Spinach Banana Muffins

My goal is to run 80 miles this week.  So far things have been off to a good start. 🙂

Monday AM

Distance: 8 miles

Workout: 4 x 1600 meters (1.5 mile warm-up, 0.5 mile dynamic stretches/plyos, 4 x 1600 meters, 2 mile cool-down)

I did the first 3 repeats on the track but had to do the last one on the road because I had a creeper stalking me. When I first started my workout, I could see someone on a bike off in the distance, along the tree line—probably 200 feet away. This guy was just sitting there watching me. I was trying to figure out an escape route in case he made his way closer, but thankfully he left after about 10 minutes. But then during my third repeat, I look over and there he was sitting on his bike at the entrance to the track—now just a few feet away. Now I started to get paranoid because no one else was around, and the track is pretty secluded behind the school. I didn’t risk trying to finish my fourth repeat on the track, so I ran it on the road. It was definitely harder to push myself out on the road. I think in my head: track = speed which means I need to focus on the task at hand; there’s no time for daydreaming.

Monday PM

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 32:40

Just an easy 4 mile run. It is crazy how short it felt! Things on my mind: job hunting and homemade pizza for dinner.

Tuesday AM

Distance: 10 miles

Time: 1:20

Average pace: 8 minutes/mile

Today’s run was a decent one. I felt pretty good, but my legs felt a little off. It was weird because my legs felt okay but they had a hard time moving fast. I don’t know what was up. Overall, my pace was fine but the first 0.5 – 0.75 mile was between 9:00 – 10:00 minutes! That’s pretty slow for me. But I’m not worried, only one run today. I’ve got to rest up before another two-a-day tomorrow.

~~~~~~~

Time for a new recipe . . . . .

Spinach Banana Muffins

Recipe based off this one.

Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
2 teaspoons cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 bananas, mashed
2 cups spinach
1/4 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/3 cup egg whites (about two eggs)

Directions

1. Mix all dry ingredients together: oats, brown sugar, PB2, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a food processor, combine spinach and almond milk. Pulsate until smooth

3. In a separate bowl, combine bananas, vanilla, egg, egg whites, and spinach mixture. Mix well.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

5. Prepare muffin tin with paper liners or non-stick spray. Spoon muffin mixture into prepared muffin tins.

6. Bake at 350* for 25 minutes.

Thoughts/comments:

– I’ve never used all oats (and no flour) before in a muffin recipe. I did like the fact I was using 100% oats, but does change the texture. I didn’t mind it though.

– Trust me, you cannot taste the spinach. The banana overpowers the spinach flavor.

– I liked these muffins. They really are a very healthy recipe with the added protein from the PB2 and egg whites, plus no flour. The only improvement would be to cut back on some sugar, and I think I could easily cut back to 1/3 cup.

Hi, I'm Michelle

I love running around the lakes of Minnesota, running after my two boys, and racing anything from the 5K to the marathon. I have been blogging here since 2010 when I ran my first marathon. I finally secured my sub-3 hour marathon after trying for 8 years.

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7 Comments

  1. 7.31.12
    Elle said:

    Woohoo 80 miles!! That is impressive 🙂 It was probably a smart move, leaving the track when the lurker didn’t leave. I know most people are harmless and don’t mean to seem sinister, but when you are on your own it is always best to err on the side of caution.

    • 7.31.12
      Michelle said:

      I agree most people are harmless, but I didn’t think I should take the risk. In the past, I may have stayed on the track, but I guess I’ve become a little more cautious.

  2. 7.31.12
    K said:

    There are lots of creepers here too, I would have done the same as you.

  3. 7.31.12
    Sarah said:

    sorry about the creepy guy. no fun at all… but on the upside, the muffins look yummy!

  4. 8.4.12
    Lauren said:

    The muffins looks absolutely delicious!! And stellar job on the running (but eww to the creeper!) Sorry I’ve been MIA lately- I don’t know how I ever had time to read blogs before!
    Aren’t you so happy to not be going back to school? 🙂 🙂 🙂

    • 8.4.12
      Michelle said:

      I was thinking the same thing the other day: since school has gotten done, I definitely don’t read as many blog posts as I used to. DO NOT worry about keeping up with my posts, I will not be offended!!

      And yes!! I am STOKED I don’t have to go back to teaching!! 🙂 I am pretty sure I tell my husband that every day–I think he’s getting a little tired of hearing it. 😉