Pumpkin Pie for Breakfast

Fall is definitely upon us, and I am starting to feel the usual disheartening of getting out of bed before the sun is up and hitting the pavement, other years this is when working out goes out the door until spring, but I am determined to continue this year. This morning was one of those mornings when I really just wanted to hit snooze and forget about my morning run, don't get me wrong, I love running, and was looking forward to try a new path, but when that alarm went off, I forgot all about my excitement and just wanted to roll over and go back to sleep.

But I also knew if I didn't get up I would miss out on the opportunity, with a full time job, kids, and life running either happens first thing in the morning, or it just doesn't happen, so I peeled myself out of bed and got dressed. I am not going to lie, it was a pretty rough for the first mile, but finally Willie and I settled into a good pace and managed to get in a decent session, although we did walk more than usual this morning, but still we made it and even managed a couple hill repeats.

As usual this morning my mind turned to food. Mainly breakfast. It's amazing how thinking about what to have for breakfast can really inspire you to finish strong, or at least run faster in order to get home to make breakfast.


Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
1/2 cup oats
3/4-1 cup water
1/4 canned pumpkin, or fresh pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon real maple syrup - you could use brown sugar, but the real maple syrup is amazing (also I do not usually sweeten my oats, so if you are used to sweeter oats you are probably going to want to add more maple syrup)
4-5 walnuts

I put oats, pumpkin, and spice in a bowl and add the boiling water, stir and add more water if necessary so it's the right consistency, I like my oats thick. Then drizzle maple syrup over and top with walnuts. The rest of the pumpkin from the can will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days, when using the chilled pumpkin I usually have to microwave the bowl after adding the water for about 30 seconds in order to get it warm enough for my tastes.

Between the pumpkin oats and a call from my MIL about when she is having Christmas, I feel the holidays are fast approaching. I would like to say, 'I love the holidays!' but I am feeling rather 'Bah Humbug-y' tonight. I am really not ready for the stress this holiday seemed to always cause us. :( I guess I better go have some banana pudding!!

Night all!!