Guess What I Did Today.

I couldn't sleep this morning at 0700 and needed to EXERCISE. I had missed 3 days working out thanks to 14-15 hour nights at work. It was quite chilly but I didn't realize that until I was already out the door so I decided to run "a little bit" to get warmed up. Once I started RUNNING I didn't stop. I told myself that I was going to at least make it to the 5k mark and see what my time looked like on mytracks. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that I had cut 6 minutes off my fastest time so far and made the 5k in 33 minutes. I was so happy that I found some extra energy, and kept running. I made it back to the house after a total of 48 minutes running. I maintained a 5.5 mph overall average which is MUCH better than before!!! I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling. Then I came in and did my BICEP and TRICEP circuit workout.

Clay and I then had a fantastic omlette sandwich and went to see Something Borrowed and Thor. Double feature movie day. I really enjoyed Something Borrowed, and Clay said he liked it too, Thor was good but we saw it in 3D and I think I would have preferred for it not to have been. We also picked up some salvia and artemesia that we will be planting tomorrow.

Turning Shepherd's Pie into a Casserole

This is how my Shepherd's pie began. I had the great idea of subbing barley on top instead of mashed potatoes. Unfortunately my barley ended up like this...


Needless to say I had to sweep up all the barley and scrap that idea so I made a mixed veggie casserole instead. The colors were so pretty.



I also tried my hand at making some GRANOLA bars. I made some Cran-Orange, Apricot and Almond bars. There were a little dry but had a great flavor!






Today I struggled a little with my workout. I worked out with Joey (my trainer)and I usually am able to push a little harder and we only did BACK and BICEPS but I was wiped out. I am afraid I may be trying to beat a little cold (runny nose, slight sore throat this AM) which may explain the unexplained wimpiness. I was wanting something cold on the throat when I got home and I tried making Banana "SOFT SERVE" for the first time. I had cut up a bunch of sale bananas yesterday and froze the slices all spread out on parchment paper so they wouldn't be stuck together. After frozen I dumped them into a big gallon Ziplock bag. I threw 1 1/2 cups frozen bananas, about 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk, 1 tbsp chia seeds, and 1 scoop vanilla protein powder in the blender. Once it was thick and smooth and topped with pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Yummy! That made me feel a little better, but now I think I want a big mug of hot tea now that I have cooled off.

Beautiful Day For A Hike

Decided yesterday evening as I was leaving for work that I really wanted to get outside today so Dausset Trails here I come. I went by the gym first for strength: BICEPS and BACK and then decided to do some CARDIO (just in case I took a leisurely hike through the woods). I ran by the house for a quick ham and mustard sammie then off to enjoy nature. These frog eggs were sunning in a collection of water on a big rock by the creek. I managed to eek out some jogging along the trail off and on and manufactured some vitamin D in the super bright noontime sun. Everywhere you can see the signs of spring popping up with little buds on all the trees and not to forget the sniffy nose = )