I sort of get a little excited when I make and eat a meal that is extremely cheap. Take today for example: Baked potato (costco ginormous one) with cheese, broccoli and a side of scrambled eggs (looked like death so I spared you the pictures of those and yes, eggs and a baked potato is a very strange combination) and an apple a few minutes later. The whole meal is pretty dang healthy and no more than $1.50. Why do I get such a high from saving money on my meals?
So that Billy will take me to dinner on the weekends and froyo every other day but also so that I can talk him into letting me sign up for races that involve a plane ticket, hotels and going to all of the touristy attractions and in my case the candy stores that charge $12 per lb of sour patch kids.
Chicago. I really really really want to run you October 2012. I feel good about shooting for a personal record on that course (if the temps don’t do crazy things to me.)
Speaking of cheap food:
Looks like Terra Moody (ran a 2:32 at the Chicago marathon and her pr is 2:30) enjoys some cheap food too…a corndog before a PR race?!? Maybe Billy is onto something with his love of corndogs.
And just because I am in a really weird mood and have no direction for this post whatsoever, how about a picture that made me really happy today:
———————————————–
What was the last veggie that you ate? How did you prepare it, or did you eat it raw?
-Steamed broccoli.
Has anyone run Chicago before? What did you think of it? Anyone wanting to run the Chicago marathon this next year?
What are you having for dinner?
-Taco soup!!!
90 comments
Amy
I’m making roasted red potatoes with broccoli to go with our panko covered chicken tonight :)
I haven’t run the Chicago marathon before. But I am running the Chicago half next year for a great organization called As Our Own. They rescue girls from exploitation in India.
Kasey @PowerCakes.blogspot.com
mmm I love veggies, currently eating a bowl of asparagus stir fry that I just heated in the microwave :]
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
We are senior citzens and ate dinner at 4:50 tonight. ;) I made a super simple meal of ham, mashed sweet potatoes, and salad. Followed by M&M cookies I made yesterday … yum! ;)
And P.S. I love cheap meals too … I love saving money any way I can! :)
Claire @ Let's Go On A Living Spree
LOVE Chicago Marathon! Ran it in 2008 (my first) and 2009. After Boston and other large races Chicago is still my favorite by far. Nothing compares. Nothing. The spectators and entertainment in the first half in Lincoln Park, Boystown, and the Loop is nothing short of amazing. The expo is amazing and Niketown on Mich Ave always has something fun. Not sure if I’d pay to run it again but if you’ve never run it, you definitely should!
Michelle
Chicago is on my list for this year! I’m also really tempted by the Memphis Marathon.
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I ran Chicago this year and the weather wasn’t the greatest (I also don’t run well in sun/heat). Sooo if the weather cooperates, I would say that it’s a great race to do. Plus, it’s been a few years since it’s been good weather the day of race, so it has to be due in 2012… right?!
Celia
I love broccoli. I think its my favorite vegetable. My last vegetables were potatoes, cauliflower and peas in indian food.
One day I want to do Chicago! They have ridiculous weather each year so that is sort of a turn off for me!!
Paulette
I ran Chicago in 2010 and it really is a fantastic race. It’s my only marathon to date and I totally choked, but I’d still recommend it. :) Temps can be a factor (for us it went into the 80s) and I’m terrible with heat, so that’s why I had a rough time. Loved seeing the city via the marathon and the expo. Goose Island beer at the finish is a nice touch too.
mary (sisters running the kitchen)
i ran Chicago this year for my first time….it was my 6th marathon. I have also ran Boston 2 times. I PRed at Chicago and absolutely loved it. It is certainly a race to do and I can’t wait to do it again. It was my first time to the city as well and I really loved it! The marathon itself was very well organized and just so much fun. I had zero complaints. I definitely want to go back! Such a large and fun event. I definitely recommend signing up! The weather is definitely a factor. This year it was actually really warm but I was still able to pull off a PR. If the temps were a little warmer it def. would have had an effect on me. bottom line: Chicago is awesome…do it.
Jessica
I haven’t had any veggies yet today…been busy but I’m DYING for some. Your food sounds good, even the eggs. No clue what’s for dinner, that’s my next task. Good luck getting to the Chicago Marathon, just get a sponser!! Jessica
runningtobeskinny.com
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile
Honestly, when meals are good AND cheap, it is the best!! I feel like eggs and potato is a normal combo. I eat weird combos all the time!
I had a salad at a restaurant with spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Which was all raw.
I’d be down to run Chicago if I had the money to take a trip out there! lol
Kim
Yay! Run Chicago! It went right by my apartment last year and I had so much fun cheering on people I didn’t know. At least this way I could make a sign with an actual name on it. ha.
Brittany *Sparkles*
I’m completely on a Brussels Sprouts kick… chop them in half, cook in pot with chopped onions and mushrooms and a spoon of Earth Balance + minced garlic dash of salt and a spritz or two of water.. keep the lid on the pot and stir occasionally so the sprouts soak up all the amazing flavors!! I don’t think sprouts are too expensive either?
Not sure about dinner yet — about to venture over to the BF’s apartment… it’s his turn to figure dinner out!!!
That is incredible that all that food was $1.50… I need to start paying attention to food prices, but I’m pretty sure I’ll never beat that!
Jan J
Oooo, the sprouts sound good! I’ll have to try them.
Emma
I live in Chicago and ran the full a few years ago (the year where it was 95 degrees) and despite the absurd heat, it was AWESOME. Seriously so so awesome. The crowds are fun, and I may be biased but the city is beautiful…you should definitely do it :)
Kim
I’m pretty seriously considering Chicago!
Kate
Chicago was my first marathon and so far my favorite (after Boston:)). The course is flat and fast and has TONS of spectators cheering you the entire way. It really showcases the city and its diverse neighborhoods. Register early because it fills up fast.
Beth @ RUNNINGaroundmykitchen.com
I reeeeeeeeally want to run Chicago, along with NYC! But I temporarily forgot about Chicago and signed up for St. Louis with the RnR 11/11/11 promo and it’s like 2 weeks after Chicago….so not this year :( Maybe in 2013 – wow it’s weird to even type that! Burgers for dinner!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries
i’m totally with ya on getting a thrill from eating delicious cheap meals. yay for costco! ;)
the last veggie i ate was cucumber in the sushi we had this afternoon for lunch… haha it was hardly anything, but it was something. needless to say, i need to pack in the veggies for dinner tonight!
the chicago marathon sounds awesome – do it!!!
we’re having leftovers for dinner tonight which i’m stoked for because i get a big mish mash of all sorts of yummy foods from this past week! ;)
Carina
I think Chicago sucks. That marathon has had awful weather 4 out of the last 5 years, and my year they actually cancelled it after 3 hours b/c it got too hot. I’ll never run it again, just know people who trained hard and then got a day in the mid-80s… Go for Houston or something instead.
Nikki
Ha ha! Random.. I am having taco soup tonight too! First time I have ever made it. (crock pot)
Hope we both enjoy!
Katie @ Livehalffull
The last vegetable I ate was this morning in my omelette! I sautéed some mushrooms and spinach (use whatever is left in the fridge before the grocery store morning) then put them in my omelette!
I ran the Chicago marathon this year and loved it! It was my first full and I was amazed by how loud it was-it was awesome!
I’m not sure what’s for dinner tonight, better get on that!
Jenny Finnegan
I am interested in Chicago!! I’ve always wanted to go there and I love destination races. :D
Meghan
You will love Chicago! Not only is it my hometown but the course is flatter than flat and the spectators are AMAZING!
Mani
Naaa…not quite that much time, I mean I truly intend on wenraig these that long, but this amount of wear is only a day or two for two or so months…but I’m also pretty easy on my clothes…It’s not like I’m bailing hay with these. Although I do intend to when I go home this fall…haha. Oh Iowa.
Christianne Bennett
I’ve never run Chicago before but I really want to and running in the east is my favorite!! Ps: great to see you at the gym the other day!!
Corey @ Learning Patience
Chi town in October sounds like perfect running weather…unless it gets cold early…ok ok let’s not think about that right now! Whoo Hoo! Awesome girl.
im trying to get up the nerve to do a half marathon……i think i can i think i can
last veggie….zucchini spaghetti – im totally addicted to it rt now…
xoxo from Trinidad
Meghan
I’ve run Chicago twice and will be doing it again this year! I live in the burbs so it’s super easy for me to get to, no traveling required. I love that race. There’s nothing quite like it.
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn
I’ve heard that Chicago is a BEAUTIFUL marathon. And fun. Chicago is such a great city!
Being super cheapy cheap on meals is actually a hobby of mine. Okay not a hobby but I equally get a high from eating delicious food and from when it saves me a boatload of money. SUCCESS.
Amylee
No plans for Chicago this next year. I would really love to run TOU again or St. George. And Utah Valley. I just don’t know if my hubby would let me to commit to that many marathons in a year- it’s hard with a family because I’m pretty much useless for the day when I run over 15 miles.
I’m making an amazing recipe for Oven Roasted Cauliflower that I can’t wait to shove in my mouth soon! Happy Sunday! See you tomorrow ;)
Shannon
broccoli! Love it!
I had cheese pizza. :)
Sarah G.
Ah! I have it marked down on my calendar to sign up for Chicago in February! It’ll be my fourth marathon and I can hardly wait!!
Brittany
Corn..with pepper and salt from a salad bar.
I love the challenge of getting the best deal..it goesss far beyond saving money. Now you put me in the mood to go on Amazon, Nike, Nordstrom..ahhh.. and get moving on my Christmas shopping…
Tonight..we went to a Christmas stroll which means food stands galore..cookies, popcorn, cotton candy, marshmallow toasting, chili, pizza, hot chocolate, cider, candy bags, chocolate covered pretzels, hotdogs..donuts, muffins.. you have to have a strategy so you scope out everything before hand..reminds me of when you and your cousin got pancakes and needed more stomach room for the baked goods in NYC. I stuck with the pizza, then convinced my friend we should probably get shakes on the ride home.
That Hippo picture is ridiculous..maybe they aren’t kissing..and it’s the Mother checking to make sure he brushed his teeth?
lindsay
i’ve always wanted to do the athens marathon. The REAL marathon. Tried to convince the hubs to do it for our honeymoon. haha.
Enjoy some taco soup!
Mara BHF
My last veggie … avocado-corn salsa. My friend turned me onto it … just diced avocado, with corn, and tobasco salt. Very yummy. I just stirrred it in with the rice and rotisserie we were eating, and gobbled it down.
I have never run Chicago … I was once flown to a meeting there, and literally never left the airport. The meeting was in a hotel that joins onto the airport. I flew in from Boston, and never breathed Chicago air. I hear it is wonderful though!
Diana
I want to run Chicago 2012 so badly!!! I have a group of NYC runner friends that randomly run that mar every year and now that I’m in the midwest and a mere drive away from Chicago, I’m planning on joining them! I actually just got back from Chicago…LOVE that town! It’s so crazy to think it’s often crazy hot during the marathon because let me tell you, it is NOT HOT right now.
angie
I looovveeed Chicago! You should do it!!!
Kelli
I just finished making taco soup in the crock pot!! Soup for lunch all week (a necessity in Wisconsin)! Sign up for Chicago!
Erica
CHICAGO………DO IT!! ……..a race that brings you to the Midwest……I am in 100% support of !
i love living cheaply so that I can splurge away the savings on a life experience….but baked potatoes, bread and butter, etc are NOT money savors for me, they are my taste bud’s delicacies.
Oh Monday, how do you sneak up so quickly? Enjoy your week Janae. I am planning on at least one hot chocolate morning, you should too!
Allysia
Hi! I read your blog ALL the time, but have never commented. My husband is a cross country coach in IL- his girl’s team was 1st in the state this year:) So I was intrigued when I saw you were a cross country coach. Anyway- my reason for the comment is that I LOVE the chicago marathon. I have only run it 2 times. First in 2009- my first marathon in 3:34 (the temp was in the 40’s). In, 2010 I ran it in 4:16-( but I was expecting our 1st son and the temps were in the mid 80’s by 11). I love it! I wanted to run this year by it was only 3 months after having the baby and my husband wouldn’t allow it! Great race- you should def. run it!
Angie
I have been thinking of running the Chicago marathon! I have down two half marathons, so it would be my first. I figured I should go big for my first one.
Katie M
Chicago was my one and only (first and last I’m guessing too…) marathon. It’s an awesome city and a really cool run!
Jen
my dinner was a gigantic unlimited topping salad at a cafe here in NYC = romaine, grilled chick, shrimp, feta, broccoli, onion, chickpeas, cukes, tomatoes, beets, mushrooms, sprouts, and kalamata olives. Soooo those were my last veggies :) PS it was only $7! all those ingredients would have cost me at least $8050580 at the grocery store. at least.
I have a friend in Chicago, so if you do it I will visit her and cheer you onnn! :)
telisa
I’ve ran Chicago twice. Reasons its awesome:
1. VERY flat
2. awesome spectators through the entire race!
Reasons it sucks:
1. crazy temps. my first year it was 36 degrees and the second it was 95!
Despite hailing form there i won’t run it again while time is my main goal…until the temps settle down a bit.
Leonor @FoodFaithFitness
DH is from Chicago and that’s probably the only race he will buy a plane ticket for. I would LOVE to run it! Although, I am hoping to get in to NY next year and we can’t do both. The past 2 years, it’s been really warm at the race.
Last veggie: salad from Wendy’s.
Brandi
So glad to hear of a couple more adults who like corn dogs! I love ’em! (I don’t think I could have them before a race or run though…there would be hot dog burps, and that would be terrible!)
Chicago is in my plan for next year, and soooo hoping to do it! (My first marathon is this spring, so we’ll see how that goes….)
Kayla
I ran Chicago this past year as my first marathon and LOVED it! The spectators are amazing, its a great way to see the different parts of the city, and a flat course minus the small hill at mile 26! If I knew more information about what my school schedule would be like next year, I would probably sign up again but I’m not planning on it right now. Instead I am already planning on spectating so I hope you run it this year! The only bad thing is that the weather is a gamble. Some years its really hot some years freezing. For example this year, the weekend before the race it was high in the 40s (maybe low 50s I can’t remember) and the weekend of the race it got into the mid-high 70s by the time I finished (but I’m slow haha).
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
I have watched the marathon before and it’s awesome – and well, if you come here next year you could MEET ME!!!
Ann
You should do Twin Cities in 2012. And Chicago 2013. Atleast, those are my long-term plans. #SERIOUSLY DO IT
Andrea (Run. Learn. Repeat.)
Last veggie was broiled green beans with parmesan. Tamale pie for dinner. Yummy crockpot recipe for it on my blog!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
RUN IT!!! Haha one more incentive for me to attempt this!
Losing Lindy
I had pork roast with twice baked potatoes and aspargus for supper, I am near Chicago, I haven’t run it though. Last Sept I ran my first half at the Fox Valley Marathon (about 35 miles west of Chicago).
Heather@Just a Colorado Gal
Prepare to be so proud: I ate cookies for dinner. For reals! After our baking extravaganza (some 30 dozen!) I figured now was the best time to test out the finished product! :)
Laura
I love that lots of nutritious food is very economical– beans, lentils, rice, bananas, etc. We were at a potluck/Christmas party this evening, so dinner was a little bit of everything. :)
Brooke @ sweats & sweets
We had mahi mahi with roasted root vegetables, so the last vegetables I ate was brussel sprouts (my favorite), carrots, onions, and potatoes.
Missy
Billy IS on to something, corn dogs are where it’s at!
I had a salad the size of my head at lunch, it rocked.
Amy
I want to run Chicago so bad! My brother just moved there so I would even have a place to stay….my problem is coaching cross-country and having to miss a meet …
Luv What You Do
I ran my first marathon this October here in Chicago. I think you will LOVE it. The crowd is amazing and it is super flat. Just have to cross your fingers for cooler weather than this year.
PS We have GREAT food too!
Khushboo
Does Amazing Grass count as a veggie? If so that was my last! Another incentive to run Chicago Marathon: deep dish pizza as carbo-loading :D
Corrie Anne
My last veggie was steame broccoli as well! :) The Chicago Marathon looks super fun. We have fam there so I’d love to do it someday!! I saw that article about the corn dog eating. SO SMART!!!!! :)
Jessica @ Running for Bikinis
That picture did not help the fact that I’ve had “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” stuck in my head all week! But it was cute :)
I had a chicken burrito for dinner, but it was clearly not enough, because as soon as I read “corn dog,” my stomach started growling. I should know better than to read your blog hungry!
Cait the Arty Runnerchick
i personally haven’t run chicago but i’ve had friends who loved it and got PR’s there. i would actually LUV to run it…hmmm, maybe i’ll have to start saving pennies???
if i keep eating my cheap food maybe that’ll do it. :) i’m all about saving at the grocery, i am a coupon clipper and not ashamed…lol. my last veggies were broccoli and cauliflower.
Shannon
Green beans…steamed in microwave (steam in bag fresh gbs are the best) then sauteed with soy sauce…don’t try it unless you want to have to prepare your green beans like this every time from now on…you’ve been warned!
Laura @ LauraLikesDesign
You should totally run chicago!
Last veggies = carrot sticks and caesar salad that my mother in law made for me.
Dinner last night was pizza and salad! The best weekend meal ever!
Brit
My last veggie was sautéed spinach. I haven’t run Chicago, but I have thought about it. Tonight’s dinner will probably be a hummus and avocado sandwich and scrambled eggs. Sounds gross to write it down, but it will be amazing. I’m flying solo for dinner, I don’t think my husband would get quite as excited about that combo.
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed)
We had spaghetti for dinner and I added snap peas, bell peppers and mushrooms. Weird but I always love adding veggies to my spaghetti! Brandon thinks I am odd and just sticks with sauce, cheese and beef/chicken. :)
LeAnn
Janae, you will love Chicago! You have to do it! But sign up first thing because it sell out fast. It’s a great PR course. I’ve run it 3 times. Lots of fun crowd support, pretty much the whole way. Great job on your half!
Wendy
I ran Chicago this past October and you should definitely do it for a PR! It was a PW for me because of the heat and my stupid Achille’s, but it’s a great course and an amazing event to be a part of. Sign up!! It sells out every year.
junieb
i ran chicago in 2010 and 2011. horrible conditions. heat. wave. the last 4 out of 5 years have been extremely hot. 2010 was worse, but it was still VERY bad in 2011. for a faster type runner maybe not so bad i guess, but still 65-70 deg at START is not ideal for anyone.
HOWEVER i will say that chicago is FANTASTIC. love the race, love the course, love the people. i gave it one more try due to 2010 race, but no more. I just cant do it again.
Janine @ThePurpleGiraffe
Do french fries count as a veggie? (yes, according to congress)… if not, it’d be the asparagus and carrots I had with dinner on Saturday night. Sad huh? considering it’s Monday morning. Yeah, not a good weekend on the eating front.
Dinner tonight is tbd – we’re going out for Mexican food with my parents. We’ll see if I can get something moderately healthy. Outlook not good.
Laura @ Backstage Balance
Janae! If you want to run Chicago but want to PR, you should come and run the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon instead. It a much smaller race (3,000 marathoners) but the course is lovely and the volunteers make the race excellent (I’m the volunteer marketing manager!). It’s produced by a non-profit running club.
Plus the race entry is a lot cheaper and so is travel to / from Milwaukee :-D and I’d be happy to take you on a dessert tour of the city!
Mamarunsbarefoot
Yes I would LOVE TO.. Not sure if we can swing the moola yet. :/
Page
You MUST run Chicago. You will absolutely love it and love the city! I’d come cheer for you!!
Amanda
After taking a weekend trip to Chicago in November, I decided I needed to run Chicago in 2012. Luckily, there is still quite awhile for me to build up the fitness I’d need to reach that goal!
Erin Linthorst
I ran the Chicago this year (2011) and it was the best, most supported race I have ever been a part of. Oh man, I loved it. Just thinking about it gives me the chills.
Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN.
You should DEFINITELY run Chi-town! That city is amazing. Although the race hung me out to dry this year I would do it again! I would just majorly pray for cooler temps – the 88 degrees just did it’s damage to me for sure!
Agreed with the 69302 comments above that the energy and crowds at the race cheer you through it and that part is incredible!
Allison
Your Costco cafe sells baked potatoes?! Ours just has the standard pizza, hot dogs/ sausages, and fro-yo… I feel jipped :P
Haute Running Mama
Pasta w/broccoli rabe. So so good!
I am planning on Chicago too! I check the website every day to see if reg is open yet, lol.
We are roasting a chicken tonight…I think, lol!
Rene'
last veggie was broccoli.
I ran the Chicago Marathon this year. What a great race. I did not PR or even have a good race, but the people, the City I can’t say enough good things. You should definitely do it. The only downfall was the heat. It was over 80 degrees….
Sarah
Oh my gosh the Chicago Marathon is so fun! I ran it this past year. Actually, my college roommate, Jeannette, was the 10th women overall & first from the US :) 2:36… she’s speedy. You should totally do it!
Last veggie I ate was tomato (if that counts) & lettuce on my burger at lunch & fries if those count too haha. Office holiday lunch out, yum!
Dinner will probably be trader joe’s spaghetti :)
ShortSkirtsandScience
OMG i love hippos especially when they wiggle their ears! Its too funny
Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl
yes come to chicago for the mary in 2012!!! you’ll love the course, it’s flat compared to your neck of the woods and seriously entertaining with all of the madness along the course. tera moody grew up in my neck of the woods and i ran against her in high school, even then she was amazing.
those hippos are way too cute. have you ever been to the website cutenessoverload.com? if not, stop whatever you are doing right now and head there. it will seriously make your day.
Nicole W.
Chicago is my dream marathon of the moment too! I will DEFINITELY be running it in 2012! : )
Bess @ Bess Be Fit
I am hoping to either run NYC or Chicago next year!! That would be so much fun!
Katie Maehlmann
I ran Chicago this year and PRed. It is a great course with so much crowd support. I loved visiting Niketown the day before. So easy to get pumped up about the race there! But the downside was that EVERYTHING was so expensive. I just ran Rocket City here in Huntsville as a pacer, and the whole experience would have cost me $50 (they paid for pacers’ entries). At Chicago, parking alone was $40 something a night, and the hotel was over $200 a night. Then you had to tip the staff everytime you needed your car. We were in a hotel less than a mile from the start, and you can’t beat that. I’m so glad we did it, but I prefer smaller races where I can stay close by the start for much less. I can have a great experience without all the fuss.
Sarah
Last veggies eaten: I had salad last night (heated for a minute, sounds weird.. tastes good) with raw mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
Wendy
I loved Chicago, but Twin Cities is my absolute favorite! It’s not a flat course, but it is BEAUTIFUL!
Chels R.
mmm taco soup! That is my winter fave.
I ran Chicago in 2010…it was my first marathon. I loved it for the most part, the city in itself is diverse and such a great place for a race. The course is nice and flat, great neighborhoods, organized. The weather is always unpredictable and affected my finish time (hot and humid in October, ugh) but since it was my first one I wasn’t that hard pressed about time. But it is definitely one to check off the list. Keep us posted!
Rachel
I’ve ran the Chicago Marathon 3 times! I promise it will be your favorite marathon! I live in Chicago and it’s awesome to see everyone (literally everyone) come out to cheer us on!
Kelly @ Running (Kell)ometers
I attempted to run the Chicago Marathon this year but I was overrun with heat exhaustion. I had to stop at mile 15 at the medical tent and didn’t finish the race. Not be defeated after all my hard work and training, I drove up to Grand Rapids, MI the following weekend (about 3 hours away) and crossed the finish line. I had some major stomach issues so my time wasn’t what I wanted, but I crossed the finish line which (what I realize now) was most important.
I have several friends that plan on running Chicago in 2012 and I will be volunteering during the event (perhaps at a water station? tbd at this point). The course is flat and the crowds are amazing and very generous. I wore a shirt with my name on it and random strangers were constantly cheering “Go Kelly! You’re looking great!” even though I felt like garbage.
I hope you do decide to run this race–and have a blogger meet up!