Maria Runs - parkrunning and touring since 2013!

Banana cake with peanut butter frosting

So, we are still rather inundated with bananas. Last weekend I was flicking through my new CCC book, A Year of Cake, and came across Peanut Butter and Caramelised Banana cake. It sounded good, but the ingredients list was long, and despite trying a few recipes I always go back to the banana bread from the original CCC book. So I made a bit of a recipe mash up (get it?).

For the cake:

100g butter

200g caster sugar

3 eggs

250g self raising flour

80ml milk

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

4 medium bananas, mashed

1 tsp bicarb

3 tbs peanut butter (I used smooth, but crunchy would work too)

Preheat the oven to 180C. Line two 20cm cake tins with baking paper (I buy the circles now as that is so much easier). If making the icing you may want to leave out the butter so that it has plenty of time to come to room temperature before you need it.

Mash the bananas. Put the milk in a jug and add the lemon juice. Leave while you make the batter.

Beat together the butter and sugar, then add in the peanut butter and beat.

Add the eggs once at a time, then add the vanilla.

Pour in the milk (the lemon makes it curdle slightly, so it might be a bit lumpy) and bananas, and mix well. Finally fold in the flour and bicarb.

Pour into the two pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centre of each cake comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the pan for a few minutes, before removing from the tin (leave in the paper) and placing on a rack to cool.

Icing:

80g butter (room temperature)

250g peanut butter

150g icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Possibly a tbs milk to thin

Beat together the butter and peanut butter until creamy. Slowly add in the icing sugar and finally add the vanilla. If it is really thick, add a tbs of milk to thin it out.

The recipe for the cake with the frosting also had bananas on top, caramelised with a blow torch, but I felt like it had enough banana flavour in there already. I had some of that lovely marshmallow deli vegan butterscotch sauce, so when I put the cake together I spread a bit of the sauce on the bottom cake, then half the frosting, put the other cake on top, and repeated with more sauce and more frosting.

We had some on Sunday for tea and it was so good! The peanut butter frosting is just amazing, and luckily the banana bread-style cake is not too rich, so they go together perfectly. I normally add dark chocolate chips to the banana bread, but I think I might be converted to peanut butter instead. There was some left over so we took it home and are saving it.

To continue the peanut butter love I made some peanut butter cookies- I was visiting a friend and one of my friends does not eat gluten, so I had a quick google and found a recipe here on the Wholefoods site. I made half with white chocolate chips, and half without as I didn’t think they were gluten free. They were so easy to make- I just whisked the egg in a jug, added the vanilla and sugar, whisked again, then finally added the peanut butter. Some reviews on similar recipes said they were too crumbly, but these were perfect- nice and soft with a very strong peanut butter flavour.

A slightly quicker recipe than the cake!

Do you go for smooth or crunchy peanut butter? I always used to prefer crunchy but because smooth is easier to use in baking I tend to go for that now.

Two visits to parkrun in one weekend, and no running

I had already signed up to do the new runner briefing at parkrun on Saturday, and usually it’s a great role to do if you are running. I was walking so much better, and could actually lace up my shoes (that is progress- my lower back had been so tight that putting a sock on my left foot was a challenge and I could not even zip up my boot), but I knew that going from resting to a run was a bad idea. Maybe I did learn something last week! Anyway, Dad and my brother were still running, so they picked me up as per usual. There was a big bunch of volunteers, including some from the new (coming soon) Hatfield parkrun, so after the tail runner (and about 10 late runners) headed off we chatted for a bit.

The field of sheep was closed as they were close to giving birth. Sadly several sheep had been mauled by a dog (they had some horrible photos on the notice board)- usually they ask for dogs to be on leads but because of the attack they have closed it. It was a gorgeous day, and it wasn’t long before the lead runner headed back up the hill.

Later we had to collect a parcel and spent a bit of time walking around town (including buying some bargain 59p 4-packs of PB cups- for some sort of baking I think)- I know I am walking more slowly but I think partly that is me being cautious now. I did some baking (banana peanut butter cake) ready for Sunday, and some general pottering, before we had another walk in the evening.

Today was another beautiful day, and we fancied a walk somewhere, but could not make up our minds. Andy suggested Panshanger park, so we drove there for a walk.

We walked along the parkrun course. Bluebells were starting to flower, and there were so many birds in the trees.

At about 3.5km along the parkrun course, there is a new (ish) path up to an old oak tree, so we decided to walk up there and have a look. There were leaflets in a box on the gate (which you returned at the end) and the walk was marked with oak leaves.

The walk went beside one of the lakes, past a little weir and an old water wheel, and up through a field, eventually into some woods.

The oak was circled in fence with an information board- it’s around 500 years old.

The walk then took us past where the old house used to be- it was sold and demolished in the 50’s which is weird- the photos make it look like a National Trust house and it had quite a bit of history including some royal visitors (Queen Victoria I think), and it was strange to think it was just sold and knocked down.

Then we re-joined the parkrun route and headed back to the car park. Why does this never look steep in photos? Someone was running up it so I thought that might show how steep it is!

Still no lambs in the field. Anyway, it clouded over a bit as we neared the car, but it was so lovely to be outside in the fresh air. My hip held up well which is a good sign as that was around a 7km walk, and it’s really my back which is worse now- my lower back is still so tight and so bending down to untie my trail shoes was a bit uncomfortable at the end. But I have saved a yoga for hips video to my laptop (thanks to Steph the magpie for that) so I will try that either later this evening or tomorrow.

This sort of park is my favourite- it’s not very busy, there are no toilets or cafe (parkrun has a coffee van there on a Saturday morning) but there are plenty of different walks and loops that you could do.

How have you enjoyed the spring weather? What shall I bake with the pb cups?

Learning a lesson

So, on Monday I had a race planned with my dad. He has been going to parkrun for a few years now, and used to run further when he was younger. He mentioned to me that he was keen to try a longer distance- perhaps a 10k this year, and work up to a half marathon if his knee was OK. A 5 mile trail race popped up on a facebook running group, and so I mentioned it to him, as so far all the races I have sent his way has been while he is away with work or on holiday. So we both signed up and I was really looking forward to it. I knew we would not run together but running the same race is always a good experience.

Photos taken at the event were put on a free flickr site and people were encouraged to download them- how fantastic is that??

Now, the night before my hip was very stiff so I did think I might just go along and spectate, but I would see how I felt in the morning. When I got up, I was OK- not 100%, but better, so I thought I would give it a go and could always turn back. The rain was hammering down, so I had packed a change of clothes for the journey home. I checked their facebook page and it said they were out inspecting the course but at that point it was still on- I like it when things like that are posted so you don’t have to make a wasted journey. Dad picked me up and despite the rain we were both looking forward to it. The M25 was closed so we ended up taking a different route, but still got there in plenty of time. We had to park in the town centre and walk a little way, and my hip had stiffened up in the car. I thought it might be OK so we walked slowly to the clubhouse, race HQ. Luckily the rain stopped as we came off the motorway- I think as the storm was moving east and the run was to the west we had managed to pass it.

These are the best races- just collect your number on the day, fill in the back, put your chip around your ankle (and hope it stays on), leave your bag right there, and head outside to the start.

I think there were 400 people doing it- I told Dad I would start right at the back, and had told him earlier that I like 5 mile events, partly because “they are done in an hour”… We agreed to meet back at the club house, whether I finished or not. Anyway, we were off, and I even got briefly overtaken by the tail runner. My hip was OK- I wanted to let it warm up so I started slowly, telling myself I would turn back if it got worse. The rain held off but the wind was cold, and I was glad of my long sleeved top. I was also not convinced that my number would stay on because the wind was really making it flap about all over the place.

Tail runner behind me, gloves on and tissues at the ready as my cold had come back too.

The race was in a lovely setting- one 5 mile loop of a country estate- very muddy, with loads of marshals everywhere. It was undulating, but only one short steep uphill, loads of big puddles to avoid (or splash through, if you are that way inclined), it went through woods, fields, past a lake. Despite the soreness in my hip getting worse, I enjoyed it. It was not really the type of race that you could turn back- by mile 4 I knew I had made the wrong decision, but by then it was either walk or run back. The photographer was right by a huge puddle at the 4 mile marker and I joked to him that he was there just in case people fell over.

(One of the front runners going right though the middle)

By this time my watch was getting close to the hour mark, and I was hoping I would not be too slow as I didn’t want to worry Dad. The terrain, although soft underfoot, was very uneven, and often I slowed to a walk anyway to avoid the puddles or mis-stepping as I didn’t want to jar my legs further.

Dad’s taking the less muddy option!

Still smiling! I did really love the race, even though I know I chose the wrong option.

I do think it was a great race, but I was glad to see the finish line. The sun had even started to come out by then.

The marshals were brilliant- as I was coming to the finish lots of them had headed back from their posts and they all cheered me on which was lovely- there was only a handful of people behind me so it was nice to see support for the whole length of the race. I was given a bottle of water, the medal (which is lovely, sort of old fashioned but in a good way) and a mars bar.

I walked back to the HQ and met up with Dad, who had really enjoyed himself, although he was starting to worry (it took me 68 minutes so it was my slowest ever by a long way). I put on my jumper (Totoro!) and we of course had the obligatory medal photo. Luckily no need to change clothes, but we could have done if needed- there were real toilet cubicles and by the time I was there it was emptying out.

The walk back to the car was not as good- I was really limping then and knew it was the wrong decision to have run. It really stiffened up in the car, and so I really did pay the price for my bad choice. We went out for dinner with my parents in the evening, and I was walking so slowly then. It has slowly been getting better, but it’s not good. My back is still sore, as are my left ribs, and the bruise on my hip (which I found later on Sunday evening after the Welwyn half) is now paler in colour but still huge. Andy found me this article about hip flexors, which seems to most closely describe what I have- I can’t touch my toes on my left foot as my hip has locked so much, and I have booked a GP appointment as it is similar to what happened to me on and off a few years ago. I don’t think it is linked to overuse because last year I had zero problems, and trained for a marathon. My mileage is nowhere near as high now- I think more likely is that when I fell I have bruised my back, and so then the muscles all tense up, putting pressure elsewhere. But I would like to find out for sure so if there is something I can do to prevent it happening again I can do that.

Anyway, lesson learnt: No running if my hips are not 100%. I’ve rested this week and I am signed up to do the new runner briefing at parkrun (which means I can run after) but I am going to just do that and then watch/ help out around the finish if needed until my dad and brother finish. I promise. I’m going to wear jeans so I am not even tempted!

How was your Bank Holiday? Did you avoid the storm? Our “Sold” sign blew off the fence but luckily avoided any cars!

Hot cross bun time!

I hope you are all enjoying the 4 day weekend. On Friday I took part in a virtual run organised by some girls from the club- they are raising money for a charity for their London marathon places, and one of the events they did was this virtual run. They were running 22 miles, and so they had posted the route online and people could join them for part of their run, or meet them at various points to cheer them on/ give them jelly beans, or just see them at the end. I had not run since the half marathon- not even on our playground jogs at work as my back and ribs were still sore. But on Friday I felt a bit better so went for a very slow run. I had planned to meet them by the fields, and would run out and back. I was there a bit early and initially ran out onto the fields but a dog off a lead saw me head back to the road! I did some squats and jogged on the spot to keep warm, as it was rather chilly.

I took some photos too as it was a gorgeous day.

The sight of a huge group of runners was fantastic to see- lots of people had turned out to run the first part with them, and I did feel tempted to carry on but I knew I had to be sensible. By the time I got home I had been out for an hour, but had run 4 miles. Not bad I thought, and other than being cold I felt fine.

Then it was time for hot cross buns for breakfast.

(Don’t worry, we didn’t eat them all at once!)

As it was the best day, weather wise, we headed into London and ended up walking for miles. We got off the tube at Camden, walked up Primrose Hill for lovely views across London.

Back down the hill, through Regents Park, along Oxford Street, stopped at Leon for some lunch. Carried on to Hyde Park, and then finally to Leicester Square where we got back on the tube to come home. We were shattered after that!

On Saturday both my dad and brother were going to parkrun- my brother has been ill so has not run for ages. As me and Dad were doing (hopefully) a run on Easter Monday we were all taking it easy. I enjoyed it although my back and ribs were still sore on the steep hills, and I felt I was being extra cautious with foot placement to avoid falling. I finished with a slow time (for me), but second in my age category- normally I am around 4th. It was the joint biggest turnout with 318 people, so it was weird to be higher up in the placings.

I was excited that a parcel from Bluebird tea had turned up- last year I won some of their hot cross bun tea, and when we were down in Brighton I had a look but their Easter teas weren’t in the store at that point. It’s rooibos+ black tea with spices and citrus peel- so delicious. We had treated ourselves to some Hotel Chocolat hot cross bun chocolates too- notice a theme?

Anyway, after parkrun I had some work to do (this is not unusual) but when I got up my hip was so stiff. Walking was a challenge and later I hobbled around Sainsbury’s. It was still stiff on Sunday, although a bit better, so I started to think about watching instead of running the 5 mile race on Monday, which did make me feel very fed up. But that’s for another post.

Are you a hot cross bun fan? Did you have a good weekend?

Parkrun graduation!

Last Saturday it was graduation day for some of our new runners- doing their first 5k. It also coincided with another local running club doing the same thing. As it fell the day before the Welwyn half, I had already offered to marshall as I didn’t think running before would be the best idea- I can get a bit carried away.

Here is what happened in the style of The Smartest Giant in Town:

I confused a dog with my hat like a frog.

I used a stick to give dog poo a flick.

I chatted with my friend as people ran around the bend.

I gave a cheer each time a runner came near.

But look me up and down, I’m the happiest marshal in town.

That’s our OH ladies flag next to the finish line.

Here’s the longer version.

After finding out my marshal spot (at the 4km mark) I left my dad in the car and walked down the hill just as the runners were setting off. It was colder than I thought, and was glad I had packed my Kermit hat. I had my OH hoodie on but actually needed my coat as I was in the shade too.

As I walked down I passed a lady walking two dogs. One of them stopped in it’s tracks and stared at me- it looked so confused- “I think it’s your hat” she told me- probably the eyes!

Once in my spot I noticed a huge pile of dog mess right in the middle of the path. No runner wants to tread (or worse, slip) on that as they come around the bend, so I got a big stick and managed to flick it (in many goes) away to the bushes. As I was doing this a guy ran past and asked me if I really was flicking poo. Yes, I replied- the glamorous life of a marshal!

I waited for a bit and soon one of my club mates came down (Louise who I ran with on Sunday)- she had helped with the pre-event set up, and her daughter was running. She wanted to try and take some photos of the graduating runners. We had a chat and cheered on runners as they went past. It’s a good spot as although you are there a long time, you get to be the one delivering the good news- less than 1 km to go, the finish line will soon be in sight. I did enjoy it although my voice was very hoarse when I finished!

My dad laughed as he ran past as he hadn’t seen my hat before! We saw all the OH ladies and gave them a huge cheer- they were doing brilliantly- then Louise headed back to the finish.

Once the tail runner headed past, I started walking back up and could see the ladies at the top of the field having a chat. I had said I would see Dad in the car but he ended up running up from another field- there’s a bit for bird watching so he had walked down there, with a plan of finding me and walking back up with me, but the tail runner went by without him noticing so he missed the end!

(This was at the start- but they were all smiling at the end too!)

I do love marshalling- of course I love running it, but cheering on everyone else is good fun too and I love seeing the speedy front runners. It also surprises me every time just how many runners say thank you as they run past. I always try to, but it isn’t always easy. One child thanked both me and Kermit! The marshals even got a special mention in the run report as apparently lots of runners commented on the support and encouragement from the volunteers. Hopefully lots of them will be back! I do think that if it had been around when I started running it would have been far less stressful and intimidating than an actual race for your first 5K event, and I hope that it encourages more people to keep up with running (or walking).

The rest of Saturday was spent having hot cross buns for breakfast, visiting my parents, going to the garden centre for supplies and digging up some plants to attempt to take them with us when we move.

It was fab- and that’s why parkrun is great- time outdoors, being active, being involved in a community- it’s not really even that much about the running.