the treadmill diaries

The hubby and I decided that we were going to take a low-key approach to welcoming in the New Year on Friday night. So, we opted for a little party for two at our house.

I made some of his favorite eats..and we indulged in a bit of carb loading throughout the night:

Garlic Bread –

Pasta in Ricotta Sauce –

And Beef Cutlets with a huge salad I didn’t take a picture of.

During and after dinner, we were glued to the TV ..taking part in a marathon of watching this:

It came recommended to us and we quickly became hooked. With little trouble, we made it through the entire season.

After many attempts (and fails) at this recipe in the past, I finally got the classic tollhouse cookie recipe right (one of hubby’s favs) – so we were able to nibble on these during the night..

The secret – don’t alter the ingredients in any way. They’re just not meant to be light I guess. J

We toasted in the New Year at 12 am with bubbly for the hubby & juice for me. After that, we needed to call it a night because of the big day ahead of us.

We signed up for the Hangover Classic 5k in Salisbury Mass – a run near the coastline. And for souls who were brave enough….there was the option to polar plunge into the water when you were done (we were among the spectators only for this):

This was hubby’s first time running a 5K and he did great. I’m so proud of him. I’m still on exercise restriction so I was planning to walk this event – since we signed up before I knew I would have to keep things low intensity. But, I ended up slow jogging ¾ of the event…and still had a fabulous time.

It was good to be outside on a 60 degree day on January 1 (can you believe it???) and getting in some exercise. Truly an awesome way to welcome in the new year. Woohoo!

And while there, we got a pamphlet for a Valentine’s day couples 5k that we think we’re gonna run. Should be fun and it’s another opportunity to hit the streets together. 

Tell me all about how you brought in the New Year. What did you do?

Finally, breakfast #27 out of the 30 Days of Breakfast Challenge is the one…the only…Oats in a Jar. You can never go wrong with this easy, satisfying, nutritious option.

 To make your own…place ½ c oats in a jar and mix in the following: ½ banana, 1 Tbsp PB2 or some kind of nut butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp sugar or sugar substitute, a few nuts or berries, 2/3 c milk (I used vanilla almond), and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Blend thoroughly and place in fridge for minimum of 15 minutes – enough time for milk to absorb into oats. You can even make this the night before if you have time.

When it’s ready, take a bite and enjoy the deliciousness that is Oats in a Jar. Yummy.