Tag: Run

• Tacoma City Half Marathon

  Posted at 9:19 AM by Brittany, on May 5, 2014

  Yesterday I ran my 5th half marathon.

  

  It wasn’t my best race, in fact it was quite the struggle, but I am proud of my finish and even learned a few things throughout the run. Despite my desires to be a natural born cage fighter runner, I’m not. If I want an “easier” race I have to prep myself by training. My training for this half was sub-par, and not a single long run was successful for me.

  

  I fell off the running bandwagon that last week and did whatever I wanted for workouts.

  I made a plan for one month. My weekday runs were decent (always 9:30-9:40 pace range), but when I got to my 8,9,10 mile runs I had to walk..too much. Mentally I just couldn’t focus and I caved when my mind told me to walk. I didn’t complete the month.

  

  A midweek run. Proud of that pace, but I had to push it.

  Fast forward to race week. After a pathetic excuse for a 10 miler, I went in to the race yesterday with the hopes that adrenaline and fellow runners would carry me to the finish.

  

  My race partner!

  

  I had at least six new (unbeknownst to them) best friends that were twinning with me and my Seattle Marathon shirt.

  Pre race we had to wait for two hours inside a building built for small planes. My one and only complaint about this race. Everything else along the course was beautiful, and while the hills kicked my under trained ass, it was lovely and I would definitely do it again.

  They won my heart when they provided us with food and coffee.

  

  A giant plate of PB. I hadn’t had PB in months and I welcomed this plate onto my face.

  

  Brittany’s plate on the left, everyone else on the right.

  Here’s what I learned while running this race:

  1. When they tell you to never buy brand new shoes the day before a race…listen to them. Blisters on blisters on blisters.
  2. When your body says, “I HAVE to go!” You stop..even when it adds 6 minutes to your official time. Trot, trot, TROT.
  3. When your legs, knees, back, and joints start to physically hurt..it’s OK to walk.
  4. When you puke while running…you’re officially a bad ass.
  5. Sometimes listening to your body outweighs finishing with a certain time.
  6. A finish, is a finish, is a finish.
  7. I am not a super hero. I can run a half marathon (as can YOU) on minimal training and dead legs, but it won’t be pretty, and my ego will be bruised when I walk.
  8. It is possible to buy vegan treats and not want a single one of them.
  9. Not every race will go as planned, but every finish is something to be proud of.
  10. Running can always relate back to life. If you want something you have to work for it. If I want a new PR, or to run (mostly) pain free, I have to train. Simple as that.

  I bought new running shoes much too late, and although they were the newer model of what I ran in before, they hadn’t been broken in and gave me blisters.

  

  I had stomach issues for nearly the entire run (I’ll spare the details) and my legs were dead by mile 3 (this was ridiculous.) I walked…a LOT, and stopped to use the Randy Can which took literally 6 entire minutes (I def stopped my Garmin).

  While waiting in line I decided (mile 6) that this was a race I just wanted to complete regardless of my time. Stopping made my “official time” and my Garmin time different, but I’m going with Garmin. I also ran another .2 mi after I stopped my watch. Longer course.

  

  I may sound like I’m complaining, but really I am quite humbled and I’m not at all upset about my performance. Overall I had a good time! I embraced the slower pace, I was able to run across the bridge I have been wanting to run for years, and I finished strong when I wanted to crawl. That’s what I call success. I’m a slower runner, and I finally accept that!

  While I am most proud of my first solo half marathon (which holds my current PR), this race I’m proud of myself for not being too critical and embracing another finish!

  

  OH, and did anyone catch what I said about the treats? You know your stomach is in shambles when you buy FOUR treats from your favorite bakery and don’t want ANY!

  

  Not to worry though, I ate the bottom right hours later after destroying a giant salad.

  Q: How do you handle humbling experiences like this?

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Asics, Bearded Lady, Cupcake, Half Marathon, Run, Vegan

• Speaking of…

  Posted at 8:26 AM by Brittany, on May 1, 2014

  Ask me why I blog and I’ll tell you a few different things. I love the motivation to continue to achieve my goals with the option of sharing on here, I love the connections I’ve made with people all over the world, and I love the inspiration I find to bake and create new treats in my kitchen. I also reallllyyy love getting free stuff.

  

  Vega is one of the few vegan friendly products I will buy. These recover bars are ideal after a long run for me. While I’d much rather refuel with whole foods, sometimes when I’m in a pinch a bar with 15G of plant based protein, and an ingredient list that I understand works for me! I was given these bars for free, but the opinion is my own.

  Speaking of bars, I am taking a bit of a break from treats (again.) I do this from time to time, but I’m trying to find loopholes. Instead of buying a rice milk ice cream bar with over 20G of sugar, I opted for these Mojo bars. They rock my face reallllll hard.

  

  The S’mores bar didn’t stand a chance, eaten before the photo.

  They still have sugar, but I treat them like a candy bar. They are so freaking GOOD! After my half marathon this weekend (EEEK) I will be face planting a giant cupcake for sure.

  SPEAKING OF SUGAR, it’s officially Frappuccino Happy Hour at Starbucks. AKA from 3-5 PM all fraps are half off. AKA I have never hated fraps more in my life. Thankfully I mainly work mornings, but this Saturday I have the pleasure of handcrafting sugar bombs from 8a-5p. UGH. My shoulders already hurt from all the syrup pumping to come.

  

  TRUTH

  Speaking of Starbucks, (I’m purposely working these smooth transitions into this post) I bought myself a new mug. This is the 4th mug I’ve purchased since starting at the Bucks last year. I wait for the mugs to go on sale, and then I pounce. I spent $3.79 on this.

  

  Summer means lots of fruit and a fresh white mug.

  Speaking of mugs/jars/glass stuff, (last segue I promise) I bought these measuring cups months ago from World Market, and never got around to sharing.

  

  

  I love.

  Tip of the day: If you must buy yourself a half off frap, try one of my favorite creations. Get a coffee frappuccino (because this is just coffee and a skosh of milk (I use soy) ) and sub in a banana INSTEAD of the sugar frap base. The banana acts as a binding agent and the base is no longer needed. This makes your “frap” just coffee, milk, banana, and ice.

  Also, don’t be a douche. Tip the baristas.

  Q: How do you recover after an intense workout?

  

  | 50 Comments Tagged Half Marathon, Run, Starbucks, Vega, Vegan, World Market

• Blueberry/Banana Oatcakes

  Posted at 3:41 AM by Brittany, on April 18, 2014

  Whenever I increase my running distances, my appetite goes up too. Go figure right? I find that I get by fine on shorter runs with a big bowl of fruit, but sometimes I like to add just a little bit more into my tank before jetting out the door.

  

  Pancakes are a classic breakfast for “lazy mornings,” but I had a 5 miler planned which turned these pancakes into power oatcakes. Plus, they are thick and packed with goodness.

  

  Running takes effort, but making these oatcakes was easy. I used one bowl and cleanup was easy. Once my pan was ready to go it took less than 10 minutes to make these. Don’t be fooled, these are not your grandmas light and fluffy pancakes. They are meant for a morning full of adventure and movement. I was full for hours!

  Blueberry/Banana Oatcakes

  
  Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup quick cook oats
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tblsp brown sugar
  • 1 tblsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 flax egg (1 tblsp flax + 3 tblsp warm water)
  • 1 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 cup frozen blueberries

  

  Directions

  1. Prepare your flax egg and set aside.
  2. Combine your flour, oats, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a medium sized bowl and combine well.
  3. Add in your flax egg, almond milk, and vanilla and stir until combined. Fold in your blueberries.
  4. Use a well sprayed pan or skillet and depending on how large you want your pancakes pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and cook until brown on each side.
  5. Top with bananas and maple syrup. I also added some almond butter to mine!

  

  These powered me through my run, and a shopping trip to Costco. Booya! It’s officially that time of year where running is once again enjoyable. I love spring running!

  Q: Do you like fluffy pancakes, or dense pancakes? I like both, but for different occasions!

  

  | 30 Comments Tagged Pancakes, Recipe, Run, Running, Spring, Vegan

• Jumbled Mind

  Posted at 9:52 AM by Brittany, on April 1, 2014

  Oh hey there, remember me? I contemplated blogging while away on my east coast adventures, and as you can see I decided not to blog…at all. The mini break was amazing, but the only downside is that I have ALL THIS STUFF I want to share. I don’t even know where to begin, and my mind is a jumbled mess. I’ll just start at the beginning and the end.

  Upon arrival in DC I was in need of a feast. Let’s be real though…when am I NOT in need of a feast? Megan and I met up with Sarah at this immensely eclectic diner called Paper Moon. I was so overstimulated with things to look at I felt like I had ADD..in a good way.

  

  Menu

  

  

  I wanted to take a green leg home with me for my wall, but figured airport security would take me into questioning. The inside was just as bizarre, and the food was fantastic.

  Traveling sure is tough.

  

  

  Oh hey there hummus, thanks for coming to the party in my mouth.

  We chatted running, life, and had a wonderful time. I love bloggers!

  

  Such flattering lighting.

  Later in the week Megan and I visited a coffee shop that had a similar vibe. I had my coffee with a cat, no big deal. I adore local coffee shops! The coffee was delicious too…I love coffee.

  

  The final hurrah before my trek back home was another feast, but this time I earned it. I set out to run 4-5 miles, and ended up running 8 miles. I blame/thank Megan for that.

  

  

  This path was gorgeous, and I can see why it’s so popular. The torrential down pour that caused snot to drip from my face, and gave me the look of a lost rat made me feel at home. DC blessed me with some gorgeous weather. The best part was that long miles = food.

  

  This place was PACKED. I’m talking a 40 minute wait. I was getting so hangry I just about ate the books right off the wall. It was worth the wait though, and my burger/brownie was to.die.for. I also had the pleasure of meeting Nikki, and she was simply wonderful!

  

  Scratch made vegan burger and oh look, more sweet taters.

  

  

  Topped with soy ice cream.

  

  A perfect vegan meal, with two lovely ladies. I couldn’t have asked for a better last day in the DC area. I have two other blogger meet ups, including a wedding that will be hard to top, a mountain adventure, and exploring new cities still to share. I’m already planning my next trip! I’m also ready to sign up for another half marathon after that 8 miler!

  Q: WHAT HAVE I MISSED IN YOUR LIVES!?!

  

  | 44 Comments Tagged Bloggers, Chocolate, DC, Food, Run, Running, Vegan

• Raw Vegan Banana Cream Pie

  Posted at 4:24 AM by Brittany, on March 12, 2014

  While perusing the black hole that is Pinterest, I stumbled upon a recipe I just had to conquer. This was one of those, “if I don’t make this in 5-7 days I may spontaneously combust.” It was serious. I pinned it, and promptly bought ingredients the next day.

  

  

  Raw..vegan..and full of deliciously healthy fats? I’m sold.

  

  Creating an exceptional food item makes me feel alive. It’s similar to the feeling I get when I complete a really hard run. I feel accomplished, and that I’ve done something wonderful. Pair the two together and I’m on cloud nine. These happen together often, because I don’t normally like to eat two slices of pie unless I’ve earned them with a good run.

  

  Raw Vegan Banana Cream Pie 

  By Minimalist Baker

  Ingredients

  FOR THE CRUST:

  • 1 cup raw walnuts (perhaps a bit more, my crust was a little on the soft side)*See note
  • 1 cup pitted dates (soaked for 10 minutes in warm water and drained)

  FOR THE FILLING:

  • 1 1/4 cups raw cashews soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drained
  • 4 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (I used maple flavored agave)
  • 1 medium just ripe banana
  • 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk (I mixed the cream on top into the milk before measuring)
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 4 Tbsp lemon juice

  

  Directions

  1. Place soaked dates in a food processor or blender and process until small bits remain and/or it forms into a ball. I used my blender. Remove and set aside.

  2. Process or blend walnuts until a powdery consistency is achieved. This step was difficult with my blender, and some nuts were chunky (not a big problem though.) A processor would be better. Add back in dates with a pinch of salt and mix to combine.

  3. Press into a medium pie pan lined with parchment/wax paper. Press until flat, going up the sides about 1/2 inch. My crust didn’t end up filling all the sides. Place in freezer to set.

  4. Add all filling ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. It should be silky smooth when completely combined. Then pour into crust and smooth with a spoon. Cover and freeze until set. At least 4-6 hours, but I left mine overnight.

  5. When ready to serve let your pie sit out for about 10 minutes. Then top.

  *Note: This crust isn’t like a “typical crust.” It will still be a bit soft despite being the in the freezer. This is why you will want to ensure you use a wax lined paper, it will make getting your slice out of the pan a cinch. Or you can just dig right in with a spoon, that works too.

  

  I used the leftover coconut milk to make a quick whipped cream, and then sprinkled peanuts on top. Simple, but delicious! I have a chargeable whipped cream canister that makes for effortless whipped cream, but if you don’t have one this recipe is great.

  

  I hope you’ll understand why I had two slices, I just couldn’t stay out of this pie! My last slice was drizzled with some almond butter, it was the perfect addition.

  

  

  

  Q: Who wants a slice?? 

  

  | 54 Comments Tagged Dessert, Food, Pie, Raw, Recipe, Run, Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 7:32 AM by Brittany, on March 10, 2014

  1. I’ve been hearing birds/owls in the mornings. This is exciting news. I will relish in this while I can because I know that come July I will want to shank them for waking me up.

  2. I went for a run in the rain a few days ago. It was lovely. There is nothing quite like the smell of (fresh/new) wet wood.

  

  3. I want to chop my hair. It’s at the awkward stage and all I do is throw it back. I need to get some guts cause I want to cut it short…real short. Maybe I’ll just buzz it all off.

  4. Sometimes all I need to do is go somewhere that has wonderful memories and just sit.

  

  5. I haven’t been to Disneyland in almost two years….if I don’t go soon you might see me on the news for behavior I cannot be held responsible for. Disney made me do it…

  6. I went painting on Saturday, and it was serious bidness. I think I’ll quit my life and move into the forest to paint trees and leaves on things..yeah..that’s my plan.

  

  

  I’m going to destroy some vegetables in this bowl.

  7. I made a raw vegan banana cream pie yesterday. It rocked my face soooo hard. I will be posting the recipe soon. Be prepared to rock face with me. I’m obsessed.

  8. I hoard Starbucks cups. They are perfect for “out the door” transportation. I also hoard 1lb bags of coffee, which means a giveaway is coming.

  

  Yeah, these are all empty. Oh look, some holiday cups! Those are for the middle of summer when I am craving Christmas time.

  9. This article…yes! If you’re a frequent coffee shopper, please read. Not for kids.

  10. It was a long winter season of running in my Asics. Some sunny weather pushed me to bust out my Vibrams. After 10 miles in my bare-footers, my calves were murdered.

  

  

  No shame in my game. I definitely wore this catastrophe of color.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 55 Comments Tagged Art, Coffee, Confessions, Painting, Random, Run, Running, Vegan

• Discover Portland: Foodie Tourist

  Posted at 7:18 AM by Brittany, on February 26, 2014

  My trip to Stumptown coffee would fall into the playing tourist category, but was so monumental it deserved a post of its own. After my race I needed coffee, but I also needed something else…something sugary and naughty. I needed a VOODOO doughnut.

  

  

  Initially I went to the location downtown, but after seeing how long the line was I decided to drive to another location. Still a line, but not nearly as long.

  

  I would have waited, but my copilot said no.

  The wait time was about 15 minutes, not bad. I somehow pulled willpower out of my back pocket as if it had always lived there, and I saved my two donuts for later.

  

  

  I got a classic powdered doughnut with a raspberry filling, but you don’t want to see that. What you’ll want to see is the chocolate, Oreo, peanut butter doughnut that rocked my face so hard I kicked myself for only getting one. Seriously..unreal. I’d drive back just for this…

  

  

  iPhone photos

  I saved this treat for specific reasons, I had my stomach set on a Portland vegan meal. I’ve wanted to try Bye and Bye since reading about it in a blog post a yr ago. I’ve never been a fan of bars or pubs, but this place stole my soul. I would come here every weekend. With an all vegan menu, cute customers, and an even cuter bartender I was swooning..hard.

  

  

  Arrows point to what I ordered.

  The food was amazing, but my photos are terrible. It was dark and I used my iPhone, so I’ll spare you my atrocities and share these photos I found online. My meal was out of this world, and I could easily eat the same thing everyday. Photos linked to original source.

  

  

  I could meet my vegan/granola soul mate at this bar.

  With a full tummy, it was time to finally head home! I got about 20 minutes into my drive and it was doughnut time. My two day trip to Portland has been alive all week as I spaced out these blog posts, and I can’t wait to go back. When I do I’m grabbing a Voodoo to go with my free Stumptown coffee. Pure bliss.

  Q: What’s your favorite way to experience new areas? By foot, food, and exploration! 

  

  | 53 Comments Tagged Adventure, Donuts, Portland, Run, Vegan, Voodoo donuts

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• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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