Keep Calm and Spring Will Come...

Dear Friday,

how fabulous it is that we meet again!

It's Spring, right?

1. Why was it snowing yesterday?

2. Why was I stuck in crazy traffic yesterday because of this snow?

3. Why is it so cold out?


Seriously...

I'm over Winter...

I'm ready for the warm weather and sun soaking! Unfortunately, Mother Nature is playing a cruel joke on us lately and it doesn't seem like she has had her last laugh just yet.  I just heard that we may be getting another snow storm on Monday... I mean really? Is this real life?

I have some important plans this weekend!

Doesn't she know this? 

After she almost caused me to be late to Kickboxing last night, I would like it if she did not mess up anymore of my workout sessions... thanks.

ANYWAYS, last night (after driving like a mad woman through traffic), I ended up making kickboxing JUST in time (yes, I ran to the car from my office, weaved through traffic and ran into the gym... I am THAT person)!  

Besides the annoying journey to get to the gym, the class was actually pretty awesome (as always)! Although I'm STILL working out blind (SO annoying), I was still able to push through. I usually like to watch myself in the mirror of the class so I can not only check out my form but, also to motivate my self.  If I see myself dragging in the workout, I usually pep talk myself to take it to the next level.  Unfortunately, since I can't wear contacts and I'm unable to wear my glasses (without touching them every 2 seconds, fogging up or falling off of my face), I'm left working out in a class where I can barely see the person in front of me (yes, I'm THAT blind).  Good luck if you try and talk to me during the class because, I CAN'T SEE YOU. Therefore, you will not get a response.

Well, after kickboxing I also decided to stay for about 30 min. of spin for an extra push.  I did try to wake up that morning for my morning workout but, I was honestly just way to sore.  Instead, I just pushed my evening workout way harder :).  Overall, it was a pretty successful sweat sesh!

Last night's sweat proof
Kickboxing & Spin

Refuel
4 oz Salmon, Veggies, Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Salad w/avocado and TJ Pear Vinaigrette Dressing

Back to today; I skipped my morning workout (again) because, well... the instructor wasn't teaching so I had no drive to get there.  Considering I haven't given myself a rest day in a while, I think that it's forgivable.  I always have my gym clothes with me so I MAY, may..... hit the gym tonight.

What's on this weekends agenda?

Sweat

(hit my normal weekend classes and kill them)

Bar Crawl

(Yes, I know that drinking is not HEALTHY but, I've been pretty damn good lately so a day of drinking with my girlfriends sounds like a pretty good time to me right now)

Run

(9 miles is on this weekends schedule and I'm ready to tackle them!)

Meal Prep

(Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail)

I'm quite excited for this weekend! I'm all about planning so I hope that you have a great game plan too! You can still have fun but, you need to be smart about it!

OH!!

BTW...

Have you heard of Eko Brew???????

If you have a Keurig and MISS fresh coffee as much as me, you NEED to get on this!

Basically, it's a reusable K-Cup that you can fill with fresh coffee of your choice.  It's so easy to clean and so easy to use! I like anything convenient so this is PERFECT for me!



Heaven...

I picked up my Coconut coffee from my local coffee shop, had them grind it for me and walla! Fresh coffee! I am NEVER going back to those KCups if I have this little baby handy! The taste of fresh coffee compared to those dinky KCups is insane.... yumm... my mouth is watering...



Okay, time to go make my morning coffee haha!

Have a fabulous Friday and an amazing weekend!

xoxo,

 

Half Marathon Training Week #4: 7 Weeks to the Long Island Half Marathon

Is it Hump Day already??

Can I just tell you how extremely sore I am right now and how amazing that makes me feel??

Yesterday, I seriously tried to make it to the gym before work but, just could not (excuse: I just wanted sleep more than sweat = guilty).  So, I ended up hitting the gym after work on this gross, gloomy day.  I ran my typical short run of 3 miles on the treadmill, vom… and worked on my shoulders and back… BAM!

Sweat Proof

P.S. Please check out how OVERSTATED the calorie burn is on the treadmill.  My Polar watch includes that run plus about 45 min. of strength training! It's crazy how much of a difference that is!

I'm in some serious, heavenly pain this morning.  It’s a confirmation that I’m pushing myself past quite a few comfort zones = happy me!

Since I’ve started including strength training in my weekly workouts just a few weeks ago, I’m really starting to feel a difference! I haven’t been keeping up with it religiously but, I have been lifting on average about 3-4 times a week.  That may not seem like a lot to some of you but, it’s 3-4 times more than I was previously doing in the past.  I will discuss my progress in a future post but, I just had to shout out at how amazing lifting weight is!

Oh, and on a random note… I’m happy to report that I had my routine check up at the dentist and am cavity free! Yay! Think it has to do with changing my eating habits over these past few months? I think so ;)

This morning I am happy to report that I got my lazy ass out of bed and off to the gym! I took a crazy 60 min. bootcamp style class followed by Biceps & Tricep's and a half a mile cool down on the treadmill! That's a fabulous way to start off the first day of Spring right? Even if it's an ice box outside...

Post workout, this morning!

Sweat Proof

Post Workout Refuel

1 Scoop NeoCell
Spinach
3/4 Cup Almond Milk
Apple
Truvia
Cinnamon
Ice & Water

Back to the present…. Half Marathon Training Recap!

I’m so sorry…

do not hate me for not posting last week…

I was being a horrible procrastinator…

I’ll recap below how both of my long runs went for the past two weeks since, I don’t think anyone cares about my short runs during the week.

Monday 3.11.13 (7 Miles Scheduled)

Oh how I love days off from work and some actual 'me' time! On this day I was able to sleep in and get up at my own leisure, which was aaaaamazing.  I think that I even slept past 10 a.m. WOAH! Once I was rested and fueled I was SO ready to hit the pavement.  It's so nice not being in a rush and being able to get my run in when ever I felt like. The run itself was so beautiful.  The weather was gorgeous and I honestly was just enjoying myself.  I felt strong and ready to tackle 7 miles.  It's been quite some time since I ran past 6 so I was pumped to tackle this little goal (5-6 miles is usually my comfort zone distance).  I finished that run smiling and feeling STRONG!

Stretching out my legs and admiring my new sneaks<3

Post Run
Nerd Alert ;)

Run Proof

Sunday 3.17.13 (8 Miles Scheduled)

Brrrr…. It was cold out there! Sunday morning started off like every other Sunday.  I was up and out the door by 7:30 a.m. ready to hit the gym for abs/arms and cardio kickboxing… or so I thought.  I was already completely exhausted (I did not sleep very well the night before) so it was hard enough even getting to the gym.  Once I found out that the instructor who typically teaches was not teaching, I was SO over it.  I was already at the gym so I stayed for the first half hour class (abs and arms) and it was okay… nothing crazy, but I couldn’t wait to leave.  I figured this was a blessing in disguise since Sundays are typically my long run day anyways.  I rested and rejuvenated and finally hit the pavement once I was ready to tackle the day’s 8 miles. 

First, let me vent about how much I HATE wearing multiple layers for my runs in the cold.  IT SUCKS! I’m literally pulling on my clothes like every 2 min. which is not what I want to be focusing on! Does anyone else have this issue?  I actually decided to tuck in my first layer haha and that seemed to help during this run.  

ANYWAYS, so the first 3-4 miles were a bitch as always.  I try not to sugar coat my runs, they are very rarely easy for me.  I’m constantly in awe of those who could bang out these insane amount of miles but, for me it’s always a physical and mental struggle. 

By mile 5 I was feeling like I was finally in the groove of things.  Once I hit the half way point of my scheduled miles is typically when I gain more confidence in my runs.  It’s like hump day during the week… it’s a downhill from here till Friday right? Well, that’s how I view my runs.  Once I past the half point is when I enjoy them much more. Hitting mile 8 was awesome on this day.  I actually didn’t feel THAT exhausted afterwards.  I was tired, don’t get me wrong  but, I didn’t feel defeated. 

Brrr...

Run Proof

Run Burn

Considering I haven’t been keeping up with my short runs as much as I should be, these long runs haven’t been bad at all.  Long Runs, I will never skip unless something crazy gets in my way.  I do take my training seriously and never want to set myself up for an injury.  You can’t wing a half marathon nor, will I ever take that risk.  Overall, it was a great run and I was pretty damn proud when it was complete!

You can check out my previous,

Half Marathon Training Recap Posts below:

Half Marathon Training Week #1 & Coconut Lovers Anonymous Protein Shake Recipe

Half Marathon Training Week #2: 10 Weeks to the Long Island Half Marathon

Half Marathon Training Week #3 & Finish Line P.T. Session Recap: 9 Weeks to the Long Island Half Marathon

Weekend Recap: Treadmill Workout, Coffee Heaven and Sweaty Mess

Good Morning!!

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope that you all survived the St. Patty’s Day festivities without turning green and had a fabulous weekend!

My weekend was pretty eventful; filled with the typical sweaty and girly events.

 

After taking off last Monday for some much needed me time, my schedule was all messed up.  The littlest things could just throw me off; Does this happen to anyone else?  Typically, I like to ‘sleep in’ on Mondays (a.k.a. no morning workout) and then get back into my crack ass of dawn workouts Tuesday-Friday.  This has been my pattern for the past 6 weeks basically.  So, once I took Monday off my body clock was all whacked out.  I was just so not into morning workouts, nor did I have any drive to make it there.  Don’t get me wrong, I did make it to the gym every day last week except for Tuesday (rest day) but, there is just something amazing about those 5 a.m. workouts.  It doesn’t help that I finally caught up on the T.V. show, The Following… I was up till 12 a.m. on Tuesday… I just couldn’t stop! That show is SO addicting and I had about 5 episodes to catch up on… priorities.

Anyways, I finally, FINALLY made it to the gym before work on Friday! It’s seriously SO easy to fall back into old habits but, I was determined to actually listen to my bitch of an alarm and get my lazy ass to the gym.  It was a crazy workout too! I like to take this 60 min class that starts at 5:30 a.m. on Fridays (I’m all for classes for my morning workouts because my brain just does not function at that hour).  The instructor who is insane (in an amazing way – picture Jillian Michaels on 10 cups of coffee) at one point had us all on the treadmill doing this crazy workout.  My memory isn't the best so, I recreated a similar version below.

 

This is a 15min. workout and should get you to about 1 mile

You need 8 lb weights...

Treadmill Workout


Terms Above, Defined:

Down: Hold weights down at your side

Up: For 30 second intervals lift the 8lb weights up and down overhead
(From your shoulders - palms facing in -straight up and down overhead)

- : Drop the 8lb weights where ever you can
(I put them in the cup holders on the treadmill)

After my morning workout I even got greeted by this beautiful Sunrise!



Sunset
Gym Parking Lot

Happy Mess Post Morning Workout
Happy Friday!



Oh and I have some fabulous news...

well fabulous for me anyways ;)

Guess what is finally being built literally within walking distance to me?

ummm...

STARBUCKS!!!!

Oh Happy Days!

I cannot wait till it opens! If I am considered obsessed now, I'm afraid for how I'll be when this finally opens.  Oh, and speaking of coffee I thought I'd share with all of you how I enjoy my morning coffee :P.

Coffee Heaven!

Whether I'm at work or at home I always have:

Coconut Almond Milk

Cinnamon

and

Truvia

I love love love to add these ingredients to my coffee! I have a huge sweet tooth so enjoying my coffee this way is a healthy way to get both of my sugar and caffeine high on!

Okay, back to my Friday... Since my workout was already done for the day (woop woop), my post work plans were for my girls! We enjoyed a delicious dinner and a few glasses of wine (wine is considered a fruit serving, right?) at one of my favorite places in town!



Diana, Leyla, Myself & Danielle

 

Grilled Tuna
Jasmine Rice
Asian Coleslaw

Saturday!

Saturday, was a serious workout! Danielle and I met at the gym for 8 a.m. to crush some arms!  Today was Bicep and Tricep day and Danielle decided to join in! We killed it and am seriously still hurting today from this workout = SUCCESS!

After working arms (and no matter how much I begged Danielle to join me - She is just all about the elliptical - ew), I stayed to take an interval training class.  Mind you, I am still 'blind,' I basically take all of these classes now without contacts or glasses.  It's seriously ANNOYING but, I can't let my dumb eye issues get in the way of working out.  So I'm sorry in advance if I kick someone... it's because I can't see you... maybe.



Saturday Sweat Proof

My HR Monitor is the Polar RXC3

Refueled with my Apple Cinnamon Pancake Recipe



The rest of Saturday consisted of laying around... being lazy, until eventually making it out at night time.  I was extremely exhausted so I crashed by 11 p.m. Old lady problems...

Come Sunday, I was back at the gym at 8 a.m. ready to kick some butt... or so I thought... The instructor who usually teaches the two classes that I religiously take on Sunday's was not teaching (huge bummer).  However, I was already at the gym so I decided to just stay for the first class (abs and arms).  I was still so sore from my previous arm workout but I pushed through it.  It was an okay class, nothing crazy.  Once it was over I was out of there.  I considered that this was a blessing in disguise since Sunday's are also my long run day for training.  I had 8 miles scheduled for Sunday so skipping Kickboxing was actually a smart idea.  I will recap my long run on Wednesday in more detail but I'll tell you now, it was a chilly one!



Sweat Proof
Long Run Half Marathon Training



Sunday wouldn't be Sunday if I didn't hit up my favorite place a.k.a. Trader Joe's,

Finish up with Meal Prep,

Sunday Meal Prep

and

rejuvenate to get ready for the upcoming week!



Relaxation with a healthy ice pop and Fitness Magazine
<3



I hope that you had a fabulous weekend as well!
<3

Half Marathon Training Week #3 & Finish Line P.T. Session Recap: 9 Weeks to the Long Island Half Marathon

Check out my brand new sneakers that finally arrived in the mail!

I already have a pair of these that I ran in for my first

Half Marathon

last year so, why break something that's not broke?

Plus, you can't lose with Black and Pink Sneakers <3

Saucony 

Tuesday: (3 Miles Scheduled)

Every Tuesday, I try to stick to the same game plan.  I arrive at the gym around 6 a.m. to hit the treadmill for my short run and I always wrap up my morning workout with a 30 minute sprint spin class.  Like I’ve said numerous amounts of times… I HATE the treadmill but I still push myself to get at least 2-3 miles done.  Three miles does not sounds like a lot at all... but to me, it’s just torturous on the treadmill. If it was up to me I’d run every run outside on the pavement but, until it gets a little bit lighter out in the early mornings before work, I’m not going to risk running by myself.

Thursday: (5 Miles Scheduled)

I continue to skip these runs to instead focus on my favorite classes at the gym.  I’ll eventually get them back into my routine as I get closer to the race and when it gets a little bit warmer and lighter out.

Saturday: (6 Miles Scheduled)

If you haven’t gotten a chance to read my Weekend Recap Post then, you probably should ;).  Saturday was a crazy, sweaty day for me! Almost a 1,200 caloric burn! Woop Woop! Needless to say, I post-poned my ‘long’ run for the week, for Sunday.

Sunday: (3 Miles Scheduled)

6 miles was NOT easy on this beautiful day for the main reason that this run was not my only workout of the day. Hey, I do it too myself and I'm NOT complaining because I, 100% enjoy the challenge (obsessed).  It’s serious proof to me that my body is pretty damn strong and can handle a lot that is thrown its way. 

Well, after my morning workout and resting for a good part of the early afternoon, I finally got enough energy going to tackle my 6 miles! 

So how did my run go?

Honestly, it was a little tough in the beginning but I actually felt pretty damn strong by mile 3!  The first 3 miles were filled with me tugging on my clothes, trying to get comfortable and sorting through my iPhone like it was my job.  Finally, by mile 3, I was hitting my zone of just pushing forward and gliding.  I wasn't uncomfortable anymore, I was focusing on enjoying the run and the outdoors.  The weather was comfortable and the sun was actually shining!

Around this time when I was feeling pretty strong, the weirdest thing happened to me.  I tend to have this number that follows my family and myself around, 4 1 3 (in any order) and I've been seeing it way too often lately. 

Well, mid run... as I'm running along a pretty busy road, past my church where I always run by, I particularly took notice of the sign that day...

Dear Angels,
What are you trying to tell me?

Angels, what are you trying to tell me?!?! It was definitely odd and coincidence or not, I believe there is some meaning behind this number always following me.  What that exactly is, is yet to be known!

Anyways, the remainder of the run (miles 4- 6) were much stronger than I thought they would be.  Don't get me wrong, my legs were tired but, I was consistently going in and out of feeling like I wanted to quit to feeling extremely strong.  When mile 6 popped up on my Nike Training app, I was most definitely ready to begin my cool down but, I also felt great about the run at the same time.  I was proud of myself for starting my run to begin with! I had two killer workouts in one fabulous day!

Nike Running App

Run Proof

Lately, I’ve also been focusing on my running form.  A few weeks ago Finish Line P.T. actually treated me to a free P.T. session where they analyzed my running.  It was definitely a pretty interesting experience.

They set me up on a treadmill to run for a bit and then proceeded to professionally critique my form.  It was pretty weird/awkward watching myself run haha but,  at least it was a confirmation that I don’t look like Phoebe from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. when I run! 

Commence, awkward pictures...

Getting ready to get my treadmill on

Watching the play back of my running

So what did I learn?

1. I run Heel to Toe

This is the main thing that I need to work on because, apparently it's like hitting the breaks while running, and who wants to do that?  Their advice was for me to focus more on hitting the pad of my feet rather than the heel.  This will in turn increase my endurance (you use less energy this way) and release some of the stress on my legs.

2. Apparently my hips are not that flexible.

They had my walk in all of these weird ways (I swear they were making me do this for a YouTube video and not for an actual reason haha) and try these different types of stretches.  I had to stand, one leg in front of the other and try to (incorrect lunge form) lunge my knee over my foot.  Apparently, I had a very hard time doing this which is good for my lunge form but not good for my running. 

Trying to get my knee over my foot...
not working...

So this happened...

Oh, and this...

Where are the hidden camera's???

Overall, it was a pretty cool experience and I definitely took some great information away from the visit.  If you're in the NYC area and looking for physical therapy definitely check out Finish Line P.T.!

Going forward, I am planning on being more conscious of my running on my heels and

also try and stretch more!

Bikram, I will be seeing you soon!

***

Check out my previous Half Marathon Training Recap's below:

Half Marathon Training Week #1 & Coconut Lovers Anonymous Protein Shake Recipe

Half Marathon Training Week #2: 10 Weeks to the Long Island Half Marathon

Weekend Recap and Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancake Recipe

Good Morning!

Happy Monday!

I know, I know Monday's are just NOT that fabulous so let's just try and focus on how amazing that morning coffee is instead...

mmm...

So... good...

Okay, I'm back!

Let's recap my sweaty weekend <3

Both Saturday and Sunday's WOD's were quite intense.

The best part of my workouts?

I was able to actually track my HR and caloric burn!

I won the new Polar USA, RCX3 model over twitter a few months ago but, have been having a few issues with the watch.  I finally remembered decided to call Polar up to see if they can figure out what was going on.  Turns out the service center was around the corner from my job so, I was able to drop it off and have it fixed all in the same day! I love convenience!! Apparently my watch had quite a few issues so they just gave me a brand new one! I was SO excited to finally be able to use my watch on a daily basis :).

Polar RCX3

Saturday: 

Every once in a while I decide to have these crazy, long sessions at my gym on Saturday mornings.  This only technically happens when one of the instructors at the gym teaches the 9a.m. class.  Like I've said in my previous post, Strength Training... I do not skip any of my favorite classes if I can help it (it's a problem ;) ).  I like to take a class at 7:30 a.m. (30min. class) regardless, so I decided to just stay until the 9a.m. class, no big deal!

My morning sweat went a little bit like this:

7 a.m. - 10 min warm up on the treadmill

7:25 - 8:00 a.m. - Class: Utilizing a 25lb plate and 8lb weights

(High Impact Circuits)

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Shoulders & Back - I recently started strength training a little bit more seriously.

(Check out my previous post: Strength Training for more detail)

8:30 - 8:45 a.m. - Incline Walking

9:00 - 10:15 a.m. - Class

(High impact cardio and weight blocks)

=

One Serious BURN!

Sweaty Mess

One Crazy Burn!

After a burn like that, the refuel afterwards is so, SO enjoyable... right?

Commence... 

Recipe TIME!

My new kick?

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes!

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancake

Ingredients:
1 Small Apple
1 Scoop of Vanilla Protein
3 Egg Whites
Cinnamon
Stevia
Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream Cheese

Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream Cheese

Directions:

First, chop up the apple and place it in a bowl.  Add a sprinkle of water and cover the bowl (I used a plastic bag), microwave for about 45 seconds or until you see the apple soften.  Drain the water and smash the apple.  Once the apple is properly smashed, add the protein, eggs, and as much cinnamon and stevia that you like.  Cook in a pan like how you would normally make pancakes. Once the pancake is ready, add your wedge of Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream cheese and enjoy!

***

Sunday:

Obviously I began my Sunday with my usual obsession: Abs & Arms, followed by Cardio Kickboxing.  It was an intense class as always! I'm not quite sure why my burn wasn't as high as it usually gets but I can't be unhappy with a 90min. sweat session that kicked my booty!

90 Min. Sweat Proof

After my morning workout, I basically just vegged out on the couch for the rest of the morning.  Once I felt like I was able to get my body moving again (knowing that I still had to complete my half marathon training run for the day), I was up and out the door by 1 p.m..  I had 6 miles scheduled for this past weekend so that was what was on my mind to complete!  It wasn't the easiest gaining the energy to get moving especially, after my morning workout but... I did it!! I will recap my run in more detail on my Half Marathon Training Recap Post (Every Wednesday).

Overall, I would say that it was a pretty productive day, sweat wise :).



Sunday Sweat


Meal Prep:
My Sunday or any other Sunday wouldn't be complete without my weekly meal prep!  I have 5 lunches, 3 dinners and a few small meals pictured below:



Sunday Meal Prep



On the menu this week:

M1: Protein Shake (Protein Powder/ 1/2 Banana/ Unsweetened Almond Milk)
M2: Serving of Raw Almonds and 6oz of Plain Greek Yogurt
M3: 4oz Salmon/ 1/2 Sweet Potato and Veggies (Butternut Squash and Asparagus for this week)
M4: Apple and 2tbsp of PB
M5: Hard Boiled Egg (Pre-Workout Fuel)
M6: Tilapia and Veggies

I love setting myself up for success!!

I'm actually supposed to go out for Sushi today for lunch so, I may have one left over lunch!

Any takers?

 haha

Have a fabulous Monday!!!