Food and Pain...

V joined me last night for our first of many runs together, and I might have bitten off more than I can chew in a running partner... I'm having to reign her in and feeling really sheepish doing so. I know that I don't have years and years worth of experience but I have enough to know that one, pain is not something you run through at this stage, sure maybe in a marathon, but not in the first week of training and two, this is a journey, this isn't one of those wake up one morning and do it kind of things.

My main concern is V is complaining of shin splits, something that I honestly haven't thankfully had to compete with, so if that's your thing: check out Runner's World

Another issue we discussed last night was food, V is finding that meat is expensive (which it can be) and that her dislike of beans is proving to be an issue. Two/Three solutions.

1. Meat - opt for cheap cuts or whole, so 1. a whole chicken can become 4 meals plus the base for stock, or a pork shoulder or flank steak can be used for good flavor at a reduced price.

2. Beans - they are your friends and not a musical fruit... lentils, chick peas and black beans can all be utilized into something. V loves re-fried beans and has issues with vegetables, may I suggest:

Mexican "Pizza"

Refried Beans
Whole Wheat Pita/Flatbread or Pizza crust - local coop often have fresh or frozen dough
Salsa or chopped tomatoes
Corn - fresh (roasted)/frozen or otherwise
Peppers
Onions (Red, green or otherwise)
Olives etc
Any leftover protein - tempeh, chicken, ground beef, steak etc
Cheese - optional

Bake at 375-400 until cooked, simple and easy - crust can be substituted with bagels, English muffins and so on.
Add a side salad and some fruit and you've got a meal

Another option is a whole roasted chicken - they run about $10-15 for a free range bird - keep an eye out on sales, 2 breasts and 2 leg/wing servings (minus the skin) offer good protein that can be eaten as is, in salads, pasta or really any other format.