Bright Lemon Miso Hummus - bright and lively snacking starts here! this flavor packed snack is great as a lunchtime spread or a party favorite - make a double batch.
I've been running lately.
Just a little bit - getting back into it - I wasn't planning on saying anything until I was regularly running 5k distances and more.
But I have this super inspiring group of friends, and they make me smile big each and every day. We are virtual sherpas.
The sherpa thing started with Lindsay, who is a sherpa for her husband James, a professional athlete. Then there is Jess, who is training for a marathon with her husband. On facebook and instagram, sherpa-ing came up, as Jess was planning a 20 mile run the next morning. Several of us commented, saying we were going to be out running, and we would cheer them on, we would be virtual sherpas.
So on a crisp cool morning last week in the bay area, I ran with Jess, Jolene, Lindsay, Heather, Sarena, and Dorry. We were sherpas for Jess and her husband. We tweeted and facebooked and instagrammed, and now it's become kind of a thing.
I cannot thank these dear friends enough for their support, encouragement, inspiration. I recently said "I used to be a runner" and Heather shushed me on that one - saying we're all runners, that passion defines a runner, not mileage.
Heather is so wise.
I have met Lindsay in person, and she is a dear friend. The other girls - I consider all of them dear friends, and know I will meet them someday (all at once would be awesome, but very loud, I suspect...)
That is the awesome and unexpected perk of being part of this crazy world of social media - you meet extremely cool people.
You find inspiration everywhere. You learn and grow and share.
Another inspiring source of learning and good food? My friend Sarah. Source of learning not just because she's a teacher.
Sarah makes awesome peanut butter, Sarah makes awesome hummus. I made this recipe of hers, and it was gone in a day and a half. This is now one of my favorite flavors of hummus, and I will make it often. Lemon is one of my favorite flavors and is always added to my hummus, but miso? Genius. Salty lemony genius.
Sarah's Bright Lemon Miso Hummus. Run over there and make it. I'll be your sherpa.
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
Welcome back to the world of running! And Heather's right, you're never an ex-runner (kind of like you're never an ex-marine :-)). I think that's what keeps me running. I see so many people that I haven't seen for a while and they always ask, "are you still running?" like they expect the answer to be no. So, just to disappoint them I keep on.
I cannot wait to try that hummus! Heading over to Sarah's blog right now.
spabettie says
thank you, Debbie! yeah, I suppose you are right... even if you get sidelined by an injury or life becomes busy, it's still innately part of you! enjoy the hummus, have a great weekend!
Beth @ Tasty Yummies says
What a wonderful post! I love all of the inspiration and connections I have made through the internet and everyday I am grateful for that. I tried to get into running earlier this summer but after a nasty bout with seriously sore knees, I scared myself and talked myself out of going further. Looks like I myself may need some sherpas when I finally get over my fear and get back into it 🙂
spabettie says
if and when you do - let me know! sherpa at the ready 😉
lindsay says
you are a TRUE runner, you are DEAR friend, and i am SO thankful for you.
spabettie says
and I am thankful for YOU. such a bright light in my life, and always with the words I need to hear at precisely the right moment... you are so good at that... 😉
jobo says
Oh I love this too!! This totally made my day!! Have LOVED meeting you here virtually and our virtual sherpa run dates, it is so so awesome and motivating and FUN! we would be SO LOUD if and when we meet! I didn't know you met Lindsay! So jealous! But then again, I have met Heather (who is equally as awesome!), so there ;-P heehee! XOXO!
spabettie says
...and I am SO JEALOUS of the Heather meeting 😉 Lindsay and James were here last summer for a triathlon, Basil and I went and hung out with them... LOVE being a sherpa to ALL of you, and you seriously make my day All The Time! XXO
Jillian @ Whisky Drinkin Chimney Sweep says
That is wonderful that you are returning to running! I agree with your friend on shushing the "I used to be a runner". You have embraced that spirit my friend. You are a runner. I'm so happy to have met you through blogging. xoxo
spabettie says
thank you so much, Jillian! your friendship has been a great joy for me this year, some smiles when I really needed it.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Ahh, I love Sarah and Lindsay. 🙂
Good for you for finding enjoyment in running and doing it for YOU.
Totally agree with what Heather said, and I love that!
spabettie says
I know, me too - love this whole group of inspiring people - including you! I have always just run for me, which is why I stopped for a while when it wasn't fun (foot and ankle pain this year...) taking it slow and so far it has been a great thing in SO many ways!
Jess says
I'm with Heather on this one, totally teary over here. I couldn't have said it better myself. I've been trying to find a way to explain just how deeply touched I have been throughout my own training process by all of your love and support -- it's been totally unexpected and totally amazing. I truly believe this little circle of friends we've formed will meet one day, it's destiny. I believe that. I heart you and am SO proud of you for getting back out there and running again!! Yay for virtual sherpas!
lindsay says
oh i triple that! sherpa tear jerker. And i love the inspiration from everyone. and pass me the dip, please.
spabettie says
sherpa #assslap! 🙂
spabettie says
it is hard to explain, right? after I hit publish I thought, I didn't even BEGIN to describe the elation - but it's difficult to put into words. it's just a GAAH and a jump up and down and an "oh, look at the bunny!" and huge smiles and happy tears and waving your hands in the air and ... wine. Cheers! XXO
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
It must be the day for inspiration! I love all the creativity in the blog world. And Sarah does rock. I could live on nutty butter.
spabettie says
we could all live on Nutty Butter... praising the Goddess that is Miss Smart! 🙂
Purely Twins says
blogging friends are pretty amazing!!! we love getting inspired by our blogging friends 🙂
hugs
spabettie says
hugs to both of you! yes... so true, I am constantly amazed by the awesomeness.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Girl - this made me tear up. I love you! Thank you so much for your never-ending inspiration and support.
spabettie says
aw, big hugs to YOU my dear! I cannot tell you how many times I've gotten a much needed energy burst of excitement from you - your strength and spirit are inspired and admired! love you!