Week 3: Thoughts on Anti-fragility and Omega-3s

Why do Clayton's injury issues often get better with more intense training? Plus a book rec, this week's meal plan, grocery lists, and Jackie's deep dive on omega-3s.

Hi friends!

It’s been a good week! Clayton is finally feeling like his body is ready to tackle this build. He came away from the Boston marathon with some hip/hamstring and Achilles issues, but they are under control again thanks to his increasing mileage, PT exercises, and time in the weight room.

This feels like the perfect example of anti-fragility to me. I’ve been listening to The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and I really appreciate the discussion about how children (and honestly, adults too) become stronger when exposed to stressors. They aren’t just fragile (like glass) or resilient (like metal), but they need opposition in order to be strong enough to thrive (like a tree growing in an environment with wind will develop stronger roots).

Such a fascinating concept for parenting and for running. I’ll definitely keep thinking about this! I also read Haidt’s book The Coddling of the American Mind a while back and appreciated that perspective too.

While Clayton is doing his best to be anti-fragile, the girls and I are living our best summer lives: lots of time with friends and cousins, water play, and sunshine—and a little bit of time for all the normal stuff that keeps a household running. It’s a balancing act!

This week’s nutrition deep dive is all about omega-3s. I love learning how they can support Clayton’s recovery, and I love how Jackie has built them into these meal plans week after week.

Take care,

Ashley

Breakfast

I like to batch prep a few breakfast options, and then mix and match them throughout the week with eggs (usually scrambled with bell peppers) and cereal (I can’t keep Clayton from his rice krispies + bananas or his honey bunches of oats; he’s also a big fan of granola). He usually eats both a savory and a sweet option each morning.

I like using Mr. Dell’s shredded hashbrowns (I get a big bag from the frozen section at Walmart). I love that potatoes are the only ingredient!

Lunch

Clayton usually eats big breakfasts (post morning run) and big dinners (post afternoon run), so we keep lunch time pretty simple. His typical go-to is turkey sandwiches with pretzels or chips. We’ll include a serving of tuna this week for omega-3s as well.

Snack

This is a go-to for us! I’ve taken it to a wedding shower, Father’s day dinner, a campout, and multiple extended family gatherings. Perfect for all occasions!

The recipe calls for fresh mangos, but I’ve had great success using frozen mangoes (I buy the big bag from the Costco freezer section). I pull them out while I start chopping the other things, and then chop them once they’ve been slightly thawed.

Dinner

Monday: easy mileage

This is a new one for us! I’m excited to try it.

Tuesday: workout

The recipe is written for mahi mahi, but our family likes to use the seasoning on tilapia. So good!

The corn mango salsa would be a great addition to this dinner, so considering making extra!

Wednesday: easy mileage

Greek chicken pita wrap leftovers.

Thursday: workout

Friday: easy mileage

Saturday: long run

Thai crunch quinoa salad leftovers.

Sunday: recovery day

I don’t love fish or burgers as leftovers, so I might sneak in a package of spaghetti + jar of sauce + pound of ground beef this week. But if you don’t mind firing up the grill again for burgers, then go for it!