Rudolph Cookies

Christmas is 100 times better when you have a little person to share in the fun. Last week Nick and I did gingerbread cookies and this weekend Rudolph cookies. I saw the idea in the December Parents Magazine issue.  It called for the Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix, but unless I'm totally rushed, I like to bake from scratch.  We were taking these to a kid's party so I skipped the peanut butter idea and did sugar cookies instead for allergy reasons. I feel so bad for anyone who might have a peanut allergy. I'm not sure how I would survive.

The sugar cookie recipe - adapted from The America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book
1 c sugar
1/3 c maple syrup (current addiction)
1/2 tsp baking powder
14 T butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla
2 T ground flax & 1 T chia seeds mixed with 1/4 c water - or 2 eggs - let sit 5-10 min
1 1/4 c white flour
1 1/4 c whole wheat flour

Cream sugar, syrup and butter till fluffy. Add in vanilla, flax, chia + water (after having let it sit). Mix until combined and then let sit about 20 minutes - mixture should puff up a little bit.  Then add in flours and baking powder. Mix until combined. Roll into balls and cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 350. Don't let them brown on the bottom - you want these to be soft and chewy, so they might look a little undercooked - that is perfect. They will cool and set. 

Then you need red m & m's, brown mini m & m's and chocolate covered pretzels. Use the pretzels (2 per cookie) for the ears, the red m & m for the nose and brown or any color really - mini ones for the eyes. I used frosting to attach them (butter, milk and 10x sugar not really measured).   Nick and I had a blast! At first he was totally concentrating and into the job. Then when I let him eat one m & m, it was all over!  I like this age so much.  My little helper!

Caffeine high

Mondays are usually hard to get moving since I sleep in on Saturday and Sunday (sleeping in means 7/7:30am) so this morning I made a cup of coffee. I would say it was about 3 oz coffee and the rest was milk, so I guess it was a latte. Then I went swimming. Holy cow! I was FLYING. I was beating everyone. Last week was my first full week with the faster people - finally made the move back to the faster lane - it has been a YEAR since I've been there! 5 months post Kara.  Usually I go last. I'm still getting into it. Today I was going first or second and felt like I was on fire. Was it the caffeine? I think so! Whoa!  What a good feeling. I am not a coffee drinker so I have a cup maybe once a week or once every 2 weeks. Maybe I'll save it for when I want to go fast? Those of you that drink coffee every day pre-workout (anyone do that?) does it enhance your performance? I was shocked with how I felt this morning.   I did a post on this recently but do you drink caffeine before you run? for a race or training? I'm not sure if I should get into the habit of this. Is it banned for professionals? It's totally a drug!

RUNNING - to run or not to run
Lifting last week kicked my butt! I did lunges and squats using the BOSU ball and I'm just still hurting. Lunges always kill me. I think I'm never doing them again. My quads are a mess. I am thinking about skipping running this week, but I'm not sure that I can. It will be nice to rest for the next 2.5 weeks and start fresh in January --- maybe? I might check out body pump classes and just swim and bike and see how it goes. I feel like my legs could use a fresh start.  What is the longest time you have taken off from running? How did you feel when you started up again? 

Stay tuned for this fun idea from Parents Magazine.

Happy Monday - only 12 days until Christmas. Wow!

Christmas early

Today I was going for an outside run and saw the package come in the mail from a company that piqued my interest - the only thing I really wanted was a Garmin this year so I did some research and knew Bill got me it - oops, such a party pooper! I tried it out today - the 405, and it's awesome! Too bad I was going so damn slow that I was getting mad seeing my pace, ugh! I am looking forward to using it and getting speedy again hopefully soon!   What did you ask for this holiday season?

This week I finished out with only 14 miles. As hard as I am trying not to track my mileage or care, that seems so low!  My body is tired from switching it up this week and I definitely felt it in my legs. After sprinting the 5 miler on Sunday and pushing myself, I went on to swim with the faster lane people this week all 3 days. I also did yoga and lifted so every muscle in my body just feels sore. I don't even feel like I worked it THAT hard but I guess all of the different muscle groups were woken up again!


Running so slowly today has got me nervous and wondering how I'll get some speed going come January.  I hope to make the speed sessions with the running club weekly - what else can I do for speed?

Recipes - have you seen this list of runner recipes? Great recipes - top 100 listed here! 

The second Galloway video below- have you used this method? It just gets me excited to see Disney world in the background.

Description: Proper running and walking form is essential to reduce the risk of injury.  The Jeff Galloway method teaches runners to stay upright, maintain a short stride and eliminate bounce.   

My sweetener of choice and marathon training

In the past few months, MAPLE SYRUP has become my favorite sweetener. I don't really measure it out, but it is so good with peanut butter first off and to sweeten anything really! I have been using it in baked goods and my morning oats! My recipe inspirations are from the non-dairy queen, Sarena.

Maple syrup morning oats or pancakes: 1/2 c oat flour (processed oats), some maple syrup, 2 T protein powder, 1 T almond butter, cinnamon, and 1/4 to 1/2 c almond milk.


Hemp fudge:
2 T protein powder, 1 T water, some maple syrup

AWESOME CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE(vegan) adapted from
"Raising Vegetarian Children : A Guide to Good Health and Family Harmony

1.5 c rolled oats, ground
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c cashew/walnuts - ground
1 c chocolate chips
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 c coconut oil
1/2 c maple syrup
2 T water
2 t vanilla

Mix all together - dough will be crumbly. Form into balls and bake at 350 for 15 - 20 min. Sorry for the lack of a picture -we ate them way too quickly. Next time!


I've been thinking that maybe I should focus on shorter races like 5 to 10 milers. Then I can train hard without having to put in as many miles. I want to do another 26.2er but maybe this spring I'll just focus on the short stuff?

For marathoners, have you heard of the Galloway method? used it? I will be posting a series of videos on it. Check out the first one below!  Let me know your experience with it.


Description: Proper running and walking form is essential to reduce the risk of injury. The Jeff Galloway method teaches runners to stay upright, maintain a short stride and eliminate bounce. Let’s get training with Jeff Galloway.

Ouch

So far my month of doing whatever I want consists of taking a break from running. I did the 5 mile race on Sunday and the shin splints came back. I never used to get them before, but I think my out of shape sprinting self makes that happen. Other than that, my body felt good from that race. I took the Recovery e21 after the race and forgot on Monday but did yesterday also. I am going to do a 30-ish day trial and report back to you. Has anyone else tried it?

Monday I swam with the faster people. My shoulders and back were sore! Then yesterday I lifted for the first time in ages. I feel like it had been so long. My quads, arms, shoulders and back are now all sore. Today I swam for 20 minutes and then got out to do a yoga class.  I didn't really want to stop swimming but my flexibility is so bad right now. I can't touch my toes.  I was glad that I went. Sometimes -depending on the class - it can be such a waste. I think this one helped me though. I like doing the triangle pose and basically anything that I can really feel my muscles stretching. What are your favorite yoga poses? I don't know half of the names. We did a twist and then elongate and put one arm up and one down - it started with one elbow up and one towards the ground. That one felt really good!  After lifting yesterday, I ran and decided that I could run faster than I have been going so I amped up on the speed on the treadmill and had a nice run. I had to break it up because I had to get home, but it was a good short running day. Tomorrow I may lift and run, bike or just run. I figure if I do one speed day a week that I can keep my speed going at least a little bit going into the new year.  All I can say is that I'm sore today. Love that feeling though!

December - I love December. Everytime I look at the Christmas tree, it makes me feel warm and cozy.  I just did a post on gifts for runners on examiner. If you feel like it, check it out and let me know if you'd add anything.

What are your goals for 2011?

2011

So, on Friday morning I went swimming. I talked to a few of the girls that I swim with - one in her 50s  or 60s who has done a handful of triathlons and one in her 30s who I know has done them. There's a bunch of swimmers who do tris. I told them I was nervous about the open water and getting mangled and drowning or something like that and they made me feel better mostly by telling me I am a strong swimmer (and they've seen me swim) and that I could get out in the front. Now I'm not so sure about getting out in the front, I feel like I will linger behind until I can get my own space, but we'll see. Anyway, that night I signed up for the Philly tri and the pool swim one (actually outdoor) that I was looking at. Philly tri = so expensive, I feel like I got ripped off, but I can't really travel, and my sister is doing it also. So there ya go. 2 tris lined up.

Yesterday I did a 5 mile race about 10 minutes away. Oh the feeling of not being in top shape running in the cold - like you can't breath and your throat is going to close up! My first mile was about 8:02.  The next one maybe 8:15-8:30. I held an 8:30 average pace so I did slow down. It was a challenging hilly course and I was hoping for a 45 given my recent performances (but secretly wondering if I could pull off a 40:00. I ended up with 42:20 or something like that.  I was happy with it. Races are so addicting. I'm just dying to get back into shape and actually be able to *RACE* but don't want to put in the time.  I've decided the rest of this month I do whatever I want and don't count my miles. Then, starting January 1, kick it into high gear and work on speed and the triathlon training. 
Goals for 2011 are getting my speed back and finishing the triathlons!   I started today moving over to the fast lane and getting a** whooped. I'll swim with them either once a week or all the time so that I can get back into swimming shape. I'm thinking maybe yoga, pilates, strength in the place of running, maybe.  I'm not sure if I should run when I feel like it or at least try to obtain a minimum mileage each week (that might be against the point though).


Here's what the first half of 2011 is looking like:

early March- MAYBE - Wilmington 1/2
end of March - OD 10 miler
April mid - 5k Butterfly Run
end of April - pool swim triathlon - weird distance
May 1 - Broad Street Run
June 26 - Philly Triathlon - oly distance

May need to add in a few more runs!!

Winner!

#23 random.org :Elizabeth who said "so many choices! I would use it to buy christmas presents! We have a gift swap and I need a kitchen gift so this would be perfect!"  

Elizabeth you have till Tues to contact me at tosha25italia at yahoo. Congrats!


Our Santa pics:  HAHA!!

Nanner Bread!

I saw Heather's post on Banana Bread and have been looking for something to do with some bananas I have had in the freezer for a while and one that was pretty ripe left on the counter.  I was pumped to check out this recipe and it did not disappoint!! I made it and about 30 min later between Bill and I, what is pictured below is all that is left.

Click above for Heather's original recipe - below are some of my changes.
Ingredients

• 3 bananas (2 frozen and thawed - extra sweetness!)
• 1/4 C almond (or any) milk
• 1/4 C vegetable oil
• 1/4 C maple syrup
• 1 t vanilla
• 1/2 C ground oats (oat flour)
• 1/2 C Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 C Peanut Flour
• 1  T. flax + 1 T. chia seeds + 1/4 C water  - let sit 5 min.
• 1 T apple cider vinegar
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1 t baking powder
• 1 t baking soda
• 1 handful chocolate chips

Directions

1. Combine the chia, flax, apple cider vinegar and 1/4 C water - let sit 5 min.
   Alternately use 1 egg.
2. Mash the bananas.
3. Add all the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Pour into a greased/cooking sprayed loaf pan.
6. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes.

DELICIOUS!

Thank you for the feedback on the triathlon. I want to do one but maybe Philly isn't for me. I didn't mention that my sister is doing it and I really want to do a race with her. I keep dragging my feet on it.

In good news, I'm back in the pool. I took a good 3 weeks off where I just couldn't motivate.

In bad news, I did so many squats over the weekend that my knees are killing me and I'm not feeling the running. I made myself run this morning but I'm thinking maybe I'll take some time off. I don't want to burn out as I did after I had Nick. I have to get my goals together and some sort of schedule to reach them. The only thing is that there is a race in town this weekend and they have a diaper dash. I really want to get Nick to do it and I'll run the race after. Races motivate me - just not in shape to "race" them.  I'm not sure where I am headed. I want to be in shape to race the races but I can't get myself together to get back in top shape. Maybe wait till January 1 and get into business?  How many miles a week so that I maintain some running fitness? The problem is if I skip a day, I think about the weekly total and force myself to run... help!

Tri Anxiety

I've been on the Philly triathlon site about 10 times, filled out all the information, and then never finished. I keep thinking about 1- the Fran Crippen incident, which I know was high water temperature, high outside temperature and poor safety, and 2- the swimmer who died in the sprint tri in Philly last year.  I'm a strong swimmer - in the pool. But triathlon swimming doesn't even sound like it is the same as pool swimming, especially if you are swimming in the Schuykill?  I'm guessing you have to swim with your head up to see where you are going?  The water isn't clear.  I'm doing a pool one in April but I just can't click SUBMIT on this tri registration. (Also it's over $200!)

 I'm putting together my race schedule for 2011. Trying to save money and so signing up for key races seems to be my goal right now.  Last week post 1/2 marathon, I ended up running through soreness on Tuesday because I had alot on my plate and just *needed* to run. I did 2 miles. I ended last week with 18 miles. This week my legs are tired and I'm getting back into the swim. I might start my run training at the beginning of the year and just get in maintenance miles until then. I don't want to slip below about 18-20 a week but it's tempting to take a running break.  I'm working on my goals and where I want to go from here.

I have these 2 cute pictures of the kids for xmas cards but cannot get one of them together. So frustrating! Maybe I should just get over having a picture of them together? This is what happens when I try to sit them together: 

 Nick starts saying "BEING MEAN" and gets up or kicks Kara away.
Or he says "PLEASE?" because I say Please sit there and smile.

Or he takes off his pants and gets up and walks around.

: )

CSN gift card giveaway

Just in time for Christmas shopping, CSN stores is offering one lucky reader a $60 gift card to any of their 200 stores for any product(s) of your choosing.  For runners and moms on the go, check out their sling backpacks which were made for healthy back support.  These could double as a diaper bag and/or gym bag on the go with the many pockets. 

I like the variety of products that CSN stores offers.  They have various Cyber Week sales - check out their site. I have ordered the waffle maker, popsicle molds, Bundle Me for Kara, and playdoh to name a few things. They offer something for everyone at various price ranges, which is great! Many of their products have free shipping also.  I was going to order the snap and go stroller, but Clare let me borrow hers which has been super helpful - I use it ALL the time for Kara!  What would you buy at CSN stores with your $60 giftcard? Enter the giveaway below and let me know.


To enter the giveaway, leave a comment for each entry
1. Visit CSN stores and let me know what you would use the gift card to buy(mandatory entry)

For one additional entry each,  (one comment each one)
2. Follow my blog.
3. Link to this giveaway from your blog and leave the link where you did so.

Giveaway ends Friday, December 3. Winner to be announced on Saturday.

CSN Review: Bundle Me and Waffle Maker

Last month I had the opportunity to review 2 CSN products of my choosing. I finally caved and ordered the waffle maker, and decided on a Bundle Me for Kara.  I LOVE the waffle maker. I have been making waffles or pancakes almost every day. My recipe is an adaptation of the Non Dairy Queen's recipe that I posted before. Here is what I'm using now below. Honestly, I don't measure, but these are my guesses on measurements. It's SUPER easy and so tasty and filling. 

1/2 c food processed oats (so it is like flour)
1-2 T almond/nut butter
1 T flax
1 T chia
2 T protein powder
1/2 - 1 T maple syrup
1/4 to 1/2 c almond milk, water or milk
cinnamon


I mix all of this together. If I'm in a hurry, I warm it up and eat it. If I'm feeling pancakes, I warm up coconut oil on the griddle and make pancakes. Now, I have the option of making waffles. If I do waffles, I add less milk.  So tasty! And versatile.  I haven't mastered waffle making just yet and I only make my recipe for 1 person, so it doesn't make a whole huge waffle.

I love the waffle maker. IT makes one super huge waffle and tastes up negligible space.  Here it is below. Very affordable, very fun, and now Nick gets homemade Nanners waffles for breakfast. Lucky boy.

The other thing that I selected was the Bundle Me for Kara. I was thinking pink would be adorable, but to be smart, if we have more kids, I wanted to be able to use it for a boy or girl. I picked khaki in the original form.  It looks like they have urban ones that look cool too. I love it! It keeps her warm and attaches right to the car seat. I feel bad I didn't have this with Nick (a winter baby!) It's so cozy looking.  For $40, totally worth it!

Happy Black Friday! If you are shopping Amazon, please consider linking from my blog's amazon search box on the left  - I'll score some extra cash. : )

Amazing Grass is having a 30% off sale from 11/25 to 11/29. Use coupon code 'greenholiday' at checkout.

I buy mine on subscribe & Save at Amazon!

So many things to be thankful for

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for
* my family - so blessed to have 2 healthy kids and Bill
* grandparents who help out
* friends, especially newly added mom friends
* the ability to run and workout
* my health
* being able to stay home with the kids
* time for hobbies

What are you thankful for?

Christmas cards: how do you get a toddler to look and smile?!

It's time for Christmas cards again. This year is much more difficult than last year! At the time, Nick was not moving. Now it is almost impossible to get a good shot. Nick is a menace. Everytime I take out the camera he runs away. I guess I have taken too many pictures of him. If I can get them to sit together, Nick either looks away, moves away or I have to pretend there is a spider on my head. Any tips on that? Toddler Christmas pictures. Share a link if you have a good picture posted!! Kara is easy though!

If he was looking in the first picture, it would have been cute. I have both matching PJs that I'd settle for in a Christmas picture or I have been trying in their nice Christmas outfits.  It's a pain because it's hard to find a time when they are both awake and Kara isn't spitting up all over her outfit (she's a huge spitter). Also, I've been trying outside but it's super cold and the times that the light is good, both or at least one of the kids are usually asleep.

Here are the fail pictures so far, I don't have a very good one to use. I'm hoping with help I can get one over Thanksgiving.  It's definitely a 2 man job! I've been sending out Christmas cards with pictures since we were married in 2005. That year was our wedding photo, the next year was a picture of us on vacation, 2007 was a marathon picture and 2008 was probably another vacation picture. Last year was Nick (VACATIONS OVER) and this year I'm hoping for Nick and Kara!

family pic

Once I finally have a picture, I am going to check out the Christmas cards at Shutterfly.  They also have holiday cards if you don't celebrate Christmas.  I'm also looking into the calendar idea for grandparents.  I feel like they love seeing and having pictures of the kids, so I'm going the photo gift route this year. What are you giving your parents/inlaws for Christmas? Where do you shop for holiday cards?

Some cards ideas with the best picture I have so far:

Sweet deal! Shutterfly is offering 50 free holiday cards to bloggers. Check it out here for more info.

e21, recovery & nutrition

I was sent Recovery e21 to try and review. From the website, e21 is"new, natural, full spectrum electrolyte replacement product for athletes who regularly put their bodies to the test." It is marketed for muscle cramp relief, and my understanding was that it helped in recovery after a hard workout.  I think I actually could have taken it in place of gel or blocks yesterday around mile 7 or 8.   Regardless, I took 2 capsules of e21 a few hours after finishing the half yesterday.  I could tell I was going to be sore around mile 9 when places on my body kind of just hurt!  After the last one, I felt like I wasn't going to be able to get out of bed and I was sore for a couple of days. I am definitely sore but it's a lower grade sore. I feel like it did help ease my muscle pain and make the recovery a bit easier. Another factor was that I was in better shape going into this one, which also helped. I'll report back with more as I use e21 for training runs and races going into the spring, but I think it is definitely something to check out for electrolytes and muscle cramps.  Here is some info from the website as to what is included. It has a money back guarantee - check it out here! 

Also if you want to try it out for 20% off, use code 'mamasimmons'

What is sore today?

• I have shin splints - why why why? Usually I would get them if I did speedwork or raced too fast. Maybe I'm just not in the right shape? or maybe it's my shoes. Got them in Sept also. 

• My shoulders/upper back need a major massage. This happened last time too - again, maybe just not in proper shape?  My form?

•  My quads need a roller (yep, have one!) and hamstrings feel a nice stretch when touching my toes (can't reach- ouch!) 

• The inner thighs are a little sore - butterfly stretch.

Overall LAME-O!! But yes, it's only been 4 months. Sometimes I forget that. I think in about 5 more months I'll be ready.  Here I come spring!

Nutrition! 
I have been eating mostly whole foods, non processed crap: fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, beans.  By 4 months after Kara(just a few days ago), my weight from Kara was gone (goodbye!) and I have 4 pounds to go to pre-Nick weight! I haven't been doing anything special, but I think the good eating paired with chasing around Nick and having Kara also keeps me on my feet and burning energy.   Maybe the nursing is helping too.  This will help along with getting into shape so I can post some good times (hopefully!) in the spring.

Winners of CLIF

The winners are Karyn and Colleen selected by random.org! Please send me your addresses to tosha25italia at yahoo. Congrats! Thanks everyone for entering.

What's next?

Of course the day after a race, you want to sign up for the next thing. I have tentative plans for next year and I'll write about that soon, but I'm thinking about the right now. Do I take off a few days, stretch out, cross train? Or get right back into it with some easy runs?  What do you do after a half assed half marathon?  I'm sore today but not half as sore as I was after the one in September. I believe the e21 was a factor in that as well as being in a little better shape (wanted to DIE in September versus happy the whole race yesterday). 

Stay tuned later for CLIF winners - still time to enter, I'll draw later
e21 experience
racing plans 2011

Feeling inspired

 2:06:xx

Today was the Philly marathon and half. Going to the expo and thinking about the weekend, I really wished I was in top shape to do the marathon. I was excited about this morning!

I kind of went into it with my goals A:PR (sub 1:53), B: under 2 hours C: beat time from September 2:07:xx.  My entry was a comp from the organizers since I write running articles and promote the event (btw - would love for you to subscribe to my articles and leave comments!) so I went into it knowing I was planning on taking pictures and videos so that I could write a good article. I wasn't racing it.  The last 2 days I didn't run. I felt like I was just falling apart not doing any exercise for 2 days and I kind of didn't care?!?!

Yesterday I bought Clif Vanilla Shot gel and Margarita Shot Blocks. I probably should have looked up the benefit of extra sodium? What is it?  It says on the package it helps with cramping so I thought that would be helpful.

For breakfast I had a Smores Z bar, cup of coffee and toast w/ PB. Kara was up from 3-4:15 last night. She's been sleeping the night for almost 2 months and this always happens the night before a race. I am BEAT at this point.  Before the start I ate one block. Starting out, I felt GREAT. I had lots of energy. AFter a mile, I was running 9:30. I was kind of PO'ed that I wasn't running faster but it didn't get me down. I was "reporting."  My pace continued along in the mid 9s. I knew I could go faster but I felt good so I just kept on running.  I had another shot block after about 40 minutes and a third towards the end.  My stomach wasn't right all morning but I was running fine. At mile 8, I had the Vanilla Clif gel. It was AMAZING. I have to try it when I am not mid race, but holy moly, I was in love. It tasted like homemade vanilla icing. LOVE!
I felt good until about 11 miles and my stomach was just a mess, legs tired. I still wanted to be there enjoying it and did, and made it through.

I finished in 2:06:xx which is TOTALLY disappointing - I definitely thought I could go under 2, but I don't care all that much. I didn't train hard for it but still, I feel like I should ne able to knock out a sub 2 hour half w/o hard training. The last 2 weeks haven't been my strongest running weeks. We'll see if I give myself more time if I can get my mojo and speed back!

I would say things that worked:
not running the last two days - my legs felt rested.
Coffee definitely gave me a boost. I felt so good!

Things that didn't work:
Got there too late (6:20 for a 7 start) and used port-a-potty then ran to my corral last minute
Whatever I ate yesterday - I had stomach issues for about 4 hours after finishing. Mess!

I watched the winners finish the marathon and the 3:20/3:30 runners and was so inspired just watching. I want to get in top shape again and do a marathon under 4 and get my real half marathon time when I'm in shape. I'll come up with a schedule of a few key races and hopefully get back on my horse.

Now I need to know how moms get motivated to do their best and find the time. My drive has definitely decreased. I was so strong going into Boston a couple months after Nick was born, then I burnt out, then I got pregnant with Kara and here I am: BLAHhhhhhh.  I'm not sure what my plan should be for the next couple of months but I don't want to just sit around and be fat and lazy. Lucky for the Bootie Buster challenge I will be somewhat motivated?

I took Recovery e21 (thanks Mama Simmons) and I'll let you know what I think of it this week!

I got to meet the winner, 25 year old Dan from MA. Nice guy!

No kids/family today - I was a loner! Fun morning :)

2 days until go time!

The Philly marathon & half marathon is in 2 days. I'm not looking to break any records in the half, just have a nice run with a bunch of other runners, take some pictures and enjoy the day.  This week I ran 2 7-milers, one at moderate pace and one with 4 x 800 at goal pace. They both went well. Yesterday I did 6 miles and it was brutal. I took off today and might take off tomorrow. My legs have been tired, and my knees have been hurting too! And I'm coming off of a bad sinus infection or cold. I had to take Nick to the doctor today and he has ear infections in both of his ears - bad ones! I'm pretty sure I've had the same thing going on in my ears too, they have been full of pressure and not comfortable.  I'm ready to finish this race but I don't think it will be a PR (sub 1:53 is my PR at this time).  I have not ran a half marathon or marathon fully trained at my fastest race pace, only shorter races (10 mile, 5k and 10k). One of these days I will train hard for a full and half and get the times I should be getting (I think around 1:45 and 3:50ish).  Have a great weekend and thank you for reading!

Don't forget to check out my CLIF GIVEAWAY!

Amazon & Amazon Mom

Amazon is my favorite online store.  Last spring I paid for Amazon Prime - $80/year for 2 day shipping. I shop there for everything that I need that they offer. Otherwise, I go to Target!  What are your favorite online/non-online stores?

It was a total bonus when they announced Amazon Mom -  you can save up to 30% on diapers. For instance, I am getting a 176 to 204 pack of Baby Dry for around $29. I used to spend about $41! To save 15% join Amazon Mom.   It is a free sign up and then you get free 2 day shipping for 6 months. Then every time you spend $25 on a baby purchase they add another month of free "prime" - 2 day shipping.   If you choose subscribe and save when you are ordering diapers, wipes, etc then you get another 15% off - you don't have to keep the subscription - it is free to cancel it at any time. Let me know if you need any help joining or if you are interested and have questions. I am pretty sure it's the best deal out there, but let me know if you buy your diapers/wipes elsewhere and have found a better deal!


I am an Amazon associate so if you click from my site over to Amazon I get a percentage of the sale. Here are some links below to Amazon Deals with my associate ID for some upcoming deals! Every penny counts these days. Thanks for your support :)



Black Friday Deals Week
Cyber Monday Deals
Top Holiday Deals

Happy 20th Anniversary, Clif Bar (giveaway) !

On November 17th, 1990 the founder of Clif Bar & CO, Gary Erickson, took a 175-mile bike ride in Northern CA. He could not take another bite of the only energy bar on the market at the time and this moment was called "The Epiphany." He decided he could make his own and this is when Clif Bar began!


Some interesting info & Trivia
*Gary spent over 6 months experimenting with flavors and recipes before introducing the first bar
*The first 3 flavors were Apricot, Oatmeal and Date, and Double Chocolate
*The rectangular shape was designed and cut by Gary
*The name Clif comes from where?! 
*Clif Bars have been to the North Pole, South Pole, Mt Everest, Great Wall of China, & on Space Shuttle Discovery. Where else do you have to add?
*Gary's favorite flavor is ??

I live on LUNA BARS - Cookies and Cream is my favorite. The new Gels are awesome and MOJO bars are among my favorite. For Clif bars, my current favorite flavor is the chocolate brownie.



GIVEAWAY!
This is for 2 winners - one is geared towards running and the other just a variety of Clif products.
To enter:
1. Mandatory: LEAVE a comment below telling me your favorite CLIF product.  Be sure to include your email address.
2. For an extra entry, visit the CLIF website and tell me something about the company or something interesting that you learned. Also first to answer the trivia questions correctly get an extra entry.

This giveaway will close on Monday, November 22nd. Winner will be emailed & will have 48 hours to respond to my email with info.

Running prize #1 - Shot Roks, New Shot Gel, Builder's Bar, Shot Blocks

Prize #2 - shot gel, crunch bars, Luna bars, Clif Bars, MOJO bar

Taper & Pumpkin Pancakes

I woke up last Tuesday with little of a voice and I can't seem to kick whatever is going on in my head/ears/throat. It's awful and I never get sick!  Last week I heard a study that people who work out 5 days/ week have half the chance of getting the common cold and I was telling Bill about it because he was coughing and I was not sympathetic. Look where that got me.

I ran 9 miles Tuesday morning anyway because I felt ok, just didn't have much of a voice.  I did an easy bike and one mile on Wednesday, 9 miles on Thursday and then just decided to rest so I could kick this thing.  We had a rough night on Thursday night with Nick coughing all night and waking us up and Kara kicking herself out of her swaddle and waking herself up (3 times!) so by Friday I was just exhausted! I intended to take off Friday and planned on swimming or running Saturday and Sunday and then I just slept and didn't do anything. Now I have this half marathon coming up in one week and I'm not 100%. I think it is good my legs got to rest for 3 days but I'm a little nervous now. Should I rest until it's gone or start up again tomorrow?  My demeanor is definitely different from the lack of activity - it just makes me feel so good!  And energized too.

During the week I made Heather's Truffles  but added in protein powder to add something healthy and used coconut oil instead of butter:

10 Whole Foods Brand Duplex Cookies, crushed in food processor
1/4 c hemp protein powder
1/4 c coconut oil, melted
2 T chia seeds
Mix all - shape into balls, put in fridge to firm up. They were actually way too sweet and I kept adding more protein powder and chia.

 This morning for pancake Sunday I used Sarena's Oatmeal Pumpkin Pancake Recipe under November 4th - can't figure out how to link right to the post. Very good and fall like.  My favorite are still her peanut butter oatmeal ones.

 

Gluten Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes

(serves 1)

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup ground up whole oats

1 TBSP flax meal mixed with 3 TBSP hot water and set aside for 5 minutes

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup pumpkin

1/3 cup almond milk

1/2 T maple syrup

3 shakes pumpkin pie spice

1 shake cinnamon

Mix everything together and cook in a nonstick skillet or a regular skillet with coconut oil.

The Peanut Butter Oatmeal Pancakes adapted from Non Dairy Queen Sarena

1/2 cup quick oats

2 TBSP nut butter

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 TBSP maple syrup

1 TBSP flax

1 c almond milk + more if needed

2 scoops hemp protein powder (optional) 

chocolate chips (optional)

Cook up in coconut oil. Yum!

Running & Caffeine, Instant Oatmeal, and the swim part

How do you feel about running and caffeine?  Do you think it gives you a boost. I like how the Clif gels have different levels of it and most gels now do, and usually I just drink tea before running. One week before my long run I drank maybe 4 oz of coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but that run went really well! Today I did 9 miles and had maybe 10 mg caffeine via gels.  I'm usually not a caffeine person but I've heard small amounts can boost your performance. What do you think?

Instant oatmeal - this is random, but rather than buying the big thing with added sugar, I want to just make my own in bags for on the go (especially for Bill @ work). I tried it  and added in some brown sugar and cinnamon but it wasn't that good. Any tips for making this?

The swim part - My sister signed up for the Philly triathlon in June and I was planning to do the same and then I started freaking out about the swim part - is it scary? Is it safe?  I'm a strong swimmer but I'll freak out if I'm getting kicked and mangled. Help?!  What is the swim like in a tri?

By the way, I haven't swam in almost 2 weeks. Bill has been going in early and I've missed a few days because of that, and a few because I just want to sleep a little later.

#2 - getting shafted on naps

Every morning for Kara's morning nap, we are out and about. She usually falls asleep on the way somewhere (library, gymboree, errands) and wakes up while we are there and doesn't go back to sleep. Her nap is only 30 minutes and then she is not too happy.  It stinks because then she is awake and I can't really do the activity with Nick either.  I feel bad that she is not getting to nap at home but I guess that is the way that it is. Any tips for mom's dealing with the same thing here? 

Running!

Next Sunday I'm running the Philly Half. I haven't fully put in hard training for this and I've kind of decided that that isn't going to happen until I want to devote the time to it, but I'm not sure when that will be.  Ever since I went to the track workout (which was awesome) a couple of weeks ago, my legs just can't recover quickly and my running schedule has been kind of poor. I've been doing my long runs mid week and running 3 days in a row. My legs have been TIRED!


 I almost took off the whole weekend this past weekend to rest my legs. Instead I didn't run Friday or Saturday and then had a great 3 miler on Sunday. I took off Monday and felt good today with 8 miles.  I'm getting some kind of cold and might take off a couple of days to recover so that I am not sick for next weekend! I really wanted to go to the track tomorrow night for speedwork but I don't think it will be in the cards.  I did 2 bike trainer sessions in the last week. I don't like the bike. My butt kills! What is with that?

Leading up to the half, I want to get in a speed session early next week and then just run at goal pace for a tempo run at some point. Let me know if you have any tips.

I've been trying to get some Christmas picture ideas. Love anything matching. I took a photography class this past weekend and have been having a blast taking pictures of my little ones. Love them!

matching PJS. A must.

The New Clif Gel

If you haven't heard, Clif came out with a new recipe for their shot gels.  It has the minimum of ingredients, is almost 100% organic and adds 50% more electrolytes than the previous recipe.  The gels include: Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Water, Sea Salt, and various concentrates depending on the flavor. They come in varying levels of caffeine.

The flavors and caffeine:
No caffeine: Chocolate, Vanilla & Razzberry
25mg: Strawberry and Citrus
50mg: Mocha
100mg: Double Espresso & Chocolate Cherry

I was sent a handful of the gels to try and review.   I'm not into much caffeine so I tried the chocolate (no caffeine), raspberry (RAZZ) (no caffeine) and citrus (1/2 shot of caffeine).   The chocolate flavor reminded me of chocolate-raspberry. The after taste was a little bitter (not too sweet) and it still tasted a bit thick.  It grew on me by the end, but I preferred the fruity flavors.  The raspberry and citrus were much different, much thinner and very tasty.  They might have even been a bit too sweet. I could taste the raspberry flavor and I'm not usually a big raspberry fan- it was yummy! I would definitely do the fruity flavors.  One gripe: An ingredient of the chocolate is Natural Flavor - I'm never sure of what that means.  I also tried just a little bit of the Mocha and liked the taste and consistency.  That gives you a big boost so I only had a little bit.  100mg is way too much for me so I didn't try the double espresso or chocolate cherry but look out for a giveaway next week with some of these gels included!

Have you tried them? What are your thoughts?
 Be on the lookout for a giveaway including the new gels coming up for Clif's anniversary in mid November!

* I was sent gels to review but was not compensated for this review. The opinions are all my own.

dinners

The week started with this list: kale, peppers, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, portabellos. I made a list for the week of how I could use everything before we got a delivery today of more produce. I'm happy to say I succeeded! Below are some of the things I made this week. Our produce box this week sucked big time (for next week). I order it occasionally and like the variety. I think we got ripped off this week though!


Dinner one night was this with roasted carrots with garlic & thyme - decent but wayyyy dry. I need to find a way to make it more moist. It was good with hummus + nutritional yeast sauce.  This used black beans and broccoli.

Crunchy Quinoa Loaf

roasted pepper spread worked too

Thursday I roasted peppers at 400 with olive oil and salt and pepper and then popped them in the food processor. This spread was delicious! and an easy way to get in some veggies!

Earlier in the week, I made breadcrumbs for the first time. What an easy way to save money!  I used Ezekial Bread - baked it in the toaster oven at 300 for about 5-8 min and then food processed it.

I used the bread crumbs atop zucchini boats (zucchini, butter, cheese, breadcrumbs) and portabello mushrooms.

Other things I made: sauteed kale and beans, the asparagus soup, & wheatballs! This time I baked the wheatballs and used some peppers in place of mushrooms. They were delicious!

This first week of November I am thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my kids and spend my time with them while they are little.  I'm also thankful that I have been blessed with 2 healthy and happy little ones. What are you thankful for?

Baby schedule 3.5 months and running log

Skip for those not with babies:
I am always looking for schedules of well established babies so I'm posting mine because I feel like Kara did really well on a schedule and I've moved her to 4 feedings and so far she is doing well.   Hopefully I will help someone out there, I am always looking for help! She started sleeping the night right around 8 weeks and doing really well with it and now she sleeps about 11 hours at night.
2 & 3 months - 8/11/2/5/8 feedings. 3-4 naps a day about 1 hour to 1.5 hours after wakeup I used babywise as much as possible- getting her on a schedule as soon as possible and I think it really helped.   With Nick, I never woke him up to eat and didn't get him on a schedule till 5 months.

3.5 months 
I'm up around 5 to pump. Sometimes I work out and start the day then or I just go back to bed!
7:30/8 Kara wakes up - feed
Naps around 1 hour 45 minutes after waking up say 9:30-11/11:30 - swing or car
Feed 11:30/12
Nap around 1:30-3:30 - swing
Feed 3:30/4
Nap around 5:30-6 - swing
Feed before bed after bath and books - rock to sleep
Pump before bed!
*not on a healthy sleep schedule yet (in the crib) or going to sleep on her own but I'm cherishing the moments until I have to do that and rocking her!

baby girl

Running/training etc.
Last week I did the long run mid week and I'm going to try to do that again tomorrow. My long run last week was 12, so I'll be happy with 10 miles tomorrow. I feel about 70% for the half marathon. Not sure that it will be a PR but I think I can beat my September time.

My legs have been tired. After the track session, it took me awhile to recover. Last week there was too much back to back running. I only swam one day and didn't bike at all! This week I'm running 3 days in a row and then one day off then run again. I'll try to swim 2 days and do some strengthening. I enjoyed running only 3 days and fitting in everything else but then can't reach my mileage goal as easily. I got the bike trainer set up and I have to get some air in my bike and get going! 

I've been using the Runner's World log for all of my running, swimming, biking. What do you use? Do you log your miles? I feel like I have to log them and like looking back at them, but sometimes I feel like I'm just logging junk miles just to reach my goal.  Abby said she stopped tracking miles which I found interesting and wonder if I could do! What's your take on this? Amanda had posted on this a bit ago and I enjoyed reading her post and comments. One thing I've incorporated post Kara is the rest day. I really enjoy it and would like to even have 2 rest days. It feels so good, I don't feel guilty and my legs get a break. Happy balance.

Asparagus Soup

ASPARAGUS SOUP adapted from Vegetarian cooking for everyone













1 bunch asparagus
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 1/2 T olive oil or butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 T brown rice uncooked
salt and pepper
lemon juice to taste

Slice the asparagus into three parts: ends, middles and tips. Chop the middles and set the tips aside. Use the asparagus ends and greens in the stock.

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and rice and saute over medium high heat for 8 minutes, until onion is slightly colored. Add 1 cup stock and stew 10-12 minutes. Add the chopped asparagus - ends and middle and simmer partially covered 12-15 minutes.  Cool a little bit then puree and pass through a food mill to get rid of any of the fibers.  Add  pepper to taste and lemon if needed.  I used boullion cubes and it was very salty. I used 3 cubes for 6 cups, and I think next time I would only use 1 or 1.5.  IT didn't need salt. Keep on the stove warm. 

Meanwhile, drop the tips into boiling salted water and cook till tender, 4 minutes and add as garnish to the finished soup. It was delicious with brown rice crisps!

Brown Rice Crisps and Pizzert; Happy Halloween!

WE had tons of fun last night taking Nick and Kara out for Halloween. Nick had a blast going up to the houses. Last year he couldn't walk - we went to a few relatives' houses but that was it.  This time we made it to 8 houses, and he said 'trick or treat,' knocked on doors and reached for candy.  We let him eat one piece - he picked a kit kat! then he wanted more more more but that was it.  He was WOUND up before bed, I think from the sugar. All in all, such a fun night!

What did you do for Halloween?

On the weekends, I've been trying to plan out the meals based on what I have in the house from the last week's shopping trip. Yesterday I made some asparagus soup for tonight's dinner. It might be a little too salty (from the veggie boullion) but it's tasty! 

I'll post the recipe later on.

For breakfast today -

Blueberry Pumpkin Maple Coconut Breakfast Pizzert

adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie's recipe

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 T. maple syrup (one for top after cooked)
• 1 c almond milk
• 3 T. pumpkin
• 1/4 c blueberries
• 1/8 cup coconut

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes or until set. Top with 1 T maple syrup. Delicious!

Brown Rice Crisps!

I had Trader Joe's brown rice tortillas and wasn't feeling them, but didn't want them to go to waste. I made them into chips. Drizzled w/ olive oil and baked at 300 for about 8-10 min. They brown fast so keep your eye on them! They will go really well w/ the soup!