Running in the Colors

on October 28, 2011

Today is one of those chilly, gray, heavy Fall days. I love it.

And it appears that â€“ seemingly overnight â€“ all the trees changed from green to mostly orange or yellow or red. So many colors on the branches.

A warm breakfast for a cold morning:

Scrambled eggs

SautÃ©ed mushrooms

Steamed broccoli

All topped with fresh chives <— new obsession â€“ makes anything taste fancy!

And some buttered toast.

Today is mostly about conference calls, contracts, book keeping, and emails. And warm tea and fuzzy slippers. I did manage to peel myself away from my comfy computer chair (and the warm dachshund in my lap) for a short run.

Love, love, LOVE running through my neighborhood with all the colors. The 3.0 miles flew by. And I took a few extra walking breaks just so I could enjoy it all a little longer. Heh.

Soon Iâ€™ll be ranting about running in the snow. Just you wait. Iâ€™m an all-weather runner but MAN â€“ I hate that â€œmy thighs feel like frozen chicken breastsâ€ feeling when running in the winter!

And nowâ€¦ Prepare yourself for the most amazing meal idea EVER. Courtesy of Ali. Alright â€“ technically this is a breakfast idea, but everyone knows that breakfast is yummy all day long. Right?

I made gluten-free pumpkin waffles (from a mix with 1/4 cup pureed pumpkin mixed in) and smeared more pumpkin and sunflower butter in between. Tada! Most amazingly scrumptious Fall treat, ever.

Just curious â€“ whatâ€™s the weather like where you are? If we were still in Orlando, itâ€™d most like be 90 degrees. If we were still in Pittsburgh, it would probably be snowing! Charlotte is a happy medium. Smile

PS â€“ The winner of the Feeding America giveaway was Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin! $20 will be donated to Feeding America in Chelseaâ€™s name.

{ 81 comments }

Lindsey October 28, 2011, 2:33 pm
We are at day time high of about 6-8 degree Celsius, but thankfully no snow yet 🙂
Those waffles do look delicious, I even have some ones I made last weekend in the freezer, might be the perfect Saturday breakfast!
Krystina (Organically Me) October 28, 2011, 2:34 pm
Orlando is in the low 70s, gray and slightly rainy. 😛
Kim October 28, 2011, 2:37 pm
I live in Huntersville and I too, have LOVED seeing the trees change color! Love seeing all of the colored leaves in the street. Makes me happy. 🙂 Weird that it was 78 here yesterday and 56 today. 😉
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen October 28, 2011, 2:37 pm
It snowed last night in NY and we’re supposed to get 3-5 inches tomorrow! Not.happy.at.all!
It’s apparently 48 outside right now and I’m trying to work up the courage to go for a run. Too cold!
Cindy October 28, 2011, 2:37 pm
It’s cold here in Boston, but sunny. We had snow {eep!} yesterday and are set to expect a nor’easter this weekend with more snow. I prefer snow in December, not before Halloween thank you very much!
Casper October 28, 2011, 2:37 pm
It is 75 and drizzling in Tampa.
kathleen @ the daily crumb October 28, 2011, 2:42 pm
i noticed the changing leaves while i was walking the dogs this morning. it is starting to get chilllly here in chicago. we are in for a long, rough winter. blah!
hippierunner October 28, 2011, 2:42 pm
It is sunny and in the mid 70s here in Los Angeles. Way too cold!!
Faith A October 28, 2011, 2:43 pm
It’s not snowing in the Burgh, Caitlin – don’t wish that on us yet! But it is gray and chilly…and all we still have lots of beautiful leaves on the trees. Love fall.
Heather October 28, 2011, 2:44 pm
No snow in Pittsburgh, yet!!! There is a prediction to get less than half an inch tonight. It is supposed to be a rain and snow mix! It is however freezing here today. I wish I was at home with a cup of tea and fuzzy slippers, but instead Uggs with jeans at work. I am jealous of your run..hoping to get one in tonight before it gets dark.
Kim @ Wonderings October 28, 2011, 2:51 pm
I am in Boulder, CO and we are recovering from the first snow. It’s supposed to be 60 degrees tomorrow so I will be happy to see it melt!
Lauren @ HugsKissesNDishes October 28, 2011, 2:56 pm
Pumpkin waffle sandwiches! I might have to make some this weekend 🙂 The weather here in San Diego is actually perfect! 75 degrees and the beach is calling my name, but it will have to wait till the weekend. I can’t believe people are already getting snow!
Tee @ She Writes, Bites, and Window Shops October 28, 2011, 2:57 pm
Its in the high 70s/low 80s here in Los Angeles, but at night and first thing in the morning it’s definitely chilly! (And by chilly I mean low 50s 🙂 )
Jen at luck & funny October 28, 2011, 2:58 pm
Want. Pumpkin. Waffle. Now. It’s in the mid 70s in IE So Cal, not pumpkin waffle weather quite yet.
Ali @ Around the VeggieTable October 28, 2011, 3:00 pm
It was FREEZING when I woke up this morning and now there is a good possibility that we are getting a bunch of snow tomorrow…not good since we are moving tomorrow and then have an outdoor wedding in the evening! Yipes!
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith October 28, 2011, 3:02 pm
I was on my way home from a meeting last night and it was snowing (southeast Mass) – I was not happy.
Jess October 28, 2011, 3:04 pm
We are heading into summer here in NZ so it is a mixture of warm sunny days mixed with grey rainy days until the weather makes up it’s mind
Alaina October 28, 2011, 3:05 pm
The weather was gorgeous when I was in Charlotte: 70 and sunny. When I returned to Boston, there was snow in the forecast. Boooo.
Vanessa (@IsleStyleLiving) October 28, 2011, 3:09 pm
Oh I miss those pretty fall colors!

In Hawaii we’re looking at a high of about 86 today… with rain.

That’s pretty much our fall standard.

Our winter? Cooler nights, stronger trades, temps around 78-80, and BIG north swells =)
Lisa October 28, 2011, 3:10 pm
I’m near Washington DC and its about 45 degrees and cloudy 🙁 Some snow showers are predicted for tomorrow..its way too early for this!! I hate winter.
Emily October 28, 2011, 3:11 pm
Oh man, that pumpkin waffle sandwich looks AMAZING. Looks like a potential future breakfast (or lunch or dinner!)
Kaydee October 28, 2011, 3:15 pm
I’m in Tampa and it’s 73 degrees and drizzling at the moment. I used to live in Boone, NC for college and do NOT miss those snowy winters one bit. I do, however, miss the gorgeous fall leaves that come with this time of year!
katie @ KatieDid October 28, 2011, 3:17 pm
I long to one day live in that ‘happy medium’, but up here in Vermont its getting COLD. It’s sunny today, but it’s supposed to start snowing any day now eek.
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 28, 2011, 3:18 pm
Those waffles look AMAZING. And I’m the same way about chives and other herbs. Whenever I actually think to buy them, I always feel like my meals are fancier with them!
veggieberry October 28, 2011, 3:22 pm
Thanks Caitlin for the uplifting post about the fall. It made me look at the bright side of the fall. I really needed this today because I was wallowing in my misery of the fall and how cold it is and you reminded me how to enjoy it. I think I am going to make some tea and put on fuzzy slippers now!

Jackie
cookie October 28, 2011, 3:23 pm
I love when it’s cloudy and windy outside. And these waffles DO look amazing.
Julie October 28, 2011, 3:25 pm
Bringing you a weather report from the ‘burgh! Dreary and overcast but no precipitation. In the 40’s and cool though with a :chance: of snow showers tonight! Snow is way better than pouring rain, let’s face it 🙂
Johanna B October 28, 2011, 3:28 pm
It’s cool and dry here. We could use some rain. Trees changing colors all over the place. I love to take the bus around town and just look at everything.
AmandaonMaui October 28, 2011, 3:30 pm
How great that you posted a Yankee Candle. My pumpkin one from last year just died, and I’ve been thinking of buying a couple of holiday candles. Did you know there is a buy one get one half off sale on yankee candle’s website?

The weather is trying to change here. I can feel its attempts to be fall, but then some days will become hot like summer again. I’m so ready for fall to be here. Fall here means low 70s during the day, which is very nice. Compared to the regular 85-90F temps we get, it’s a little chilly. If I lived higher up the mountain I’d be experiencing temperatures down in the 50s.

I’ve got my new apple cider spiced tea from Republic of Tea, a bit of homemade hot cocoa mix, and a big pot of soup in the fridge. I think I’m ready for fall.
Amanda October 28, 2011, 3:41 pm
The weather is kinda getting fall like, but not quite….we’re still wearing summer gear a lot!

I made the egg salag yo posted the other day and it was delish!! I tried to convince my kids that broccoli looks like a flower, so it’s like eating flowers! They haven’t bought into the love of veggies yet 🙂
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 28, 2011, 3:44 pm
Waffles make the best sandwich bread ever! I love savory waffles with hummus, an over easy egg, lettuce and tomato! Heaven! Enjoy the rest of your day Caitlin!
lauren October 28, 2011, 3:45 pm
I’m in RI and it just snowed last night. There was a dusting that coated the grass and cars. We had to use an ice scraper on the cars this morning. It’s nuts! There’s a winter storm warning in effect for the weekend, which means all my fellow Rhode Islanders will be swarming the grocery store for milk and bread – that’s what we do here when there’s any sort of warning 🙂
Hopefully I won’t be running my Halloween 5K, dressed like Tinkerbell, in the snow this weekend. It’s October dammit!
'laina October 28, 2011, 3:46 pm
Beautiful pictures, Caitlin!

Quick Q.. did you mix water into your pumpkin waffle batter, or use the pumpkin as the liquid? I made some the other day, and it didn’t look anywhere near as lovely as yours. I used 1/3 cup Krusteaz, 1/6 cup water- per ratio directions, tsp oil, 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree, and they came out chewy and kinda bland. :\
- CaitlinHTP October 28, 2011, 3:48 pm
  I mix the pancake mix as directed and then add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree to the batter. So it’s just an addition – nothing else gets taken away.
Kristin October 28, 2011, 3:56 pm
I live in Daytona Beach, 1 hr from Orlando! 🙂 its no longer 90 🙂 but it was a few weeks ago! now its like low 70’s but its been sooo sunny and beautiful except for today! I am running a half marry on Sunday so i hope it stays nice :)I sure do wish i could see changing leaves! PS- I have been trying to start going as Gluten free as possible with my life this past week and am always looking for more ideas, what brand of waffle mix did you use? thanks!
Liz October 28, 2011, 4:02 pm
It’s 50 degrees & partly sunny here (northwest Ohio). I can live with that, considering winter with extreme cold/snow/ice will be here before you know it… I LOVE autumn, but can’t stand winter. Maybe someday I’ll move to a place with a warm climate all year round…like I always say I will 😉
Jacalyn October 28, 2011, 4:03 pm
A cold front came through Houston last night so this morning it was chilly! So awesomely chilly that the hubs and I went for an 8 mile run to savor the fact that this cold front killed all the mosquitos! I LOVE FALL!!!!
CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/ October 28, 2011, 4:03 pm
I am so obsessed with pumpkin right now. I swear I have it with everything! and since I am home alone tonight because my husband is working, that just might have to be my dinner. Thank you for inspiring me to actually go in the kitchen for something other than heating up a kashi meal or cookies hahah
Amanda October 28, 2011, 4:09 pm
I’m in Boston and we got a dusting of SNOW last night! It all melted right away, but it’s way too early for that. It’s in the high 40s right now, but it was 35 this morning and the weather channel said it felt like 27! I cannot handle 6 months of winter…must.plan.tropical.vacation. 🙂

I hope it warms up for the trick or treaters!
Abby October 28, 2011, 4:11 pm
We had our first snow in the Texas Panhandle yesterday! It was 87 on Monday and 28 on Thursday… go figure!
- Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed October 28, 2011, 4:23 pm
  That’s straight insane!
Kaci October 28, 2011, 4:14 pm
Yummy! Those waffles look sooo good!
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed October 28, 2011, 4:23 pm
We’re definitely looking at snowy possibilities here outside of Philly! Ick! Fall is my fave and I’m pretty upset that winter is creeping in so early!
Lindsay Loves Veggies October 28, 2011, 4:34 pm
I’m up in Seattle, and it just started POURING here a few minutes ago. Typical, right?
Brittney October 28, 2011, 4:36 pm
Mmmmm, must make pumpkin waffles immediately!
Sophie @ threetimesf October 28, 2011, 4:41 pm
Mmmmm pumpkin waffles – my mouth is watering just at the thought of them!

Gorgeous photos 🙂
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife October 28, 2011, 5:08 pm
I LOVE pumpkin waffles. I made a recipe somewhat similar—just from a regular waffle mix–and added some pumpkin and protein powder–and it totally helped to keep me fuller longer. I hate when pancakes and waffles don’t hold me over, ya know?!

I love Fall candles. OH so much.
Hillary October 28, 2011, 5:10 pm
Ohh, those waffles look heavenly.

It’s cold here in MD–about 49 degrees. And they’re calling for snow tomorrow. Yup. Snow. It’s not even November yet!
Liz J October 28, 2011, 5:13 pm
Hi there!
I am in San Mateo, CA… which is the peninsula area.. it has been about 66ish give or take during the day.. but at about 5 in the AM it was been about 44 or so!
Krissy October 28, 2011, 5:27 pm
No snow in pittsburgh yet!!! Don’t jinx us!
Molly @ RDexposed October 28, 2011, 5:58 pm
It’s definitely candle season here in Nor IL! Add candles to the list of why everyone loves fall so much.
Katie October 28, 2011, 6:01 pm
I live in DC, where we are apparently going to get up to 6 inches of snow tomorrow. That is definitely not the norm for this area – we don’t usually get snow till January. Side note – saw a dachshund that looks just like Maggie the other day. Only one I’ve ever seen like her. Very cute 🙂
Rebecca October 28, 2011, 6:03 pm
My run this morning in Lancaster County PA: 35 degrees, leaves dropping everywhere and SNOW PLOWS hogging the roads!! Aah, and I should have worn long pants…totally relate to the frozen thighs thing 😉
Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel October 28, 2011, 6:36 pm
Ooooh ma gosh, what. Wait. That pumpkin waffle sandwich looks out of this world. I’m a huge fan of making waffle sandwiches with PB & sliced bananas/apples, but throwing pumpkin into the mix (and the waffles)?! I need this now!
Brooke @ sweats & sweets October 28, 2011, 6:41 pm
Thats so true, this time last year my husband and I lived in Orlando and it still felt like summer. Its nice to live somewhere where you can actually feel a season in the right time.

And that waffle sandwich looks super tasty!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 28, 2011, 6:59 pm
Aww yay I’m so happy that I won! Thank you so much for your generosity Caitlin! 🙂

Love that waffle sandwich idea!
Emily @ Comfortable Home Life October 28, 2011, 7:07 pm
I live in Greenville, SC so the weather is much like Charlotte today. I’m hoping it’s not raining tomorrow AM for the Spinx half marathon!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 28, 2011, 7:22 pm
It’s in the 40s here right now as it’s getting darker, but lsat night we had frost!
mary @ what's cookin with mary October 28, 2011, 7:25 pm
It’s gloomy and 77*… wish it was raining 🙂
Errign October 28, 2011, 8:19 pm
Asheville’s forecast is a mix of rain/snow for the morning – we’ll see about that!
Jess@atasteofconfidence October 28, 2011, 9:14 pm
It’s chilly! Getting into the 30s tonight brrrr.
Alexis October 28, 2011, 10:01 pm
I live in beautiful Hawaii! So it is 85 and sunny, just like almost every other day of the year:) I do have to admit to missing fall though (I’m from DC). But I don’t miss winter, and I love that it’s never too hot or too cold to run here… always a perfect 75 in evenings and cooler early morning.
Kristin October 28, 2011, 10:04 pm
Yes, I love chilly days in the Fall too! Your gluten free waffles look perfect for a day like today. This is a great idea! I’m looking forward to making these in the morning.
Jennifer October 28, 2011, 10:06 pm
Hi Caitlin,
I just began reading via DailyGarnish. I love operation beautiful and all of your positive energy!
I like in Central Massachusetts and they’re predicting anywhere between 6-15 inches of SNOW tomorrow! It’s a pretty big range so we’ll see what happens 🙂
Jennifer
Kris October 28, 2011, 10:31 pm
Weathercast from Bradenton, FL — 80ish and light rain. Actually, October has not been too hot. I’m looking forward to cooler nights, but the days haven’t been too much above 80. I sure do miss Fall in Virginia!
mi-an d. October 28, 2011, 11:56 pm
hey caitlin! i’ve been so mia!! i just moved to ny from ca!! i’ve been back and forth these two states the past couple of yrs but now life has brought me back here. the bf and i both interviewed at same position(s) at same clinic and both got it. so yay! also doing the manny pacquiao foundation work…so busyyy! i’m the president and we’re having a VIP event coming up after his fight! but weather here in ny…omy..it was 49 here while it’s 75 in ca. big difference for me. i am so cold right now! and getting sick! ahh!
Khushboo October 29, 2011, 12:40 am
Thank goodness I’m eating pancakes as I read this—otherwise I would be very jealous about those waffles!!
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy October 29, 2011, 12:58 am
I live in Indiana and it was about 40 degrees when I went to work this morning…a little warmer when I came home. It was sunny though, which is nice!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) October 29, 2011, 1:44 am
It is nearly winter in Anchorage, AK (which does not make me happy)!! We had a dusting of snow the other day, and the temperature has been in the 30s. 🙁
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness October 29, 2011, 6:22 am
I’ve been adding chives to my salads lately and it adds a lot more flavor then I thought it would, I’ll have to try them in eggs next.
I’m in Michigan, it’s been in the 50’s, but no snow yet 🙂
Charlie (Therunnerbeans) October 29, 2011, 8:53 am
Its 65 and sunny here in London!!! SO nice to run my 4.5 miles earlier!! It is so much harder to run outside when its grey and icky!
Alyssa October 29, 2011, 10:30 am
I just moved to the northeast and am about to start my first winter here. Can you give running advice in the freezing cold please??? 🙂
Robyne October 29, 2011, 11:18 am
Chives are super easy to grow. We put some seeds in a large planter on our patio many years ago and they have been growing every since. They start out very early in the spring, bloom beautiful flowers and then keep on going until the first snow. Some one told me the flowers were edible too but I haven’t tried them.
Amber K October 29, 2011, 12:47 pm
Those pumpkin waffles look delicious! Sounds perfect for a cold morning. I just wish I hadn’t just eaten.

It’s pretty cold here in Oregon, although thankfully it hasn’t rained too much yet. I don’t mind it being a little cold, but I hate being outside when it’s pouring.
Kristine Smales October 29, 2011, 12:58 pm
It was snowing in the ‘burgh. I woke up to about 2 inches on the ground and it was beautiful. It’s raining now and surprise, surprise, the snow is almost completely gone. Those waffles look ahhhhmaaaazing, by the way.
peacebeme October 29, 2011, 1:35 pm
still about 75-80* here every day in southern California!
Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me October 29, 2011, 4:48 pm
It’s snowing here! I’m only in NH and this is waaay too early for snow!
lyndsey October 29, 2011, 5:43 pm
you’re pretty accurate with the weather forecast in pittsburgh. we all woke up to a lovely white blanket of snow on the ground. i am hoping it is all gone for girls on the run practice tomorrow afternoon.
TeenyLittleSuperChef October 29, 2011, 5:57 pm
North Carolina’s weather sounds a lot like Oregon’s this time of year. Nice and temperate. I’m originally from South Texas so I definitely don’t miss the 90 degree heat and 100% humidity. Who knew the leaves actually changed other colors than just dead and brown.
Those waffles look so tasty. I wish I hadn’t already had breakfast. Might have to make these for dinner instead. I heart breakfast dinners 🙂
lindsey October 29, 2011, 6:09 pm
I’ve made that “thighs feeling like chicken breasts” comment before, and I got the craziest looks in response! I’m glad I’m not alone 😉

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