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!