Edited for language that Greg thought would offend.

Another new best! I had fun running loops around our neighborhood, especially running past the radar speed limit sign that is currently on our street.

Now that I’m starting to run longer distances, I’m finding that I don’t feel very hungry right after. Instead, I’m hit with a bizarre kind of hunger  4-5 hours post run. When it happens, it takes a few minutes before I even realize that hunger is what’s happening, because first I just feel kind of frantic and shaky.  Today, this interesting breed of hunger led to some bizarre purchases at Target. I purchased several things that I would never buy under normal conditions:

• Chocolate peanut butter Luna protein bars.
• Extra Dessert Delights gum in lemon square flavor.
• Sour cream and onion Kellogs Cracker Chips. (I ate half the box in the car on the way home, although they really didn’t taste that good…)
• Peanut M&Ms. A king size bag, of course.

What the heck? I’m going to have to avoid stores that sell food after long runs, or I’ll have to start a new blog segment. Crap I Buy After Running.

With that, I’d like to share an oatmeal recipe inspired by a delicious pot of oatmeal that my mother-in-law prepared on Christmas morning. It’s my current favorite because it’s the absolute perfect breakfast for a cold and/or rainy morning.

My Favorite Oatmeal

Serves 2

• 1/2 c. steel cut oats
• 1 1/2 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 large or 2 small bananas, sliced
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/4 c. dried cherries (or raisins)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine oats, almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, dried cherries or raisins, and half of the sliced banana. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, and cook covered over low heat for about 15 minutes (or according to instructions on package), stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla extract, and top individual bowls with remaining sliced banana.

 

It’s almost time for the game! Go Pack!