Personal Record

So I did it! With strength training and perseverance I was able to achieve a personal record in the half marathon!

I mentioned back in May that I wanted to run another 13.1 miles and obtain a PR as well. I decided to run the Ultrafit Half Marathon in Canal Winchester, OH at the last minute. I was debating whether or not to run it since my aunt was not able to partake in all the fun. Five days before the run I signed up and boy oh boy was I glad that I did!

Even though I ran so well on this course I do not think I would choose this one ever again. The course was a straight shot 6.55 miles one way and then a turnaround to 6.55 miles back. Yes, the scenery was beautiful and very shaded since it was at Three Creeks Metroparks. But being the loud woman that I am, I need noise and excitement! So I hope to be able to run the Country Half Marathon in Nashville next year! I love country music and I feel this would be an amazingly fun race.

Oh my goodness. I almost forgot to mention what my time in this race was! I ran 13.1 miles in 1:54:26. This was a whopping 6:08 faster! I am still stoked needless to say.

PR 1:54:26

If you have a goal in mind, do not put it on the back burner! Just get up and get going! Never put your dreams on hold! With strive and positivity, anything is possible.

Question of the Day

What is on your bucket list?

My bucket list is endless. I want to do everything from drinking wine in Italy, to going on a food adventure in Paris, to riding on a dolphin, to trying a Butter Beer in Harry Potter World! But the next on the list that I want to put checkmark next to would to go on a run at Central Park in NYC.

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Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats in a Jar

It's getting hot out and I simply cannot fathom cooking hot oats over a stove in the morning. I also really am too sleep to before I have my morning cup of Joe. Time to introduce to you these blueberry oats that I found here. So good.

Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats 

Blueberry Maple Overnight Oats in a Jar  

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned oats 

1/3 cup light soy milk 

1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 

1 teaspoon dried chia seeds 

2 teaspoons sugar free syrup (more or less to taste)  

1/4 cup blueberries cut in half (or enough to fill jar)  

Optional: chopped nuts

The ingredients!

Directions 

-In a half pint (1 cup) jar, add oats, milk, yogurt, and 1 tsp syrup.

-Put lid on jar and shake until well combined.

-Remove lid, add blueberries and stir until mixed throughout.

-Return lid to jar and refrigerate overnight.

-In the morning add 1 tsp maple syrup, chia seeds, and the optional chopped nuts.

Quick and easy not to mention exceptionally delicious!

Question of the Day

What are some of your favorite quick and easy recipes?

I truly believe that the simplest of recipes turn out the best. Anything that can be thrown into a crockpot is my favorite. A one pot meal that I don't need to watch! Turn it on in the morning and in a few hours...Voila!

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Flexitarian

Do you eat a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally consume meat? Well, then you are just like me and follow a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diet. Whether it is for health reasons or environmental issues, following this eating regimen is extremely beneficial.

The benefits of following this way of life are endless. Not only will you save money in the long run since meat tends to be more expensive on the grocery bill, but studies have shown that while eating a plant-based diet one can live an average of 3.5 years longer and weigh approximately 15% less than those who eat meat more regularly. Thinking of switching to this way of eating due to environmental issues? Eating an earth-friendly diet can be a way to reduce greenhouse gases. Even following the Meatless Mondays trend can help reduce our carbon footprint!

Now, I did not even realize that I was a flexi until a few months ago. The epiphany occurred when I was talking with a friend and she was talking about it. She was describing me to the tee! Over the past year I have cut out red meat from my diet drastically. I honestly may only consume it a handful of times per year. I just do not crave it anymore. And lately, I cannot fathom eating these animals for environmental issues. I care about those creatures!

Veggies are our friends.

I would not doubt for a second that I will eventually become a full blown vegetarian over the next few years. It is a personal choice and I will never criticize those that eat carnivorously. They choose their own way of living and that is completely fine by me.

Now all this veggie talk has made me hungry! Time to whip up some of my Aunt Sandie's yummy garlic vegetables!

Garlic Vegetable Medley
2 medium sized red potatoes, cut into chunks
2 medium sized carrots, sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 zucchini, sliced about ¼ inch thick
1 red pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ white onion cut into ½-1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Cooking spray

The ingredients!

Directions
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Combine olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small dish.
-Spray a 13x9 inch dish with cooking spray.
-Add potatoes and carrots and toss well with ½ of the basil mixture.
-Bake for 18 minutes.
-Meanwhile, toss the zucchini, peppers, and onion with the other ½ of the basil mixture.
-Stir into the potatoes and carrots and bake for another 18 minutes.
-Enjoy!

The healthy!

Question of the Day?

What is your favorite vegetarian dish?

I love grilled veggies! It must be something with the way the grill brings out an amazing flavor in these beauties. 

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