September 2022

COMMUNITY FIRST FOX CITIES MARATHON TRAINING RUNS WINDING DOWN AS RACE DAY APPROACHES

With the Community First Fox Cities Marathon weekend coming September 17 & 18, this year's Pacesetters marathon training runs are coming to an end. Our last one this season will be held on Saturday September 10 starting at 7 am at Runaway Shoes on E. Calumet St, Appleton, with tapered distances of 8 and 5 miles. You do not have to be a member to participate. As usual, maps with turn directions will be available at the training run and will also be posted on our website. Hope to see everyone there!

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to make these summer training runs possible, especially to Dave and Jan for early morning setup, and to Dave, Jen and Jerry for their regular water station support. Also, thanks to the following generous supporters: Dunkin' (Donuts and coffee), ThedaCare (Medical support), Runaway Shoes (space at storefront and for port-o-potty in back), and Community First Credit Union (sponsor). Suggestions for next year's training runs are welcomed, please Contact Us.

At the Marathon Expo on Friday and Saturday, please say hello to Pacesetters members at the chip check booth. Encourage any non-members to stop there and learn more about the benefits of our organization and to consider joining our club.

Remember to look for the Pacesetters members-only tents at the Marathon start and finish lines on Sunday. There you can enjoy snacks, drinks, friendly members and a port-o-potty without a line.

FOX WEST YMCA FUN RUN SEPT 14TH

Our next Fun Run takes place Wednesday September 14th 6pm at the Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Rd, Greenville. There will be both a 5k and 10k distance to choose from. Pizza from Papa Johns and soda. Please bring a salad, cold dish or dessert to share. Hope to see everyone there!

FROM OUR PRESIDENT CYNDI - MY FAVORITE HOMEMADE SNACK

No baking, no blending. Forget baking or blending up ingredients, simply mix the dry ingredients with nut butter and honey or maple syrup and then roll into small biteable balls. Easy peasy!

Honey roasted nuts: Nuts serve as the base of these bites and provide protein, healthy fats, and a crunchy texture. I used honey roasted mixed nuts, but you can choose any regular or sweetened nuts as a substitute
Gluten free rolled oats: Oats are also a foundational ingredient in cookie bites that bulk up the balls and help keep them firm when they’re mixed with the wet ingredients. I used Bob’s Red Mill GF rolled oats, but quick oats can also be used (you may just need a bit more as they’re usually much smaller pieces of oats).
Honey or maple syrup: A liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup gives the bites flavor but also serves as a sticky thickener that helps hold the oat and nuts together.
Nut butter: Nut butter helps energy bite ingredients to stick together, while also providing protein and healthy fats. I like no stir almond or sunflower butter, but any nuts butters or peanut butter works!
Chia seeds!(A must have!)
Chocolate chips: Any chocolate chips will do, but we like Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips (allergen free) or skip it
Dried cranberries or cherries: Dried fruits like cranberries are great in energy bars and bites, as they are nutrient and fiber dense. I use unsweetened cranberries and cherries which are usually very tart but provide a nice complementary flavor.
Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon: A bit of vanilla extract and a dash of ground cinnamon make these bites taste even more like a delicious oatmeal cookie!
Optional ingredients: I always keep a little protein powder or my favorite flour (coconut flour would be tasty!) on hand in case the mixture is too sticky and I need to dry out the ingredients. You could also add more rolled oats, if needed.

Mix together dry ingredients: The first step to making cookie balls is to prep and mix the dry ingredients! To do this, crush the nuts and add them to a big bowl with oats, dairy free or dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and cinnamon and give them a good mix to combine.
Add in the sticky ingredients: Next add the nut butter and the vanilla to the mixed dry ingredients and stir until the ingredients are well mixed. The mixture will be pretty thick and a bit dry. Then slowly add the honey (or maple syrup) a bit at a time, mixing with a spoon (or your hands!) between pours. Adjust the amount of honey you use until you have a thick batter that holds together well, but isn’t sticky.
Chill, roll, freeze

Best part… Eat and Enjoy!

29TH ANNUAL ST. JOE'S 5K RUN/WALK

Please sign up for this event which will be held on October 8, 2022. All proceeds are given to the St. Joe's Food Program, the largest food program in the Fox Valley. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please Contact Us.

The St. Joe's Food Program touches the lives of over 5,000 people a week year-round in four local counties: Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet and Waupaca. The Pacesetters founded this annual 5k run/walk and it is 100% volunteer driven. As this event is our club's big annual giveback to the community, your participation is much appreciated!

FUN RUN SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 14 Fox West YMCA, Greenville

Wednesday, October 12 Stone Arch Brewpub, Appleton