Holy moly, I actually rode my bike for the first time in 3 weeks this past weekend!!! yippeeeee! Well, I was sucking air like I had never gotten on a bike before and blowing snot rockets like you wouldn’t believe (watch out), but I actually made it without keeling over. Yes. Now begins the long journey to get my stamina back. It’s amazing how quick it goes. I’m trying not to think about it too much and push ahead to get stronger!
Saturday I managed 38 miles and we rode out to the new bridge over Hoover Dam and back. Great views! Thanks to Paul for always having great camera shots 🙂
Sunday I managed to get in 36 miles and felt pretty good although my legs were telling me enough was enough by the end. Gosh, I’m so thankful to be getting better, but 50-70 miles were standard without too much trouble, and now barely 40 miles wiped me out! argh, just have to look ahead not in the past!
Oh yes and there were lots of good eats with my metabolism revving again from the activity 🙂
We invited some friends over Saturday night for a little BBQ and it was a lot of fun!
Chris made a great bean layer dip with salsa-style refried beans, guac, greek yogurt and cheese.
Of course we had to have chips with that.
I made my summer squash and couscous casserole and doubled the recipe. Everyone loved it!
Along with a nice side salad.
For a protein source I made balsamic marinated grilled chicken and our friends brought over some pork to BBQ. It was all tasty!
I didn’t get a chance to post Meal Plan Monday yesterday (oops!) but I do have some recipes on the weekly line-up 🙂
Monday: Meatloaf Muffins and roasted veggies
I put the meat mix in a muffin pan so they would cook extra quick and I stuffed a cube of fontina cheese inside. They turned out yummy! Kind of like giant meatballs ha
Tuesday: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with veggies and rice
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Frittata with Salad (I think I’ve been meaning to make this for awhile now) or pizza
Friday: MY FIRST STAGE RACE!!! yikes!
I’m not expecting too much for my first race since I am inexperienced and just getting over 3 weeks of bronchitis hell, but I’m hoping to just finish even if it is last, not crash, and get experience! Friday is the time trial, which is 17 miles of a pretty flat course. Saturday is the road race, which is 2.5 loops of a 16.5 mile course (about 41 miles). Then Sunday is the Crit. For my category (4 is the lowest category for women), it will be 20 minutes of a big circle pretty much, but I think this course has 7 turns. I am most nervous for this because you are turning at pretty fast speeds and pretty tight quarters. Hopefully I will survive!
Well, that’s about it from here. I hope you are all having a good start to the week!
wow – an epic weekend of riding + awesome eats AND an upcoming race! LOVE IT!
Comment by LIsa — February 8, 2011 @ 3:39 pm
Your summer squash and couscous casserole and mini-meatloafs look so good. Happy to hear that you are feeling better and getting back to biking! 🙂
Comment by Dana @ Budget Dietitian — February 9, 2011 @ 9:06 am
meatloaf muffins, what a great idea! you are so smart. love the casserole and glad you are feeling better!
wish i could be running or biking to hoover dam!
Comment by Laural (bhealthier) — February 9, 2011 @ 1:52 pm
I bet you were excited to get back on the bike! Hope that you continue to feel better, and good luck with the race on Friday! 🙂
Comment by Emily — February 9, 2011 @ 5:31 pm
Yay for getting a ride in! I am sure it feels getting back into it.
I just love layered bean dips! They are my weakness!
Comment by Kristen (swanky dietitian) — February 9, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
Congrats on getting back on your bike, glad you are doing better. And that casserole looks good! As always, thanks for the dinner ideas. 🙂
Comment by Allen — February 10, 2011 @ 7:54 am
The bean dip looks awesome. I love layered dips like that. Glad you got a bike ride in. I hope you get back to 100% soon, especially since it looks like you are having a race soon.
Comment by Melinda — February 10, 2011 @ 8:59 am
Great job on the bike ride!! That dip looks delish!!
Comment by Lauren @ Hungry Dancer — February 10, 2011 @ 1:03 pm
Fab news that you’re feeling better and are back on the bike! It’s crazy how quickly the legs go, isn’t it? Best of luck with your TT, road race and crit! Can’t wait to hear the race report 🙂 I’m SO excited for spring so I can get back in the saddle, too; it’s been a long Minnesota winter!
Comment by erin — February 12, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
Great job hon!!! Im absolutely love biking too! Theres just something about being out in the fresh air and going fast that I just cant get enough of. Your stamina will come back in no time, dont worry. You are already doing amazing! Congrats!!
Thanks too for posting all those absolutely fabulous looking pics! Those meatloaf muffins are so cute!!
Comment by chrysta — February 13, 2011 @ 3:00 pm