Recently...

So, as I said in my previous post, a lot has been going on recently that I meant to write about, and just didn't get around to. And, also as in my previous post, my new year's resolution (one of them) is to consistently write in this blog sooooo... here are a few updates!

First of all, although I am LOVING my two-week long amazing winter break, it has definitely been tough to stick to any semblance of healthy diet over the holidays. Between work parties, vacations, holiday treats everywhere, and being out of a routine, it's definitely been tough. That being said... I ate a lot of delicious things. They were very delicious. Yum. No regrets! I've kept up my workout routine, which has been really important and helped me stay more on track than I would have otherwise. I'm not really worrying about going a bit astray over the holidays, as I've committed to tracking my food for all of January, and getting back into my routine this month once I'm back to work (*groan*).

Also, over my break, I've been engaging my baking chops quite a bit. In particular, I HAVE to share this recipe for cranberry bliss bars from skinnytaste.com - they are like the Starbucks iced cranberry bliss bars, but half the calories. Relatively easy and completely delicious. One batch made tins for my family, the bf and his family, and a couple more.

You can find the recipe for the Skinny Cranberry Bliss Bars here if you're interested!


More awesomeness: I went to Vegas! On Christmas! My mom, Anne, and I went to check out apartments for Anne for next year when she moves there for a job. While there, we got to see some of the sights (and eat/drink many delicious things as well!).

Christmas at the Bellagio!

Sugar Factory, the most faaaaaaabulous candy store in Vegas. Alcohol-infused truffles, nom.

Gettin' fancy and doin' a little sightseein'.


And finally, the most fabulous cookie skillet that mom, Anne, and I shared at Chili's before flying back to California.

MAJOR nom.


Last but not least, I did another race this past month!

The Double Road Race is a creation of Bob Anderson, who also started Runner's World Magazine! The format works this way: 10K, rest, 5k.

I signed up for the Double Road Race in Pleasanton on a whim, after one of the women in my Saturday running group mentioned it the week before. So overall, it's a 15k, but it's broken up into two legs. I figured, I can do a 5K and a 10K, so why not both, right? Kinda.

After running the 10K, which yes! I did do in a Santa hat.

I got to the middle school in Pleasanton where the race started and ended, and spent an hour after packet pickup trying to not freeze my butt off and deciding how many layers to wear during my 10K. The 10K was not my fastest possible effort - I set a PR at 58:57 on Thanksgiving - but I did put forth a solid effort at race pace at 1:00:35. I didn't want to push too very hard, since I also had a 5K coming up.

Between the 5K and 10K, Anne, my dad, and A all arrived to watch, and Anne decided to run that leg with me! That definitely made it more fun - but it was not easy, for sure. After the 10K and some rest and stretching in between, my body was like, nope! No 5K. Rough. It definitely felt good when we finished.

Anne and I, pre-5K.

We finished the 5K in 29:57, right under 30 minutes. Overall, my time was 1:30:32 for the 15K. I'll take it!

So that's about it in terms of recent goings-on. I'm about to leave for a few days for one last hurrah of winter break - a trip to Oregon with A and his family! I'll leave you all with a couple more holiday pics from the past couple weeks - enjoy, and happy 2014!

I made A take cheesy holiday pictures with me A definitely willingly took holiday pics with me in our ugly Christmas sweaters pre-Ugly Sweater Party.

Holiday Gifts!

Busting out my winter clothes from the storage unit in preparation for Oregon - byeeeeee.