The Nose Clip that Saved My (Swimming) Life

This week, I picked up some new running shoes, swim goggles and a nose clip. I was told that a nose clip would help me with my "breathing-while-trying-to-swim" issues. With regard to the goggles, it was a total guess as to which brand and kind I should purchase. I ultimately went with the Speedo sprint goggle with soft cushion seals, a low profile design, an adjustable nose piece and a silicone headstrap. And I am very happy with my purchase because they are awesome. The soft cushion seal is amazing - it didn't feel like I was even wearing goggles. Plus they didn't leak. Also, the silicone headstrap is a lot better than the latex kinds I have had in the past.

I also went with the Speedo brand nose clip. That nose clip is also amazing because it totally solved my breathing issue! I can now breathe in through my mouth without getting water up my nose, which allows me to actually concentrate on my stroke. I was so excited when I tested it out. Took all my frustrations away. Now I just have to work on building up endurance.

I also did some speed work today. I don't do much speed work - I find it hard on my body and I have a tendency to get shin splints. Plus, running on the track is BORING. I can't stand running in circles. I managed to get some speed work in, but stopped when I felt an inkling of a shin splint in my right leg. Ultimately, it only worked out to be 2 miles.

So now its time to tally up my HBBC points, because the challenge ends today. Let's see what I did this week.

Monday - did I work out? I can't remember. Old age is setting in. (0 points)
Tuesday - again, can't remember if I worked out. Yikes. (0 points)
Wednesday - nothing (0 points)
Thursday - 1 hour of spin class and 1/2 of sculpting class (6 points)
Friday - Ran 5 miles (5 points)
Saturday - Lifted weights for 1/2 hour (2 points)
Sunday - Ran 2 miles and swam for 40 minutes (4 points)

Total for the week: 17 points
Grand total: 63 points

Ok, clearly I am not winning.

Also, is it bad when you have absolutely no idea what you did after work two nights of the week? I mean zero, zilch? I think I remember running, but not too sure.

On the food front, I made this amazing chocolate cookie over the holidays. I know, I know, its not healthy and won't help with any New Year's resolutions, but what's one little cookie? It even uses plain yogurt instead of eggs or oil. See? Kind of healthy. Plus, you can bring the rest of them to work to impress your co-workers and prevent you from eating them all.

This cookie was so great because it is not greasy or oily and is just so light and perfect. The recipe calls for dried cherries but you can really use any kind of dried fruit, candy or chocolate chips. I used craisins. The recipe says to bake them for 9-12 minutes, but I found 12 minutes to be perfect.

Cocoa Fudge Cookies
Yield: about 2 dozen
A recipe by Alice Medrich from Cooking Light

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
7 tbsps. unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried tart cherries (or mini chocolate chips)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Then, stir in the cocoa powder, sugars, yogurt and vanilla extract. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Next, stir in cherries or mini-chocolate chips, if using.

3. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Press down slightly to flatten; cookies do not spread a lot.

4. Bake at 350F for 9-12 minutes or until set and slightly firm at the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.