Mom Works It Out by Angela Gillis

Angela October 5, 2015

My mom’s breast cancer is a moment that changed me

This past weekend I participated in the Gift of Life Color Rush 5k in celebration of my mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2012. It’s not really something I talked about too much because it was hard and difficult. Also, the fact that my mom has cancer wasn’t something we wanted floating around time. There was only one thing that mattered and that she was getting the best treatment. Spoiler alert: my mom is cancer free! It’s a blessing. After spending some time with my mom, I realized I was the reason she got herself checked because…

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Angela October 2, 2015

One goal for October

Happy October! Most people are talking about how September went by so fast, but for me it was slow. It was painfully slow. That’s why I’m glad that October has arrived. Cooler temperatures are finally starting to arrive in the area which is making running a little bit more enjoyable. The sun is starting to set earlier which means my early bedtime doesn’t seem so ridiculous. This morning the temp was 55 degrees. How does that happen in deep South Texas? It’s amazing. Also, I’m excited because I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon next week…and then I’ll get to travel…

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Angela September 30, 2015

Three way: enjoyable apple recipes

I’m excited to introduce a new thing to the blog called the three way. It’s something I thought would be fun, but it’s been a learning experience. I’m glad I started off with something simple like an apple. I’m a huge fan of red apples: gala, pink lady, jazz…I can never have enough. Willie is strictly Granny Smith but that’s too tart for me. It’s fall and everything is going pumpkin again. I love pumpkin but we should really enjoy the great selection of apples coming our way. That’s the reason for the apple three way. I went sweet this…

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Angela September 30, 2015

Recipe: The Apple Pizza

This recipe is part of the Apple Three Way Series. The apple pizza isn’t meant to be fancy. It’s meant to be easy. I used PB2 again in this recipe because I had it on hand AND it’s something I don’t have to worry about the calories or fat from the peanut butter. You can use peanut butter instead of the PB2 though. It’s up to you! Also, these apple pizzas are great because you can customize to what you want. Some people may want shredded coconut on them. Others may nuts or apple butter or raisins…or all of that.…

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Angela September 30, 2015

Recipe: The Stuffed Apple

This recipe is part of the Apple Three Way Series. This was probably my most favorite thing from my apple three way. It’s easy and super filling. I really like the easy stuff that turns out looking fancy. Recipe: The Stuffed Apple Recipe Type: Dessert/Snack Cuisine: American Author: Angela Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 35 mins Serves: 1-2 Ingredients 1 Gala apple, cored 1/4 c old fashioned oats 2 tbsp PB2 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 c greek yogurt (optional) 1 tsp honey (optional) Instructions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Core the apple using…

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Angela September 30, 2015

Recipe: The Apple Quesadilla

It’s like an apple pie but in a quesadilla form. It’s a nice twist and it’s super easy. If you have a panini press, this would be great. There are two options here: 1. you can sauté the apples with cinnamon in a pan until softened or 2. warm up your apples with cinnamon in the microwave. I always do the microwave because it’s easier. Remember, I’m not a cook so I’m always going the easy route. The whole idea is not to spend a lot of time making this stuff. To make my cinnamon cream cheese, I used a…

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Angela September 29, 2015

Race Recap: Texas 10 Huntsville

Sunday I ran the Texas 10 Series race in Huntsville, TX. This was the first time I’ve ever run one of these events. Huntsville isn’t too far from our house so we were able to drive there early in the morning and make it back for the other things that needed to get done that day. It was an early morning because he had to wake up at 3am to make sure we left the house by 4am and arrived by 6am. I picked up my packet race morning. It is really nice to be able to do so. There…

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Angela September 28, 2015

When going gets tough, don’t give in

Happy Motivation Monday! I’m totally keeping this things going. It’s always nice to read something motivational on a Monday morning. Last Thursday I shared with you that my marathon training has been less than ideal but I said I had been running consistently. Before I lost weight I had a problem. I wouldn’t finish anything (except for college and graduate school), I would start something and just forget about it. I wouldn’t finish books. I would start craft projects and just stop them (sometimes because things just got too hard). I would say I’m going to do something and when…

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Angela September 24, 2015

Chicago Marathon training update: can everyone run a …

Short answer is yes! I think everyone can run a marathon if they want to run one. I just think everyone should be prepared to run a marathon. I made a little video about preparing to train for your first marathon (or any race). Plus, I wanted to give you an update on my Chicago Marathon training. Marathon training has been pretty rough on me this time around. I let the summer heat frustrate me and hold me back. It’s been hard to get motivated to run when you know you’re going to be sweat your face off. The southeast…

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Angela September 23, 2015

Twist on an broccoli slaw recipe

I’ve been completely OBSESSED with eggs lately so I’ve been trying new ways to incorporate them in my diet, specifically my snacks. I’ve been craving cole slaw lately for some reason. I don’t post a lot of recipes on the blog because I’m not really cook. I make quick meals but I don’t spend a lot of time making stuff in the kitchen. It’s really practical stuff. That’s why I’m sharing with you the broccoli slaw recipe I’ve been snacking on for a week. Quick and easy and good for you. Egg and ham broccoli slaw Recipe Type: Side dish/snack…

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Angela September 22, 2015

Race recap: Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon 2015

Spoiler alert: This is going to be my recap of the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon by Advil. This year was different because there was a 5K and 1K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. I am really bummed that I didn’t run the 5K on Saturday because it looked like a great time. This past weekend was meant for my 20 miler so I decided to split up my run. Not ideal but it was what would work for me. I needed to run at least 7 miles on Saturday morning so a 5K wasn’t going to…

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