Speaking of Valentines Day, I’m kind of obsessed.
Obsessed with strawberries and bananas and coconut, all dipped and dunked in chocolatey things.
Obsessed with eating chocolate for breakfast.
How indulgent. And healthy. Indulgently healthy.
(Those two words, I think, should always coexist.)
A ‘Heart’y Breakfast
Dark chocolate’s antioxidants, walnut’s omega 3 fatty acids, and oatmeal’s cholesterol lowering fiber—all coming together in one deliciously, heart healthy bowl. Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast?
I’ve been following the microwave procedures for making oatmeal lately, since busy mornings require it. I also kind of like the way that the overnight sit lets the banana sweeten up the oats. However, you could just as easily make this the morning of, if you prefer. Enjoy! 😀
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 Tbsp. crushed flax (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- cinnamon and nutmeg
- 5 strawberries, sliced
- 1 very ripe banana, sliced
- toppings: coconut, dark chocolate chips, sliced strawberry, and walnuts
- In a large, microwaveable bowl, combine the oats, flax, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, strawberries and banana. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, add 1/4 c. of water to the bowl, stir well, remove plastic wrap and microwave for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Pour into bowl, cover with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
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You know how when you’re a kid, running and playing in a new pair of sneakers makes you instantly feel like an athlete?
Yeah. Well. Some things never change.
I swear I ran faster today. 
Best of all, no knee pain. There is definitely some truth to replacing those running sneakers at least every 500 miles.
Sarah’s “Official” Half Marathon Training Plan
Week 1: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—4 miles
Week 2: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—5 miles
Week 3: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—2.5 miles
Week 4: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—6.5 miles
Week 5: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—3 miles
Week 6: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—8 miles
Week 7: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—3 miles
Week 8: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—9.5 miles
Week 9: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—4 miles
Week 10: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—11 miles
Week 11: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—4 miles
Week 12: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—12.5 miles
Week 13: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—4 miles
Week 14: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—14 miles
Week 15: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—5 miles
Week 16: Tues—3 miles Thurs—3 miles Saturday—HALF MARATHON RACE DAY!!
Question: Have you ever trained for a race/walk before? What were some of your toughest obstacles?
…OR…
If you haven’t yet trained for a race/walk, what do you think would be your toughest obstacles to overcome?
Running To Slow Things Down 
Breakfast looks great! Funny I don’t have a valentine but I’m excited to make meals based around the Holiday, great reason to get creative! I’m training for a 1/2 now and registered for the Chicago Marathon in October! My biggest obstacle is making myself rest enough to avoid injury!
Chocolate for breakfast is ESSENTIAL a few times a week 😉
Your breakfast looks super pretty and delicious! =)
I have never put chocolate in my breakfast! I’m going to do that on Valentine’s Day!!
I trained for a 1/2 marathon last year but pulled my IT band. I was still able to run on race day, but I had only been able to power walk the 3 weeks prior. Dealing with an injury that prevented me from running was my biggest obstacle. That injury proved to be a blessing in disguise, but I learned a lot about my body and running!
That bowl of oats looks amazing! Very Valentiney 🙂
I have trained for races – 5K, 10K, and half marathon. My toughest obstacles were finding the time to complete the long runs and running hills. I wish you luck on race day – you will feel AMAZING at the finish line!
I am gonna try this recipe!!!!!!
Your pics look amazing, BTW. What camera do you use?
Thanks! I use primarily a Canon Rebel XS, unless I’m out and about, and then I choose a (smaller) Kodak EasyShare Camera.
I highly recommend the Canon Rebel. 😀
I had to laugh because I just put chocolate chips and walnuts in my banana oatmeal yesterday morning! It tasted like chocolate chip banana bread and it was wonderful. I am training for my first half-marathon too, which is about 12 weeks away (looks like around the same time as yours). I have my first 10K is just two weeks and I can’t wait!