Post-Vacation Exhaustion, a Running Epiphany, and a Recipe with Cheerios

Despite the fact that my recent vacation was spent actively skiing down mountains, I still felt sluggish getting back into my work/work-out routine this week. You'd think my physical endurance levels would be soaring, right? Sadly, this is not the case.

I've decided that all vacations - even a "sporty" vacation - are hard to bounce back from. The stresses of daily life (tax returns, bills, meetings, e-mails) bombard you the instant you step off (in my case) the mountain. I'm already on day five back in Indiana, but I can hardly muster the energy to eat (gasp) or type. However, this lack of energy has not deterred my exercise habit, nor my food addiction.

Speaking of exercise, I had a running epiphany today! My "max distance" has never risen above six miles. I've tried for months, but the number six has become a looming enemy (which I will confront soon in my half-marathon quest). My friend and running buddy, Beth, told me how difficult the long runs can get if you go too fast. When she's around I have no problem; she keeps a wonderfully comfortable pace. When I'm by myself (as in today), I tend to speed up to about eight minute miles. I don't do this consciously...in fact, I continuously tell myself to SLOW DOWN. But it isn't happening. I only ran three miles today, but I realized Beth was right: there is no way in heck I will be able to run 7+ miles at an eight minute mile pace. I'm going to force myself to slow down. And I'll let you know how that turns out.

And what's a blog post here without a recipe? The following can hardly even be considered a recipe. It involves four ingredients, a microwave, and a pan. I don't even use measurements when I make it. But it's SO good. To be honest, I ate the entire pan while watching Sex & the City. This recipe is best eaten while watching bad TV.

Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
I adapted this recipe from PETA's Vegan College Cookbook. I don't think Cheerios are actually vegan; if you are vegan, use an alternative cereal. But - believe me - these bars are amazing with the Cinnamon Burst Cheerios. As I mentioned above, I don't actually measure these ingredients...just guesstimate.

- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups Cinnamon Burst Cheerios

Line an 8x8x8 inch pan with foil and mist with nonstick spray. In a microwave safe bowl, nuke the peanut butter and agave nectar together until you can stir the mixture smooth (about 30 seconds).

Dump the chocolate chips and Cheerios in a large bowl. Pour the agave/peanut butter mixture on top and stir to combine.

Scoop the mixture into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula or spoon. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, until hard. should serve 4-6...or 1