10k and Gluten Free Pancakes

After seeing Lean Secrets Flat Belly Pancakes (gluten free pancakes), I wanted to try a variation myself!  We recently acquired some coconut, almond and chickpea flour in our house and I couldn't think of a better way to try them out!  

They turned out great: nice and fluffy, however, they did stick to the pan a bit more than I expected which could be because of the ground flaxseed.  The recipe is below :)

Rosie's Gluten Free Pancakes (serves ~ 1 - 2)

1 tbsp coconut flour

1 tbsp almond flour/meal

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

1/2 banana mashed

1/4 - 1/3 cup egg whites

Dash of cinnamon and stevia 

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cook on a lightly greased pan over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes each side.  I made 3 smaller pancakes, but you could make 2 or even 1!

Toppings (anything your heart desires)

1/2 cup raspberries

1/4 cup greek yogurt

1/2 banana sliced

Carob chips

Mix and mash 1/2 of the berries with the greek yogurt to make jam-like topping :) 

Changing the subject from delicious food... I ran my first 10k race this past weekend!  I signed up at the end of November 2012, making sure I had plenty of time to train for April (almost 5 months to prepare).  I also wanted to make sure I had time to accommodate any set-backs (getting sick, missed runs, school.. etc.) which was a GREAT idea.  I did miss a couple of weeks here and there but still managed to get all of my training done in time.  I followed through and made up missed days.

I followed this Hal Higdon 10k Training Program which was perfect for me.  I ended up doubling every week in order to build endurance slowly and effectively.  I could run 5k when I first started the program so of course I knew I would have to push myself progressively, but it was just enough.  

I ran mostly on the treadmill since I was training through a cold Canadian winter, but during the last few weeks of the program I managed to get outside and surprised myself! I always thought running outside was physically more difficult, but I learned to PACE myself and 10k became a breeze.  I couldn't believe it! I didn't care if it took me over an hour to complete... I DID it. I ran the distance and that was my top priority :)

Race day came around and I was nervous but more so excited.  It wasn't a question of if I could (like my first race), it was more a question of how I would.  I showed up about 45 minutes early to get my chip.  I then tried to stay warm until I started!  

The actual race itself was great.  We ran along a very picturesque river and once we hit the 5k marker, we turned around and ran right back.  My pace was a touch faster than I was used to, but running with that many people made the time go by faster.  I pushed it during the last 2 - 3 km and ended up finishing 1:07!  A record for me!!  

I highly suggest signing up for a race, either by yourself  or with friends, and really enjoy the training process. It's so rewarding knowing what your mind and body can accomplish together if you work hard.