June 4, 2014

National Running Day

June 4th is National Running Day!

How many of my readers got out there to pound a little pavement?

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What do you run for?

Most days for me:

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Other days:

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Running is therapeutic for me. Sometimes a hard day at work requires a good run or a long Harley ride. It was a tough decision for me choosing between the bike and the running shoes… but considering it was National Running Day, I had to do my part.

I almost hit 5 miles, but fell short. I also had to walk before I hit mile 4. I never do that. 😦

I have been battling what I thought was strep throat. After a visit to the doc and a nasty throat swap yesterday, the tests came back negative. Surprising since I’ve got all the signs of strep hanging out in my throat (gross), but also not surprising because I am not knocked down on my ass like strep normally does to me. No fever, no aches. Just tired. And I DEFINITELY felt it around mile 3.5.

This small incline nearly did me in.

But, hey. I did it.

Did YOU?!

Also, what on EARTH do you people do with your keys when you go for a run? Since I have a stupidly large key fob and not an actual key, I can’t loop it through my shoe laces without being incredibly annoying.

My solution?

Yep, it’s clipped to the ol’ shirt and tucked on in.

Using my resources, folks.

Alright, there is still time to get out there and get a run done. Even if it’s just running around the block or taking a lap around your yard, do it.

I challenge you.

Cheers!

June 4, 2014

Life Is Too Short Not to Play in the Rain

This past Sunday night I had tickets to see Sevendust and Staind in concert at Stir Concert Cove.

If you don’t already know, I am obsessed with going to concerts. There is just something about the live music and the atmosphere it creates. You just can’t replace that experience.

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So, the more concerts I can attend, the better! I LOVE love them.

Stir Cove is an incredible venue at Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

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It is also a rain or shine outdoor venue. Emphasis on the rain.

Because Sunday?

It POURED rain.

That is Sevendust up there. They were definitely the only dry people in the house.

Tyree and I had no plans to sit this one out. We don’t melt, after-all! So, hats and rain gear it was!

And who else do you know that would pull out their 1999 cheerleading coat for a rainy rock concert?

Darn skippy I did!

Bonus: A few peeps were able to track me down thanks to the C-TOWN emblazoned on the back of that baby.

(For the record… there wasn’t a rain jacket on planet earth that could have kept us from being soaked to the bone after that concert)

Sevendust and Staind both put on a fantastic set.

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Photo courtesy of Stir

We bounced about 4 songs shy of the end due to the bitter cold wind and pouring rain… and I don’t think I need to remind you that Tyree is just 3.5 weeks post kidney surgery donation. She is a tough cookie, but it was definitely time to get her off her feet.

And, muddy grass wasn’t exactly prime real estate.

Thanks, Stir for another kick-ass concert! I’ll be back soon.

Cheers!

June 3, 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Clif Bars

I love Clif Bars. They are my absolute favorite source of fuel before long distance runs. Considering how much those little babies cost, I took it upon myself to try and recreate them in my kitchen.

I used prunes as the binding ingredient in this Clif bar recipe. High in fiber and antioxidants. I am also toying around with a different recipe using dates, but that will come later.

Chocolate PB Clif Bar

Step 1.

Spray an 8×8 pan with olive oil.

Step 2.

Place prunes in a food processor and grind until a thick paste forms

Step 3.

In a large bowl, mix prunes, krispies, oats, flaxseed, wheat germ, cinnamon, sea salt and cocoa.

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Step 4.

Over medium heat, melt peanut butter and honey until smooth. Remove from heat, add vanilla, pour over dry ingredients and mix well. Quickly fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 5.

Press into 8×8 pan, sprinkle with a few more mini chocolate chips and place in refrigerator to firm.

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