Make-Your-Own Oatmeal Packets & Ready For Florida

It has come to my attention that email subscribers have been having some issues lately receiving posts to their inbox. I am working on resolving the issue as well as figuring out why yesterday’s email contained multiple photos. Explain the recent issues I cannot but I do apologize on behalf of modern technology.

I know this picture looks as though I am hiding in a bush but I am actually inside of my community’s gym.

I was watching the bus stop from afar because I was told that middle school kids can’t have their moms waiting at the bus stop. Or running outside near the bus stop because someone might see me.

The bus stop is right outside of our clubhouse where our community gym just so happens to be so I simply ran on the treadmill until I saw the bus appear and then hopped off to take the first day of school picture.

My view of the window from the treadmill.

I actually did my long run yesterday morning since I am leaving for Florida today and will miss my long run which is usually tomorrow.

I am a stubborn runner but at least I am a flexible stubborn runner.

I ran about half a mile on the treadmill and then finished my run outdoors once the bus came and my son was off to school.

I covered about 13.50 miles and it was one of those runs that just felt great the entire time.

In fact, I did some sort of unplanned tempo run because I held a really consistent pace for the first eight miles. My usual long runs are slower on average and the pace will fluctuate.

I think I may like warming up first on the treadmill because I had it set at 6.9 which is about an 8:42 pace. When I switched to running outside, I held that pace (give or take a few seconds) which wasn’t something I gave thought to doing but it just happened.

If you are curious, here is a great link which offers a treadmill pace conversion chart with pace adjustments based upon incline.

I don’t know that I will get a chance to run this weekend which is fine with me, however, I do plan to bring one set of running clothes just in case I can squeeze in  a quick thirty minute run Sunday morning.

I am still working on the packing thing by the way which isn’t really like me but I always pull it together in time.

The shoes and travel snacks are ready though.

• Three servings of oatmeal (with cinnamon, chia seeds and raisins in each baggie)
• Two Quest Bars
• Mixed cereals with raisins
• Pink Lady Apple
• Small container of Crunch Time Peanut Butter
• Extra Watermelon gum.

Not pictured is my lunch which I will certainly bring on the plane just haven’t put together yet.

I make my own oatmeal packets because it is cheap, easy and free from silly added sugars.

I measure out individual servings and then sprinkle cinnamon, chia seeds and a handful of raisins into each baggie. The baggies roll up nice and small making these easy to store in your bag.

All you then need is hot water (or even cold), milk and/or yogurt and you are good to go. Hot or cold, you have the perfect portable meal.

Choose old-fashioned oats over steel-cut because steel-cut oats need more attention in hot water while old-fashioned oats are more versatile and can adjust to any liquid situation pretty quickly.

I really don’t need much else with me foodwise since I am staying with my friend and we already discussed the coffee situation (Keurig thank goodness) and that I will need a jar of peanut butter.

Now quickly talk to me about this pizza, will you?!

Hotdog and French fries pizza? What do you think of this? I just don’t know. They are getting maybe a little too wild with the toppings ideas.

I took my son out for pizza last night to celebrate the first day of school.

Would you believe that these three slices of pizza cost the same amount of money as ONE PARFAIT from Red Mango?

Really puts things into perspective for me. I love my Red Mango but I kinda love this veggie pizza too which is a third of the price.

I am totally rambling now but you should know that I always eat the crust of the pizza first. I like to dip it in the sauce.

Anyway, I am going to try to pop while I am away but in case I don’t have the opportunity, you can always follow me on instagram (and twitter since I tweet stuff more than I used to).

Have a terrific weekend!

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Do you have a system to eating pizza?

Hotdog and French Fries pizza- yes or no?

What type of run do you have planned for this weekend?