Yesterday’s attempt at a nap = FAIL, so instead I made some popcorn on the stove top. I put a Tbs of canola oil in a big pot and turned the heat to medium-high. After a minute or so of pre-heating, I added a 1/4 cup of pop corn kernels and shook the pot to make sure they got coated with the oil. I placed the lid back on the pot and waited until the kernels popped. I poured the popcorn in a big bowl and liberally sprinkled it with salt and chili powder. Yum!
Later in the evening it was time to head to the annual Central Park Track Club benefit/fund-raising dinner. Ironically, the event was held at the New York Athletic Club – our biggest rival! I guess they were feeling sportsman-like and gave us a deal on the event space 
All dressed up!
And the open bar + dinner spread was pretty yum:
I was very pleased with all of the vegetarian options - salad with balsamic vinaigrette, Caprese salad, mixed veggies, and vegetable lasagna (with extra parmesan cheese!).
And white chocolate-macademia cookies for dessert – our table split this plate. Although I’m pretty sure I could have eaten most by myself…
After hearing the guest speaker (legendary coach Frank Gagliano), I checked out the CPTC gear that was for sale.
Even though I already have a team uniform and a fair amount of gear, I couldn’t resist a new t-shirt and team sports bra.
As we left the event we received sweet goodie bags: magazines, books, luna bars, sports drink powder, gels, gym guest passes, etc. The benefit committee did a really great job soliciting donations!
Before bed my stomach started to grumble a bit. I felt like I was a little low on protein today, so I had a promax bar and a cup of tea before bed. These bars taste delish, but all the fake ingredients kind of sketch me out. I don’t think I’m going to buy them anymore.
I agreed to run a few miles with some CPTC girls early this morning, so I set my alarm for 5:50am (ugh). Felt kind of yucky at first (wine last night + not much sleep), but once I had some coffee and started running I felt better. Don’t I look excited to be awake??
I ran 6 easy miles in Central Park, lots of rain. I felt pretty good when I finished, but my IT band was a little sore (forgot to wear the pre-wrap today).
As soon as I got back home, I hopped in the shower. It was pouring rain and I looked like a wet dog, hehe.
Breakfast #1: banana and peanut butter (plus some more pb straight outta the jar).
Breakfast #2: Baked apple-pecan french toast casserole!
I based my recipe on a ridiculous Paul Deen concoction, but made it a little healthier 
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of whole wheat bread
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup low-fat milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup/brown sugar mixture
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- apple, thinly sliced
- handful of chopped pecans
Directions:
- Coat a 8″ x 8″ pan with cooking spray
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon
- Place bread slices in pan (they will overlap)
- Sandwich the apple slices and pecans in between the overlapping bread slices (don’t worry too much about this – if some apple slices are on top, that’s fine)
- Pour egg mixture over bread slices, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to sit for a few hours in the fridge (overnight is best)
- Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes
- Enjoy warm with extra maple syrup and cinnamon!
Makes 2-3 servings
I’m planning on a much needed yoga class later this afternoon. I’ll be foam rolling my IT band and cozying up with a good book until then.
Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!
