I do apologize

Hello everyone, sorry it has been a week or two since I have posted but this month has been crazy busy. This post will not be a long one, but I didn't want you all to think I forgot about you:)

First and foremost, the Boston Marathon was this past Monday and what an incredible sight to see. I only wish I could have been there to run, but at least the internet streamed it live so I didn't have to miss it! I still cannot believe an American won the Men's marathon!  Way to go MEB!!!! This is pretty freaking awesome, an American has not won since 1983! About time we get it and on the first year anniversary, way to go!  Below is the clip of Meb finishing!  Gives me chills watching it!

Keep in mind too, MEB is almost 39 years old, see at any age you can run a marathon!  MEB did!

Next on my list to chat about is the unspoken bond with athletes.  There was an instance in the marathon where a man was at mile 26 and was starting to collapse. Now, you all know at mile 26 you can see the finish line and to break down is heartbreaking. What you will see in this video below is something amazing and displays the unspoken bond between runners. I couldn't help but tear up at this video, its just incredible.

Well folks that is all the time I have for now, heading to run lucky number 7 in the AM. Wish me luck, I would love to PR this marathon, but if not no big deal, just trying to get in some serious miles. Hoping maybe if I have a more relaxed laid back attitude with this marathon, that good things will happen, and if not at least its going to be gorgeous weather to run in.  Gotta think positive. Have a fantastic weekend and see you at the finish line.

 

I am going to leave you with an oldie but a goodie recipe. It's the notorious BLACK BEAN BROWNIES!!! OMG! These are really good and you cannot tell the difference in taste at all. the only thing you can tell is that they are less in calories and fat!  Take a peak at the link below, all the recipes are very similar, just need a can of black beans and a box of brownie mix. If you are feeling like a baker, make the brownie mix from scratch, otherwise a fast alternative is to use brownie mix! Enjoy!Black Bean brownies

 



 

 

Something fun and new

This weekend my husband and I did a little trail running. All I can say is that it completely destroyed my body. Now don't worry it's in a good way though. It's just crazy how many different muscles you use running trails. Trail running lets you get lost in nature and focus on just you and your surroundings. It's nice to get away from the city and adventure out into the wild. You come back feeling a little clearer:) Trust me nothing else will be, for I was coated in mud. I also learned a valuable lesson, never stop to walk through mud, just run through those sloppy piles. I tried and the first option is not a good one. Let's just say the mud won.

So the hidden meaning behind my trail running is to get out there and try something new. Yea it maybe uncomfortable and scary at first. Heck yes it's going to be, but who knows you may end up loving it and be thankful you went out on the limb and did something new. So get out there, try a new sport, meet someone new, try running a different route, or try a new food. The world is full of possibilities and it would be a shame if you missed out on them.

On a completely another note, I just wanted to let you guys know I have painted my toenails. Now your probably saying why do I care?? And well your right, but this will probably be one of the only times I do for the summer. Being a runner, I have disgusting feet. Half the time toenails are missing, blisters coat the tops of my toes, calluses have formed, or they just don't look right. I have downright ugly runners feet and I am proud of that. So enjoy the pic of my nasty feet and the beautiful colored toenails:) Aren't they robin egg like? So festive for Easter:)

So another new recipe for you is Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers and these were delicious. As we were making dinner Sunday night I decided to throw in some extras to spice up my turkey burgers. So long and behold my refrigerator had spinach and feta just sitting in there, so figured why not use it.
I have listed the recipe below, these are now a fan favorite of mine and glad I can share them with you! Enjoy and happy spring!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 handfuls of spinach
- 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- garlic salt
Steps
1. Place ground turkey in bowl and add diced onions. Then sprinkle a few dashes of garlic salt. Now being an Italian, the more garlic the better so I do a good 4-5 shakes. If you don't want to keep vampires away, just do 2-3.
2. Go wash your hands!! The meat juice is gross and I want you have clean hands before adding that leafy spinach to your mix:)
3. Take a handful of spinach and rip it up in your hands to make it into smaller pieces. Add this to the turkey. I did two handfuls of spinach. You want to make sure it's ripped enough so it mixes well.
4. Next,  take feta and add to mixture.
5. Mix the turkey, spinach, and cheese together. Mash it with your hands and then form into patties.
6.  Place finished patties on a plate and then make your husband or loved one grill them up:) mine is great at grilling so that's his specialty. After they are finished grilling, put on a whole wheat low carb bun and enjoy. These are one of my favs! Plus your getting some veggies in that burger:) win win situation don't ya think.

Grateful

Oh the many things that race through your head when working out or on a run. Those today are about what I am grateful for in my life. Sometimes we all need a reality check and should be thankful for what we have. Sorry for sappy post, but it's true..sometimes just need to take a step back and see what we all have. It's pretty incredible if you ask me.

First off, thankful for my family, friends, and pup who love me and support me. Thankful to have a job I absolutely love and the best coworkers a girl could ask for. Second, thankful for my husband who is pretty awesome, just don't tell him I said that. Thirdly, thankful for the ability to run. I know we all talk about running but, it's not easy. I am happy I have the ability to get up, lace up my shoes, and get lost in a run. I am not the fastest runner, but I will try my hardest to become better and improve on every race.  Running keeps me in check. It helps me destress and most importantly it keeps me leveled. I am incredible blessed for every mile I log and every race I finish. It's one of the greatest things and so happy I have it. Therefore, it's a gift and I am glad I chose to open it. Maybe you should too?

Another fabulous and different recipe I came across is Avocado chocolate chip cookies. I know, I know what your thinking...avocado and chocolate, no thank you. But, I made them and they are delicious. The avocado replaces the butter and makes these cookies healthier for you. Try them, I am hooked. Remember don't always judge a book by its cover, otherwise you might be missing out. This is one of those recipes, so give them a chance:)
Avocado chocolate chip cookies

What are you grateful for today???

Bored....time to spice things up

Thank goodness Mother Nature is finally starting to come out of her shell and bless us with some spring weather. With that being said, time to try something new. Don't get me wrong I am still running my paved trail, but wanting to spice things up. While in New Zealand, I discovered that there are so many different paths to run and that we too have them near us. 

We googled running trails and found a ton. Most states have a website where you can look up places to hike or run. I recently discovered Missouri trails  it lists trails and what they are good for such as running, hiking, and mountain biking. I am pretty pumped to adventure out of my comfort zone and start training on trails. It's great because it make you use different muscles and you get to experience nature. It's also great to get away from the city, clear your mind, and enjoy some alone time out in the wilderness. Plus the trails are free too!

Sunday, I ran 17 miles on a regular paved trail to get some miles in for my next marathon. A nice, sunny day helped me chug along. Thank goodness for good music and a day to clear my mind. Nothing better than hitting the pavement and letting it all go, try it, I promise you won't regret it. Remember every mile counts, small or large, they all count. Just be proud your out there doing it.

As a reward I made a strawberry-banana Greek smoothie. Very delicious and nutritious as well

Ingredients used
-1 banana
-7 whole strawberries
-1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
-1.5 c ice
- 2 teaspoons almond extract or vanilla extract
-1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk

Blend and enjoy, if you want more protein add in a scoop of it. Enjoy, so refreshing.