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Ultimate Motivator

March 22, 2011 by Julie 80 Comments

Sure exercise mantras are a great way to motivate yourself to get into the gym and bust out a workout first thing in the morning, but, when it comes to running, for me the ultimate motivator is sleep.

Yup, sleep.

You see, when I take Sadie for a run before work, I knock out both my exercise and her exercise for the morning in one fell swoop. This means I don’t have to take her on a long walk after my workout which, therefore, means I get to sleep in a bit!

This morning, as Ryan headed off to the gym in the 5 a.m. hour, I slept in, promising Sadie a good run when I awoke.

When Ryan arrived home, I hopped out of bed, quickly changed and took Sadie on our typical running loop, completing 5 miles before walking a bit to cool down.

The weather in Central Florida is ideal for running right now! I checked my phone before we left and it said it was 60 degrees. Perfection!

Once our run was over, I was ready for breakfast.

Breakfast

Breakfast this morning came together in a flash thanks to some preparation last night.

Overnight oats awaited me!

Last night I combined:

  • 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 c. almond milk
  • Chia seeds

I let it soak all night and then this morning I added a scoop of chocolate peanut butter to the mix for some healthy fats and extra flavor.

Stir it up!

Sure it looks like baby regurgitation, but it tastes pretty darn good and that’s all I’m after!

I think Sadie smelled the peanut butter because she was really into givin’ out the lovin’ as I was eating my breakfast.

Sadie hugs are the best.

Time to hop in the car and head to work. On our run this morning I saw some really scary tire marks that led right into a lake near our apartment. Just a reminder to drive extra safe today!

Happy Tuesday!

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Filed Under: Breakfast Tagged With: breakfast, chia seeds, oatmeal, overnight oats

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

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Comments

  1. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:17 am

    I agree with you – sleep is DEFINITELY a motivator for me! My best runs are those when I’ve got a solid night of sleep behind me. They feel SO much better than nights I go to bed late. Falling asleep early is one of my guilty pleasures!

    Reply
  2. Emily says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Awesome workout! My alarm went off at 5:40 for a yoga class and I easily rolled right over and said “no thanks” When I got up I put on Jillian Michael’s Yoga Meltdown and am promising myself a run or walk later today when the weather warms 🙂

    Reply
  3. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:19 am

    The way I always get myself out of bed in the morning is by telling myself that if I work out NOW, I won’t have to do it in the afternoon and I can use the extra time to take a nap. I don’t usually actually take the nap, but knowing I’ll have the option to always gets me up!!

    Reply
  4. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Crazy tire marks on the road freak me out, too! Makes me wonder what happened and hope everyone is ok!

    Have a great day!

    Reply
  5. chocolate-covered katie says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Aww aww aww Sadie kisses!
    Henry tries to give me kisses… but I always resist. ‘Cause he likes to eat worms in the garden :-/

    Reply
  6. Emily says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Hahaha. Baby regurgitation…best comparison I’ve ever heard. You and Sadie both look gorgeous! Have a great Tuesday!

    Reply
  7. Stacey says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:24 am

    That is such a cute picture of you and sadie! I love affectionate dogs!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:25 am

    I tried overnight oats for the first time yesterday with old fashioned oats but I hated it! I can’t get used to the chewy oats, I love my instant. HELP!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 9:37 am

      did you use only milk (no greek yogurt)? i found that it makes the texture a lot more like regular oatmeal, which i enjoy.

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        March 22, 2011 at 9:52 am

        I used both milk and greek yogurt. I guess I am just not cut out for old fashioned oats

        Reply
        • Caree @ Fit-Mama says

          March 22, 2011 at 12:35 pm

          Ashley, I am with you on this one!!! I can’t get outta the instant oatmeal goodness!

          Reply
  9. Natalie @ Will Jog For Food says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:28 am

    I really need to start making overnight oats!

    Weather has been perfect…by my house it was 65 degrees. Too bad I have a sinus infection…takin a break from working out until I feel better.

    Reply
  10. Hope says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:29 am

    That is scary with the tire marks. I hope everything is okay! Love that picture of you and Sadie! So cute! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Carrie says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:29 am

    i LOVE SLEEP! but i definitely have sleeping troubles- its SO hard for me to fall asleep and stay asleep.. eepp
    that sounds like a lovely run with sadie!!

    Reply
  12. Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:30 am

    I love if I get to sleep in a little bit on weekdays – it makes me look forward to the workout – and it helps me put more effort into it, too 🙂

    Reply
  13. Lindz @ Happy or Hungry? says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:30 am

    I tried those overnight oats the other morning, only slightly different, they included a banana and vanilla extract. Amazing though! I made a bowl for my lovah also, and he actually liked them…after he heated them up in the morning ;). No cold oats for him…pshhh, boys.

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 9:36 am

      oooh that sounds gooooood. i should try that next time.

      Reply
  14. Claire says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Hi, Julie!
    Your 40 minute treadmill workout followed by 15 minutes on the elliptical today…WHEW I WAS SWEATY! I love the treadmill workouts, especially those 40-50 minutes long, so if you have more, post them! Them 8.0 mph really killed me! Happy Tuesday-
    Claire

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 5:06 pm

      i love those workouts! i should do one on thursday (my next cardio day)!

      Reply
  15. katie says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:32 am

    So sweet ! The pic of you and sadie!

    I wish it was nice weather here to go outside for a workout! Soon though it will be!

    have a great day!!!

    Reply
  16. Melissa says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:34 am

    I wish I could work out in the mornings! I get up at 5:30 as it is, so I would have to be up around 4-4:30 to get a decent workout in. When I’m done with work by 3 and have my afternoons free, morning workouts don’t make sense. If I had my preference, I’d workout in the morning and then go to work around 8:30 . . . in a perfect world. 🙂

    Reply
  17. LittleMissFitness says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Isn’t it so annoying we have to drive cars everywhere in Central FL! Where’s the metro?! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Tori says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:44 am

    So I’m living up my spring break by watching some Friends episodes, and the one came up where Monica has to narrow her 12 choices of appetizers down to 6 for her wedding. She hands the list to Joey and he adds on the list ‘peanut butter fingers’ and describes it by dipping his fingers in an imaginary jar of PB and licks his fingers. ha it made me think of your wonderful blog, and I just had to tell you!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 10:14 am

      i LOVE that episode. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Haleigh says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:45 am

    Baby regurgitation! haha.. that cracks me up! Overnight oats are pretty dang delicious thougH!

    Reply
  20. Jenn from Much to My Delight says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:49 am

    Agreed. Nothing motivates this ol’ girl quite like sleep. Just ask the me-sized dent in my mattress.

    Reply
  21. Jamie@cupcakedynamite says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:53 am

    I LOVE overnight oats.. I used to eat them all the time until I got sick of them, I haven’t made them in about six months. Seeing yours makes me want to make a big batch tonight, though!

    Reply
  22. Stephanie@ThornsHaveRoses says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:00 am

    I swear some of the ugliest things I eat for breakfast are the tastiest. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Kristin @ Absent Minded Kris says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:01 am

    LOVE the pic of you Sadie…so cute! Have to try the overnight oats soon! Do you heat them up in the morning or just eat them cold?

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 10:14 am

      cold!!

      Reply
  24. Emily says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:04 am

    i totally pulled this move this morning. instead of getting to the gym when it opens at 5:30, I slept in an extra hour and went for my run at 6:30. It’s such a gentler way to get out of bed in the morning!

    Reply
  25. Sable @ Squat Like a Lady says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Ooooh I loooove overnight oats! I’ve been mixing mine with sf/ff pudding mix lately — White Chocolate is my fave! YUM.

    Reply
  26. Tara @The Game of Life says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:08 am

    I have never made over night oats… I am an instant oatmeal packet kinda girl ha

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth@The Sweet Life says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Sweet photos!

    Reply
  28. Marina says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Running with a dog is so awesome. Can’t wait to have my own doggie one day, and go on runs with her/him 🙂
    Overnight oats never look nice, but they taste amazing!

    Reply
  29. Heather (Heather's dish) says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:26 am

    I cant wait till it’s 60 degrees in the mornings here! Come on summer!

    Reply
  30. Laura @ prettylittlewords says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Awww Sadie hugs! 🙂

    Reply
  31. natalie says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Ooooh, YUM… I don’t know if it ever hits 60 here in Washington. *tear*

    I’m going to have to try the overnight oats. I hate staring at a pot of oatmeal for 20 minutes, waiting until I have to eat it. My stomach is definitely mad at me by that point.

    Reply
  32. Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Hi There! Just found your blog and I’m loving it so far! I really love your Fashion Tab too!

    It’s been getting up into the 70s here in Southern Cali! I’m loving it. Right now we have a storm coming through and I’m disappointed because I have my first 5K this Saturday! CURSES! I need to train!

    Reply
  33. Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:00 am

    This morning I actually got up and ran 3 miles — it felt so good to get it out of the way and now I have the whole evening to do what I want! I need to remind myself of this when I want to snooze tomorrow morning…

    Reply
  34. rebecca lustig says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:11 am

    i need 8 hours of sleep every night if i want to be able to function, let alone run ha

    Reply
  35. Allison @ Happy Tales says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Yay for running with the pup!! I always love taking Happy out on a run because I know it’ll give her plenty of time out doors 🙂

    Reply
  36. Katy (The Singing Runner) says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:28 am

    Awww! That last picture of you and Sadie is ADORABLE! 😀

    Reply
  37. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:31 am

    I agree – sleep is the BEST motivator! Every extra minute counts. 🙂 And I’m super jealous of your weather! It’s cold (brrr) in Boston. 🙁

    Reply
  38. Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Just found your blog and I’m loving it!! I especially love your fashion tab!

    I’m happy that the weather here in Southern Cali is getting warmer! Hello Spring! It’s getting up to the 70’s here. Perfect running weather!

    Reply
  39. Holly at HLD Fashion says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:53 am

    i had a fabulous sleep last night & that helped me to get up this morning and switch up my regular run on the treadmill outside – not as long, but the fresh air sure was nice & it was still early enough when i got home to do the ab section on one of my work out dvds. love it!

    Reply
  40. Jenny @ loveeatrun says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Sadie is so adorable! Just had to say that! 🙂

    Reply
  41. Kacy says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    Sleep would definitely be a motivator for me too! I love my sleep 🙂 Good job on the run!

    Reply
  42. Jess (Daly Authenticity) says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    I always thought it was a fabulous idea when you took Sadie on a run with you! Killing two birds with one stone!

    I pulled a “Julie” yesterday and had fun at Le Gourmet Chef with all the samples! (I even gave a shout on on le old bloggie this morning :)) Have a great day Julie!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 12:17 pm

      i LOVE that store. i swear i eat an entire meal’s worth of free samples every time i visit. 🙂

      Reply
  43. Rebecca says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    Hey, I just wanted to know what you thought of your Garmin? I bought the same one online and when it arrived I was not expecting it to be so big! What do you think of yours? Btw, love the blog! And verry jealous of the beautiful weather you’re experiencing in Orlando, it’s currently overcast, and raining up in Vancouver, BC…the spring weather can not come soon enough!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 12:21 pm

      Haha yeah it is a beast. It is definitely not cute, but I like it for tracking my distance and pace.

      Reply
  44. Sarah @ The Pajama Chef says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    i totally should try overnight oats again…i tried them once & thought they were too mushy… but yours look good 🙂

    Reply
  45. Amber K says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    I love how easy overnight oats are. I like my THICK so I use greek yogurt instead of milk. Delicious!

    Reply
  46. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    That breakfast looks delicious! My dog always comes running whenever I eat breakfast because he loves PB!

    Reply
  47. Susan @ Mud In Heaven says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    So I’m new to your blog (and LOVE it!), but I’m anxious to know what chia seeds are? I read a recipe earlier today that called for a few chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute (I think). Help!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 5:04 pm

      they are simply seeds that are packed w/ omega3 – healthy fats! i love them!

      Reply
  48. Chelsey @ Jam&Run says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    WOW! 5 miles! Awesome, Julie!
    I woke up at 5:30 this morning to go for a run too…3.2 miles done at that hour makes me feel like superwoman!!! 🙂

    Reply
  49. Keri says

    March 22, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Can you tell me a little about your “ForeRunner 305”? It looks awesome and I want to know why you use it? and where you got it? :o)

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

      i got it as a birthday gift last year (they are sold all over the internet!) and i use it to track my pace and distance. i like it a lot!

      Reply
  50. kate says

    March 22, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    I know this is a weird question, but do you whiten your teeth and if so, what do you use?

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      March 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

      i use crest white strips… but i will take more than a year to go through the whole box. i just use them whenever i feel like it! 🙂

      Reply
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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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