everything pumpkin!

this time of year i love everything pumpkin and pumpkin spice. to name a few treats... pumpkin lattes, pumpkin scones, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin ice cream. however i do love a healthier version of my pumpkin obsession on a regular basis- pumpkin oatmeal!

recently i've been into steel cut oats over the old rolled oats. i think it's a texture thing but i seem to like them more right now! they cook a bit slower and without a microwave at our house i have to cook everything on the stove top so i buy the quick steel oats. those take 7 minutes instead of 40!

adding to 1/2 cup of steel cut oats... i buy organic canned pumpkin from trader joes. once the oats are cooked i add two big spoonfuls of pumpkin, a teaspoon of vanilla, 1/4 cup of walnuts and little brown sugar and some cinnamon/nutmeg to top it off! mix it well, add some milk if desired, and done- pumpkin oatmeal! much healthier then everything i stated above and still giving me the pumpkin flavor and spice i love for fall!

to your health,

C

life's curve ball

sometimes life has a way of totally surprising you...

and this is one of those times:

despite how much i wish i was in control of everything... i am happy and excited to say that i am not! we will be welcoming baby 'Wally' at the end of december!

while i will spare all of you blog readers of the realities and details of pregnancy, i will keep you updated if and when i have something significant (or not) triathlon/running/nutrition related.

in the meantime i will continue to cheer on and live vicariously though my friends and clients successes. i hope you all are having a great race season!

happy summer,

C

my love for NUUN!

i am happy to announce that i received an official 'ambassador' title for a company i love and live by on a daily basis... NUUN!what is NUUN... the best electrolyte replacement on the market!! they come in tabs that fizz into your water bottle. they have just the right amounts of sodium, magnesium and potassium without any added sugars or fillers! they also come in a ton of flavors! my favorites are banana NUUN and citrus NUUN however they have added some new flavors that may replace my old favorites.

the tablets are seriously something i use almost daily! more so for high volume training loads but even just on hot days when i know i'm going to be sweating. i usually carry a tub in my purse, my gym bag, my car and have been known to keep them in my bike jersey pocket on long rides. i've gotten many of my clients to use NUUN as well. with heavy weight training loads and increased exercise my clients love the tablets!

if you need a electrolyte replacement that is calorie and corn syrup free look no further! i will keep you guys posted on any upcoming events with the company also. they have done a serious 180 with their ambassadorship and it looks like it will be a fun year.

find NUUN here:

http://shop.nuun.com/Nuun

enjoy!!

to your health,

C

Perform Beautifully

sorry- i know firecracker is getting old... and over done. this is the last time, i promise. i just did not have a better song... although i am improving my i-movie skills!

i entered a contest to win a trip to Napa and become an Oakley ambassador. i technically already am in a way because we get sunglasses from them on our triathlon team- but i am just a huge supporter of their company! i really believe when people think 'Oakley' its more then a brand- its a lifestyle.

part of the entry is a video (below). the other part is getting people to vote. so bloggers- if you have a minute please click on this link:

http://apps.facebook.com/performbeautifully/contests/99452/voteable_entries?ogn=facebook

and i would love your vote, any positive comments and support! so THANK YOU!!

smells like summer.

there are many signs around san diego, despite some rainy weather, that summer will soon be upon us...

starting with the tour bus going up torrey pines hill yesterday full of tourists... followed up by hearing 6 different languages on my run around the trails. torrey pines, for those that do not know, is our local state reserve with endless amounts of trails all over the cliff side... views that do not disappoint and come with a guarantee to make your day better!

to your health,

C

a few recent obsessions...

....that may or may not have to do with anything related to pace, heart rate, longest run workout, etc. you get the point.

1. really good balsamic vinegar and olive oil. if you live in encinitas you must do yourself (not so much your bank account) a favor and check out Baker and Olive! not only will you get the best customer service in helping you chose your heavenly treats but balsamic that is aged 18 years... there are just no words to describe how good it tastes.

2. target. jean shorts. $18. made for teenagers. a spring staple.

3. craving something sweet? crave it all the time! especially if you like cinnamon, black licorice and citrus. its caffeine free too!

4. baking. we cancelled cable. i became betty crocker. of course i doubt betty used coconut flour, agave syrup and coconut oil in place of sugar and butter! recipe is below!

5. the ipod shuffle. my pink one was stolen in june... i have not bought a new one since because i am indecisive about the color...

6. lululemon full retail no longer... expect limited sizes and colors of course.

7. anything alice and oliva, sequins or audrey hepburn... online browsing only recommended.

8. the bachelor. i had to add it. i'd be lying if i did not. at least its a great excuse to have a girls night.

*colleen's homemade healthier version of oatmeal cookies*

dry ingredients:

1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 cup coconut flour

1.5 cups rolled oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup dried cranberries

wet ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup agave syrup

1 tablespoon dark molasses

2 egg whites (whipped with 2 tablespoons water)

1 teaspoon vanilla

directions:

- combine dry ingredients in a bowl

- combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl from the dry ones

- mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until mixed. you may have to add some water if the dough is too sticky or crumbling. it will be thick!

-place tablespoon fulls of dough onto a cookie sheet

- bake at 325 for 15 minutes

P.S. any input on i-pod shuffle color would be greatly appreciated. i really have missed jay-z on my runs!

to your health,

C

its all coming together...

to your health,

C