Mockingjay Schmockingjay

I started reading Mockingjay a month ago. Yeah, a month ago. Although I have heard poor reviews for the last book of the series, this is not the reason why it is taking me so long.  My sister's book club members have been incredibly busy and are still on book 2, so I have been trying my best to wait for them. I went on vacation and purposely brought a different book. I've been pushing magazines and newspapers up to my face before the book. But, I can't do it anymore!  Although I just said that the reason I'm taking so long is because of my book club, I can't help but think that if it was that great of a read, I wouldn't be pushing it aside so easily. Hmm...

I have 200 pages left, I will finish this week! Please do not disappoint Mockingjay!

The Woods

We live near the woods and often take our dogs for walks back there, so it's safe to say that I go into the woods just about every day. I know this is a little strange, but after reading The Hunger Games (I am almost done with book one) I look at the woods a bit different than I did before. I mean, I'm not out there looking for non-existent mockingjays - I haven't gone that mad yet. But, I feel as though I am more alert and aware of the things that are lurking in the woods as a result of reading this book. Or maybe it's just my imagination. Damn you Katniss Everdeen.

Racing the sun

It being Easter, I got started on my run a little late today. Late, like 6:30pm. The sun hasn't been going down until closer to 8 lately, but I had to put in 8 miles today and at a 10:30 pace, that's really pushin' it. Today, I was racing the sun to get my mileage in. Lucky for me, the sun went down around 7:50 but it wasn't totally dark until 8:15 or 8:30. Once again I was able to meet and exceed my goal even with this challenge thrown into the mix. I set out for 8 miles and ran 9. I'm not sure how long my body will allow this one mile increase each week, but I'm loving it. It feels so good to go out with a number in mind and be able to go beyond that. It feels better than good - it feels AMAZING. I know I'm not even to 10 miles, but the way things are going I am confident in my ability to be well-prepared for a full marathon. And, right now running is my outlet - I need it for my own sanity(crazy at work right now).  

When things get tough, better just go running...

The Hunger Games

Book One

I finally gave in and am reading The Hunger Games. I resisted for a while because I wasn't sure if this was just another Twilight phenomenon or something. But how could I not read this book? My sister is reading if for the second time and asked that we read it for our book club. I am so glad she brought it up. I'm only 50 pages in and I can't stop thinking about reading it more. So far, this book reminds me of The Giver by Lois Lowry, Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell...and that movie Hannah. I hope Katniss is like Hannah. Seriously. I'm only on book one, and I'm told it only gets better. I'm so excited about this, and totally kicking myself for waiting so long to pick it up! Oh well, I'm reading it now! I've only heard good reviews on these books, anyone hate it?

Marathon Training Guide

On February 1, 2012 I was registered for my first full marathon. My mom signed the both of us up, so no backing out. For those of you that know my mom, she's an incredible athlete and an Ironman. Yeah, an IRONMAN. So, we'll see if I can keep up with her!

I'm not sure it really sank in that I am running a marathon in October until about a week ago when I tried creating a training plan. Right now, I have 216 days until the Chicago Marathon. Seems like a long time, right? Wrong. That's 31 weeks. I'm sitting at 4 miles right now! Yikes.

Here is what I came up with for anyone that is looking for a marathon training plan, CLICK HERE. I think it will be challenging. I'm telling as many people as I can about this training plan so that I will stick to it!

Cupcakes :)

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to make cupcakes for a co-worker/friend's work baby shower. It has honestly been so long since I made cupcakes, and I couldn't tell you the last time I made them from scratch. I decided to go all out and try to make some vanilla bean cupcakes - who doesn't love vanilla bean. After some solid  research, I came up with this recipe from The Busty Baker. They turned out amazing. Not too sweet which created a perfect balance for the ridiculously sweet butter cream frosting that I chose to use from the Food Network. Needless to say, I will be returning to The Busty Baker for more guidance on baking.

Chobani Yogurt Pancakes

A while back I posted a recipe to facebook that I used at my sister's recommendation for Chobani Yogurt Pancakes. There is a Perfect Pancake recipe on the Chobani website, but based on the comments (and what my sister told me) the recipe isn't quite right. At any rate, the vortex of facebook's timeline sucked up my post and I cannot find it. So I re-created my own recipe! It's not in it's greatest form yet, but I used what I had on hand. We can make this healthier - suggestions welcome!

1 c.Whole Wheat Flour
1 c. Milk
2 smashed bananas
1 egg
1 6oz Chobani Vanilla Yogurt
1 tbsp Chia Seed


Serve with some turkey bacon and a Cup of Joe...perfect weekend run fuel!

P.s. My niece LOVED these so it's a good all around recipe.