My new hero...Jamie Oliver! His show Food Revolution is awesomeness in it's purest form! Okay, Okay, yes, I know, I'm behind the times. He was in WV for an entire season and I just blew it off thinking, huh, that's cool! Well I watch about 90% of my television through Hulu on my tiny laptop while I'm sewing and since the regular season is over and True Blood STILL hasn't begun, I've been watching like my 4th and 5th choice programming (including the Bachelorette....bleh!). But I ran across his show and thought I'd give it a go for lack of another choice and WOW!!! I watched 2 more that day!
Back story....my brother was in middle school/ highschool when I was in college and I remember my mom worrying about what he was eating because they could bring cold lunch or go to this little "store-like" area that sold pizza, soda, hotdogs, you know...kid crack. He would fight her on wanting to eat at school b/c his buddies did and he didn't want to be "lame". I remember feeling powerless and sad because here these kids were doing school, sports, homework, in other words demanding tons from their growing bodies and a 1/3 of their nutrition was crap! I am in my 30's now, my brother is a grown man and doing quite well and loves it when I send him homemade banana bread (he's single and still doesn't bake). But I can't help wondering if all that did any permanent damage to his body.
Enter Jamie Oliver! He's getting in the schools and exposing, yes EXPOSING (like it's dirty b/c it is) their food practices to a public audience! He's well aware of budget restrictions and health code guidelines, but he's not just exposing, he's FIXING! He's offering ways for kids to get healthier! In one episode he taught a single father of two boys (11 and 15) and his sons how to cook so they could quit using fast food as a lifestyle. In one challenge he sent the father to procure a meal through a drive thru and he had the boys prepare a meal in that same time...the boys did it cheaper, quicker and healthier!!! Duh!!!! They were throwing around the football when dad returned with the nasty fast food option.
So....if you have not watched this awesomeness please do! Get your friends and family to watch it, but unfortunately I'm probably preaching to the choir here. Still, it's good for all of us to refresh our nutrition know-how. I love the magazine "Clean Eating". Very inspiring!
And a little bonus here....go pick up some "Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt"! It is great for grilling! Just use it sparingly unless you sweated out your salt for 3 hours, then go crazy! Ha!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Speed
Apparently my system is playing bouncy ball. I was sick at the beginning of last week, then better towards the end of the week, then sick again this week!! What's up??!! Anyway, I'm fed up! Fed Up! I went running anyway ;) I only did 4 miles, I should have (if I'd been on schedule), doing a 7 mile run yesterday and a swim followed by a weights session. Well THAT didn't happen. I'm just happy I'm out of bed.
So on my "run" today I got to thinking about speed. I always try to run my fastest even though it might not be my goal for the day, but this is because I want my average speed to to be an 8.5 minute mile. I'm not even touching that right now! I'm around 9.5. Now I know, I know, I almost exclusively run hills and that perpetuates my speed problem, but my husband can do some smokin' fast runs on these hills! This gets me thinking more....what is fast? Is fast a number? Is fast a perspective? Is fast goal? I have a friend who went from overweight and smoking to running a regular 7.5-8.0 min/mile. I stand in awe of her! I then stand in envy....here I am...healthy always, and athlete x3 years now and I'm still slow (in my opinion) as molasses in January!
I know I should do speed drills, sprints, Fartleks, etc, but even these don't seem to help my dilemma. I wonder further...am I just slow? I do blame my mother for smoking in the '70's while she was pregnant, but that can't be the only thing wrong.
So I leave the question out there....what is speed? Where does it hide? How do I find it?
So on my "run" today I got to thinking about speed. I always try to run my fastest even though it might not be my goal for the day, but this is because I want my average speed to to be an 8.5 minute mile. I'm not even touching that right now! I'm around 9.5. Now I know, I know, I almost exclusively run hills and that perpetuates my speed problem, but my husband can do some smokin' fast runs on these hills! This gets me thinking more....what is fast? Is fast a number? Is fast a perspective? Is fast goal? I have a friend who went from overweight and smoking to running a regular 7.5-8.0 min/mile. I stand in awe of her! I then stand in envy....here I am...healthy always, and athlete x3 years now and I'm still slow (in my opinion) as molasses in January!
I know I should do speed drills, sprints, Fartleks, etc, but even these don't seem to help my dilemma. I wonder further...am I just slow? I do blame my mother for smoking in the '70's while she was pregnant, but that can't be the only thing wrong.
So I leave the question out there....what is speed? Where does it hide? How do I find it?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Under the weather?
I have been feeling under the weather for the past two days. What the heck does that mean anyway? Under the weather? Hmmm....well I feel like crap (I can tell you what that means!).
I've been really working on listening to my body too, so I've not done an actual workout since Monday when I did a crossfit with my friend Andrea (the one I run with). She's an animal! She's a body builder and personal trainer, I'm so fortunate to have her as a friend b/c I can learn a ton from her!
There is a whole lot of talk on the tri-circuit about "cross fit" so I thought I'd share my story. I learned about it and have been doing it inconsistently since last year. It's a combination of cardio and muscle building, but you don't stop b/t exercises (usually). Here is a snap shot of what we did:
1 minute each: walking lunges, pushups, mountain climbers, tricep dips, squats with weights pushing up over head when standing, etc. It was intense and 2 days later my legs are STILL sore. I believe adding something like this does hold a lot of benefit. It's good for training intervals as well as gaining muscle and muscle endurance. It's also something you can do in a class or with a friend, which is nice from time to time.
For the rest of the week I intend to swim/bike tomorrow and run on Friday, we're then doing a walk on Saturday to benefit the Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. Good cause, but always hot!!
Hope you all are having a good week and I tried a new recipe that if I like it I'll post it!!! Blackbean burgers...yum!
I've been really working on listening to my body too, so I've not done an actual workout since Monday when I did a crossfit with my friend Andrea (the one I run with). She's an animal! She's a body builder and personal trainer, I'm so fortunate to have her as a friend b/c I can learn a ton from her!
There is a whole lot of talk on the tri-circuit about "cross fit" so I thought I'd share my story. I learned about it and have been doing it inconsistently since last year. It's a combination of cardio and muscle building, but you don't stop b/t exercises (usually). Here is a snap shot of what we did:
1 minute each: walking lunges, pushups, mountain climbers, tricep dips, squats with weights pushing up over head when standing, etc. It was intense and 2 days later my legs are STILL sore. I believe adding something like this does hold a lot of benefit. It's good for training intervals as well as gaining muscle and muscle endurance. It's also something you can do in a class or with a friend, which is nice from time to time.
For the rest of the week I intend to swim/bike tomorrow and run on Friday, we're then doing a walk on Saturday to benefit the Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday. Good cause, but always hot!!
Hope you all are having a good week and I tried a new recipe that if I like it I'll post it!!! Blackbean burgers...yum!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Running and Brownies!
My favorite runs are always when I run with a friend. I love running with my friend Andrea. She is a very consistent runner, not fast, not too slow, but maintains a pace....something I could learn from. Since I'm trying to maintain my pace and carry on a distance to prepare for an Olympic tri, I need more runs like today. We set out to do 7 miles, but I was EXHAUSTED and ran late this morning, so we did 5.75 miles in 59:00min. We didn't run fast also b/c we have a lot of hills. I felt like I could have gone much faster, but the fact that I didn't was much better on my aching hip, so that is that.
I'm trying to increase my distance to run in a 1/2marathon in October, but that distance will be a creeping distance, last year I increased speed and distance too fast and too soon, so I've learned. I have been getting some good workouts in, even though they're longer than I'm use to, but that's good. HOWEVER...I'm starving! Starving all the time!!! I am also putting on weight, LOL! What is that about?? I eat clean (mostly), but I can't stop! This needs to get under control, but in the meantime, here is a yummy brownie recipe for all you sneaky chefs and junkfood junkies...
Wendy's "Clean-er" zucchini brownies
3/4 cup sucanat
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla
1 whole egg
1 cup white flour
1cup wheat flour
3 - 1oz squares of unsweetened chocolate (melted)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups or 1 8x8 pan.
Combine sugars, applesauce, and vanilla until blended well, then add egg. Add dry ingredients on top of sugar mixture. Add zucchini and chocolate chips after this is mixted. Pour into desired, prepped pan. If backing in 8x8 pan cook for about 30 minuted but check middle!! Cook the cupcakes for about 15-20 minutes, again check for doneness. If you want you can put a little icing on this too after it's cool!!
These are so good for kids, mine loves them, her friends love them, and they're healthier and sneak in a veggie!!! I think the zucchini meshes better than the spinach recipes. But to add spinach to your kids (or your diet) without notice you can wilt it, puree it and stick it in pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce...caution though..it will make the sauce dark.
Happy Eating!!!
I'm trying to increase my distance to run in a 1/2marathon in October, but that distance will be a creeping distance, last year I increased speed and distance too fast and too soon, so I've learned. I have been getting some good workouts in, even though they're longer than I'm use to, but that's good. HOWEVER...I'm starving! Starving all the time!!! I am also putting on weight, LOL! What is that about?? I eat clean (mostly), but I can't stop! This needs to get under control, but in the meantime, here is a yummy brownie recipe for all you sneaky chefs and junkfood junkies...
Wendy's "Clean-er" zucchini brownies
3/4 cup sucanat
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla
1 whole egg
1 cup white flour
1cup wheat flour
3 - 1oz squares of unsweetened chocolate (melted)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups or 1 8x8 pan.
Combine sugars, applesauce, and vanilla until blended well, then add egg. Add dry ingredients on top of sugar mixture. Add zucchini and chocolate chips after this is mixted. Pour into desired, prepped pan. If backing in 8x8 pan cook for about 30 minuted but check middle!! Cook the cupcakes for about 15-20 minutes, again check for doneness. If you want you can put a little icing on this too after it's cool!!
These are so good for kids, mine loves them, her friends love them, and they're healthier and sneak in a veggie!!! I think the zucchini meshes better than the spinach recipes. But to add spinach to your kids (or your diet) without notice you can wilt it, puree it and stick it in pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce...caution though..it will make the sauce dark.
Happy Eating!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A dark place
Have you ever wanted to quit a race? I mean really quit? Raise your hand and let yourself be pulled out by the friendly kayakers waiting between the buoys? Well I did.
I started my sprint tri this Sunday at beautiful White Lake, NC and standing there with the 16-34 age groupers all in our purple caps, goggles, and wetsuits, ready and waiting for the air horn to blow! I was so excited, here I was, going to get over my fear in this calm lake and with a sandy bottom and a mere 11foot depth in the deepest section. I glanced over the orange buoys, not mocking me, but inviting me! They even had their yards written on them as if to say, "C'mon, it's so easy, you do this in the pool all the time!". Finally, 17 minutes after the first groups horn blew, ours sounded! Loudly! I had a strategy, I was at the front this time, I was GOING to push through, I've trained for this all winter and I'm faster and stronger in the water than I was last year, plus it was wet suit legal! And I've never gotten a chance to race in a wetsuit before! Pulled my tags off that morning!
So there I was, kicking, paddling, pushing and breathing my way through 100+ girls, all with the same goal...reach the first 100yard buoy. I did, too fast. Then it happened, I was gasping for air! Clawing at the wetsuit that was now choking me, cutting away my air and my chance at victory over this lake. I glanced to my right and there was a girl on her back with her hand raised and shaking it beckoning the kayaks to come rescue her from the water. I went to a very dark place. A place in my mind that said, "go on...join her...then you can breathe". Then I heard my husband's voice from inside my head, "If you quit you will hate yourself. Do what you can to finish, just get through it. The bike is next and it's your saving grace. All you have to do is finish the swim." So I compromised I aimed for the 200 yard buoy...on my back. I started back stroking, something I've never done before, but the only way I could breathe. I then sited the turn buoy and stayed on my back, I was getting calmer so I flipped to my stomach and tried to crawl, the wetsuit was still choking me and now the sandy bottom was gone and this lake was just as murky as the rest of them. I ran into the turn buoy and pushed around it...almost to the 500 yard bouy...I'm breathing but not well, I'm still on my back, but I'm now feeling the constricting more, I started to wonder if I could pull of the wetsuit, no, probably not, I can barely get it off on land. I yank at the zipper and now it's half way unzipped and I can no longer back stroke....600 yard buoy. I'm crawling, almost there, just going slow now, but then this mega dude from the pod of clydesdales behind us runs up on my and throws me off again, but I can see the big "FINISH" sign at the dock, I get my panic under control, and the next 100 yards were pure survival. I get to the ladder and the stupid bi@*h tells me to go to the next ladder down (she could have died for that). I get out shaking and trying not to puke... but I got out!!! I swam 750 yards...100 yards at a time.
So I guess you could say I panicked. Well it is what it is. I still got out, finished the race and can face myself in the mirror. I did a terrible job on that race, but it was the first race of the season. I'm hoping to get over the fear of the lake and maybe, just maybe, learn how to pace myself at the beginning of a darn swim!!
I'm not pleased with how I did. I had a goal to finish in 1:30, but I did 1:39. I'm pretty sad about that, but hey, I FINISHED!!
I started my sprint tri this Sunday at beautiful White Lake, NC and standing there with the 16-34 age groupers all in our purple caps, goggles, and wetsuits, ready and waiting for the air horn to blow! I was so excited, here I was, going to get over my fear in this calm lake and with a sandy bottom and a mere 11foot depth in the deepest section. I glanced over the orange buoys, not mocking me, but inviting me! They even had their yards written on them as if to say, "C'mon, it's so easy, you do this in the pool all the time!". Finally, 17 minutes after the first groups horn blew, ours sounded! Loudly! I had a strategy, I was at the front this time, I was GOING to push through, I've trained for this all winter and I'm faster and stronger in the water than I was last year, plus it was wet suit legal! And I've never gotten a chance to race in a wetsuit before! Pulled my tags off that morning!
So there I was, kicking, paddling, pushing and breathing my way through 100+ girls, all with the same goal...reach the first 100yard buoy. I did, too fast. Then it happened, I was gasping for air! Clawing at the wetsuit that was now choking me, cutting away my air and my chance at victory over this lake. I glanced to my right and there was a girl on her back with her hand raised and shaking it beckoning the kayaks to come rescue her from the water. I went to a very dark place. A place in my mind that said, "go on...join her...then you can breathe". Then I heard my husband's voice from inside my head, "If you quit you will hate yourself. Do what you can to finish, just get through it. The bike is next and it's your saving grace. All you have to do is finish the swim." So I compromised I aimed for the 200 yard buoy...on my back. I started back stroking, something I've never done before, but the only way I could breathe. I then sited the turn buoy and stayed on my back, I was getting calmer so I flipped to my stomach and tried to crawl, the wetsuit was still choking me and now the sandy bottom was gone and this lake was just as murky as the rest of them. I ran into the turn buoy and pushed around it...almost to the 500 yard bouy...I'm breathing but not well, I'm still on my back, but I'm now feeling the constricting more, I started to wonder if I could pull of the wetsuit, no, probably not, I can barely get it off on land. I yank at the zipper and now it's half way unzipped and I can no longer back stroke....600 yard buoy. I'm crawling, almost there, just going slow now, but then this mega dude from the pod of clydesdales behind us runs up on my and throws me off again, but I can see the big "FINISH" sign at the dock, I get my panic under control, and the next 100 yards were pure survival. I get to the ladder and the stupid bi@*h tells me to go to the next ladder down (she could have died for that). I get out shaking and trying not to puke... but I got out!!! I swam 750 yards...100 yards at a time.
So I guess you could say I panicked. Well it is what it is. I still got out, finished the race and can face myself in the mirror. I did a terrible job on that race, but it was the first race of the season. I'm hoping to get over the fear of the lake and maybe, just maybe, learn how to pace myself at the beginning of a darn swim!!
I'm not pleased with how I did. I had a goal to finish in 1:30, but I did 1:39. I'm pretty sad about that, but hey, I FINISHED!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A bunch of nothing
Sorry, I go through spells of having nothing to say. I am the chattiest person I know so I guess I just get tired of hearing myself.
I'm back (for today at least). I'm looking for moral support. I've got a race in a week and a half. It is only a sprint tri, but I have no way to lake train b/c our water, air, ground, everything is still too cold. It's only a sprint, so I guess I can muddle through for 1/2 mile. But wish me luck anyway!
So I have been sought out and beaten with allergies. I'm only working out 4-5 times a week b/c I physically can't do more! I was suppose to do a crossfit this morning but my training buddy bailed due to allergies so I bailed too, he he he (I hate crossfit). We're all suffering out here!
I'm tired of people looking at me and saying I'm too skinny. I'm NOT! I'm an athlete, I exercise, eat right and don't binge out on chips while watching the biggest loser. Food is fuel to me. The better the quality, the better the performance of the machine. But somehow people feel the need to justify they're eating and exercise habits (or lack there of) to me. I'm not judging! I swear! Unless you're making your kids fat...that is poor parenting and I DO judge that.
I haven't been out on my bike since my last pitiful ride, but I plan to on Saturday. I'm nervous, but need a good, hard, long brick training session. I'm going with my husband which might NOT be a good idea. I get fussy when I can't shift, ride, climb well. I don't hold back in front of him either, LOL! He hates it!
The White Lake Tri I'm doing sounds nice. It's flat. I don't know what that means. I live in West Virginia and the longest flat area in a row is about 50 yards. It's becoming cumbersome, so I actually look forward to biking the 14 miles and running the 3.1 without trying to die! I think age found me this year. The hills HURT by run time is 9-10 minute miles!!! WTH!!!!
Okay, this was a ramble, probably not worth reading, but I've been wildly disappointed in my training. Sorry to relay this to you! Hope everyone else is getting back into it and feeling good!! Send some positive energy my way!
I'm back (for today at least). I'm looking for moral support. I've got a race in a week and a half. It is only a sprint tri, but I have no way to lake train b/c our water, air, ground, everything is still too cold. It's only a sprint, so I guess I can muddle through for 1/2 mile. But wish me luck anyway!
So I have been sought out and beaten with allergies. I'm only working out 4-5 times a week b/c I physically can't do more! I was suppose to do a crossfit this morning but my training buddy bailed due to allergies so I bailed too, he he he (I hate crossfit). We're all suffering out here!
I'm tired of people looking at me and saying I'm too skinny. I'm NOT! I'm an athlete, I exercise, eat right and don't binge out on chips while watching the biggest loser. Food is fuel to me. The better the quality, the better the performance of the machine. But somehow people feel the need to justify they're eating and exercise habits (or lack there of) to me. I'm not judging! I swear! Unless you're making your kids fat...that is poor parenting and I DO judge that.
I haven't been out on my bike since my last pitiful ride, but I plan to on Saturday. I'm nervous, but need a good, hard, long brick training session. I'm going with my husband which might NOT be a good idea. I get fussy when I can't shift, ride, climb well. I don't hold back in front of him either, LOL! He hates it!
The White Lake Tri I'm doing sounds nice. It's flat. I don't know what that means. I live in West Virginia and the longest flat area in a row is about 50 yards. It's becoming cumbersome, so I actually look forward to biking the 14 miles and running the 3.1 without trying to die! I think age found me this year. The hills HURT by run time is 9-10 minute miles!!! WTH!!!!
Okay, this was a ramble, probably not worth reading, but I've been wildly disappointed in my training. Sorry to relay this to you! Hope everyone else is getting back into it and feeling good!! Send some positive energy my way!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What is HAPPENING???
Went out for my FIRST outdoor ride of the season. I quit 25 minutes in. UGH!!! Why you ask? Well I am apparently rebelling against my own body. I was soooooo tired all day and then went out there to ride, got on a big hill and almost cried, I literally COULDN'T do it! I can usually push through stuff, but this was horrible. I could barely hold the car key to start my car. Typing this feels like I'm running a marathon right now.
I started the day and did a 45 minute trail run (which I never do) and then ran errands and noticed I was starving (I forgot to eat), ate lunch around 1 then fell asleep (job perk of being a stay at home mom right now) which I hardly ever do during the day. I woke up to do some laundry and pick my daughter up from the bus stop and then meet my husband for a ride. I just never really felt like I woke up. This whole week I've felt a little too tired, I truly hope I'm not getting sick!!! I really REALLY hope not.
Anyway, I'm usually the energizer bunny, so I wish I knew what was up. I'm going to bed at 9 tonight and praying for a better day tomorrow. I think I'll focus on abs and get in the pool tomorrow.
Oh! I need swim drills. Any suggestions for websites or ones that have worked for you, please send them my way!
Thank you!
I started the day and did a 45 minute trail run (which I never do) and then ran errands and noticed I was starving (I forgot to eat), ate lunch around 1 then fell asleep (job perk of being a stay at home mom right now) which I hardly ever do during the day. I woke up to do some laundry and pick my daughter up from the bus stop and then meet my husband for a ride. I just never really felt like I woke up. This whole week I've felt a little too tired, I truly hope I'm not getting sick!!! I really REALLY hope not.
Anyway, I'm usually the energizer bunny, so I wish I knew what was up. I'm going to bed at 9 tonight and praying for a better day tomorrow. I think I'll focus on abs and get in the pool tomorrow.
Oh! I need swim drills. Any suggestions for websites or ones that have worked for you, please send them my way!
Thank you!
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