Good morning! If you’re buried in snow, please enjoy some for me!
I’m heading off for day two of this…
This weekend is my RRCA coach training, 8-5 both days. I’m always amazed how exhausting it is to sit still for 9 hours! The run-nerd in me having a blast soaking it all up. Most of it is not “new” but I’m enjoying it all and having a few revelations about things I might change in my running.
It’s been an interesting workout week… I’m adding some intensity but very slowly adding mileage. I’m really enjoying the time in between training cycles to take it easy.
The RRCA training is making it tough to get a long run in, so I’m aiming for 10-12 on Monday. It’s seems strange that 10-12 was a medium distance weekday run just a month ago!
Weekly workout recap
Sunday: Tina’s boot camp + 45 minute spin
Monday: 6.2 miles, with a virtual 5k of 21:28 for 5 by the 5th/Kyle’s Krusade/Tackle the Miles + 3 mile nap walk*
Tuesday: Tina’s Boot camp + 1 hour spin + 3 mile nap walk
Wednesday: 5.5 treadmill at 8:15 pace
Thursday: Subbed 1 hour spin (RPM 57 is intense!) + arms/core + 2 mile nap walk
Friday: Off
Saturday: 8 miles (4 at 7:15 tempo)
*We’re going through a nap strike so I’ve done a few nap stroller walks on the days she desperately needs a cat nap to get us through the evening!
I just looked at the calendar and realized my half marathon is only 3 weeks away! Oops. I’ve been hoping my marathon fitness would magically carry me over into a new half pr, but now I’m thinking I’d better get back in gear.

And finally, menu planning for the week. I came across some awesome recipes this week. There were way too many to fit into one menu plan, but I have several pinned for later. Here’s the plan:
Sunday: Leftovers
Monday: Toss up between Melanie’s Spinach-stuffed portabellos and her Crockpot Chicken Chili
Tuesday: Elle’s Lentil and Walnut Loaf
Wednesday: Roasted vegetable Quinoa salad and Lemon baked fish
Thursday: Spinach Frittata
Friday: Grilled fish or chicken and Butternut Squash Fries
Saturday: Leftovers or out to eat
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy dessert, I posted these no bake healthy brownies on Friday after sharing the photo on Instagram:

Link up your menu and visit a few friends!























I’m extremely jealous of your 2 days of nothing but run nerd talk. Fingers crossed a certification opens up around me soon!
I’m feeling like I’m in a food rut so thanks for the suggestions. I really want to make Melanie’s Portabello mushrooms but no one else in my house likes them. Boo!
Have fun today!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Going NuttZo + Meal Planning: Week of February 10
Yes, I hope so, too. You will love it! I’m hoping they do a level 2 soon as well… I want a little more science. I have a few unanswered questions, but got a lot of great info!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
I completely understand how you feel about your long runs now being what your medium runs were only recently. I wish that we could just jump into more miles right away, but it’s also nice to have more time for our other interests. Sounds great to be able to take a coaching class!
I know- part of me is itching for more, but for the most part I’m enjoying the extra down time.
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Beast! Way to go with your workouts! Good luck today!
Heather recently posted..Weekly Recap: February Week 1
Holy smokes on that tempo run! Wow. Nicely done. I always find that sitting in classes like that is just draining. I am always so wiped out when I go to training for work.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Fun Facts Friday – Things I Won’t Forgo
Thanks, Heather. I’m trying to find speed before this half marathon! And yes, I am wiped out from sitting still. Crazy how exhausting that is!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Siting still for an entire day is not my idea of fun at all. Especially if you are talking about fitness/coaching. I would much rather be doing it. It will pay off in the end!
Amy @ Writing While Running recently posted..Let the Snow Fall!
Same with me! I stood at times and we took lots of breaks. But it was worth it!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Totally buried in snow here, and it looks like I’m not going to get my 13-miler in this weekend. Hoping the gym is open tomorrow so I can get on the treadmill and do it then. In the meantime, I think I’ll make those brownies today!
Michelle recently posted..Another Super Year at the Super 5K
Did you get the treadmill 13 in?? I loved getting snowed in, but it definitely makes training difficult!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
I’m loving those Butternut squash fries! They sounds soo good! Can’t wait to see how you like them.
Katie recently posted..Kyle’s Krusade Virtual 5K Race Recap
I know- I thought that was a brilliant idea! Can’t wait to try them.
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
You are not missing much on moving the long run to Monday – it was 75 deg F, humid
You’ll be fine for the half marathon. I totally agree that how weird it is to be doing 10 miles long run when 10-12 miles were the mid-week norms a month ago!!
See you soon!
Today was much better! I got in 10.5 before J had to leave. Hope to catch you at the Thursday workout this week!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Have fun at the training today! So exciting for you to become a coach!!!
Looks like a great week of eats!!! Some very tasty looking recipes!
Kim recently posted..Somedays are just made for Relaxing!!!
Thanks, Kim!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Oh nap strikes, I hate those!! When my son was 3 I used to do the same thing w/ the stroller. I would tell him he could get up as long as he’d ride in the stroller (by then he hated to). He’d almost always fall asleep. My daughter is much more flexible and can handle no naps w/out falling to pieces.
Hmmm, I’m going to have to go get groceries before I can do the menu thing. We are out of almost everything except maybe a couple of chicken breasts! I’ll check back!

jan recently posted..Organizational Project #4
I’m glad I’m not alone. It’s hard to tell if she’s dropping it or just on a strike. Over the weekend she napped both days for my husband (of course!) and then fought it for an hour today but finally crashed. So maybe we’ll get a few more weeks/months of napping in…
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Great menu line-up . . . enjoy the roasted veggies and quinoa!
I now need to figure out my plan for the week . . . . thanks for the inspiration!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..Friday’s Five: Injuries and Eating
I have been making similar brownies on the weekenights for a quick healthy chocolate dessert. I do dates, peanuts, and cocoa powder for some “brownie bites”. Nice whole food alternative for sure and I love gooey brownies so they’re perfect for me!
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family recently posted..Valentines Week Meal Plan
Yes, I love using dates, too! It’s such a good treat. I make some without cocoa for L, too. I need to make more!
Great week girl – I’ve been a study bug too so I feel ya!
Kat recently posted..Weekly Workouts Roundup: Starting the SBBC in March!
Great job this week, Laura! I have been thinking about taking a running coach certification course but RRCA never has anything near here and they fill up fast!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Online Workouts
They fill up crazy fast, I know. This one came open via email (are you on the email list??) and filled within a few hours! But there will soon be more. You would definitely enjoy it!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Hope you are enjoying the final day of the course, it is tough sitting that long but really interesting!
Great workout week. Link up tomorrow for Marathon (training) Monday

Jen recently posted..2/10 Menu Planning: Red Lentil Soup Recipe
Yum, spinach-stuffed portobellos sounds awesome! Thanks for hosting the party! Jo
Joann @ Woman in Real Life recently posted..Menu Plan, 7/52
Enjoy that studying!
I hope you like the lentil and walnut loaf… I am going to be making your brownies for my sweetie for Valentine’s Day.
Thanks!
Elle recently posted..We Ran the Virtual Race For Grandma Lill’s 96th Birthday
Butternut squash fries? Brilliant! The stuffed portobellos sound yummy too.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Plant-Based Menu and Workout Plan
You’ll have to give a full report on the coaching class. I had a friend who did it, and he was a little mixed on his reviews. It still sounded very interesting though. And, thanks for all the inspiration on your awesome meal planning!
Clea recently posted..This is how I (sushi) roll…
I had mixed thoughts, too. It covered all of the basics, but I would have loved to dive deeper into some stuff. It’s just hard to fit everything into one weekend. And I’m not a 5-6 day/week runner, so I definitely do things a little differently but can appreciate that more miles is better for most people.
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
I think a Frittita with a side of butternut squash fries sounds delectable!

GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted..Disneyland: Candyland Come To Life
Well the run-nerd in me is jealous of your RRCA training – especially if you’re learning new stuff! So exciting!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Eating on the Run {Fitness Friday}
Thanks, Heather… it was really fun! I wish I had learned more, but I was happy with what they squeezed into a two day event. And it sounds like they’ll come out with a level 2 (like usatf) so I’d love to take that at some point as well.
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
I was just looking into rrca. Seems like you are enjoying it !! Have a great week.
I’m adding those brownies to my must make list, those look good! Have fun at your coaching classes (so cool!).
Jealous of your training too but happy for you! It’s always so nice (especially as a mom) to take time to do something for yourself like furthering your education. There are so many conferences/classes on my list. Thanks as always for including me in your menu plan. xoxo
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Chocolate Covered Marshmallows & More Valentine’s Treats
Those brownies look cool! I need to follow you on Instagram so I don’t miss anything.

Barb @ Frugal Local Kitchen recently posted..menu plan monday 2.11.13
[...] Plan Monday at Organized Junkie, What’s for Dinner Menu Planning Link Up, {Gluten-Free} Weekly Menu Plan, Menu Plan Monday, On the Menu Monday, Natural Living Monday, The [...]
Hi Laura – I loved meeting you in person this weekend at the coaching course! I can’t believe you have your recap up so quickly – you are a rock star, baby! Thanks for the link – and let’s stay in touch! Wendy
Wendy Flynn recently posted..Did Someone Say Coach?
Yes, we should definitely keep in touch! So glad we got to meet!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
Some great workouts going on there! And isn’t it funny how the races can sneak up on you…my goal race for a new half PR is 3/23 and I know I’m not there yet…my marathon fitness was definitely not the same as my half. I need some speed!
Gianna recently posted..Random Friday Things
Yes, I feel the same way– marathon training gave me a solid base but I’m trying to switch gears to prepare for a speedier half!
Laura recently posted..RRCA Certification Recap
thanks for the portabella recipe! i bought some portabella caps on sale this week and was having trouble finding a good recipe. we made these last night — delicious!
Amanda K. recently posted..Laundry day
[...] did make it out for dinner alone Friday night, which was a treat! And the Spinach Portabellos and Elle’s Lentil loaf were big hits as well. Here’s the plan for the coming [...]