Category: Recipes

Food, Recipes, Running

Girl on the Go Meals- Scallops with Linguine.

thedancingrunner

So back in the day y’all, I was always up in the kitchen whipping up all kinds of meals. I am trying to get back to that! As you can imagine training for an ultramarathon takes up a lot of your time and most days I come home WHIPPED. So I am always looking for quick, “girl on the go” meals I can cook up that are somewhat healthy with clean ingredients. That WON’T break the bank, either! I have also been inspired lately by other bloggers like my girl Charlene with her foodie posts. Anyway, here is a great recipe I stole from her and added a spin to it! Scallops and linguine. With a little TEXAS CAJUN flava! I used all of the random spices in my kitchen and it turned out really awesome.

Here is what you need:

-Scallops, wild caught (I purchased them at Whole Foods, and the wild caught ones are big and juicy and meaty)
-Organic linguine – I also really like gluten free linguine if you have any food sensitivity
-1 bunch of UPLAND CRESS. Y’all, this was a game changer for this meal…read on.

-Cajun seasoning
-Panko bread crumbs/sea salt/pepper, to taste
-Alfredo sauce
-Cook your pasta as you normally would.
-Put coconut and/or olive oil in a pan and heat up to medium. Sauté the upland cress in the pan until it is fully cooked, set aside.
-Season your scallops with a bit of coconut oil and the cajun seasoning. I LOVE Tony Chachere’s seasoning because it has the perfect amount of heat to it and flavor. Scallops do not take long to cook at all! Roughly 3-4 minutes. Sear them on both sides and keep on flipping until they are cooked through.
-Place scallops on top of linguine, then add the fully cooked cress. Top with cooked alfredo sauce. Add as little or as much as you want! You don’t need much alfredo sauce honestly, I found this dish to be pretty flavorful with the seasonings alone.
-Sprinkle with panko bread crumbs and serve.

Also, PSA. Paper bowls are classy. Thank you.

See more Girl on the Go meals here, here and here.

Share a runner friendly/girl on the go friendly meal with the group!

Fall, Recipes, Running

5 Runner Recipes for Fall.

thedancingrunner

With a bit of a chill in the air this morning (when I say chill I mean like 70 degrees, we are in TX after all HA) I thought I would share a few of my favorite recipes for the fall season! These are sure to keep you full and satisfied post run and also great protein/carb ratio for maximum recovery! Or something like that. Hey, I do not pretend to be a nutritionist…but I sure do run a heck of a LOT! So let’s get down to business. Click the links for recipes!

–Turkey taco soup: This is one of my most favorite cozy meals and it is just so simple and easy. Plus you can make a huge batch and eat from it the entire week. So it is a win win. Excellent with a few slices of avocado and cheese. Yasss.

–Pumpkin smoothie: I love this one because it is totally nutrition packed and combines all of my favorite things! Plus y’all I tried some honey greek yogurt (thank you TRADER JOE’S) in my smoothie over the weekend. HEAVEN.

–Roasted kabocha squash: This stuff is just oh so good and I love that it has a sweetness to it. It’s super filling and I like to drizzle a little agave or honey over it. Maybe some cinnamon. Roast in the oven and serve. It’s kind of like a snack and a dessert all in one.

–Tex Mex Sweet Potatoes: I kinda sorta made this up on the fly a while back but sweet potatoes are just great to put just about anything in. Everything is good Mexican style, am I right or am I right?! And yes, paper plates are classy.

–Butternut squash mac n cheese: This is of course a lighter version of an all time favorite. I like to use the gluten free noodles as well (or quinoa noodles if you can find em. So freaking good. I am going to have to make some after my 50 miler this weekend.

How about you?! Share some fall runner recipes with the group!!

Recipes, Running

Miles for Breakfast, Sunny Side Up and Quinoa Enchiladas.

thedancingrunner

Early morning miles for breakfast…sunny side up. Y’all we are supposed to have some crazy warm weather today!! I think temps will get close to 90 degrees. Someone go find me a pool somewhere. Gotta love this view.

So today I thought we would take a break from some run talk to talk recipes!! I’ve been doing some more experimenting in the kitchen lately. I’m also getting back to doing more meal prepping. So yay for that! This week I’m loving quinoa enchiladas! So I thought I’d share my rendition of the recipe which I sorta adopted from SkinnyTaste. This is a nice twist on an old standby Mexican favorite. I love that it is a little healthified and also vegetarian! Here’s what you need to make it.

-1 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa (I used a brown rice/quinoa mixture this time. Phenomenal!)
-1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
-1/2 cup Rotel or diced tomatoes/green chiles
-3/4 cup black beans
-1/2 cup enchilada sauce or salsa
-Fresh cilantro, chopped (you can be as generous with this as you like depending on how much you like cilantro! I love it)
-Sour cream/avocado/more spices to taste

Mix the quinoa with sea salt/pepper or desired spices along with the diced tomatoes. Add black beans, cilantro, mix in enchilada sauce. Add cheese on top. Bake in a square pan in the oven on 375, about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and cooked through. Serve with your favorite Mexican toppings!

And there you have it!

What are some of your favorite dishes to cook during the work week? Share some vegetarian stuff with me!

Cross Training, Fitness, Recipes, Running, Spin class, spotify, Super Bowl, Weds Spin Playlist

Super Bowl Spin Playlist.

thedancingrunner

Ahh yes, it is almost that time of year again! We are a few days out from Super Bowl Sunday!! And in honor of that special day (thanks to Steve from For the Ride Inside) I’ve decided to deliver a hot game day spin cycle playlist you will absolutely love. These songs are also great for running or any other high energy workout! So let’s get straight to it!!

& while you’re at it check to see where I’m teaching cycle next in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area at 24 Hour Fitness locations!

Plus you can follow me on Spotify here.

Let’s go for a ride!

Halftime (Stand Up & Get Crunk)- Ying Yang Twins: Warm up
Whoomp!- Tag Team: Accelerations
Game Time- Flo Rida, Sage the Gemini: Hill climb
This is What You Came For- Rihanna: Tapbacks
Focus- Ariana Grande: Rolling hills
We Will Rock You- Queen: Jumps
Can’t Hold Us- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Tapbacks/Jumps
#thatPOWER- will.i.am., Justin Bieber: Hill climb
Touchdown- O.T. Genasis: Sprints
We Run the Night- Havana Brown: Active recovery
It Takes Two- Rob Base: Rolling hills
Let’s Get Ridiculous- Redfoo: Accelerations
Countdown- Beyonce: Jumps on a hill
Bounce Back- Big Sean: Tapbacks
Crank it Up- David Guetta, Akon: Hill climb
All I Do is Win- DJ Khaled: Sprints
Celebrate- Anderson Paak: Cooldown

And if you’re needing some healthy super bowl snack ideas, check some out below!! 

Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins

Avocado Hummus

Veggie Meatballs

Slow Cooker Enchilada Dip 

Kale Dusted Pecorino Popcorn

What songs are rocking your work week?

Fun, Recipes, Running

Random Thoughts Thursday.

thedancingrunner

Welcome to Thursday! Almost the weekend…it is so close I can practically taste it. So since I feel like there is not enough randomness on this blog already I thought we’d start a random thoughts Thursday. So why don’t you play along?

Here are some random thoughts rolling around in my head at the present moment. I apologize in advance…oops I mean, I hope you enjoy.

–I really enjoy running trails after a long day at work when I am able to get out there. There’s nothing more fun than getting dirty with my trail pals and enjoying some icy cold beverages after. Plus it is getting cooler out so really it is the most perfect time of year for some trail adventures and to be one with nature.

–I have a random obsession lately with string cheese. And I feel like I am 6 years old again. And I have to literally take it apart in string form. Also I have trust issues with people who bite straight into the string cheese without pulling it apart. Just saying.

–Can we talk about how frustrating it is as an instructor to not have a working mic or when the music goes OUT when you teach a spin class full of people at the gym? Now you know my constant struggle.

-Like seriously, teaching spin class without music is like watching paint dry.

–And…as I just typed that rant above, the Pharrell song “Happy” just started playing on my iTunes at work. It’s clearly the universe telling me everything is going to be okay. Woo sah.

–I am planning on a random Friday off very soon so I can basically do absolutely nothing but my own selfish pursuits…you know, like get a pedicure, watching mindless TV, trail running with my personal trainer friend who always has Fridays off. It is going to be absolutely fabulous.

–It is September and I could not be happier for upcoming fall festivals…yes that means the State Fair of Texas and GRAPEFEST my favorite wine festival of all…give me the vino and life will be just peachy.

Tell me something random about your week! Do you have any fall festivals in your area coming up?

Recipes, Running, Ultra Running

Ultrarunner FAQs and a Roasted Chickpeas Recipe.

thedancingrunner

So as someone who runs ultras (as well as marathons, hey I still have love for my 26.2) there are a lot of random questions I get from time to time. I definitely get these from both runners and non runners! So I’m here to answer some of the most common questions I get from curious folks looking to know more about distances beyond 26.2.

Do your legs ever get tired?
Absolutely. It’s just kind of all a part of the journey though. You become REALLY…like really, really…good at knowing your body and all that it can handle. You actually become a machine of sorts. It’s pretty amazing how much your body can handle once you build up a base and are patient with yourself. Consistency really is the number one key. It pays off if you just listen to your body and respect the distance. All of this takes YEARS to really get down. So just hang in there.

How do you balance work life, social life and training?
I don’t have much of a social life. HA. I’m only half kidding! Honestly my social life revolves around running and my running buddies. I have a lot of non runner friends too don’t get me wrong. But the icing on the cake is having some amazing running buds and doing my social runs with them. I’ve really started enjoying doing trail runs with friends and just hanging out after. We get our lawn chairs out, kick back and have drinks and good convo. It is lovely. As far as work goes, work always comes first. I just have to MAKE time to run. So often times, that is early in the morning or after I teach a class at the gym, at the end of the day. Then it’s off to sleepy land. Mmm. Love to sleep.

When you run an ultra race, do you RUN the whole thing?
Often times a lot of these ultra races are run on trails, which is a good thing because trail running is much easier on the body than pounding the pavement. So with trails, as you know comes different terrain, rocks, roots and sometimes mountains. Which means some of it will involve some power hiking. But yes, some running too. I’ve also done some road ultras and those are lots of fun, if you like running in loops. Loops can be repetitive but I don’t mind ‘em.

You ran 100 miles?! Did you sleep during the race?
Um, that would be a negative ghostwriter. It’s literally you against a time clock so sleep kind of falls to the wayside. Don’t worry, your bed will still be in the same place when the race is over.

What on earth do you eat?
I eat a lot of things. I have to have fuel in the tank, ya know!? Check out my ultra runner staples post. I like to include a lot of these things in my diet. Avocado, veggies, lean protein. I actually really enjoy beans as well! I’ll mix them with jasmine rice or make my own little Chipotle style bowl with them.

I actually have a great snack recipe below – roasted chickpeas are amazing.

What you’ll need:

-2 cups of chickpeas, freshly cooked or canned
-A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
-a few squeezes of lemon juice (to taste)
-sea salt/pepper/roasted garlic

Preheat the oven to 400. Pat dry your chickpeas to get a lot of the moisture out and spread them out on a cookie sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and maybe some garlic powder or roasted garlic. Drizzle olive oil. Roast the chickpeas in the pan for 20 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to even out the spices. Squeeze some lemon juice or more garlic/rosemary or whatever seasoning is desired. Serve hot or at room temp.

Put them in a bowl and make a heart! Because that is fun too.

What are some of your favorite healthy snack recipes?

Fitness, Indoor Cycling, Recipes, Spin class, spotify

Weds Spin Playlist and Greek Yogurt Spicy Corn Dip.

thedancingrunner

So I’ve decided since it’s basically summer and we all love us some poolside snacks I will be featuring some light and tasty recipes along with your weekly spin playlists! Hope you enjoy.

And be sure to check out where I’ll be teaching spin cycle next in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area!

Let’s go for a ride!

Leggo- B. Smyth: Warm up
Say Less- Dillon Francis, G-Eazy: Accelerations
Let Me Hold You- Cheat Codes, Dante Klein: Standing run
Go Girl- Pitbull, Trina: Tapbacks
You Don’t Want Drama- 8 Ball & MJG: Rolling hills
Back to Back- Drake: Hill climb
Freak- R3hab, Quintino: Tapbacks
Get Me Bodied- Beyonce: Sprints
Let’s Get it Started- Black Eyed Peas: Hill climb
Stay for It- RL Grime, Miguel: Jumps on a hill
Stanky Legg- GS Boyz: Rolling hills
ILYSM- Steve Aoki: Accelerations
Wipe Me Down- Boosie: Active recovery
She Knows- NeYo, Juicy J: Hill climb
Don’t Matter- Cherokee: Cool down

Here It Is- Flo Rida feat Chris Brown: Warm up
Tonight I’m Lovin’ You- Enrique Iglesias: Jumps
Down- Fifth Harmony: Hill climb
Black Beatles (Madsonik Remix)- Rae Sremmurd: Sprints
Say Aah- Trey Songz: Rolling hills
Get it All- GTA, Wax Motif: Tapbacks
Knuck If You Buck- Crime Mob: Accelerations
Snap Yo Fingers- Lil Jon: Active recovery
Give it 2 U- Robin Thicke: Standing run
P.Y.T- Michael Jackson: Rolling hills
Imma Be-Black Eyed Peas: Hill climb
7/11- Beyonce: Sprints
Scream- Usher: Hill climb
Hold On, We’re Going Home- Drake: Rolling hills
Pop That- French Montana: Sprints
Nite and Day- Al B. Sure: Cool down

And let’s move on to the yummies! You will love this poolside corn dip with greek yogurt as a healthy alternative. Enjoy!

What you will need-

4 cups of corn (Can of Mexican/fiesta style corn works well)
2 tablespoons of crumbled cotija cheese (feta works fine too)
1 cup of green chilies
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves (you can be as generous with this as you like)
1 cup of greek yogurt
2 green onions, chopped
Red pepper flakes/garllic powder/sea salt to taste

Blend corn with greek yogurt and toss in herbs and spices. Mix in cheese and top with more cheese. Because it’s delicious. You are welcome. Serve with veggies or tortilla chips.

What is your favorite snack in the summertime? What’s on your workout playlist this week?

Fitness, Indoor Cycling, Recipes, Running, Spin class, spotify

Because I Haven’t Forgotten About Spin Playlists This Week and Watermelon Mint Feta Salad.

thedancingrunner

Ya’ll, I know I have been slacking on the spin playlists lately. So I am bringing them back! Of course with some cycle workouts to go along with it. These songs are all high energy and great for running, spin and whatever other crazy workout you have in mind!

Let’s get to it! Enjoy the jams and the summer recipe!

And check out where I’ll be teaching at 24 Hour Fitness locations in the DFW area.

Gone- Afrojack, Ty Dolla Sign: Warm up
Pass the Courvoisier- Busta Rhymes: Standing run
Countdown- Beyonce: Hill climb
Hotel- Cassidy: Jumps
Woah!- Black Rob: Rolling hills
Deeper Love- Jauz: Sprints
Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix)- Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Tapbacks
Truffle Butter- Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne: Jumps on a hill
I’m Different- 2 Chainz: Accelerations
Talking Body- Tove Lo: Rolling hills
What U Workin’ With?- Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake: Hill climb
2 On- Tinashe: Active recovery
Play Hard- David Guetta feat Neyo: Sprints
I Cry- Flo Rida: Standing run
Clumsy- Fergie: Rolling hills
Luxury: Cococure- Maxwell: Cool down

Follow the Leader- Wisin & Yandel, Jennifer Lopez: Warm up
Sugar- Flo Rida feat Wynter: Tapbacks
Work- Electric Bodega: Accelerations
Be Right There- Diplo, Sleepy Tom: Rolling hills
Workin’ Day and Night- Michael Jackson: Hill climb
Somebody (Gazzo Remix)- Natalie La Rose, Jeremih: Jumps on a hill
You’re Makin’ Me High- KIKKR, Ideh: Tapbacks
Boom Boom Pow- Black Eyed Peas: Sprints
Hype- Dizzee Rascal: Tapbacks
WTF- Missy Elliot: Active recovery
Take it to Da House- Trick Daddy: Hill climb
Runaway- Galantis: Sprints
The Way I Are- Timbaland: Seated/standing run
Drop it Low- Kat Deluna: Sprints
Keep You in Mind- Guordan Banks: Cool down

Switching gears a bit…do you need a delicious refreshing post run/workout snack to nibble on by the pool? Try my rendition of this watermelon mint feta salad! And enjoy.

-1 medium watermelon, freshly chopped up
-1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
-2 lemons, juiced
-Lemon zest
-A drizzle or two of extra virgin olive oil
-1 cup of freshly chopped mint leaves
-Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Add chopped watermelon to a glass bowl. Watermelon can be chilled or chilled after preparing this dish. Drizzle olive oil, add feta cheese and salt/pepper to taste. Add lemon juice and mix altogether thoroughly until evenly distributed. Sprinkle mint leaves on top, extra feta if you have it and lemon zest on top (I like to be generous as I like the taste of zest but add as much or as little as you desire). Chill in refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, then serve! Perfect poolside snack.

What are some of your favorite recipes for summer?

Fitness, Marathon Training, Recipes, Running

Friday Eve and Tex Mex Sweet Potatoes.

thedancingrunner

It’s Friday eve! And definitely a great day to get some miles in. 8.15 for me this morning with coffee time after. Best way to start the workday for sure.

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So I’ve been doing a Girl on the Go meals series and thought I’d add this favorite to the collection. This one is quick and incorporates delicious sweet potato into the mix. I actually wasn’t sure how these flavors would work together but it turned out perfect! Sweet potatoes are just one of those things you could add basically anything to and it would taste good. Love.

Here’s what you need for sweet potatoes, Tex Mex style.

-1 medium sweet potato, cooked
-ground turkey taco meat, cooked (I marinated my meat with a little chipotle seasoning) You could also use veggie crumbles or black beans if you are vegetarian
-1/2 of an avocado, chopped
-a couple spoonfuls of corn
-crumbled goat cheese
-garlic powder/salt/pepper to taste

Top the cooked sweet potato with the taco meat or beans, corn, chopped avocado and then lastly goat cheese. Add seasoning or salsa to taste. Done and done! Perfect post workout dinner.

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What are you cooking up in the kitchen this week?

Fitness, Recipes, Running

10k Thursday and Girl on the Go Meals- Summer Corn, Black Bean & Avocado Salad.

thedancingrunner

10k solo miles this morning enjoying some much needed sunshine. I’ve been on my grind teaching a bunch of extra spin classes this week so I need the run therapy. Gotta love that fitness instructor life. I feel like I have been busy as a bee lately. But I kind of love it that way.

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Speaking of being a busy bee…I’ve got a great meal you can whip up quick and in a hurry! This one has been great this week for my work lunches. Feel free to dress it up with a little feta or cheddar cheese. Yum.

Here’s what you need.

-1 cup of corn
-1 cup of black beans
-1/2 avocado, chopped
-Red pepper flakes/garlic powder/sea salt to taste
-1 wedge of laughing cow light swiss cheese (I used this in place of my usual feta. So good!)

Cook and mix together the black bean and corn. Top with avocado, cheese and/or salsa and spices to taste. Serve alone or with tortilla chips!

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What’s cooking in your kitchen lately?