After 2 weeks of work with a trip smooshed in between, I feel like I can finally exhale and enjoy myself tonight! Not that I didn’t enjoy myself at all in two weeks, but it was the kind of in-the-back-of-your-mind-you-should-be-doing-something-else kind of mentality. Excited to read some blogs and watch some TV tonight!
Lunch held me over really well – it was one of those days where I didn’t even think about food all afternoon. Must have been that extra large + loving sandwich!
I got home from work and found a bunch of exiting things to play with:
Number 1, I bought a fancy pair of socks and some Body Glide at the running store next to my office. The guy said Vaseline clogs pores 
Can you guys give me some support on why I should spend $100 on new shoes. Please convince me I need them so I don’t feel guilty if I get them… I don’t want to, but deep down I know it’s been more than 6 months and I’m running long miles now and they are so important….
Another fun thing came in the mail: our WICKED tickets!!! The show isn’t until May, but my mom treated us to the tickets for Valentine’s Day!! So excited.
Also was handed two fun + delicious muffins!
And got a new bar to try – Bora Bora bars – which came with this totally awesome mug!! Can’t wait to try the bars out for a snack soon.
They also sent a t-shirt, which of course was too big for me since they always are, but it is fun for Matt!
And LAST but not least! Tazo sent some of their new bottled teas! These are brewed with tea and botanicals and sweetened with stevia. [Unfortunately bottle #3 was smashed inside the box - thanks UPS ]
Tazo is randomly picking 100 people per day from March 12-18 to win a free sample pack of teas. (And 1 person per day wins a SpaFinder gift card!)
Being a lover of a Friday Night Drink, I made myself a mocktail! He had a coveted beer from Russian River Brewing Company and I mixed the Tazo Passion with ice and a cherry.
The tea tasted GREAT! It was really flavorful and sweet and while I don’t believe in sweetening beverages anymore, a pinch of stevia is what I would request if I could choose.
They two actually went REALLY well together! Passion + IPA! Matt agreed!
I’ve been craving OKRA but it’s not OKRA season! So I settled for a bag of frozen okra and planned a simple Throw In A Pot Chili for tonight. So easy. Literally just put beans, tomatoes, corn, okra and seasonings in a pot and simmer until you feel like eating.
The Bulk
The Spice
Toppings
- Avocado
- TJs Euro yogurt
- Don Sabrosa Salsa
- Organic Valley Sharp Cheddar
Kashis! It’s been a long, long time. Now that we have wholesome breadz in da house, I don’t really crave these much nor do I want to buy them. But we had one lone box and it was cracked open this week and I’m enjoying them while they last 
About about 5 more that went box –> mouth!
***
Matt thanks you all for your nagging, but he got out scott free because a reader had saved the recipe and emailed it to us!! Thanks Meghan!
***
THE OFFICE + 30 ROCK + GLEE = fun times!!! I used to never watch TV and now I know why people are hooked on it! Guess I should be out walking in nature, but I have daylight savings as my excuse Maybe I’ll do some crunches during the commercials….oh wait…there aren’t commercials anymore! Thanks DVR!
(PS. Our modem was "busted" so it wasn’t really AT&T’s fault. They were here and had it fixed ASAP. And the guy was the one who installed it last year and remembered "that blog" and asked Matt about it! AT&T has redeemed itself )
For dessert I cleaned out and organized my bar stash. Took a few corner nibbles of some bars that were either old or I knew I’d never eat and then tossed them.
YOGA in the AM! Woo. Hoo.
{ 87 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fun day of packages! I can’t wait to try that Tazo tea…I’ll have to check whole foods to see if they have it.
And your dinner looks fab!
Happy Friday, Kath!
Wow, lots of goodies! Love the color of that Tazo tea, so pretty. Look very refreshing with the ice cubes. Summer, where art thou?!
Your cup of chili look deeeeeeeeeelicious! I need to make a crock pot of throw-it-all-in and walk away chili soon. YUMMMM
Jenn
Good running shoes are SO IMPORTANT for preventing overuse injuries! I’ve gotten shin splints from running in old pairs. The difference in post-run soreness is incredible with a new pair! Definitely worth the investment
hey
ive read your bloggie 
for a while but i just wanted to comment on the running thing. i go to uni but worked at new balance for one summer and learned all about supports in their shoes and gaits, over-’pronation’ etc. not saying go with new balance but i know that i need a certain support because i tend to over-pronate and since you run so much, its so important to make sure you have the right shoes to prevent injuries, and to correct things if you tend to ‘roll in’ or out…i have no idea what your ‘gait’ is so this might not help. also im not sure what running shoes you wear aha but i just wanted to say that you should be buying shoes for you and usually the good ones are slightly more expensive (but of course there a many pricey poor quality ones so stick to quality)…a good shoe will mean you can keep running with hopefully no injuries as i remember so many people coming in the store with various issues and it prevented them from running. anyway that was a bunch of jumble but i just want to stress the importance of good running shoes because, and im pretty positive you know this as you’re really health-conscious and educated about food and sports, your body goes through so much in the process of running, so good support/cushioning is important. i know i just worked at the store for a bit but i realised that you can’t skimp on support with running because you might end up messing up your body. okay done 
xoxoxox oh and those muffins look really good! and since i dont think ive really commented i looove your blog and you re-introduced me to the world of oatssss
Thanks Jen
I have been professional fitted and wear Asiacs 
Ha a drink in both hands!! Sounds like a good Friday
i saw wicked and absolutely loved it! i know you’ll have a great time. have a relaxing night!
Spend the money!! I run a lot and my shoes cost $140 dollars. It’s sooo worth it!!!
does the frozen okra get all slimey?
You need the shoes! I wore my shoes out and spent a few hundred dollars paying to treat a stress fracture in my foot.
It’s cheaper to buy the shoes!
I hurt my hip this year running on old shoes
Taking care of your body is always worth it. You need those joints for another, oh, 60 years!
I have over 2000 miles on my shoes. I just hate buying new ones. But I recently won 875 for taking a language exam so I think I can justify a pair, as can you!
Oh you’ll love Wicked! I saw it in NYC and it was amazing. Enjoy!
And I vote “yes” for the expensive running shoes. You’re feet will thank you for it!
Have a good evening…
I think you should definitely get a pair of new running shoes…guilt-free! My x-country coach in high school always told us to replace your shoes every 3-6 months, depending on your mileage. I’ve had that time-frame repeated to me by several marathoners…I think replacing them every three months is a bit excessive, but I always splurge come that 6-month mark. I can usually tell when my shoes are about to die as well because that’s when I start to get shin splints. Grab some new shoes, Kath. Your injury-free feetsies will thank you in the long run!
Wow. I just realized that I included a ridiculous pun in that last line. I did not intend that, but I will embrace it nonetheless.
I love me a stupid pun.
Buy. New. Shoes. Just think of the cost later on if you have to have physical therapy for poor knees (that sounds really scary! But its how I justify it). And get them sooner than later so you can wear them in a bit before your half. I find that new shoes can cause new blister initially. Although the body glide will definitely help with that!!!
So glad you’re relaxing now! I hate having the “there’s always something I should be doing” mentality. Being a student, I have it quite often!! I’m so jealous that you’re going to see Wicked!!
I went to my local Great Harvest today and tried to get some of the honey whole wheat dough to make pizza and they wouldn’t sell me any. They said they couldn’t, so I’m glad the WW pizza recipe will be posted.
P.S. Invest in the shoes, it’s so worth it and will give you a much better workout. I myself need new running shoes, but I want black and am having trouble finding some. Most running shoes are white, including the ones I have now and they get dirty. A local running store said it’s to get us to buy new shoes more often.
So I was told that you need to replace your shoes about every 500km. I just got rid of my 6 month old shoes because my shin splints were starting to return and the back was getting worn down and starting to give me red pre-blisters. I just switched to a new pair, and now my feet feel great! However if your unsure that you need them, take your old shoes to the store with you and compare to a new pair. If the padding looks really worn down it’s time for a new pair.
P.S: body-glide rocks, and it stays where you put it!
get the shoes! Since you had surgery on your foot shoes in good condition are probably a really smart idea. Plus you can donate your old ones and someone in need will be getting new shoes too.
so many things to say to this post!!
a) matt looks tiiired
b) i’m seeing wicket in april (in durham). i had to SCALP the tickets and practically sell my soul for them, but i can’t wait!
c) YES get new shoes — the worst thing would be if you got hurt and you’d be wondering if you could have avoided it by getting new shoes. think of it that way! any chance you can find your current model cheaper (since it’s older now) online? sometimes that helps. . .
I always think of it like this: just as it is important to take care of our bodies with healthy foods/exercise-we need to do the same by taking care of our muscles/joints if we are pushing our bodies with exercise, especially running- good shoes protect {most of the time!} from unnecessary injuries!
Oh! look here…i found my shoes for much less…
http://www.kellysrunningwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/affiliate/krw/Home.jsp?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_term=101-1000000017&sc=KX10V013
Hey Kath, just wanted to put in my two cents about the running shoes. I have been into sports and running for several years now, in the beginning I would just settle for whatever shoes I could afford at the time. But unfortunately I was always suffering from bouts of shin splints or many large blisters on both my feet. I finally broke down, went to a real running shoe store, got an authentic and complete fitting, bought a pair of shoes that were $120 and have never looked back. Since then I have switched shoe brands but nonetheless all my shoes have been around the $100 mark. I have gone through about 10 pairs of Brooks and am now on my 5th pair of Mizuno’s, on average replacing them every 4-5 months depending on how many miles I log in a given period of time (I guestimate). When I feel like my shoes are starting to break down, I put on a new pair and know right away it’s time to move to the new ones. Since I have started buying shoes that were right for my style of running and my pronation/arch I have had NO PROBLEMS with shin splints or blisters, it was the like the light at the end of the tunnel. Seriously, invest in them and don’t look back, you know how important your feet are, so treat them as such!
I use Vaseline on my feet (giant calluses on my toes-yuck) without any problems and it is way cheap! Wasn’t sure if you bought the glide for your feet since you have been having blister problems. I am currently sporting two black toe nails (I have been fitted for shoes too…just logging the miles causes my problems). You should check out road runner sports online – for a $1.99 you can be a VIP and get fairly good discounts (especially when there is a sale or you get a coupon) plus free shipping.
I so want to try Tazo! My thinking is new shoes are a lot cheaper than a potential injury, especially in terms of time and all the money you’d spend going to the doctor (gas to get there, copays, etc). And you are going to love Wicked!!
Definitely buy some new shoes so that you can avoid knee/hip/foot problems!! Good shoes are so important, no reason to feel guilty about being smart when it comes to your health!!
why don’t you get your shoes from running warehouse? wwaaayyy cheaper!
Get the shoes. You body will thank you. My legs feel 10x better with my new shoes and socks.
You definitely need the shoes! Your joints will thank you later.
Enjoy your relaxed Friday night!
So much awesome mail! Your chili looks great – I think it is one of the most comforting meals ever.
Simply put, our shoes are our bodies’ tires. You wouldn’t trust and depend on cheap tires for your car, would you?
In the long run (haha, no pun intended), it’s a small, small price to pay.
Well, I do use cheap tires
Just wanted to let you know, vaseline does not clog pores. The italian women in my family have used it for YEARS, even on their face. I have problem skin and have never had a problem. It’s great on really dry skin.
Sister, YOU NEED NEW SHOES!!! I imagine that part of the reason you choose to eat nutrient-dense foods and exercise is so you’ll be healthy into old age, but having the right support for you feet is a huge part of maintaining that healthy, pain-free body! My grandfather ran 3 miles every day of his life until he was 82, when he had to stop because his back was so messed up from years of running with inadequate shoes. By the time he was 83, he couldn’t sit for more than about a half hour without pain, he couldn’t stand up straight because of the pain, and, worst of all, he had to give up his beloved running and even HIKING because his back hurt so badly. Your body needs the support with all of that pounding! And with your foot! I know you know better
. Get yourself some shoes. It’s an investment in your future healthy, pain free body.
And oh my god, I know about the TV. I used to be so smug about not having a television and not watching, but now that it’s on the internet and DVD…I’m so hooked. It’s so nice to just sit and veg out after a busy day! The Office, Jon Stewart, Desperate Housewives, Weeds, Deadwood (so sad this got cancelled!), Biggest Loser, Heroes, Lost…I don’t know how we find the time, but we do, and we love every minute!
I did the same type of dinner last night! Combined a can of white kidney beans, Italian tomatoes, corn, california mixed veg and chicken broth then just let it simmer away (w/ some black pepper) until I was ready to eat! Topped with some melted colby jack from Whole Foods and broiled in my new le creuset mini casserole dish then topped with some artichoke pesto – it was amazing! Love simple, throw together meals like that that are also great for you
I think all the important running shoe points have been covered – get the new shoes! Maybe calculating the cost/mile would help you justify the cost? $100/500 miles=$0.20/mile – that’s a pretty good deal!
I’ve always heard that you should change out your running shoes around 500 miles, but it can be more or less depending on the person. I’m a tall and relatively heavy runner, and I can only go about 400 miles in mine.
It’s really important to replace your running shoes! Running is a SPORT. Compared to other sports, it is relatively cheap (replacing shoes every few months vs. balls, raquets, pads, etc.) It also prevents injury!!
I love the idea of “throw it in a pot” chili
Ha– so funny that the cable guy remembered your blog! I love tazo teas, but I haven’t tried their bottles yet– yum!
Your dinner looks beautiful, and LOOOVE WICKED!!! Such a great show.
SUCH a coincidence….I made my famous “Gumb-faux” tonight with a bag of…frozen okra! Also a quick, easy, but deliciously satisfying meal (and if you have to settle for frozen, just spice the heck out of it
)
Ahhhh I wanna take my ‘rents to Wicked graduation weekend so badly…my mom sings POPUUUUUULAR all day every day.
Running/exercising is a big part of your life. $100 for shoes that you will wear for 1/2-1 year is definitely worth it for something that you do 5-6 days week. That’s like 30 cents a day for a year…your feet deserve it.
Try finishline.com and then google coupon codes. I got my $140 shoes for half that price and free shipping.
Kath! I am an avid reader of yours…and also a friend of Heather’s (HEAB):). I am also the assistant mgr of a running specialty store (The Colorado Running Company- http://www.corunco.com)…so to answer your question…YES!…you need good running shoes! Not that you have to spend $100 every 6 months, as it depends on how many miles per week you run/how much additional time per week you spend in the shoes. Have you ever been fit at a running store before? If not..you should definitely go to a running specialty store, somewhere. Running in the correct type of shoe (neutral, stability, motion control, etc) that you need for your feet is super important. As you are gradually increasing your training/mileage/intensity…you definitely want to make sure to take care of your body. Especially with running, we don’t always feel what’s taking place (cellular level/muscular level) in the bod as we are in training mode…by the time we do…it’s usually too late. I/most people usually get about 6-10 months (sometimes 12 months) out of them before I start to feel an ache or pain somewhere (me- it’s my hip). If you want any more specific information, feel free to email me:). Hope this helps! Happy training and thanks for your amazing blog, spirit and heart that you share every day!
I have been fit, but I’m wondering if I should be fit again by someone else?! I liked my shoes a lot but they weren’t the best ever, ya know?
Yeah, I’d be fit again…it’s always good to do it now and again. Maybe go to a few different stores and see what they say. What stores are in your area?
I was having major IT band problems for about a year (prevented me from running my first full marathon- grrr last Feb)… and this past November i switched to a neutral shoe (after being in a light stability shoe) and I haven’t had IT problems since. Proves its always good to check and check as things do tend to change. Which shoes were/are you in?
Oh and getting injured would suuuuuuuuuuck. I ran many many miles on old shoes and got a stress fracture. No bueno.
I LOVE Wicked! I have only seen it once but would see it again in a heartbeat!
Wicked!! I’m jealous- Defying Gravity is one of my favorite songs!
Wicked is awesome!!! Oooh I’m NOT excited for daylight savings. boooo
The running shoes are worth the investment. But you can figure out which ones will work for you, probably at the running store. Then make note of the model and go online to find last years model for close to 50% off. Holabird sport’s online store is a great resource. I just got 2 pairs of brooks adrenalines from last year for one pair of this years! (50 bucks each as apposed to 105 each)
Hey Kath, I wanted to chime in about the shoes. Just do it! You might get lucky and not get an injury wearing the old shoes, but new shoes are your insurance against injury. And I bet you’ll be amazed at how much lighter you feel in new shoes with nice comfy padding and support in them. You might even run faster in them
Matt always cracks me up in these KERF photos. He looks *THRILLED* with his new t-shirt! (Or maybe he’s just tired, like Sarah said.)
Kerf must have new shoes. Without a doubt.
Thanks for the link to Tazo. I love all things free!!!
I agree with what some other people have said… PREVENT INJURIES with new shoes! I just splurged for a pair myself so understand the hefty price tag issue. But if you keep running in your old shoes and strain your knee, etc, you’ll be kicking yourself for not having bought new shoes sooner
)
I know you’ve had many comments on getting new shoes, but I love running and talking about it, so I’ll chime in too. : )
A good pair of shoes will get you roughly 350-400 miles – the midsole (which is all your cushion) can only handle that much compression before it is shot, so use your mileage, not time, to assess the need for new shoes.
The bummer about the 350-400 mile guideline is that it’s just that – a guideline. My favorite shoes seem to only get about 250 miles out of them before they break down, but I love them so I keep going back for more.
Also, look online for your shoes, often you can find the previous model of that same shoe for ½ price. I got two pairs of my favorites for $100 total with free shipping – a happy, happy day!
Buy. New. Shoes. I actually just went to my local running store today to try on some new shoes because I know I’m in need of them, just have to wait until pay day now. They are such a good investment, especially when you weight the price against the pain, recovery weeks, and $$ spent visiting a doctor for something that could have been prevented, at least to a degree…!
As other have said- you can get running shoes for less than $100! I believe in buying the first pair from a running store (you’re paying for expertise) but after that use holabird or roadrunnersports. Get the slightly old model, you’ll save tons!
Once you get the new shoes, alternate the old and new for a few weeks and see if you really feel a difference. That’s the best way to see if your shoes are really worn out- it depends so much on the shoe, the weight of the runner, etc.
(By the way, thanks for the Tazo contest- but it won’t let you enter “Pennsylvania” as a state! Other seems to work. So weird!)
We live RIGHT BY russian river brewing company (or used to, were a bit further now) I spent a sick ammount of my time in college at their main pub in downtown Santa Rosa!!! They have amazing pizza there too….best place ever.
Whenever I have to buy new shoes I always tell myself it is cheaper to buy new shoes than to pay for an injury later on down the line…prevention is key!
Enjoying my first few reads of your blog, but I do not condone new running shoes— not traditional ones. Over-padding causes injury. Conditioning your foot correctly reduces that chance of hurt dramatically.
You are so whole and earthly in your consumption; why not be the same with your feet? Google “Barefoot Running” and “Vibram FiveFingers” and, though I bet you’ve already read it.. if you haven’t, take a look at the book “Born to Run.”
I’m a big, big advocate of barefoot running. And I live in a pretty inhospitable place.
Maybe for someone with healthy feet, but having been a foot surgery survivor, I really do need the support of shoes.
LOVE the chili in the cream dish
and that looks like a great cocktail/mocktail/tea time outside 
looks like springtime is….uh….springing
i know what you mean about TV. before i worked fulltime I never ever watched TV, didn’t even own one. once i was out of school and in the office, my brain was just mush and i only had energy to turn on the TV. seriously, i think i spent half of my life in front of Twin Peaks with a big bottle of wine.
do you watch Mad Men?! you would love mad men!
I don’t!
You definetly need to get good running shoes – they provide waaaaay better support so you’re far less likely to get injured and they’ll actually help with technicque! I had cheap ones and got injured, then spent £125 on some decent ones and they’ve improved my running no end. DEFINETLY worth it!
Wow what a fun day!
I totally support the new running shoes – such an essential item with the mileage that you are doing at the moment !!
Thanks for all of the great advice!!
A big DUH – I NEED new shoes!!!
Looks like you already got all the advice you need about shoes so I will just say:
Hoooray for Wicked! We are going in a couple of weeks for our two year anniversary and I can’t wait!
When I need to buy new running shoes I go to the “Discount/Old” section of the store. They’re all brand new pairs, but last year’s models, and I’ve sometimes been able to buy them half off! It might be worth it to check if that option exists at your local running shoe stores.
Enjoy yoga! I know how much you always love that, I hope it’s relaxing and refreshing!
Have a happy Saturday!
Kath, 100$ on new sneakers is much cheaper than knee replacement surgery in the future! Running is hard on your knees girl, sounds like you need new sneakers
I feel your pain though…I have the same struggle!
I work for a running company, and I have seen SO many people come in with knee and ankle problems because they have been running in their shoes for FAR too long. Cushioning is so important (and you have a history of injuries, right? If yes, this is even more important) and the shoe starts to break down after that 450-500 mile mark. I will say, if you’ve had shoes before that you have loved you can usually find it cheaper on some running warehouse websites if you know exactly what you are looking for. If you only felt “meh” about them, it is definitely worth getting yourself to a running store and getting fitted for a new pair!
I use that Body Glide anti-chafe balm as well, it definitely works! And it’s amazing the difference non-cotton socks can make. I havn’t gotten one blister since I got them. Sweeeet.
Hi Kath – I was browsing Facebook photos from a girl I went to high school with who did her undergraduate at Tulane. I found Matt’s brother Andrew in some of them! I have been reading your blog for about 3 years so I instantly recognized him. How funny!
Soooo fun when that happens
Can I ask why you bought the Glide? A friend of mine just turned me on to your blog and the first thing I saw was the glide! LOL I’m just getting into running and need a glossary for all the terms used with runners! Thanks!
p.s. Great blog….I had to make a bowl of oatmeal this morning after seeing all your great oatmeal photos, yum!
Charlotte Running Company
Pliney the Elder and Blind Pig are one of my all time favorites!. That chii looks great.
and finally splurging for a Vita-mix today 
Making Posole tonight
Definitely don’t feel bad for spending $100 on running shoes! They are so worth the investment when it comes to injury prevention, etc etc.
I saw Wicked last weekend in Dayton with my teen daughter. It was awesome!!
Buy the shoes!
Try sierratradingpost.com for discounted athletic gear.
Girl, $100 is on the low end of what most people spend! Don’t feel bad at all! When it comes to running shoes, you should never skimp! Yummy chili pics!
Definitely spend the $$$! I do the same exact thing…I am not much of a runner due to injuries, but I do a ton of walking and every 9 months or so, I dread spending so much on new sneakers. But then that first week is so much fun when you have them…they always feel so good! And I know from past experience (pre-injury) that if you run too long on old sneakers, you will start having all types of issues and your training with have to stop. That risk is not worth $100!
I noticed you slipped a link in to Sippity Sup! Very nice and much appreciated. GREG
Wicked is the best! I listen to the soundtrack so much on my iPod. I hoep you enjoy it (when you eventually see it
)
So glad you are going to see WICKED. All girls who love green must.
Just got new shoes..and trust me I am now a believer..I was skeptical but it feels like I barely hit the pavement now….totally awesome
In case you haven’t seen this product:
http://www.vitacost.com/Alba-Un-Petroleum-Jelly?csrc=PPCADWLT-un-petroleum_jelly&mtp=s8oQhfnUs|pcrid|4275475391
It’s similar to Vaseline, but without the petrolatum and other nasty indredients!
Don’t feel guilty! I told someone my back was hurting and he told me to get new shoes! It did the trick!
I hope you find an awesome pair!