The Road 2 Hope Hamilton Marathon

Road 2 Hope- Hamilton Marathon

A funny thing happened during the race today as I was reunited with a runner I first met at last spring's Around the Bay road race. He kept me going that day at a painful but successful pace. I was hurting and he knew it. His encouragement helped me get to the finish with my best time ever at that race. After the race, I happened to meet him in the stands. I shook his hand and thanked him for his help which he brushed off as no big deal.

It was around km 18-19 of today's race when a figure not unlike most of the others strode up beside me with a big smile on his face. There he was, my compadre from the spring! We finished this race together and chatted quite a bit along the way. I learned that his name is Seybou and our recent running experiences are very similar. He was aiming for 3:15 and convinced me we could make it there together. This was a truly awesome way to share the achievement and give it a much deeper meaning. Cheers to my friend Seybou. You have helped me more than you know!

Two happy runners! Seybou and I after the race

I had some doubts going into the race today with the sudden onset of freezing temperatures, second guessing my training and the usual pre-race nervousness. But the planets aligned for me today.

I ran a personal record AND Boston qualifying time of 3:13:26. 3:15 was my target time, but I realistically thought 3:20 was more likely. I was able to stick with the 3:15 pace bunny (who was awesome!) to the end and give a little kick at the finish (at the pace bunnys' urging). This was a first for me as I usually fall apart in the last 10k.

For the last couple of months I altered my training a bit (after running consecutive 3:25 marathons), running LESS mileage with more focus on intense intervals, hills and overall body fitness. I replaced some mid-distance leisurely runs (10-15k), with cycling (3-4 times a week to work), stair workouts (weekly) and swimming (twice a week). It appears that this cross training approach paid dividends with a little more energy in the final stages of the race.


It also provides further proof that plant based nutrition can be utilized to achieve great(er) athletic accomplishment.

Sweet Potato Burrito with Kale Salad and Fresh Salsa

It can be hard when a family that live together all have different dietary needs.

I'm fairly certain that I am not alone here. I've been making different foods for my children since they were born. I am a touch surprised that still, after 13 years, I struggle to find something we all like.  

The following meal is one of the TWO family favourites and is easily adapted for the non-vegan/vegetarian eater. The other, all inclusive family favourite is Mexican Bean burritos.

Vegan - Sweet Potato Burrito

* I often bring this to potlucks with a side of guacamole and salsa. So delicious.

Filling:

Shred and peel sweet potatoes ( 5-6)

In Olive Oil, fry up onions and garlic and then add shredded sweet potatoes

Add Cinnamon (tsp)

Add Cumin (tbsp)

Add Chilli Powder (tbsp)

Add Curry Powder (tbsp)

Burrito:

Add sweet potato mixture, salsa (fresh) and hot sauce if desired.

Roll it up, ensuring both ends are tucked in

Fry on both sides OR use Panini/Sandwich Maker (works nicely)

Non-Vegan’s ----> Add Mexican Cheese

Vegan - Kale Super Sweet Salad

One large bunch of Kale into bite size pieces

One large mango chopped into small bits

One sweet onion chopped

4 to 6 dates in small pieces

Roasted cumin seeds

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette

15 cherry tomatoes cut in half

Quarter cup of sun dried tomatoes

2 tablespoons of Red wine vinegar

Quarter cup of cranberries

Quarter cup of chopped walnuts

Quarter cup of pumpkin seeds

Fresh Salsa - Vitamix

6 vine tomatoes

3 jalapeño peppers

1 sweet onion

Handful cilantro

1 Mango

2 garlic gloves

Green Ginger Goodness - Vitamix

Half Liter of pineapple coconut water

Half a fresh mango

Dozen fresh green grapes

Handful of frozen sliced peaches

2 tablespoons of fresh ginger

Handful of spinach

One scoop Vega protein powder

Four ice cubes

FOOD WE EAT - AT HOME AND ABOUT

FOOD WE EAT AT HOME AND ABOUT 

We will be updating this page through a GOOGLE DOC, PINTEREST, SCOOP IT, and other SOCIAL MEDIA.  We hope to get some suggestions and ideas from others as well as offer our support to families or individuals thinking of changing their diet.

Our Favourite Vegan Family MEALS (AT HOME)   (WE WELCOME SUGGESTIONS!)


 Our FAVOURITE Hamilton Restaurants with Vegan Options:

 1) Naroma Pizza  Mario and his gang have catered to our Vegan tastes. In fact, they keep our "Vegan Pizza" order pinned up so we don't have to repeat it each time:
Copia Pizza - Vegetale. No Cheese. Add: Mushrooms, Tomato, Rapini, Garlic and Artichoke. Extra Hot Pepper Oil on the side. Casa Salad (@2) Dressing on the side, Balsamic oil on the side.

Seriously - ask for the "Zoe and Brad" Vegan Pizza and you will be guaranteed to get the best VEGAN pizza that you've ever had.

 2) Sensational Semosa (Hamilton Farmer's Market) There are so so so many VEGAN OPTIONS. Better yet, there are options here for the whole family (Meat and cheese lovers!) Brad and I thoroughly enjoy the JUMBO VEGAN SEMOSA and ALWAYS bring them with us to eat before a race.

3) Mex-I-can on James Street North. This is probably the best mexican restaurant in this area. In fact, we've been hard strapped to find any mexican restaurant that serves as delicious food as this one. They have food for the entire family - Vegan, Vegetarian and Meat eaters! Our favourite is the cactus burritos and of course, the freshly made guacamole. We've grown accustomed to waiting a little longer for our food - but we know it is always worth it.

OTHER RESTAURANTS...and WE ARE STILL LOOKING!!

 http://pinterest.com/zbpipe/hamilton-vegan-restaurants/