WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In case you were curious, I’m pretty darn excited to be starting a REAL LIFE JOB tomorrow. Pretending I’m a “blogger” by printing it on business cards does not make it legitimate employment, although I’d be lying if I said that wouldn’t be an awesome job. Some folks are curious, so although I probably won’t write about work much, I am the new Email Marketing Specialist for an advertising agency in town.

Seeing as this was my final celebration of midday freedom, I decided to a) sleep in b) schedule a long run and c) expect very little from myself. Hurray! Success on all accounts!

I still don’t feel I have my fueling needs perfected at this point, but on my 9 miler last week, when I only had one slice of toast, my stomach emptied COMPLETELY at mile 7.5ish, and the last mile was TOUGH. So, more food! It meant I waited around a little longer to digest more fully, but I didn’t end up hungry until mile 9, so I think it was successful? I definitely think I’m going to take a gel or some Shot Bloks during my 11 mile run up next, just to see how my stomach and muscles handle the extra calories.

Unfortunately, my best running friend went into the trash today.

My Monster iFreePlay has been my best workout buddy possible over the last 2ish years. As you can see from the foam rubbing away around the ear pieces, and as you can’t see, the tape wrapped around the middle, this piece of equipment has been well-loved. It’s cordless, compact, nifty (the Shuffle just plugs right in!), and it keeps my ears warm during cold runs. It stays in place, and I don’t have to shove little nubbies in my ears and fiddle with them constantly when they slip out of place – it doesn’t wiggle a bit. I definitely need to get another one before the big day! (20 days and counting!)

And I really need to get new music, despite overhauling it pretty significantly a few days ago. Any suggestions???

So, based on Monica’s patterns, I ran with a Powerade today (free from the Panerathon!), and when I finally cracked it open at mile 5, I noticed significant improvement in my overall energy later in the run. Despite my hemming and hawing about sugary electrolyte drinks, looks like I need them after all.

If only I were faster. 100+ minutes of running? I contemplated an ice bath when I got home. My legs are shot. I’m taking the next two days to heal and hopefully hit up some yoga. If I ever train for a long race again, I’m making sure it’s a trail run. Road running is rough.

Back at my car (I drove to a new path today), I downed the waiting bottle of water and another Panerathon freebie.

But I was still totally hungry, so after limping inside, I forewent [word?] a shower in favor of immediate satiation.

This was crafted while running. I cooked up 1/4 c oats and the rest of my morning banana in coconut milk, then added 1/2 c pumpkin, 1/3 c cottage cheese, half a scoop of protein powder, and topped it with toasted pecans, unsweetened coconut flakes and chia seeds. It was good, but I inhaled it too fast to really appreciate it. No joke, as soon as I was finished, my first thought was, “Okay, what to eat next?”

The bounty from my garden (seriously, look at that! And what is that long yellow pepper? Anyone know?) simply begged me to craft something tomato-related, and once I saw this, it was decided. Deb at Smitten Kitchen is just speaking to me lately! First red wine cake and now this!

And it was a bit of a labor of love.

Roasted tomatoes are so sexy, n’est-ce pas?

I followed the recipe precisely, except I quartered everything and didn’t roast up the garlic, as all I had was the pre-minced stuff. And I added parm on top of the mound of cheddar for good measure.

While waiting for it to finish, I whipped up some sunflower butter cookies to take to work tomorrow. I want everyone to be able to eat them, so they’re vegan, gluten and nut-free…and kind of strange? Whoops.

I used a flax egg and followed Averie’s recipe, but hers turned out WAY better than mine.

I’ve decided that sunbutter in epic proportions is like truffle oil, or cheese straws. There is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.” Oh well.

And the glory bubbling away in the oven?

After cooking for almost 2 hours, I face-planted directly into this. Perf.

I also watched The Sing Off tonight because my friend’s brother is in the Yellow Jackets (I know, Glee was on! I don’t have live TV and couldn’t watch the premiere tonight. I am sad. ), and it thrilled me to my core to hear the group Delilah. Despite the fact that I kind of hate the song itself (I don’t love bloody references in pop music), I LOVE me some good a cappella, and all-girl groups at that.

It reminded me of the time I was ellipticalling away the evening at the Y and caught this, and despite it being soundless, I was still blown away.

Girl power!!!

Wish me luck with my first day tomorrow!!!! xoxo