Running Long

There was a bit of conflict involved with my morning workout.  One part of me was all geared up for my weekly long run.  The other part of me took one peak outdoors, saw the 5 inches of snow, and felt like hiding back under the covers.  I knew I could have put some Jillian Michaels on too.  She’s always there when you need her the most. 😉

I was still contemplating all of this over my gingerbread breakfast cookie.  I have Alison to thank for this recipe. 😀  It may just be my favorite flavor combo yet!

• 1/2 c. oats
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 T. chunky peanut butter
• 2 T. crushed flax
• 1-2 T. milk
• cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and 1 tsp molasses—this is what makes it gingerbread flavored

Of course, no cookie is complete without a crumbly topping (aka, pumpkin flax granola) and a cold glass of milk.

I couldn’t fathom not having my weekly long run, since I’ve been looking forward to it all week long.  I decided that I’d go out for a short run and see how good (or bad!) the weather was and decide how far I would go along the way.  I ate a toast with a small pat of peanut butter in case my run did extend into longer mileage, and I brought along a handful or so of raisins for energy in case I needed it.

I was running unprepared, in the sense that I hadn’t scouted out an 8-mile running loop.  I have a regular 7 that I’ve been doing, so I ended up deciding to do that while fitting in some extra loops here and there.  Running around houses (via road, of course!)  Running side streets a couple times.  Retracing my steps.  Up and down hills.  Hoping that this would be enough to turn my 7 into the expected 8.

I also ate the raisins around mile 4 and 6, which was perfect for giving me some extra oomph.  I wasn’t sure how it would sit in my stomach, but I had no cramps whatsoever.  I’m still in search for the perfect mid-run fuel without having to blow my money on goos and gels. 😉

When I finally arrived home from my wintery run, I felt energetic and refreshed—and starving.  Judging by my stomach, I had definitely increased some mileage.  When I looked on favoriterun.com, I found out that my run was actually 9.3 miles!  I haven’t run farther then 9 ever, so this is a whole new record for me.  😀  I fueled up with an egg ‘n’ cheese sandwich with ketchup on two slices of toasts with 1/2 a grapefruit on the side and a glass of milk.

My internship stuff is starting to feel a little overwhelming.  I’ve been second guessing myself on everything.  “Is this what they want?”  “Should I have done more activities and volunteer work?”  “Are my grades good enough?”  I know it’s not really worth worrying about because it won’t do me any good or get me anywhere.  And as much as I really hope this works out, I have to keep reminding myself that it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get accepted the first time around.  All in good timing.  I can always gain new experiences and try, try again the following year.  Gotta keep remembering this!!

Afternoon snack—yogurt with 2 T. crushed flax and 2 T. pumpkin flax granola.  Just a little addicted to this granola. 😀

My sister called this afternoon, and right before hanging up she commented that she was making some split pea soup tonight.  It must be a split pea soup sort of night, because that’s exactly what I was making too.  The recipe comes from my favorite cookbook—did you guess?—Moosewood.  Of course. 😀  It never lets me down…never!

The soup was perfectly delicious—full of flavor and depth.  The entire family agreed that it was a noteworthy soup as they went back for seconds.  I especially enjoyed how simple it was to put together. 😉 

I also made some rosemary scones from a different Moosewood Restaurant Cookbook (not to be confused with Mollie Katzen’s Moosewood…this used to always confuse me because I thought they were one and the same! 😀 )  Made with whole wheat flour and less butters and oils then the original recipe called for, but still just as delicious. 😀

+ a Christmas peanut butter kiss cookie that I microwaved from the freezer.  

I’m definitely having a snack tonight, although I’m not quite sure what I’m having yet.  Definitely some veggies and probably a bowl of cereal. 😀

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s New Year post (I admit, I’m a little behind on the times this year 😉 ) and a review of The Road.  😀  I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend and the start of a new year!

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