Jingle All The Way

Yesterday, I ran in the Jingle All the Way 5k with my friend Jessica.
It was Jessica's second race and a first for me.
My mom was on hand to cheer for us and she was such a trooper in the freezing cold weather.  

My race number!

The race wasn't an overly crowded one, so it was a great introduction to the racing scene.  I decided to take things slow in the beginning, because my over all goal was just to finish the race.  I had only ran a 5k once before and that was Monday on a practice run.  Much to my surprise I completed the race with much more ease that I anticipated and I really enjoyed it!  I'm ready for the next one!

My final time was 32:10, so I averaged just over 10 minutes per mile.  

For the next race I am shooting for 9 minute miles and to finish under 30 minutes!

Elation!  I was so proud of myself!

I haven't really competed in any sports since college,
so it was really cool to feel my competitive spirit coming back.
I am even trying to convince Daniel to get back into running and try a 5k out with me.
Who know's maybe a half-marathon is in my future!!  

Freedom!

Today was the first day of Christmas Break! Sweet Freedom!

I was so unsure of what to do with myself since 

I haven't truly been free from obligations since the middle of June.  

I decided to take a little trip to visit my old workplace and see some friendly faces.

It was so good to be back there and it reminded me of how much I miss everyone.

Then I got to have lunch with my mom and that was awesome!

I love visiting her at work and when I can bring her some food its double happiness.

When I got home I had the most ridiculous sweet tooth!!

I never crave sweets, maybe its that 5k glooming in my mind?

No worries though, because I found the most delicious recipe here.

Chocolate Crinkle Cake Mix Cookies

what you need

1 box Devil's Food cake mix

1/4 cup canola oil

2 large eggs

powdered sugar for garnish

how you make it

preheat oven to 350 degrees

combine cake mix, oil, and eggs in a large bowl and mix until combined

(you may need to use your hands...i did)

roll cookie dough into small balls and roll around in a bowl of powdered sugar

place dough balls on a greased cookie sheet and bake for approximately 12 minutes

enjoy (while listening to christmas music)!

well, tomorrows the big day

the day i put myself through unnecessary torture

also known as the "Jingle All The Way 5k"

Goal: Finish... with a pulse

I'll let you know how it goes!

Creamy Cheese Tortellini

Well its been a while... but school is coming to a close so free time is in my future!

Tonight's menu was maybe a new favorite for the Pennington's

I was searching through a Christmas cookbook for some holiday goodies and 

came across this one... its pretty amazing and super easy!

what you need

1 package (7 oz) cheese-filled tortellini

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin slices

1/4 cup butter

1 small green bell pepper, chopper (1/2 cup)

1/2 sweet onion, chopped

8 baby carrots, sliced

1/2 cup frozen garden peas

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 3/4 cups milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded monterey jack/colby cheese

how you make it

Cook and drain tortellini as directed on package.

Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil, stirring frequently, until no longer pink in center. Remove chicken from saucepan; keep warm.

In same saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook bell pepper, shallots and carrots in butter, stirring frequently, until bell pepper is crisp-tender. Stir in flour and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk and frozen garden peas. 

Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in cheeses until melted. Stir in tortellini and chicken until coated.

I was extra happy tonight, because it was the first time I got to use my AMAZING Le Creuset dutch oven!!  I ogled over these pots for years watching Giada de Laurentiis on the Food Network.  Earlier this year Daniel and I broke down and purchased this little beauty and I must say it was well worth it!

In other news, I have a 5k coming up in only a matter of days.  You may remember that I started training for a race last month.  However, with school and the holidays I have had way too much going on to run.  My friend contacted me yesterday though and said a race was coming up this weekend and wanted to know if I was interested.  

Call me crazy, but I agreed!  I gave a 5k a try today for the first time ever and I made it!! Well, I did have to walk just a little bit, but I finished which is my main purpose for Saturday.  I am so happy to give this a try, I just hope I make it!