I went for a run this afternoon. Oops! It wasn’t my fault, though. The firemen made me do it.
Post-run, I was inspired by Abbie to make a modified (aka quick) raw Snickers bar.
But before I get into the raw Snickers details, back to the run. I was lazing on my couch this afternoon (very busy doing nothing, mind you) when my buzzer buzzed. I found five firemen on the other side needing to come in and do some sort of fire escape inspection.
I did not mind inviting five firemen into my home, as I do not encounter manly men often (or ever) for two reasons: (1) I live in NYC, where men tend to be, err, more “cultured” than most and (2) I am a social worker specializing in infant and parent development. For these reasons, I enjoy the FDNY. They’re good at keeping me safe and, hmmm, putting out fires. Of course, when the men arrived, I was still in my pajamas and surrounded by used tissues since I’ve been plagued by either allergies or a nasty cold (not sure which) since the moment I finished my last paper.
Anyway, one of the men came in and checked my balcony and roof while the others waited outside. After the inspection, all the firemen and their truck were still hanging around outside (I think they were trying to get into the basement apartment) for a long long time. And the urge to go for a run so I could run by them (in running clothes and not schlumpy pjs) and soak up some man energy came over me! Crazy, right? But I’m telling you, it is so rare that I get this chance! I did a rapid-fire costume change and flew out the door like I had somewhere to go, exchanging a few pleasantries with the men on my way before I took off. Seriously, I felt like I was running on clouds. It was amazing. I need to start hanging out by the firehouse.
I had planned to just run off down the block and then re-route to the gym so that I could stick to my no-running plan, but it was so nice out that I kept going for a full 4-mile loop around the park. I left my apartment so fast that I didn’t have time to bother with the HRM, but I felt like I was actually running an 11- or 12-minute mile, as opposed to the 15 that has been standard for me lately. The run wasn’t pain-free, but the pain was very consistent and dull and of the sort that I could imagine handling for, say, 13.1 miles on May 30th, assuming it doesn’t escalate. We’ll see! Anyway, now I’m really not going to run again before the half.
OK, if you’ve made it this far, your reward is that you get to see my raw Snickers again:
My short-cut candy involved a plump Medjool date stuffed with Artisana cacao bliss and some peanut pieces. Oh man, it was so good! Really. Try this.
I’m also pretty sure that there was an Oh!Nuts whole strawberry in dark chocolate involved in the post-run desserting, but who really knows since they’re not all that photogenic (yet delicious enough that you NEED to try them as well).
OK, another day has flown by so fast! I’ve actually felt really busy all day, but I’m not quite sure what I’ve accomplished. Vacation is so strange. Anyway, my stepdad is in town for work, so we’re off to dinner in a bit. I’ll be back with the report later!
Have you done any accidental exercise today? And how do you feel about firemen? And the combination of fruit + chocolate?
Tales of Expansion: Baby Butternut Edition 
3 questions, 3 answers!
1) Yes, some bicep curls and extra walking at the grocery store
2) YES PLEASE!
3) YES PLEASE
š
LikeLike
have fun at dinner!
i had some accidental exercise, but not for firemen! one of my best friends is obsessed with firemen – it cracks me up.
i love fruit + chocolate, and would love to try those unphotogenic chocolate strawberries š
have a good night!
LikeLike
BAHAHahahahhaaha!
Ok, that was funny.
I am a total sucker for firemen. My very first man crush at 6 years old was my cousin’s husband who was a fireman. I was completely smitten by him. He came to my school for fire safety week when I was in 1st grade, and while he was speaking to my entire school, I walked up to him, then proceeded to stand next to him and hold his hand.
Pitter patter.
Unfortunately, I soon realized that he was the only hot fireman within a 30 mile radius. Since I’m from the boonies, all of our firemen are volunteers…which means that it’s generally the “job” of someone who is retired and has nothing else to do. Meh. Not so much.
LikeLike
I love your fireman story! I, also, would have no problem inviting 5 of them into my house.. And the fact that they inspired a run is even better. I bet they were very impressed by your athletic capabilities.
The raw snickers bar is interesting. I bet it tasted good! I think fruit and chocolate go very well together. But then again, I think chocolate goes well with anything.
LikeLike
Raw Snickers!!!!! Yum! They are addicting, huh?!
I must say the chocolate covered strawberry looks delicious as well!
LikeLike
Fruit + chocolate?? Amazing. 5 firemen knocking at your door?? AMMMAAAAAAZZZZZZZZING! I loved your story, and I think that is a perfectly acceptable excuse to “accidentally” go running.
LikeLike
Mmm firemen! And raw snickers,my absolute favorite candy bar. I did a lot of walking, but I do that everday. I personally love fruit and chocolate. Nuts and chocolate. Chocolate and chocolate. I don’t discriminate. Have fun at dinner!
LikeLike
HAHA! You are too funny! Love your firemen story!
LikeLike
I funking LOVE firemen! They are ultra sexy and their uniforms are SO HOT! (no pun intended) The police could be hot if a) they didn’t wear tight unflattering uniforms and b) they didn’t ruin my underage fun! Booooo!
I love chocolate and fruit. But I like I like chocolate and nuts even mo! Gimme the snickas!
LikeLike
NYC firemen? They invented sexy calendars.
Fruit & chocolate? Must we ask? A match made in heaven. š
LikeLike
Love the story! And the raw snickers of course, such a clever idea (and I’m sure delicious).
LikeLike
Hopefully, the NYFD will make an appearance at the BK half!
LikeLike
NYC does boast some hotties for men in uniform. I spent several hours at a police station (long story) earlier this year and was Very impressed!
http://eatingchalk.wordpress.com
LikeLike
HA ha!! You are hilarious! I can’t believe you had that many come to your home. I hope you put on your cutest running outfit š
LikeLike
you are so funny! there’s been some construction men working at the corner of my street but they’ve actually been deferring my outdoor runs (lets just say they’re nothing like your sexy, manly firemen)
LikeLike
I would be pretty weirded out if 5 firemen were at my door. Hoepfully they were cute. š But good for you for using it for motivation! Love any excuse for energy.
I didn’t really do “accidental” exercise – but I did do Shred at 10 PM, which is part of the reason that I’m still awake at midnight.
LikeLike
Talk about motivation. I love manly men!
Strawberries + chocolate = SO GOOD.
LikeLike
Fav quote of the day: I need to start hanging out by the firehouse.
Love this post. That’s a ridiculous story! I won’t get into it here – but I used to spend a lot of time with fireman growing up. My friends and I swooned over a select batch of them regularly.
LikeLike
Nice job on the run!!! I accidentally walked around the park for 90 min. last night w/ arthur and my friend from your ‘hood (and nearly texted to you see if you’d like to join – let me know if you’re up for a outing soon!)
LikeLike
My feelings on chocolate and firemen are creepily similar š
LikeLike
(((firemen)))
Except the old lumpy ones…
LikeLike
LOL, I hope you called your “wife” after that fireman episode! She used to get SO excited about firemen…and I must say, they are nice to look at. Oh and it’s FLEET WEEK. Sailors are also nice to look at, although many of them are VERY young!
LikeLike