Oh man, do I have something ridiculously easy (and healthy) to share with you today!
But, before we get crazy, let me share what started the impressive appetite.
Six (or 7) Miles Later
I absolutely love running outside.
A few years ago, I ran strictly to stay in shape, with my longest duration lasting thirty minutes. I enjoyed exercising, but never thought much about running outside as a personal outlet. In fact, I used to run more on the treadmill than anything else.
These days, you will only find me on a treadmill for two reasons:
1. I want to do timed sprints, intervals, or run on an incline.
2. It’s too flipping cold outside.
Yesterday, I set out for a six mile run and thought I would have to push myself to get through it. Since my first half marathon about a year and a half ago (has it really been that long already? Geez!) I haven’t really been motivated to run further than 8 miles at a time.
Every now and then I get the itch to go longer, but haven’t conquered more than 6 miles at a time since we moved up north.
Slowly by surely, I am working my way back up to a respectable “long run” mileage that will eventually help me if I ever decide to sign up for another half marathon (and by “if I ever decide” I mean I am hoping to complete one by the end of the year!).
I started my run outside just like any other yesterday, but for some reason I took some extra time to enjoy the surroundings.
It was perfect running weather: just cool enough in the mid-70s with several clouds hiding the sun in the sky. I really didn’t even feel myself sweating until a few miles in.
Instead of my normal run through the neighborhood next door, I decided to explore a different route and stumbled upon a new trail loop!
It’s the same trail Scott and I usually run together on Saturdays, but I just caught it at a different spot and enjoyed making my way through uncharted territory. It was so beautiful and I couldn’t stop taking pictures!
At the 2.5 mile mark, I decided to ignore my pre-set coached running program and keep going. Good thing I decided to finally take some hydration with me this time!
(Knowing I do best with a water/sports drink mix while running, I took a half-filled Vitamin Zero and topped it off with regular water to make my blend.)
It started raining around 3 miles (notice my shirt full of droplets above!) but I didn’t seem to care. I wanted to make it to 4 miles before turning around, but got cut off by the trail’s end instead.
I walked up to where the pavement ended and was taken back by nature’s beauty in front of me. Michigan has certainly shown it’s pretty side lately.
I ended up running a total of 7 miles and was proud of myself for adding in an extra unexpected one. I am excited to now have a new running loop that measures a longer distance! Next goal: 8 miles.
Veggie Loaded Sweet Potato Dinner
Considering I had just been snacking here and there earlier, I came home quite the hungry monster. Scott came home as I was heading upstairs to shower and I asked him to throw a couple of sweet potatoes into the oven to start dinner.
Craving vegetables, I remembered how much I have been swooning over pictures I have seen pop up (mostly over at Peas and Crayons) of loaded sweet potatoes.
This meal is perfect for workout recovery and couldn’t be any easier.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes (I cook at least two at a time for leftovers!)
freshly chopped vegetables of your choosing
shredded cheese
what I could have added: black beans, chick peas, jalapenos, grilled chicken, sour cream, cilantro, pretty much anything!
Directions
1. Preheat oven at 400°F. Pierce the potato(es) a few times with a fork and Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Flip potato(es) and cook for another 20 or 30 minutes, or until potato is fully cooked through the middle.
(Cooking time always depends on the potato size. Check out The Freckled Foodie for some great sweet potato baking tips!)
3. Roll the warm potato(es) up in a towel to remove any liquid or crust. Unroll.
4. Let the potato cool for a few minutes, then cut in a “x” then straight across. Remove peel (optional).
5. Gently smash the potato down with a fork, then finish it off with your veggies and toppings of choice!
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So easy, a very anxious and hungry post-runner can do it!
Like I mentioned in the ingredients list, you could get a little crazy with the toppings and add whatever you’d like, including protein. Considering our potatoes were the size of our heads, we decided to go “light” on the toppings this time with what you see above: chopped tomatoes, green peppers, banana peppers, onions and a little bit of shredded cheese.
I quote (and laugh) because my “light” is usually everyone else’s “loaded.”
Loving my vegetables lately!
Questions of the Day
• What is your favorite way to take a walk or run? (In the neighborhood, on a trail, on a track or treadmill?) Or… do you not enjoy running in any way, shape or form?
• Best way to dress up a sweet potato? Go….
![[in our elementary school era] 🚌😭
Skyler did great walking into KINDERGARTEN with a big smile on his face this morning. I, however, was a bit of a mess on our walk home. 🥹
It’s wild how fast these 5 years with him have gone … 7 since we moved to NYC and into our apartment, dreaming of the day our kids would someday go to the *awesome* school right down our block. 🏫
That day is today, and I still don’t believe it — feeling allll of the emotions and thanking God for placing us here and for being able to trust His timing through the journey. 🫶🏼 #hbshinnyc
SO proud of you, SK - you are going to rock your first year at your “big boy school” - WE LOVE YOU !! 🩵👑](https://lifeinleggings.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I love walking outside. Whenever life seems too out of control, I get myself outside and breathe. That seems to do the trick to calming me down.
I’m not a runner… yet. But at my apartment complex we have a gym with treadmill at the end of my walk loop. So twice a week, I’ll stop at the gym hop on the treadmill for a mile, and then head back home.
I’m really enjoying it so far so we’ll see how it goes.
Walking had been great for me lately. It’s amazing how many people have told me they aren’t runners, but end up loving it after giving it a real try! Good for you for getting that mile in!
That sweet potato looks so good! I love sweet potatoes and usually just have them plain so I love the addition of all the veggies!
You know by now my obsession with veggies! 😉
That sweet potato looks delicious! And that running trail…..so pretty. I love love love living in Tucson but I’m from IL, and my boyfriend’s parents have a lake house in Paw Paw, Michigan. The midwest is amazingly beautiful in a different way than the southwest. I miss all the trees 🙂 Congrats on being able to run 8 miles btw haha….I can’t seem to push myself past 3, but, running’s not my thing so much.
Thank you! I never ran past 3 until I started training for my first half. Little by little, it’s amazing what you can build yourself up to! That’s awesome, I’ve actually passed Paw Paw before and thought the name was funny! 😉
I cannot wait to try this sweet potato veggie dish out! And congrats on 7 miles–that is so awesome! Doesn’t it feel so good to be proud of yourself??
Thank you! It makes me want to go forum get next time 😉
Yum! I love sweet potato. Never thought about having it like this 🙂
Well done on the running! Recently I’ve been keen on giving it a try. I need to find some lovely scenic routes like your pics! Looks lovely.
Thank you! Yes, pretty scenery always seems to motivate me. 😉
Stuffed sweet potatoes are the absolute best! I especially love with with a fried dippy egg on top :).
Your running route is so pretty! I run mostly in my neighborhood dodging cars and kids, but I do try to head to our local state park on weekends. It always inspires me to run longer, faster when I’m there! I hate a treadmill run! 🙁
I’m the same way! I’ve been loving the trails more than ever!
I have never thought to put banana peppers with sweet potato – what a great idea! I will definitely be testing out your recipe.
I do the same thing with salads, just throw anything on them!
Yumm! This sounds so good! the perfect way to get in some extra veggies 🙂
Yes! I too, heart vegetables. 😉
I definitely prefer running outside to on a treadmill. I think that running on a treadmill is so much more difficult for some reason!
It is! Except when I have intervals to distract me. Those workouts seem to fly by!
That sweet potato looks delicious! And so colorful!
The more colors the better! 😉
I ran 7 miles today, too :). I’m the same as you when it comes to running on a treadmill. I either want to do a HITT run or it’s just too cold outside. Running outdoors is so relaxing to me and I love checking out new neighborhoods.
I’ve been loving running outdoors more and more as the fall approaches! Good job in your run 🙂
What a pretty place to run! I have been cravign a loaded sweet potato soooo badly! I am definitely making one soon after seeing that pic 🙂
One of my favorite meals these days!
I love a baked sweet potato with earth balance butter and cinnamon – it’s like dessert!
Me too! 🙂