Well, I haven't run in weeks. Or any exercise for that matter. I intend to. Hasn't happened. Definitely not on course for running a 5K this fall, but hoping to get into the swing of things now that the cool air is back.

In keeping with my "not working out phase" I made some horribly fantastic gluten free cheesecake brownie bites the other day. I made them a few weeks ago, but tweaked the recipe this time and they came out so much better. I really should have taken a photo, I will next time I make them, which will be soon I'm sure.

Recipe: Use the Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix, prepare as directed,

In a separate bowl, mix by hand softened cream cheese (I took mine out of the fridge about 30 minutes earlier), one egg and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix until it is liquidy, the cream cheese may still be a little chunky. The first time I made it I used confectionery sugar and beat it....they came out good but the cream cheese didn't come out as much. Mixing by hand left the cream cheese a little chunky but it melts so it's fine and made the cream cheese standout.

 I use a mini muffin tin, spray with cooking spray. Fill each with brownie about 2/3 then a little dollop of cream cheese mix on top. If I don't have enough brownie I add a little on top of the cream cheese on some. I baked for 17 1/2 minutes. Let cool and they pop right out.

Yum! Might try them with Strawberry cream cheese next time....

Deja Vu All Over Again

I really dislike that phrase. It makes no sense. Are you having deja vu again? No, not that's not what you mean. You mean history repeating itself. Not that you are seeing the future again. Anywhoooo....I'm back :). And in reviewing my posts from 2 years ago, not much has changed. What I am hoping for is different results. I started the Couch to 5K again. In the winter/spring I was very serious about working out. I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, LOVED it. Tabata at the gym, LOVED it. Interval training is such an amazing workout. Makes you feel strong and it makes you lose weight. This summer I have tried doing some Aqua Tabata in the pool. Actually was a good workout, maybe not quite as much as the shred, but great for a hot day. I look forward to getting back into interval training in the fall once the hot is over. I bring up the interval training because it definitely made me stronger, particularly my legs which gave me the confidence to try running again. Since part of the problem I had before was I didn't have the muscles strong enough to hold my knee in place, I think I am in a better position to start. I am also doing the plan very slowly, only running 2-3 time per week as time allows and my body is comfortable with. Tonight I finished Week 3, Day 2. 5 Minute warm up walk 90 second run 90 second walk 3 minute run 3 minute walk repeat. So far so good. I haven't felt too much pulling in my knee when running or after. I am trying to make sure I stretch really well after, and do some of the physical therapy exercises they gave me for it. I probably will run again Tuesday or Wednesday.