Girls on the Run 5K Recap: We Won’t be Left Behind

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Today is one of those days that I looked forward to sitting down and writing a blog post. That’s because, instead of the normal Sometimes Healthy Tips that I provide on Monday’s posts, this morning I’m going to recap the Girls on the Run Hudson Valley 5K, which took place yesterday.

Here’s a picture of my team’s big smiling faces after they all crossed the finish line!

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More on the days’ activities later, but first, I just wanted to explain why the organization of Girls on the Run means so much to me. I’ve volunteered and worked with plenty of non-profits throughout my life (including Make-a-Wish Foundation), but none have ever hit so close to home as Girls on the Run. I’ve alluded a few times to why I feel so passionately about Girls on the Run, but I’ve never shared the full story…so here goes.

This is a picture of me as a 10-year-old, just a bit older than most of the girls on my current Girls on the Run team.

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I know. I know. I am kind of adorable. Sure, I had buck teeth, weird bangs and giant glasses as a young child, but at that age, it didn’t matter what I did: I would always be cute. However, as time passed and middle school beckoned, the cuteness developed into awkwardness. I will spare you the pictures, but just trust me on this one, okay.

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Posted in: Girls on the Run, Hudson Valley \ Tagged: , , , , ,

WIAW: French Toast Roll Ups and Pink Muddy Buddies

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Monday night was a BAD night for sleep, as in I didn’t get a wink of sleep. I remember how I used to pull all-nighters in college all the time like it was nothing, and now, my old bones definitely don’t function right without those Z’s.

Since, I couldn’t sleep, I decided to do something productive….like increase the content of all of my Pinterest boards. For the record, if you’re ever having trouble sleeping, I don’t recommend playing on Pinterest. I got so excited about all of my “pins” that it was impossible to get back to bed. I have had a major craving for Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow as some call it) lately, so I must have pinned about 15 Muddy Buddy recipes alone. Then, I decided to make a special Girls on the Run Muddy Buddy Mix for their last practice today.More on that later.

Let’s dive into Tuesday’s eats for “What I Ate Wednesday” (WIAW). Apparently, being tired causes one to make poor food choices. Let’s see how my lack of sleep affected the day’s eats.

Around 5 AM, I decided that it was time to get up and make some breakfast. It was a Pinterest find from just a few hours before I got out of bed: French Toast Roll Ups. 

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Do I really need to explain why I had to make these immediately after I saw them? Sometimes the simplest ideas are pure genius. This is one of them. Take pieces of white bread, flatten them with a rolling pin, slather on some delicious fillings, like marshmallow fluff and PB, dip in egg/milk mixture, cook ’em up in a skillet and coat in cinnamon n’ sugar. Then dip in maple syrup.

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After one dip in the syrup, I thought I had died and gone to french toast heaven.  Continue Reading →

Posted in: WIAW \ Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Donuts for Breakfast and the Power of Running

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I think I need to institute a new Sometimes Healthy ritual for my Friday mornings: Semi-homemade glazed donut holes and coffee.

Is there a better combination?

Is there a better combination?

I can’t think of a sweeter way to start my weekend than with these pretty little babies. And, I can’t think of a better combination than coffee and donuts.

But, before I share the secret behind these delectable creations, I want to start your Fridays with a bit of running motivation. I’ve talked on this blog a few times before about a charity organization called Girls on the Run.

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Back in NYC, I volunteered with the organization, helping with PR and marketing, as well as participating in the 5K race as a “running buddy.”

Posing with my little running all-star, Makoyan.

Posing with my little running all-star, Makoyan.

I wrote about my experience on this blog and how inspiring it was to watch all of theses young women (3rd – 5th grade) finish a 5K with a giant smile on their faces.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with this incredible organization, here’s what you need to know…

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Posted in: Girls on the Run, Semi-Homemade \ Tagged: , , , ,

Girls on the Run 5K Recap: A Lesson in Runpowerment!

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This morning I started off my day in my favorite way: Running.

But, as much as I love running alone, what made today’s run EXTRA SPECIAL was the company. Today was the Girls on the Run Manhattan 5K, and I was privileged to be able to run as a Running Buddy alongside a very talented young runner, 9-year-old Makoyan. A very shy and modest little runner, Makoyan nearly left me in the dust as she completed the 5K at a pace remarkably fast for such a young runner. What impressed me even more was her modesty, determination and clear passion for running. The Girls on the Run 5K was by far one of my favorite races that I’ve ever run because I had the opportunity to see all of these young woman achieve a huge accomplishment: their first 5K. Continue Reading →

Posted in: NYC, Races, Runs, Uncategorized \ Tagged: , , ,