#fatrunner

It’s not easy to close your eyes while cooking over a hot flame – and I hope that you’re not thinking of trying it anytime soon. Active meditation is more like my thing.

I made a mental list of things that I’m thankful for and it brought me into a lighter mood. Does it remedy all of my worries? Nope. But it damn sure eased a lot of the rapid thoughts that ran through my head.

Most of us are freaked out over being stuck in a house when someone would gladly take our boredom. Let’s never take for granted that there’s a population out there worried about their safety, next meal and a home long before COVID-19.

Remember to check in with your kids and actually listen to them. Every person is processing this differently daily. And if you have a significant other, remember to not kill each other in this process. 15 minutes of quiet time and separation, even if in another room HELPS.

Reserve your peace in whatever way possible. Just stay home as much as possible while doing it.

Yesterday’s Dinner:

Mexican Spiced Pork Chops | Smoky Red Bean Chili | Sauteed Green Beans + Cherry Blistered Tomatoes | Spanish Spiced Rice + Soccorat

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #staythefuckhome #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #porkchops #eatarainbow #fiveaday #cheftalk (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-HgbN2HYNl/?igshid=2w4gpj9yrn8o

As a person who suffers with anxiety, I’m accustomed to being heightened or on edge when the wrong elements hit me a certain way.

Last night, my endometriosis flared up something vicious. Depending on the pain level, I can move around with it or curl up into a ball and submit to the pain. While doing IG stories creating this dish, I refused to call it quits.

It’s been 10 days since my family ceased work and school – my norm is shaken. Every time I think I’m adjusting to the required changes, something disturbs my adjustments and I want to rebel – and so I continued cooking.

When I cook, I am reminded to pace myself, breathe and every step counts. It is a therapeutic and scientific act that requires attention and patience. Surely I felt the dull pains tap against my body bit it felt damn good to not lose another thing that this quarantine is taking away from me.

I’m restricted in movement but not my art. Finding my wins wherever I can earn them.

Last night’s dinner: Teriyaki Glazed Salmon | Roasted Kale | Sauteed Asparagus | Tri Colored Couscous in Asian Spiced Broth

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #chef #cheftalk #culinary #quarantinemeals #anxiety #endometriosis #salmon #endometriosisawareness #eatarainbow #fiveaday #fish (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-F3Ex-n4Nt/?igshid=g86zm2vfwpw3

Early start for me this morning. I went to the supermarket and pushed yo possibly the last major things that I’ll need for a few weeks. Hopefully other things needed will be minor or can hold off until further down the line.

Typically I’d pull out my running attire the night before a race – this one was a virtual. Some might view that ruined ritual as a sad moment; I elected to look at it as a moment to slow things down a bit.

Running without spectators is both a good and sad thing. It’s amazing to have that support pushing you on. I learned how to be my own cheerleader before I ever toed the line. Some days are harder than others to lace up but I always feel accomplished.

I called a local bike shop to get a trainer tire for my bike. My work ethic doesn’t stop because the world’s on stand still from COVID-19. I mapped a longer route to allow me to do 5K this afternoon and make a quick stop in to support @fulton_bikes.

I took my time and even opted to speed walk the last mile. I wish I could reward myself with some bubble tea right now but that restaurant isn’t open at the moment; iced coffee will do.

As I sit on the steps of my home, I’m grateful that I’m able to make things work, even if I have to modify my plans. Heading inside to knock out a long bike ride. Making tomorrow my dedicated day off. If you don’t see a rainbow in all of this smog, create your own.

Today’s Workout:

Run/ Walk: 5K with @runsheisbeautiful
Cycling: In Progress with a 20 Mile goal

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #lovewave (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AyrV5nIqF/?igshid=16hylgf8nnof6

If I’m required to stay home, we gonna eat as many home cooked meals as possible.

Took two hours to whip up this late night dinner but it was worth it. I was worried that my naan would turn out disastrous because I never made it before – kid approved (and he’s brutally honest about food even when he doesn’t know it).

What I love about the power of food is if you make it right, you can make people forget about their worries or situation for a few minutes. I’m not a therapist but my food and cooking are therapeutic for me.

Last Night’s Dinner: Indian Spiced Coconut Chicken, Turmeric Jasmine Rice, Okra, Green Beans and Homemade Naan Bread

@esnelldesign

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #chicken #eatarainbow #fiveaday #cheftalk #culinary (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_2A9mHotu/?igshid=e6fdym9hn36e

Today was physically productive and I’m looking forward to getting a great night’s rest after a series of at home workouts. I created a few playlists to accompany my workouts over the past few days and will do my best to keep up the trend.

If you’re up for the challenge, go for 16 to 20 reps for 2 -3 rounds then hit the bike for 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate level intensity.

You can find my COVID-19 90s/Millennium Throwback Playlist in my Instagram Highlights to keep you moving.

Several people asked how to support me over the last week. I don’t want to rush creating a Patreon account because I’d prefer to do it right the first time rather than do something half assed.

Instead I’d rather continue contributing my content here - particularly since I don’t have my fitness certification yet - and if you feel like throwing me a few dollars, this is completely up to you. You can visit my Running Fat Chef blog and hit the donate button.

Please do not contribute if you don’t have it. We are all going through this together and I honestly enjoy treating my social media like an online diary.

COVID-19 or not, I’ll be cooking, acting a fool and getting my fitness in whatever safe way possible.

Today’s Workout:

20 Min Cardio
25 Min Cycling | 6.31 Mi, 14.9 mph
1 Hour Running | 4.20 Mi, 15:25/mi, Aiming for Negative Splits
15 Min Meditation via @garmin app

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at New York, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B98MYKCnd-k/?igshid=j41oja5ge7ir

At some point, this pandemic will be over and I’ll reflect back to these moments. I am confident in saying that it’s not going to be filled with completely terrible stories.

COVID-19 is bringing me closer to my family and forcing me to slow down beyond my norm. Perhaps this is why I feel so uncomfortable at night time. Being forced to watch everything go quiet and your thoughts are sitting on your side staring at you drift off into a somber state.

In my world, I’m scared to see another race disappear from the calendar – even though I knew it was coming. I fret as the days go by and my son gets bored quickly. To see my husband trying to find ways to make peace with not waking up early for work.

As an American, not many of us truly know how to chill in a capitalistic environment. And so, we hit the panic button when it’s done without our permission.

I buried myself with creativity today. Before I knew it, I didn’t feel so bad. Being forced to stay still reminds me of a time where I begged for things to slow down. Surely this isn’t the vacation I asked for and it’s nerve wracking to think about the future but is anything truly guaranteed. I am reminding myself to breathe intently. Control what you can and surrender to uncertainty until you find your life raft. Some battles are won when you don’t fight so hard.

Tonight’s Dinner: Seared Shoulder Steak with Citrus Soy Glazed Potato + Vegetable Medley

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #cheftalk #steakandpotatoes #fiveaday #eatarainbow (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B95vV8wHk0k/?igshid=1555jcv6pkysr

Possibly my last swim for a bit. Unlike other times that I started and stopped this journey, I don’t feel discouraged.

Thankful for the progress I made in three months. I can glide, improving my form in freestyle and was in the process of learning how to backfloat.

Surely, some things have to take a backseat. No pool access for a bit is going to suck and ther closings of gym facilities will be blah but I’ll have so much more to be thankful for when I’m able to return to these places.

Focusing on my running, cycling and calisthenics in the meantime. Might even tap into my yoga routine again – there’s @mynameisjessamyn and @theunderbellyyoga if you need online guidance and loads of local yogis who are practicing online.

When things are safer, I’ll make my return back to these places that I consider a second home. If there’s anything that I’ll miss more than the activities, it’ll be the staff and regulars that saw at each other these places. Air jugs and Wakanda greetings from afar for now.

Stay elevated.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #journeytoironman #triathleteintraining #ultrarunner (at Weeksville, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zm3PgHm43/?igshid=1rfbtudc5byhp

Everything and everywhere I look, everyone’s talking about COVID-19–and it makes me talk and think about it too.

If there’s anything that I want to catch is a form of normalcy; I am making sure that I do it daily.

I made brunch and dinner for my family. Opted to make fish tonight because we needed something special. Hubby and I aren’t talking about it much but we’re worried. He’s officially home until further notice. I’m not working; kid’s officially out of school for a min of a month.

I woke up this morning with the intentions of running 13.1 but after wiping down my machine 3X in paranoia while rowing, I knew it would be a shit show.

You know what made me smile? Seeing toilet tissue still on the shelves and a decent amount of food left in the supermarket today. Sounds stupid to some but if you’re in my inbox reading how many people told me that they cannot pick up these things because people are hoarding them, it made me sick. It made me happy to see that my neighbors are shopping responsibly.

The current state of NYC is a bit heartbreaking. Restaurants will be pick up only on Tuesday. Some establishments will close and it’s for a good reason. We’re all sacrificing for a short time to be here for a long time. I just hope we remain compassionate during and after this is all done. If you are a person who bought too much, share it with a neighbor–please. Help out an older or immunocompromised person. I’ll be doing that unless restricted.

12 year old me would appreciate it because seeing this reminds me of days when I couldn’t eat because my family couldn’t afford it. We don’t know how long this will be but I hope you find something that keeps you smiling. Today’s gems came from my family, creating dope meals, actually picking up the phone to talk to people and getting off my ass to be active. If we get to a place where we are completely limited to our homes, I know that we’re resilient people and will see our ways through this. I am grateful for the privilege that I have; your complaint is someone else’s wildest dream.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9x5-xdHFct/?igshid=m0ltzzgykshm

Another race cancelled but my grind dont stop. It’s a little devastating but when I think about the gift of mobility, I cannot imagine being overwhelmed by the loss of an event.

Still figuring out my groove with this whole swimming thing but damn does it feel great to actually make strides. Yesterday I tackled just under 1000 yards, PRed my 100 + 400 according to my @Garmin and I feel progress in my endurance.

My body feels immaculate and haven’t encountered an endometriosis flare all week. I’ll be honest – I’m a little nervous about losing some of the muscle mass, watching certain things get leaner despite knowing that my body type will change because of the sport. I am reminding myself to focus on how I’m feeling versus being scared of the way that my body looks.

The entire world can tell you that you look and are amazing but those are things that you have to see in yourself. Despite shaky moments, I am confident in the skin that I’m in. If things start to level out with that bad C word that’s been plaguing all of these places, I will feel comfortable investing my money into my first tri. For the moment, I’m enjoying the ride of getting better with my craft.

Today’s Workout:

Cycling: 6 miles, 24 minutes
Swimming: 684 yards, 1 hour, 15 mins instruction – Freestyle + learning how to back float/ breathing while in freestyle (thanks Miss @officialsharong –I love this woman)
Run: 1 mile, 13:58/mi

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero ##journeytoironman #triathleteintraining (at Brooklyn, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m6saDnK0W/?igshid=1o75evhizkw83

Being surrounded in a room full of black excellence made me feel empowered. It’s not everyday that I have a reason to dress up. And it’s certainly not everyday that I’m able to interact with black history in motion.

Thank you @shanellegabriel for the invite to the 3rd Annual @urbanwordnyc @blackgirlmagicball in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

Tonight’s Look:

Top and Bottom: @byashleystewart
Head Wrap: Impulse Buy in DC
Makeup: colors from @maccosmetics and @nyxcosmetics

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #blackgirlmagic #urbanwordnyc #bgmball2020 (at The Dumbo Loft)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9k50B_nuVJ/?igshid=1m5sxr2vgqd0r

Head high | Booty flexed |
Today’s the day that you conquer the world | Rinse, wash, repeat X 7

Yesterday’s Grind:

Swim: 700 yds (longest to date) and my fastest 400
Run: 1 Mile, Slow AF and steady pace, 15:27/mi
Bike: 10 miles (>40 minutes)

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Crown Heights, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9jn0yTHbsL/?igshid=16wha6oy4l2je

Doesn’t matter what your level of success may be, depression affects everyone at some point. My spirits ran a little low yesterday afternoon and it rattled me just a bit.

Opted to go outside, take a moment and put some slow miles on my feet. It didn’t cure everything but I came back home rejuvenated.

Running, cycling, swimming – none of it replaces therapy but it’s definitely therapeutic to my soul.

Yesterday’s Movements:

Running: 3.1 miles (45 mins)
Cycling: 11.11 miles (45 mins)

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #iwd2020 #optoutside
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9hPEqDHgcX/?igshid=1wvb0yvt3g8bd

Honest Moment:

Years ago, I had no idea what an International Women’s Day was or why people were hell bent on celebrating it. Don’t be afraid to raise your hands if I’m not alone.

Despite learning about women’s suffrage in my youth, I didn’t correlate the two. It didn’t hit home for me until I entered sports and it changed the trajectory of my life.

International Women’s Day is significant because we still live in a world where a significant amount of things aren’t equal. Our identities can unfairly determine our pay to being reduced down to looks versus impact or ability, especially in sports.

I don’t want to hit you with a cliche reason on why you should care; instead I’ll share why it’s important to me and how sports stimulated this development.

If it wasn’t for sports, I wouldn’t have an empowering female community to be vulnerable with, wouldn’t be in my career and I probably wouldn’t know the power of my voice and how I can use it to stimulate change. #IWD2020 is powerful to me because I am reminded that I can use my platform to bring awareness; I am also reminded to acknowledge my own achievements and being kinder to myself.

For IWD and days to follow, I’m implementing recovery and relaxation as priorities. It’s hard to feel motivated by your work if you never stop, stand back and admire the beauty you created.

Wishing us all growth on IWD. To check out my blurb, visit the link in the bio or type in the link provided below:

https://www.runningfatchef.com/blog/apromisetoself

@esnelldesign |Philly| NYC
Space provided by @b_brian_blair and @clevecoryephotography

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #effyourbeautystandards #blackwomenaredope #iwd (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9dwsfbnRbq/?igshid=gm7hnyhr3738

This Sunday, come down to @precisionrun and join me for a celebration of International Women’s Day. Why should you show up? Well because we need to see you at the Precision Run X GOTRNYC presented by The Fit Collective Panel.

Here’s the rundown:

2PM class | 3PM Panel

Panelists:

@lizvanvoorhis, Founder of @_the_fit_collective + @_fitnessbyzoe, Head of Mktg for Precision Run + @dianeweinberger, Coach & Board Member of @GOTRNYC and Race Director of Hamptons Marathon/Bridgehampton Half Marathon + Me, An Everyday Ultrarunner, Food & Fitness Blogger and Motivational Speaker

We need you there because each $35 registration/ donation will purchase a pair of sneakers for a participation GOTRNYC girl. Help us celebrate the essence of International Women’s Day with sports.

Link available in my bio.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #iwd2020 #womeninsports #nyc (at Precision Run)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9atDpNn0Vp/?igshid=my2lna89cvpk

Haven’t managed to push myself for a run outside yet but I am pretty consistent with my at home routine.

I’d love to throw in some weights but I’ll never hear the end of it from my coach .

Been seeing a lot more fitness posts and it’s been kinda dope. I’ve been getting inboxes from some who feel disappointment that they’re not able to move during this moment. There’s nothing wrong with stillness honey.

The world of social media makes things look real amazing when you can chop segments into a post. I guarantee you that this struggle is real AF and some of us ain’t as interesting in real life as our curated content. Some days I move on auto pilot. Don’t let these posts disillusion you.

There’s not enough conversations about the struggle even before this pandemic. People just feel comfortable putting up appearances of having it together. Let me break that thought process: Most of us have an idea of what we want to do and accomplish but encounter periods of not knowing what the hell we’re doing.

Even your favorite celebrity, fitness personality or your friend don’t have it together at some point. That makes us beautifully human. Being able to apply makeup the same way everyday doesn’t make you “goals;” it makes you a robot.

Breathe easier: All of us have something that we’re struggling in and if you move slower than others, embrace that being in the back of the pack is not always a bad thing. There’s something that each of us are working through. Compete against yourself and hell, give your reflection a break sometimes too.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #plussizeathlete #athlete #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly (at New York, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0WURQnolY/?igshid=12pijluwqtdm0

Been in a crap mood on and off today. I feel off and it’s a day where I’m really tired of being in the house but nervous about going for a run.

Sometimes I dread social media for the reminders of people who are no longer here with us. I feel an indescribable weight that rests on me whenever I log on, particularly Facebook. I can honestly say this is the first time in a long time that I’m happy to see “pretty little pictures” and videos on a screen. I can elect to be one of those people who don’t read captions when it’s too much. But because I’m not that person, it’s hard. My brain reads everything and feel shit that I don’t want to feel.

It’s hard when your form of metaphorical oxygen can literally kill you. I fucking miss running without worrying if I’m going to catch something or be the reason why someone’s not here if I am a carrier. Practicing patience. Practicing calm. Practicing grieving. Practicing loss.

Drowning all of my feelings into creating bright dishes and pushing my bike painfully hard these days. If cooking was yoga, I’d be zen AF.

Anyways, here’s dinner: Asian Ground Beef Rice Bowl (or Bibimbap minus the egg and kimchee)

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #beef #groundbeef #eatarainbow #fiveaday #cheftalk #yeschef #ricebowl #bibimbap #quarantinemeals (at Quarantine 2020)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-vaQCEnc_H/?igshid=o843ttsunki7

I heard it takes 21 days to form a habit so I’m wondering why I’m not accustomed to doing so many at home workouts yet.

While I am not thrilled about staying indoors most of the time, I am feeling less antsy about it. Some days I adjust and then there’s others where I lose it for a hour. Typically I go light an incense and cook something. Outside of watching a documentary, a few reality TV shows and something outlandish like Tiger King, I’m not much of a lounge on the couch person.

I thought I’d be reading more books by now, being extra productive in my writing but sometimes I just want to be friends with a scoop of ice cream, bag of chips and get sad about not doing runs over 13 miles because I live in the epicenter of this pandemic. And you know what: That makes me feel okay.

Going out later to hit my longest mileage to date since this quarantine: 15K. I have a Hot Chocolate 15K medal sitting in my house that I haven’t earned yet. I’m working past my anxiety, figuring out a safe route away from people to practice social distancing and try not to trip over the lack of runs in my Strava. When it’s all over, I can safely say that I did my part in staying home as much as possible – even when I’m grouchy about it.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #athomeworkouts #quarantineworkout #hokaoneone #womenwhofly #stayathome #productivity (at Brooklyn, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-r1g_wnQAb/?igshid=17puesqhoiqr4

I’ve been asked if I’m transforming my Instagram into a food account and this makes me chuckle.

For those who are unaware, I run a blog called Running Fat Chef – a self ran food and fitness blog about being a fit + fat athlete.

In short, the answer is no. I’m not turning my IG into a food account. This is literally me sharing layers of myself. If you’ve been following me long enough, this is nothing new; COVID-19 gifted and cursed us all with a bit more home time. I hate most takeout and I’m a light control freak when it comes to flavors.

Besides, most athletes love eating a dope ass meal after pushing their bodies to the limit. Some of us like more than salt, pepper and water.

If you’re looking for a space where I talk about food like I love it and want to skip the diet commentary b/s, check me out. It is a space where I can combine my previous career as a sous chef in restaurants, life as a food photographer, food stylist, catering and corporate dining to my semi new career in fitness.

And anyone who don’t like it better shut up and eat these mashed potatoes honey.

Yesterday’s Dinner: Seared Pork Chops | Mushroom + Garlic Pan Sauce | Roasted Corn on the Cob | Herb Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #blackchefs #food #foodie #foodslut #foodporn #porkchops #potatoes #cheftalk #yeschef #fuckthescale #quarantinemeals #fuckthatsdelicious #foodblogger (at Quarantine 2020)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-pv4nTneo3/?igshid=15a6d1t7yymr4

I took a few days off to clear off my mental. Describing the last few days as rough is an understatement. Opted to move and find some normalcy. No better way to do that than do this upper body torture fest that coach crafted for me.

I added in my @moveloops for some of the workouts as an extra challenge to swimmer’s calisthenics routine and worked heavily with resistence bands for my dryland exercises. I chose 10 of who knows how many workouts that I did last night; the burn is definitely here this morning.

Yesterday’s Workout:

Rowing: 647 strokes (Distance Unknown)
Cycling: 8.68 miles, 35 mins, 15.1 mi/hr
Swimmer’s Calisthenics Routine: 24 mins
Dryland Exercises: 24 mins

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #hokaoneone #womenwhofly #stayathome #homeexercises #drylandtraining #calisthenics #quarantineworkout #quarantine (at New York, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-mUHf_ngmq/?igshid=1v9drh921th9t

When this is over, I’m literally going to throw a party. Is it 2021 already?

Late ass brunch today because life: Salmon | Kale Chips | Scrambled White Cheddar Eggs | Cherry Blistered Tomatoes | French Toast | Fried Potatoes

What’s your plans after COVID? What’s the first thing that you’re doing once you break out of quarantine? I’ll be hugging my esthetician because these eyebrows and my baby five o'clock shadow is not treating me kindly – Happy Saturday.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #salmon #brunch #breakfastofchampions #breakfastfordinner #fiveaday #eatarainbow #covid19 #quarantinemeals #quarantine (at Brooklyn, New York)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-kt8uhnAPT/?igshid=lloz27ke2hy

Chef Tip: Make use of your root vegetables by creating hearty dishes that’ll last more than one day. Most times they’re pretty cheap, loaded full of vitamins and will hold over for a long time.

Larger cuts are great for stews. Smaller cuts are perfect for a quick stir fry or saute.

And if you’re not sure when your vegetables are done, remember that your vegetables snitch on themselves when they turn bright and vibrant. If they start to lose too much color, you’re probably overcooking your vegetables. Embrace your senses and cooking will feel super intuitive before you know it.

Tonight’s Dinner: Beef Stew | Asparagus | Herb Rice | Roasted Corn on the Cob

What’s your quarantine meals looking like?

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #beef #beefstew #fiveaday #eatarainbow (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-bKf8_nwhi/?igshid=180h11fxr408m

Being home is forcing me to dust off some old knives and get deeper into my culinary roots. It makes me miss the industry so much. In the meantime, my family members are the only customers being served in my kitchen.

Tonight’s Menu: Soy Marinated Pork Chops • Asparagus • Green Beans • Vegetable Fried Rice

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #culinary #eatarainbow #fiveaday #friedrice #porkchops #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #stayhome #staythefuckhome #quarantinemeals (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-YbiCaHDse/?igshid=ud4joqisz0v0

Broke in a new pair of sneakers to do my first virtual duathlon for @newyorktriathlon.

The March Madness Duathlon was 2 miles of running, 12 miles of cycling and 2 extra miles if running. Originally I was scheduled for a 2 hour cycling session from my coach with a 30 minute run – decided to commit to both.

My endometriosis flare up caused me to have a really late start. Kinda thankful this was a virtual race. Social distancing was a breeze since I ran at night and I took my cycling section indoors on my trainer.

Admittedly it’s not the same without the cheers and crowd but it felt good to run again.

My medal will be available once all of this stuff is over. In the meantime, I gifted myself some wild salmon before bed.

Today’s Workout:

Run: 4 Miles, 1 hour, 3 minutes|Cycling: 28 miles, 2 hours (including 7 to 8 minute bathroom break)

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero #virtualrun #virtualrace #socialdistancing #covid19workout #endometriosis #chronicpain #duathlon (at Brooklyn, NYC, NY, USA)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WMFOBH6jz/?igshid=1c0fik6nroba8

Last night’s quarantine meal looked a little something like this:

Fried Whiting, Sauteed Shrimp, White Cheddar Grits and Herb Seasoned Fries

Ended yesterday’s unexpected rest day + deep clean in my office space well worth it.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #food #foodie #foodporn #foodslut #fish #fishandchips #quarantinemeals #culinary (at Quarantine Kitchen)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Uez94nGMa/?igshid=70t86kvmz27c

Getting in a Friday afternoon yoga flow while keeping it indoors. I moved intuitively with the asanas that I know and regularly practice.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #plussizeathlete #yoga #vinyasa #fatgirlmagic #yogapractice #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QZeBxnkA3/?igshid=1vsjysd4eki3h

After so many race cancellations and postponements, I opted to take on a virtual race that matches my training for this weekend.

I’m freshly signed up for the March Madness @newyorktriathlon Tri. Still figuring out what I’ll wear, safe hours to take on the run outdoors and if I’ll do IG/ Facebook stories like I used to do with traditional races. All I do know is that I needed something to make me feel “normal” or close to it.

Nevertheless, check out today’s workout from @coachmorgonlatimore. I feel nice and tired after that workout.

I did 5 rounds and 25 minutes on the bike. Feeling pumped and excited once again. Anyone else signed up for virtual events?

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #covid19workout #covid_19 #athomeworkouts (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-OL5J8HP5J/?igshid=553t59zgdk72

On a positive note, my cycling speed is increasing again and I’m having a bit of fun compiling playlists to match my workouts while home.

Allowing music to be my voice is something I practice regularly. Whether I’m making some elaborate 2 hour meal to creating a vibe, music is a muse that I love using.

When I’m on the trail or road, I don’t use it as much because I prefer to be aware of my surroundings. Cycling indoors on my trainer afforded me the opportunity to express myself in a tone deaf way – but it’s rare that I share that scary sound on camera.

Check out my @spotify playlists on my Instagram Highlights.

After I fuel up, I’ll be hitting the bike and the mat again for another workout. Just because things are changing doesn’t mean that I need to abandon my triathlon goal.

Yesterday’s progress:

Cycling: 45 minutes, 12 miles completed at 15.7mph pace

Indoor cycling stand by Sportneer
Activity Tracking: @garminfitness Speed Sensor

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #cycling #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #indoorcycling #sponsoredbysuperfithero #plussizeathlete #covid19workout #stayhome (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NLrNDHsPr/?igshid=87568tlbos5c

If I take away the idea that I’m not working and my workouts are modified, I might not be doing too bad considering the state that we’re in.

I’ve always cooked meals for my family but they weren’t home THIS much. The pandemic is forcing me to make food just a bit more and I’m okay with that.
Cooking takes my mind away from the b/s.

Despite the actual physical harm that COVID-19 does to the human body, the quarantine process exposes layers that I am forced to face about myself.

A Buzzfeed article about eating disorders and how practicing the safety protocols necessary from COVID-19 (i.e. staying indoors) are triggering for some people made a few things click. I listened to my internal dialogue yesterday and realize part of nervous energy stemmed from the reduction of my workouts. Thankfully I’m at a good place where I no longer believe in shit like earning my meal but light codependency in working out hard can dictate my happiness at times.

That reflection told me that I still have work to do AND I was in need of a meal that would make me forget about a damn pandemic. During these stressful times, I love creating hearty dishes and this was the one that came to mind. Might post up this recipe today.

I’m using this time to patch up some cracks within myself. And if I can make a bomb ass meal while on the mend, I’m winning.

Yesterday’s Dinner:

Beef Enchiladas | Chicken Enchiladas | Spanish Rice | Black Beans

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #cheftalk #ed #covid_19 #eatingdisorderrecovery #foodie #food #foodslut #chicken #beef #enchiladas #culinary (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MuVDjH1JS/?igshid=170044rlak0l7

No pool while going through this pandemic means I have to keep my body strong enough for me to return to the water.

Some of these exercises were timed for 60 seconds while others only required 10 reps per round. I went for 3 plus 30 minutes on my bike.

My body and mind felt better after knocking out this hour routine from @coachmorgonlatimore.

Thanks @esnelldesign for capturing video with my @gopro.

#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero (at Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-JNsCtnjiJ/?igshid=8bn6k6fhvilu