 9th mile, I was like, “Oh, Laura is going to be somewhere around here!” It really does help to see a friend on the sidelines.
Laura says
Oh good!!! It was so much fun to cheer you guys on. 🙂
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Look at your arms in that photo from brunch – dang girl!! Had a great time hanging out this weekend and we DO need to do it again soon. This week may be crazy with vacation fast approaching, but I’ll let you know.
I want to try the Thai place, you’ve piqued my interest there. I’m always up for a spicy challenge!
Laura says
I think that’s just from having done the BodyRock workout right before… thanks. 🙂
Just say when!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
I loooove this weather!! Definitely got a little sunburned on accident over the weekend. I’m so sorry I didn’t make it out to cheer with you on Sunday. It looks and sounds like you had a blast. And, yes- it does look like that guy is taking a picture of the model’s bum!!
Meg says
Totally feels like summer and I am loving it 🙂
great picture of you love!
Mindy - Clueless Nut says
You had a busy but awesome weekend! So fun. I am loving this weather but my mind went from “spring break” to “summer break.” Happy Monday!
Laura says
I know! Don’t you wish we had a grown up summer break?
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
Thanks for cheering us on!!!! And I loved getting to hang out together again. 🙂
Laura says
You guys were awesome! I can’t wait until the next meet up. 🙂
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Daaaang girl! Someone’s gettin’ buff 😉
Looks like another fun weekend. I’m sure the runners all appreciated your cheering.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
This weather is fantastic- I can not complain one bit!
Your weekend looks like a lot of fun, and your dining out vegan meals look way better than anything with meat! I wanted to make Sarah’s soda bread, but got lazy. Oh well. I guess I can make it on “non St. Patrick’s Day” and it will still taste good!
I love the photo of all of you bloggers together- and LOOK at your GUNS!
Laura says
you can make it any time… just like you can drink Guinness anytime. 🙂
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Sounds like you had a pretty awesome weekend!
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
I only run when chased 🙂
It was a gorgeous weekend and I don’t miss having a winter at all. You have my sympathies for going “Thai hot” I have yet to grow enough courage to give it a whirl…I stick to medium.
Glad you had such a wonderful weekend and you know you are totally just showing off the guns in the group picture above (be proud of your accomplishments).
Laura says
Hahahaha! That’s what I used to say.
Thank you, Rachel. 🙂
Candy @ Healthy In Candy Land says
Looks like a fun weekend! I didn’t run any races this weekend, (well, at least not the sort with bib numbers and timing chips…) but a few friends of mine did. As it was snowing. I wish I could say I missed winter, but we are still in the thick of it. I am still wearing my down coat on my walk to the gym in the mornings. All this talk of sunny summer-like weather elsewhere in the country has me wanting to move!
Oh, and the fact that you still ate that super-spicy Thai food? Awesome.
Laura says
That sounds miserably cold! I’m glad we missed that, but a little worried this summer is going to be miserable-hot. Oy.
Laura says
What a fun, full weekend! Thai hot is so intense– I’m impressed you ate it all! My eyes water and nose runs wtih about the Thai heat 3 out of 5. 🙂 How fun that you could cheer on fellow bloggers. And great workouts, as usual… I’m always inspired to get more weights time in when I read your recap!
Laura says
I’m telling you – it was all ego/stupidity.
Thank you – YOU inspire me. 🙂
sportsglutton says
We had late spring all last week, but just like Utah slipped back into winter snow for two days, along to return to 70’s over the next few days. Crazy. 80’s does sound nice though.
Laura says
My sister just got back from Park City. Of course it started snowing the day they left.
STUFT Mama says
Sounds like a great weekend. I love that picture of your muffin with the runners in the background. Funny stuff. Um…. your arm looks awesome in that brunch photo. 🙂 Wish I lived closer to all of you! 🙂
Laura says
Cheerleaders need fuel too! 🙂
We wish you were closer as well!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
Meeting you was a weekend, nah, a LIFE highlight! 😉 I seriously can’t wait for BLEND!
Laura says
Me tooooooo!!! If possible, you rock ever more in person. Congrats again on a great race! 🙂
Carrie @ Lift Eat Repeat says
I’m just getting into CrossFit- I love it already. I’m challenging myself to 1 month away from weights at the gym and doing CrossFit only 4 days a week!
The weather here was anything BUT summer. It snowed for half the day then slush then rain- Blah!
Laura says
Can’t you see how people get addicted? My gym recommended 3 days CrossFit, 1 day yoga, 1 day cardio, and 1 active rest. I’ failing miserably. LOL!
Carrie @ Lift Eat Repeat says
For me they said to do CrossFit Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday & then I have a soccer game on the weekends. I’m going to try and stick to that schedule!! 🙂
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I’m definitely going to peruse your blog before my next trip home! I’m dying to try some of the restaurants you blog about! Glad you had a fun weekend – good eats + good peeps = winner every time! 🙂
Laura says
Ummmm… just tell me when you’re coming and eat WITH me. 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I think you’re a pretty amazing friend to go and cheer on the ladies like that! I know they really appreciated it. Your workouts look killer. I need to go check them out. Your eats all look amazing! Vegan eats are no joke and so good!
Laura says
Thanks Sarena. We would love to see you again soon too! 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Life has settled down a bit now, so I am up for a get together anytime! I am making it to the next one for sure!
Laura says
Hooray! We need to get one together soon…
Laura @ LauraLivesLife says
I love everything about Atlanta – but I will officially be permanently jealous when it comes to the food! I think some of the best restaurants in the world are in Atlanta! Glad you had a great weekend!
Laura says
You’re welcome down here any time! 🙂
sarah @ sarah learns says
it looks like a pretty perfect weekend! 🙂
i agree – this weather does not seem like work-week weather. thank goodness i’m at least on vacation until tomorrow. it’s going to be brutal going into lab on thursday…