I’m not going to lie: recovering from those 39 miles I ran in the last week of my challenge was ROUGH. April 1st was like a holiday for me. As much as I love running, it was awesome to wake up that morning and not have any miles on the calendar. I spent as much time off my feet as I could Wednesday-Friday because my right knee was giving me trouble and I didn’t want to exacerbate the pain, but I already had plans Wednesday night to see the Bleachers show so I popped some Advil and made my way to Uptown.
One of my favorite things about that band is that they have two drummers. Random, yes, but it makes their shows even more electrifying. I was happy to have that midweek night out with friends.
The rest of the week was a bit of a food-coma blur, as my body was still adjusting to going from high mileage to zero workouts for the remainder of the week. I ate everything in sight (unapologetically). Fortunately, I had the holiday weekend to help fuel my bender.
Easter Eats: broccoli/cheese frittata, strawberry poppyseed salad, tuna salad, ham/cheese on Hawaiian rolls, parmesean hash brown cups, deviled eggs, shrimp ceviche, and roasted asparagus. Dessert was chocolate mousse (my contribution), mini cheesecakes, and a coconut cake.
All enjoyed on our back patio with a few family members and friends who came over to celebrate the sunny day with us.
And for those of you who follow me on Instragram and remember that I sent my Dad a VERY detailed list for the Easter bunny about my candy specifications, I should let you know that the rabbit did not disappoint.
Another thing I’m thankful for, besides the sun? My best childhood friend, Kaitlin, being in town. I love it when she’s home because she grew up just a few blocks from me so I can easily make my way to her house for the second part of most holidays. It’s so nice to have a “second family” to visit and spend a few hours with.
Thank goodness the weather cooperated and we had a sunny 60 degree day! It truly felt like the beginning of spring, a perfectly-timed Easter event.
I don’t talk much about my faith here, but I was also grateful to make it home for mass at my childhood church with my family. We all have ups and downs in our faith journey, but having a relationship with Jesus is important to me, and I treat Him the same way I treat any friend. Relationships take work. You don’t always get along, you might not talk for awhile, but you can’t expect a strong relationship without giving effort. You can’t just come to a friend when you need something. In an effort to strengthen this relationship, for Lent this year I made a promise to go to church on Sundays instead of giving something up. And while I wasn’t perfect, I tried my best. Coming home and going to church with my family, just like we did growing up, reminds me how much I love being part of a church community. I’ll have to work on finding that now that I live by myself in the city.
Now that my running challenge and the holiday weekend are over, it’ll be nice to get back to a balance of eating, working out, and writing. I’m hoping to be a bit more consistent on IHABL, even though I am dedicating April to finishing my NASM textbook once and for all. April is a mystery to me — no plan — so we’ll see what happens!
Questions:
- What is your favorite Easter (or Passover) food?
- Do you have any goals for the month of April?
- What should my next challenge be??
i had a big lunch 
Wow that spread looks pretty damn epic. I love that you also have creme eggs…Seeing as today is Easter Monday, all the shops have discounted eggs and I loaded up on the creme egg ones…no shame.
Here’s to an.. epic April amidst no plans!
Everything Easter is discounted today and I LOVE IT! Pastel-colored M&Ms? Sign. Me. Up.
I don’t really have a favorite Easter food, but I love getting some chocolate each year! Yesterday my mom hooked me up with some peanut butter filled chocolate eggs!
Glad you had a nice Easter- enjoy a little break from all that running:)
Anything brunch-oriented on Easter morning gets my vote. And chocolate/pb is never a bad combo!
Oh your dad did SO good with your easter basket! I don’t know what I want to do for the month of April but I’m thinking some type of arm challenge to get mine tank top ready!
Arm workouts seem to be at the top of everyone’s lists these days! I always feel the most confident in my arms when I balance running AND upper body strength workouts. That way they feel shredded — muscular but not too bulky.
Back in the fall, I finally found a church community that felt like family again and it has made such a difference in my relationship with Jesus and has also given me so many new relationships as well. Glad you had a great Easter and were able to finally get some spring weather!
That kind of community is really irreplaceable. Yay for spring weather!
Your family get togethers are always impressive. What a spread, and nice job on the mousse! Definitely give your legs a chance to rest up after such a big week. But hopefully now that the weather is cooperating a bit better you’ll be able to continue running as you want to!
We always go all out on holidays, even though we have a small family haha. I love holidays! My legs are JUST starting to feel normal again, almost a week later. Glad I took some time off for sure, just in time for the even more beautiful weather!
Your Easter spread looks amazing! We had perfect Easter weather too. It’s so nice to finally be able to sit out in the sun!
It was so wonderful that the first nice day of spring coincided with Easter. It was picture-perfect
Looks like you had an amazing weekend! All of that food looks delicious. How great was the weather this weekend?! Hmmm April Challenge….getting brunch with me!
Did my last comment come through? Just want to make sure. 🙂
Yep! Got ’em both 🙂 and a brunch date is definitely a great goal for April. Let’s make it happen! Maybe it’ll even be on a patio, if this weather keeps up!
I love still getting an Easter basket 🙂 The chocolate mousse you made looks amazing! My favorite Easter food is a spring-y dessert, like hummingbird cake or some kind of pie.
I love getting an Easter basket still! I wonder when I’ll finally be too old for it haha. I’ve still never had hummingbird cake but I think I’d love it.
That food! Insert in love emoji here. It all looks amazing! Good luck in finishing your NASM book this month 🙂
Hahah to the insert emoji comment. Thanks for the well wishes on the NASM reading! I’m giving it all I’ve got this month!
Your Easter basket is amazing 🙂 and that spread of food is making me drool! Glad you rested after your month of bad-assery. Happy Monday!!!
Thanks! It was definitely a month of bad-assery…now time to find my balance again.
I feel ya on the legs not wanting to do anything! I had my “easy” week as they call it last week and took two days off, almost three this morning! I am getting to the point that I can’t wait to get back to my normal schedule of running when I want and trying other fitness things haha
I’m just starting to feel fully recovered…but I really miss running already! Can’t wait to get started again and keep up the hard work as spring/summer makes its way here. Outdoor running is the best!
That Easter spread looks fantastically delicious. Major props to your dad for getting you the good stuff 😀
I like the way you describe your faith too. It sounds like it’s something really real to you.
The Easter bunny did NOT disappoint, that’s for sure. Yeah, my faith isn’t completely traditional. But I’ve found that’s the only way it’s truly authentic to me.
I love your thoughts about faith, I totally agree!! That Easter basket looks just like mine used to, I could eat alllll the Reese’s eggs.
I have to throw mine in the freezer still…then, they are all MINE! 🙂
I was SO happy about the weather yesterday. Wearing a dress with no tights was just the most wonderful thing. Candy is pretty high on my list of favorite Easter foods, of course, but I also love love love the scalloped potatoes my grandma would make on Easter. OMG. THE. BEST. I made my own yesterday (and have for the past few Easters when I’ve been in Chicago), but it’s just not quite the same. Still delicious, though.
Oh and p.s. I wouldn’t know for sure since I don’t go there, but I’ve heard really great things about St. Alphonsus – I believe they have a pretty decent young adult population? I could be making that up, but I feel like that’s what I’ve heard. One of my roommates goes there when she’s in town on the weekend, and someone I know from college goes there as well, I think. Another roommate of mine goes to St. Teresa of Avila, and I think they’re a bit more modern in terms of music/worship styles compared to St. Alphonsus. This is all what I’ve picked up from dinner table conversation, so I can’t speak from personal experience, but it’s something, maybe?
I live right near St. Alphonsus so that’s great to hear! Scalloped potatoes are an old family favorite too. Those are always delicious.
Oh NASM how I wish you were behind me. I think the best thing for me is to actually set a date for my test bc that’s what will get my butt into gear!
Yeah I think having the option to extend my deadline was actually my Achilles heel. But now, no excuses!
I too was so glad to finally have some really warm weather. It truly was a beautiful day yesterday. That strawberry poppy seed salad sounds yummy!
Now that warmer weather is coming I actually don’t mind salads anymore! Strawberry poppyseed salad is a right of passage as spring/summer weather approaches for sure 🙂
What a gorgeous Easter!
Glad you got to spend time with your friend! My fave Passover food is Matzah Toffee! YUM!
Toffee is king! So so good.
Your Easter spread looks so good. I had to work this weekend so I was unable to get home to see family. Going to sun rise service is one of my favorites for Easter. Maybe next yr. How cool you stay in contact w a childhood friend. That is very rare. Heck I don’t even talk to anyone that I went to Highschool with let alone grade school.
Yeah we’re two of the last people who have remained great friends since high school haha. Sunrise service sounds beautiful!
Oooo I love your springtime outfit and that Easter spread looks delicious! We had Hawaiian rolls too! So weird that you mention it…I’ve only had them one other time and I could just eat an entire bag of them by myself they are so good.
You have very excellent taste in candy! 😀
Thanks! It was a springtime day in every way — the dress, the pastel themes, the candy, the food.
Sounds like you had a delicious Easter weekend! 🙂 One of my favorite parts of Easter is the Easter service…everyone is just so full of life and I love the traditional Easter hymns. I agree, having a church community is such a blessing.
Easter mass is the best! So much life and joy!!
I made the decision to get back into my devotionals. April 1st I have been doing them every morning and remember why I love them so much. It gives me something to focus on during the day and help keep me in a Christian state of mind. My favorite Passover food is LATKES!
I think you should do the challenge I started for April, the three minute per night plank challenge. It’s the hardest three minutes of my day!
I like that challenge! I’ll start…..tomorrow night haha. What a beautiful dedication you’re making to your faith every morning!
That looks like a delicious spread. Oh, and a band with 2 drummers sounds good to me.
Any live music is great — it’s just nice to take the time out of a work week and do fun things like go to shows
Looks like you had such a lovely sunny easter! And that spread… Tasty treats!
Love the pic of you and your friend, looking all spring like! Also #tallgirlproblems haha! 😉
Haha seriously. Of course my best friend is 5’0 tall! I’ve got ten inches on her 🙂
Wow! Your Easter looks lovely! Glad that you had a great holiday!! 🙂 Lunch looks amazing!!!
Brunch at 2pm has never, ever let me down 🙂 it was a lovely day!