The Three ‘R’s

The three ‘R’s of today’s post: Recipes, Running, and product Reviews.

Recipes

I really enjoy baking and didn’t get to do it while I was in Minnesota, so it was high on my to-do list when I returned.

Monster Cookies

I love the chewiness of oats in cookies–and plus the healthiness of oats makes up for the unhealthiness of the other ingredients, right?!?! Everything in moderation. . . it is the best rule to live (and eat) by.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon corn syrup

1/4 cup butter

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup M&Ms

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl in the order above. Drop onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 9-10 minutes or until browned on the edges.

Blueberry Banana Muffins

Muffins are one of my favorite baked goods to make, and these muffins were dynamite!!

Adding banana to muffins makes any muffin recipe that much better. I loved how the outside of the muffin was slightly chewy. .. . . mm, mm!!

Ingredients:

1 cup spelt flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal

1 egg

1/6 cup canola oil

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/4 – 1/3 cup dried blueberries (I didn’t actually measure the dried blueberries or walnuts, so I am just guessing.)

1/8 – 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and flaxseed in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, oil, and banana. Then add the sugar. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in blueberries and walnuts. Spoon into muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

What I especially love about spelt flour is the higher protein content. Here’s a website that provides more information about spelt flour.

Running

I am kind of surprised how long it has taken my body to recover from the marathon, but then again I did push it to the max.

The week following the marathon, I did not do any running or cross-training. I attempted to bike one day last week but my quads were not too happy!! I biked very slowly for about 20 minutes and then called it good.

This week I’ve done runs between 2-4 miles and boy do they seem long and some-what difficult. However, I know my body will recover and I will be back at it again soon!!

Stretching after each run is something I try to be very intentional about. I love how it feels and my muscles get SO tight when I run, so it is essential I spend time stretching.

These are some things I use on a regular basis to help loosen up my muscles.

The Stick

I love using The Stick to massage the muscles in my legs!! It feels so good and it requires very little effort. Each of the white spindles rotate individually which is great. This is the travel size, so the company does have longer versions, but I have been more than satisfied with this model.

Foam Roller

The foam roller is especially great for massaging my IT (iliotibial) band. However, I also use it on my quads and adductors as well. Don’t expect the foam roller to feel good, you might be whincing in pain a little, but it does help!! It is a good hurt.

Foam rollers come in various lengths and densities as well. This is a short one and the least dense–hence the white color. The darker the color, the more dense the foam.

The whiter ones are cheaper, but the foam breaks down faster. I have been able to notice this after six months.

Tennis Ball

This little guy is great for the gluteal muscles. It can really pinpoint certain muscles and deep tissue areas.

There are companies who make and market special massage balls, but save your money and just use a tennis ball.

Product Reviews

And finally for today’s post, two new items I’ve recently tried.

I really liked this cereal–crunchy and flavorful. I would definitely buy it again.

The nutrition facts aren’t too bad.

I like that the ingredients list is very short, and I can pronounce everything.

Companies are really starting to catch the Greek yogurt wave. Now Danon and Yoplait have their own Greek yogurt. I have tried honey flavored Greek yogurt before but have not been impressed, and this kind left me disappointed again.

Each time the honey flavoring seems so fake and runny–not like real honey. Next time I’ll just buy plain Greek yogurt and add my own honey.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Watch for a recap of my adventures on Monday.