Good morning!
I am just taking a quick break from my 20+ shipments that need to go out by noon today…better type FAST!
Last night, I set my alarm extra early because I knew I wanted to squeeze in another early morning workout before the heat got really intense. Yesterday’s run was supposed to be a long 8-miler, but since I ran 3 miles, I wanted to crank out 5 miles early this morning. I was on the road by 6:30am and it was already 22C/72F out there and the temperature was climbing! It climbed a degree from the time it took me to put on my sneakers, so I knew I had to get out there fast. I shoved a couple dates in my mouth and was on my way.
The run:
- Distance: 5 miles
- Time: 42:27
- Avg pace: 8:19 min/mile
My goal for this run was to run each mile quicker than the last. Not an easy goal by any means…
Mile splits:
- Mile 1: 9:00
- Mile 2: 8:18
- Mile 3: 8:18
- Mile 4: 8:08
- Mile 5: 8:02
- Mile 5-5.10: 0:38 secs (6:20 min/mile pace)
Except for repeating my pace in mile 2 and 3, I accomplished my goal!
I felt so amazing after this run…it was very tough and there were lots of hills. By the time I got home the temperature was already 26C and hot, hot, hot. So happy I got out there early.
I also discovered that I am hooked on early morning workouts again!
For years, I always worked out within 15-30 minutes of getting up, however with how busy the bakery has been, my mornings are super time-crunched and rushed. I think I am going to try to rearrange my schedule a few days a week so I can squeeze in these early morning workouts because they make all the difference in my energy levels. I just feel so good knowing I got in a great workout before even beginning my day. I think even working out 2-3 mornings a week would make a huge difference in how I feel.
All I wanted after my COLD shower was a juice!
Composed of 3 carrots, 1 beet, 1/2 lemon. It was all I had left so it had to do.
It hit the spot and gave me energy needed to make my breakfast…
Vegan Overnight Oat Parfait was on the menu today.
I was out of bananas except for 1/3 of a tiny frozen banana, so I pitted a bunch of cherries last night and froze them. I made Cherry Soft Serve using 3/4 cup frozen, pitted cherries and 1/3 frozen banana in a food processor.
It certainly lacked the creaminess that the banana gives it.
For the vegan overnight oats, I tried something new last night and used cocoa powder in the mix. I used 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, 1.5 tbsp cocoa powder, and 1 tbsp chia seeds.
Unfortunately it turned out super bitter!
I had to add maple syrup to sweeten it up. For some reason the oats + chia seeds didn’t absorb the milk either so it was super runny. All and all it was a VOO fail.
Once I added some maple syrup it tasted better but it was still runny.
I mixed a bit of soft serve with the VOO with each bite and it tasted much better.
So much PINK this morning!
See you tonight for a really fun recipe I am excited to tell you about. Have a lovely Tuesday!
It may have not tasted as good but I think it is the prettiest one so far! That counts, right? :)
i really need fancy tall glasses and matching saucers like you (and a beautiful garden to enjoy breakfast in).
the same thing happened to me the other day with voo – didn’t absorb… It was my first time using hemp milk, so I initially thought it was that… but I used it again the next day (because it’s SOOOOO good) and it worked fine… ?
love all the pink. :)
What a pretty breakfast! It’s nice and cheery this morning. I wish I could be a morning exerciser, too. I know I’d be more consistent, but man it’s almost impossible to get up for work, never mind a workout!
Morning workouts are so key! If I don’t get out the door within 30 minutes of me waking up working out is like pulling teeth for me!
Yay for getting back to the morning workout groove! The VOO look delicious lady…I am sure it was great with the cherry banana soft serve!
I went for a bike ride this morning and now I have way more energy than usual
Yeah, cocoa powder is not sweet at all. It needs a bit of honey or maple syrup with it
Please share with me how you motivate yourself to work out in the morning with full days ahead. I work 9-10 hour days and try to get to work by 7a, so the idea of getting up at 5ish is not very appealing. It would be wonderful to start the day with a good sweat session, but I’m so stuck to my current schedule. Any suggestions????
I think a big part of it is just deciding the night before that you WILL be working out. Make it a firm plan. Book the time. Set your alarm accordingly :)
Morning workouts are definitely the way to go. I usually get up and am in the gym within 20-30 minutes and I feel SO great for the rest of the day!
Once you have kids I think it is difficult to sleep in anywhere past 6 so it’s easy for me to get up!
Cocoa powder is definitely bitter, I always have to add a bit of a sweetener when I use it. But it so tasty!
It was a very pretty VOO!
I miss early morning workouts. I wanted to go on a run this morning but I didn’t have enough time to run then shower then get ready before work.
Hi Anglela!
I have been reading your blog for quite a while now and it is by far my favorite blog to follow! I do have a question though… I have tried making your beet juice a few times, and I cannot get the taste right… or at least what I think would be right?
Do you peel your beet and lemon? I fell like I must be something wrong because it always turns out so bitter?!
Help!
Thanks! Melodie
Nope I dont peel at all…I would suggest adding a small apple if you find it bitter…or use less lemon :)
Great, I will be trying this today, thanks!
I find that if I use cocoa powder that I have to add a sweetener as well. I made cocoa/peanut butter overnight oats once and it didn’t turn out the way I had wanted it to at all. Boo!
Great to hear that you’re getting back into morning exercise! I never was until about three months ago and now it’s the best ever! It’s cooler in the hot summer months (like today, I was finishing just as you were starting and MAN! I was dripping with sweat everywhere!) and it’s done and over with by the time you start work! Plus it leaves all kinds of time after work to just relax or do whatever!
Mmm, it’s such a pretty colour! Sorry it didn’t turn out so well though… but I guess the creaminess of the VOO makes up for the soft serve? And DUDE. Your mile times are just… wow. I run a 9.15 (PR!!) mile in PE… and that’s ONE mile. D:<
Wei-Wei
looks yummy!
Funny – I have also become a morning workout person again . . and have to give credit to my husband! His gym is across the street from his office, and he can shower at work so it means he doesn’t get home late and reckons he kicks ass (well energy-wise anyway) for most of the morning because of it. I’ve started getting up on the mornings he does and this morning I was at the pool for 5:45 for 1/2 an hour. Have to admit it feels good to be done for the day!
Awesome run by the way!
Have to ask – how do the beets taste in the juice? I don’t like them from bad experiences as a child (mum used to boil them and they stank). I would love to be able to enjoy them in a juice, as I know they’re really good for you.
I am a former beet HATER….grew up with beets from a can at thanksgiving..lol. ick. Never liked them untl I started juicing with them. I would start small using 1/2 a beet and work your way to a full beet. You can always mix it with other great veggies like carrots too.
Your juice always makes me wish I owned a juicer!
Ooof, 26 degrees?? I find 15 hard going, good on you!!
As for the pink oats…they have stolen my heart!
pink parade indeed! your oats look gorgeous…absolutely beautiful!