Snakes are GROSS and A Birthday Cake to Be Reckoned With

Utah's strange weather has made what would be a brutally hot summer day, rather pleasant. It also makes for the perfect temperature for a mid morning run. I finished up with my morning clients today and I absolutely couldn't fight the urge to go running up the canyon, especially when I knew the alternative was the elliptical. My foot has felt awesome since my week off in NC, so I thought I'd see how I did.

I did 7 miles on the Provo Canyon trail. It was SO beautiful. Amazingly beautiful in fact. I really tried to take it easy pace-wise, to try and keep my foot happy. I did feel a little pain in my foot during the last mile, but otherwise I was doing pretty great. As I was running I saw TWO snakes. One is bad, but two? Really? The first one I almost stepped on because I didn't see it. I tend to be in my own, sing to myself world as I am running. When I barely stopped in time (We're talking a dead halt) it was like the snake and I were having a face off to see who would move first. I finally decided to creep around his back side, and then I sped the heck up to get out of there. The second snake was further away from me, but it was still on my trail. I could have done without seeing either of them. So gross.

As I mentioned before, my goal for the summer is to be able to run up to the Y without stopping. It was So nice outside this afternoon, and I was needing a break from some writing I was doing...so I decided to test myself. If you want a KILLER interval workout this should be your next venture.

I made it past switchback #5 (There are 10 total) so, halfway. Man it was HARD. I know my legs were already tired from my workout earlier, but dang. I think my heart rate was like 250! After switchback 5 I alternated walking a switchback and then running one to get to the top. It is a total distance of 1.2 miles, and made it up in 22 minutes. I wasn't able to run the whole way without stopping, but now I have something to measure myself against. I ran all the way down which was terrifying. It was more like taking baby steps at a quick pace, so as not to slip and roll down the mountain. My quads were on FIRE by the time I got to the bottom. I'm guessing I'll be feeling that tomorrow! It was a killer workout, leaving me with 9.4 miles for the day. My foot was killing on the way back down. I think I over did it a little, unfortunately. I'm going to be careful with it the rest of the week, that is for sure.

Tonight was my friend Dean's bday and I was designated to make the cake. Funny, because my friends know that I always try to health-i-fy all the recipes I make. This cake is a recipe my sister gave me a long time ago and it is DIVINE.

Jell-o Pudding Poke Cake
Ingredients: Yellow or white cake mix (you could use a reduced sugar mix here)
1 small box of vanilla fat free sugar free pudding (I have also used banana and it was delicious)
1 small box of raspberry or strawberry fat free sugar free jell-o mix (I have a large one here, but a small one will work perfect)
1 lite or fat free container of cool whip

Directions:
Bake your cake as directed on the box. I used natural applesauce instead of oil, and egg whites instead of eggs. I have also seen Hungry Girl make her cakes with a mix and a can of diet soda, but I have never tried that. It would cut calories out. It's on my list of "to trys." Has anyone tried that before? Once your cake is done take it out and let it cool. Once cool take the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. They don't have to be fancy or even. I like a lot of them because It makes the pudding sink in everywhere.

 After the holes are poked prepare your jell-o. Dissolve the jell-o packet into 1 cup of boiling hot water. Once dissolved, add 1/2 cup of cold water. Pour this mixture over the entire cake. Yep, it will look like an alien planet all bumpy and weird colored. Fear not, it's delicious. Put that in the fridge to cool completely.

 Once it's cool mix up the pudding as directed on the box. Pour immediately over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Let this sit in the fridge until the pudding is set, for about an hour or so. I know it looks weird, just trust me.

 Cover entire cake with container of cool whip and place back in the fridge until it's time to serve it. You could decorate the top with sliced strawberries or raspberries if you like.

 Cut into slices and serve. It looks really fun where all the poke holes are. It is such a light and tasty dessert that everyone will enjoy!

I have also made this recipe into cupcakes, and they turn out great.

Do you have a favorite "summer dessert?" I love frozen yogurt. Oh wait...I love that all year round. Have you ever run into anything weird or scary when you are out running? Who wants to come run the Y with me??