Positive Affirmations and Buckeyes

I just put my training plan together for the fall marathons beginning on September 22nd and ending with Syracuse on October 20th.

With this long 19 week session comes the need for a little motivation. I started with Positive Affirmations sent daily at 7:30 am to my iPhone.

Example: ”Whether you decide you can or you can’t, you’re right”

The other boost added to my daily reminder of “feel good” media was a desk top message.

Do you use positive messages to overcome doubts and fears?

Speaking of marathons, after the Flying Pig in Ohio I figured I’d celebrate my run with some Buckeyes. Smooth natural peanut butter, riddled with large dark chocolate chips and covered in a layer of smooth, sweet chocolate in an easy to make ball of decadence. Naturally a no-bake treat since….well, you know….we STILL don’t have a kitchen!

Makes about 45 – 50 Buckeyes

1 cup peanut butter (I used Natural Skippy peanut butter but you can use your favorite)
1 stick unsalted butter, softened (*I used 1/2 crunchy peanut butter – in addition to the 1 cup of smooth and only 1/4 butter)
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (*I used 1/2 tsp cinnamon instead)
1/3 cups all purpose flour (*I used 1 cup of thick rolled oats)
10 oz dark chocolate chips
14 – 16 oz dipping chocolate (You can get this in the baking aisle of the grocery store)

Line 2 baking pans with parchment.

Mix together the peanut butter, butter, sugar, and vanilla or spice until smooth.

Stir in flour or oats and then the chocolate chips. Roll into 3/4 inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet in 1 layer. Freeze for one hour.

Melt chocolate in microwave for 1 minute on high, stir. Reheat again if needed.

Remover buckeyes from freezer and, using toothpicks, dip in chocolate.

Store in freezer. Serve frozen. Can be kept frozen for up to one month.