It was still dark.  I pulled on my silky “johns”, compression pants (hard to do- trust me=TIGHT!), Injinji padded toe socks, winter socks over the Injinji’s, sports bra, long shirt and (FINALLY) went downstairs.  The temperature read 2 degrees.  Ted mentioned something about it being off a few degrees so I made myself feel better by accepting that I would run in 5 degrees weather.

Head sock, chapstick, mid weight running coat with vest, and thick mittens.  A reflective vest.  I was ready to go.  No Shane this morning.  I had a long run scheduled and it was too cold for road running on his paws.  I set out past the college and it was quiet.  The roads were clear with no wind.  I thought how comfortable I was even thought the temps were in the single digits.  This wouldn’t be so bad.

As I ran around Utica College and passed a bright street lamp, I glanced at the Garmin.  4.91 miles.  Are You Kidding!  It felt like I had run at least 7 by that point.  It was going to be one of those days when it seems like I would run forever and get no where. As I continued running and it got pretty tough and tiring, I needed to think of things that would keep me running, not walking.

  • There’s no wind.  Enjoy the quiet of the morning.
  • You don’t have to go fast, this is the long EASY run. Just do it.
  • The roads are clear, the traffic is light, you’re not cold,  it’s a perfect morning for a run.
  • What else would you be doing at this time? Sleeping?! You accomplish nothing with too much sleep. Better off running.

What are some things you think of to keep you running?

I headed down Genesee Street after doing a little loop around a quaint neighborhood coming off of Higby Road.  A big white SUV approached and it slowed down.  Shoot!  What does this person want? It was Ted.  He put the window down and said:   “Are you ok?”  “It’s cold out there. My hands started freezing while walking the dog”. I said “I’m ok. I’m warm.  Where are you going?” He said  (and this is SO sweet)  “I was looking for you!”.

I finally got home after 13 miles but my mind was unsettled because I had been feeding it with 14 miles.  I took off all the cold weather gear and went downstairs on the treadmill for                             O N E   M O R E   M I L E!   Done!

Weekly total:  53.8

LETS EAT!

The rich chocolate taste is not only satisfying as a dessert, but sneak one in the morning just because you deserve it.

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Makes 24 standard muffins

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  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2/3 all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal – quick cooking
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 TBS non fat dry milk powder
  • 1 TBS instant Espresso powder granules
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 TBS grated orange peel
  • 1 cup light sour cream
  • 1 cup plain, non-fat Greek style yogurt
  • 2 TBS heavy cream
  • 2 TBS honey
  • 6 TBS unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Spray muffin tins with non stick baking spray.

In a large bowl, mix the flours with all other dry ingredients ending with the salt.

In a separate bowl, mix the wet: eggs, orange peel, sour cream, yogurt, heavy cream, honey, and butter. Now stir the wet into the dry ingredients JUST until combined.  Add the chocolate chips.

Fill muffin tins with batter, about 2/3’s way up and bake for 18 minutes.

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The best way to eat these is while they are still warm.

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ENJOY!

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