Therefore, a bit of a rewind is in order...
Tuesday before work, my hip was feeling good so I headed out for a brisk 6-mile run around the National Mall.
Tuesday before work, my hip was feeling good so I headed out for a brisk 6-mile run around the National Mall.
Still looks like fall in the District
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Wednesday morning we left before the sun came up and set out for an 8-hour roadtrip to The Granite State (New Hampsha). It wasn't a bad drive at all - considering I slept over 6 hours :)
I was extremely happy to see the new Starbucks decorations when I eventually woke
Thanksgiving morning I ran a 5K in the FREEZING (25F) weather with my entire family. I love our new tradition. I was happy with my time - I ran a 7:45 pace and it was hilly!
I didn't take any pictures of our Thanksgiving meal because I really wanted to focus on spending quality time with my family that I rarely get to see (because I live in DC). I hope you understand :)
Friday morning I convinced my Dad to take a Bikram Yoga class with me (90 mins in 106F heat) and guess what? He LOVED it.
Both my parents run half marathons (Note: They started running in their 50's) so I really think incorporating yoga into his training will help tremendously. It's helped me for sure!
After workout #1 was over, I headed out for an even longer workout #2.....
All in all, it was a lovely weekend spent with family I love and miss. Sunday morning we had brunch with my parents then hit the road for a long trip back to the Nation's Capital.
To top off a great night, we have Holiday music blasting and....
I was extremely happy to see the new Starbucks decorations when I eventually woke
Roadtrip breakfast of champions:
Oatmeal + diced banana + mixed in protein (I brought some SunWarrior along for the ride)
And a gigantic coffee (Venti coffee + 1 inch steamed soy) <---Picky?? haha
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Thanksgiving morning I ran a 5K in the FREEZING (25F) weather with my entire family. I love our new tradition. I was happy with my time - I ran a 7:45 pace and it was hilly!
I didn't take any pictures of our Thanksgiving meal because I really wanted to focus on spending quality time with my family that I rarely get to see (because I live in DC). I hope you understand :)
I did however, get a picture with the Manfriend's new nephew.
I'm in love.
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Friday morning I convinced my Dad to take a Bikram Yoga class with me (90 mins in 106F heat) and guess what? He LOVED it.
But first I fueled with a favorite fall classic:
Pumpkin Oats
In the mix:
1/4 cup oats (soaked in 1 cup almond milk overnight)
1/4 cup pumpkin (Note: use 100% pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 cup egg whites (optional, for extra protein)
stevia, 2 servings
1/4 t cinnamon
1/8 t nutmeg
teeeny pinch sea salt
Directions:
Microwave ~3 mins or until oats rise
Stir in 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
Top with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (sweetened with stevia)
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Both my parents run half marathons (Note: They started running in their 50's) so I really think incorporating yoga into his training will help tremendously. It's helped me for sure!
After an intense sweat sesh, I introduced him to a love in my life:
The Protein Cupcake!
These were fantastic. I think the peanut butter addition made all the difference.
In a bowl, combine and mix:
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I prefer chocolate SunWarrior)
1 T Greek yogurt
1T chunky peanut butter (can use smooth but the nuts were a nice addition)
1 T egg whites
1/8 t baking powder
stevia (1 serving)
teeeeny pinch sea salt
H20 to moisten
Directions:
Spray mug with cooking spray
Spoon in mixture
Microwave for ~1 min, 30 seconds
Topping:
Greek yogurt + stevia, cocoa nibs to garnish
After workout #1 was over, I headed out for an even longer workout #2.....
All I have to say was EVERYTHING at Banana Republic was 50% off....
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All in all, it was a lovely weekend spent with family I love and miss. Sunday morning we had brunch with my parents then hit the road for a long trip back to the Nation's Capital.
Check out those colors along the way. Not bad for a Blackberry camera!
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Today after work I headed straight to Trader Joe's as we're completely out of food. I won't comment on the ridiculously massive size of the bill, but I will say dinner was pretty great...
Taco Salad!
Ground lean turkey (cooked on the stove top over medium heat)
Turkey seasoning:
1/2 cup salsa
1 T chili powder
1 t cumin
1/2 tsp sea salt
pinch cayenne pepper (to spice it up)
juice from 2 lime wedges
Toppings:
And the BEST dressing....
1:1 Greek yogurt/Chipotle salsa + chili powder, cumin
Served with Trader Joe's Spicy Veggie & Flax Chips
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To top off a great night, we have Holiday music blasting and....
The Manfriend is painting the kitchen
My sister is painting a BEAUTIFUL new painting for our wall
And I'm sitting here relaxing...
With some red wine + dark chocolate.
Life.is.good.
See you tomorrow,
Lauren
I love the Fall looking pics, baby and protein cupcake. I'm on a new protein rampage and will def be making that :)
ReplyDeleteI sure wish I could get my dad to do any type of yoga or exercise in that matter. So cool that your dad enjoyed the class. And glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break with your family!!!
ReplyDelete~Michelle
@RuneatrepeatHave you tried SunWarrior? It will change your life!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great vacation! Glad you go to spend time with your family. Your parents sound awesome :)
ReplyDeleteHorray for dad doing yoga! I think mine would injure himself just trying to touch his toes! Hehe
ReplyDeleteI need to buy some Sun Warrior so that I can try your famous cupcakes. Every time I see them, my mouth waters. :-)
Glad to hear your hip is feeling better!
I love the starbucks oatmeal! it's such a healthy "fast food" breakfast alternative. pumpkin pie oatmeal is one of my favs too :) glad to see you had such a nice holiday!
ReplyDeleteWOW that was quite the Banana Republic haul!! Nice work! I love when Starbucks decorates for the holidays - it's so cozy-feeling and I could sit there all day!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful week!! I didn't take any pics on Turkey Day either...it was fun to just eat without a camera :) Hope you have a great week love!!
ReplyDeleteyou had quite the haul at banana republic. did you try all the clothes on prior to purchase?
ReplyDeletepainting is a blast. especially with music playing. i prefer dave matthews when painting but holiday music now is the standard.
have a great week
Wow, good for you for making that drive. On Thanksgiving no less! I did that once and I'll never do it again. The Jersey Turnpike is murder. We flew into Manchester airport from BWI and it was a quick hour flight.
ReplyDelete@matt gordon You bet I did! It was insane but I am quite fast when I'm determined :) haha
ReplyDelete@Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman Where do you live again?? I live about 10 mins from that airport!!
ReplyDeleteI will have to try that Bikram yoga- I'm a frequest runner and have heard it's great. (I have a gift certificate to that place in Manchester- wondering if that's where you went)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your e-mail too, going to get me some of that Sun Warrior!
Life IS good my dear, and glad you are so happy!!
ReplyDeleteGirl.. you hit the JACKPOT at BR! So jealous..!