This was a REALLY tough one to guess!
Apple cupcakes.
I saw this idea in one of Martha’s magazines at my sister’s place and I knew I had to make them immediately! All I could think about was how much kids would enjoy these fun apple ‘cupcakes’.
Or 27 year old kids. ;)
Apple Cupcakes
Adapted from Martha.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and cut in half
- Nut butter (I used TJ’s Sunflower seed butter)
- 2 tbsp Breakfast cobbler
- 1/2 tsp unsweetened coconut, for garnish
- 2-3 tbsp high protein chocolate carob pumpkin pudding
Directions: Core apple and cut in half. Place apple cut side up and add a layer of nut butter, cobbler, and coconut on one half. On the other half add a big scoop of ‘icing’ (aka pudding!) and then cobbler and coconut. If making a bunch for a party, serve in jumbo muffin liners on a serving tray.
I had my apple cupcakes with 2/3 of a not-yet-existing Glo bar.
I looooooved this cupcake idea. So fun. Can’t you just see these at a kids birthday party or at a baby shower?
And of course the topping ideas are endless! Nut butter, pudding, granola, yogurt, VOO, etc!
After digesting, I hit the road for a short and sweet 5k run.
A great run and it was over before I knew it began.
How often do you replace your running shoes?
Over the past few weeks I have been suspecting that I need to order another pair of running shoes. I searched online for information on when to replace them because I wasn’t really sure! In the past, I have simply replaced them when they got really, really worn down or holes in them, but even though my Brooks sneakers are currently still intact I have noticed that they don’t feel the same anymore and don’t have the same support.
How did I know this? Because lately I have been tying my shoelaces tighter and tighter just to obtain the support I need and I never had to do this before. I have also noticed a few aches and pains in my foot that I never had previously.
I found an article on Running.about.com and it says that you should replace your runners every 300-400 miles (other articles say 300-550 or every 3-6 months, so it varies a lot!). I did a quick tally of my mileage since I bought the shoes mid-March and I have run over 310 miles on these sneakers. It has been exactly 6 months too!
I run outdoors which is harder on shoes and I also run on rougher terrain at times (gravel and lots of hills/declines); both of these factors can wear your shoes down faster.
There are also lots of tests you can do on your sneakers to check for wear and tear (found here).
So it looks like all signs point to ordering a new pair ASAP! What better excuse to gather up all our old sneakers and donate them to a good cause too.
I think it is important to keep in mind that the above articles are simply recommendations and rules of thumb. It is always important to listen to how your body feels most importantly and trust your gut.
How often do you replace your sneakers?
I’m definitely looking for a good pair of running shoes myself. Is there any particular brand that is better than others?
Those cupcakes are so cute!!! I love the idea, I’m going to make some soon!
Those cupcakes are so cute!
I am a loyal fan of Asics running shoes, and I follow a mix of the 300-500 mile recommendation and a ‘looking at the soles’ sort of rule. If I can see that there is a lot of wear, I do a rough calculation of how far I’ve probably run in them based on the number of times per week and my average run distance. Since most of my running is done indoors, my current pair seem to be lasting longer than usual. I think I purchased them in April, and they’re still in fairly good shape. If you’re looking to replace yours and experiment with other brands, I highly recommend Asics! :)
I second the Asics. I have used the Gel Nimbus 10 and now 11 (I was sneaky and ordered the 11 rather than the 12 as it was $50 cheaper b/c it’s being phased out). Great shoe! Only got into them as they were one of three choices from a fitting at my local store.
Martha has truly stumbled upon a healthy cupcake. Who knew there was such a thing! Looks delicious though :)
I replace my shoes based solely on feel; I can definitely tell when I need a new pair. I currently only have one pair that I am using, but I am tempted to get another so that I can alternate pairs for each run. I’ve heard that this helps by putting stress on different points on your lower legs, instead of having one pair that puts stress on the same points every time.
those are adorable! you seriously make the cutest breakfasts :)
as for the running shoes, i usually aim for every 4-6 months, but that’s because i typically am walking more and therefore don’t put the same amount of stress on them as someone who runs consistently!
Love those cupcakes!! Such a cute idea. I can’t wait to have kids and feed them all these healthy snacks :)
I replace running shoes about once a year.. but I am not as hardcore of a runner as most people :)
Martha has soooo many great ideas…so happy you shared this one with us! a great treat/snack for kids and adults too :)
You’re supposed to take out insoles and inspect them. If they have deep depressions where your toes go (not just indentations but “troughs”), they’re shot.
I attempted to add mileage to old shoes by replacing the insoles with SuperFeet (custom “orthotic” insoles you can get at Fleet Feet or other running shops). They felt great!
Unfortunately, the shoes were shot anyway cos after about 6 weeks of running 16mi / week, the inside material imploded and rubbed blisters where they never had before. :(
Just got a new pair of trainers from Nike set as “500 milers.” I developed a neuroma this summer (have lupus & Raynaud’s complex). Doctor’s orders are to “never” run again–cycle or swim :( I’m working on keeping at or under 5-8k about once a week (walk / run now). The helpful staff at Fleet Feet set me up with Nike’s “for the gimp footed” Equalon Zoom +4. It has a super-large toe box and “air bags” under the fore-foot and sides.
I’ve run about 200 miles in these shoes and walked countless more. They still look okay, but I’m getting a new pair this weekend :-)
Love these apple cupcakes, so cute!
As for running shoes, I’ve just started using mine, so time will tell :-)
ooo, i think i can help you today, angela! i work at the running room! :)
standard rule is to replace your shoes every 300-500 miles (600-800 k). some people can get away with more mileage, some with less. the interior of the shoe breaks down before the exterior, so you can’t really go by how a shoe looks. since you’ve had yours since march and you use them so reguarly, it’s probably time!
I’ve been competitively running for half of my life (12 years) and from my experience, the 300-400 mile range is usually a good standard to use for replacing shoes. However, I’ve known runners who consistently put many more miles on their shoes. It’s all dependent upon preference and how you feel. I think that some people break down shoes faster than other people.
Minor aches and pains and having to tie your shoelaces tighter are definitely good indicators that you may need new shoes. My philosophy has always been that is is better to err on the safe side and get new shoes, than risk injury.
If you run consistently run year-round, you’ll begin to see a pattern in when you need to replace your shoes. For example, you may find that you need to get a new pair every spring and every winter, or maybe every season.
Also, different brands of shoes tend to wear down at different rates. Don’t be surprised if you need to replace some brands faster than others.
I think it’s a great idea to donate your old shoes! Often, even after they are worn out for running, running shoes are great for everyday use.
Those apple cupcakes are divine! Ther are so many ‘frostings’ you could play around with — a streudel, pb, choclate, vanilla bean (made with greek yogurt), etc.
Cute!
Wow. I’m amazed that you didn’t come up with that yourself! Suuuuuuch a cute idea! I’ve only started running and I can’t log mileage yet (I don’t even know how far I run everytime… just how long!) so I don’t know. Glad you told us the warning signs, though!
I buy a couple new pairs of runners per year. Right now, I’m working in a new pair of Brooks that I just love! My Nike Frees just weren’t good with the half-marathon training…!
Angela, (or anyone else reading) do you your Garmin to check where your heart rate was during your runs? Just wondering. That’s what I’m using mine for, trying to bring mine down. When you’re doing your long distance runs, what % of your heart rate max are you at? I’m finding that I’m between 90-100% of my HRmax, although my perceived exertion level is only about a 7 or 8 – I don’t feel like I’m working THAT hard. Weird. And, I’m in good shape and have been running for over 5 months, plus doing many other fitness classes etc. Any feedback??
Thanks, Dawn :)
I usually wait about a year to a year and a half to replace my runners. I never think about it too much.
Not often enough! This is the one area in my fitness life where I actually have some guilt. As a personal trainer, I recommend that my clients replace their shoes every 6 months at least. I, myself have been known to go a year of regular use before shoe shopping! Shame on me! I am not a fan of looking for shoes because my feet are very wide and stubby. However, I FINALLY got a new pair a few weeks ago and now look forward to my runs just because of my shoes. I just have to remember this feeling next time I am putting of a trip to the sports store!
Those cupcakes are so cute! What a great treat, and way healthier than a real cupcake! I am really bad about replacing my running sneakers. I never remember and then I start to get pains in places I never did before and only then am I like Oh! its been almost a year sinceI got new running sneakers! Duh! I run a fair amount too so I really need to be more on top of that!
OMG Ang those apples looks delicious! I might have to go home and try that right away!
I tend to replace my shoes about every 300 miles too because that’s when I start to notice the support going. I can usually tell when it’s time for new shoes because I get seriously bad shin splints.
For shoe replacement for me it has depended on what shoes I’m wearing and how long of runs I do. When I first started running and just did 3-5 mile runs max, I could wear shoes for 500 miles without a problem. But now that I do longer runs, I think my legs and feet can just feel when they need more support or a new shoe. Last time I started having shin pain (something I’d never had issues with before) and even though my shoes were only at 250 miles, I replaced them and as soon as I did the shin pain was gone! And the Brooks shoes I’ve had have worn down faster than Nikes, so yeah, it all just seems to vary :). I’d say it sounds like you’re due for a pair though!