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Speed Work and Gluten-Free Spaghetti & Beanballs

Puke-Worthy Run
As much as I didn't really and truly want to get out there and do a speed workout today, I sucked it up and got it done. I would have been so happy with just an "easy" 6-mile run mind you. The sun was shining, blue skies, though back in the 80's and the humidity is back up there again as well. But, overall, not terrible weather for an easier steady-state run.

Instead I had a 6-miler on tap that included 1 mile warm up, 3 x 1-mile at 7:53 with 1/2 mile jog recovery then cool down. Did I mention it was about 83 degrees out? And no shade, lots of glorious (hot as hell) sunshine.

The run started off rocky in that my car died. I had prepared myself for the run darn it, so a dead battery was not going to throw me off. Perhaps being ticked off helped fuel the run just a bit too ;-)

I started off with about a 9 min/mile pace for the first mile then kicked into gear for the intervals. It was all about focus, breathing, focus, getting out of the head, trying to ignore sweat, breathing and more focus. Got all that? Oh and trying not to vomit in the process. I must say, I am really pretty happy with the intervals today. Did I hit 7:53 for each interval? Nope, but I came fairly close for the most part.

1st interval - 7:53 min/mile
2nd interval - 8 min/mile
3rd interval - 8:17 min/mile

My recover intervals were about a 9:30 min/mile. I probably should have tried slowing down just a bit more to get my heart rate more under control before the next intervals. But after a fast pace, the 9:30 honestly felt like I may as well have been walking. Crazy right? I guess that's the purpose of intervals though - they make your slow become a faster slow. Or maybe I'm just making stuff up. Blame it on the sun ;-)

Spaghetti and Beanballs
Remember yesterday how I told you all I made Spabette's amazing Tomato Basil Beanballs? Well, those were the inspiration for tonight's dinner along with gluten-free pasta. I recently received Tinkyada Brown Rice Spaghetti Style Pasta from Swanson Health Products to try.

This was actually the first time I had tried a gluten-free pasta. I was really excited to try this one out with plans to share some of it with my sister the next time she visits. Of course, I had to try it first to make sure it was good right?

And what better way to try it than with the beanballs and leftover homemade sauce? I took the leftover spaghetti sauce and thinned out with a bit of red wine (I make my sauce really thick). I browned up the beanballs separately rather than cooking them in the sauce. I was afraid they might get too soft, and I also didn't want to overpower the flavor of them with the sauce.

I served with over the gluten-free pasta with a side of broccoli & tomatoes. I steamed some broccoli and mixed it (while hot) with halved cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and some balsamic vinegar.
 
 

Now, please realize I've not had gluten-free pasta before, but Jason's first words were, "So what's so special about this pasta?" I told him it was GF and he said, "Oh ok, it's nice and chewy." I thought he meant that in a bad way, but he thought GF past might be grainy or mushy. This was neither. It had a great texture and flavor. It's definitely a pasta we would buy again.

*Please note that I received this product free to review. Opinions are my own and, as always, completely honest.

Are you interested in getting some free Swanson Health Products goodies to review on your own blog? Then check out the Swanson Health Blog for all the details.

And I must wish a Happy Birthday to two incredibly beautiful friends - Jess & Jo! Love you ladies!!


Daily To-Enjoy List:
  • Mid-day run (overall pretty good despite puke status)
  • Sunshine
  • Fun new dinner

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