I decided to take rest days so that I could heal my legs and get them back pain free. So, I took the time to celebrate my birthday! And- that is why I haven’t posted in a few days. Sorry friends! But I have a fun recipe and a run to fill you in on!

One: Guiness Birthday Cupcakes!
These are an amazing way to start your day on St. Patrick’s Day! (Especially when it’s your birthday!)

2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purposeflour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch fine salt
1 bottle stout beer (recommended: Guinness)
1 stick butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
3/4 to 1 cup heavy cream
1 (1-pound) box confectioners’ sugar

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa, sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.

In another medium mixing bowl, combine the stout, melted butter, and vanilla. Beat in eggs, 1 at time. Mix in sour cream until thoroughly combined and smooth. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Lightly grease 24 muffin tins. Divide the batter equally between muffin tins, filling each 3/4 full. Bake for about 12 minutes and then rotate the pans. Bake another 12 to 13 minutes until risen, nicely domed, and set in the middle but still soft and tender. Cool before turning out.

TO MAKE THE ICING:
In a medium bowl with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the heavy cream. On low speed, slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated and smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Icing can be made several hours ahead and kept covered and chilled.

Two: My Latest Run!
After some great rest days I decided to go out for an easy pace run and I just ran without a distance or pace goal. And the best part was- I was pain free! I’m really glad that I stopped running and allowed my body to heal for a few days because now I can kick in to full gear to get race ready. And my running bff’s sent me this amazing package for my birthday:

Thanks Tash and Shanzi! I love them!

So, I’m back and ready to get at my training! I also added a new class to my schedule. Instead of Boot Camp I will be taking a Personal Training Extreme class. I’m not too sure what it all entails. All I know is that I’m going to get my butt kicked with strength and cardio! Bring it on, PTX!

The Cardio Playlist
*On jukebox shuffle
Boys- Britney Spears
Yes (Remastered 2003)- Merry Clayton
Ke Nako- J Pre, Wyclef Jean, Jazmine Sullivan, & B. Howard
Smile Like You Mean It- The Killers
Miami- Will Smith
Someday (I Will Understand)- Britney Spears
Dirty Dancing- New Kids On The Block
Whatever You Like- T.I.
Born This Way- Lady GaGa
When I Look At You- Miley Cyrus

Cool Down/Stretching 
You and Your Heart- Jack Johnson
Lay Me Down- The Dirty Heads feat. Rome
Enchanted- Taylor Swift

Stats of the Run
Distance: 8.77 km
Pace: 4:37 min/km