Before the video, let’s talk food.
I checked a few blogs before making breakfast this morning and discovered something amazing thanks to miss Angela. She said she has seen this on other blogs, however it is new to me.
And amazing.
Peanut Butter Banana Topping
- 1/2 banana
- 1-2t maple syrup
- 1T peanut butter
- mash.
It was hard to leave this in the bowl while the oats cooked. It’s sort of like the banana scramble, but less ingredients and you don’t cook it. Both are completely delicious. I DEFinitely could have just slapped this on a bagel or english muffin but this morning it was an oat topper.
Gaaaah!! I loved adding the banana for the flavor but also it’s spreadability factor + creaminess. Angela added coconut butter, which would also be amazing. I can’t wait to try it with my maple cinnamon almond butter, which I’ve been out of for a week! Ah!
Blackberry Stuffed Scottish Oats
- 1/4c Scottish oats
- 1 1/4c water
- 1/3c unsweetened coconut milk
- 1T chia seeds
- 1/2 banana
- 1t cinnamon
- 1/2c frozen blackberries [they thawed perfectly when stirred in at the end]
Cook as directed in my crazy Oat explanation from the other day.
Top with: cacao nibs + banana deliciousness + jelly
Oooh…eaten out of my *new* rectangular plate-bowl. Perfect for my summer plated oats! The spoon is an older C+B purchase and it’s actually an iced tea spoon 
I loves it.
Gobbled these right UP.
Lunch started with:
- locally made whole wheat tortilla
- local goat cheese [haystack mountain, my fav!]
- heirloom plum tomato
- s+p
It was filled with:
- sautéed portabella
- 2 whisked eggs
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
- Pour over sautéed veg and cover with foil or lid. [med-low heat]
- Do not stir or scramble the eggs. Just let cook until done ~3-5min.
- Slide out of pan, top on tortilla, wrap + cut.
Perfecto!
I love goat cheese! [but I didn’t always!]
Today was a good day of EATS.
Dinnertiiiiiiime!
Lemony garlic green beans. YUM. Picked these up at the market today on S. Pearl St. I was not impressed at all. Boo. There was a wide variety but 90% of the produce was not local and much of it was also not organic. Ohhh well.
Salad in our new amazing salad bowls, that were on sale! Another C+B purchase yesterday. They are the PERfect size for salads. I love that it is really wide, like plate size, but has the rounded bowl-like sides. Hmmm, also a good cereal bowl 
I have been out of GREENs for a few days now and have been craving them like craZy!
contents:
- local organic lettuce [purchased from Natural Grocers]
- avocado
- croutons [toasted a slice of bread]
- carrot
- haystack mountain goat cheese
- hemp oil/balsamic/apple cider vin
On the side was a grain mix I got at Trader Joes, while I was home in Cleveland. It was extremely delicious. I loved the different textures. It had a mix of Israeli couscous – red quinoa – baby garbanzo beans – and a few other delicious things.
Lemony Garlic Green Beans
- 3 handfuls of green beans, washed and ends trimmed
- 1 lemon
- 1T olive oil
- s+p
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Saute garlic in the olive oil over medium for about 1min.
- Add green beans.
- Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon and slice the rest of the lemon and add to the pan.
- Stir as needed and cook until desired doneness is reached. [~8min for me]
And now it’s time to embarrass myself! Actually, I was excited to make this video and briefly tell you a few things I’m working on with my barefoot running. I like having Chris photograph and/or video me because then I can check out my form and see what I might be doing wrong.
Anyway…here goes!
Running back.
It was a great little 200-250yd run. My feet felt great!
And my gross foot. Just dirt though, no blisters or cuts! Actually, if anything, the ground is making my feet extremely soft! I’ll talk about preventing blisters when barefoot running soon!
Sorry to leave you with a photo of my gross foot. I’ll try not to do it frequently…but I know you’re all concerned for my toes! hehe
I guess I can also tell you the rest of my workout today:
- walked in my VFF’s for 3 miles around the park and back home
- walked Dakota about 1mile? [Chris walked Kenna]
- little barefoot run
strength training: everything below x3
- bicep curls [20lbs]
- tricep extensions [20lbs]
- lateral shoulder raise [10lbs]
- front shoulder raise [10lbs]
- standing shoulder press [10lbs]
- lunges [10lbs]
- a few different types of crunches
Then I foam rolled it out and did a few yoga stretches and it felt sooo gooood! Goooooodnight!
Ashley
PDF 
Your food photography is so lovely and I love the banana concoction- something I’m sure I will love and eat for the rest of my life!
My husband has the vibram shoes and loves wearing them hiking. I tried them on and just couldn’t get into them- I’ve got goofy feet- but I love that you are enjoying barefoot running so much!
P.S. this is my first time commenting
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Thanks so much and thanks for saying hi! Yes, the vff’s are great but not made for all types of feet…boo!
[Reply]
I love your new plate/bowl.
It was fun to watch a video of you/hear your voice ; )
Now I know why your arms are so toned – awesome weight sesh.
[Reply]
LOVE the videos!!! And I definitely could use some tips on preventing blisters whilst barefoot running. The skin on my feet is still healing up from a barefoot (mini)run I did several weeks ago. For now, I’m sticking with my VFFs:)
[Reply]
Cute videos! It’s always odd to hear a blogger’s voice (in a nice way!).
That topping – I was JUST about to mix that combo up before I read this post! Weird
[Reply]
How about I SAW a guy running in Vibrams this weekend, and I watched him take them off and run barefoot! I was SHOCKED!
[Reply]
Healthy Heddleston Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 9:27 am
That is so cool!!!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Yesssssssss….love it
[Reply]
mmm…that banana stuff looks great!!! I LOVE goat cheese- I like what you did with it!! I always eat mine on apple slices! The sweet/creamy/savory…AHHH. lol…and you’re brave running barefoot- I would be sorta scared I think.
[Reply]
Cool video, Ashley! I definitely want to get a pair of VFFs soon!
[Reply]
So, I tried barefoot running this weekend (inspired by you). I jogged very slowly about 2 miles. I can’t believe how different my stride is when I barefoot run. I definitely feel lighter on my feet and I don’t strike the ground nearly as hard. I’m going to try barefoot running at least once a week on my “off” days.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
2 miles??? Wow..that is far!! Be careful girl!
[Reply]
You are so cute. Your video made my day! Loved actually getting to hear your voice. I hear a little midwestern accent in there!
It’s official. I’m asking for Vibrams for my birthday. In two months. Yes, I plan way ahead for my bday.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Aww yay..you are just as cute! Yes, I suppose I have some Ohio accent in me
[Reply]
Oh WOW that looks like an incredible oat topping. Yum, yum, yum!
I need to try that egg method for the wrap, as well- great idea!
Thanks for this video! I’m looking to get some Vibrams for my birthday to start my own “bare”foot running! Maybe one day I’ll get to actual bare foot running
xo
Kris
[Reply]
I bought VFF’s yesterday! Im addicted. I walked around the house in them all evening. Im in the process of training for a 1/2 that is in Mid August, but I think I may have inspired my other training partners to get VFF’s too.
Thanks for your hard work and exercise knowledge!
[Reply]
Your video makes me miss you even more! You are so cute.
1 month!
So glad you liked the banana mash up…isn’t it crazy good!?
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Yes, CRAZyyyy good!! Haahha…yes 1 month!
[Reply]
i love your word “spreadability” hehhe.
gorgeous food <3
[Reply]
I made “banana butter” from Chocolate-Covered Katie using a whole banana, 1 tbsp of nut butter (I used almond) and 1/2 tsp of maple syrup. Give it a try in a food processor or a blender and it turns really liquidy and easy to use as a sauce or a dip! I love how versatile and delicious it turns out.
[Reply]
I read Angela’s blog daily but I guess I missed this topping! Looks so good, I will definitely be trying it
[Reply]
I love that banana mash on oats too! When I don’t bake them in I love to simply mash it with some nut butter and maple a splash of maple…delicious right!
The video is great…love hearing about barefoot running!
[Reply]
nice video! you are so cute!!! awesome workout too, strong chica you are
the banana mash topping looks SO good! so simple and delicious, gonna do that asap!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Yah, I’m thinking that mixing in cereal to it would be awesome!!
[Reply]
OMG! ASHLEY You’re awesome! Great video — I love it and can’t wait to show Stephen. Plus, you’re adorable. I saw you and Ashley twittering about G-chat. Do you do video chat? B/c I’ve never done that before — but I have everything I need. I’d love to chat with you sometime!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Dude. We can chat WHENeverrrrrr
[Reply]
thanks for sharing your barefoot chronicles
answers a lot of ?s for me!!
Also, love that Angela. She’s always got some great recipes. And your frickin blackberry stuffed oats sound AMAZING right about now.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Great!! Glad it helped. Yes, Ang is amazing
[Reply]
I just love the video, you are too cute!! I have been seeing more and more barefoot runners on my route, I can’t wait to get back into it!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Awwwesome!
[Reply]
Such. delicious. dishes!
Holy YUM!
Thanks for all the recipes, girl!
I never thought wrapping could be so easy
Wish you a lovely week!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
[Reply]
Oats, nut butter and goats cheese pretty much sounds like a perfect day of eat! Great vids by the way, you are so cute and sound different to how I’d imagined (in a good way!)
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
hahaha…it’s always funny seeing someone on video!
[Reply]
Your food photography is beautiful! So crisp and bright. And the banana mash looks great. And I think your barefoot tips are even great general running tips. Like center of gravity, landing under you, standing straight, small strides. Good things to remember.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Thank you so much…for ALL of your compliments!!
[Reply]
Love your video – you’re so darn cute!
And I also love your new stuff – wide flat bowls are so great for eating out of. God help me, I’m going to the only Crate and Barrel in this side of Canada tomorrow with my mom – I need to set a strict budget before I go!!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Hehehe…Yes, I am loving the wide bowls! Have fun tomorrow!!
[Reply]
I make a huge batch of green monsters at once and freeze them in seperate containers. Then in the morning I cook one w/ my oats. Final product: cooler than usual oats and green monster in one! Perfecto!!!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Great idea! I was thinking of making green monster popsicles
[Reply]
YUM! This entire post was delicious!
[Reply]
I love your videos! You’re giving me more courage to do my own.
I can really tell how light your steps are!! I also like the idea of thinking of your feet coming off the ground instead of hitting the ground… awesome insight!
And I already have the inside scoop on preventing blisters
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
YAaay!! =) And yes..you do…luckeeee
[Reply]
Are you an NPR nerd? Does your local NPR station air The Diane Rehm Show? Her guests today included Christopher McDougall and a couple of other more traditional running experts. You can find the audio here
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-07-12/running-america
There was some interesting commentary even if I only caught the last 20 minutes or so. They talked a lot about Vibrams and barefoot running. Not sure if the show has a podcast or not. Just thought I’d share. Happy running!!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I used to be. I really need to put in on the AM!! Not sure why I don’t…thanks SO much for sending the link!
[Reply]
What yummy yummy eats!!!
[Reply]
Oooooohhhhh those oats!! MOAN!!
Your voice is different than I remember!!
And I think you are absolutely crazy to run barefoot on a sidewalk in a city! I can barely walk BF in my house without stepping on sharp things!
[Reply]
I like the banana topping for your oats, good idea.
[Reply]
That’s so funny – I found that on Angela’s blog and tried it on my oatmeal this morning too! (though I just did the coconut butter+maple syrup+banana) I also found steel cut oats today and can’t wait to try them with your directions.
I found it fun to watch+hear you, too!
[Reply]
OMG! YUM! at the peanut butter banana topping!
[Reply]
Hey Ashley! My names Ashley too heheh anyways your eats make me drool! Banana peanut butter topping is first on my list! Your delicious recipes and balance eats make me strive for a healthier lifestyle! Your knowledge of pay helps me out so much I always come on your blog for ideas! Keep at it and your blog is one of my favorites!
so Ashley
Chewingoncherries.wordpress.com
[Reply]
[...] if you are interested in learning about Barefoot Running I have to direct you to the fabulous Ashley’s blog. She goes into depth on everything from barefoot running, to videos on form, to the Vibram Five [...]
[...] Then I had an awesome bowl of oatmeal, inspired by the Edible Perspective’s Blackberry Stuffed Scottish Oats: [...]
Your video was so helpful! My husband has been giving me pointers for awhile about how to improve my jogging stride as he prescribes to the same methodology that you do when it comes to running (only he doesn’t go barefoot and just sticks to his VFFs). But when I watched your video, if finally began to make sense! I have been keeping my arms swinging by my sides, lifting my feet instead of focusing on landing my feet etc. It took awhile for it to begin to feel natural but now I remind myself less often to realign my stride as it’s coming along more easily and I think my time is even improving. Thanks so much for the video!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 11:51 am
You’re so welcome Nikki!! I’m really glad it was helpful. It’s so funny because that stride is so much more effortless…It takes way more energy when you hit with your heel, b/c you’re basically stopping your motion with every step. So crazy!!
[Reply]
You’re totally right! When I first started working on it, I was getting tired more quickly because I was having to re-teach myself how to jog. I was feeling muscles I hadn’t before during a jog! But now that it’s coming more naturally, I feel like I am conserving way more energy. I finish my jog and feel energized rather than worn out! It’s so much better! Money is tight right now but when we have a little more cushion, I will be buying myself my first pair of VFFs and I cannot wait!! Thanks again:)
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
That’s so great!! I just “found” my stride yesterday. It was such a great feeling!! Good luck transitioning…remember to do a LOT of walking in them first and ease slowly into the running
[Reply]
[...] I took an idea from The Edible Perspective and made berry oats with almond butter ‘n banana soft serve. Hers looked way better (and [...]