Zucchini Waffles

on August 25, 2009

Who says you can’t have waffles for lunch?

I think waffles make an EXCELLENT lunch, especially when you make them more savory than sweet.

My waffles featured 1/2 a zucchini! Trust me, I couldn’t really "taste" the zucchini either — it’s one of those vegetable flavors that just blend into whatever you bake it in (kind of like Green Monster smoothies).

I used this mix from FlaxMatters.com:

I followed the package directions except I added 1 zucchini (grated), pepper, and a little extra mix (because the zucchini made it very moist). This made 2 servings (or 4 waffles).

Topped with Laughing Cow cheese:

Plus, a side salad:

This morning, I snacked on a plum:

What IS a Long Run, Anyway?

Yesterday’s discussion on recovering from long runs got me thinking….

What is a long run, anyway?

Here are some facts about my running habits:

When I started to run, I couldn’t run more than 1/4 mile at a time.
My first race was a 10K.
My fastest race was a 23:46 5K.
I’ve completed 14 races, including 2 half marathons.
My longest race was a 15.4-mile trail run. It took me 2 hours and 56 minutes to finish that race (because it was a trail).
My longest training run ever was 14.0 miles.
I run about 20 miles a week.

Based on these experiences, I consider a LONG RUN to be anything over 6.0 miles (because that means I’m running for at least an hour). I consider a SHORT RUN to be anything less than 3.0 miles.

What do you consider a long run and a short run? Do you base it on distance or time?

{ 69 comments }

brandi August 25, 2009, 9:06 am
i love the idea of a savory waffle! what a great idea for lunch.

I've never run over 6 miles at a time, but I would probably consider 6+ to be a long run (for me, at least) because that's an hour or longer.
Michaela August 25, 2009, 9:08 am
< 4 is a short run for me and > 6 is a long one. I like to do around 25 miles for the week.
Tea Time August 25, 2009, 9:08 am
When it comes to long run milages, I think everyone has their own defining magic number. For me, anything over 12 miles is "long"…since that is practically a half marathon.
Jesse August 25, 2009, 9:08 am
Personally, I go more for time.

Long run = over an hour
Short run = under 30 minutes

There needs to be a whole separate category, like WAY LONG RUN, which is double digit miles…

I'm def. trying zucchini pancakes. Did you get the idea from zucchini bread? Love the laughing cow on it too!
Erica August 25, 2009, 9:08 am
What a great idea to add zuch into the waffles! This would be great for moms with kids trying to sneak in some extra veggies!! I agree with your thoughts on runs. I'd say 6 miles and over is def a long run. 🙂
Lindsey August 25, 2009, 9:09 am
I consider my long run to be the longest run of the week. Whether it is 6 miles in the beginning of training or 20 miles at the end. For long runs, I don't think about any kind of time constraints. I run as slow as I want and take breaks if I need to. It is crazy how once you get towards the end of marathon training 6 miles starts to feel like a "short run"!
seesaraheat August 25, 2009, 9:09 am
I guess I base it on distance. A long run for me is anything over 5 miles. Though when I think of long runs, I think of 10 miles, haha. These days I stick between 1-4 so most of my runs are short.
Katrine August 25, 2009, 9:13 am
Thanks for the recipe! I can't wait to try them. I've noticed that my definition of a "long run" changes depending on what I'm training for. When I was training for my second marathon (last Feb.) my longest long run was 23 which now sounds NUTS and I was delighted when I saw 13 as my scheduled "long run" when it was an "easy week." Now I'm training for a 1/2 Ironman which has a 13.1 mile run at the end and my 14 mile runs are forever…Happy Training!
inmytummy August 25, 2009, 9:14 am
I agree with you. Less than 3 is a short run and more than 6 is a long run.

I guess I based "long" on if I did it on the treadmill, I would die of boredom.
heyitstay August 25, 2009, 9:18 am
I like these questions because it totally depends on the person! When I was running (and not training) a long run would be above 10 miles and a short run was 4-5. My normal everyday runs were 6-7. I almost felt that if I couldnt get in at least 4-5 miles, it wasnt good enough. Right there is where I was wrong and a big reason I got injured!
Runeatrepeat August 25, 2009, 9:18 am
I think anything over 6 is a long run, but anything less is a short run. There is no "average" run for me!
Glo August 25, 2009, 9:18 am
Waffles are great anytime! Good thinking adding zucchini.

I like to go by time more than mileage because I apply it to cycling as well as running. Anytime I'm training for over an hour, I know I'll need to put a little more thought into how I refuel or else I'll go into that zombie exhaustion state too!
Susan August 25, 2009, 9:19 am
I consider a short run to be anything that takes under an hour (up to about seven miles) and a long run to be anything thirteen miles or over.

I can't believe I just said that! That's what marathoning will do to you, I guess. 🙂
platipus329 August 25, 2009, 9:21 am
For me, a short run is less than 5 and a long run is more than 7. I generally do 1 long run and no short runs in a week, but I'm always up for switching that up
Bridget August 25, 2009, 9:23 am
LOVE the savory waffles…what an awesome idea!

Well, the longest I've ever ran was 5miles and that was still with walking breaks so for me that was long! hahah! I think, for me, I would base my runs on how long I ran without stopping to walk, and so far that has probably been a 5k distance…but I'm getting there!
Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn August 25, 2009, 9:29 am
I'm just about the same as you– I consider a long run anything over 5 miles, and a short run anything under 3.

But any length run is a good run 🙂
Carolina John August 25, 2009, 9:32 am
waffles are awesome anytime they can enter my mouth. i'll take as many as i can get.

i don't like to let my long runs get less than 8 miles, but they should really be in double digits. my shortest race ever should be a 5k, so my shortest run ever should be no less than 3.1 miles.

i like to do 4 miles of speedwork, a 5 – 6 mile tempo run, and one long run every week. bike, swim, and rest the other days in true triathete fashion. this puts me somewhere between 18 and 26 miles every week.
trustingmyintuition August 25, 2009, 9:37 am
I guess it all depends on what your mileage is like and compared to the other runs you do. Before being injured I was running 45 mpw, so at that time I considered long runs to be anything over 12 miles, and 5 miles was short. But then again, when 20 miles is your long run, 13 on a cutback week seems short. Getting back to running after injury is a bit different. My long run is up to 8 miles and I am at 20-25 mpw. I still don't feel like it is long mentally, but for my body it is.
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats August 25, 2009, 9:46 am
I consider 3 miles and below a "short run," 4-5 miles just a "run," and anything over 5 as a "long run."

Love the zucchini waffles!
Jenna August 25, 2009, 9:58 am
waffles for lunch, what a great idea!

i consider a long run like you said to be anything over an hour and a short run to be anything less than 3 miles!

jenna
Peanuts & Crackerjacks August 25, 2009, 10:00 am
<5 short >6 long…i run about 30-35 per week
Kate August 25, 2009, 10:03 am
I would say a long run is dependent upon what you are training for. So, since you are training for Disney, I would say 6 miles may be your long run as of now but just give it a couple months and 6 miles will be like a short run. It is so weird how perspectives change after training so hard for so long. Good luck with it, the Disney race is awesome!
MandyKat August 25, 2009, 10:10 am
From what I've read, a "long run" is 90 minutes or greater, at least for triathlon training. At that point, the body needs a glucose source to fuel the activity.
Could you share your pre, during, and post run foods/drinks?
Here are a few really general tips that helped me (I've done a lot of marathons):
-On long runs, take water or gatorade and take a few sips every 10 minutes. Ideally you want to drink a cup an hour.
-Pay attention to your meal the night before. If you eat a small meal or a meal with just veggies/fruit/pro, you might get tired faster during the run.
-Take 60 grams of carbohydrate an hour after the first 90 minutes of running. Some people need it sooner though. I use gels.
-To prevent fatigue afterwards, you should eat/drink something within 30 minutes of the long run. When I trained heavily, I used a pro/cho supplement like Recoverite. It really reduced my fatigue significantly. Otherwise, try simple carbohydrates, like a bagel with jam or a banana.
-Keep eating! You might be underestimating your caloric needs.
Also, if you have ramped up the mileage suddenly, your body might just need to adjust. : )
Lori August 25, 2009, 10:13 am
Mmmmm…. savory waffles.

I think anything over 5 miles is a longer run to me. I average about 15 miles a week.
Matt August 25, 2009, 10:14 am
I consider a short run anything under 10 miles and a long run anything over 16. Anywhere in between in a normal run.
Britt August 25, 2009, 10:16 am
Great lunch idea!

for me….
long run = 10+
short run = 5 or under

of course I just call my Sunday run my long run, as its usually over 10 miles anyways.
Meg August 25, 2009, 10:19 am
Like you, I consider anything over 6 miles to be a long run. But maybe if I ever train for a marathon my definition of a "long" run would be different?
BTW, your waffles look delicious!
Whitney@whitsgettingfit August 25, 2009, 10:21 am
Zucchini waffles! I love my zukes!

I consider anything under 4 short, and 6 or above long.

Where does 5 fit in, I wonder?
Dragonflie's Journey August 25, 2009, 10:26 am
I just started my blog today (YAY!), and I wanted to comment on yours. I am not a runner. I never run, unless chased by the cops. I blew my knee out in high school, so I have to come up with more creative ways of exercising.

Mike just got me into biking this week. I just got back from England, and before that life was too chaotic. I've done 3 days of 2.5 miles each. This does not seem like much, but I haven't worked out in 4 months so I'm easing back into it.

I think "long" anything refers to distance. Some can complete miles in less time than others. But if someone does 20 miles over someone else doing 10. I'd say 20 miles is "longer" than 10. Just a thought.
Kelly August 25, 2009, 10:44 am
I'm so glad that you said you could not run more than a 1/4 mile when you started. I'm just starting to run (mostly jogging/walking) and you give me hope that I can someday run a marathon. I want to run so bad! I have to practice my patience.
Mrs. LC August 25, 2009, 10:55 am
It's amusing to read over these comments and see all the different answers to what different people's "long runs" and "short runs" are! I'm no help on the topic, because I'm just trying to build up running again. I'd imagine over 5 miles would be a long run for me though.

Love the savory waffle. 🙂
Anna August 25, 2009, 10:59 am
Hmmm for I think I feel the same way you do- a long run would be over 6 miles. Although I think I'd cut my short run down to 2-2.5 miles 😉
Elsa August 25, 2009, 11:07 am
I feel the same way. Long runs are anything over 6 miles and short runs are 3 miles or less.
It is funny though, when I first started running I NEVER thought I could run more than 3 miles. That was an accomplishment and now 3-5 miles is an easy day. Wow how times have changed.
fromatopink August 25, 2009, 11:10 am
I love the idea of savory waffles – esp. w/ zucchini and laughing cow! I'll def. be trying these, thanks for the great idea.
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) August 25, 2009, 11:22 am
I base my definition of a long run (for both myself and my clients) on current training levels and what they are training for. For some 3 miles is a long run. For others nothing short of 20 miles is considered long.
Frannie August 25, 2009, 11:22 am
I think of long runs as an attitude more than a time or distance…so my long run of the week is one that I am running purely relaxed, with no time constraints, to test my body. So, if I do a 6 mile 'tempo' run (80% of max effort), that isn't a long run. But if I do 5 miles relaxed, I suppose I could count that as a long run. That said, anything under 4 isn't a long run for me no matter how relaxed I am.
Niki August 25, 2009, 11:29 am
I think for me it depends at what point of training I am at. Right now 6 milers are my long run but in a few weeks/months that will be a shorter run!
Eve August 25, 2009, 11:36 am
I agree with you! And I guess that means I run neither short or long ones b/c I typically do 3-6 miles at a time. I love those distances. And doing more triggers the bursitis in my hip.
Holly August 25, 2009, 11:43 am
I think what constitutes a "long run" is entirely dependent on the person's current average mileage. If I'm only used to running 1 mile at a time, then upping that to 3 or 4 is going to constitute a long run. If I'm a more seasoned runner, 3 miles is a short breezy run.
Kristen @ Simply Savor August 25, 2009, 11:46 am
i loove the idea of savory waffles–i would never think to add zucchini! looks delish 🙂
Sarah August 25, 2009, 11:47 am
So, I have been a long time blog reader, and never a blog writer, but I have been inspired to start my own blog! Check it out at FitTipExchange.wordpress.com !
Angharad August 25, 2009, 11:56 am
I'm kind of the same as you: 3 miles or less is short and anything over 6 is long! A trail race sounds super fun! How long have you been running for?
Mary Sailors August 25, 2009, 12:14 pm
Your lunch looks SO good, I am going to have to try it!! I consider a long run 6 and over!!
Jodie August 25, 2009, 12:25 pm
Caitlin, how long did it take you to be able to run the 5k in 23mins? Just curious.

Long runs to me is anything over 8 miles.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point August 25, 2009, 12:26 pm
jodie – two years of running, approx
mamasweeds August 25, 2009, 12:36 pm
Anything beyond 6 falls into the long run category for me. I usually save runs beyond 7 for the weekends, so that defines long run for me!
Annamarina (Running Tails) August 25, 2009, 12:39 pm
I'd have to agree that anything over an hour for me is considered long. Short runs are usually 3 miles or less. Although, sometimes short runs feel long!
Marissa August 25, 2009, 12:44 pm
Those waffles sound really good!!
Sara August 25, 2009, 12:52 pm
To be honest, a long run to me would be anything over a mile; two, tops. I truly admire all the training, dedication, and stamina shown by bloggers, but I often wonder if it — while inspiring — disheartens others (not that it's at all your intention)!
Jenny August 25, 2009, 12:54 pm
i'm pretty sure i could eat waffles every meal of every day and be a happy chica.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point August 25, 2009, 12:55 pm
sara – thats why i call myself a "fitness and food blogger" not just a food blogger 🙂 but i agree with you, and thats why i noted i could only run 1/4 mile when i first started!
Courtney August 25, 2009, 12:56 pm
OMG does that waffle look tasty!! I have a container of shredded zucchini leftover from my muffins the other day in the fridge and I was wondering how to use it up…thanks for some inspiration!!

Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Voracious Vorilee August 25, 2009, 1:00 pm
I don't have a definition, I think it depends on whether I am training for something or not. Right now I think of any run under an hour to be short 🙂
Haleigh August 25, 2009, 1:00 pm
I love breakfast for dinner, never though about it for lunch. Savory waffles sounds delish!
Lizzy August 25, 2009, 1:07 pm
mmm zucchini waffles seems like such a good idea.

i would consider a long run anything over 6 miles i guess, and this sunday will be longest personally 6.
Susan August 25, 2009, 2:23 pm
I luuuurve zucchini bread, so I'm all over those waffles!!

Good point about the long runs. I run twice a week – one "short" 5k run, and one "long" run, which I increase each week by adding 5 minutes to it. This week, it'll be a 65 minute run, which will be my longest yet!! At this point though, I think I'd consider a long run anything over 5 miles. Hopefully someday that will get higher though! 🙂
The Shabby Princess August 25, 2009, 2:26 pm
I LOVE savory waffles!!

To tell you the truth, I haven't ever really decided what "long" is to me–I just call my weekend runs long–whatever that distace may be–but, it's always more than 6, so, I guess I'm with you on the anything over 6 miles is a long run for me too.
Dee August 25, 2009, 2:59 pm
Your zucchini waffles look scrumptious! I'm going to try my hand at zucchini fritters here soon.

I define long runs between 16-20 miles, and short runs an hour or less, about 7 or less miles.

I'm a die-hard though!
Kate August 25, 2009, 3:05 pm
For me, at the moment, anything under 45 minutes is short, and anything over 1:15 is "long".

But when I'm in marathon mode, it needs to be double digits, or at least 1:45 to be "long" (anything else becomes "medium-long")
Lainie August 25, 2009, 3:54 pm
How unique – savory waffles! Love this! A long run for me is 5+ miles.
Julia August 25, 2009, 4:03 pm
cool waffle idea. Long runs used to be 10 minutes long. now my long runs are 10+ miles, and short runs are under 5 miles. We'll have to see how long my knees will hold up! (tendonitis go away!)
angieinatlanta August 25, 2009, 5:11 pm
You're a food genius! Love it!
Lauren August 25, 2009, 5:19 pm
Wow, what a brilliant idea to add zuchinni to your waffle batter. I think you may be on to something girl….

Well, I run 5 miles every morning, so I consider anything over that a long run for me. Usually my long runs are once a week and consist of 10-13 miles. I try to do at least one or two short speedwork runs as well. Right now I'm running around 25-30 miles a week and feel good with that.

Wow, all of those races and amazing accomplishments…that's incredible!
Heather5000 August 25, 2009, 6:18 pm
A short run is any run where at the end you feel like you still have energy! A long run is any run where you feel like your legs are no longer connected to your body. The numbers don't matter 🙂
Kelly August 25, 2009, 7:35 pm
I consider a long run anything over 6 miles and a short run 3 or 4 miles.
lilveggiepatch August 25, 2009, 7:36 pm
Where I am right now, 4 miles is a longish run for me. If I ever could do 6, I think I'd feel so, unbelievably, accomplished. I'll do it!
Healthy Butt August 26, 2009, 7:51 am
OMG I just drooled on my keyboard. I can't wait to make those waffles and I think I'll add a southern twist!!! Thanks Caitlin!
By the way, what marathon are you training for?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point August 26, 2009, 7:52 am
Healthy Butt – I'm training for Disney. 🙂
Stephanie August 26, 2009, 8:17 am
wow. i can't believe that when you started you could only do a 1/4 mile at a time! you're such an inspiration to me…and that helps so much! i ran all through high school in cross country and was always running for hours…and then college happened and i got off track. i've recently got back on track exercising and eating right but i was disappointed last week when i could only trek out a half a mile before i was dying and couldn't move any further. thank you, once again, for the inspiration to keep trying!

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