So... I ran a half marathon!!!

If you didn't guess from the title my friends, I did something awesome on Sunday the 28th of May...

Something I've wanted to do for quite a few years now and have finally achieved.

Something I've trained for for quite a while now and have finally completed.

Something that makes me smile now just thinking of it.

I RAN A HALF MARATHON!!!!!

And it was awesome.

Anywho, I thought i might do a little recap for you of the day, how it went, how I felt and all the fun stuff in between that made up THE DAY I RAN A HALF MARATHON.

So, I began training for this half about 4-5 months before... yeah, props a little too long if you ask me, and with that came quite  significant drop in weight (on my already smaller frame) and some worried glances from the mother and friends. Not gonna lie, I did not like seeing the bones becoming a little more obvious and the muscles, a little less... but alas this was a challenge I wanted to complete and so I stuck it out with my training (approx 1 long run every week with a few mid-length ones scattered in between) and eventually the day rolled round!

It was a 6:45am start in the city and you had to be there 30 mins prior to the start. It takes about 30mins to get into the city from my house too. Let's just say I was up before 5am and getting ready for the excitement of the race! (And trust me, I was excited... and nervous!!)

Running for you Headspace!!

My pre-race fuel of choice was my tried-and-trusted frozen banana (an exceptional choice considering it was only 6 degrees that morning!!!) and devoured that bad boy in the car (mum kindly offered to drive me in- wasn't too keen on the train in the pitch-black of early morning) with the heating on and a jumper that I was going to whip off before the race started as they collect all the jumpers on the side of the road and donate them to charity- happy days.

With the road closures mum got me as close to the start as possible and then my trusty little pocket map lead me the rest of the way (just like a block and a half) to the start where I came across the mass of people warming up, stretching, jogging, getting ready for the oncoming 21.1km.

It was time to find a toilet.

McDonalds seemed like a good idea as it was meters from the start line.

Seemed being the operative word.

Everyone else had the same idea and it took about 20mins to move in the line to the front upon which I raced in, raced out and made it to the starting line as they were counting down from 10!!

Alrighty, no time to warm up- but that's ok because I had peed!!

Jumper whipped off, quick little high knees and away we goooooo!! (well, walking for a bit as it takes a little to get the momentum of such a big crowd going)

Excited Steph-face :P

Nice blurry photos to show my excitement/ coldness :D :D

Not sure what was happening here:

The first half of the race was awesome (in the running sense), absolutely freezing (in the weather sense). Quite a bit of the first half was uphill, which was a little challenging (especially when you also cannot feel your fingers) but also made the flatter sections seem like a breeze. When the sun finally came out the body started to defrost and I really found my stride and rhythm.

I felt so good, running, running, running, passing people, people passing me, feeling strong and powerful- happy, happy days.

I think I hit a bit of a lull at 11km as it was weird having each and every km mapped out for you and made them seem so much longer, so when I got to 11km, 10more just seemed ridiculous.

But soon after it became just another awesome run again as I remained in good stride, felt the atmosphere of the puffing, pounding feet and all around good vibes of an early morning run shared with so many people.

During my training runs I never fuelled mid-way with anything/ took water breaks and that was fine for them so I stuck to my no-food/ water during run plan and was absolutely fine as well. Also, those energy gels they were handing out just look really scary. So, no.

At about 16km I was still feeling pretty stellar and honestly felt this was one of my best runs. I smiled at all the cameras, tried to get a thumbs up for all the snaps (managed some!!) and danced through the  music players and disco lights in the underground tunnel segment (my favourite part of the whole race).

And as we neared 18km-19km that was when I truly felt invincible. I had done basically all the race, was feeling so good and was heading into the HBF arena to smash out the last little bit and smash it out I did!

As we entered the race track I simply pounded it to the finish. I had this extra stored up energy and I was going! Flying past the other finishers and looking up at the clock to see I'd made it in under 2 hrs (my goal- my actual time resulted in 1 hour 49mins and 44seconds :) :D)

FINISHEEDDDD!!

It almost didn't seem real that I had just finished the run. Over already? Really? But I kept walking through the gates, gleefully took my half marathon medal, stopped for a cup of water and then a full bottle, passed on the banana/ powerade (I had a big brekky planned for later!!) and headed to the lost childrens section where my friend and i had planned to meet (she was running the 12km but would finish around the same time).

Ok legs, time to walk :P

About 15 mins later we were united and headed off to a cafe called Toast, a few blocks away that boasts pretty much ALL of the toast combos you can think of (my dream!!) and after getting a little lost, finally finding the place and a spot to sit (with 36,000 running in the HBF runs pretty much everywhere was packed!!) and deciding on brekky (we ended up getting the same thing anyway!)

So many people!!

This was so good my friends!!!

Two slices of rye toast topped with the house-made smokey beans (out of this world!!) 2 poached eggs, avo and mushrooms- hit. the. spot! Especially after waiting quite while with a post-run hanger!! :P

We got lost once again after breakfast trying to find our way to the buses to get back to the train station and instead just ended up walking about 20 mins to the train station following the masses of people which was fine because it was a perfect, sunny day and nice to have a bit of a chat and stretch out those legs! (when we had to climb stairs... not so fun)

Back on the train, she got off a few stops ahead of me and then I was back in the car with the mother who surprised me with the most perfect simple Pandora bracelet with a small 21.1km charm to start my fitness highlights bracelet :)

Sweaty, smelly mess ^^ But HAPPYYYY :D :D

As you can imagine I was ravenous ALLL day long and so refuelled at lunch with overnight oats simply thrown into an almost empty Chobani yogurt container with 2 kiwifruit and grapes- soooo good!

That night my friend was being confirmed at church, which made the day even more special! And back home once again for another big ol' meal to feed those tired muscles:

Baked sweet tater with crunchy PB and peas and soy milk- perfection!

Lots of 90% dark choc afterwards as well :P

And then off to relax, unwind and then sleep with a nice big smile on my face after a truly perfect day! Happy days :D

1:49:44 <3

An Ode to Oatmeal!

Hidy-ho there friendly friends and welcome to a post I have decided to dedicate entirely to a long-time love of mine.

You've heard about my love affairs before... so this is nothing new, but of recently the oatmeal has just been stuck in my mind, day-in-day-out. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't think. Well, just kidding- I can definitely eat and yeah, I'm sleeping too and in all honesty, my big mugs of oatmeal a probably helping the ol' noggin to get a-thinkin anyway!!

But alas, I am obsessed and one might think; 'But don't you get bored of eating the same thing numerous times a week??'

My answer to that- are you caraaazzzyyy?? The amount of different add-ins, flavours and textures you can manipulate your bowl of warm/ hot/ creamy/ sweet/ savoury/ rich/ decadent/ tangy/ anything else you can think of- leaves little room for boredom!

And so, I have taken it upon myself to share with you some of the recent favourites I've been enjoying and hpefully inspire your next bowl/ mug/ cup/ saucepan (we've all done it :P) full of oats!!

Let's go!

Pictured above is one of my all-time down-right, no-questions-asked favourite oat combos. My cherry cheesecake oats!
I enjoyed these after a long run because cherries are known to help with recovery for runners... and mainly because they taste utterly amazing!!

Into the saucepan goes 3/4 cup rolled oats, 1 sliced banana, small handful frozen/ fresh cherries (fresh is mighty expensive here in Aus) 3/4 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup water- bubble away on medium, stirring occasionally until thickened to your liking- stir through a big spoon or two of greek yoghurt (or any yoghurt) and nom!

Of course, here is the evidence for you of my layering skills of nut butter- ensuring the perfect bite every single time! Myavers Food mixed nut and seed butter on the bottom and top and crunchy PB (shown above) in the middle- melty, warm, gooey- DELICIOUS!

Cherry Cheesecake Oats:

One of my other long-time favourites is my beloved vanilla protein banana oats:

The newest/ latest addition to these bad boys being zucchini! Zoats are actually so, so good and give my regular oatmeal mugs a different texture, whilst not even being tasted at all- instead absorbing all the yummy flavours I've added to the oats- it also adds more volume for a lot less- meaning I can eat more oats- WIN WIN!!

This bad boy was made by grating up 1/2 cup zucchini, into a saucepan with 1/2 heaped cup rolled oats, 3/4 sliced banana (rest for topping), 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder, 3/4 cup almond milk and 1/4 cup water- stirring every now and then until thickened and liquid absorbed- again topped and spread throughout with nut butter for that ultimate enjoyment!

Adding fresh bananas to the top of oats again just adds another different element and texture, keeps things interesting and come on, who doesn't love a big spoonful of fresh, sweet, creamy banana with some sweet, warm oats and some decadent nut butter- a winning combination!!

Diggin' in:

Happy, happy days!

Honestly- that zucchini though- you probably think I'm zucchini mad, what with putting handfuls of frozen zucchini in my smoothies and 'froyo' too, but it honestly goes by untraceable and if it means I can eat more and get in extra nutrients, vitamins, minerals and a serve of veggies at breakfast whilst thinking I'm eating a decadent dessert- so be it!

The obligatory spoon shots (how I reckon oatmeal looks it's most appealing)

Finally, yet another delicious favourite of mine:

The apple pie cheesecake oats!!

Again, so simple, so delicious, filled with so much goodness and tastes like your eating a truly scrumptious dessert for breakfast- so much happiness in one mug!

To make simply place 3/4-1 cup rolled oats in a saucepan with 3/4 chopped small apple (I just eat the rest whilst I'm cooking the oats), 1 small sliced banana, 3/4 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional- ginger, nutmeg, or any other warming spices you would usually add to an apple pie)- bubble away on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apple has softened slightly and liquid is absorbed- stir through some greek yoghurt (to taste really- I probably put in 2 spoons), et voila!!

A big mug filled with warm, gooey, sweet, apple-y goodness!!

Generous amounts of nut butter a must.

And there you have it folks!

Just a few of the many ways I like to enjoy oats on the regular! Of course, that's only three of them- I haven't even mentioned my deep, resounding love of thick, chocolate-y protein oats that taste like a warm, gooey, rich, fudge brownie, or my super-purple blueberry oats, not to mention overnight oats, or a simple mug of plain oats with some chopped dates that I have for an afternoon snack sometimes!!

Oats are endless and you should definitely not write them off because you think they are boring or flavourless- EXPERIMENT! Try out new combos and try to recreate your favourite desserts with them- I've seen carrot cake oats, red velvet oats, tiramisu oats, pina colada oats, caramel oats, cookies and cream oats- there are unlimited possibilities!

So, take a leaf from my book and go to town on your oats this week- you just might create the ultimate flavour combination that the world has to know about!!

Your turn:
Do you like oatmeal?
Favourite way to eat it? Cold, hot, in a mug, bowl, saucepan etc.
Favourite flavour combo for your oats??

I hope you all have a super Friday, do something you love, smile lots, laugh and love even more and as always; EAT SOMETHING DELICIOUS!! Bye for now friendly friends!! :D

Make-Ahead Freezer Fudge Bites!

Hi there friendly friends and welcome to the post you've been waiting for!!

...Or maybe not so much waiting for, as you didn't really now it existed until now, but a post that you will in fact be very content with as it holds the key to something we all desire so, so much in our lives. Time. Or more importantly, extra time. For things like sleeping. Ya get me?

Oh yes, my friends, today I have for you; A MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFAST!!

WHOOP WHOOP!

Ok, and you may be thinking right now; 'Whoop-di-doo, Steph, there are like a bajillion make-ahead breakfasts out there for me on the inter-webs' and while, technically, yes, I would agree with you; I bet none are as fudge-y, as nut-butter-y good, as more-ishly devilishly dessert-y tasting as this make-ahead breakfast.

Did I mention they are completely vegan, processed-sugar free and filled with the likes of highly nutritious wholegrain oats, natural nut butter, dates and vegan protein powder??

Sigh; heaven truly is a place on Earth.

Anywho! Back on track Steph!

Now, you know- I know you know- that I am currently in a very busy and stressful time in my life as I have been complaining about it non-stop for basically the past... oh, year I suppose! :P. My first set of final exams for year 12 are coming up roaring fast and I am feeling that time simply slipping right through my fingers like the liquid-iest liquid there ever was. I also know, that during periods of stressful time, I need my exercise and sweat sesh's to get me through and keep me grounded and in control and calm.

So what's a girl to do when she has a hectic weak of tests and assignments, a busy schedule of after-school studying and other projects activities and yet this utter desire for a long run on a random Thursday morning??

Why she preps ahead the night before for a super quick, throw-together breakfast, that tastes as decadent and delicious as a rich, fudge-y dessert:

I'd like to present to you my no-bake, freezer Nut Butter Fudge Bites!

With a side of mango/zucchini fro-yo which was whipped up in record time after I'd rushed into the kitchen post-15km, red-faced and panting and simply chucking a handful of frozen mango, frozen zucchini and greek yoghurt into the Vitamin and whizzing until smoothy smooth!

But the fudge bites? Now they took a little extra effort, but making them the night before made brekky come together in literally less than 2 minutes! You're welcome!

And, for your own eating pleasure, here is the recipe to make your very own!

Raw Vegan Freezer Fudge Bites:
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 heaped tablespoon nut butter of choice (I used crunchy PB :D)
1 scoop natural vegan vanilla protein powder
4 pitted dates
1/2 teaspoon maca powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

Method:
1. Place everything in a high-speed blender/ food processor and whaz until smooth and combined (should be slightly sticky)
2. Line a tupperware container with baking paper
3. Roll out spoons of the 'dough' into balls and place in the container
4. Place a lid on the container and pop in the freezer overnight (or at least 3-4 hours)
5. The next morning, remove from the freezer at least an hour before eating so defrost slightly and become a little softer (and more delicious!!)
6. ENJOY! On the go, in the car, walking around, sitting down, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, you name it- they're great!

Green Mango Zucchini Fro-yo: Trust me, you can't taste the zucchini- just an extra boost of veggies to kick-start your day (and more fro-yo!!)

Individual gorgeous fudge bite:

With a nom taken out of it:

and dipped in the green mango fro-yo:

Perfect post-workout fuel, pre-workout energy, pre-tackling-the-day energy, packed with protein and low-gi, high fibre carbs, as well as all those good fats and vital vitamins and minerals-

You really can't go wrong this these beauties and trust me when I say it was love at first bite!

Your turn:
What's your favourite make-ahead brekky for busy mornings?
Fav way to eat nut butter?
Fav thing to eat following a long run? I always crave the sweet stuff (dessert-like foods) don't know why but it just satisfies those post-run cravings like nothing else!!


I hope you all have a truly fantastic day, enjoy every single minute of it, see the good in everything (positivity can get us so far!) and as always; EAT SOMETHING DELICIOUS!! Bye for now friendly friends! :D

The Most Random Meal Of My Life

You know when you're hungry.

You gotta eat.

Food is on the brain.

But...

You have no idea what food is on the brain? Like trying to picture what sounds good results in a big black wall in the visionary area of the noggin?

You think of different meals and foods, cuisines and flavours and yet nothing quite seems... right?

Ok, I know you've all felt this at some point in your life so no denying it! However, I'm not sure how many of you would have resorted to the meal I threw together during this episode of my own, in the sense of just how random it was.

Judgement is not welcome here people, so when I show you the meal I decided sounded good for lunch as my brain sorted through endless food suggestions I threw at it, you must not laugh!

Well, perhaps you can laugh, because quite honestly it is just plain strange. But no judgement! Food is delicious fuel and whatever way it comes is ok!

Alrighty, presenting my lunch from the weekend passed:

 Yep.

Yep.

 Ok, I'll walk you through it. On my 'YAY' plate was 1 raw, fresh, sweet, juicy, crunchy carrot... 1 perfectly soft yet still with its integrity, microwaved potato.... and an almost empty jar of cashew butter filled with muesli, almond milk and cinnamon, made in the morning and left to sit for a few hours in the fridge.

 Sneaky peak in the delicious overnight over-morning oats in a jar.

 So yes, none of these foods necessarily go well together, or create a brilliant combo or whatever else food connoisseurs would judge about this meal, but hey, I quite enjoyed crunching on the crisp raw carrot and then sinking my teeth into the hot, fudge-like textured potato, followed by the cooling, sweet, chewiness of the cold oats and cashew butter.

 Call me crazy but eating a potato like it's an apple is just so much more satisfying than chopping up and steaming!

 Chomp.

 And then, the real Steph came back to her senses and you know me, try anything, I did the unthinkable:

 And it was awesome! Seriously, for some incredibly unknown and unexplored reason, soaked muesli in almond milk with some cashew butter atop a warm potato- is LEGENDARY.

 Who'd a thunk it, right? Not me, until I created this beautiful monstrosity of a meal.
And so, it just goes to show; listen to your body, go with what it's craving, eat the weirdest most random meal of your life and who knows; maybe you'll just come up with the best combo ever that the world has never thought of before and your taste buds will sing with elation! Or perhaps not, there are some combos that just should not happen together... a few of these come to mind! And also this post I wrote a while back :D!

What about you?
What is the strangest meal you've ever made for yourself?
Strangest but extremely good food combo you've come across by accident?
Peanut butter and pickles? Yay or nay? I just don't know- won't knock it til' I try it though!! :P

I hope you all have a fantastic day- eat for you and not what society deems a suitable breakfast/ lunch/ dinner- eat what sounds good! Also eat a cooked whole potato like an apple; you won't regret it! ;) Bye for now friendly friends! :D