Welcome to the food edition. Wait, isn’t that every week? This week I have some foodie finds to share with you, from snack bars to Instant Pot recipes.
And don’t forget to check out the Skirt Sports Mother’s Day sale (here). I definitely recommend anything in the Holiday print (which is on sale). In case something that isn’t on sale catches your eye (like the Cool It Skirt), use code 522CRJ for 15% off.
I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up a week of (mostly) good running weather and some strong runs.
Workouts update
- Monday: 1.5 mile easy + FTC Training Group (2 miles very easy), Rapid Results Pilates Arms, Abs & Stretch
- Tuesday: Dogwalk, 5 miles (3 @ tempo), Pop Pilates Muffin Melter
- Wednesday: Yoga, Dogwalk
- Thursday: Dogwalk, Pilates for Runners
- Friday: Dogwalk, 6 mile LSD with a fast finish (mission accomplished), YFR Foundation
- Saturday: Yoga, Dogwalk
- Sunday: 3.5 miles easy (last 3/4 with Bandit)
Mileage: 18 (+1.5)
JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Updates
Monday
A nice day, although rather cloudy so it felt a bit cooler, but once you got moving it was fine. I met up with Running Buddy J and we did 1.5 miles before the training group.
I got to lead the beginners’ group this day, and I started out at front then dropped back to the BOTPers as we neared the end. The workout was 2.75 miles or 35 minutes — we stopped at 35 minutes which was 2 miles. I know they are ready and I’d rather see them be more cautious with their running — most of them are just in it for fun and have actually done the race a few times.
Tuesday
It was a beautiful day to run. Bright sunshine and low humidity. The only problem? I ended up starting about the time I had meant to be finishing up so I was running through warmer temps than I’d planned on. Mainly because I was worried about it being too chilly if I started earlier. Go figure.
But with a flatter path and lower humidity, this was a strong tempo run. I didn’t completely nail it, but I came damn close. The middle mile I slowed down — despite it feeling faster — which is exactly why I don’t run by feel!
Friday
I still got out there later than I wanted to. It was a bit nippy when I walked the dogs, but by the time I got to the bike path it had turned sunny — but still on the cool side. Perfect. I was originally miffed that I had to miss the training group on Saturday for an early Mother’s Day celebration, but the truth is my parents did me a favor — this was far and away the best running weather of the week.
This was supposed to be a long run with the last 2 miles slighter faster. Oops. It turned into mostly negative splits. It was just the perfect day to run, and I felt in the zone. Always a nice feeling!
Sunday
I did a somewhat quick 3.5 miles. I had had every intention of doing this run on the treadmill before going to my parents yesterday, but decided I need another rest day and the weather, while a bit cool and cloudy in the morning, was much nicer today. I had stuff to do in the afternoon — it was beautiful then!
I actually ended up running this a bit faster than I really meant to, especially seeing as how I’ll be running 3 days in a row and one of those runs will be speedwork, but my legs oddly wanted to go faster. Which is a bit unusual for me!
Favorites of the week
When I read about the Honeystinger Cracker & Nut Butter Bars, I knew I had to try them. They did not disappoint. Chocolate, nut butter, and not too sweet — what could be bad? Nothing! Disclaimer: I am a Honeystinger Ambassador.
I am still in love with my Instant Pot. It’s the rare week that something doesn’t get cooked in there. My Weight Watchers leader is always raving about hummus chicken. I figured there must be an Instant Pot recipe, and sure enough there was. Start to finish I think this took maybe 20 minutes — and that includes shredding the chicken! You can find the recipe on my Instant Pot board (here) on Pinterest.
Speaking of Honeystinger, did you know they have a sampler? Packed with so much goodness. Find it here. It’s a great introduction to Honeystinger products.
Today I also had a lovely massage. They ran a special with a free paraffin treatment on either your feet or hands for Mother’s Day along with a 60 minute massage. When I asked how much extra it would be to do both hands & feet, she said it wouldn’t cost anything extra. So now I have smooth hands and feet — temporarily!
Happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate! Hugs to all whose mothers are no longer with them.
Blog posts that caught my eye this week:
This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.
Let’s get the conversation started:
Are you doing something special for yourself today?
What is your favorite spa treatment?
Milk or dark chocolate? (if you don’t like chocolate, I’m not sure we can be friends)
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I ran today and the sun was shining. That is special especially after racing the pouring rain yesterday.
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Do you know when applications for Honey Stinger ambassadors come out? I love HS products and that is one company I would love to be an ambassador for.
I hadn’t had a massage in a while but my mom and I went to get our feet done on Friday. They stuck me in one of those massage chairs and I just couldnt figure it out. I wanted the massaging only on my lower back and it kept pounding on my neck instead. finally I just gave up and turned it off. My feet look pretty though…lol. Have a good week Judy! -M
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I would’ve have said the end of fall, but Deborah wrote she just became one so maybe it’s year round. Here’s the application: https://www.honeystinger.com/sponsorship?tab=ambassadors
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I hadn’t heard about the cracker and nut butter bars – sound yummy!
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They are!
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LOVE getting a massage. And a massage with a paraffin treatment for hands and feet??? Sweet! Happy Mother’s Day!
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Thanks! The massage was a great price, too. 🙂
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Tell me more about the stinky trees! I didn’t understand what you meant!
I think I”m the only person who doesn’t like Honey Stinger–I find them to be too sweet. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth ( I know I’m a weirdo).
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The trees literally smell bad. No one knows what kind of trees they are but they’re all over that park!
I think you’re very lucky not to have much of a sweet tooth. Although the chocolate pb crackers are definitely not as sweet as many other Honeystinger products & chocolate & nut butter are my jam, so to speak. 🙂
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I’ve never smelled any stinky trees???
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They don’t have an odor for long, apparently, it was fine yesterday. But believe me, they sure did stink last week!
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The trees didn’t stink but the cow manure sure did LOL
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I don’t like them either.
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You’re not the only one. They are too much sugar!
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The nut butter crackers are not as sweet. And I love the HS chews — somehow they really work for me & although I have a real sweet tooth, I don’t like overly sweet stuff on long runs/races.
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I have been wanting to try the honey stinger bars too! I forgot to tell you that I just became an ambassador as well. I need to order the sampler pack asap! Have a great week
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Welcome to the Hive! I wanted to try those crackers but didn’t want to buy a whole box — I didn’t even know the sampler existed!
It’s packed with a lot of good stuff. Enjoy!
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Oh, definitely dark chocolate!! I’ve gotten so that I almost gag on milk chocolate anymore (unless it has nuts mixed in to counter-act the sweetness).
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Yup, I’m a dark chocolate girl too. Which is kind of funny, because I do still love sweet stuff!
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Those cracker n’ nut butter bars look good! I am usually a dark chocolate person, but occasionally I prefer milk chocolate when there is nut butter involved.
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I very rarely eat milk chocolate these days.
It’s funny, my mom says she prefers dark chocolate, too, but the truth is she only likes fairly sweet dark chocolate while I tend to go for the stuff that’s got a higher percentage of cocoa in it.
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Ooohhhhh….hummus 🙂
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It works in a slow cooker too. 🙂 But takes way longer than 20 minutes!
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Since I started running, I make sure to get the paraffin wax treatment when I get pedicures. I put my feet through a lot.
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I put my feet through a lot, too, but I tend to be more DIY when it comes to them. Except for my massages . . .
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I had no idea Honey Stinger had a sampler, I’ll have to check that out 🙂 I’m a fan of all chocolate but dark is my favorite!
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I’m an ambassador & I didn’t even know about the sampler!
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Definitely dark chocolate. Milk chocolate can sometimes be too sweet and make my teeth hurt. Sad, isn’t it? haha
I need to check out that Honey Stinger sampler pack! I used to get those waffle cookies all the time for my long runs. And that snack bar sounds right up my alley!
Yesterday, I went to the pool with Thing 2 and Grand Thing 1 and treated myself to a righteous sunburn. Rookie mistake. Apparently, I forgot to apply sunscreen to my entire. lower. half. Oh well, at least my boney shoulders are fine. *rolls eyes*
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Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have a pool! I’m very careful about sunscreen and hats and trying to stay in the shade. I burn really easily. And cancer runs in my family.
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I’ve used Honey Stinger products for a few years and I had no clue that they had a sampler pack – so cool! I have yet to try the new bars but I have heard they are yummy. I really love their gels and waffles.
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I think Bradford Pear trees stink too (we have some in our yard). They smell like bleach to me! The tulips are lovely, though. That’s one thing I sadly didn’t see any of this year! I have no doubt I’d love the Cracker N Nut Butter snacks. The sampler is a great idea to test their products. Thanks for linking!
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You get the prize! Mr. Judy looked it up & thinks they are Bradford Pears. Thankfully they don’t stink for long.
Since this area was originally settled by the Dutch, tulips are a big deal. In fact, there’s a Tulip Festival, which sadly I’ve never been to.
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What kind of trees are those with the nasty odor?
To answer your question, I am so not a spa kind of girl… I’ve never had a facial, don’t like massages, don’t like sitting still for 45 minutes every other week for my manicure (but I do because I like the way my nails look), and put off getting my hair cut and highlights put in as long as possible. Speaking of which, I need to make an apt for my hair asap!
To answer your other question, DARK chocolate! 🙂
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Turns out the trees are most likely Bradford Pears.
That’s so funny about not being able to sit still for a massage but managing to do it for a manicure!
I have a tendency to put off haircuts, too. One of the main reasons I don’t color my hair is because of the time involved! I did it for a few years & it just wasn’t for me.
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I’ll bet that HS sampler is good! I’m a dark chocolate kind of girl, although I won’t refuse milk chocolate either.
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The HS Sampler really does have a nice variety of products.
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