Key workout & almond butter

Less than 2 weeks till the half and I'm trying to plan out my training for the next 2 weeks. I was thinking for my long run this weekend I would do 8 to 10 with maybe 6 at goal pace?  How much would you run for your long run the weekend before the race? 8 was in my head because I always do 8 the weekend before a marathon, but my training hasn't been grueling so maybe 10?

In addition, I got into the habit of doing a key workout the Monday before a marathon - some kind of speedwork. I'm not really tapering or anything so would you do the normal hill/speed repeats that Tuesday but an easy run on Thursday instead of tempo?  What is your week before the race plan that has brought you success? 

I saw this and made it immediately.  The last batch of almonds we bought from Costco were raw and I didn't notice, and the almond butter they make it way too dry.  I guess the hint is to roast the almonds with some maple syrup. I tried roasting them but it didn't help. Whoa! Roasting them gives the almond butter such a great taste!  A recipe to try for sure!


Maple Almond Butter adapted from OSG.
I recommend you try her recipe which has more things in it - some that I didn't have and some that I just forgot to put in (vanilla, cinnamon). I omitted the salt.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup raw almonds
• 2 tbsp whole flax seeds
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup 

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a non-stick mat. In a large bowl, mix together the almonds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Spread out almond mixture onto baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.


2. Remove from oven and allow the almond mixture to cool for a few minutes before placing into a food processor. Process for about 10 minutes, stopping to scrape the bowl every 30-60 seconds as needed. The mixture will be very drippy and smooth when ready.