I'm Running a Half Marathon?!

Growing up I seriously SUCKED at running. I couldn't even run a mile. I dreaded that time of year when we would have to run the mile in gym class. It was embarrassing, and I hated sweating. Really, I hated working out in general, but running was like the ultimate hell. 

College came, I gained the freshmen (at least) 15, and as a result I actually started to get into working out a bit. But all I really did was cardio, specifically the elliptical. Towards the end of college I started running with one of my roommates from time to time. The endurance I gained from the elliptical somewhat translated into running short distances. My heart could handle it, the legs not so much. But I built it up a little over time, and perhaps we ran a mile or two at a time. 

Post-college I joined a gym and started running on the treadmill here and there. I signed up for a couple of 5ks, never running the whole thing, but I probably could have. I could definitely run like 3 miles...on a treadmill.  

In the summer of 2014, I decided I wanted to really get into running. I don't know why exactly, but it was a challenge. It was something I had never really been able to do well. Plus it was a way to exercise without necessarily having to go to the gym. 

I started running outside every few days building up from 3 miles to 4 to 5 and improving my time. I really ran a lot that summer and fall. I tried to keep it going even as it got cold. I headed to the dreaded treadmill, but it got the best of me. I slowly started to avoid it, and fell of the bandwagon. Every so often over the past year or so (especially in nice weather) I would run. I could still do about 5 miles depending on sleep, eating, etc.

Over all of this time half marathons have come into my head. I've seen people sign up for them. I've thought, hey, maybe I could actually do that. But then I'd shove that idea right back where it came from. But one day I randomly got to talking with my friend, Jocelyn, who has actually run a half marathon before, and we threw the idea around. But then, in typical fashion, I avoided it.

Last week I turned 27, and I decided that this is the year I'm going to challenge myself. I texted my friend, and we actually signed up for a half marathon. I filled out the form, sent it in, and paid the money. There's no going back now. 

At first I was excited, and then the OH SHIT moment hit. How am I going to run 13.1 miles? Is that physically possible for me? I'm 8 weeks out and starting a 10 week training program 2 weeks late. Can I do this? What do I eat? Do I have to drink/eat while I run? What if I have to go to the bathroom? I start googling EVERYTHING which leads to more panic. And then I stop.

Breathe. I can do this. I couldn't even run a single mile, and now I can run 5+ at this point. I have 8 weeks which is basically 2 months. I can already run more than the max run on the first 2 weeks of training.

I went out for a run on Saturday, and ran 6 miles and felt like I could keep going. I CAN DO THIS. I think. I'm honestly still a bit panicked, but I think I might be able to actually do this. This is my first full week of training with 7 additional weeks to follow and then the big day. 

I'm nervous but excited. I just don't really know exactly what to expect or what I should do leading up to and during it, but I am all ears. I would love love LOVE to hear any advice, stories, anything about your experiences with half marathons, marathons, 5ks, running in general. Comments are SO welcome below, or feel free to shoot me a message!

Farm to Gold Ghee

I was somewhat recently introduced to Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic healing from India. I only learned some of the basics, but I always love to hear about different ideas on holistic health. Right around the same time I came across Farm to Gold Ghee. Ghee is a big staple in Ayurveda, so it almost felt like I was meant to give it a try. 

A brief little blurb about ghee - ghee is a healthy fat made from butter. It is cooked to remove all the milk solids, water, and impurities, leaving a lactose-free, casein-free, shelf stable cooking oil. It is great as a cooking oil or as a spread on anything really. For more info about ghee, specifically Farm to Gold Ghee, click here.

So I decided to give this ghee a try. I started using it in the place of olive or coconut oil. I cooked vegetables, eggs, French toast, you name it in this ghee. So what did I think? It was wonderful! It seriously opens up a whole new world of taste! Sauteed veggies were now infinitely better. Fried eggs were so tasty! It really truly added a whole new, delicious flavor dimension. 

Who would I recommend ghee to? Everyone honestly. It is delicious, and I really can't imagine someone not liking it. It's paleo-friendly, lactose-free, and just overall healthy. The only people who wouldn't want it are vegans because it is still an animal product, but it is the perfect fit for most ways of eating out there. I really recommend giving it a try!

Manna Organics - Sprouted for Life

I wanted to start 2016 out with something that I felt really passionately about, and there's no better way to do that than with Manna Organics. 

A couple of months ago I stumbled upon the company Manna Organics. I was initially attracted because they had sprouted grain bread, which I had tried from other companies before. But Manna was different. They had everything from multi-grain to carrot raisin, not to mention gluten free and sour dough breads. 

But Manna isn't just a bread company. They have organic nut butters, kale chips, and other snacks. So I pretty much wanted to eat the whole food index, but I decided to start with some of their sprouted bread that initially drew me in and their toasted coconut cashew Manna butter. 

The sprouted grain bread is nothing like other sprouted breads I've tried before. With other breads, they're pretty similar to a standard loaf of bread. Manna sprouted bread is more of a cake-like consistency. It's more moist and a little sweeter which lends itself perfectly to some of their amazing flavors. It's vegan and yeast free with no salt, oils, sweeteners, or leavening agents. I've only tried the carrot raisin and multigrain so far, and they are both phenomenal. I have every intention of trying a different flavor each time that I go to the super market, but I've been having some trouble steering away from these two because they're just that delicious! I've used them to make French toast (highly recommended), as toast on the side of soup, and topped with some nut butter as a part of breakfast. You really can't go wrong with this bread.

Which brings me to the Manna butter. I've had plenty of nut butters, and I've also had coconut butters. But I haven't had anything quite like the coconut cashew Manna Butter. I don't feel like I can even put into words just how good it is. It's a delicious cashew butter with actual pieces of coconut in it. It is the perfect combination of salty and sweet and pairs so well with the carrot raisin bread. I could eat that combination every day. 

So would I recommend Manna Organics? I think the answer is pretty obvious - of course! Their products are delicious, healthy, and organic. They have something for everyone whether you're vegan, gluten free, or have no food restrictions. You will find something, and trust me you will love it!

Health Coaching and the Holidays

So I realize that I have been somewhat absent on the blog front, and that is definitely not because I don't love blogging. There has just been A LOT going on. I started taking a course to become a certified holistic health coach in the fall, and I can't even begin to touch on how life changing it has been. I wish everyone had to take this course whether you want to health coach or not. It is so informational about nutrition, different ways of looking at health, and just life. Highly, highly recommended, and if you want to learn more about it give me a shout on the contact or health coaching page.

That being said, I'm not health coaching at the moment. But 2016 is right about the corner, so it's on it's way. I am reserving spots and happy to talk to anybody who thinks that they might be interested. Just give me a shout!

So did anybody realize that it's basically half way through December?! This holiday season came upon us so quickly. I had a wonderful and busy Thanksgiving, and now I'm just trying to catch up in time for Christmas. I will be trying to share some holiday-related recipes over on the recipe tab over the next few weeks. And I think I may have something very exciting coming up for the new year, so stay tuned here and on Instagram!

In the meantime, let me know what you want to see! Are you looking for a side dish recipe for your Christmas party? The perfect breakfast to keep you warm over these winter months? Let me know what gets you in the holiday spirit and what you want to read about in the comments below!

Essentially Coconut - It's Like a Vacation in a Jar

I recently had the pleasure of getting my hands on a few flavors of Essentially Coconut's coconut butters. They are made from coconut meat and nuts (minus the original coconut flavor), and that's about it. This is exactly what caught my eye about them. They're made in small batches with straight the point ingredients. I'm starting to feel overcome with emotions to slather some on an RxBar as I write this because these coconut butters have no B.S. 

I tried the original coconut flavor and the sweet almond flavor. They are the consistency of coconut oil, so at room temperature (especially in the fall/winter weather) they're hard. You can easily soften them by running the jar under warm water, or my go to trick is putting them in a mug of hot water to soften while I cook the rest of my meal. 

I had each flavor multiple ways, on the breakfast wrap pictured above, in yogurt, in a smoothie, on waffles. So what's my verdict? Drop everything and go order some right now! These coconut butters are life changingly delicious. Skip the syrup on your pancakes and waffles, slather some on a piece of toast, even add it to your coffee. These are amazing. They add the perfect sweetness without the processed junk.

The coconut flavor adds a nice sweetness that pairs well with almost anything. And the sweet almond flavor is a great nut butter replacement. I actually REALLY loved it paired with pumpkin spiced waffles. But they'd both be good as a sweetener, syrup, or nut butter replacement in basically anything.

All in all, the only reason I would say don't buy these is if you don't like coconut because, well, duh they're made out of coconuts. But otherwise I give two thumbs up to these delightfully tasty coconut butters. 

If you'd like to learn more about Essentially Coconut's story and products you can go to their website here.