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By kilax, March 12, 2012 5:16 am

I had heard of PB2 a long time ago, but it was not until I was in Kansas City at the end of January that I actually saw it in a store and bought some for myself to try. Now, I am hooked! But first, let me explain to you what PB2 is…

PB2 is powdered peanut butter! The peanuts go through a natural process to remove 85% of the oil, and you are left with the powder (which is all natural with no added sweeteners or preservatives). When you mix the powder with water, you get the same consistency and taste as full fat peanut butter, with 85% less calories (nutrition info here).

I made a little video to show you how it works:

You can also add it to shakes, dip fruit in it, and do many other things (their website has a recipe section). So far, I have just been using it as a spread!

I still eat regular peanut butter too, but I like using this for a snack with crackers/fruit, whatever. And did I mention they have a chocolate flavor?!

I’ve been so in to PB2 that when Erin sent me a code to buy it cheap online, I bought some for myself and two jars to give away – the regular and chocolate. 

PB2 Giveaway Rules

1. One reader will receive one jar (6.5 oz) of each type of PB2: regular and chocolate.
2. Required to enter the giveaway: tell me how you want to use the PB2.  
3. This giveaway is open until 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday March 14. I will use random.org to select the winner. I will announce the winner on Thursday March 15. 
4. This giveaway is open to all readers.

Comments (13)

By kilax, March 11, 2012 1:15 pm

Monday | March 5, 2012: 7 m run (8×2 minutes with 2 minute recovery)

Ahh, it felt so good to do a speed session. I love the two-minute ones. So quick and easy!

Usual two mile warm-up and one mile cool-down. The goal was to do the speedy parts at my current 5K pace – 7:40-7:45. I thought that was what I was doing, but I was still a bit off. So – more work to do! At least I wasn’t off in the other direction though!

Splits: 7:41, 7:35, 7:36, 7:31, 7:27, 7:31, 7:47, 7:23

I realized during this workout that it’s not my legs that fatigue, but my breathing that gets tricky. Any ideas to help with my breathing when running fast?

Distance: 7.0 | Start Temp: 32° | End Temp: 31° | Time: 1:03:24 | Avg Pace: 9:03

Tuesday | March 6, 2012: cross

Very sad that this is my last kickboxing class at the place I have been going to in the city! I have 4 punches left on my card but they expire March 15 and I can’t use them! But, I did go to 6 classes, and that is good for the $30 I paid for the Groupon! I gave the punch card to a coworker. And I already have a new Groupon for a kickboxing place much much closer to home. 

Anyway. I babble. We did a new routine which was supposed to be harder, with more kicking. I thought it was easier, since it was less jumping squats. 

I went out to dinner afterward with my kickboxing friend. Where did we go? Native Foods.

I had already been there for lunch with Kelly too! Time to tone down the eating out. I am being social and eating out so much. I like the being social part, but I am just not sure if I should eat out so much!

Wednesday | March 7, 2012: strength class

We used weights and did boxing for the Wednesday night strength class. The warmer weather meant I was really hot – I need to remember to wear a tank next time. The class was challenging in the end as we moved to the last weight circuit and I used a 25-lb weight. We were doing burpees then standing up to lift the weight in the air, and I was struggling with the 20 and 25 lb weight. 

Thursday | March 8, 2012: 5 m run (easy)

I was supposed to fit this run in Wednesday, but my schedule changed after I sent it to my coach, so I had to do it Thursday… meaning no rest day. A major no no that I was not too happy about. But the run was actually really speedy, so that’s good (and that was a surprise, since it was so windy). 

Distance: 5.0 | Start Temp: 41° | End Temp: 39° | Time: 44:49 | Avg Pace: 8:57

Friday | March 9, 2012: strength + 5 m run (easy)

Brian came over in the morning to torture me for our strength session. We used two BOSUs and varaious weights and I just felt so so weak. The blanace moves are just so hard for me. Defnitely something to work on.

My run in the afternoon was kind of the same way. I felt tired and a bit out of it. I think it’s just lack of sleep. I wish it would have been a better run, the temps were great and the sun was out!

Distance: 5.0 | Temp: 37° | Time: 48:34 | Avg Pace: 9:43

Saturday | March 10, 2012: 12 m run (2 miles @ HM pace)

For reasons I won’t get in to (long story short: I was being a pissy pants) I did the first 8 miles of this run on the treadmill, and the last 4 outside. For the first 8, I did 4 miles at 6.0 mph, then 2 x 10 mins at 7.1 mph with a 5 min 6.0 mph recovery in between, the went 1.1 miles at 6.0. When I could not stand the treadmill anymore, I went outside. I was dizzy at first – running on the treadmill always makes me feel that way! And it was super windy. Ugh. I don’t want it to be in the 50s/60s and windy. Just have it be 40. Or 30. Just no wind!

Distance: 8.0 | Time: 76:20 | Avg Pace: 9:32
Distance: 4.0 | Start Temp: 57° | End Temp: 57° | Time: 39:39 | Avg Pace: 9:54

Sunday | March 11, 2012: 6 m run (recovery)

I ran 6 miles easy with some running club friends. I forgot to check the temperatures, but it was warm! Kind of crazy to have it warm this early in the year. 

It was fun to run with friends and catch up. And there may or may not have been mimosas afterward. Ha ha ha. You always have to double the time you think you will be gone with you run with club members because you end up chatting and having so much fun after the actual run!

Distance: 6.0 | Time: 1:05:17 | Avg Pace: 10:53

Week Summary: 35.0 miles

Did you see this interesting article that says we feel like we are running faster at night because of our visual perception (when running outside in the dark)?

I do run faster at night. My body is more awake and relaxed, and I can’t see my Garmin so I don’t worry about pace. And I want to finish and eat dinner/relax.

Comments (31)

By kilax, March 10, 2012 5:57 am

This post is all over the place… kind of how I think. Bear with me. I put it all in bullet points to try to show how I went from one thought to the next.

• I had my first appointment with my new therapist on Thursday. We basically did the “getting to know me” session, but I feel like she really got me. I felt comfortable being completely frank with her* and she even picked up and called me out on a few of my moods lately. Seems like she knows her sh*t. So. Yay!
• One of the things she asked what was I like to do for fun/to relax, and I had no answer. How sad is that?! I could go on and on about everything else but that is what drew a blank? We talked about how I run and workout, but that that is not enough. I mentioned that I like to read** and spend time with Steven and friends. And told her I have a hard time sitting still. And just being. 
• So, for years I have been trying to figure out how to relax. And I am still not there. I am anxious, most of the time. Not all, but most. 
• But! I was out and about last night, and came up with two things I like to do for fun: virtual shopping dates and explore. 
• So… virtual shopping date. My favorite coworker gave me some coupons for J. Crew Outlet. I told her I would stop at the outlet and she asked me to send her pics while I was there. I decided to send photos to all my favorite gals on iMessage – her, Erin, and Gina – while I was shopping. It was a ton of fun showing them the clothes and getting their feedback. If only the network were better there! And if only my sister were on iChat! Sad times, snis***. 
• The winning pieces (there were two times as many rejects):

    

• I still need to consult with my stylist on how to pair the new dresses with pieces I have. And how to work that gray top, if at all – may return it). If you are local (Chicagoland) let Erin know if you want a closet consultation! Since she did mine, I have been getting a ton of compliments on my wardrobe at work!
• On the drive home, I started to fantasize about if the four of us – fave coworker, Erin, Gina**** and me – lived close together, if we would all be friends. Then I decided we would be like the girls on Sex and the City and I decided in my head who was who, based on one or two superficial traits of each television show character. Ha ha ha. That entertained me for awhile on my drive. 
• Okay – explore. That other thing I mentioned in the fourth bullet. I also remembered that I love to explore places. Whether local or on travel, new or old (to me), I love experiencing space. I cannot explain it well. Maybe it’s the architecture student in me… Anyway, I need to remember that when people ask me what I like to do for fun! What do you say when people ask you what you like to do for fun?
• I will be honest. The first thing I told my therapist is sleep. It’s been one of those weeks. 

*I am pretty open with most people, but this was a good sign.
**We cannot meet for two weeks so she recommended a book for me to read and mark up in the meantime. 
***Update your blog, sister.  
****Gina remembered I had told her I wanted to try Moroccan Oil and she sent me some in the mail. Can it tame the beast that is my hair?! Let’s hope! Thanks Gina! 

Comments (32)

By kilax, March 9, 2012 6:12 am

Do you finish every book you start reading? What would cause you to stop reading a book?

I assure you, I am not reading six books at once. Those are all books I have started and not finished. And this habit kind of bugs me.

Even though I commute on the train, I don’t use that time to read books, because it makes me fall asleep. So the most common time for me to read is right before bed at home (again, because it makes me fall asleep). I don’t read every night, so it sometimes takes me a long time to finish a book, because by the time I get back to the book, I forget what I have been reading!

Of course, some books are so good you do want to finish them faster! I sometimes read in the bathtub, on the rare day off with no other plans, and on airplanes.

And some books are not so good… so you finish them slower. If at all.

Comments (12)

By kilax, March 8, 2012 2:50 pm

Steven – I hope you appreciate the post title because you are going to be the only one who gets the reference!

Why is it that whenever I already have a short day planned at work (left at 2:00 today to make it to an appointment) that I get the most *requests? Seriously – I was approached and/or contacted today by multiple people, mutiple times, about three old projects of mine that are CLOSED. Over. Done with. I want to be helpful, but I am going to be gone all next week in New York City and potentially taking on a new detail for a project located there. Why does this have to happen now?! I do not have time for this…

Do you ever feel like everything gets busy at work when you are trying to **leave?

I am ready for a new kind of work crazy. I hope this New York thing turns in to real work, so I can do something different for awhile. 

Otherwise, ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In other news, I am such a sexy beast that the owner of the restaurant Katie and I ate in for lunch gave me free baklava. 

Just kidding – about the sexy beast part. He did give me free baklava, but because he recognized me from ordering catering there before. Nom. 

I was sad when I left lunch, because I was having so much fun chatting with Katie I didn’t want it to end. But then I remembered she lives super close to me. Boo yah!

*crazy stupid
**really, GTFO***
***Using the acronym in the literal sense here.  

Comments (48)

By kilax, March 8, 2012 5:44 am

Well, three hand-me-down skirts in three days! Two from my fave coworker and one from Gina. Anyone else have some skirts they want to give me?

Tangent: speaking of alarm clocks, I am still getting used to the one on my smart phone. I needed to get up at 4:00 today, to drive myself to another town to catch the train at 5:00*. What time did I wake up? 4:36. I was happy I slept straight through the night, but geesh. I need to remember to set my alarm for AM.**

We actually had warm enough weather here this week (60°F, y’all) that I think I could have gotten by without tights. But I guess I am in the habit of wearing them now.

How long are a pair of tights supposed to last? I usually try to get at least 5 wears out of mine, but my fingernails**** have gotten so long lately I accidentally rip them when I grab the material to pull them up.

How long do your tights last? Do you have any fun colors?

I picked up a dark plum because there were in sale at Tarjay*****. Other than that, it is black and gray. The turquoise pair was tempting me though!

Here’s another fun question:

Does anyone else have to adjust their tights a few times a day so the crotch of the tights is not at their knees?!

*Yes, I made the train! Hit all the lights green and only sped by 5-10 miles over. 
**This is why I look crazy in today’s photo (the last one). I had 10 minutes*** to get ready, and had my priorities straight – still had to take a picture. 
***At least I had my outfit planned. Why can I plan outfits for three days but not plan meals for a week?!
****I tore my nice long thumbnail yesterday and am so bummed.
*****Which I have on in the last picture and have no idea if they work or not, but I did not have time to look in a mirror this morning.    

Comments (13)

By kilax, March 7, 2012 12:02 pm

And it’s only 12:00!

Comment: Well, it is Lent.
Context: I said in a meeting, “Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of Oreo and I didn’t eat one!”
Internal Response: Since when does everyone participate in Lent, and give up sweets? Ugh…

Comment: You’re just like me. You can’t wear high heels.
Context: Someone was surprised to see me in high heels. I told them my toes felt a bit smooshed.
Reference: You know in the end of The Devil Wears Prada when Meryl Streep’s character is so proud of Anne Hathaway’s character for rushing around Paris to warn Streep that they are trying to out her at the magazine (or whatever)? And Streep tells Hathaway she reminds her of a younger version of herself? Or that she sees herself in her? Or some bs like that? And Hathaway freaks out. YEAH. That is me when this person says crap like that. Even if it’s on a cosmetic level.
Internal Response: I will do everything I can to NEVER be like you.

Comment: You have a nice hourglass figure.
Context: Another female was complimenting me on my outfit (will post a picture tomorrow). Then we discussed Mad Men (have never seen it but am familiar with the style of the show) and how we like seeing hourglass-shape friendly clothing at Ann Taylor and J. Crew. This conversation lead to:

Comment: You have boobs and hips. Like me.
External Response: I like having boobs and hips. I think my husband likes it too!

I wonder if I will have to add anything else to this list by the end of the day…

Comments (34)

By kilax, March 7, 2012 5:35 am

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, catch a glimpse of yourself, and scream?

Just kidding! That is not what this post is about, but I thought my hair was funny last night. I actually wanted to ask:

Do you ever wake up before your alarm, and feel afraid to even look at it, and see how much sleep you have left?

I slept all through Sunday night (amazing!) but then woke up at 4:28. Two minutes before my alarm. Annoying.

Monday night I woke up at 2:30 am, and last night it was 1:30 am.

I am annoyed that I am waking up at all during the night, but I suppose if I am, I would rather have it be with ample time before my alarm sounds!

It’s funny though – I always do feel a bit afraid to look at the alarm when I wake up before it goes off. Does anyone not look at it?

And don’t worry, I fixed my hair up for work. The best I can, anyway.

Me so tired.

Comments (23)

By kilax, March 6, 2012 8:53 pm

I had a surprise realization in kickboxing class tonight that I want to document, but don’t know how to without sounding obvious and judgmental.

Basically, I was doing all the kickboxing moves, feeling strong, when the thought flashed in to my head – “I would rather be strong and be able to do these moves, than be at too low of a body weight for me, not have any energy, and not be able to do strong punches and kicks.”

Now, my goal has never been to be stick thin. That… would just not look good on me. And I am happy with the way I look (except for some issues with a certain body part which is so unusual for me and really upsetting me that it is even bothering me). But the way I felt in class just reminded me that I want to be healthy, to feel healthy and strong. Not be healthy to get skinny. 

It was a good realization. Or rather, reminder. 

That’s all. 

Maybe not. It feels wrong to post without my standard picture(s) and question! So here are some pictures of acrobat cat, or, as I like to call him, Acrocat. 

It’s funny. Now that I have a smart phone I seem to be taking even more random photos, and using them later in blog posts… when I never planned to share them. 

Do you take photos with sharing them in mind? Or do you take them then later think, “I should post this!” (or “show to so and so”)?

Comments (34)

By kilax, March 6, 2012 4:54 am

OREO!

Fortunately (or unfortunately), most Oreos are vegan. And I love Oreos.

I actually toured Kraft* last week. There is a special Kraft store on site where you can buy Kraft products at discounted prices. They had many types of Oreos, including the special Birthday Cake Oreos.

I did not buy any Oreos though. Why? I was trying to be good.

More importantly, why didn’t I track down someone from the Oreo division while I was there and ask them this important question – why do they even make non Double Stuf Oreos? Get real! Double Stuf is where it’s at! That is my only gripe when they come out with special flavors – they are usually not Double Stuf. I have to do so much work to take them apart and make them Double Stuf. Sigh.

There are actually a lot of interesting Oreo facts in this little article. I’ll let you read it for yourself, but I did want to mention two things! Oreos started in Manhattan, and there is a street named Oreo Way. I could not find much info on Oreo Way online (except it’s on 9th Ave between 15th and 16th streets or 9th Ave between 9th and 10th streets), so I may have to look for it in person.

Also, the article mentioned that –

According to the company, past market research found that while 84 percent of men ate the cookie whole, 41 percent of women pulled the cookie apart.

How do you eat Oreos? Pull them apart? Dunk them? Or do you not even like them?

I like to make one quadruple stuf – pull the cookies off of one side each of a double stuf and put them together. And one time this happened…

*Nabisco makes Oreos, Nabisco is part of Kraft