Favorite things

My day started with a 10 mile training run.  A dense fog quickly burned off leaving bright blue skies.   Unfortunately I left the sunglasses at home and became a squinter.

Miles: 10.34  – Time: 1:37 – Pace: 9:20

Views from the run – Padanaram Harbor 

The most important thing I learned today was that I should not do speed work the day before a long run.  I typically feel very comfortable running 10 miles, but today my legs were a little tired.

After the run I was a Starvin Marvin…so hungry!  I decided on Eat Clean french toast with Greek yogurt and fruit.  Oh, and hubby brought me home a Dunkin Donuts Ice Coffee.  I take it black so I can add my own almond milk and stevia.

While out on the run I got to thinking about the things I hate to leave home without…here are some of my favorite things.

Asics arm sleeves - I gave these a try after seeing some of my favorite elite runners like Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall wearing them and I am so glad I did.  They are fantastic for those cooler mornings but as you warm up you can pull them down unlike having a cumbersome jacket.

Garmin Forerunner - I use the 305 and really do not like running without it.  It is a little large and unless I am wearing long sleeves does hurt my wrist bone a little, but just saw the new 110 which looks fantastic. 

Road ID –  I just started wearing the Wrist ID Elite.  After reading many articles of accidents and just knowing I am out running alone most of the time for anywhere to 2-21 miles you can never be to safe.  At first I was a little nervous that it would be uncomfortable, but it is so light I do not even know it’s there.  Wearing Id also makes Hubby and my mom feel more comfortable too.

Sunglasses – Ok, yes I thought I would not need them today and left them home, but I prefer wearing sunglasses so I am not squinting all the way. 

One of my other favorite things was a last minute purchase about a year ago.  It was the day before the Salem Wicked Half Marathon and a coastal storm came into the weather forecast so I stopped at running store and found a Nike jacket with removable sleeves.  I find myself wearing it more as the vest and think it is just perfect for those cooler New England mornings where I just want to give my core a little more protection but still be able to leave my arms uncovered so I do not overheat.

Modeling all the Favs    

This afternoon I did a little baking, Eating Clean style.  I found this recipe from Tina on Carrots N Cake  but made a few modifications.  Sometimes making changes works and sometimes not so much, but in this case it was successful! Next time I think I might try switching the canola oil with coconut oil.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies

Makes 16 cookies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour  1/2 cup brown rice flour and 1/4 spelt flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup sugar sucanat
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup chocolate chips (I used Sunspire grain sweetened chocolate chips)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350*F
• Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl
• Coat baking sheet with non-stick spray
• Use a tablespoon to portion cookies onto baking sheet
• Baked for 15-20 minutes until cookies start to brown
• Allow to cool and enjoy!

They were so light and fluffy and just the right amount of sweetness.  The perfect cookie.

 I also made another batch of Morning Glory Muffins from Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Cookbook.  I love these for breakfast with a Green Monster Smoothie or for a snack with applesauce. 

 As I close this post I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a glorious Easter Sunday.    

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.  Matthew 28:5-6

Eat Well. Run Well. Be Well,

Bekah