Author Archives for Jen Bendewish

About Jen Bendewish

Military vet. College grad (a few times). Prior LEO. Woman of faith. Wife. Mother. Triathlete (IM finisher). Runner. Family cook. Volunteer. Adventure seeker.

January 2015 Stridebox Review

“StrideBox is a fun and exciting way to discover running products and accessories. Each month, as a member, you will receive a curated box of apparel, accessories, and nutrition products to fuel your training sessions, workouts, and races.” – Stridebox

Box of January goodies:

-Stridebox – Mini Training Log, temporary tattoo & sticker
-Stridebox – Safety Stridelights
-Blueberry Smart Bar by Detour Smart Bar
-G Endurance Gatorlytes by Gatorade
-Designer Whey by Protein 2 Go
-Brew Recovery Drink by GU Energy
-Cherry Limeade Hydration by Nuun Energy
-Blister Shield by 2Toms

Continue reading →

Crockpot Meal Prep: Carnitas

I miss Southern-California style carnitas and am so glad to have perfected this easy way to have carnitas any time. After a long day of school and work, every one in my house loves walking in and smelling homemade carnitas! I like to put pinto beans in a small crockpot the same day.

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
½ tsp crumbled dried oregano Continue reading →

Crockpot Meal Prep: Adobo Chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 small sweet onion, sliced
16 cloves garlic, minced (I prefer to use the minced in the jar)
1½ cups of soy sauce
1 cup of white vinegar
4 chicken breast
4 skinless chicken thighs

FREEZER PREP

Divide chicken breasts and thighs into two separate Ziploc Freezer Gallon bags. Place 8 cloves of minced garlic into each bag.

In a small bowl mix the onion, soy sauce, and vinegar. Pour half into each bag. Seal and place in freezer.

COOK

Remove bag from freezer the night before and let defrost in the refrigerator. Or, my preference, place bag in crockpot and fill crockpot with cold water for 30 minutes in the morning. Rinse crockpot out and empty bag into crockpot.

Cook 6 hours on high, or 8-10 hours on low.

Serve with white rice and/or fresh bread.

#RnRNOLA 2015 New Orleans Marathon Recap

I am so grateful for mother-in-law for accompanying me on this trip, for taking great care of me and my girls and making wonderful memories. It would not have been possible without her.

I am so, so, so very glad I decided to a Rock ‘n’ Roll event and it only took me two years of talking about it before I actually did one.

I picked the Rock ‘n’ New Orleans Marathon (#RnRNOLA) for a few reasons. It was close to home (5 hrs driving distance), it was in January, the city is amazing, flat, and full of history, and most importantly it was the week before my birthday. Yes, it is one of my birthday presents to myself.

The trip ended up being a girls trip: my mother-in-law, two munchkins, and me! The Thursday before the trip I had all the symptoms of catching the cold that was making it’s way through my house; no wonder my taper week felt terrible. Continue reading →