Finding My Lost Mojo

There it is.

It had been missing for quite some time. My running mojo, that is. But it's back with a vengeance. I put in about 15 miles this past week...yes, I have done a significant amount of distance running in the past and I know that's not a lot...but with my focus on strength training lately, running had been put on the back burner. Now that I've got a handle on my lifting routine, I'm trying to work it back in. Pounded out 4.5 miles yesterday, including 2 miles of intense hills, and went back at it for some more today.

The strangest part?

I was HAPPY. Happy on the treadmill. I felt so invigorated. You know that feeling when you power up a hill at 7.0 incline and finally come out on the other side alive. I was looking around at all the other people with scowls on their faces at the gym thinking, "What's wrong with you people?!"

Love those days.

Also, shout out to my hubby for sticking with me for a substantial portion of those miles this weekend - it's no coincidence that my running mojo showed up after our first good run together in a long time.

Best ever reward? My first attempt at protein pancakes. Far from perfect form, but DELICIOUS.

Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
1/3 c. oat flour (I used rolled oats ground in food processor)
1 scoop protein powder (I used chocolate)
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c. almond milk
1 tsp. vanilla
6 drops liquid stevia
1/2 tsp. cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. baking powder

Makes 4 medium pancakes (hubby would have wanted 3 to himself)

Mix all ingredients in mixing bowl. Spray flat griddle with cooking spray and place 1/4 of batter in middle of pan. Let cook for at least 3 minutes. [It's hard to tell when they're ready to flip.] Make sure to push spatula under pancakes very quickly for good flipping. Flip at let cook another 2 minutes. Serve with yogurt, maple syrup, agave nectar, or like I did: peanut butter powder, almond milk, and chia seeds to your desired consistency!

After this morning's workout (shoulders, chest, triceps, and running), I wanted nothing more than a second dose of these pancakes. I got adventurous and tried making them with some quinoa we had in the fridge, rather than oat flour. They were impossible to flip, so I ended up with a bowl of pancake mush, but that's not to say it wasn't delicious!

Awesome alternative to oatmeal or cereal.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for progress in the gym, it's slow but steady. BUT, today I benched a full set with 10s on each side for the first time ever! I don't even care if that's a lot or a little in the grand scheme of things, because my biggest and only competitor is my past self, and compared to her I'm kickin' ass and takin' names.

 I'm easily discouraged, but have been sticking with it through the highs and lows, thanks in part to my daily meditations and affirmations.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO.....

THE DAILY MANTRA!

Brought to you today by The Daily Love.

"...human beings rarely feel like they are ready to embrace uncertainty. But, this is what we must do...The key is to value progress over perfection; to value attempt over perfect attempt."

As you remember this today, repeat these affirmations to yourself no matter what it is you're working on.

Today, I start before I am ready.

I will handle with Grace whatever may come.

The universe supports me, in every way and even in my mistakes.

Making mistakes is how I learn.

I know it's minimal, but there is a difference!  HONORING MY PROGRESS!

Then of course the hubby had to show off his muscles too...

Looks like I've got a ways to go, hey?

Hang in there, and enjoy yourself some protein pancakes!
AvocadoAthlete