Mountain Mother Runner

We are nearly a month into 2017, so how are your resolutions going? Have you been keeping them up? I had quite a list of resolutions (are people supposed to do that?), with majority of them going strong, and a couple that didn't stick quite as planned. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to eat better, in hopes of improving your health! My family eats all sorts of kale salads throughout the week and I'm always trying out new combinations. Whether you are wanting to eat healthier foods or you simply want to try something new, this Winter Kale Salad with homemade Kombucha Dressing is simply delicious! Pomegranate seeds and blueberries are both high in antioxidants, walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, kale is a great source of plant protein, and the Kombucha Dressing contains gut healthy probiotics! For the salad: ·          1 bunch kale (de-ribbed, torn in bite sized pieces) ·          ¾ c pomegranate seeds ·          ½ c blueberries ·         

What better way to kick off the New Year than by running a local race?! The cold, wet winter can send runners to the warm gym, or even cause them lay low in their homes until springtime appears. Cross training is very popular during the off season, but for some, there is no such thing as an ‘off season’. This is the first year I started running in the ice and snow while wearing cleats on my shoes and it was one of the most liberating experiences. I grew up in Colorado thinking that snow was only meant for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or days off school…never once did I think anyone would choose to go run in it! Scenic Lake Samish By running in weather far below freezing or pouring rain with wind, showing up to race day with clouds and temps in the high 30’s sounded ideal! Earlier this month was the 41st Annual Lake Samish Runs , offering 6.5 or 13.1 mile options. I hadn’t run more than 8 miles since September, so going for the half marathon didn’t seem like a smart idea. We ha

Breakfast is a pretty big deal in our household. Mornings can be hectic trying to get the little one fed after waking up with just a little bit of time to cook food for my hubby, before he leaves for work! I seriously love these Grain-Free Banana Pancakes because they are healthy and SUPER fast to make. Having a child typically means bananas and eggs are always on deck in the kitchen. They are both great beginner foods that are nutritious and easy to eat. Since Eisley doesn't eat meat (and lately is refusing beans), eggs, in addition to nuts and seeds, are important for her protein intake. Instead of flour, these pancakes use almond meal and hemp seeds! Yummy pancakes = happy toddler! Banana Pancakes ·          1 large banana ·          2 eggs ·          1 tbs hemp seed ·          ¼ c almond meal ·          ½ tsp cinnamon ·          1 tbs coconut oil Directions: 1. Place all ingredients in food processor except for the coconut oil. Blend until smooth.

We are only a few days into the New Year, but reflecting back on December seems SO long ago! Did you find yourself struggling to find motivation (or time) to workout during the holiday season? Waking up to snow covered ground and 22 degree weather makes drinking hot tea in your pjs by the fireplace sound like a much better idea. Traveling away from home can also put a kink in your running plans. Are you comfortable running in an area you are unfamiliar with, or do you view it as a new adventurous opportunity? I personally enjoy the change of scenery! Possession Beach in Washington Wk 1: 1-3: 5.15 miles (including Fairhaven Frosty 5k ) Wk 2: 4-10: 7.24 miles Wk 3: 11-17: 21.87 miles Wk 4: 18-24: 10.91 miles (on Whidbey Island) Wk 5: 25-31: 19.03 miles (on Whidbey Island) Total miles for December: 64.20 Our December was a time spent sitting…literally. First we puppy sat for a week, and then we spent two weeks homestead sitting out on Whidbey Island. It was a nice a