Happy Monday! Were you showered with love yesterday? Do you have off from school/work today? Am I asking too many questions for a Monday? Over here in funemployment land I have “off” (duh) and actually forgot about President’s Day. The calendar is somewhat insignificant to me right now….expect for my fun upcoming travel plans.
I have a lot of random things I need want to tell you today, so let’s chat about what I’m “loving lately,” via the most vague but important categories: food, fitness and life.
LOVING: Food
–Kalot Superfoods sent me some jars of nut butter (recipe coming next week!) and I have no way to describe them other than “winners,” said in a Donald Trump voice obviously. I received two new-to-me flavors: Almond Butter with Espresso + Hazelnut and Cashew Butter with Chocolate Chips and Chia Seeds. Yes, they are as good as they sound.
-This Friday I will finally be posting the zucchini banana bread recipe I mentioned after making it three times. Nailing this recipe was 10 times harder than I imagined, hence why it’s taken so long to post. I find baking much more frustrating than cooking, which is odd because I have a baker’s personality (I’m methodical and pay close attention to details). It didn’t help that I couldn’t eat the first loaf because of Whole30, but whatever, it’s done and it’s good.
-A brief note on the “W” word…post-Whole30 reintroduction has been OK so far (6 days in). I don’t want to dedicate a post to it yet because I’m still not sure how I’m feeling with the new foods. Give me more than a week and I’ll hopefully be able to pinpoint some concrete things to share.
LOVING: Fitness
-The Princess Half Marathon is this Sunday. I’m the most unprepared I’ve ever been for a race but I’m still so excited. My cousin and I decided on our costumes and I can’t wait to show you next week. My mom said the character “matches my personality.” Any guesses?! The longest run I did was 8 miles but I’ve maintained 15-20 mile weeks for over a month. Again, it’s not for time just for fun.
Throwback to last year’s costume:
-As for other workouts, I’ve been all about the Megaformer. That thing never gets easier and the slow, concentrated movements (especially in the glute/hip region) leave me sore for days. I think it’s pretty obvious that I go in-and-out of workout phases (who knows why) and right now I like strength and “toning” workouts, although I hate that word.
LOVING: Life
-Today is my dog’s birthday and even though he isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, he is FOR SURE the cutest. His favorite toy is his “blog” squeaky toy. Can’t make this stuff up.
-I watched the Olympic Marathon Trials on Saturday and felt equally inspired and thankful. Inspired because those athletes have worked so hard and exhibit such physical and mental strength. Thankful because I didn’t have to run a (ridiculously fast) marathon. Full marathons seem like a different world right now.
-Lastly, if you read my post last Friday I mentioned not writing about “how to love yourself if you’re single on Valentine’s Day.” But I lied, I did write about it…just not on my blog. Check out my article on Thought Catalog called “5 Simple Ways To Show Yourself Some Love This Valentine’s Day.”
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Can’t wait to see your costumes!
Kaitlin recently posted…Life of Late ~ 2.12.16
I hope it’s recognizable! It’s kind of a newer character.
Those nut butters look amazing! I think I’ve ever had some blueberry or coffee flavor by them and absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for you to reveal your costume for the race and even more excited for you to run it!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Frosted Paleo Valentines Day Sugar Cookies
The blueberry one is my favorite! I’ve only seen two of their flavors in stores.
OMG those nut butters thoooooo. I want. Your costume last year was so cute I can’t wait to see this years! Although I’m secretly upset that you won’t be running Gaspy with me ;D can’t wait for our next run togetha!
Christina recently posted…Gluten-Free Ricotta-Stuffed Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies
Uh tell me about it. Next year! Watch them be on different dates next year too.
I’m all about no bake desserts right now…so what category would that put me in? My workout of choice right now is running. My coach gave me a strength workout to do on Friday which left me quite sore…not sure I like that much haha. The problem with soreness is that it’s more uncomfortable to run.
Mad respect for the Olympic trials! Too bad Kara Goucher didn’t make it
Ellie recently posted…Week In Review: BRRRR!
No-bake is right up my alley! Can’t mess it up too much :) I like being sore from a workout but I know what you mean about it making it harder to run. Tough to balance the two!
I’m totally the same way with running – we fall in and out of love all the time. I think taking breaks makes it much more enjoyable. Right now I’m doing those BBG guides and while I rolled my eyes for a long time they’re actually really fun and challenging. Can’t wait to see your costume!
Georgie recently posted…Post Workout Green Smoothie
Those guides are really awesome! I did them for a few weeks with my sister over Christmas break and now it feels weird to do them without her.
LOVING LIFE…Best one ever! Happy Monday friend…XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…The #PerfectPair…barkTHINS Giveaway
Best answer ever! xo
Oh my gosh, I love love love your outfit for the Princess Half. Have so much fun, and let it all go while you’re running, pun totally intended ;)
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Five Healthy Snack Ideas
That was last year’s outfit! My sister was Anna. Trust me I will still “let it all go” this year :)
LOVE the mega formers. Those nutbutters remind me of Bogg’s trailbutters, which are my favorite!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…(New Hair) Triumphs and (Marathon) Trials : Weekend Recap
I don’t know that nut butter but I love that it’s called “trail butter!”
The Olympic Trials were crazy inspiring — I could not take my eyes off of them and now I have been watching all the post-interviews. And although I could never run a marathon at that speed, they gave me so much motivation to keep running and to keep pushing myself.
I actually have no ideas what your costume will be — I am so bad with Disney characters, but I can’t wait to see!!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…You Know You’re a Runner When… {Part 3}
I loved the post-race interviews too. Crazy how most of them recovered so quickly. Barely out of breath!
I loved watching the Olympic Trials! I was on the treadmill and watching them made just want to keep running to continue watching. Also.. looking forward to this zucchini bread recipe!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Half way done! BBG Weeks 5-6
I joked that I didn’t run that day so I wanted watching the trials to count as my workout :)
I love seeing people’s costumes! Those nut butters sound awesome. Congrats on the Thought Catalog article!
Lauren recently posted…5 Friday Favorites featuring Mizuno Running & Snacking
Thanks, Lauren! Every year I’m always so impressed with people’s Disney costumes. Some people go ALL out.
I’m so excited for you on this race! I actually never ran more than 8 miles for my first half and it was my PR for almost 4 years. But I like that you’re running for fun, not for time. I went to the doctor this weekend to get my hamstring checked out and he suggested that I HAVE to do a Disney marathon one day. So maybe… Congrats on the thought catalog article!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…The Crossfit Post
I think I ran 10 for my first half but I’m feeling okay with the 8. Seriously get your butt down here for a Disney race!
I love that outfit you wore for last year’s race! Super cute. If I ever do another race I want to do one where I can wear a costume haha
Hayley recently posted…FREE BOOK // Confessions of a Fitness Model
Because I’ve done this race a few times I just want to have fun this year! Costume required :)
I’m so excited for your half marathon! Though you’re not going for time or anything, I know it’s going to be a great race for you!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Link Love: February 14th, 2016
Thanks, Julia! I’m running with my cousin so I’m excited for that.
Love your Thought Catalogue article! What a cool opportunity to share your work!
Kristen recently posted…A Week of Workouts: Valentine Edition
Thanks, Kristen! I was pleasantly surprised to see it had published :)
Those fruit and nut butters sound like heaven and I want them now! Love last year’s costume and I’m sure my daughter Emily would love to run a race in a “princess Emily” costume!
michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Comment on Boston Marathon Training Week 3 and Weekend Photos by renaissancerunnergirl
The Fresh Market sells them! So delicious. I’ll admit, my 5-year-old self is proud of me for running this race.
I’m so happy you’re able to run the half! For time or not, just being able to get back into running after your injury is awesome! I think people often go in phases with not just workouts, but everything: favorite color, dream job, food, etc.! Totally natural and no explanation required :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Perfect Cinnamon Pancakes
Completely agree. I tend to do that with a lot of things!
Good luck at your race! Whether or not you’re prepared I just hope you have fun and nothing bothers you with your body. Have a great week!
Gretchen recently posted…Homemade S’Mores [Two Ways]
That’s what I’m hoping for! Nervous about my foot (but I think I’ll always be)
That nut butter sounds AMAZING! I can’t wait to see your costume next week – too fun!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Mermaids, Donut Obsessions and Playing Hooky
It is amazing! All natural and whole ingredients too!
Those nut butters look AMAZING! One day we will have to do a foodie swap as I would happily post out some British goodies in return for your stateside nut butter offerings (as you can tell, we are still a bit behind in the nut butter stakes!)
I really hope you enjoy your half marathon :) Coming back from injury is a tough place to be but having a fun ‘no-pressure’ event is a great way to keep building back.
Although I didn’t watch the trials themselves, I have followed some of the media surrounding them and I had hoped that Sara Hall would qualify as I have been lucky enough to meet her in person and she is genuinely lovely. The girls that did get selected are all incredible too though and always renew my training determination.
xx
Wait, an international foodie swap is a great idea :)
I had hoped Sara Hall would qualify too. My mom met her on a speaking tour a few years ago! Everyone amazes me.
I must try kalot superfoods nut butters, these look so good! Also I cannot wait for that zucchini banana bread recipe, I’m a huge fan of both breads so combining the two is totally a win-win!
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Healthy Chunky Monkey French Toast in a Mug {GF, Paleo + Vegan Option!}
Fresh Market sells them! Ah I’m excited to share it this Friday :)
Love love love the kalot nutbutters!! I have yet to try a lot of their new flavors and I am DYING to!
Seriously some of the best nut butters on the market!
I can’t wait to hear about your race recap! Those nut butters look heavenly, I’m going to have to get my hands on a jar (or three!).
sarah recently posted…Recovery Challenges
Check out Fresh Market (or order online!). Thanks, Sarah!
I loved watching the Trials! I always think for events of that caliber they should put “average” people out there as a reference point. Everyone looks like they’re jogging along, even though it would be sprinting for almost everyone else! It just amazes how talented elites are at running.
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Training: Week 6
YES! I said that too. I was like “oh I could do that, it doesn’t look too fast.” HA.
Those nut butters sound so awesome – it’s like they’re packing everything awesome into a single jar.
So many flavors mixed into one jar. But no weird additives!
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RACE! If you wear anything that remotely resembles last years costume, I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll do just fine ;)
Beverley @ sweaty&fit recently posted…A Major Life Changing Event
The better the costume the better the race, right? :)
If that was your costume previously I’m excited to see your costume this year. I’m equally as excited for the bread recipe too.
Hollie recently posted…Saucony Kinvara 6 Review
I’m keeping it a “newer” Disney character again this year. I hope people recognize it!
I love seeing the costumes that people come up with for races. I’m definitely not that creative, but that definitely seems like one of the most fun parts about themed races like Disney or Princess races. And that nut butter looks really good! I can’t wait for your recipe!
Emily recently posted…Strawberry Cheesecake Oatmeal
People go ALL out for these races. Dyed hair, face paint, capes, etc. It makes the race really fun and pressure-free.
Good luck with the race!! I love last years costume and can’t wait to see the one you have for this year!! Also, I’m gonna go checkout that nut butter company!! Those flavors sound amazing! Expresso and hazelnut?! Oh my gosh! YUM!
Cailee recently posted…Self-LOVE!
Thanks, Cailee! They have tons more flavors too. I love the blueberry, walnut and cinnamon.
Those nut butters sound ridiculously good!! I am the same way – baking is so much more frustrating for me, which is why I don’t do it often :-/
Carly @ Fitlivingblog recently posted…Asian Quinoa Power Bowl with Ginger Miso Dressing {Vegan}
My sister is the baker in the house and I think I’m going to leave it that way!
I’m excited to see the zucchini bread! Good luck with the half-marathon Sunday- I can’t get over how cute your outfit was last year. How did I not know that a princess race existed!!??
Thanks, Liora! Yes, Disney races are really fun! They have a few themed ones throughout the year.
Happy belated birthday to your cute doggy! I personally prefer baking over cooking. I find baking more of a relaxing thing, whereas cooking is something I stress out over. Have a great day <3
Blessings,
Edye // Gracefulcoffee
Edye recently posted…Five Ways To Love Yourself