tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52243695947355004472024-03-19T04:15:52.060-04:00BFF: Better Food and FitnessWorking on our healthy living from A to B...Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16649407342258362815noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-88504185410538823002014-06-24T16:59:00.002-04:002014-06-24T16:59:47.541-04:00A Relaxed ApproachI'm still signed up for a tri later this summer but I've decided to completely overhaul the training plan. I put so much pressure on myself to do well at each event that training for something like this has become unfun. The nerves/anxiety/worry I feel months before a race and especially the night before are crazy! I make myself sick to my stomach!! The sleeplessness and added dehydration from a night of stomach illness is not good for race day. <br />
<br />
And for what?<br />
<br />
This is supposed to be something I enjoy doing. Exercising is something that I need to do to be healthy but the pressure is not healthy. I know that I love to bike, run and swim so when I'm in the midst of training and find myself dreading all of it I know, something's wrong. And that's what has been happening. <br />
<br />
Since my decision, I've been running, biking and swimming but my plan isn't always followed and sometimes I forgo a workout to go on a walk, do some yoga or sit on the couch - no regrets. I'm going to show up on race day knowing that the training I've done was enjoyed. If I truly don't feel like I'm in good enough shape to be there on race day, I won't. Life is supposed to be enjoyable, right? <br />
<br />
With time, I'll find the healthy balance between enjoying and pushing for a goal, for now I need to slow it down and enjoy this relaxed approach. <br />
<br />
And now back to some more regularly occurring blog posts :) <br />
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-62802160398620355052014-05-13T14:22:00.001-04:002014-05-13T14:22:27.443-04:00Blueberry Gluten Free PancakesAt last! It's time to share a new recipe with you. <br />
<br />
I whipped up a batch of these a couple of weekends ago. Unfortunately, I ate them before I could even snap a picture but you could just Google image "blueberry pancakes" and they'll be about the same :) <br />
<br />
3/4 Cup Brown Rice Flour<br />
1/4 Cup Coconut/Almond Milk<br />
2 Eggs<br />
1/2 Cup of Frozen Blueberries<br />
1 Tsp Baking Soda<br />
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup (Plus a little extra for topping)<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients in a big bowl. Spray a pan with a little stick-free spray and set the pan on medium heat. Once heated, pour about 1/4 cup of the mixture onto the pan and flip when ends are bubbling and brown. Serve with maple syrup and more fruit. <br />
<br />
Anyone else already dreaming about the weekend? Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-46365934003696388842014-05-08T12:55:00.002-04:002014-05-08T12:55:39.099-04:00Tri Training ContinuesI was expecting to come out of my last tri and immediately continue my training for the next race. Thanks to a week long stomach bug and a week (or more) of flat out laziness, my training has not been so grand. I've snuck in a swim and a couple of runs but no biking. Uh... <br />
<br />
The one thing I have been consistently doing is adding strength training. Have you checked out the befit channel on Youtube? It's awesome. <br />
<br />
Here are my workouts this week:<br />
<br />
Monday: Befit Yoga Beach Body - This was a 30 minute circuit workout using yoga, I loved it. <br />
<br />
Tuesday: Abs<br />
<br />
Wednesday: 20 Minute Yoga<br />
<br />
Thursday: I'm not sure yet. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping to go for a nice run this weekend and get back on my tri-training bandwagon. <br />
<br />
<strong>It may only be Thursday but... what are you looking forward to this weekend? </strong>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-7163799916906981452014-05-06T14:41:00.001-04:002014-05-06T14:41:02.937-04:00Green SmoothiesThis weekend while the hubs was hunting, I got to spend some much needed time with my little sister. After a quick breakfast of blueberry g-f pancakes (recipe coming soon!), we decided to check out the Downtown Artist and Farmers Market.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmppHZMLd65mNUmDfW76Ly677ieN7897ZXzEDkynr2nkQJJgRt8JFNJPOpB1GZtrG475qMYOOgVEgMlTjlwhw9JXlbDYaqKUsmR-keKXEcZrutD7evp5sjnQmOsFm9yKHGRpp1e0k83DY/s1600/Farmers+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmppHZMLd65mNUmDfW76Ly677ieN7897ZXzEDkynr2nkQJJgRt8JFNJPOpB1GZtrG475qMYOOgVEgMlTjlwhw9JXlbDYaqKUsmR-keKXEcZrutD7evp5sjnQmOsFm9yKHGRpp1e0k83DY/s1600/Farmers+Market.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Weather, Perfect Weekend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The weather was amazing, I think summer is really close. After trying a few samples and checking out some cool crafts, we decided to finally try something from the Grooovie Smoothie food truck. My sis and I have seen this truck at so many events and have been so curious but a little scared to try it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cl2GIV-ViXDSTISJgQ3FObT-pVqcxCWcyX-VYFE3zvaYqFPTGmHhevt_4_6-O83YEVVYp7D1tpXNfBbveLdivaXCN9FKKpIwN77Svz3uUSXr2UWsnvWbFOmpAHxG6wvsW1R4z5HsjBE9/s1600/Grooovy+Smoothie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cl2GIV-ViXDSTISJgQ3FObT-pVqcxCWcyX-VYFE3zvaYqFPTGmHhevt_4_6-O83YEVVYp7D1tpXNfBbveLdivaXCN9FKKpIwN77Svz3uUSXr2UWsnvWbFOmpAHxG6wvsW1R4z5HsjBE9/s1600/Grooovy+Smoothie.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grooovy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We each picked out a smoothie and then had to pick out a base (coconut water, spring water, almond milk, etc.) and an add-in (chia seeds, flax seeds, etc.). We ordered a watermelon and apple-lemonade. The watermelon drink was made up of watermelon, romaine, rainbow chards (which we kept pronouncing as churds...turds hehe) and some more tasty all-natural ingredients; the apple lemonade had apples, lemons, cilantro, sprouts and more. Both drinks were incredible!! We felt so hydrated and energetic all day. I typically try to add spinach or broccoli to my smoothies but this opened my eyes to the greater variety of veggies and herbs that would taste just as great. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bRawGJJ3eg5zFSaKgVRMS-OMmrs_PqknQHHSqcZRf2RVKPFB9qhv5TPbo8OPhNTHv9_bgMBgfmwEQ-ZLSFtxfhol9QZOlYUoMZxqq9na1RO4_F4ZO41aD9af-yqFfUFVK6qAIxK_1oI/s1600/Grooovie+Smoothie+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bRawGJJ3eg5zFSaKgVRMS-OMmrs_PqknQHHSqcZRf2RVKPFB9qhv5TPbo8OPhNTHv9_bgMBgfmwEQ-ZLSFtxfhol9QZOlYUoMZxqq9na1RO4_F4ZO41aD9af-yqFfUFVK6qAIxK_1oI/s1600/Grooovie+Smoothie+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Lemonade</td></tr>
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The smoothies inspired us to hit up the grocery store on Sunday in search of similar ingredients for our own smoothies. We left the store with watermelons, cucumbers, coconut water and so much more. Here's what I whipped up and enjoyed this morning:<br />
<br />
1 Cup Spinach<br />
1 Cup Watermelon<br />
1/4 Cup Cucumber<br />
1/2 Cup Sprouts<br />
8 Ice Cubes<br />
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds<br />
<br />
It looks like I drank salsa verde, but it was SO good. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRFf8XvVh25fr31mDNR5WGRWbFyHSvGGtBYKRCZ7Zqx1ODUcGtzjDfTEawdmMwAX789PwF2ZCzKVb4V-dmzKiZyOx_CCr182MMzewcUAxzg564q0xmwFMlETvL3Ez_Y-kK276bL89URuw/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRFf8XvVh25fr31mDNR5WGRWbFyHSvGGtBYKRCZ7Zqx1ODUcGtzjDfTEawdmMwAX789PwF2ZCzKVb4V-dmzKiZyOx_CCr182MMzewcUAxzg564q0xmwFMlETvL3Ez_Y-kK276bL89URuw/s1600/Green+Smoothie.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Til The Last Drop</td></tr>
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I hope your week is starting out great! I have a recipe to share with you later this week as well as an updated list of workouts (tri training is still going on!). Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-46180607134578721842014-05-01T14:44:00.000-04:002014-05-01T14:47:43.159-04:00Mighty Mujer Tri Race Recap <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time for a race recap! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I signed up for the </span><a href="http://www.raceelpaso.com/mighty-mujer" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mighty Mujer Tri</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> because it is a super
sprint and early in the year – a great kickoff to the upcoming race season. The
race would consist of a 300 m swim, 15k bike ride and a 2 mile run. All of
these distances were completely doable but the hang up? The course is hilly!!!!
Here’s how it all broke down for me:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swim: This was my first real swim competition (I did a tri
back in September but due to a gas leak, the pool was shut down mid race!!!) so
I was nervous – would I be able to pass people, would they be able to get around
me, would the swim set the tone for the whole race? To compete, we had to get
our swim time certified at certain pools in the city. I was aiming for a sub 10
minute time and was happily surprised when I certified at 7:03. What?! I knew I
had fallen in love with swimming and worked hard but didn’t think I’d surpass
my expectations. Come race day, I lined up with all of the other women in the order
of our swim times. Unfortunately, the swim was set up so that for 5 laps you
had to swim down one side and up the other, only allowing for passing in the
middle of a normal size lane. No bueno, my friends. Most of the women around me
said this was the first tri and after seeing so many women almost (and a few
that actually did) run into each other, everyone was petrified. I heard so many
saying they wouldn’t want to push themselves in the swim for fear of getting
hurt. This portion of the race was the only thing I heard negative comments
about and I agree. I don’t know how to correct this for future races, maybe
allowing more time in between swimmers? I know that I ended up swimming 20
seconds slower than I had at my cert. a month before due in part to getting
stuck behind another swimmer with no room to swim in the middle because of
oncoming swimmers and because I had a brief freak out in the water for my first
couple of laps. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bike: I’m really glad that I incorporated bricks into my
training and followed the hubs advice for setting up my transition area. I was able
to take in my favorite watermelon flavored Chomps, drink water and grab my gear
with ease. I took a second to shake off the not so great swim so I could just
focus on the next step. This course was tough! You can check out the bike profile </span><a href="http://www.raceelpaso.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MMT-Bike.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things that helped me keep moving was the
cheering volunteers and spectators – including my own family! I cannot thank
everyone enough for the support, it really made a difference! I was aiming for
a time of 1:15:00 but managed to pull it in under 50 minutes. Yahoo! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Run: The run consisted of 2 laps around Memorial Park, it
was hilly but not nearly as much as the bike course. Brick training bike/run
was the easiest for me; lo and behold this was also the easiest portion of the
race for me. I had one of those moments where things just clicked. I was moving
my tired legs as fast as they’d go but I felt like I was just on a cloud. I was
aiming for 20 minutes but ended up at 21, fair enough. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of me competing but
maybe when the race website uploads some I’ll share. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had never thought about signing up for an all-women’s
event and after I did, I kind of worried that it would feel like everyone had
their group of friends and I was the loner or it would be catty. But it was not
like that in the least bit. There were some groups of friends,
mother/daughter/sister teams, etc. but there were also a lot of people like me –
nervously excited to take on the new challenge of a tri. It was a bunch of
athletes competing with and supporting fellow athletes. Along the bike and run,
I would pass someone and they’d say something like “go for it! You can do it!”,
it was so kind I thought it was only right to say the same to those passing me.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you have to enjoy a race that gives out wine glasses in
lieu of a medal, right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnucCoWOLDoj3prNFBDaOYAtvEE2tEbqBb6-WhmUr9uB4mNOMQzXDPrZBF0Duoqq87JxGWnRIWTZFNv5xa2W61F539pSGNuuHfMzP4iPWU2WrcHfOG14rySAaKb1NinV4udE2_KmPtxCx/s1600/Wine+Glass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnucCoWOLDoj3prNFBDaOYAtvEE2tEbqBb6-WhmUr9uB4mNOMQzXDPrZBF0Duoqq87JxGWnRIWTZFNv5xa2W61F539pSGNuuHfMzP4iPWU2WrcHfOG14rySAaKb1NinV4udE2_KmPtxCx/s1600/Wine+Glass.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bottom Line: Would I do this race again? Maybe. I really
dread that swimming situation but the event itself was very organized, fun and
a challenge. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is your favorite
or least favorite race? Anyone competing in a tri this summer?</span> </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-75763852207198196832014-04-22T13:14:00.001-04:002014-04-22T13:14:35.807-04:00Birthday Recap!Hello! I have so much to share - a race recap, recipe and a birthday recap. Let's start with the birthday recap!<br />
<br />
Jay's birthday is just days before mine so it always makes celebrating a fun, extended event but can also create a little chaos (totally worth it!) trying to do something for both. This year, we went camping for Jay's birthday on one weekend and had a birthday dinner for me the following weekend. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjezmIgIQABDXT8cLqUdYE-WSvsPL4NUwmhXw2WUXpKW6OoPARrOI-9z_WSA5bxyeS9IG6sAukOYADOtMJ_N9AX7_LKSODTya_nfgy7GAnAbFJutEtLFKql2ysybo8uaaxaU6pC2SYutT/s1600/New+Shirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjezmIgIQABDXT8cLqUdYE-WSvsPL4NUwmhXw2WUXpKW6OoPARrOI-9z_WSA5bxyeS9IG6sAukOYADOtMJ_N9AX7_LKSODTya_nfgy7GAnAbFJutEtLFKql2ysybo8uaaxaU6pC2SYutT/s1600/New+Shirt.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaca's New "I <3 Camping" Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joining us on our camping trip was Chaca (of course), my brother, his friend and my parents. My mom has a very strict "if I cannot plug in my blow dryer, I'm not going" rule when it comes to traveling, so we were a little nervous that she wouldn't enjoy it. Thankfully, she did!! We all had a great time playing games, grilling and enjoying the peace of the forest. I also managed to squeeze in a 1 mile hill repeat run- the change in elevation was so tough but excellent training. Though it was his birthday, Jay did 100% of the cooking all over the fire. And it was THE BEST. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLKAp2aTA1QYBFjRlI9fXfdyG4CkSb1NN77X11rFYxBzNogkF8iuTO-imV1uASH6mdYEWNQVGGVvtcYxjGGLnHN3UvUgmqzRW36hD1CwqpFkq1YyolPvIs0BjvF58ojEKPzLML1NiUusi/s1600/Jay+Cooking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLKAp2aTA1QYBFjRlI9fXfdyG4CkSb1NN77X11rFYxBzNogkF8iuTO-imV1uASH6mdYEWNQVGGVvtcYxjGGLnHN3UvUgmqzRW36hD1CwqpFkq1YyolPvIs0BjvF58ojEKPzLML1NiUusi/s1600/Jay+Cooking.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also enjoyed some tasty adult beverages in the form of my spiked <a href="http://betterfoodandfitness.blogspot.com/2013/07/so-fresca-so-clean-clean.html" target="_blank">agua fresca</a>. It was perfectly sweet and fresh. Yum. </div>
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With this being Jay's first birthday in El Paso, it only felt appropriate to give him an El Paso birthday staple...a pinata!! My mom and I filled it with Jays' favorite candies and confetti. The confetti leaked all over the trunks of our cars, houses, etc. keeping it a surprise was a trick. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjwJc9bcuADi4dUPElphL_29loNgqTmdSxbSdiuD6mwVUYN5rc3z3i_RHqYL5YlQBJ-kpe8yXHWijYRiJ043BUAx6nYjuMpwiLn8LZtoaohvbxvVjFSG8pRI7iQ_BEuXtWZwyYOIvWlBL/s1600/Birthday+Boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjwJc9bcuADi4dUPElphL_29loNgqTmdSxbSdiuD6mwVUYN5rc3z3i_RHqYL5YlQBJ-kpe8yXHWijYRiJ043BUAx6nYjuMpwiLn8LZtoaohvbxvVjFSG8pRI7iQ_BEuXtWZwyYOIvWlBL/s1600/Birthday+Boy.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TMNT!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was a bit chilly so we made sure to keep warm with a fire each night. After spending the day running around, little Miss Chaca was so happy to curl up and get warm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC4lAMTfMcCKzQhWusU7GxDADR8fodK6ahwEsUbTtSqM4tlSYfrflKpB82tDucKXHd5ySg02rFXu8q62M7EuKSFroyjMFSlernuHaXS47PIkNRzL4XEJCvtGKdVGdmEXjDnf52I0BoXiC/s1600/Warm+Chaca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC4lAMTfMcCKzQhWusU7GxDADR8fodK6ahwEsUbTtSqM4tlSYfrflKpB82tDucKXHd5ySg02rFXu8q62M7EuKSFroyjMFSlernuHaXS47PIkNRzL4XEJCvtGKdVGdmEXjDnf52I0BoXiC/s1600/Warm+Chaca.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetest Girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On our last evening, we brought out a very fancy and elaborate birthday cake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4vAAMC7PhORedo4hhOVpgXENqJEyjw8rwU4MRvx0O23XhjcdtDnXBvuEFQBq0XFaW-AI5qXZGm20qP0J4yDovbUy7W4AyOBZpkvTiYIdaqTvVwG9J2iMUUbQTEF2jO6BzZAJnrlyuIQm/s1600/Birthday+Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4vAAMC7PhORedo4hhOVpgXENqJEyjw8rwU4MRvx0O23XhjcdtDnXBvuEFQBq0XFaW-AI5qXZGm20qP0J4yDovbUy7W4AyOBZpkvTiYIdaqTvVwG9J2iMUUbQTEF2jO6BzZAJnrlyuIQm/s1600/Birthday+Cake.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, not so fancy or elaborate but it was easy to transport and exactly what the birthday boy wanted. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr77m-0k2WtFL-QGM9vQisTbuo1mf3GSWvslo3PnZnITh55uQwSGzV8sGEXqx1ig6bIM7wgUog8ARP9n3KlCsxj_137BMiekPVlWg-BKGH7UKggSwSfYgA7pt3RJhBdtih-fXXSHKSFPbS/s1600/Sangria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr77m-0k2WtFL-QGM9vQisTbuo1mf3GSWvslo3PnZnITh55uQwSGzV8sGEXqx1ig6bIM7wgUog8ARP9n3KlCsxj_137BMiekPVlWg-BKGH7UKggSwSfYgA7pt3RJhBdtih-fXXSHKSFPbS/s1600/Sangria.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit Makes It Totally Healthy, Right?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The following weekend we held a taco and sangria dinner at out house. I followed this <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/sangria" target="_blank">sangria recipe</a> and it was amazing. The men seemed to enjoy it and none of them are very fond of sweet wines. Score! Jay was sweet enough to run out and pick up our order of tacos from a local restaurant while I got everyone mason jars of sangria and beer. It was a dinner with Jay, my cousin, my parents, brother, sister and her boyfriend - small and simple and it was perfectly what I wanted. I wasn't feeling the big to do this year and was glad we could make it happen. After our dinner of tacos, beans and my mom's homemade rice and salsa, we hung out around the fire pit in our backyard. </div>
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And I cannot forget to talk about my amazing birthday cake. Everyone thought it was a little odd for me to make my own cake, but I love baking so it was a gift in itself.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3dDk2JG1S8TLk9GzOUzBVSdDqm_Z_h2r-eQaySqUu6SM0OVM6YhQ7B-5O0fEt_Gj_McM4E9cHzaUXwmRCLjQ8uL1naLQkoTKIn7Br0vbq9xuK5Z3UAK1kzcg6Utlf8r3CNOpFObUBd1S/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3dDk2JG1S8TLk9GzOUzBVSdDqm_Z_h2r-eQaySqUu6SM0OVM6YhQ7B-5O0fEt_Gj_McM4E9cHzaUXwmRCLjQ8uL1naLQkoTKIn7Br0vbq9xuK5Z3UAK1kzcg6Utlf8r3CNOpFObUBd1S/s1600/Cake.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake & Birthday Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Following <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/02/08/red-velvet-cheesecake-recipe/" target="_blank">Brown Eyed Baker's</a> recipe, I was able to recreate one of my favorite treats - Cheesecake Factory's Red Velvet Cheesecake. One slight change I made was in purchasing a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake at Costco instead of baking one (I've only had 1 very failed attempt and wasn't ready to try it again). It was indulgent and spot on! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZBTGn1nTWq-EqDMmo7rVjTtESUxbmaghPlalVvMbr8qj1TYlDXSnmn8kKDn4MX7U5jkty4_Wr0W169B35Y-GeX1yH-D1D81hn1vpGxUK4IgT-j9pr18VvKvhJ8EgxRO2cNE-VcnAUUmb/s1600/Best+Cake+Slice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZBTGn1nTWq-EqDMmo7rVjTtESUxbmaghPlalVvMbr8qj1TYlDXSnmn8kKDn4MX7U5jkty4_Wr0W169B35Y-GeX1yH-D1D81hn1vpGxUK4IgT-j9pr18VvKvhJ8EgxRO2cNE-VcnAUUmb/s1600/Best+Cake+Slice.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I miss it already....<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I felt so special all week as Jay and Chaca gave me little treats - a couple of books, some Cadbury eggs, tea and flowers - and in being able to spend time with family for both birthdays. Over all, we had fantastic birthdays. </div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-32300019188454864272014-04-02T12:13:00.002-04:002014-04-02T12:13:23.586-04:00Chia Colada
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope everyone got through April Fool’s with as few pranks
pulled on them as possible! Thankfully, I didn’t get pranked once…whew! As a
kid, I had this plastic ice cube with a fly in it, every year I’d sneak it in
someone’s glass at the dinner table and they’d always act surprised. I thought
it was such a good prank! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday’s workout was a long swim – I am not certain about my
distance but I do know that I swam for almost 30 minutes. Yesterday’s workout
was a 9 mile bike ride followed immediately by a 1 mile run. I’m looking
forward to a rest day today and getting back to the workouts tomorrow. I am
really enjoying this tri training!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the warmer weather and my crazy hunger in the mornings,
all I’ve been wanting are smoothies for breakfast. Here’s this morning’s Chia
Colada recipe:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp Chia Seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp Dried, Shredded Coconut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Frozen Fruit <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Coconut Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blend, sip and pretend you are on a tropical island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For tonight’s dinner, I threw some ingredients in a crockpot
and am hoping it turns out well enough to share here. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every so often I decide I want to use self-tanner lotion. I
apply it as best I can and the next day I have those horrible streaks and I
promise that I’ll never use it again. I put the bottle in a different cabinet
and weeks later when I find it, I decide to give it another (unsuccessful) try.
Currently, I’m rocking some amazing tan streaks on my feet and arm. Will I ever
learn? Probably not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What beauty trend do
you keep trying despite awful results? Any recommendations for my inability to
self-tan? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Wednesday!!</span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-43499037023415185642014-03-25T12:29:00.001-04:002014-03-25T12:29:03.305-04:00Broccoli for BreakfastHappy Tuesday!<br />
<br />
Last night's work out was a 1000m swim. I was having one of those days where I was doubting my ability to do well in my upcoming tri and was thinking about pulling out of the race. Thankfully, I completed this workout and it completely knocked out all of my negativity. I'll be competing and that is that! <br />
<br />
This morning I woke up so hungry and knew that a shake would be the fastest path to eating. Here is today's shake:<br />
<br />
* 1 Cup Frozen Berries (still using and loving the antioxidant blend)<br />
* 1 Cup of Broccoli (maybe a little strange but I love it in my a.m. shake!!)<br />
* 1 Tbsp Almond Butter<br />
* 1 Cup of Almond/Coconut Milk<br />
<br />
Blend and enjoy :) <br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to another tri workout this afternoon followed by a little grilling tonight. <br />
<br />
Hope your week is shaping up nicely! Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-50362688960002528952014-03-20T13:23:00.002-04:002014-03-20T13:23:57.092-04:00Oat & Dairy Free B.Fast
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that I know I have dairy and oat intolerances, I’m
amazed at how many products, particularly breakfast related, have those items
in their ingredient list. After being sick of hard boiled eggs and the same
cereals, I’ve been forced to get creative. Here are a few of my recent
favorites:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toast with almond butter and raspberry preserves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scrambled eggs with broccoli, salsa and any
other veggies that are about to expire<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brown rice flour pancakes – I need to work on
this recipe a bit more before I post it <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shakes – I had written these off because I didn’t
want to buy the expensive lactose free protein powder but I’ve been making them
without and they’re my favorite quick breakfast. I love that they’re filling
and give me energy to make it through the day. Thanks to Maddie for the
suggestion!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s today’s shake recipe:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Spinach*<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Frozen Fruit (I love the Antioxidant blends that include berries
and cherries)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp Almond Butter<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1-1</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ Cups of Almond/Coconut Milk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(my favvvvv)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put all ingredients in a blender
and blend away! Serve in an awesome glass. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpccOSN1P5k7K9NwiOY3-K9MGqqRRd7UyMKH5kdUwPiSJcwG8TAY3Rh_SglrDc0Q3chhQPRk2ZV9vcnMi_ezpjSlsXg8OUNoxiQzkSKNIlLqS7EnmibPycGY7Qfp16zx8jyJ1-qOg2b88o/s1600/032014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpccOSN1P5k7K9NwiOY3-K9MGqqRRd7UyMKH5kdUwPiSJcwG8TAY3Rh_SglrDc0Q3chhQPRk2ZV9vcnMi_ezpjSlsXg8OUNoxiQzkSKNIlLqS7EnmibPycGY7Qfp16zx8jyJ1-qOg2b88o/s1600/032014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*I bought a bundle of spinach,
blended it with a little water and froze in an ice cube tray. I like having
spinach on hand for these shakes and other recipes as well as not having to let
leftover spinach go to waste. I do not recommend doing as I did and pouring it
in the same ice cube tray as your frozen cilantro…the two look awfully similar
but cilantro breakfasts shakes are not nearly as delicious. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Thursday!!! </span>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-66474490210453217982014-03-19T14:49:00.002-04:002014-03-19T14:49:22.579-04:00Workouts & Water
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday’s workout was a 2 mile run. Tuesday’s swim workout was
nonexistent thanks to an event going on at the pool. I did use that time to
browse Costco, that counts right? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s work out will most definitely be held indoors, it is
so windy and dusty today. Super nasty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In other news, I’ve decided to ease up on my caffeine
reduction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For as long as I can remember
I’ve been a heavy coffee drinker, I’ve been known to drink an entire large pot
on my own. I love it. A few months ago I decided to take my daily 5-6 cups down
to 1 cup and am now excited to welcome back 2-3 cups a day. I’m sure the rest
of the world will be happy to know this change is coming, I’m certain I’ve been
unpleasant without my coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I’ve mentioned here <a href="http://www.betterfoodandfitness.blogspot.com/2013/01/back-in-saddle.html" target="_blank">before</a>, I struggle to drink enough
water every day. My sister recently shared with me a great idea for drinking water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfoIw256t2mmDiDyCLgs7eRCweKa6x6t1H5u3buEXQuviucDXuJt3rHr-ZJ2_Ny7n5SfeLPp3XW3W744K6YzX2ei6bfSljpI3ZH-CwAcrxvbxJaoBEtGEFQdJW-atBXBcW1CRQWsePuKC/s1600/031914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfoIw256t2mmDiDyCLgs7eRCweKa6x6t1H5u3buEXQuviucDXuJt3rHr-ZJ2_Ny7n5SfeLPp3XW3W744K6YzX2ei6bfSljpI3ZH-CwAcrxvbxJaoBEtGEFQdJW-atBXBcW1CRQWsePuKC/s1600/031914.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply cut up fruit, add to a jar and let it sit in the
fridge overnight. The jar keeps the fruit fresh and easy to transport. I
typically add lemon, lime or cucumber to water but the idea of trying other
fruits such as orange and pineapple is great!! I like to keep a couple of these
jarred waters in my fridge at all times so I can grab it before I head out for
a day of errands or while I’m watching TV. Easy, inexpensive and tasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-61181638289954356432014-03-17T18:13:00.003-04:002014-03-17T18:13:46.011-04:00Big News & A Redo
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My complete return to the tri training schedule did not go
as planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This move has turned out to
be more than I anticipated so training took a backseat again. I did manage to
squeeze in this <a href="http://triathlon.competitor.com/2014/03/training/15-minute-run-strength_95098" target="_blank">TRX workout</a>, a 2 mile run and a lot more cleaning, lifting of heavy
boxes and gardening. It counts, right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall this move was exciting and my favorite one! Six
months into our relationship, Jason and I decided that after we got married we’d
want to live permanently in my hometown of El Paso, TX. July 2012 we started to
put our plan into motion, July 2013 Jay took a job in Texas (leaving me and the
pooch in Albuquerque) and November 2013 I was able to relocate too. This month
we were able to move into a place with a little more space and plan on staying
here for a while!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In preparation for this move, we had to get rid of a lot of
things, declutter (this mostly affected me...) and put a lot of things in storage.
Including most of our wedding gifts! Now that we have space and are settled
into a place we’ll be at for a while, we’ve been able to pull everything out of
storage (oh how I missed having more than 3 pairs of shoes!). We’ve already held our first carne asada (bbq!) and it was so much
fun to host in our home. Considering that we lived apart for 4 of our first 12 months of marriage, it feels like we're settling into our home life for the first time. I’m
calling it the honeymoon/newlywed phase re-do! This is a phase that I looked
forward to and am happy to finally fully experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aside from not having to unpack, I am looking forward to a week full of running, biking and swimming! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What are you looking forward to this week?</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-76548738507967607202014-03-05T16:22:00.000-05:002014-03-05T16:22:21.318-05:00A Moving PostAnd by "moving" I mean a relocation of homes, not the emotional kind of "moving". <br />
<br />
There have been 0 trips to the gym, 0 swims and 0 runs, hence the lack of update. But there has been a TON of physical activity in painting, cleaning and lifting of heavy things (why do I insist on over-packing boxes??). My body is exhausted. <br />
<br />
I hope to have the rest of the house unpacked by the end of next week. Sounds reasonable, right? I hope to return to my regularly programmed schedule of workouts and meals by early next week. And I hope to not move again for at least another year. We just pulled 3 moves in 6 months, more on that another time. <br />
<br />
For now, it's time to put my cleaning clothes back on and get back to it! <br />
<br />
It'd be cool if this pup would help unpack and clean instead of you know peeing on our mattress!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP8GpdpyKDk1u_cRv30YY9XfRoXmnz4zI9Kx_xSyL74IrCHEnrl7eGpKRsPwJmtTERMnDQ9PFkXdhENxILZI9aCw68z-ynf2oDwjt8heczG1NUwXdmmEIOa1rGvHWxkyjMALIsj4pI2ym/s1600/030514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP8GpdpyKDk1u_cRv30YY9XfRoXmnz4zI9Kx_xSyL74IrCHEnrl7eGpKRsPwJmtTERMnDQ9PFkXdhENxILZI9aCw68z-ynf2oDwjt8heczG1NUwXdmmEIOa1rGvHWxkyjMALIsj4pI2ym/s1600/030514.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Cute But So Guilty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-86607921910427875522014-02-25T13:49:00.001-05:002014-02-25T13:49:37.970-05:00Sharing Things
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are my workouts from where I last left off:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday – one <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hour
spin session</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday – 3 mile run<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday – one hour bike, included some trail riding that was
a blast!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday – 45 minute long and steady swim<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday & Monday were for much needed rest <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today there will be a workout but I don’t know what yet. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been looking forward to my lunch of a Greek salad and
roasted veggies all morning. Yuuuum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just for fun, I thought I’d share a few things about
myself that aren’t related to exercise, healthy recipes, etc. Originally, I was
going to post this last Friday and call it “Five Fun Fact Friday” but I got
wrapped up in things and didn’t get to post it. So here it goes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1) I'm pretty shy. I love being able to express my ideas, thoughts, etc. on this blog that I might not otherwise share. </span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wore braces and only wear my retainer when the
hubs isn’t home. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am totally digging this new-to-me blog: <a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/">http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/</a>.
I’m not very clever when it comes to styling my hair. It wasn’t until my
stylist taught me how to curl my hair a few years ago that I could actually do
something different. For day to day styles, I tend to wear it in a braid, bun
or just wet and sitting on my shoulders. Pretty thang… But not anymore! Kate’s
tutorials are done so well and in a way that makes it easy for even a mess
like myself to be able to do on my own and without any cursing! Win. I rocked
this <a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2012/10/pretty-simple-updo-tutorial.html" target="_blank">'do</a> for Valentine’s, it took me all of 15-20 minutes including time
to curl, on my first try. And I like this <a href="http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2013/07/messy-bun-with-braided-wrap.html" target="_blank">style</a> for a pretty change up to
my boring bun. I’m also learning some great make up techniques. Overall, it’s so
much more fun getting ready each day. Love it. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m almost always behind the times when it comes
to popular TV shows. Within the last 3 months, I’ve started watching 30 Rock,
One Tree Hill and Friday Night Lights. I know this about me and yet I’m always
amazed at how young the familiar actors look in the older shows like OTH and
FNL. Sometime this year, I might even give 90120 or Dawson’s Creek a chance. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love travelling. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s a fun fact about
you? </span></b></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-26797200903319368812014-02-23T15:15:00.002-05:002014-02-23T15:15:53.275-05:00Week Three RecapWeek Three....oh week three. We did not get along very well. It was not my best week by any means, and I could most definitely physically feel the results of that.<br />
<br />
The week started well in San Fran with lots of walking, but not super healthy food. The travel home through my through a loop and I never quite got back on track. I only logged three workouts, and I didn't didn't write down what I ate on Friday until today. Overall, I would not call it a success.<br />
<br />
It was "Maddie Cooks" week...and I did cook, but only twice.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday night, I made beef and broccoli with brown rice.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYagSMpGmVKx_hnq7B41xSo0RFFGQ7NtU4HIhxCvQZyMkcfFhUWNCNeZa_S8DOL23AjsL9uEVuaUDQnmLdzohNlhV7XlTZhp15iH-SgTLOSZdrxtu0NUJ8UTeR5fKTFem8XWpPDQ46_vb/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYagSMpGmVKx_hnq7B41xSo0RFFGQ7NtU4HIhxCvQZyMkcfFhUWNCNeZa_S8DOL23AjsL9uEVuaUDQnmLdzohNlhV7XlTZhp15iH-SgTLOSZdrxtu0NUJ8UTeR5fKTFem8XWpPDQ46_vb/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">prepping</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcqgUohEzXQJNw-6hp0MqncErBZxXfkND_KM7vTyFEGKFyH73K5Q_IgaL_RREBQeSBV_P9pIDUMSFoEXj5ja498oeqIRtXba3MsdueHlfEvs4BXKZ6LEnIRiwhDP3b7O7RKZraTeeSc3u/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcqgUohEzXQJNw-6hp0MqncErBZxXfkND_KM7vTyFEGKFyH73K5Q_IgaL_RREBQeSBV_P9pIDUMSFoEXj5ja498oeqIRtXba3MsdueHlfEvs4BXKZ6LEnIRiwhDP3b7O7RKZraTeeSc3u/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">wokin' it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It turned out pretty well. I added amino sauce and garlic salt. It was a nice warm comfort meal, which was nice considering it snow AGAIN on Tuesday...it was only supposed to be a few inches, but I left work early it had snowed so much...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg-QEAGJyhKyhyrx7Ud4j1X-SDzeU8FXEbTv43BEVDcVHtIw7pDsHMv-Sm3F_uF5NdOai_4pAdGljtzKVJk9w-kD9HQoq-hPto7VPX3gw-rK8t5HsG7iy4L5QEKCeQcJdIIWyv9Pc89Dv/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg-QEAGJyhKyhyrx7Ud4j1X-SDzeU8FXEbTv43BEVDcVHtIw7pDsHMv-Sm3F_uF5NdOai_4pAdGljtzKVJk9w-kD9HQoq-hPto7VPX3gw-rK8t5HsG7iy4L5QEKCeQcJdIIWyv9Pc89Dv/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">had to clean off and shovel out before I could get on my way home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wednesday I was supposed to see a friend after work, but there was freezing rain, so we cancelled our plans. I eat the left over beef and broccoli and did a circuit workout in my bedroom. It wasn't the best workout ever, but it did the trick, especially since I really had not done anything for a few days.<br />
<br />
Thursday was horrible. Thanks to the freezing rain from Wednesday night, Thursday morning on my way to work my car slid on some black ice, and I ended up in a snow bank. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and I was already going pretty slowly, so the damage to my car is minimal. But I had to spend Thursday night after work at Toyota to make sure I had messed anything up royally instead of in spin class.<br />
<br />
I did cook when I got home though. The hubs got back from San Fran, so I made us Laughing Cow Mac and Cheese.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEkRx_5tTlIE05bnUEdVgWiItXQ14jGuCghOdyIxbrkFE4i6sJS4_1CwwHeteI9rAw1SfDzjTsqxQYOMGPsMzBlUEllKdSN2uy37RR_Vb1BYUeGFBbVUQhsvTT-aNYNm2UOjqoir9Q_F1/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEkRx_5tTlIE05bnUEdVgWiItXQ14jGuCghOdyIxbrkFE4i6sJS4_1CwwHeteI9rAw1SfDzjTsqxQYOMGPsMzBlUEllKdSN2uy37RR_Vb1BYUeGFBbVUQhsvTT-aNYNm2UOjqoir9Q_F1/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">before</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3nRGwPXtLF23ePOe5jszc1EPDJL_eRmWzEF6WbeoNmu6-tqMVQyjgSxNSfgMsXo_ushgU3K4CDsxHovv-QY58DB2VXsFi43l53r983T4TVnjLvvCAl_KfTJ6Vf_-l9LyNz2NnitVYlT0/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3nRGwPXtLF23ePOe5jszc1EPDJL_eRmWzEF6WbeoNmu6-tqMVQyjgSxNSfgMsXo_ushgU3K4CDsxHovv-QY58DB2VXsFi43l53r983T4TVnjLvvCAl_KfTJ6Vf_-l9LyNz2NnitVYlT0/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">after</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was pretty good, but it was lacking something...it wasn't quite the dinner I was hoping for. And Friday we had take-out. I'm going to take this week as a good indication that I really shouldn't be a chef or even cook that much. Johnny can make much better, healthier meals, and he actually enjoys it.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was the start of Week 4. A clean slate...or anything day to mess up. It's supposed to be "No Meat Week" but I had pork chops last night and didn't even think about it...I wasn't really paying enough attention to what this week or this whole challenge is supposed to be about. I'm 1/3 of the way in, and it's still a struggle for me. For the most part, I can't get in 5 work outs, and even though I'm writing down what I eat, I'm not really eating the right stuff.<br />
<br />
I need to have a real come to Jesus talk with myself and get my shit together. I came up with this challenge for a reason, and I should be taking it seriously.<br />
<br />
Regardless of my meat eating yesterday, I did have a great ski day. The mountain wasn't my favorite, but the conditions were great and so was the company.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15MIbx9wYC1gVRyD8JN5eAtucMre7_3vo5CjemIcTKrJRWNjeqFJDyVgGtJLRAb9b5buCpF3SptJMKLef4qF77JH6Y3xE2LtZw_KXMlltGFz3F2XpI-1u99YBCXtaJUyybdelD_4ogjSI/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15MIbx9wYC1gVRyD8JN5eAtucMre7_3vo5CjemIcTKrJRWNjeqFJDyVgGtJLRAb9b5buCpF3SptJMKLef4qF77JH6Y3xE2LtZw_KXMlltGFz3F2XpI-1u99YBCXtaJUyybdelD_4ogjSI/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ragged Mountain - New Hampshire</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzTfHdxhJU5U0AS46lU9mVonS0oXaJ5z8sDZKYBENxYIzTRGO_FJzpMox_xvkkT4lJIeXQYW11qm3H6u7OYKo7OMZvra83a5uegCl4jY641buzumM4ZETzwalXcOWusaItEuYCg5gTvm8/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzTfHdxhJU5U0AS46lU9mVonS0oXaJ5z8sDZKYBENxYIzTRGO_FJzpMox_xvkkT4lJIeXQYW11qm3H6u7OYKo7OMZvra83a5uegCl4jY641buzumM4ZETzwalXcOWusaItEuYCg5gTvm8/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">sunny and beautiful</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time to go out for a walk and clear my head...then to the grocery store to prep for a better, more serious, and more successful week this week.Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16649407342258362815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-32431509707700846772014-02-19T13:31:00.001-05:002014-02-19T13:31:31.692-05:00Valentine's Day Recap
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night’s workout was intense! It was a mix of swimming drills
for a total of 1000 meters. So tough. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now my Valentine’s Day recap. It started with a frantic
run to a couple of grocery stores. The plan for the evening was for me to cook
a dinner we’ve never made before and Jay was going to do the same for dessert.
We cook a lot so coming up with something different was difficult; eventually I
decided that roasting a leg of lamb would be perfect. I was focused all week
(and for weeks prior) on my exam so I thought I could run to the store Friday
morning and gather the things I needed. Apparently lamb is difficult to find.
Two stores later, a very nice butcher was able to locate a new shipment for me.
Whew!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was in a hurry because my mom and I had lunch plans with
my sister. After our delicious lunch, my mom and I ran a few more errands (including
another trip to another grocery store for more things I needed…) and even
managed to get ourselves locked out of the car at a hardware store. It was
really funny and thankfully the weather was so nice. I cooked my dinner at my
parents’ house because our current kitchen is very small and the stove tends to
cook in a polka-dotted fashion. A few hours later dinner was ready! And I was
nervous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got home to find a bouquet of flowers waiting for me. The
best part about receiving flowers? Letting Chaca sniff them. She loves it! She’ll
sniff each and every flower, go back and sniff her favorites while wagging her
tail and for those that she doesn’t like she backs away real slowly. It’s
hilarious and sometimes means we spend springtime walks sniffing each rose
along the way; she is such a good reminder to slow down in life and “stop and
smell the roses”. Love her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrB7NqAT4_nZadpafE8v4247nAm7tdrrhz5tUZXIIdtt2SfpWBqfnyoIjEiSNQACeIb2c2K_qK9X9LyN51GegaypEaMU87WPBNPWPbqEWKTAFbsfsnZs3IEVoR6Y-8RgfJi562xCiWXOf/s1600/021914+Pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrB7NqAT4_nZadpafE8v4247nAm7tdrrhz5tUZXIIdtt2SfpWBqfnyoIjEiSNQACeIb2c2K_qK9X9LyN51GegaypEaMU87WPBNPWPbqEWKTAFbsfsnZs3IEVoR6Y-8RgfJi562xCiWXOf/s1600/021914+Pic+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaca In Action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jay had set up candles on a few pieces of lumber across our
outdoor fireplace. Maybe it’s the construction side of me, but I am a
sucker for salvaged wood, lumber, etc. in décor. We started with a baked brie
dish – brie dipped in almonds and topped with a little raspberry preserve. Yum.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tytQe05P0ZvsRmLbZHqr7Qt0wI22_dhMGVLlYYYEojD_nj04cNBOBypnTHRNCwtMM6TWyM-qMmD2nQKPrKv2DfF93-zOxOK8YNiVlPB8nD7BK7wZvCyxO6WFjZipld6EC_vz6RbmVf9S/s1600/021914+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tytQe05P0ZvsRmLbZHqr7Qt0wI22_dhMGVLlYYYEojD_nj04cNBOBypnTHRNCwtMM6TWyM-qMmD2nQKPrKv2DfF93-zOxOK8YNiVlPB8nD7BK7wZvCyxO6WFjZipld6EC_vz6RbmVf9S/s1600/021914+Pic+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesy Treat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The roasted lamb and potatoes were a success! I shouldn’t be
so surprised that it was great, I did loosely follow a recipe from <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes" target="_blank">The Chew</a> and
they know what they’re doing! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jay’s dessert was amazing! Cranberry-lemon macaroons,
mascarpone whoopie pies and chocolate covered strawberries. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK-O0rIaHbqqwQDq-NmEWh_3cpHnjyzIy6DO39Rqsn9Et7A92V8JdtbqZlMzjBRQ2p2ibp65wJzSEf1YBKIoiB1JjbjORs9AvuqcW9icPQDdTEncFRVNN407jm8U8rCh7lP969B181LCN/s1600/021914+Pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK-O0rIaHbqqwQDq-NmEWh_3cpHnjyzIy6DO39Rqsn9Et7A92V8JdtbqZlMzjBRQ2p2ibp65wJzSEf1YBKIoiB1JjbjORs9AvuqcW9icPQDdTEncFRVNN407jm8U8rCh7lP969B181LCN/s1600/021914+Pic+4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drooling...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jay was a little frustrated that the macaroons had fallen a
bit, but I think his product of a very difficult baked good was incredible. How
cute is it that he had already planned the strawberries way before reading my
<a href="http://www.betterfoodandfitness.blogspot.com/2014/02/sweaty-run-mushy-stuff.html" target="_blank">post</a>? Apparently, that was one of his favorite memories too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love, love, love.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was one of the best Valentine’s Days ever. I got to
spend time with family, cook a special meal and enjoy time with my guy. With
using what we already had, coupon clipping and reusing similar ingredients,
this was a cost effective way to celebrate what can be an expensive day. And
you know what? It was so much more meaningful to me than any reservation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-51577493038963315122014-02-18T17:04:00.003-05:002014-02-18T17:04:48.208-05:00Workouts Where I Left Off
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took a break from social media and the blog last week to
focus on an exam. I’m happy to report that it went well
and I’m back here to give you an update of my past week. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite a rigorous study schedule, I did make time to squeeze
in workouts. I just know that I’m able to focus and keep calm much better
during stressful times if I just exercise, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.
Here’s what I got done, since my last update:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday: Barre Style class. I was inspired by my blogging partner to try something new. Like Maddie, my experience with
this class was not at all what I expected from a barre class. This class
focused a lot on strength training but through squat jumps, exercise balls and
some P90x style moves. Also, there was not an actual use of a “barre”. The
instructor was a bit on the bootcamp style of teaching which was scary at first
but when I realized she was actually very nice, I chilled out and was able to
enjoy the class. The last 10 minutes of the class were spent Zumba-ing with weights;
I am not a Zumba kind of girl (read: no rhythm) and this was probably the most
painful part of the class for me. Overall, it was not what I expected but if I
just think of it as a strength training class, I’m okay with it and probably
will try it again. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday: Biked 18 miles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday: Rested.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday: 50 Minute Spin Session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday: 50 Sit Ups & 50 Push Ups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday: 50 Sit Ups & 50 Push Ups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday: 35 Minute Run<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday: Run around like a crazy person getting ready for
Valentine's because I hadn’t done everything yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday: Terrible 4 mile run. Will need to redo this one
soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday: Rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday: Rest. I really didn’t need rest, I was mostly just lazy.
I’ll be working out tonight, no doubt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I owe you a recap of my Valentine’s Day dinner, our plan was
a success! For now, I need to go look up a good swim workout. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy National Drink Wine Day! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-42927477031356079842014-02-17T23:13:00.001-05:002014-02-17T23:13:15.992-05:00California Dreaming...I'm back in Boston after 12 glorious days in California. It's freezing and we're preparing for yet another snow storm tomorrow (I missed two or maybe three while I was gone). It's not exactly what I wanted to come home to, but all good things must come to an end...including weather.<br />
<br />
So let's recap the rest of Week 2 and Southern California and the beginning of Week 3 and Northern California...<br />
<br />
After my nana swim class, I took another new class at the Y, which is also filled with nanas. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a nana. I love my Gram most than almost anyone in the world. But I don't generally think exercising with them is going to be my thing. Well Nana Class Part 2 was actually pretty killer. I did a barre class which was torture on my legs and those ladies held their own. I was super impressed. It was definitely slow paced and not exactly what a real barre class is like, I'd imagine, but for someone who had never done it before, it was a good intro into what it would be like.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf08wfWATU7PgDESPCGqdvkj3PjyHjMtaaMIlVt8Ynq82qTH0cQanq4nwN_iilWErZrt6npD1k7LhFMkEqP6Fjev6ccytP3mDLXWD05zWFGyt1VMMaqLk1HjvrDSjU4fzudec8Uy1wafU/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf08wfWATU7PgDESPCGqdvkj3PjyHjMtaaMIlVt8Ynq82qTH0cQanq4nwN_iilWErZrt6npD1k7LhFMkEqP6Fjev6ccytP3mDLXWD05zWFGyt1VMMaqLk1HjvrDSjU4fzudec8Uy1wafU/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">it hurt so good.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Barre class was my fourth workout of the week. My 5th was a walk with my mom...I might only consider it a half because we didn't walk all that far or fast, but it was some movement.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, I left my mom and the warm warm wonderful sun of Southern California for my husband and the mostly warm mostly sun of San Francisco. He's there for work, so I planned my trip so I could spend a couple days with him there en route back to Boston.<br />
<br />
Fun Fact: This is our second time meeting in the San Francisco airport in less than four months. Back in October, he was headed out there for work and I was headed home from Australia. We landed in SFO about 10 minutes apart, so we spend my hour and a half connection together before he headed out to work and I headed home. This time, we also landed about 10 minutes apart, but we got to leave the airport together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvpx6pkuTD5zMmkEDricm8EF9xF0DA8seH0Xi3DmfxfJTvytcR9x1b25697j5miINQPKnF_zz1eXVIBUsAH1UHwnZjKTEmb5qPkRBETO_9otY-VRGVsEmi0Bvh5nw49lylcsUCLg6LucE/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvpx6pkuTD5zMmkEDricm8EF9xF0DA8seH0Xi3DmfxfJTvytcR9x1b25697j5miINQPKnF_zz1eXVIBUsAH1UHwnZjKTEmb5qPkRBETO_9otY-VRGVsEmi0Bvh5nw49lylcsUCLg6LucE/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SFO October 2013</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg2s_p1pDS2ELRJ1Wvi9kPcJCgBbyfzj-t-Pi9BiRmSXi8tnYb2u8yY2hb_LBthqwUAHB3fGT_BaMK8xhouNSil0qBO1qeK14Up7bIXjWBGUlAwbYKRmk4PcPsc5Yh5Zb-Pj50DVWYLPJ/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwg2s_p1pDS2ELRJ1Wvi9kPcJCgBbyfzj-t-Pi9BiRmSXi8tnYb2u8yY2hb_LBthqwUAHB3fGT_BaMK8xhouNSil0qBO1qeK14Up7bIXjWBGUlAwbYKRmk4PcPsc5Yh5Zb-Pj50DVWYLPJ/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SFO February 2014</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After we got into the city and dropped our bags, we started walking around. We were planning on heading toward Fisherman's Wharf to see the Golden Gate bridge, but when we got to the cable car stop, there was a sign informing us that the Chinese New Year Parade had stopped the running of the cable car. Instead of try to figure out the cab situation or walk a million hills, we just decided to enjoy the parade and some great Asian food in Chinatown instead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjBjsRyYef8OORTijeExs5KDE0FNUfPzWH6_U1gw77O5e32Y4v_EpCaX6QAzujPxaz1rABNWljpz_ObJNFF0RIzhwdgGrlzR9wkwa094DqYnhRt6qcu8NupuQid7h1PD_ySfMj5Y0myEl/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjBjsRyYef8OORTijeExs5KDE0FNUfPzWH6_U1gw77O5e32Y4v_EpCaX6QAzujPxaz1rABNWljpz_ObJNFF0RIzhwdgGrlzR9wkwa094DqYnhRt6qcu8NupuQid7h1PD_ySfMj5Y0myEl/s1600/IMG_2644.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Happy New Year!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sunday was also a day of lots and lots of walking. We finally made it to Fisherman's Wharf via the cable car, and I finally saw the bridge (this is was my third time and San Fran and only my first time seeing anything besides the convention center). The weather was absolutely perfect, so we took full advantage and walked along the water and enjoyed the views.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy08t3I2pLBHupl0__PRncE-8sH8HD6ksWlJJ63xdddDEdAvedgucK4hhKdxnu94gtLP7hiZ5JTPbqW0o0c68_XAKDhvDmd6rAzSWVnpaZ1t3_rZDBk5O5MG1KSepQWqa7JVd97bjiSO4/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy08t3I2pLBHupl0__PRncE-8sH8HD6ksWlJJ63xdddDEdAvedgucK4hhKdxnu94gtLP7hiZ5JTPbqW0o0c68_XAKDhvDmd6rAzSWVnpaZ1t3_rZDBk5O5MG1KSepQWqa7JVd97bjiSO4/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Rock</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vLB9f5CYxhTNhhkfvOpcPisXXuDVjv-bZXsjgOpjK8uth6EcrdwT4ryosZC5uyT6lcRZhcXMO9nmbc8GVR7HzigyrDnWPuLKJU05HLwaSAPZ1bv17i2F58-Q3-tvKggPaVIZuegjns6r/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vLB9f5CYxhTNhhkfvOpcPisXXuDVjv-bZXsjgOpjK8uth6EcrdwT4ryosZC5uyT6lcRZhcXMO9nmbc8GVR7HzigyrDnWPuLKJU05HLwaSAPZ1bv17i2F58-Q3-tvKggPaVIZuegjns6r/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Golden Gate Bridge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So my Week Three, which is "Maddie Cooks" week started with my traveling and therefore I have not made so much as a cup of coffee yet, but now that I'm home and the hubs is not, it means I have to cook (especially because I ate the last of our cereal for dinner tonight). This weekend was definitely my most unhealthy eating since I started this challenge, but a weekend away with Johnny is about as rare as it gets, so I tried not to worry too much about it. I walked a lot and I wrote everything down as planned, so I'll count those in the win column and start planning for the rest of the week. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any good suggestions for what a gal like me...who doesn't like to cook at all and isn't particularly good at it...should make this week?</div>
<br />Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16649407342258362815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-72776488887165657642014-02-12T12:53:00.000-05:002014-02-12T12:53:35.596-05:00The Nanas and MeGood Morning from sunny California. It's amazing how warm weather and sunshine can just put me in such a good mood! The forecast says 80's for the next three days, so you bet I'l be laying out by the pool trying my best to get some mid-winter color. I'm paler than pale could be right now.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the pool...last night I did a hilarious water aerobics class at the YMCA. This being try something new week, I thought about taking a self defense class, but the way the timing worked out, the "Aqua Fit" class fit better into my schedule. With no class description, I took a chance at what it might be, having loved some good water aerobics in the past. Well this was not like my past classes. This was nana central. Not going to lie, I loved the class, but it wasn't exactly a killer workout. We did some barre work under water and some zumba moves, so I definitely worked some muscles that haven't been used in a while (my lower back is sore already, actually), but I was the youngest person in the class by about 15 years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuAaFInP3kMcq3liWiej4oIbmWQdmplkae2WjF9T_qwUhDd4k-24Q-Oysiu8pRj-5C9Hc0DeRxT8yh7vTW8ME1EA0ObAbJHa21WaZcAGY33ihQKEiuoub41PmgCfxDojp78RBEk-0pY1D/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuAaFInP3kMcq3liWiej4oIbmWQdmplkae2WjF9T_qwUhDd4k-24Q-Oysiu8pRj-5C9Hc0DeRxT8yh7vTW8ME1EA0ObAbJHa21WaZcAGY33ihQKEiuoub41PmgCfxDojp78RBEk-0pY1D/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">it's fun to stay at the ymca</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm excited to be at the Y this week because I feel like it's definitely the place to try new classes. So many people are just starting out in fitness, or are older, or aren't but the level of Y exercise classes is much broader, allowing for all skill levels. I took a spin class on Monday night, and although spin is not at all new to me, it was a very different class than I'm used to. (I know it doesn't fit into the theme of the week, but I was jonesing for the bike). Someone in the class had never done spin before, and the instructor was so helpful and attentive to her. It's definitely an environment that I appreciate and even feel like I need right now...especially as I try new things this week.<br />
<br />
All and all...week two is off to a great start! How's everyone else's week going? Any new classes you've been doing?Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16649407342258362815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-77119799846348215692014-02-10T18:00:00.000-05:002014-02-10T18:00:09.924-05:00Week One Check InWeek one of the <a href="http://betterfoodandfitness.blogspot.com/2014/02/9-weeks-to-29.html">9 Weeks to 29 Challenge</a> is done! So how did it go? Well, it went alright...not as well as I would have liked because I got stuck in San Francisco for several more hours than I planned on my trip to Southern California, and I got a nasty cold. Fun times.<br />
<br />
So far I've taken my vitamins everyday, not had a single sip of diet coke, and tracked everything I've been eating. In that regard, I'm quite pleased with how the week went. It was a good way to notice that my diet needs some more cleaning up, and overall I feel well. I didn't get in my five workouts though, and that's what I'm most bummed about. I got in three and a half...not my best showing. But it is what it is, due to the circumstances, and I'll just have to do better this week!<br />
<br />
I did get to ski, take a spin class, elliptical and treadmill at the gym, and go for a walk (that my half workout because it wasn't a particularly hard walk).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1wr9IAPa0N7adVZBp4xCek9eyPJHrHxuIhU_v53a_GZ76-iBEEkK998OPsfj8ybmVvSDq_guKUKetwIrOA5bLzHR8QFYDpqzra9PJzNOx6ozXLwt2lFg9CZrPSgrxoHPPHQeMzZ77gzk/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1wr9IAPa0N7adVZBp4xCek9eyPJHrHxuIhU_v53a_GZ76-iBEEkK998OPsfj8ybmVvSDq_guKUKetwIrOA5bLzHR8QFYDpqzra9PJzNOx6ozXLwt2lFg9CZrPSgrxoHPPHQeMzZ77gzk/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">skiing with my sister in NH</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a pretty nice snow day last week too, which was nice because I got to stay home and prepare for my trip. It's also the day I took spin class because I was home already, so I didn't have to worry about commuting and traffic and not making it to class on time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzK47G7hRriTTEifJdCgks5bHoj-rjceGtGeMaaodIxNQ4Z65bVopfJYGkLD07bhsHHfM0ZZJX8WdCwS9ssylibYTJY1R9sdi5o0pNt8jDvVUEVi9xPcx3lVyGMclRZt1HM8YJozblCSL/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzK47G7hRriTTEifJdCgks5bHoj-rjceGtGeMaaodIxNQ4Z65bVopfJYGkLD07bhsHHfM0ZZJX8WdCwS9ssylibYTJY1R9sdi5o0pNt8jDvVUEVi9xPcx3lVyGMclRZt1HM8YJozblCSL/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">snow day!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As I mentioned before, I also traveled to California on Thursday. I'm here to visit my mom for a while (who is spending her winter away from the aforementioned snow and in the sun). I got a free week pass to the YMCA here, and already have some interesting sounding new classes picked out for Week 2! I'm not sure I have the skills for all the classes, but at least at the YMCA in Southern California, I'm far less self conscious! And California has much better weather...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyUKvbzth0nkGw6XDBirusxbuwU7ue4P4M1MeOYck_B5pA4lH_9_R3LrB2r7qFCaNGs6TgRBo9dMknLTitqkbuwkwRrwx63BqWRlKw-XAgLiEL7hjnD8N-Wqr5NYm05LU7TDL8KnqleKa/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyUKvbzth0nkGw6XDBirusxbuwU7ue4P4M1MeOYck_B5pA4lH_9_R3LrB2r7qFCaNGs6TgRBo9dMknLTitqkbuwkwRrwx63BqWRlKw-XAgLiEL7hjnD8N-Wqr5NYm05LU7TDL8KnqleKa/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">so much wonderful sunshine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that I'm in one place for the week, I'll be better about updating about my new workouts this week...there's one on the agenda for tonight!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16649407342258362815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-17966128564532920342014-02-07T17:25:00.001-05:002014-02-07T17:25:54.865-05:00Shampootivation!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday’s workout was a 1000m swim and Thursday’s was an
hour spin session. I’ve been paying more attention to making sure I have enough
fuel each day to make it through my afternoon workouts and it has made a huge
difference. Though I had plenty of energy for my workout on Wednesday, my
motivation was lacking. I had to use what I like to call “Shampootivation”. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For everyday use, I buy Dove Shampoo and Conditioner, it’s
not too expensive and it works well. But I allow myself to buy a special
shampoo or conditioner that can only be used after a good workout; I have to
earn it, no easy half-assed workouts. It may be odd, but I absolutely love when
my hair smells extra good, it puts me in such a good mood! Knowing I can use a
product that smells great and will leave my hair feeling a little softer than
usual pushes me to go that workout done. If I have a date night with the hubs
or a get together to go to, I’m likely to leave out the workout with the excuse
that I need to spend time getting ready, preparing snacks for a party, etc. but
not if I know that I want my hair to feel and look amazing for the occasion. I
find myself waking up at 5 am or taking a longer lunch to get that workout
done, no excuses. It’s a win win – I feel better about myself because my hair
feels good AND because my body has had its workout. Sometimes, especially when
I don’t have a race goal in mind, I just need that little push and a fancy
treat like shampoo or conditioner works like a charm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My current motivator is <a href="http://www.birchbox.com/shop/davines-love-smoothing-conditioner" target="_blank">Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner</a>.
I came across it in my Birchbox and have been hooked, it is crazy good. It’s a
lot pricier than any other motivator I’ve used but a little goes a long way and
I had points to use so it was really affordable. It was the perfect reward for
pulling through a tough (both on me and my hair) swim! Other past shampootivation
includes Herbal Essence and the samples from Birchbox that are perfect size for
my gym bag. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sure using other treats like a special eye palette, piece
of jewelry or putting money aside to pay for a spa treatment would work too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Anyone have some fun workout motivators?</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a great weekend!!!!! I'll be recharging my camera so I can get some more pictures up on here :) </span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-7597109100535015002014-02-05T15:51:00.001-05:002014-02-05T15:51:21.790-05:00Sweaty Run & Mushy Stuff <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is last night’s very sweaty workout:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 Minute Walk/Jog Warm Up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Minute Jog</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Minute Sprint</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Repeating the 2/1 Minute Segments for 35 Minutes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 Minute Jog/Walk Cool Down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s fun to think
about my favorite past celebrations. In college, the best way was to wait until
Feb. 15<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, pile into a car with my girlfriends and visit the nearest
Walgreens for ½ priced candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Romantically, I think my favorite was the first Valentine’s Day Jay and
I celebrated together. I had spent the week leading up to and including part of
the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> out of town. Before I left town, I had created a treasure
hunt of clues and little treats (bags of chocolate, a homemade XOXO tic tac toe
magnet set, etc.) all around his house. On the morning of the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
I called him and told him where the first clue was hidden. He really seemed to
enjoy the thought and effort I put into the gift and it made our being apart a
little easier. Due to a little mix up with the airline company I almost didn’t
have a flight back to Albuquerque, however, after a run through an airport,
some tears and a lot of anxiety I did make it back home. Jay made reservations
for us to eat in the wine loft of the Slate Street Cafe (highly recommend it) where
we leisurely shared a cheese plate, amazing wine and entrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After such a hectic week and freak-out when I
thought I’d miss our first Valentine’s Day, it was such a treat to enjoy a meal
and so much conversation. We spent the rest of the night enjoying the world’s
most ridiculously delicious chocolate covered strawberries (made by a donut
shop?!) with a little TV and our pjs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XAy4To6vZpJSThsiGvXRNugj7LwdhS8XQt2EoSgr-MSSqNM4n0lBght21YXIAOrxVayt8-MIvDGskluz3aXUuCcPbIzY64IJ8VSGafD0ZNl4lWKjNTt_ZyjBxmqYHwlqQ_HreYcKAeVb/s1600/020513+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XAy4To6vZpJSThsiGvXRNugj7LwdhS8XQt2EoSgr-MSSqNM4n0lBght21YXIAOrxVayt8-MIvDGskluz3aXUuCcPbIzY64IJ8VSGafD0ZNl4lWKjNTt_ZyjBxmqYHwlqQ_HreYcKAeVb/s1600/020513+Pic+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Valentine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reflecting on my favorite elements of my favorite
Valentine’s Day- a leisurely meal, conversation and comfy pjs- I knew just what
we should do this year. Our plan this year is to cook dinner and dessert at
home; Jay will be taking on dessert and I’ll be handling dinner. The one rule
is that it can’t be something we’ve made before, so I guess Valentine’s Day
meatloaf, veggie chili or fish tacos are out of the question…drats! I was
hoping I’d pick dessert because I had so many fun ideas in mind and I just love
to bake. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the surprise that awaits on
the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course I’ll be picking up a treat for my other Valentine:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTIxxJoAI0QhBV1uod87wSwrj562N6g51rXcgtthaFeUohiq1NBOBpRv-a2BEnXrU9mb2MzaYQhhrrHaxdkVfZygyapud5DndcQJ8fgty0y8XAg6kUZmxWTRcsrczR4w-qDwy15nXnnKz/s1600/020514+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTIxxJoAI0QhBV1uod87wSwrj562N6g51rXcgtthaFeUohiq1NBOBpRv-a2BEnXrU9mb2MzaYQhhrrHaxdkVfZygyapud5DndcQJ8fgty0y8XAg6kUZmxWTRcsrczR4w-qDwy15nXnnKz/s1600/020514+Pic+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Furry Valentine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is everyone else planning for the 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>?
Favorite or least favorite Valentine’s Day? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-74732407235451834302014-02-04T13:41:00.001-05:002014-02-04T13:41:07.018-05:00Super Sore Sunday <span style="font-family: inherit;">The weekend just flew right by!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I opted for a rest day on Friday but was up bright and early
Saturday to get my 600m swim done. I hadn’t realized just how sore my arms were
from my circuit workout earlier in the week until I was swimming. Ouch!
Following the swim, I helped out with some yard work. Yard work = workout #2!
My body was so worn out that despite my excitement, I didn’t even make it
through Melissa McCarthy’s SNL monologue. We are currently without a DVR so I’m
going to have to be old fashioned and wait until they rerun it. Or it ends up
on Netflix. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing we had a day of football and indulgences, the hubs,
my dad and I took off on a forty-five minute bike ride. I had considered not
going on the ride because my legs were sore from Saturday’s work but I’m very
glad I did. If anything, I think the ride helped loosen my tight muscles a bit.
The rest of the day was spent eating fajitas, shrimp cocktail and drinking
beer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The hubs decided to bring his favorite beer mug to the Super
Bowl party because he felt it was only right to honor a team that came <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so </i>close to making it to the big game.
He’s a good sport and doesn’t mind my jokes about the Buccaneers too much.</span> </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_oph72wmzvKippTKiI9E7VZTiQGG0wH4yXd2_zuXO2hXApL4Zx_Mt5qfJJ-XaHkI8tbORAe_FoqODjkrW5vc9zX5iZK4cnnnI1n4v5nTOMLAaAENUcYffarFlRQW6kAcXQ8TsEhR17zz/s1600/020413+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_oph72wmzvKippTKiI9E7VZTiQGG0wH4yXd2_zuXO2hXApL4Zx_Mt5qfJJ-XaHkI8tbORAe_FoqODjkrW5vc9zX5iZK4cnnnI1n4v5nTOMLAaAENUcYffarFlRQW6kAcXQ8TsEhR17zz/s1600/020413+Pic.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Sox!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been thinking for
years about picking an NFL team to follow and everyone has been telling me that
I need to pick one, esp. because the hubs is very into it. This year I finally narrowed it down between the Seahawks
(mostly because I love that bright green…) and the Saints (I love NOLA). Before
their playoff game, I announced to my family that whoever lost was going to be my team.
Saints lost and it was decided. Or so I thought. Minutes before the game even ended,
I received multiple texts about how I shouldn’t root for the Saints for a number
of odd and unconvincing reasons. The real reason? Saints are apparently the Buccaneers division (is
that even the right word?) rival and my family is apparently (and in the cutest/funniest way) team “Jason”. I
think the household rivalry will be fun and if it means I finally watch a full
game and get into football, I think we all win. Especially the hubs!</span> </span>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-90897608156833254342014-02-01T14:51:00.002-05:002014-02-01T14:52:04.647-05:009 Weeks to 29Well hello there! It's been a while. As Mari mentioned, we're back! We've been chatting and we both realized we needed this space again to keep up going and motivated. I'm excited to overshare with all six of our readers again!<br />
<br />
For me, the hiatus has absolutely been because I feel off the fitness wagon in an awful way. Work and life got crazy and I just couldn't make it work. It happens some times, and I'm not happy about it, but I've decided not to dwell on it any longer and just move onto better things.<br />
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In an attempt to get myself back on track, I've worked out a personal fitness/healthy lifestyle challenge...<b>Nine Weeks to Twenty Nine</b>. So what's it all about? Well, nine weeks from tomorrow, I am turning 29 years old. I'd like to be in a much healthier place come my birthday, so each week from now until then, I'm going to challenge myself to something new.<br />
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Ground rules: For all nine weeks, there are some things I'm going to stick to. They are:<br />
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<ol>
<li>At least five workouts a week - 30 mins or more and skiing counts</li>
<li>Vitamins every day - iron and multi-vitamins</li>
<li>Water water water...and no Diet Coke - I'm not cutting out booze, but the DC is outta control</li>
<li>Only one cup of coffee each day - I think my caffeine intake is affecting my sleep</li>
<li>Keep a food and workout journal - tracking has always been key for me</li>
</ol>
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Each week, I'll take those ground rules and incorporate a new challenge. They are:</div>
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<b>Week 1</b> - Back to Basics - this week I'll just be incorporating those 4 rules above into my life. I need to go to the store and get the vitamins, probably buy some healthier snacks, etc. I'm taking this week to set myself us to be successful.</div>
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<b>Week 2</b> - Try Something New - I'm going to be traveling the whole week for week 2, so "Try Something New" should fit in well here. The 5 (or more) workouts will be something I have done before...maybe a new class, a different studio on the road, a workout video, etc. Should be interesting!</div>
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<b>Week 3</b> - Cooking with Maddie - I never cook. Ever. When the hubs travels and I'm left at home, I eat a lot of cereal and canned tuna. But this time, I'm going to cook! The first part of the week I'll be traveling with the hubs, but then I'll be home without him for a few days, and so it's my chance to actually cook and make some healthy stuff.</div>
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<b>Week 4</b> - No Meat Week - I don't eat a TON of meat, but I eat enough that it should be interesting to come up with a week's worth of menus without meat!</div>
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<b>Week 5</b> - Try it Again - Mari came up with this idea, and I love it! This week, I'm going to try things again I've sworn off...Zumba, eggplant, peach yogurt..we'll see how it goes.</div>
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<b>Week 6</b> - Photograph Life - Meals and workouts will be documented in photos. Keeps you honest about what happens when you have to share the photographic evidence.</div>
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<b>Week 7</b> - Seven Straight - In week seven, I'm going to work out seven days straight. It's hard for me to fit in a full workout everyday, so this is going to take some good planning and dedication, but I'm going to push myself extra hard to squeeze in all those workouts.</div>
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<b>Week 8</b> - Take it from Someone Else - Also an idea from Mari, each of the workouts this week will be something from another blog. I read a lot of the healthy living blogs out there, and lots of those wonderful ladies give some great workout ideas. I'm going to borrow them (and give credit where credit is due, of course).</div>
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<b>Week 9</b> - No Sugar - This week is going to suck. A lot. Which is why I'm leaving it to the end...so I can celebrate making it through no sugar week with a giant piece of gluten-free birthday cake. But I know I eat way too much sugar in my life, and while I'm not about to give up sweets or dessert for the entirety of this challenge or my life, I'm thinking a week will do me good.</div>
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So that's that! I'm sure it might require tweaking throughout the process, but for now, this is the plan and I'm hoping for the best. And now I'm off to CVS to buy a new stash of Flintstones vitamins.</div>
Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16649407342258362815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-14877674790944850102014-01-30T15:13:00.004-05:002014-01-30T15:13:59.735-05:00Rerun<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s workout was another run. Before the sun came
up, the hubs and I conquered 4 hilly miles. We must’ve run past a bakery along
the way because we caught a whiff of delicious cookies. The run left my stomach
feeling off so I just had a glass of veggie/fruit juice for breakfast and made
sure to pack some filling snacks for the late morning, when I knew my hunger
would strike. I’m always looking for new snack ideas so if you do too, here are
my favs as of lately:</span><br />
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*Small handful of nut mix (mine has peanuts, cashews,
pistachios and almonds) + a pinch of plain M&Ms. Sure does help me fight
any big sweet tooth cravings. </div>
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*Raw Broccoli + Olive Hummus. The amount of garlic or olive
hummus that I’d like to eat is ridiculous, I had to stop buying the “Family
Size” because I was eating more and fast, no cost savings. I love eating garlic
parmesan pita chips with the garlic hummus – so much garlic, so few vampires. <o:p></o:p></div>
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*Cuties. Refreshing, sweet and so tiny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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* TJ Rice Cracker Mix. Love that seaweed flavor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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* Edamame with a dash of salt and lots of pepper or garlic
powder. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Does anybody have some good dairy and oat free breakfast
ideas? I can’t eat either and hard boiled eggs are starting to get old. </div>
</span>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5224369594735500447.post-33949231743021904582014-01-29T19:21:00.000-05:002014-01-29T19:21:05.140-05:00And We're Back!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To summarize the last four months of my life – I’ve knocked
off 1 item from the <a href="http://www.betterfoodandfitness.blogspot.com/2013/09/3-goals-before-30.html" target="_blank">“3 Goals Before 30”</a> list by completing my first
half-century bike ride. It was a tough one but the TORGV (Tour of the Rio
Grande Valley) was so much fun! The hubs and I celebrated our 1 year wedding
anniversary (one of these days I’ll post a recap). I quit my job (finally!).
And my exercise has fallen to the wayside (boo!). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am signed up for a super sprint Tri this spring and am
looking forward to writing about my experience training for the race here. I'm really glad to be jumping back into this blog, I missed it and could really use the motivation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday’s workout was a 45 minute interval session on the
dreadmill. Afterward, I was waiting for the hubs to wrap up his workout so I
opted for a little circuit training that looked like this:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 Push Ups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 Assisted Pull Ups </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 Squats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 Tricep Push Ups</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 Wide Grip Assisted Pull Ups</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 Plié Squats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">100 Ab Exercises (Bicycles, Planks, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rest for 1 Minute<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I completed this entire circuit 3 times. My arms are so
tired today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s workout was an hour long spin session. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Hump Day!</span></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429126698117196494noreply@blogger.com0