"Punkie" Cakes

Practical Paleo: Diane Sanfilippo

Hey Jen!  

  Wait until I tell you all about this morning's breakfast!  I know I said I was going to share with you the paleo muffin recipe today, but after whipping up these Pumpkin Pancakes, I couldn't hold back, I had to talk about them!!!  I don't know why, but I just think pancakes are one of the best foods on the planet.  Not that they have any nutritional value at all.  Because I love pancakes so much I have searched high and low for a healthy option... over the last few months I have different  paleo recipes I have found on the net, but none of them were worth trying again.  A few months ago Everett bought me a book called Practical Paleo.  It's sort of a mix between a Nutrition textbook and a cookbook.  It's really cool to have those two aspects combined.  I don't know why it took me so long to finally try these recipes, but the last week I have absolutely fallen in love with Diane Sanfilippo!  Everything is so stinkin' delish and I don't feel like I'm eating a deprevation diet.  I can't wait to continue to bake "with" her and to share with you!  

  These cakes reminded me and E of crepes in a way.  They don't have any flower in them so you can taste a hint of egg, but we both really liked that!  The whole prep time took less than 5 minutes and the cakes were ready in another 5.  Such an easy meal that we LOVED!  We added some strawberries for color and elegance!  (I renamed them Punkie cakes (you know, after my own nick name...  I may see a bit of an addiction starting) )

ENJOY!!  

"Punkie" cakes:

4 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tbs pure maple syrup

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1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp baking soda

2 tbs butter (plus extra for skillet) 

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Sift the spice, cinnamon and baking soda into the wet mix.  Melt the butter and add to the mix.  Stir all together.  

**I know butter doesn't seem paleo, but it's about what you use.  It should be organic grassfed butter to insure you are getting the right fats and nutrients**  (it will be more expensive, but it's worth it!!)  

A Better way to Fuel (meet my new belt)

Hey Jenne,
  My computer hasn't been working the last few days and so I haven't been able to tell you about all the fun things happening or comment on the amazing things you've been up to...  Technology can be frustrating.

  Let me start with my run last night.  My half is in 9 days and I am now focusing on speed in my long runs.  In the past I have only cared about covering the miles and it didn't matter how fast or slow I went.  This round of training I have found that I have been comfortable running at an 8:30/mile pace in my shorter distance runs but I wanted to see if I could do the same at longer distances.  My goal for my upcoming half is to be running no slower than 9:08/mile, this would bring me in at just under 2 hours. (This same half last year I finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes- so I'm looking to cut off a big chunk of time this year.)  I have found that fueling and hydrating every 2 miles makes a HUGE difference in my performance.  So recently I bought a fuel belt to keep me prepared.  Last night I took my new fuel belt for our first run together.  I chose a new route that added extra hills to my run.  I remember a few years ago when I started running again after 4 years of not running (thank you broken back) I avoided hills.  Now I actually find them to be exciting..  I completed 9 miles last night at an 8:55 pace.  I am happy with the outcome but I know it could have been a lot better.  There were a few things wrong last night: 1- I felt slightly dehydrated, 2- I had not consumed enough calories beforehand, 3- my feet started blistering around mile 7, and lastly, the most painful, 4- I have this one spot under my right arm that rubs against my right armpit area that causes the most terrible chafing rash. At mile 8 I didn't think I could take another step the chafing was so painful... but I pushed myself home and hit 9 miles.  I have to go out and buy some body glide this week.  I can't possibly do that again.  The course for the Steel Rail Half is completely flat, only one DOWN hill!  So I have no doubt that I will meet my goal and possibly come in under my goal!

Now, let me express all of my excitement about your week!  First off, Jungshin class looks like the coolest thing EVER!  I can't even imagine how much fun that must be!  Do you feel like one of Charlie's Angel's?!?  I bet I would get a little too into that class! I really have gym envy when you talk about the awesome classes you can take.
  Now, tell me about yoga.  I know you said you had a difficult time letting go of thoughts... which is something I'm known for too... but what was your favorite part of the class?  Did you learn anything new?  Try a new asana or go deeper in a pose than before?  Did your teacher say anything that struck you as profound?  No matter how anxious or distracted I feel in a class I always leave with something new.  Which is an incredible feeling.

Oh my gawd, I almost forgot to tell you that I made your chia seed pudding and it was so stinkin' good!  Everett and I devoured it!  I mixed mine with almond butter and some fresh berries to give me a real shot of protein.  Delish!  E said we should always have it on hand in the fridge.  Thanks for the inspiration!

Can't wait to read more of your adventures!
Au revoir!
xo xo
Jeni

MAY Your Day be Sweaty and Bright!

 

 

Hey Jenne!

 

 I can't believe it's MAY! We might actually be out of winter and into Spring!  HELLO outdoor sweat sessions!  I love the fitspo pic I posted, it really is a great feeling, isn't it?!  I really loved your updates this week.  I am so glad you are able to do workouts with your challange buddies- working out with friends makes it about so much more than just weights and reps.  We need to plan our girls weekend of biking and beaches!!  We are so close to bikini season... I have never been excited to get into a baithing suit, but this year I actually feel strong and empowered and ready to strut.  I have my eye on a saucy black number from VS!  How about you, will you treat yourself to a new suit after all of your hard work? 

 

  This week I was short on time, so I focused on my kettlebell workout (which I am freakin' loving!!) I feel bad ass with my new imporved abs!   I have read so many articles lately about the benefits of weight training for runners.  I am seriously interested in becoming a more balanced athlete.  Nutrition, strength, running and stretching need to be in balance, not any one should be more important than the other.   It is now just 15 days until my next half marathon and I have a GOAL to meet! 

 

  Your chia seed pudding looks so delish!  There is a paleo restaurant in the city that Mel and I went to the night before our race last month that had baller chia seed pudding, I am so hooked.  I didn't realize how simple it is to make.  Hello weekend treat! 

 

  What's on your agenda this weekend?  Looking forward to your updates!

 

Keep up the good work lady!

xo

Jeni

Love Your Body

Check out these abs!!  Thanks Tone It Up

Hey Girl!
  Happy Saturday!  What's better than starting your weekend with a great workout??!?  Nothing that I can think of.  I have a really important day on Tuesday (i'll discuss that further, after Tuesday) and I am looking to push really hard for the next few days.  For starters today I did the most incredible 18 minute kettle bell workout from Tone It Up, in their LOVE YOUR BODY series.  It was incredible!  I feel so strong and tight!!!  Later today Mel is coming over and we're gunna have the most incredible girls night.  Everett is away and Mel's son is with his father, so we fully intend to live it up.  What do two girls that love health and fitness do when the men are away?!? Well workout of course and geek out over running gear and sweet abs.  We're gunna start our night with a nice long run, then make an incredible dinner and then end our night with The Other Woman.  Mel was an extra on the film and we are both pumped to try to find her- the movie also looks incredible anyway!

  How was your Saturday morning??  What are your plans for this weekend?  Any good smoothie recipes that I should try??

Try this workout!  have an ABSolutely wonderful weekend!
xo
Jeni

Accomplishments and Selfies

Jenne Jenne Jenne!  

  Girl, I am in a great mood!!  Tonight I was feeling anxious and knew that if I didn't act fast a horrible mood would take over.  So I threw on my running gear and hit the road.  It was so extremely windy that the first mile was a struggle (might I also add that our house is surrounded by rolling hills, so this was NOT a flat course).  Some how though, I kept every mile below 9 minutes and once I hit mile 5, I felt unstoppable.  I ran my FASTEST 7 mile run EVER: 1 hour 1 minute and 41 seconds.  I have NO doubt now that in 4 weeks from now I can and will crush my goal of a sub 2 hour half marathon.  Each time I set a new record I am surprised at just how "easily it came".  Tonight I was aware that I was pushing myself to stay strong and steady, but I never felt like I was pushing myself to the max.  I just can't believe what I am actually capable of.  If I can run at this pace for the entire 13.1 miles, I could finish in 1 hour 52 minutes.  That's nearly a 17 minute difference from last years time of 2 hours 9 minutes and change.  I mean, that's pretty awesome.

So, what's with the super selfie pic?  Today I saw a great motivational quote on Pintrest.  It said "make your body the sexiest outfit you own".  I love that!  And my entire run I repeated that as my mantra.  I decided to celebrate my accomplishment with making myself my motivation and not needing to stare at Fitspo models.  So, this pic is to cheer myself on.  To mark the changes I see physically.  I will have a 6-pack this summer!

Do you have a mantra?  Do you ever take shameless selfies when you are feeling extra saucy or proud?  I have to admit I like to look at photos of myself from the time of a big accomplishment- they keep me determined and motivated.  

One more day and it's the weekend!!!  What do you have planned.

Good night darling, Fit Dreams!

xo, Jeni