Carbo-Loading: Chicago Marathon Weekend

This Sunday is a big day here in the Windy City: It's the Chicago Marathon!

2007

My husband Alex is an athlete and ran his first Chicago Marathon shortly after we started dating in 2007. We lived in Boston then and I came along to cheer him on. It was incredibly hot that year (so hot that they ended up canceling the race halfway through because so many people were passing out and being hospitalized) and also my first adult trip to Chicago. Following the race alone was quite an interesting way to figure out the city!



2008

2009

He has run the Marathon three times since then and took a break for the past two years. He'll be back at it again this year for his fifth (and likely final) Chicago Marathon and I will be out there cheering for him again.


2010

Alex has been extra careful about preparing for the Marathon this year. He took a break last year due to some knee issues but (knock on wood) he seems to be ready to run this year!
  

2012 - Alex didn't run, but my friend Maggie did!

I have been doing my part in helping Alex prepare: Cooking. I have been doing a lot of cooking. He pretty much has not stopped eating for the past 2 months. And pasta is his training food of choice. Lucky for me (and for him), I love pasta and I love coming up with new ways to prepare it. So, if you're carbo-loading for the Marathon or if you're just pretending you are (like me!) below is a round up of some of my favorite healthier pasta recipes loaded with carbs, veggies, and/or lean protein.

Good luck, runners!

Creamy Orzo

Farm Stand Veggie Pasta

Fusilli with Shredded Zucchini

Greek Pasta Toss

[Lightened Up] Spaghetti Bolognese

Linguine with Red Pepper Feta Sauce

Linguine with Roasted Chicken & Broccolini

Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage & Broccolini

Pasta Puttanesca

Penne with Chicken Sausage, Roasted Zucchini, & Red Pepper Pesto

Scented Spaghetti 

Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Southern Style Spaghettini

Spaghetti with Red & Yellow Bell Peppers

Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic & Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Spaghetti with Seared Tomatoes, Spinach, & Buffalo Mozzarella