Trip to Ainsworth Hot Springs and Some Treadmill Running

Recent Workouts

You guys, I ran 2 miles on the treadmill at a 9:13 pace. I know, most of you are thinking, sooooooo??? But for me this is a huge deal! Last year my miles were creeping up to the 11-12 minute mile range. I have started running faster in very very small increments, and am finally up to 2 miles at this pace! Today’s workout: .5 miles at 3.5mph, .5 miles at 4.0mph, 2 miles at 6.5 (9:13 minute miles), and 1 mile at 4.0 mph. I have also been doing spin class at EWU 2x per week, and GRIT class, which is a HIIT (high intensity interval training) 2x per week, which has contributed tons!

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Also, recovery is huge, especially when doing weight training. I have been trying to add in a protein shake after most workouts. I love the Orgain Organic Protein you can find at Costco, it’s fairly inexpensive and tastes great! I bring the powder in a shaker bottle with me, then after my workout, I just add water. BOOM!

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Also have been trying to squeeze in yoga when I can. I love stretching, it’s my favorite ❤

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Ainsworth Hot Springs, Nelson, and Kaslo British Columbia

We set out last Saturday for a trip to B.C. for Dan’s birthday! Since Dan just got his passport, we decided to put it to use and check out Canada! I love road tripping with this guy! You know, you can always tell if a relationship is going to last but how well you travel together!

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First stop was Nelson. We were starving and stopped at the first restaurant we found called Finley’s. A cute little bar and grill.

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OMG had probably one of the best burgers I’ve had in years. It was called the Wise Cheddar Truffle Cherry Burger. It had pacific rock cheese, cherry jam, truffle aioli, pickled red onion, lettuce tomato and a ciabatta bun. So.Good. Even the side salad was loaded with veggies.

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We also did some thrifting and walking around downtown, look how cute their City Hall is (they also had a big modern one next door). They have some awesome hippy shops downtown too!

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Next stop was Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. The drive was gorgeous by the way, after you pass Nelson, you take the road along Kootenai Lake, which is surrounded by the Rockies. Breathtaking. We decided to check in , take a silly picture, and hit the hot springs right away.

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The coolest thing about the hot springs here are the caves. It’s a horseshoe shaped cave. Very hot and dark inside but they have a few small lights similar to garden lights that give a romantic ambiance… ooohhh la la… It was too dark, so I stole a couple pictures from the net. I loved it here, but what struck me as odd was that the water was odorless. When we went to Quinn Hot Springs, the water smelled like rotten eggs. Call me weird, but I loved it, it made me feel like there was a very high mineral content and my body was being healed, well not really but you get my drift. You could tell the water felt different at Ainsworth, but it just wasn’t as strong.

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This is not me… haha

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The view was insane!!

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Next stop, Kaslo, which is another 20 minutes or so North of Ainsworth.

wp-1488835198307.jpgWe stopped at the most quaint little cafe called Bluebelle Bistro. It was adorable and even had an old wood stove inside.

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Can’t go wrong when you have coffee with the one you love ❤

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Normally not a pastry person, but this butter tarte was to die for

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View from the edge of town…

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One last stop on the way home. Brilliant Bridge.

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This handsome devil

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Road trips are the best! Well any trips are the best really ❤

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Has anyone tried these chips, it’s a Canadian thing… I’m not really a fan, but when in Rome…

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Hope you have a great weekend y’all!! Anyone else doing the St. Paddy’s 5 miler on Sunday? If so, hit me up, I’m doing it and don’t have a running buddy yet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School, Snow, Sickness, Ski, Snowshoeing and Spaghetti Squash!

So apparently I love words that start with the letter “S.” I mean my name iiiissss Samantha, so there’s that. Anywhoo, I have lots to share about whats been going on lately, life has been super busy. I’m happy to announce that I am back in school! If you know me, you know that I have my BA in psychology, and if you know psychology, you know that you can’t do much in the field without at least a Masters degree. So here I am, beginning my journey to get my masters in school counseling! I’m taking a few classes at Eastern. It’s been an adjustment, but I’m trying to keep my eye on the prize! I am taking a couple workout classes as well, which I have been loving, EWU has a new rec center that is nothing short of amazing, ice rink and all! I’m taking some group fitness classes as well as just working out in the gym there. It’s very nice!

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Not my best photography skills below oops…

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In other news, Makenna has been taking ski lessons with one of her besties, Londyn. They are the cutest things ever! It amazes me how fast they learn, they went to the top of the mountain on the third lesson! Daredevils!

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She also got some ski time in with her cousin Reagan who was also up taking lessons

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She was exhausted!

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So, I normally snowboard, but this Saturday I’m going to attempt to ski with my babe…. wish me luck!

Guys, I have been so sick the last two weeks, hence why I haven’t been posting much. But this sickness kicked my ass! I know its going around but it got the best of me. Here is a snap of what I’ve been eating

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And I’m only half kidding. I’m finally feeling better and NEEDED to get outside and get some fresh air. So when Angie invited me for some snowshoeing, I thought I’d dig them out and head to Mt. Spokane with her, and her friends Dawn and Stephanie. We had a blast, it is so beautiful up there.

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I lost those sunglasses too grrrr

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Look how deep the snow is up there (on top of this outhouse) probably close to 4 ft

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Warming shelter

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Heres recovering sick me, obviously overheated and lacking oxygen haha

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They had a sign in sheet at the cabin, it was really fun to look and see where the poaple are from who have signed in

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Awwwww ❤

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I had such an amazing time, love these girls!

So, I wanted to share with you all how I cook my spaghetti squash. I’ve heard of and tried a lot of ways. I DESPISE cutting the spaghetti squash raw, it’s a workout in itself. It’s basically carving a small pumpkin. For me the easiest way is to take the spaghetti squash and simply stab a couple holes in it ( so it won’t explode/let out the steam).

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Next, I bake it at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. You may have to adjust the time depending on the size. Then I carefully remove it, cut it in half the long way, it’s soft now so the knife just slides on through. Open it up  and while holding the half with a hand towel, I scrape out the seeds, this is also easier now as the inside is much softer. Then fork out the “noodles” and enjoy however you like! Easy peasy!

Loving this kombucha right now ❤

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And this guy ❤

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And these two loves, they put on a fashion show for us

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And this quote from one of my faves

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And homemade low carb protein muffins. Once I get a healthy recipe down, I’ll share it 🙂 They’re still a little on the dry side, so I have some experimenting to do!

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Still one of my fave pre-workout breakfasts. Stick to what you know right!

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Loving walnuts in my yogurt too

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And kinda sorta addicted to these new bacon gruyere egg bites at Starbucks. You guys, they’re amazing. The texture is like nothing you’re ever tasted!

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I CAN NOT for the life of me find a copycat recipe. So I did look up the sous vide cooking technique, where you basically cook things in a vacuum sealed plastic baggie at low heat for a long time (6 hours or so). So, I took a stab at it…

First I melted the goat cheese so it was soft and easy to work with

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Next I added the eggs and cream and beat until blended

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Then put it in a ziplock and cooked slowly for about 45 minutes, who really has the patience for 6 hours 😉

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Next I put in cupcake pan, topped with bacon and baked at 350 for about 15 minutes.

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Turned out really yummy!

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I hope you all have an amazing rest of your week! Share your snow activities with me! I’m getting bored and need some ideas on what to do outside for fun!

Peace & Love ~Sami

 

Trip to the Canadian Border & Jax Juice

Crystal Falls

Dan, Mojo and I had a weekend sans kids, so we decided to take a quick road trip up to the Canadian border and stop and see some sights along the way.

Doesn’t this pic look like we’re about to sing a duet to the Frozen theme song haha …Maybe it’s the matching Goonies shirts #sorryimnotsorry #relationshipgoals

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Mojo looking comfy in the back

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Until this happened… Not quite sure what he’s doing but he crammed his booty here almost the entire drive… no judgement though Moj, we love ya!

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So, Jackie posted some pics of this place and I thought, how beautiful! It’s up past Colville just right off the road. We expected more of a challenge as far as getting to the falls, but it was pretty to hike a bit along the river. You can find directions on how to get there –> here.

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Overall, very beautiful and peaceful. I love the sound of natural running water.

We found a random thrift store along the way so thought we would have some pre halloween fun. I’m not gonna lie, I wanted everything in there! Well everything except the “dog bed” that was really just an old couch cushion haha

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Ok Ok, back to the trip. Our next stop was the Box Canyon Dam. The view was gorgeous, but I can only imagine how much prettier it would have been without that dam there.

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The train tracks were sure pretty though! This is the train ride that goes from Ione to Metaline Falls. 2016 is the last year they are doing this 😦 I logged in to their site as we wanted to get tickets, however, the rides are sold out for the rest of the year. We decided to stop by the train station to see if there was any way to still find tickets and to get to the bottom of why they are closing down. The lady there was very nice and gave us the run down on why. Turns out they would have to have an inspection of the bridges that would cost $130,000. On top of that, they would have to fix whatever came back insufficient on the inspection, this could lead to millions of dollars, which they just don’t have. You can read more below, excuse the wrinkles and footprint on the sheet. Road trip problems.

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This was by far THE most beautiful drive I have ever taken. I couldn’t help but snap a ton of pics. Enjoy.

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Creepy abandoned looking park, eeeek

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We headed farther North in hopes to see Gardner cave, but it was closed for the season when we finally got there. Next time!

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Jax Juice & Randomness

We checked out Jax Juice on Market and Wellesley, AKA Give It a Shot Espresso. He makes fresh vegetable juices, alkaline water, apple pie, and more! He knows Dan and is trying to get him to be a part of a program he trying to get started.  Buddy Ball, where you team up and play baseball with a child that is disabled. Dan works with kids that have disabilities and personally I think it would be a great fit! When we got there he told us he attended his first City Council meeting and that he brought juice samples for everyone there. He got up to speak, and told everyone there that the juice samples are not why he was there. He was there because  they are putting in a new baseball diamond at Mission Park. He is an advocate for children with disabilities and is hoping for a playground that will accommodate as well. He was there to say thank you <3.

This is Jack

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This is Jax Juice.

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Mak giving Mojo some love

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Slight obsession with roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts right now

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Makenna and Lila have this cute love/hate thing going on! They argue, but then they miss each other/have each other’s backs if anyone is messing with the other. It’s super cute really!

Getting cozy at storytime haha

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And at dinner ❤

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Makenna’s braiding skills are on point! She’s been practicing a lot

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It wouldn’t be my blog without at least one running selfie. You win some. ya lose some haha

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Dan’s friend Dave had a bonfire for his 40th birthday, which was a blast! Kaylynn got the girls together for this!

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I hope you all are enjoying the fall so far! Have a blessed week ❤

~Sami

 

 

 

 

Spokane Half Marathon Recap & Moose Chili

Last Sunday October 9th, I set out to complete the Spokane Half Marathon in honor of a friend from high school, Tasha Buckles. I signed up for the race with Steph and Chana, who were much closer to Tasha than I was, Steph thought we should honor her life and her family by running for her, and we all agreed. I didn’t know this, but she had a thing for tall socks! The Tasha that I know was always positive, outspoken, beautiful and had a passion for her family and friends. You will be greatly missed by many TJB!

Chana is awesome and had some pretty sweet shirts made for us.

These in pink

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And these long sleeves, in gray

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The weather was perfect for running! We even lucked out with no rain!

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I love Spokane this time of year, and this course was no exception!

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Got to see a couple of my FAVE cheerleaders along the way! My Mom and Daughter ❤

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And these Bagpipers and dancers!

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Finish line photos! I look really happy to be done, because I WAS! That was a tough course, sooo many hills!

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Found myself a finish line buddy ❤

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These girls stole my medal and my heart ❤

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Guess what this is…

Get your mind out if the gutter!!! It’s the race medal!

Our finish pic!

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I just want to give a shout out to my Mom for bring Makenna down to watch me finish, Dan and Lila, and Ray and Nicholle, you guys made crossing the finish line so special for me ❤ Love you guys! And Mom for lunch and beer at the Elk!

Also, it was so good seeing so many friends along the course! Steph and Chana, Sara, Nancy and Kaylee!! Good job guys!

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Tristan’s 7th Birthday Party @ Triple Play!

So, we started out the day getting our family photos taken, which I will share later! So we had to haul ass from Deer Park allllll the way out to Coeur d’Alene, we were a little late but didn’t miss the good stuff!

Pit stop to Starbucks, they’re representing our Hawks!

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The girls getting ready for battle

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Here’s Makenna killing the ropes course in wedges haha

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Kace

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Lila looking so cute and tiny in the laser tag get up

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Mak and Kylee!

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Randy Ray made it too!

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The kids had a great time, there were just so many more people here I didn’t get to see much of! That is the only thing that I find hard about these parties, they are a blast but its hard to get everyone together!

Moose Chili

Dan had some moose burger so with fall officially here we decided to whip up some chili! I personally love the copycat Wendy’s chili recipe

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If I were to make it again, I would modify it by only using 1/2 the can of tomato sauce. It was a little tomatoey for my taste, I like my chili a little more hearty. But shoot add some cheese and saltines and it toned it down and made it perfect!  I like moose burger even better than beef hamburger! So if anyone has some they want to give me…. 😉

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A Little Randomness…

My cat as Chewy! Here’s a tidbit for you. Did you know George Lucas though this character resembled chewing tobacco, hence the name Chewbacca!

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Makenna found this at our photo shoot!

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We’ve been getting pretty creative lately with her hair!

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This pretty much happens everyday ❤ ❤ ❤ It melts my heart ❤

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Have a great rest of your week everyone, Dan and I are going to do some exploring over the weekend so I’ll share that next time!!

I am working on constantly honoring my own soul, but for now it is still a work in progress, I’ve come so far but still have a long way to go ❤

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Happy Girl Run and Some Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Happy Monday! The Happy Girl Run was last Saturday. This is one of my favorite races. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but they have the best swag bags including socks from The Sock Guy, and some great samples and coupons! I met my friend Angie Friday night to pick up our packets and we had some dinner at Twigs, one of my favorites!

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Here is my race morning routine:

  • Get up at the butt crack of dawn
  • Drink coffee, I love the caffeine and ahemmmm other benefits. Sorry. TMI.
  • Make my usual pre-run breakfast of an english muffin topped with almond butter, sliced bananas, and cinnamon
  • Double check my list and make sure I have everything, specifically my Garmin, headphones, race bib, and chap stick
  • I like to wear running pants with a little zipper pouch for my car key
  • Pin my race bib on to my tank top that is under my long sleeve shirt. I get hot and know I will take that off
  • My phone which also happens to have a pouch on the back that can hold my ID, debit card, and a $20
  • Stretch and Go!
  • I usually say a prayer on the way to the race too

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Found these yummy pumpkin spice english muffins at Yoke’s

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Also, speaking of pumpkin, here are some other good finds from Trader Joes

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The race started off and it was a beautiful day

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Thank God for Angie. I just got some bluetooth headphones that I know I packed, well they were MIA once I got there, I think they fell off my neck when I got out of my car because I still can’t find them. She had a spare pair. LOVE!

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Why cant the whole thing be downhill haha

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My phone died halfway through, so I ended up running without music and didn’t get to take any pics of all the pretty horses along the way 😦 I have done this race 3 years in a row now, every time they have been here in Spokane. I think this is the start of a running tradition for me, and hopefully my daughter too someday ❤

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I tried this brand of Kombucha from Target, its really good, not as strong as a lot of them

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And a few shots of my sweetie hustlin’ at her soccer game

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Today’s Run

My legs were still sore from all the hills at the Happy Girl Run, even after I took a rest day yesterday and got a leg rub from Dan ❤ But I pushed through and got a 3.5 miler in along the Centennial Trail.

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Gotta throw in a running selfie haha

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So, I talked about the homeless camps along the river on my paddleboarding post here Food, Running, Guns, Golf, Lake and Saying Goodbye to Summer 😦 . It was kind of crazy to see one so close. If you look closely at the bottom right of these two photos, you will see a tent!

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I love the trail in the fall!

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Pumpkin Protein Pancake Recipe

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  • 2 scoops of your favorite protein powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp canned pumpkin
  • 1tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • milk or almond milk to desired consistency

Mix everything together in a mixing bowl and cook on a pan how you would cook regular pancakes. I topped mine with fresh ground almond butter. But I’d like to try to copycat Boots’ Bakery’s chai butter, it was oh so yummy! I promise they taste better than they look!!

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Saw these cuties all lined up at the pet store

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Have a beautiful week everyone, Love & Run. ~Sami