The Cactus

I have this huge cactus outside my house. It seems quite out of place, big and plain and towering over such a little house. But I love it for it has a little secret: every night it opens these beautiful flowers… only to close back up shortly after the sun rises.

The big cactus might be an eyesore during the day, but I think it’s worth it for this beautiful treat.

Yesterday I was off work and took full advantage of that with my exercise! I went to two hot power yoga classes, went on a 11-mi. bike ride (got rained out) and ran four miles. I worked out for more than four hours, but even at the end I felt refreshed and strong. I love that!

Still, my body was a bit tired on my long run this morning. I managed to pound out 12 miles. Right now I’m working on building a base for the 50-mi. ultra marathon in November. I also have an Olympic distance triathlon this Sunday: Moss Park!

After my run this morning I met Ryan for lunch at Infusion Tea. I blog about Infusion Tea all the time since it’s one of my favorite restaurants, but now it’s even more awesome since it is one mile from my house and about a block down the street from Ryan’s! We both started off with the Blueberry White iced tea with local honey.

I ordered my old staple (and favorite!): 1/2 tempeh chili with 1/2 Miltion Special salad. There are so many flavors in the salad from sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, hummus tabouleh, cucumbers, beets, tomatoes and a balsamic glaze; it's sure to please! Yum!!

Their chili is vegan and has cashews in it. It’s the best!

Obviously I enjoyed it.. :)

It’s Friday and my morning went too well to not pick up a giant Whole Foods’ vegan chocolate chip cookie! I ate every bite and it was delicious!

Do you exercise more on your days off or do you normally use those as rest days?