Apple/Maple Pork Tenderloin {& a rain run}

Side Note:  Thank you to those who’ve reached out to me about the appearance of my blog.  I am aware that the bottom is cut off.  To view this post, click the title and it will open a new page and allow you to see the entire post.  This problem is being worked on and will be fixed soon.  Just still working through some final kinks as we finalize the transfer from the old design on Blogger to the new design on WP.

Here in the Midwest you never know what the weather will bring.  I love our seasons, but the temperatures can vary from week to week.  One day 80′s may define autumn and the next week it’s the 50′s.  This week, it’s cold and rainy.  Being a homebody by nature, these are the kind of days that cry out to me for yoga pants, fuzzy socks, and staying inside with candles lit as much as possible.

Having found myself in a reactive rather than proactive state of being with the busyness of the season, I’ve implemented some changes to course~correct.  One of those changes is getting on top of my calendar each week.  Along with commitments and appointments, I then add in the days I’ll workout.  This helps me ensure I won’t come out of a week without getting in workouts because of schedule issues.

So having a game~plan for the week, I knew to get myself out and running on Monday.  It was a great day to run:  cool and overcast with just enough sun to need my Mosley Tribes {LOVE running in aviator style glasses: lightweight & they don’t move}.  I ran 4 miles {which, at this stage for me means an easy day and the least distance I try to run}.  I took it easy and didn’t care about my pace that much.  My goal was to get in an easy run to get my legs moving again after taking almost a week off.

Next up on the workout to~do list was a longer run on Tuesday.  Wednesday {and maybe Thursday} would be an off day.  So Tuesday was required.  I had a lot to do and a little bit of time.  And….  it was COLD and it was RAINING.  No thunder or lightening…..  just one of those autumn days where the air is cold and the rain pours down steadily.  The PERFECT day to stay inside.  So, to say that I had to push myself to get my run in is an understatement.  I threw out my commitment on the FB page for accountability.  And finally I pulled on my favorite LuLuLemon {cold day} running outfit…..  Yes I am a convert.  {I didn’t know or necessarily believe all the hype around their clothes at first.  But now?  I’d rather have one of their outfits than several from a cheaper line.  The thumb holes on their shirts and the “cuffins” on their jackets are genius.  I am a LuLuLemon lover.}

As I headed out into the rain {realizing this may in fact mean I am a real runner if I was this nuts}, a crazy thing happened.  I didn’t hate running in the rain.  I actually really liked it.  And my body felt amazing.  Normally, I can crank my first couple of miles at a quicker pace,  but then quickly start to fizzle.  Yesterday, my times were high 8′s and low 9′s {ridiculously good for me} and I felt great.  I decided to change up my route and push myself on distance.  My hat shielded my eyes, my hands were covered {thank you LuLuLemon} and I realized I was comfortable.  Sweat poured down my back while rain cooled my face.  I took in the smell of a wood burning fireplace.  I watched squirrels working to store their winter meals.  Listened to K~Love.  I realized how good it would feel to enjoy time working at home AFTER achieving my run and a hot shower.  I laughed as I tried to envision what drivers must be thinking of me running in the messy rain.  And I gave Thanks for strong lungs, driving legs, and a steady back.

By the time I made my way back home I logged 6.45 miles in 59:18 {a 9:11 pace}.  My longest distance to date with a great {for me} pace.  I have been trying to get comfortable with a quicker pace….  So rather than increasing my mileage by a lot each week, I focused more on trying to shave down my pace.  Comfortable at a decent~for~me pace, I’ve started adding in mileage.  Yesterday, it all came together and I was pumped.  Though I don’t expect everyday to be this successful, I soaked in the feeling of accomplishment ~ for this run I almost didn’t run.

It’s always amazing to me how hard it is to push myself out the door……  yet how good it ALWAYS feels returning home.

Now, on with the recipe!  I made this for my family as a Sunday Supper.  But it’s so quick and easy to throw together that it would be perfect for a busy weeknight too.  Every member of my family LOVED this {not an easy achievement} and requested I make this often.  Honestly, I think this is a perfect fall dinner.  The smell of the apples, maple and pork cooking is the definition of fall.

WW P+:  3 without apple mixture / 5 with apple mixture