Good morning!!! As this post publishes, I’m well on my way to Savannah. Woo, baby! I so look forward to not only running my first big race and seeing some amazing blog friends, but also to have a weekend away with Peter sans kiddos. That’s right! We’re kid free this weekend and treating it as a little getaway.

Thanks to some wonderful parents who scoop up the chance to stay with their beloved grandchildren for a few days.

Last night, my parents came to our house hauling their suitcases to act as our heroes and babysitters for the weekend. I made sure to give them special treatment by preparing a delicious dinner for us all to share.

I made a large batch of whole wheat penne pasta with some broccoli, mushrooms, and onion topped with marinara sauce. I always love adding extra veggies to help bulk up a pasta dish.

I also bulked up the meal with some ready made items for sides – some garlic Texas toast and a lite Caesar salad bagged mix.

I break out the big guns for guests, huh? Hey, I did say “delicious”, not “difficult”!

And delicious it was. The perfect meal to eat for race fuel-ups. #readytorunalready

FFF Features of the Week

I never expect you all to keep up with every post I write, so each week I play catch up with my favorites. Find the posts that I enjoyed writing the most, that sparked the most discussion, or that had the most cuteness…as well as one of my favorite blogs for you to check out. Give ‘em a looksy and I’ll be back later with Fun Fact Friday!

Featured Personal Post: Stuffed With Emptiness #4

This particular post went into my experiences turning to alcohol and the time I desperately hoped to be successful at suicide. Please read with caution.

Featured Workout Post: 5 x 5 Full Body Circuit

I skipped the features post last week, so I have to remind you all of this workout. It was seriously too much fun! Printable version of the workout in the original post.  

Featured Meal Post: Tofu Parmesan + Cheesy Spaghetti Squash

Another from last week that I can’t let get swept under the rug!

Featured Positive Post: Too Much Of A Good Thing

Some of my favorite things right now – tea and great Christian workout music.

Featured Fun Post: A Tale of Two Winners

Another Champion sports bras giveaway with TWO winners. Ends tonight!

Featured Cuteness Post: Out With A Bang

Halloween costumes. ‘Nough said. Click to see the full cuteness effect.

Featured Reading: Michelle @ Crazy Running Legs

I get to meet her this weekend since she is running her FIRST FULL MARATHON in Savannah. Plus, she’s all around awesome. Give her some positive energy before tomorrow!!! And Michelle – I know you will do fabulous!

• What’s a meal you like to make for guests?
• Any exciting weekend plans?

I have a slight obsession right now with tea.

Is it possible to drink too much tea? I find myself craving a cup of green tea to start my morning, a cup of Gingerbread or Sugar Cookie or French Vanilla in the afternoon, and then perhaps a cup of peppermint to wind down in the evening.

They say you can’t have too much of a good thing, right?

Although…could it be possible to OCD on holiday tea from last year? I hope not. I for sure won’t stop my habit, and you know I’m too cheap to throw it away. So, sip on year old tea I will. It still tastes mighty good!

This afternoon, I prepared a cup of the Gingerbread decaf tea for a little pick-me-up. While sipping, I perused the site Rock My Run for new race playlist ideas. That site is a gold mine. I came across so many songs that I kept forgetting to download!

I immediately hit up Amazon Marketplace and can’t wait to have some new tunes to power me through my half on Saturday. Speaking of which, thanks for all the support on the concerns I voiced earlier. You guys (<—rock). Just like my new playlist!

While I did add some songs by the likes of Pitbull, Rhianna, Katy Perry, and LMFAO for their perfect running beats, I also added some other favorite music – some of my favorite inspirational songs. People think Christian  music is all gospely and sing-songy, but I have to tell you otherwise. You can find some really great beats with lyrics that can get you feeling stronger and more motivated no matter who you are.

Check out my favorites below and see what I mean by the perfect lyrics to give you that extra oomph or help you push through doubt towards the end of a run.

Tunnel (Third Day)

I won’t deny the pain that you’re feeling, but I’ll give you the hope you’re waiting for
There's a light at the end of this tunnel, Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you, So keep holdin' on

Strong Enough – Mathew West

Well maybe that’s the point, to reach the point of giving up
’Cause when I’m finally, finally at rock bottom
Well, that’s when I start looking up

The Light In Me (Brandon Heath)

This path is sure too hard, You are the hope that leads me out of the dark

When Everything Falls Apart (Fee)

When everything falls apart and my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong, you keep holding on

Burn For You (Toby Mac)

You got me higher than Kilimanjaro, Got me believin' I can "save the day"
I'm up and running like their ain't no tomorrow, I'd rather burn for you than fade away

Some other favorites for their great beat:

• Shine Bright (You Are The Way) – Jeremy Camp
• Symphony – Switchfoot
• Roaring Like A Lion – David Crowder Band
• pretty much anything Toby Mac

Apparently, I think you can’t have too much of a good thing when it comes to running songs either. I added quite a few to my library and I think I’m all covered! I’m trying to hold off on listening to a lot of it until race day. Have to make it special and extra leg-pump-worth.

• What’s something you have a lot of and makes you stick by the “can’t have too much of a good thing” saying?
• Where do you find ideas for music motivation? Do you like anything “different” than the standard pop or hip-hop?