I had the privelege of completing my first true long run of this training for the Spokane Half Marathon! I could not have asked for better weather. I got to the trail head about 6:45am. It was chilly, a little overcast, and about half way into the run it started not raining, but misting. It was perfect!

And look what I saw! These guys are huge up close and I’m not gonna lie, I was scared they were going to try and attack me. I just watched a video on Facebook the day before my run  of a mailman having to use his walking stick to keep a flock of turkeys away from him!! They’re savages I tell you!

I love seeing this mile marker. Only one mile to go!!

I finished up my 8 miler, and even though this is my longest run yet, it felt better than any other run I’ve done! I think all the iron and vitamins are kicking in!

DONE! And looking pretty rough, but I’ll take it ❤

Makenna’s Soccer Game & Ryan’s Party

Next up was my daughters first soccer game of this season! I sure love my girl! She works hard and likes to try new things, wonder where she gets that 😉

We got to head over to my brother’s house for my nephews birthday party, he barbequed up a burger for me and just happened to have a glazed donut, so BAMMM. I just ran 8 miles, I deserve it right haha

Good Eats

We made fajitas using leftover venison steak. OMG these were so good that I had to bring them for lunch the next day. Dan also approved.

I know a lot of people have mixed feeling about eating venison. And I did too for a long time. I remember being traumatized as a little girl seeing a deer cut open hanging from the rafters of my Dad’s garage and swore I would never eat it. But I grew up. I realized the health benefits of venison. And decided it actually is for me. And having a boyfriend that hunts makes it even that much more appealing.

Here are some health benefits of venison:

• Venison has more protein: 26 grams to 23 grams in beef
• Is free range, grass fed, and usually organic depending on what they eat
• Venison also has more vitamins and minerals per serving than beef does. It has advantages in iron, vitamin B6, niacin, and riboflavin.
• Eat a 3-ounce serving of roasted venison, and you’ll get 10 percent of the DV for thiamine, 15 percent of the DV for zinc, 20 percent of the DV for iron and phosphorus and 30 percent of the DV for riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B-12. The B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B-12 help you turn the food you eat into energy, keep your skin and hair healthy and play a role in brain and nervous system function. You need zinc for forming proteins and DNA and healing wounds, iron for forming red blood cells and phosphorus for kidney function and creating strong bones. (livestrong.com)

I baked a chicken breast in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then topped it with pesto, mozzarella, and sliced cherry tomatoes. To Die!!

Dan and I made a breakfast stop at Boots Bakery downtown and ordered their pumpkin waffles. They came with Chai butter on top and syrup. By far the best waffle I’ve ever had! And when you order coffee, it comes in a random mug. I guess I’m the worlds best boss haha who knew!

And of course, gotta love pho! Especially this time of year ❤ This was from Pho Thinh, but I my fave is still Pho Van. Pho Sho!

What NOT to eat!

I stopped by Trader Joes on my way to work to pick up some kombucha and  something for lunch, so grabbed this. Sounded so yummy and healthy

OMG I wanted to spit it out immediately! GROSS!!  It tasted like expired baby food haha Don’t do it!

This is also from TJ’s. SUPER good, until you look at the nutrition facts…

Mind you, this is a really small portion and I ate the entire thing for lunch one day last week, whoops 960 calories!! UGH!

Oh, and I should probably put the donut burger in this category as well!

I think being healthy is a bit of a roller-coaster ride. There are going to be ups and downs. We try our best, there is so much temptation, birthday parties that include cake, a home cooked meal at Mom’s house, nights out which include wine or good beer, etc. but as long as we do things in moderation, we’re going to be ok. I think we need those days to make us try harder on the other days. It’s always going to be a battle, but we must never give up! Anyways, have a beautiful weekend everyone ❤🍁❤🌞❤🍊