Tag: Vegan

• Starbucks Christmas Espresso Coffee Tasting

  Posted at 3:42 AM by Brittany, on October 28, 2014

  Over the summer I took a general biology class to kick start my back to school adventures. It was the first of four classes I needed to take in order to apply to a holistic nutrition program, and it was a fantastic class. It wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t hard. I learned a lot and had plenty of free time to spend my summer in the mountains.

  

  

  

  Fast forward to now and my life consists of chemistry and Starbucks. One of these is not like the other. By that I mean I love my job, and I hate my class. I’m in a constant mood of “blah” and I miss my mountain adventures. Things feel chaotic and I am no longer in a constant place of zen.

   

  

  I’ve realized spending each and every day stressing over one class is doing nothing but damage. My grade isn’t benefiting from my stress, and my happiness is nonexistent. In an attempt to balance my life again I’ve decided to focus on myself, and not feel guilty about it. When I’m done with my school work for the day – I’ll be done. I will do something for myself and not think twice.

  OK I may think twice at first, but in time I hope to balance out my work and play. I started with an at home coffee tasting pairing Starbucks 2014 espresso blend with a pumpkin fudgy cookie.

  

  Life is too short to be miserable, and this class is not worth my stress. If I do the work, I know I will be fine. So I put away my books and turned on my oven to create this mouthwatering pairing.

  These cookies are VERY rich, but mildly sweet. Think of them as a breakfast cookie, making them an acceptable pairing for your morning cup of coffee – specifically this espresso roast.

  Pumpkin Fudgy Truffle Cookies

  

  Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup raw/organic cacao nibs

  Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Combine all items except the nibs in a food processor or large bowl and mix until well combined. Add in the nibs and scoop each cookie onto a lined baking sheet, or use a pizza stone like I do. This made 12 cookies.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are firm and center isn’t mushy.

   

   

  

  These cookies are soft like a truffle, fudgy like a brownie, and round like a cookie. It’s the best of all three worlds. The raw nibs balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup, but for a sweeter cookie use regular chocolate chips instead. I’m trying to behave with my sugar intake. Trying.

  Tasting Notes: The espresso blend has a caramel sweetness to it that pairs beautifully with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices. The acidity is low and the body is full helping to enhance the pumpkin flavors of these cookies. Each bite and each sip came together holding hands like two preschool kids on the playground. Two thumbs way, WAY up for this blend.

  

  This coffee will be available to the public sometime next month. I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I just couldn’t resist this deliciously smooth coffee. A warm cup of the holidays is the perfect way to slow down & appreciate life one day at a time, wouldn’t you agree?

  

  Q: What are your go to activities when you’re in need of some balance? For me I need to explore, bake, run, blog, or simply enjoy a good book or tea with a friend. 

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Coffee Tasting, Gluten Free, Recipe, School, Starbucks, Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:12 AM by Brittany, on October 24, 2014

  1. They’re baaaaccckkk…

  

  Coming to a Starbucks near you after November 1st.

  2. I kind of want to run a marathon..but I’m really scared.

  3. My typical grocery haul is what I like to call balance.

  

  4. I dislocated my elbow last week (at 4am), and spent 15 minutes trying to put it back in its socket. Sadly this has happened a handful of times before, but not recently. I cried, yelled for my mommy, pulled it back into place, and then went to work. Damn you yoga planks…

  5. Still obsessed with fall squash. 6. I really miss hiking, and being active all day. I’ve been so sedentary with school lately I’m starting to grow another human off my backside.

  7. Folded/curled chips > flat chips. I will dig throughout an entire bag searching for all of the folded chips. Don’t even get me started on when 5 chips are baked on top of each other.

  I guess once a digger always digger.

  

  8. I rarely have enough free time to spend reading blogs. Have I mentioned how badly school is cramping my style? Is it December yet??

  9. I don’t even have time to focus on creating tastings with my one true love – black crack.

  

  10. I want a new iPhone (I’m still rocking the iPhone 4 I got in 2011)…and the Garmin 220….and a trip to Ireland…and room filled with coffee and chocolate.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 92 Comments Tagged Coffee, Confessions, Random, Running, Vegan

• Squashed

  Posted at 3:46 AM by Brittany, on October 21, 2014

  A few weeks ago I purchased “all the squash.” I wanted to do something fun with each of them, and I think I accomplished just that. Below are the random creations I came up with for five different types of squash. I don’t have recipe measurements because I usually just throw things together, but this will give you an idea of different flavor combinations to experiment with!You’ll see I used the outer “shell” of each squash as my bowl. Eating directly out of the squash shell is almost more fun than tormenting small children. Almost.

  Spaghetti Squash

  Named for its string like consistency, this squash is a fun substitute for noodles.

  

  In the mix: olive oil, nutritional yeast, pepper, jalapenos, broccoli and cauliflower.

  

  Butternut Squash

  The squash with a funny name and an equally funny shape. Borderline inappropriate for both…

  

  In the mix: Sauteed kale, cubed/roasted butternut squash, cranberries, cashews, olive oil, salt, pepper, and (un-pictured) quinoa.

  Leftover butternut squash was consumed for dessert with almond butter.

  Kabocha Squash

  The squash I want to wear as a hat.

  

  In the mix: Quinoa and gluten free penne pasta with tomatoes and brussels sprouts, topped with a vegan “cheese” sauce.

  For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tblsp gluten free flour
  • 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 clove (chopped) garlic
  • pinch of salt

  Combine all ingredients into a sauce pan and heat on low for about 4 minutes. Stir often until sauce becomes thick. I paired this with 1/2 cup (precooked) quinoa, and 1 cup (precooked) penne.

  Acorn Squash

  A squash that resembles an acorn. Ever seen a squirrel try to eat one of these?

  

  In the mix: Cinnamon topped honeycrisp apples baked right into the center of the squash. Drizzled with a dash of raw honey to bring out the sweetness of the apples.

  Pumpkin

  October would not be complete without pumpkin, the quintessential fall squash. Pie pumpkins are perfect for making a meal or a treat. Naturally I chose treat.

  

  In the mix: Pumpkin Joe’s O’s, cashew butter, cinnamon, and vanilla coconut ice cream.

  Perfect ending to the squashed adventures.

  Q: What’s your favorite squash recipe? INSPIRE ME, leave a link in the comments!

  

  | 49 Comments Tagged Fall, Pumpkin, Recipe, Squash, Vegan

• Poulsbo Half Marathon – Take Two

  Posted at 3:59 AM by Brittany, on October 16, 2014

  Last Sunday I completed my sixth half marathon, and it was absolutely fantastic.

  

  This was my second time running the Poulsbo half, and it is the only half I’ve repeated thus far. This is also the course that holds my current PR from last year. Everything about this race is my favorite from the course to the time of year. October makes for perfect running weather.

  

  This year Lily was in town to run it too, and she took second female overall. No big deal.

  As for me, the race was just what I expected. My training was on point, and although I didn’t get a PR I was CLOSE. I felt strong the entire race, and didn’t feel the desire to walk despite the massive hills throughout the course. My time was about 2 minutes and 23 seconds slower than last year (and my current PR,) which I was more than OK with.

  I finished with a time of 2:11:52, a 10:03 pace.

  

  I wasn’t sure what to expect with this race because despite finishing all my long runs, my mid week runs were slacking the last couple weeks because I was so wrapped up with school. I also didn’t have “fresh legs” because of all the exploring/hiking Lily and I did the two days prior.

  I think I’ve come to a point where running half marathons are not longer a “big deal.” I didn’t feel nervous, and I was only moderately tired/sore after. I did run this entire race in my Vibram’s, which I had never done before. This contributed to some sore calves, but otherwise they were great. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this race.

  

  I’d also like to thank my giant spaghetti feast and this Texas sized cookie for my prerace fuel.

  My mentality throughout my entire training process and the race itself was they key to my successful run. I smiled, I laughed, I cheered on other runners, and I knew that I had the ability to finish strong. I’m still on such a runners high, & I’m searching for half marathon number #7!

  

  I didn’t stop my watch at 13.1 so this is my time for an extra .04 of a mile. Every second counts.

  Q(s):

  • Runners, what’s your favorite time of year to run?
  • Non runners, what’s your favorite time of year to do outdoor activities?

  

  | 54 Comments Tagged Fall, Half Marathon, October, Race, Run, Vegan

• Adventures with Lily

  Posted at 3:40 AM by Brittany, on October 14, 2014

  I had the pleasure of spending last Thurs-Mon with a dear friend I met through blogging. Lily and I became friends through blogging wayyy back when this little blog first started, and our friendship has blossomed more and more as each day passes. I went to her wedding before we actually met in person, because blogging has a magical way of bringing people together.

  When deciding what to squeeze into the few days she was here, this is what I came up with.

  Hiking

  

  

  

  A four mile hike in the heart of the Olympic Mountains. The views were stunning as per usual.

  

  Playing Tourist

  

  Deciding what baked goods to purchase is serious business.

  I took Lily to Pike Place Market for baked goods (for both), beer (for her), coffee (for me), salmon (for her), and a day of Seattle exploration. I also got a cookie the size of Texas to split.

  

  Half Marathoning

  

  We both ran the Poulsbo half marathon. A separate post dedicated to this race will come later this week, but I’ll just say the race was fantastic, and Lily got 2nd female overall. She is a beast.

  Coffee Dates

  

  Lily humored my love for coffee and went on multiple coffee/tea/beer dates with me. I got coffee every time because I am a square and I like square things. Like black coffee.

  Random Activities

  

  Building a sad yet epic looking haunted house.

  

  Carb loading on pasta and bread pre race.

  

  I got Lily to try a handful of vegan items. The success rate was about 50/50.

  CliffsNotes Version: We ate, we drank, we laughed, we hiked, we ran, and we explored.

  A fantastic weekend with fantastic company.

  Q: Have you made any friends through blogging? I’ve made a handful of solid friends that I cannot imagine my life without!

  

  | 47 Comments Tagged Bloggers, Half Marathon, Run, Seattle, Vegan

• Not My “Standard” Deviation

  Posted at 3:43 AM by Brittany, on October 9, 2014

  My typical daily eats look a little something like this: nut buttes, fruits, veggies, nut butter, cayenne pepper, tempeh, beans, nut butter, cinnamon, and nut butter. Basically I eat the same foods day in and day out, and the only deviations I usually make are for treats. I like to think the wicked healthy diet I eat balances out the treats I allow myself once in a while.

  Sometimes my deviations take me away from my standard treats of just cupcakes and cookies. Sometimes I enjoy being wild. I’m not talking “see you on the 5 o’clock news” wild, I’m talking straying from my clean eats for season themed treats wild. When it’s fall and pumpkins are everywhere, I trip into the genius marketing traps faster than a mating rabbit.

  Let’s take a look at last weeks “pre long run” dessert of choice. FOUR pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, at least 2 tblsp cashew butter, and a solid serving of vanilla coconut ice cream. Twice…in two days.

  

  I thought I had it under control with the pumpkin themed treats by keeping it at one simple and happy box of cookies, but then I began to see pictures online of pumpkin this and pumpkin that…so after my 10 miler I went to Trader Joe’s…again.

  With a sweaty face, and a determined spirit this is what I walked out with…

  Breakfast Foods

  

  I use the term “breakfast food” loosely because I don’t actually eat these for breakfast. I need something of solid substance and these two just aren’t solid in my book. I used the cereal for multiple desserts, and the bagels for a snack. The cereal was good, but the bagels knocked my pants off. I’m talking clear across the room off. Topped w/cashew butter and cinnamon.

  If you take anything away from this post let it be this: get these bagels in your life right now. Don’t even look at the ingredient label, just put them in your cart.

  Snack Foods

  

  Fortunately for me, most of the snack items had dairy in them which made them easy to stay away from. These pita crisps however, did not. I basically had to wrestle my own arm to keep it out of the bag. This is not a safe scenario while driving. These.Are.Un.Real. Get them. Now.

  Dessert Foods

  Also known as, the most important meal of the day. As you already know I snagged a box of the pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, which took me all of two days to consume. I did have a little help. Those Joe-Joe’s were festive and fun, but Halloween would not be complete without at least one box of Halloween Joe-Joe’s, the one cookie I immediately turn into a 12 yr old child after purchasing.

  Plus, I can’t deviate toooo much from my standard treat “norm.”

  

  Fun Fact: This photo of Joe-Joe’s is from this post, where I first shared my love for pumpkin faced cookies as I finished my last week working at Trader Joe’s in 2012! I still miss that job…

  How about a recipe?!

  

  Pumpkin Pie Cereal Cluster

  • 2 cups Trader Joe’s “Joe-O’s”
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 1/4 cup cashew butter
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 tblsp cinnamon

  1. Mix together cereal, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon.
  2. Heat on low to combine honey, cashew butter, and pumpkin puree. Once smooth pour over cereal.
  3. Set in fridge for 10 minutes. Serves three-four.

  These were meant to be cereal bars, but didn’t hold together as well as I had hoped. The flavor was TOO GOOD not to share though, so make do with a cluster.

  There you have it, my version of “PUMPKIN EVERYTHING.” I’d also like to note I did purchase substantial food items too like all this squash, pounds of honeycrisp apples, enough vegetables to power a mini van, and enough beans to (gas) power a tiny home, but these are wayyy more fun.

  Q: Have you fallen prey to the pumpkin themed treats?? 

  

  | 48 Comments Tagged Garmin, Pumpkin, Recipe, Run, Trader Joes, Vegan

• Experimenting on Humans

  Posted at 6:16 AM by Brittany, on October 2, 2014

  In science, whenever someone has a hypothesis about something, they have to run a serious of tests based on observations and experiments in order to form a solid theory. In running, whenever I have a hypothesis about observed correlations between outside factors and my results, I test them multiple times to prove my own type of theory..for my own body. Still with me?

  When it comes experimenting on humans, there isn’t much leeway. It’s unethical to a certain degree to do such a thing, but if the human being tested on is yourself I’d say you’re in the clear!

  

  Human experiment gone wrong.

  Test # 1: The Less is More Test – For this experiment I decided to take into account how my body felt after loading up on food the morning of a long run. My results were almost always the same. I felt slow, and sluggish. I then decided to put “carb-loading” to the test by eating a substantial amount of food the day before my run, and LESS food the day of my actual run. If I let science do the talking I can assume the food I consumed the previous day has been stored for readily available energy, allowing me to eat lighter before my actual run.

  Results: For the last two weeks I’ve been testing this idea and it’s been proven correct for my personal running adventures. When I eat less the day of, I run lighter and don’t feel as sluggish.

  

  Something like this the night before…plus 10993784 more carbs and some nut butter.

  

  Something like one of these before my run, plus maybe 30 minutes to digest.

  Test # 2: The Coffee Test – What I’m about to say will surely shock you. I normally consume around 10-12 oz of coffee a day. That’s it. One cup, that I rarely finish all of. I know, I know…the coffee loving barista only drinks a small amount of coffee. What can I say I’m naturally energetic. Or am I? After consuming an extra cup or two of coffee before a fatigue free long run, I decided to drink an extra cup within 30 minutes of my next planned run.

  Results: Every time I’ve had coffee within 30 minutes before my run I felt an elevated boost of energy. This has resulted in me ALWAYS wanting a cup before my runs, because feeling tired 2 miles into a 10 mile run is all kinds of problematic. More black crack please.

  

  Test # 3: The “GETCHURMINDRIGHT” Test – For this experiment I decided to pump myself up by telling myself before a long run, “you GET to go run 9 miles,” instead of “you HAVE to go run 9 miles.” I did this for my last three long runs, and I also mentally prepared myself for the distance by taking it one mile at a time.

  Results: Master your mind, master your life. Running (and a lot of other things in life) is mostly mental. Blocking out the negativity resulted in three extremely positive long runs. After practicing a positive mind space I noticed my runs were, dare I say COMPLETELY enjoyable. I wasn’t dying mid way to ten miles, I gracefully trotted into the final mile.

  

  Test # 4: The Every Other Day Test – What I’m about to admit is not something I’m proud of, but it’s real life so roll with me here. This experiment was completely unplanned, and sprouted based on a semi uncontrollable situation. My training schedule had me running 4 times a week, with two cross train days, and one rest day. Up until a couple weeks ago I was running probably 5 times a week, and bouncing between two cross train days with a random rest here and there.

  When I was asked to work a double shift at work a couple weeks ago, mentally I was distraught about having to skip my 5 mile run (I could have run in the dark if I wanted, but…I didn’t want to.) I am very schedule oriented and this messed with my mind. Do I know that if I skip a run I will be fine? Yes, but that doesn’t make it any easier. So I skipped my run, and guess what happened? I ran 8 miles the next day. If I’ve done my math correctly, that’s 3 more miles than planned. AND IT FELT AMAZING. So I tested the idea of running one day, and resting the next.

  Results: For the last two weeks I’ve taken WAAaaAAyy more rest days than scheduled, and done a serious of run, rest, run, rest, with a few back to back runs or workouts thrown in the mix. This has resulted in AMAZING long runs with MORE energy, and a much happier mindset about accomplishing OTHER things outside of running…like eating.

  

  The unplanned 8 miler.

  Test # 5: The Slow is Pro Test – For this experiment I took it back to the basics of slower and more comfortable runs. I used to beat myself up if my run wasn’t at a certain speed, and recently the speed I felt I needed to achieve was anything under 10 minute miles. In my mind 10 minute miles were slow as molasses, and someone that’s been running for years shouldn’t be compared to a sticky sweetener. Well I say to hell with that hogwash because my slow running pace has given me some of my best overall runs…ever.

  Results: When allowing my mind to go hand in hand with test number 3, I mentally accepted that my pace was going to slow down in order to allow me to continue running without wanting to stop. 8 miles at a 9:46 pace is fantastic, but so is 8 miles at a 10:00 pace. If I push I know I can obtain the quicker pace, but that usually results in me dreading my next run.

  I would rather enjoy myself at a steady speed and be EXCITED to run again.

  

  …and then when this happens I can be even more excited.

  While none of these have been scientifically proven, they seem to work for me for the time being. Our bodies are constantly changing and adapting to new ways of doing things.

  Other key factors include: 298325982 ounces of water the DAY BEFORE my run, similar to food. PLUS another 587583 ounces the day of. Water all day everyday. Good sleep, happy muscles, cooler weather, a good BM (truth stops for no one, see note below*) and a huge meal post run to refuel! Another benefit of not eating much before means plenty of room in my belly for AFTER.

  *Runners trots – they are so real, and they hurt SO much. Let your imagination fill in the rest.

  Q: Do you ever test certain factors to see how they play into your workouts?

  

  | 40 Comments Tagged Coffee, Garmin, Running, Vegan

• What I Learned in LA

  Posted at 4:08 AM by Brittany, on September 18, 2014

  I’d like to dedicate this post to my homegirl Gigi, without her this post would not be possible. A fantastic host and friend, she drove me all over the place in order to satisfy my sweet tooth, and my Disney obsession. Mad love for you G. ❤ ❤

  Here’s what I learned on this trip to LA:

  1. Local coffee costs the amount of a small child’s root canal and despite being really cool, (personal pour overs that resemble a 9th grade science experiment, cool beans.) $5 for a drip coffee resulted in trips to Starbucks for the rest of my trip. $1.90 drip coffee is more like it.

  

  In all reality though the pourover I got from Coffee Commissary in West Hollywood was fantastic.

  2. Vegan and gluten free bakeries are just as abundant, if not more popular here than in Seattle. I felt right at home in this aspect. Breakaway Bakery takes the cake (pun very much intended) for my second favorite treats. The Bearded Lady will forever have my heart at the top.

  

  Java Chip Cookie, Maple Donut (OMG divine), Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie, and a Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcake. I wasn’t excited at all…

  

  Also delicious was Rising Hearts Bakery in Culver City. I balanced this bakery visit with a trip to Cafe Gratitude right before. I eat green so I can eat three desserts at once.

  

  Grain and Veggie Mix, Carrot Cupcake, Chocolate Whoopie Pie (UNREAL), and a Coconut Oatmeal Chai Creme Sandwich. Balance is bliss.

  3. Blog friends make the BEST friends. Never have I discovered such a perfect group of people to spend my time with. Gigi and I had such a great time together, and if stripping down for a couples massage upon first “meeting” in real life doesn’t scream best friends, I don’t know what does.

  Side note: my back is a wreck and I have knots for days. Help me, I pay in cookies.

  

  4. Starbucks green tea tastes better when consumed out of a Disney Parks cup. Real talk.

  

  5. The LA farmers market sells nut butters that are so good you will be willing to spend double on them in order to ship them to your house. I brought a carry on bag, and in order to avoid the possibility of the airport throwing my beloved jars away I mailed them to myself.

  

  Not my photo, because mine are still in transit from CA to WA. Patiently waiting for my fruit and nut spread AND pistachio butter. Yes..pistachio. Click this photo to visit the website!

  6. Disneyland is better when littered with pumpkins. I can’t think of anything better than combining two of my favorite things: Disneyland + fall/Halloween = pure bliss.

  Disneyland photo explosion in 3…2…1…

  

  

  Starbucks Mickey Cookies!

  

  CliffsNotes version of this post – I eat a lot of sugar (currently on a week long detox because…balance?), I love exploring new places through coffee and food, I open my mouth much too wide for photos much too often, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, I’m obsessed with pumpkins, and I have the BEST friends a girl could ask for. Life is good.

  

  Q: What’s your favorite ride at Disneyland? If you haven’t been, please tell me why. 

  

  | 69 Comments Tagged Bloggers, California, Coffee, Disneyland, Starbucks, Vacation, Vegan

• 10 Tips to Get Back Into Running “Longer” Distances

  Posted at 6:48 AM by Brittany, on September 9, 2014

  For the past seven weeks this has been happening…

  It took time, and the motivation of Lily coming to visit me in order for me to feel ready for another half marathon. The last two I ran were mental struggles, so I’m pleased to say that taking time (even if short) to just run for fun was enough for me to bite the bullet and sign up for my sixth half. I also ran this half last year, and it was one of my most memorable races (right up there with Disney) so I just had to run it again, and this time with Lily! I can’t wait to see her…

  I hadn’t run over 4-5 milers in a good few months, so I had to come up with a few tips to mentally get myself back into running “longer” distances. I chose the above “novice” training plan because I loved it so much when I used it for my first race. Up until week five of the training plan everything was a piece of cake. Multiple runs a week felt great, and 4-5 milers were a cake walk. Once I hit the 6 mile Sunday I knew it was time to get a game plan for the next seven weeks.

  I also went hiking (here) the day before the 6miler, which was brutal.

  

  Slow and steady.

  Tip #1: Switch up your route – I’ve been running the same roads over, and over, and OVER again for years now. For anything over 5 miles I know mentally it will be better for me to switch up my route. Running in new places is always a fun time.

  Tip #2: Have energy bites waiting for you when you’re done – Or any food for that matter, it gives you something to envision when your stomach starts to yell at you. I also like to stuff dates in my shirt. (The edible kind, not the male variety. Those are nonexistent.)

  

  Tip #3: Don’t get discouraged if you need to walk – I used to think my run was a fail if I had to walk even once. Now if I need to walk I do. Sometimes I think I walk more than I should, but whatever it takes to finish the distance! It’s very mental for me.

  Tip #4: End your run at the market – Similar to tip #2, knowing your car is parked waiting for you in the lot of your favorite local market gives that extra boost of motivation. The endless possibilities for a snack post run are pure adrenaline. 

  Tip #5: Run early – Self explanatory, the quicker you get it done the quicker it’s over.

  Tip #6: Pick a place of zen to relax at when you’re done – Along with envisioning dancing cookies and piles of avocados at the market post run, knowing you have a spot to sit and zone out after destroying your miles makes the run go quicker. I choose places like quaint coffee shops.

  

  Tip #7: Remember why you’re running – Running 13 miles on an untrained body hurts like hell, so whenever you think about quitting at mile 6, 7, or 8 think about how it might feel to get hit by a bus if you stop. Put in the work now, and it will be easier later.

  Tip #8: Drink lots of this…

  

  …and this…

  

  WATER, not vodka. Vodka will not help you run instead it will help GIVE YOU the runs.

  Tip #9: Eat all the food the day before – Seriously, stuff your face because you’ll need it the next day. My favorites are nut butters, chips, and chocolate…all together. I’ve noticed eating MORE the day before and LESS the morning of makes for easier running (for me.)

  This also leaves more room for post run snacks.

  Tip #10: If all else fails, find a nice spot to sit -Like a random couch on the side of the road…

  ….or here.

  

  Sunday I ran my first 7 miler in a while, and it was fueled by two cups of Anniversary Blend, chocolate banana bread for dinner the night before, 120 oz of H2O the previous day (and more that morning), a sweet potato medley for breakfast, and a stellar mindset.

  

  Ohh it’s so good to be back.

  Q: What tips or tricks do you follow for longer runs (or other workouts) after being away for a while? 

  

  | 45 Comments Tagged Coffee, Half Marathon, Run, Vegan

• Random Things

  Posted at 9:40 AM by Brittany, on September 5, 2014

  What happens when I have random pictures/things to talk about, but haven’t blogged in a week? You get random pictures tied to random things to talk about. What can I say, I’m living life. I’m also going to Disneyland with this babe in less than a week and about split my pants I’m so excited. Or maybe that’s from the cookies…but I digress.

  — Anniversary Blend has officially been released at Starbucks. Fall is coming, & I am so ready.

  All you haters can just stuff it because summer is done in my book, DONE! Bring on the crunchy leaves, apple pies, Halloween Joe-Joe’s, pumpkin patches, windy runs, and enough squash to fill a dump truck. Which is what I assume my backside will look like from all the Joe-Joe’s and pie I plan to consume. Winter hibernation starts now.

  

  I’m legit obsessed with this blend. Buy some NOW.

  — Remember that summer biology class I took?

  It left me with a bizarre obsession for any and all species of lichen. Now whenever I spot some on a hike I become entranced as if they have some kind of mind altering properties.

  

  Usnea – used for antibiotic and anti-fungal treatments.

  

  — I’m ready for fall, but still soaking up tank top hikes.

  

  Marmot Pass – 10.6 round trip miles, 6000ft elevation.

  

  

  “Does this look as awkward as if feels?”
  “yes.”

  — I don’t know who Levi is, but he’s got some pretty sweet wheels. I want to go for a ride.

  

  — I’ve been sitting on a secret for about 7 weeks now.

  

  More on this later…

  — I made this bread, and it basically ruined my life. So good.

  

  Not my photo, I was much too busy stuffing my suck to take my own.

  I apparently didn’t have as much to share as I thought. On that note I’m off to run/eat more bread.

  Q: Who wants to sit on top of a mountain eating chocolate bread and drinking Anniversary Blend with me? Bueller….Bueller…

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Coffee, Explore, Hike, Marmot Pass, Olympic Mountains, Random, Run, Starbucks, Vegan

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• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.

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• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

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