The Push To Run

Remember in middle school when you had to run a timed mile?

Remember that girl who alternated running and walking laps?

Remember when she reached the end, panting and sweating, yet elated that she completed the mile without puking or dying?

Yeah… that was me.

It’s not that I was out of shape. See, I was a dancer; I had a different type of stamina. “Out of shape” wouldn’t be the right term. Don’t believe me? Dance in these for a few hours and we’ll chat after.

Convinced? Great. So, I was in fact in shape. Unfortunately, when I stopped dancing during my first year of college, I stopped exercising. Somehow I managed not to gain the freshman (or sophomore, or junior) 15, but I did become out of shape. Very out of shape. So, the summer after junior year I faced my fears. I started going to the gym. It was pathetic. But I kept going and eventually I was addicted. I did this wonderful workout with my father and started doing the elliptical and bike for cardio. Loved it. Still love it.

So now, a year later, I’ve decided to mix things up and face yet another fear. Running. I still cringe a little when I hear the word, but somehow, as a 22 year old, running isn’t so bad. Maybe it’s because there is less pressure on me, maybe it’s because I chose to conquer the fear, maybe it's because I’m doing it so I can eat reese’s peanut butter rice krispies brownies.

What?

Yes.

Thank you bakergirl for providing me with the recipe that pushed me to overcome my hatred of running.

So either go do the Spartacus workout or go run a mile and then eat one of these. It all works out in the end. I promise.

"Peanut Butter Cup Crunch Brownies"
Source: Bakergirl & Brown Eyed Baker

1 batch of your favorite brownie recipe for a 9x13-inch pan

1/2 cup salted peanuts

8 Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Prepare the brownies according to the directions and bake for about 5 minutes less than the recipe states. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with the peanuts and chopped peanut butter cups. Return to the oven and bake for 5 additional minutes.

While they finish baking, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

Stir in the cereal to evenly coat. Remove the brownies from the oven and evenly pour the chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the top. Spread to cover evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting and serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Try not to make a mess like I did...

But if you do it's okay. They're worth it.