Happy Halloween

I hope everyone is having a great Halloween! It's almost time for trick or treaters. We had left overs from last night for dinner. I made some vanilla cupcakes with some left over chocolate buttercream frosting. The cupcakes were just ok. Not my best, not my worst. These are for my hubby to take to his new work.


I bought some more PB yesterday, so I get to enjoy some of my favorite dessert...greek yogurt and PB. Yum!!

Here we are as Doctor and nurse zombies that are attacking you...

Rainy Run & Chicken

I got up before the sun this morning. I waited around around until the sleepy sun decided to make some what of an appearance. It took a while, but it finally decided to wake up. I ran an easy 3 1/2 miles in the sprinkling rain. It was an out and back from my house, so it wasn't so bad. When I got home, I hopped into a nice & warm shower.

I had a lot of errands with the hubs today, so we were off. One of the errands was to pick up some firewood from a lady I know. Another part was to un-load it. Since we live in an apartment, we had to make a million trips up and down the stairs (yes, we live on the 2nd floor). I'm calling this an early workout for tomorrow. I'm gong to give my legs a break tomorrow and hop back on schedule Monday evening. My calves are crying right now.

The weather was prefect for us. When we were in some sort of shelter, it rained, when we were outside, cold, but not pouring. It was cooperating with us! I'm glad. I didn't want to get all cold and freezing again.

One of my busy things to do today was to roast an entire chicken. I made a rub out of olive oil, rosemary, basil, and oregano. I stuffed the chicken with a lemon, a shallot, the same herbs and garlic (just cut int half). I put it the the oven for about 2 hours at 325 (until it reached 170 degrees). I then took it out and tented it with foil and let it stand for about 20 minutes (until it reached 180 degrees). This way, all the juices stayed inside. I then cut up the chicken and organized it according to what I am going to make this week.


Before it went into the oven...


Nice & golden brown...



Tonight, I made mashed potatoes, the chicken (no other seasoning on it) and green beans. Sorry, there's no picture, we ate it too quickly. The meat was nice and juicy...so good. For dessert, I will either have a banana or some grapes. No more pigging out on junk food (at least not as much).

Relaxing Rainy Friday

Just a short and sweet post. I got home and hubby cooked dinner. This consisted of grilled cheese sandwiches and beer. What a great night.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween! I'll be running another 7 miles in the am. Hopefully it doesn't rain too badly.

There's Nothing to 7 Miles!

I didn't have time to eat lunch at work. I had to quickly eat a bar at work before I left to run OUTSIDE! I had 7 miles on my schedule. I took every precaution I could not to hurt my knee. I wore my brace and took some anti-inflammatory pills. I watched closely how I placed my feet on the ground as I ran.

I didn't get ran over this time. Cars were pretty careful not to hit me. How sweet, these people realized that I had the right away. My 7 miles went by so fast. I had some issues for my first 3 miles (bathroom issues) and had to wait to use a restroom for the 3 miles. I was running around a park and there was no way in the park except for 2 entries. Oh well, I made it! So, my time was pretty bad...1:26. I'm just glad I didn't have any accidents.

My knee feels great and I have no pain anywhere. Right now, I'm giving myself a much needed facial and I also gave myself a much needed pedi. Next on the list is a shower and a mani. Here are some more random food I have made over the year...


Fruit Salad...

Rosemary Foccicia Bread...


Pecan Pie (I hate pecan pie, but it's hubby's favorite)...

I hope everyone is enjoying the runs and am enjoying reading your blogs. I'll have a new poll tomorrow. I'm off to shower!

What is your favorite drink (acholic or non-acholic)?

Random-ness

I went to the gym and ran 3 1/2 miles and completed my 65 minute spin class. My knee is healed, and my arm is better. I can't wait for my 7 mile run tomorrow. I think if it's raining, I'll stick to the treadmill. I'm not in the mood to be too cold tomorrow.

Here are some random things I've made over the year...

Almond biscotti dipped in chocolate


Apple chips

PB cookies

Eggplant, zucchini and green beans over white rice.

These are only a few things I've made over the year. As I don't have any current pictures for today, I decided to add these photos. I think blogs are more fun to read when there are photos to look at. I don't know, I think I'm like a little kid, I like to look at pictures when I read. Oh well. If you want a recipe for anything, email me your email address and I'll send it to you. These are all very tasty.

If you only had one day left, what would you make (yes, make, not buy)?

Let Me Eat Cake

I went to the gym today, but it was an off running day. It was cardio, abs and arms day. I want to stick to my training schedule as much as possible. I knew I wasn't going to use the stair master, the row machine or the other leg thing I do. I want to make sure I don't injure my knee before I continue running.

I went on the elliptical for 20 minutes, then did abs for about 20 minutes. While working on my arms, My first set, I felt something pull a little. The second machine, a little more. I thought it was my imagination and didn't think it was anything. The 3rd machine, I defiantly felt something pull, hard. I was in pain, once again. At least it wasn't anything to do with my legs. I don't need my arms to run!

When I left the gym early, I went straight home. I was getting un-dressed and ended up making myself shed a tear or two while removing some clothing. I can't believe how badly that hurt. I can't raise my left arm above my head or lift anything heavy. I feel so stupid for injuring myself my first day back. The good news is that I am able to workout tomorrow. It's a running/spinning class. I can't wait to run again. The last time I ran was on Sunday, but it feels like forever, because I didn't run yesterday. Another good thing, I don't feel bad.

After my shower, I had some left over lasagna. It was even better today. It really is the best I've ever tasted! Last night, I made a cake (2 layer). It was pretty good. I used my little brain and made something good.

Here's a yellow cake (from a box) where I added some chocolate chips.

I also made Savannah Chocolate cake (I left out the sauce) and topped it with home made blackberry jelly.

I placed the yellow cake on top and then iced the cake with The Best Chocolate Buttercream icing.

Since I used 2 different pans for these cakes, they didn't line up very well (at all). The jelly started squirting out (ever though I barely put any on) and then iced the cake. Because the jelly was coming out, the icing wasn't sticking to the cake. The cake looks pretty ugly, but tastes absolutely amazing.

Have you ever pulled an arm muscle? How long did it last?

Cooking Heals

I took the day off of working out. I want my knee to be back to 100%. I didn't need to wear my brace at all today and I feel barely any pain. Nothing to complain about. On my way home from work, I picked up some garlic bread. I was planning on making lasagna tonight. I love making as much stuff from scratch as possible.

I made another recipe from The Pioneer Woman. I love her. I've never came across a bad recipe. This one is called The Best Lasagna Ever. It lives up to it's name. I've never made (or even eaten) a better lasagna. It was super easy to make.

Here I am starting to layer everything together.

Ready to go in the oven...

Fresh out of the oven with the baked garlic bread.

As you may have noticed, I used foil to help with the clean up process. So much easier! I love foil. I just spray it down with some Pam and I'm set. In the recipe, I also added some spinach (frozen). Gotta get in the veggies. What a great meal. I recommend this recipe to everyone!! Hurry, go buy everything and make it!

I also made some dessert. Since we haven't had it yet, I will post the info tomorrow. I hope everyone had a great night. I have a lot of dishes to do, so I better get to it. Don't forget to fill out my poll. I can't wait to see the results!

What is your go to recipe?

A long windy, wet run

This morning, I got up nice and early to head out for an early morning run. I actually got up before the sun had risen. I needed to wait until the sun came out, because I don't have the proper reflective gear to run in the dark. I waited until about 7:25 to run. I had plans to run to my parents house this morning and go out to bagels with my mom.

When I left the house, it was pretty gloomy and I had checked the weather to see what I was in for. There was a wind advisory and it was suppose to rain all day. When I left, it wasn't raining at the time. My knee was doing just fine. No pain, I was good to go. The wind started to pick up around mile 2 1/2. The rain started to sprinkle around mile 3. It felt nice and when I was sweaty and too hot.

This was a different run because I had to run with a light weight backpack. I needed to carry some things that wouldn't fit into my Spi Belt. About mile 3 1/2, the rain really started in. This was the first of many rainy runs. I need to train in all weather. My 1/2 is in May and it could easily be raining then. There were only a few times where I didn't have a sidewalk to run on. Drivers seemed pretty nice and went out of their way to to spray me with puddles. I never had any encounters with jackass drivers, like last week.

This runs ended up being 5.26 miles and pretty wet. Originally, I wanted to run my normal 6 1/2 miles, but because my knee had been acting up, I wanted to decrease my mileage. My knee did pretty well, overall. I have a little pain, but nothing like Thursday. I've been RICE my knee since I've been home. I will be taking tomorrow off and hopefully I can get back to my normal routine on Tuesday. I'm glad I ran when I did, because it's completely raining and horrible outside. It is miserable out there. A perfect day to have over 5 miles under my belt for the day and stay inside and be warm.

Since I've been home, I've had my chocolate chip bagel (with my mom), some coffee, a banana, an open faced PB&J sandwich and some greek yogurt with almonds. I will have left over dinner from last night, tonight.

I made chocolate chip cookies last night. I had some. They are pretty good, but nothing special. I made it from the Nestle bag. Yummy, yummy!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Did anyone else have a rainy run?

Getting Better & Giveaway WINNER!!

I got up this morning and ran some errands. When I got home, I made some coffee and had some whole wheat toast topped with PB and sliced bananas. So yummy. This was the first time I ever had this. I've heard of a lot of people having this all the time. So, I took their advice and tried it. Love it!!


I caught up on some shows, then headed out to get my hair done. I haven't had it cut or anything since February. Which is way too long. I love the color and how she styles it! I'm too lazy, so this is the only time it ever gets styled.

For dinner, I made braised chicken thighs with button mushrooms. The dinner took a while to make (as expected), but totally worth it! The chicken was nice a juicy and full of flavor. This recipe is being added to my favorites stack.

My knee is so much better. The pain I've have in the past has lasted about 2 days. That is how long this lasted. I took today off of working out (I was going to run), and I just RICE my knee. I think it worked. I'm going to go for a run in the morning and will let you know tomorrow.

And now, on to the reason why you guys are reading this post...in WINNER of the Pro Emu muscle and Joint cream jar is: Teamarcia. Please email me (runnersfuel(at)hotmail(dot)com with your mailing address and I will have a jar sent directly to you. Congrats and thank you everyone for following and reading through over 100 posts!! I wouldn't continue this without you!!

Runners Knee??

When I woke up this morning, my knee was already hurting me. I put on my knee brace, first thing. All day, at work, I had my knee up. I have been and will continue icing it and elevating it. I am determined to have this healed by Sunday. I have had this pain before and it went away pretty quick. I am going to take tomorrow off from any working out.

My plan tomorrow is to go grocery shopping (and have the hubby help me bring the groceries up the stairs), and get my hair done. I can't wait (for the hair, not the groceries)!

So obviously, I took the day off from working out (as I do every Friday). We watched some shows on the dvr and relaxed. Hubby brought home a pizza after he got off of work. I ordered it, but had him pick it up. I've been craving pizza for months now, and have finally met my craving. I'm good now for quite a few months.

Pizza, beer and my hubby...what a great Friday night!

(pepperoni, ground hamburger and black olives)

Moving Target

After work, I did not head to the gym...I went for a long run outside. I was so excited. It was a nice and breezy 65 degrees outside. I went to my local park and mapped out exactly where I was going to run. I couldn't figure out a route that was 6 1/2 miles. Everything I tried was either 5 1/2 or 6 miles. I really needed 6 1/2 today. I ended up figuring something out.

I headed out on the trail and made my way out on the street (actually sidewalk). I started crossing an entrance to a local coffee shop and checked to see if anyone was coming any way. No one. Pretty, soon, I head horns honking, I look around and someone was pulling from across the street (across 4 lanes of traffic) and almost hit me. When I originally looked, no one was around. They must have been coming pretty, pretty (Larry David reference) fast. Good thing I didn't get hit. That wouldn't have been a good start to my run.

The next entertaining thing that happens was, that I was on the sidewalk and no one was coming, once a gain. Someone was waiting for me to cross, so they could take a left where I was coming from. Instead of waiting, they decided to gun it when I was in the middle of the road. I could have kicked their car, and I should have. Jack asses for my #2 almost hit.

I finished my run without anymore run ins with any cars. I made my second loop around my run (very long loops, so it wasn't so boring). I then started feeling pain in my knee. I've have knee problems before and they finally went away. I haven't felt any pain this entire training. As soon as I got near my car and started walking, the pain magically went away. I ended running 6.68 miles in 1:18:22. I think that's pretty good for waiting for 2 lights to turn green, almost getting hit by 2 cars and having knee pain. What I forgot to mention is that I now have a blister on the inside part of my toe that is closest to the big toe. What a strange place to have a blister.

I'm going to heal up tomorrow and head out again for a slightly shorter run on Saturday (I'm think 6 miles or so). I'm going to try that trail near my house again and not turn (the opposite of last time). I have my compression socks on, my belly filled and I'm clean. It's time to relax and eat some greek yogurt with PB. My fav!! If anyone wants to buy me any early Christmas present...PB...


Here I am passing mile 3 at my last race...Go me!!

In my poll, it looks like 67% of you guys prefer to run on trails and 37% prefer pavement. I think I prefer pavement when it's nice and cool (and light out). I will run on the treadmill if it's too hot or dark. Answer my newest poll and we'll see how you guys cross train. Don't forget about my giveaway. It ends tomorrow. I'll pick a winner on Saturday.

Do you get blister in weird spots?

I feel like a Turkey

My hubby has a new job and he now works days, as I do. So, I get up with him (to spend more time together). I got up at 6am and cleaned the kitchen and ate breakfast with hubby. It was nice to have him home while we're both awake. Work was normal and nothing special.

I went to the gym and worked hard. I only ran 3 1/2 miles, though. I wanted more, but my legs were wiped out from yesterdays stair master. I got to my spin class early and started without the class. I ended up spinning for 65 minutes today. It was pretty tough.

When I got home, I showered and put on my compression socks. While I ate left overs (from yesterday), I iced my thighs. I really want some long compression shorts. I think those would really help my thighs heal faster.

For dessert, I made homemade peanut butter cups. I love these. They are so easy to make and they taste just like it! If you like PB cups, this is the recipe. I made these last night and let them set. They were so good, I took some to work. My co-workers loved them! They each wanted to eat them all. They didn't want to share with each other. I don't blame them!


First and second layer finished!


Close up.

Last layer ready to be put in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Details...so yummy!!

I love baking and cooking so much, I feel like I'm trying to fatten myself (and hubby) up for turkey day, like we're turkeys. I'm not gaining anything I can't handle (just 1-2 lbs over 4 months). So, it's not that bad. I'm going to eat some yummy's and relax while catching up on the dvr with the hubby! I love having him home at night. We're finally on the same schedule.

Cry all day long...

Work was normal and I headed off to the gym. I wanted to spend some time trying to work up a nice sweat. I started off by running sprints and hills on the treadmill for 3 miles. Afterwards, I worked on my abs for 20 minutes and then started working on my arms for about 35 minutes. I wasn't feeling like I worked up a sweat as much as I wanted. I then decided to work on the stair master for 15 minutes. That did the trick!

When I got home, I was starving. I looked at my recipe to see how long dinner was going to take. I took about 1 hour to prepare and everything. I made Linguine with Chicken Thighs. One of the items I had to chop were some onions. I hate chopping onions! They always make me cry. I ball tears for 1/2 hour afterwards. I've tried so many little things (ie: cutting under water, with a candle near by, and some others). Nothing is working to not make me cry. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Here is the onions and garlic cooking.

The tomatoes have been added.

Added chicken after the first 15 minutes.

Everything put together. Yummy!!

I usually try to stay away from chicken thighs, just because they are so high in fat and oily. They do provide so much flavor, though. These worked well with this meal. I don't think breasts would have worked. I think I will eat a banana for dessert.

No fainting on the treadmill

This morning was filled with the usual. I had a bowl of cereal, a cup of coffee and a banana. For my lunch, I had my 1/2 tuna sandwich. Most of the day, I had been feeling dizzy, light headed and more spacey than normal. After lunch, I started seeing black dots (that weren't there). I don't know what was wrong with me.

Today was suppose to be an intense workout day. I didn't want to faint on the treadmill, in my spin class or even in my yoga class. I am playing it safe, by taking another day off of working out. Of course, I am feeling guilty, but I just have to remember that my body is trying to tell me something.

Dinner is just going to be a PB&J sandwich. I'm going to go have some grapes as my snack and relax while watching some Friday the 13th. I love scary movies. They can't be too corny, or they are just stupid. The newer ones are getting to be more and more stupid. Rob Zombie makes some good movies.

Here I am enjoying the pre-race at Saturday's festivities.

A Little R&R

I decided to take the day off of running (and working out in general). It was gloomy outside and cool weather. It was a perfect day to relax. I watched tv, and hung out with my hubby all day (until he went to work).

After he left, I started cleaning. I cleaned the oven, fireplace and shower. My hands are so done with water. I desperately need to put lotion on them. I love being able to have the windows open all day long with the cool air freshening up the house.

Yesterday, before my race, I made some slow cooker berry cobbler. I was super easy and quick to make and it tastes even better. It may not look very appetizing, but it really is. I used blueberries, blackberries and raspberries for the fruit. I had most of the items needed, so that was even better.

Do you ever use a slow cooker? If so, what's your favorite to use it for?

Oktobersfest 2010 5k

First thing this morning, I ran some errands. We needed food so badly, I needed go go there before we could even eat anything. I went and finished everything before 9am. Go me!! On the way home, I picked up some Noah's Bagels. I love their bagels. They're so good and so fresh. Mine were pulled off the freshness made.

I ate normally throughout the day. I had a 5k race today. My mouth was feeling like nothing ever happened to it!! I was so happy! My hubby and I headed out to Davis, so I could participate in a 5k race. The race didn't even start until 5:30pm. We got there a little early, so I could pick up my bib and look at everything. There were so many people there. It was held at Sudwerk Brewery. I'd never been there before this race. They had some pretty good beer!

Like I said, so many people. Pretty good for their 1st year!

The race was pretty crazy., We had to climb over the freeway barriers in order to get where the race started. Everyone was cutting off each other in order to get in front. The slow runners/walkers were in the middle of the bike path we were racing on. I had to remind myself of what kind of race this was. At the end, you received a free pint glass with free beer included. after that, I calmed down some.

Here's the band that was keeping the spectators busy while we raced (pictures done by my hubby).

Here I am at mile 3. Just .1 miles to go. Can I beat my 30:59 PR??

Standing in line to turn in my tag...a new PR set of 30:26.!!!

We were so bored waiting in line to get my free pint.

Waiting for them to fill me up. The lines were so crazy. I was debating if I wanted a free pint that bad.

Oktoberfest!!

I guess I did want my beer that bad. It never tasted so good!!

Inside the brewery. Trying to get warm. It was so breezy. With all that sweat on me, the breeze made me feel like I was freezing to death.

They had some games and stuff, but the hubby and I were too hungry to wait. Tables would have taken about 2 hours to be seated. So, we walked about 1/4 mile to this cute taqueria and had the best burrito of my life!!

I think this is the best shirt I have ever gotten!! Scout was very curious of what I brought home.

What's your current race and your current PR for that race??

Ouchies!!

I had some toast for breakfast (without coffee) and then ate my tuna fish sandwich early, because of the dentist appointment. I wasn't sure how I was going to manage not eating for 5 hours. I usually eat about every 2-3 hours.

After the dentist, I was starving.My hubby took my to Target to pick up some Aleeve (for the pain in my mouth). We also stopped by Jack in the Box for one of their Oreo cookie milkshakes. I love this milkshake. I hardly ever eat these, because I can't even imagine how bad they are for you. I also grabbed a burger for later.

After we got home, I ate the shake (via spoon) and relaxed a while. I was starting to get hungry again, so hubby was so sweet that he cut up my burger into teeny, tiny pieces. I think a baby could have eaten this based on their size. This is only half of the burger.

I am starting to get hungry, again. I think that 6.5 mile run yesterday really got to my stomach. I've been hungry all day. Tomorrow, I have my 2nd night race. It's going to be my last 5k (besides some of the others that I do EVERY year...2-3 per year). The rest will be 10k's. I'm excited. I have to decide which 10k I will start with. My mouth will be just fine to run tomorrow. I can't wait to race. That's one thing I look forward to. I love competing!!


What's you favorite thing about running?

People Come & People Go

This afternoon was pretty good at work. All the weirdos are starting to come in. I'm use to it. It happens every once in awhile. The funny thing is that they come in at once. We're starting to run out of food at home (I'm too lazy to go to the store, I'll go Saturday). For my snacks today,
I had a handful of grapes and an Attune chocolate bar. It was so good. It wasn't thinking much of it, but it was actually very good. Afterwards, I was extremely full. I don't know if it was the bar, or I was going to be full anyways. I loved that the bar only had 80 calories and I got my chocolate fix! I found it at my local Safeway in the yogurt section.


Today was a running only day at the gym. It was a long run day. I had 6 1/2 miles on my schedule. I got on the treadmill (too hot outside, it was 92 outside), and I wasn't really into it. I decided I was going to space out and listen to Judge Judy. Next thing I know, I've run 5 1/2 miles. So many people came and went. The treadmills were completely filled when I got on and about 30 minutes into the run, they were almost empty. I needed up running 6 1/2 miles in 70:26. I rock! If I'm able to keep my pace during my 1/2 marathon, I will be able to finish under 2 1/2 hours! So far, I've ran 1/4 of a marathon. Does that count for anything??

When I got home, I was starving. I knew my dinner was going to take about 1 hour to bake. I was making Baked Parmesan Chicken Legs, mashed potatoes and green beans (can you tell I love green beans, I eat them all the time).

Here's the chicken all ready in the oven and starting to bake. Only 55 minutes until I can inhale them.

Fresh out of the oven...

Mashed potatoes...yummy (my favorite).

Everything all plated. Such a good dinner!!

I have my compression socks on and now it's time to relax and try to catch up on the dvr. Tomorrow, is going to be a short day at work. I have a dentist appointment that is going to take 4 hours. Hopefully it only takes 4 hours. I hate the dentist! My hubby is so sweet, he's going to take me to work, pick me up and wait for me at the dentist, take me home and take care of me the rest of the day. I don't think I'll be in too much pain. Saturday, I have an Oktoberfest 5K in Davis. So, I hope I'll be able to compete, and not just run (runners know the difference).

Wish me luck tomorrow!!