Nutella Stuffed Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

The final product for the bake-off

I work at a healthcare agency and like most good communications agencies, we usually have an abundance of food. From free lunch to cooking/baking contests, we are very well fed. Today we had a bake-off to raise money for multiple sclerosis, a disease close to the hearts of several people who I work with. About 20 people baked amazing bars, cookies, pies and cupcakes for the panel of judges to score by taste, presentation and overall experience. After the judging, all employees were invited to an all-you-could eat baked goods feast for a $5 donation. The bake-off raised more than $300 for a great cause AND my cookies got first place! I can’t take credit for the recipe, but I thought I’d share it with you along with a few tips and pictures. I plan to try several variations of this cookie, so stay tuned.

Officially a Tough Mudder

Some of our team post-Mudder

After about 11 miles, 22 obstacles designed by British Special Forces, more mud than I could have imagined, bruises, cuts and awesome team camaraderie, I am officially a Tough Mudder. Yesterday when I toed the line with hundreds of people I’d never met and my team of about 15, I had no idea how important we would all be to each other for the next four hours of our lives. The Tough Mudder is considered one of the toughest events on the planet and I couldn’t agree more. While marathons test endurance and mental strength, the Tough Mudder also requires overcoming fears, risking the unknown, trust and teamwork.When asked which was more difficult, I would answer they are just different and probably not for everyone.

Running: It’s a Zen Thing

Read this is Competitor magazine. It’s a good reminder to just let your legs carry you on every run. Also, for those running Fall marathons, trust in your training and just go! Good luck out there.

 

Don’t Give Up

I saw this quote on Pinterest and really related. Remember, you’re alive for a reason. The author is unknown.

Runner’s Prayer: Run By My Side

Taken during an evening run on the East River in NYC

Sometimes running can be a lonely sport. While races are filled with hundreds of cheering fans and many congratulatory texts, training runs are often long, solo and rarely celebrated. For many, this alone time is part of the joy of running. A time to reflect, let go and just run. But even during those 20-mile training runs or quick run commute, remember, you are not alone. I saw this Runner’s Prayer on Pinterest and had to share it. It is originally from “Day by Day: The Notre Dame Prayerbook for Students.”

Run by my side; live in my heartbeat;

give strength to my steps.

As the cold surrounds, as the wind pushes me,

I know you surround me.

As the sun warms me, as the rain cleanses me,

I know you are touching me, challenging me, loving me.

And so I give you this run.

Thank you for matching my stride.

Amen.

Paint the Month Pink

It’s October, which means leaves change colors, pumpkin spice lattes are back and it’s breast cancer awareness month. For me, every month is breast cancer awareness month because it is a passion of mine to help find a cure. But for retailers, the NFL and much of the population, this month is dedicated to raising awareness, fundraising and the color pink. Here are some of my favorite Breast Cancer Awareness items so far!

Essie’s Breast Cancer Awareness line (Pictured: We’re In It Together and I Am Strong)

Philadelphia Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon

I signed up to run the Philadelphia Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon with my friend Danielle. It was exactly one month since my last half marathon (Providence Rock n’ Roll Half), so I had to be careful with my training to avoid burn out, injury or my biggest fear, losing my fitness level. The week after the Providence race I took it pretty easy and only did some cross training. Then the second week out I did a few shorter runs during the week and ran ten miles on the weekend. The third week out I kept my mileage during the week short and did a seven mile run on the weekend. Then the week leading up to the race I did a normal taper. On race day my legs felt great and the weather was perfect!