April 21st, just a week away. I’ll be back in Boston, Massachusetts walking the streets and visiting the expo with 36,000 other marathon hopefuls.  Some will approach the race with complete confidence others will have nervous jitters questioning their training.  We’ll be a mixed bunch, hoping for personal records, some hoping just to finish. 

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Where will I be in that mixed marathon emotional heap?  I get nervous jitters, questioning how the past 18 weeks of training will allow me to get from Hopkinton to Boston.  Another big question is how my foot will hold up on the rolling terrain of the “diabolical” course.  I’m determined to be at the start when the gun goes off.  If I can be patient, if I can run smart, I will tackle miles 16 – 21 with the confidence of crossing the finish line not hours off my goal. 

“Goal”.  What is that goal? 

This year is different because my training has been so different.  I have followed Hanson’s plan so my long runs have been shorter.  Flip side:  my weekly mileage more.  There’s one more hitch this year:  my foot issue.  So when it comes to setting my goals, I have to accept that it might not be my best year. 

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul – N.Machiavelli

Best (miraculous in fact):   3:46 – same as last year.

Good (still pretty awesome):  3:55 – one of my slower times but not the worst.

The “I’m ok with that considering”:  3:59:59   – Although I’ve already qualified for Boston in 2015 (Rochester with a 3:46:20), it would be nice to re-qualify while running Boston, not to mention falling under the 4 hour mark.

Goals are goals. Simply something to shoot for, to hold on to when it begins to get tough.  They pull us through when physically we want to quit.  The mind is stronger than the body.  It will want to protect us but we can over come it.  We always have a little more in the tank and running smart allows us to access those reserves.  Running smart means we can overcome the urge to stop. 

Cookies…WITH PROTEIN! Can you ask for more?!

Now why would I take . . .

  • Natural and Healthy Vegan protein powder
  • Vitamin and Mineral rich protein powder
  • Gluten Free and Fructose Free protein powder
  • Dairy Free protein powder
  • A protein powder that contains NO saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, no artificial sweeteners, flavors OR colors .  .  .

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and put it into a buttery cookie? 

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Sometimes you just don’t need a reason other than you LOVE the flavor.  This gives you an idea of what wonderful things you can do with Arbonne Protein Powder (chocolate or vanilla).  If you want to make a gluten free cookie, a vegan friendly cookie, convert my recipe and make it your own. BUT… use Arbonne protein for a nutritionally packed PUNCH.

punch

These little gems are easy to make and with Easter coming, you might want use your bunny cookie cutter and make 3 dozen holiday cookie treats.

Simple Ingredient List

  • 1 1/2 cups butter (or healthy substitute)
  • 3/4 cups granulated fine sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff!)
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 4 TBS Arbonne protein powder (I used Vanilla)
  • 5 1/4 cups flour (my blend was 3 cups all purpose + 2 1/4 Rice Flour)
  • water as needed to make dough as workable as you like.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time. 

In a separate bowl, mix the flour and Arbonne powder.  Gradually add to the butter – egg mixture. 

Once the dough comes together (you can add a tablespoon or two of water if it is too dry), separate into 2 flat disks and refrigerate as you preheat the oven to 350 F and line cookie pans with parchment.

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Roll out dough after about 10 minutes and use your favorite cookie cutter to make desired shapes. Place on parchment lined baking sheets.

Depending on size and thickness of cookie however for about 3 dozen, bake for 10 – 12 minutes.

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Dust with powdered sugar or ice as you like.

Arbonne Butter Cookies1

Just a simple or simply delicious cookie.

What are your plans for Easter?

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