Running Troubles

It's Friday. Thank goodness!

 

The 10 mile race I'm running is just over 14 days away and I'm not feeling so prepared. I was so excited for this race and I still am, but I've faced some challenges with this time around!

 

 

I stuck to my training plan really well, until I went out of town for a long weekend. Tons of driving + unfamiliar cities + no access to a treadmill = no running for me. I ended up skipping two of my runs, and believe it or not, I already feel like I'm out of "running shape." Saturday's 7-mile run turned into a 5 mile run and Monday and Wednesday's runs became "mostly runs" with a little bit of walking. I'm nervous to see how tomorrow's 8-miler goes.

 

And I've been having a tough time finding a shoe that works for me. While I used to love my Brooks Cascadias, I've transitioned to lightweight shoes for my fitness classes and no longer like how heavy my Brooks are. I've tried some of their lightweight shoes, but couldn't find a good match.

 

I need just the right amount of support, so it's been tricky. After buying and returning over a dozen pairs of running shoes from Amazon, I finally settled on these Gel-Lytes from Asics. They're lightweight and they have some support, but they're not perfect.

 

 I'm still convinced that the perfect shoe is out there.

 

 

My running schedule paired with my work schedule (lots of fitness classes) has been tricky on my knees. I'm just 22 years old, but my body has been feeling more like 80. I needed some sort of a quick fix, so I ordered these Mueller's Jumper's Knee Straps from Amazon. While they don't fix the problem, they make my runs more bearable. I think that my body really just needs a rest, but it will have to wait until December 8th.

 

On a positive note (sheesh, about time!), I've been preferring outdoor runs to the treadmill runs. I used to dread running outside, but I now love it. I get to look at the scenery around me instead of a wall, and no two runs are ever the same.

 

Hope you enjoy the weekend!

 

 

If you're a runner, what are your favorite shoes?

Have any races planned?

 

 



Peach Crisp for Two

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope your week is off to a great start! On Monday I shared printables to get you ready for Christmas and today I'm sharing a recipe that will take you back to summer. Crazy, I know, but this cold weather is killing me :)

 

I adore fresh fruit; it's probably my favorite type of food and it's the top reason why I love summer . I was beyond excited to get a little "get well" bucket full of fruit from my friend, Mary Beth, when I was feeling under the weather back at the end of summer. I usually like to eat fresh fruit raw- the way it's found in nature, but when I saw two beautiful peaches at the bottom of the bucket, I knew I had to bake one of them.

 

Peach crisp for two, anyone? Yes, please!

 

This recipe is quite decadent and utterly delicious. Don't say I didn't warn you :)

 

P.S. -- I'm totally aware that peaches aren't in season, so feel free to used canned or frozen peaches if needed.

 

Ingredients:

 

1 ripe peach

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons oats

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 pinch of salt

1 tablespoon shredded coconut

1 tablespoon slivered almonds

2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

 

Directions:

 

Preheat the oven to 350*F. Cut the peach in half and remove the skin. Or do it the other way around...

 

Remove the pit and slice the peach into 10 pieces. Place the slices in a ramekin or small baking dish.



In a small bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cinnamon, oats, salt, almonds, and coconut. Once well combined, pour the mixture over the peach slices. Place the butter cubes over the dry mixture.

 

 

 Bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Mine was looking a little flour-y, so I stirred mine halfway through.

 

You guys, this smells delicious! I'm not even exaggerating. And it tastes divine. Still, no exaggeration. Other than eating a ripened peach as-is, I'm convinced that this is the best way to eat a peach. Hands down!


What's your favorite thing to do with peaches?


 

 



Christmas Card Organizer Printable

Hello, hello! I'm back... While I was out of town, I had the opportunity to go shopping. I stopped by a mall and was amazed by the Christmas decorations. It was just the second week of November! And of course, Walmart and Target are fully stocked and ready for the holidays.

 

I don't usually like to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but a little organization never hurt anyone-- that's why I made this Christmas Card Organizer Printable.

 

I don't know about you, but there's always one person that I forget to send a card to. Having this printable handy will make the process so much easier. As soon as you receive a card from someone, add them to the list so that you can make sure you remember to reciprocate!

 

 

 

And if you're a fan of printables, feel free to use this Christmas Gift Organizer, too! I may or may not already have one filled out...

 

 

 

Lemon Pound Cake

Hello, hello and Happy Veteran's Day! A huge Thank You to all the Vets who have served our country.

Did you guys have a great weekend? I'm out of town enjoying a change of scenery and having a fabulous time. While I'm away, I wanted to share a recipe for a delicious Lemon Pound Cake I made back in September. I'm not sure why it took me so long to share this one, but here it is!

When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make lemon pound cake instead!

Babe brought home a bunch of lemons from work and we weren't quite sure what to do with them. I finally decided to bake some sort of a cake for a knitting club meet-up that I was hosting that week for work. I referred to a Martha Stewart recipe and after a slight tweak, Lemon Pound Cake was born! Oh, Martha!

This recipe made use of my lemons, and it was incredible. It was really moist and it had the perfect texture. The glaze adds the perfect hint of sweetness! The ladies at knitting club all raved about this lemon cake and one even called the next day asking for the recipe :)

Ingredients:

Makes two loaves (they freeze beautifully!)

For the pound cake

1 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
3/4 cup milk
Zest of 2 lemons, finely grated
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, about 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs

For the glaze

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice, about 1/2 large lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*F. Butter and flour two loaf pans (4.5" x 8" work best).

In a small bowl, combine milk with lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture, in three parts alternately with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Beat just until it comes together. Do not over-mix.

 

Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth the top of the batter. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. If the loaves start to brown too quickly, cover with foil.

 

While the cakes are baking, make the glaze. heat the sugar and lemon juice in a small pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir. once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and let sit until cakes are done.

Once the loaves are done, let them cool for 15 minutes in the pan. Turn the loaves out on a cooling rack and use a pastry brush to spread the glaze evenly over the tops and sides of the loaves. Let dry and completely and cool, for at least 2 hours.


Enjoy!