If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know I’m not a whiz in the kitchen. However, every now and again… okay, maybe once a month… I like to try something new to see if I can’t improve my skills. This time it was really no big deal and no major cooking here, but I did try something new and I was successful! Kale chips!
Kale is one of those powerhouse super foods, but to be honest, it’s not that yummy in salads, in my opinion. I think it’s bitter, chewy, and has a texture similar to a bay leaf… again, in my opinion. So, enter the kale chips. Okay, it’s a bit fussy having to cut the leaves off the stalk and then drying them, but really, kind of worth it. Better than potato chips or popcorn! Voila!
Perhaps not so pleasing to the eye, but believe me, they were tasty. I think James described them as “something that looked like washed up on a beach.” (which is okay too… I’ve been wanting to add seaweed to our diet just recently, another super food, :D)
In other news… you may know I went for a bike ride last week. When it came time to get on the bike again, it was raining, so I had to venture downstairs to the stationary bike. It was actually a great setup as I decided to watch a program while doing it. Now, I know this is not a new concept to the rest of the world… but it’s the first time I’ve ever actually done it, and it was quite pleasant… until about 20 minutes in… then I couldn’t feel my bum anymore and decided that that definitely couldn’t be a good thing, so I stopped. But at least I’m a couple of rides closer to getting my sit bones used to a 50-mile ride. My next feat with the bike, before the 50 miles, is a painful uphill climb that goes on for 3 or 4 miles which I have always avoided like the plague. I’ll let you know later how that one goes.
And, oh yeah, the running thing… I’ve been doing that, too. I’ve stuck mostly to the treadmill so I can focus on my pace. I know it’s weird and so unlike me to want to run on the treadmill, but hey, we do what we gotta do to reach our goals, don’t we.
I’ve not stayed completely inside though! The pictures you’re seeing are from a recent run around town.
Wishing you a beautiful Tuesday!!
Never A Dull Bling 
I’ve been struggling with pace lately, slowly going slower and slower outdoors.I think i may need to snag your idea here and take it to the treadmill for a little bit to keep myself MOVIN!
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Yep, slower and slower! But the heat doesn’t help either, does it! 😀
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Paula, I admire your determination and dedication! I look forward to hearing about your painful uphill climb – I am sure you will do just fine – like a champ! Happy Tuesday! 🙂
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Oh, thank you so much Terry! Even if I have to get off and walk the bike up, at least it’ll give me a starting point! 😀
Happy Tuesday, my friend!!
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Any tips for alleviating treadmill bordem? I watch the clock too much. My part of the world is under a “heat dome”, with like 200 % humidity so running outside isn’t an option till fall. Keep up the great work!
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Thank you so much!! Unfortunately, no, I don’t have any tips. Doing the treadmill is torture, but I try to focus on my body and what it’s doing and how it feels so I can take that out on the road. I also try to focus on just staying on the treadmill and not falling off, lol! So, with all that focusing, I’m paying attention to everything other than the monotony of that horrid machine, :D. Good music helps too, hehe!
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I love these little peeks into my blogging friend’s lives.
1. Kale: Your kale chips look just as good as anybody else’s. You’ve convinced me to give it a try.
2. Biking: I can’t do the stationary bike for the EXACT same reason that you said! LOL!!!!
Keep these little slices of your life coming. I love them 🙂
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Thank you so much Lady G!! Yes, do try those kale chips… they just melt in your mouth!! Love ’em!! And, OMG… I don’t know how people go for a long time on those stationary bikes!! Ouchie!! 😀
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You go girl! I love Kale chips…I have yet to eat it any other way. lol
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That seems to be the only way to go!! Actually, I should crisp up all my veggies… maybe then I’d eat more, lol!! 😀
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Shouldn’t you be tapering for this weekend anyway?
And would you believe I don’t make kale chips? So there ya go.
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You’ve tried kale chips though, yes? I recommend it if you haven’t!! 🙂
Yes, I should probably be in taper mode, but not really, as I’m aiming for distance as opposed to time. I don’t actually plan to do anything Thursday or Friday. Are you going to do your race for sure?
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Yes, I’ve had kale chips but never made them.
Not sure about my race. Depends how I feel (which isn’t great right now)
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Ugh! Hill climbing. It’s my least favorite thing to do on a bike. I remember riding with my husband and he would be flying past me and I would be plugging along thinking, “This is how I am going to die.” Good times. 🙂
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Hahaha, doesn’t sound like good times, lol!! I’m going to be the exact same way though, thinking I’m going to die, but I think in all reality I’m going to be walking that bike up the hill, hehe! 😀
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the “looked like it washed up on the shore” food was indeed actually delicious and yes it is time to conquer the beast hill from Arlington…I’ll be right there giving you all the motivation you need 🙂
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What you really mean is “kick in the ass” to get me up that hill, hehe! 😀
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Gentle motivation 🙂
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I swear my bike has the largest overfilled with gel like substance seat and it still gets umm ‘uncomfortable’ down there! I did the treadmill on Monday. I actually like it. I like the even consistency on my body and feet. The gym is in a Starbucks parking lot so I can people watch while listening to my body and my tunes. I find it very therapeutic.
I can ONLY eat kale when it is in ‘chip’ form. Glad you both enjoyed them. What about AJ?
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Hehe, AJ was nowhere around, but I know exactly what he would’ve done… made the throwing up sign all over them, hahaha! He has no food adventure, :D. Mind you though, he’s a good kid and doesn’t ever insult me outright by saying how bad my cooking sucks! 😀
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Yum, I love kale chips! You are such an inspiration Paula! I only walk on the treadmill..I need to do more. Good luck with your goals 😀
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That’s so kind of you to say, Antonia, thank you!! But hey, at least you walk on the treadmill! That’s exactly where I started! ;D
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You are always so inspiring Paula. Well done on the cooking. Your kale chips look a lot better than mine, I just can’t get them right, my first attempt they were too oily, yuk, second attempt was better but still not great….I give up !
I have no option but to use the treadmill, but loud good music helps. I am not into the stationary bike at all, and avoid it at all costs…in the past, I used to put in in front of the TV as a distraction, but really biking and me is a no no.
Well done for your determination. 🙂
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I love kale, but raw kale is just gross, so chewy and dirt like tasting. Kale chips though, yum!!!
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I know right! I wonder if all the goodness is cooked out of them… surely not!
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I assume it’s not, so many health advocates recomend them so surely they are ok?
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Me too… we’ll just go with that, hehe!
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Love the pictures! Yeah cooking success is always fun
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Haha, even if it’s as simple as kale chips, I agree! 😀
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yes anything that is successful in my house is awesome haha
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Running is so peaceful. I run when I want to escape everyone & everything. It’s the ultimate “me time.” It looks like you have a beautiful route mapped out. Keep at it — just enjoy your runs and your pace will improve.
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Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words! I’m trying, really I am! I think I may have a mental block or an aversion to running faster, lol! Kidding! I’m going to incorporate some speed intervals with my next training cycle to see if it helps me! Crossing my fingers! 🙂 And you’re right… running really is great “me time!”
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