After we finally got some snow in Lake Tahoe last weekend, this past week warmed up nicely and allowed both me and my crazy jack russell terrier to get outside for some runs. It was a breath of fresh air (literally) after being tortured by the dreadmill for the past week. I was even able to get outside for walks with my mom on a couple of days this past week. It’s amazing that she had half of her lung removed just over three weeks ago and is able to get outside and walk during her recovery. It is a true testament to her determination and strength, and a reminder that I should never take any run for granted. Some people are not as lucky.

Although my old-competitive-runner-self is still frustrated with low mileage and legs that feel like lead, I know that with consistent discipline I will get back to where I once was. While it is hard for me to get excited by 2 and 3 mile runs, I did put them in as scheduled on my training plan and feel accomplished for continuing to take strides toward getting back in to fighting form. Here’s the week-end rewind:

• Monday 3/2 – Run/walk 3 miles on treadmill. Total run distance was 2 miles at 5.5 mph.
• Tuesday 3/3 – Rest.
• Wednesday 3/4 – Run 2.5 miles outside. I have no idea what my pace was. I didn’t bring my watch and just enjoyed the time outdoors with my dog running, even if she did want to stop every tenth of a mile to stop and smell something (#runningwithdogproblems). I followed up my run with some free weights and strength training.
• Thursday 3/5 – Rest.
• Friday 3/6 – I had every intention of running after work, but decided to go for a nice walk with my mom instead.
• Saturday 3/7 – Run 2.0 miles outside with some random strides mixed in. It felt good to feel my legs move fast again. After that, I joined my mom for a nice walk on the golf course. It was a beautiful day and great company.
• Sunday 3/8 – Run 3.2 miles outside with the pup. Once again, I didn’t bring my watch. While I am just trying to get some miles back in my legs, I don’t care to worry about my pace. It is nice to run without having to worry about that and just be able to enjoy it for what it is. Followed up my run with some free weights and strength training.

On top of getting outside to run, I also had another good week of Whole30 eating. Since I started eating Whole30 five weeks ago I have noticed much more consistent energy throughout the day, sleep like a baby, and focus. I am not sure how long I will continue on the Whole30, but plan on taking it day by day. I also perfected a sauce this week that I have been putting on just about anything and everything from sweet potatoes to meatballs to salmon. Dill is a completely under-appreciated herb. Why is that? It’s bright, fresh, citrusy. and this dill-icious sauce is the bomb. Seriously. Whip up a batch and slather it on anything that could use a little more love.

Dill-icious Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup homemade mayo (good recipe here)
• 1 tablespoon Annie’s dijon mustard or a similar brand
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Directions:

1. Mix everything together and allow to chill in your refrigerator for a few hours before using.
2. Put it on anything and everything. My favorite is to slather it on a piece of raw salmon or chicken and then bake in the over on 400 degrees until the meat is cooked through. It keeps whatever you are cooking super moist and the cooked sauce is dill-icious!
3. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce is even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to get all personal with each other.

Make up a batch and let me know what else you put it on. The possibilities are endless…

Dill-icious Sauce on salmon about to go in the oven.