Finding my fitness groove in Colorado + My week in food

I have been trying to find my fitness groove since moving. I am finding running very challenging. I’m blaming the altitude, rightfully so, but truth be told, running had really taken a back seat when we were still in New York. So the combo of time off + altitude is killing me. Instead of worrying about running, I’ve just been getting outside and loving the hill workouts I get now that I live in an urban mountain environment.

Garden of the Gods

There is a fitness center in our complex so I’ve been getting out for a 4-mile loop – I toss in some running in the flatter sections which gets me to about a 15-minute mile average – and I march directly into the fitness center for weight training.

I got out for another bike ride this week, because the temperatures have been in the 50′s, and I struggled. I rode a different route but avoiding hills simply isn’t an option. My speed increased considerably from my first ride but I have a lot of training to do!

Yesterday I signed up for a week of unlimited yoga at a local studio. I haven’t done yoga in well over six months, maybe longer. It was humbling. And it was fabulous. I cannot believe how much I have missed yoga. I can’t believe how sore I am today. I’m going back at noon.

I enjoyed my Stovetop Soy Curl and Sweet Potato Alfredo Casserole as leftovers for lunch a couple of times this week. This tofurky and collard greens sandwich, with raw veggies and white bean hummus, made for an awesome lunch, too.

Tofurky and Collard Green Sandwich

My husband, the omnivore, has made a couple of easy and delicious vegan dinners for us.

Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese and Tofu Pups.

Vegan Mac and Cheese, Tofu Pups

Gardein Chick’n Filets with marinara sauce and mushrooms and a hearty salad.

gardein chick'n filet

We also grabbed a couple quick dinners out this week. At Poor Richard’s I ordered off their vegan menu, natch, and enjoyed this side salad and the veggie and tofu bowl with tamari ginger sauce Poor Richards's Veggie & Tofu Bowl

and at Rasta Pasta I had the vegan option for the Spaghetti Knuckles (hold the sausage, add tofu and veggies) and a side salad with green pepper vinaigrette.

Spaghetti Knuckles, vegan style, at Rasta Pasta

I also came up with a new recipe for my next Thought for Food post on Our Hen House.

New loaf recipe

The recipe will go up on Our Hen House next week but I have to tell you that you are going to LOVE the post – because I’m collaborating with one of my favorite people and while I’m sharing a recipe, she’s sharing some brilliant and wise words. Such a tease, right? I’ll keep you posted.

I’m off to start my work day. Have a beautiful Friday, friends.

Tagged as: fitness, poor richard's, rasta pasta, yoga

http://theunintentionalvegan.com/ Ashley F.

Though I’ve been doing CrossFit 4-6 days a week for the last 3 months, I haven’t run since my last race at the end of October. I signed up for my first race of 2013, which is in March, and I am worried about getting back into the groove as well. It’s always interesting to see how certain activities turn out when you’ve been away for a while. Though nerve wracking, it’s also kind of exciting
- http://jlgoesvegan.com JL
  
  Oh, good for you, @las_dos_ashleys:disqus , for signing up for a race. I was tempted to sign up for PETA Pack (committing to run a half-marathon and raise $$$) but I have a LOT of work to do first, before making the commitment!
http://www.betterwithveggies.com Heather Blackmon

I’m so glad you found a yoga studio you like. I’m a little jealous as I had to suffer through the altitude transition running, but glad you are going to find a gentler approach.
- http://jlgoesvegan.com JL
  
  Well, @betterwithveg:disqus, you are way more hard-core than I!
Debbie

I dream of fitness in Colorado (though I know the altitude would knock me out for a while–asthma+altitude+ass kicking). It is so beautiful and such a haven for outdoor activities. Lucky girl.
- http://jlgoesvegan.com JL
  
  I really do feel lucky, @disqus_AwBwGA8D8W:disqus, and I know I’ll enjoy it even more when my lungs acclimate! LOL
http://twitter.com/VickiBensinger Vicki Bensinger

Hi JL,
I’m a new vistor to your site and found you browsing something vegan. We live in the midwest but spend our summers in Colorado. I’m not sure what part you’re in. Give yourself some time though, your body should acclimate within a month. Running is definitely challenging at altitude but biking I’ve found and hiking get easier everyday. If you do a little everyday you’ll find within a month you’ll be able to ride for hours. I typically start off riding a couple of hours and end the summer riding abouit 5 hours a day. My husband participates in many of the biking events which last days but then again he rides straight through the winter months.
Hang in there don’t get discouraged.
- http://jlgoesvegan.com JL
  
  Hi @twitter-28866598:disqus ! Thanks for chiming in on this! I appreciate your advice!
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