Dream a little dream (or a big one)

When you have big dreams, what is required to reach them?

I know this is a very personal question in that each person's answer would be slightly different...depending on the person...depending on the dream.

I have many dreams...

Trust me...some of them are scary.

I feel the need to put them out there...to share...so that you, my friends and family, can hold me accountable.  Now these are currently only my athletically minded type dreams...there are many others, but that's fodder for another day and another post.  So here we go...

- To place top ten in my age group at Barb's Race this July (half ironman race)
- If I'm dreaming a bit bigger I'll say top 5
- If I'm going all out and dreaming I'll say I want to stand on that podium...
- To run a PR half marathon on the end of that race (my half marathon current PR is 1:49)
- To run a sub 6 min/mile by the end of the year (PR is currently 6:19)
- To get a score of Outstanding on my October PRT for the Navy (currently at Excellent)
- To be able to do 10 unassisted pull ups in a row (not actually sure how many I can do now)
- To finish a 50K ultramarathon in October


I think that about covers most of it.

So what will it take for ME to get there?

Hard work, perseverance, patience, dedication, determination...and whole lot of time spent suffering.  Thankfully I don't mind the suffering if it's for a good cause.  In fact, it's what I've been doing lately...

That's about it for today...time to head out to track and chip away at those goals...

What are your goals?  How do you plan to reach them?  Do they scare you?....

Jackie

XOXO

Whole 30...the Verdict

I think that may be all I need to say...my abs haven't looked like this since before I had kids...and after 30 days doing the Whole 30 plan they do.  Nuff said.

Ok, ok...I'll give you more insight then that.  But really...I'm shocked by how amazing I feel.  Oh...and a little more info...I didn't lose a single pound.  Seriously.  Started the challenge at 135 lbs...ended the same weight.  Clearly I'm at the perfect weight for me.

But honestly I never started this for the weight loss benefits or the ab enhancing powers (though that's a bonus).  I started it to try and cure my multiple GI issues and to #feedthemachine that I have to become when training hardcore for a big triathlon (half ironman #2 on July 27, 2014).  Did I get the results I was after?  ABSOLUTELY!

I have more energy, I am more clear headed, GI distress if virtually gone, skin is clearer, clothes fit better, I sleep more soundly, I recover really fast, soreness from training doesn't last, I'm able to push harder and longer during training then I ever was, I don't have cravings, and I get to eat like a teenage boy without caring about calories at all! 

So there you go...my results in a nutshell...but to give you some more love I'll even throw in some pics of the food I've been living on (but you can follow all of them on my Instagram at identityundecided).  And for those who ask I either make up my recipes entirely (sorry not helpful I know), get them off Pinterest (find me and follow my boards labeled Whole 30 or Cavegirl Eats and Treats), or I get the ideas from the multiple books I've bought including "It Starts with Food", "Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook", "Practical Paleo", and "Well Fed".

 

Needless to say I'm staying paleo...there is no question right now that this way of eating agrees with me...and with the crazy training coach mom (literally my mom is my coach...she is USAT certified and clearly knows me better then anyone) has thrown at me now it's the only way to fuel what I'm asking of my body everyday.  I'm healthy, I'm happy, and I'm ready to crush this race in July.  I have some big goals, big dreams, and since I've been there before I know exactly what to expect and what times I have to beat...it's go time.

So that's all for now...it's dinnertime and I'm hungry (chicken curry in the crock pot is on the menu for tonight and I think I'm salivating from the smell in this house!).  Follow me to see what I cook up next or to see how I do at Barb's Race...until then...

XOXO

Jackie

#whole30challenge

Prosciutto egg cups with veggies and guac...sweet potato with ghee

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you know I've started a new food adventure called the Whole 30 Challenge (check it out here and maybe you'll join in).  I originally heard about it from my friend Carrie who embarked on her own Whole 30 journey recently.  I was so inspired by her results that I did my homework, read the book, and set a start day for the day after I returned from my field training (more about that in a minute). 

Some may be wondering why I've strayed from my vegan adventures into a clearly Paleo way of eating...the answer is simple.  I went vegan as an experiment...could I improve my numbers (blood counts, lipids, etc) with diet alone.  I did.  Everything looked better one year later.  Now I'm experimenting again...can I have the same numbers or maybe even better ones while following a Paleo diet?  I'm using my body as the ultimate guinea pig...plus there is another aspect.  For years I've struggled with horrible IBS and general GI issues.  I've been poked, prodded, and scoped with only minimal answers and prescriptions I refuse to take.  Gluten free eating has thus far been the BEST thing I've done for my body...but I still suffer on a daily basis.  Even while strictly vegan I was still miserable quite often.  The Whole 30 diet, however, makes some pretty great claims in regards to helping with inflammatory GI issues (essentially IBS is a problem of inflammation with no known cause).  So there we are...a new culinary adventure...and hopefully a cure to what ails me...we shall see.

So there is the background...now back to the fun.  I'm on Day 4 now and I'm feeling awesome!  I have yet to experience the "hangover" that they claim may occur.  I'm attributing that mostly to the fact that I don't eat that horribly anyway...but we'll see...my hangover may be coming.  Yesterday I hit up my fav indulgence Whole Paycheck (aka Whole Foods Market). 



I coordinated myself as well as I could considering I was status post noc shift...and spent way too much money on beautiful veggies, fruits, and fresh meats (I actually bought from the deli and butcher counters and I NEVER do that!).  I then caught a quick nap and woke to start some serious cooking (which I will be continuing today).  I started with Paleo chili...followed up with roasting some yams, beets, and brussel sprouts.  I made some prosciutto cups as well for quick breakfasts (see cover picture).



Today will be grilling chicken, boiling eggs, pulled pork, thai beef stew, and fajitas...all before work tonight.  But hey, the rest of my week will be so much easier!!

As for the above mentioned time in the field, I spent the last time up at Camp Pendleton at the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute (NEMTI) at an exercise called Coiled Viper.  I spent the week learning field medicine skills with other nurses, doctors, and corpsman.  I skipped the Trauma Nurse Core Course (since mine certification is current) and opted to take the Tactical Combat Casualty Course with the corpsman.  It's not required for officer's but I'm so glad I took it...it was entertaining and I learned so much as well as getting to teach some clinical skills.  I also let someone put a nasal airway in me as well as a few IV's...took one for the team I guess!  Anyway, the pics say it all...I had a blast and truly love my other job as a Navy Reserve RN. 














Until later...time to nap.

XOXO

Jackie

Not Enough Words

This is a short and sweet post this evening as I'm in the middle of a training evolution called Coiled Viper. I'm at a camp in the middle of a Marine base surrounded by nurses, doctors, dentists, and corpsman. All reservists.  All people who, like me, signed on the dotted line and committed their life to this beautiful country.  But they...like me...also have full civilian careers and lives..and yet are all willing...and volunteering to drop it all in a moment to serve.  Let's just say these are really good people...

I lay here now in a cot in a room full of 13 other junior officer women...room is a nice word...it's a wooden hut really...but it became home. I've realized with the military it all becomes home quickly.  You make friends quickly and you trust each other quickly.  Each other is all you have really.

The other realization I had today was as I was sitting at the chow hall (aka the military's cafeteria) looking around at all the baby Marines (we are in a section of the base where they are all male and I swear all 18 but look 12)...I realized that these young men who have committed to lay down their life for this country..for you...for me...these are the very Marines I am being trained to treat. These are the ones...should I be mobilized to Afghanistan as many of my classmates are...that will be in my care...in my ICU ward.  It was a humbling moment...they are training to protect me...I'm training to save them...quite the paradox really.

So that's it really...training gives you time to think...and currently I'm thinking I couldn't be prouder to have made the decision to be a Navy Reserve Nurse Corps officer...and I'm also thinking I need to head to bed...early mornings around here!

XOXO

Jackie

I've had an EPIPHANY!!

No, not only that...

But that I'm really horrible at continuous blogging...

I get really great for a stretch...and then I fall off the wagon....

And I don't just take a small break...I go a loooonnnngggg time!

The last update was pre Hawaiian vacation aka Ironman Kona!!  That was Oct 2012...it's now April 2013...seriously...so much life lived since then.  So here is my feeble attempt to catch up and get on a better foot.  But with some adjustments, revelations and confessions. 

I'm not ever going to be a great blogger...I have 3 jobs, 2 kids, and a crazy life.  But I will continue to try my best...but my best may not be extremely regular.  I love to cook, I love to eat, I love to swim/bike/run, I love my job as a nurse.  I want to blog about it all...not in an effort to be all "I love me" about it but an effort to remember...to possibly help others in any and all of those areas...and in a effort to process my life on "paper" if you will.  I've always loved to write and it's like small version of therapy.  If you want to read, read...if you don't I won't even know anyway :)

So here it is...a catch up more in pictures than in words...because it's been a beautiful ride so far and I'm excited for what the future holds...

First...HAWAII!!  We spent 2 blissful weeks on the Big Island...swimming, running, snorkeling, tanning, exploring...and most importantly being present for the greatest triathlon around...the Ironman World Championships in Kona.  It.  Was.  Epic.

 

Kids and I after a hard morning of snorkeling

 

Kiddos rocking the Wattie Ink W after the Underpants Run

 

Pre Ironman Med Tent

 

Holy Big Honu

 

Hard to top a Kona sunset

 

Family luau

 

 

Next up in the land of big updates is all the amazing work I've been privileged to do as a flight nurse....it's an opportunity I never imagined I'd have but I've been sooooooo blessed to do it!  I've gone (I'm sure I'm missing some and these are in no particular order) to Palm Springs, Blythe, Seattle, Las Vegas, Anchorage, Adak, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Vancouver, Edmonton, Wisconsin, Denver, Cold Bay, and I'm sure a few more...some were for a moment...others were at least overnight...and it's been the experience of a lifetime.  I'm so excited to see where else this job takes me...but here are some pics along the way...

 

 

Outside Edmonton in mighty chilly weather!

 

 

Trying to look over the pilot's shoulders at Mt. Rainier

 

Even the training is cool!

 

The last big update comes courtesy of the Navy.  I've been privileged to already have some amazing experiences in my career in the Nurse Corps.  The best to date was my two weeks spent in "boot camp" also known as Direct Commission Officer Indoctrination Course in Newport, Rhode Island.  It was truly a life changing experience and I could never hope to sum it up in words....so some pictures will have to do...

 

 

With my amazing, fabulous roommate, Mikel.

 

 

Our one day of freedom after being snowed in by Nemo (the affectionate name the locals gave the blizzard that hit us hard!).

 

With the roomie again and my local SD girl Stephanie

 

 

My room for 2 weeks...pretty plush, huh?

 

 

Shoveling snow is oh so fun!

 

 

 I had to try....

 

So anyway, there it all is...a massive update in a small way.

 

Here's what's coming up....

 

First I leave Saturday (in 2 days) for 9 days of field training with the Marines to do some expeditionary field medicine....should be quite an experience to say the least.

 

Then once home it's onto another challenge...the Whole 30 challenge that you can read up on here...wanna join in on the fun?  I'm staring April 15th along with a few other friends who want to improve their health too...the more the merrier!  And yes, I know it's not vegan...but if you'll refer back here you see that I have only ever tweaked my diet for health reasons...and this is yet another step along the way of using myself as a guinea pig...it's science, right?? 

 

Lastly on tap for me is my return back to long course racing...I've registered once again for Barb's race...I've tried it once before and I aim to try it again...and do it bigger and better...watch out...

 

I think that's about all I can cram in one blog post since I'm getting slightly crossed eyed...hope I didn't bore you to pieces and I swear to be a bit better at this, even if it's only a mobile update!  Until then...

 

 

XOXO

 

Jackie

It's been too long...but it's gonna be a bit longer...

I've been MIA since...ooohhhh...October of last year or so...ever since I went on my Big Island adventure.  But with 3 jobs, 2 kids, and 5 animals running around my life I tend to get a bit behind.  So I just wanted to wave my hand around a bit...assure you all that I'm still breathing...and that I'll be back...this week I promise.  Probably sans recipe as I haven't really been writing a thing down lately!  But it'll be one big update I swear...

Until then!

XOXO

Jax

WIAW #3 On The Fly...

It's been busy 'round here...no surprise...

Only SIX more days till we head to the Big Island for some Ironman fun and even more relaxation!!!!  AHHHHH!!!

I'm more excited then I could ever explain...but prior to the vacation comes lots of planning...and working...

So today is another What I Ate Wednesday...I'll highlight some of the fab food I've been cooking up lately as well as give you a long awaited recipe....at the end ;)



I've been digging breakfast lately...in any form...at home or out and about...

Breakfast on the Boardwalk at the Wavehouse...good food, great views

This morning's tofu scramble at good ole' standby Snooze...no pic of the bloody Mary...but it was great too!



The usual morning standby at home...soyrizo with veggie galore!

Can you see a theme in my breakfast choices??  A little spice and a whole lotta veg...but occasionally I do splurge on some pancake love....

Smores pancakes anyone?????  Recipe's at the end...keep reading...

I've also been loving on salads for my work dinner...especially during Powercakes challenge (join us!)...

Or if I'm not at work I'm possibly at Casa De Luz eating from their fabulously vegan and gluten free menu...

And when all is said and done I enjoy my version of "ice cream"...frozen bananas, almond butter, and almond milk thrown in the Vitamix until creamy...talk about a treat!!

So there you go...lots of my goodies from the past week or so...now I'm hungry and need to go make some dinner...on the menu??  Roast cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, and I'm not sure what else yet...what are you eating tonight?

Oh yeah...here's the recipe...maybe you can eat dessert for breakfast tomorrow morning...hmmm...maybe I will too!

Smores Pancakes

by Jaclyn Trosper

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (6 pancakes)

• 2 cups multipurpose gluten free flour (try to find a brand that includes xanthan gum)
• 2 scoops protein powder (I used Sprouts generic soy vanilla)
• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (only if your flour doesn't include it)
• 2 tbsp flax
• 3 tbsp warm water
• 2 tbsp applesauce
• 1 tbsp honey (not considered vegan but needed for that graham taste, use agave if you avoid honey)
• 8 drops liquid stevia
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 C almond milk
• 8-12 vegan marshmallows
• 1/2 bar organic dark chocolate (you can also use carob chips but the flavor is a bit different)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

In a large bowl mix flour, protein powder, xanthan gum (if using), applesauce, honey, stevia, vanilla, cinnamon, and almond milk. In a separate small bowl mix flax and warm water. Add flax "egg" to large bowl, mix well. In a well greased pan drop large spoonfuls of mixture to form pancakes. Cook on medium heat, flip when bubbly and brown. Meanwhile in a double boiler heat marshmallows with 1 tbsp of the coconut oil, stir often to create a creamy mix. In microwave (or another double boiler) heat chocolate with other tbsp coconut oil until melted. Serve marshmallow and chocolate between layers of pancakes...you can even sprinkle cinnamon on top!

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