I haven't posted here in forever and it really upsets me. I really wanted this whole blogging thing to work for me, but right now it just isn't the time I suppose. I am having a hard enough time being a woman trying to do it all while my husband is deployed, a mom to a very clingy needy 4 year old who constantly wants my attention all day long while her brother is at school. Spending as much time with my kids as I can, they are only young once and they are the priority in my life. Then there is running my oldest to and from school everyday, volunteering in his class every Friday, football Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, my youngest has gymnastics on Monday and dance on Wednesday. Then there is half marathon training, strength training, all the prep that goes into eating clean and making all meals at home, as well as all the daily chores that need to be taken care of. I can't seem to find the balance with all of that and writing blogs on a regular basis. Who am I kidding I have a heard enough time trying to balance all of that alone!
My dream to one day be a rockstar blogger becomes more and more distant everyday. :( I don't have the time it takes to write and finish a blog post. I have about 20 in draft at the moment. I don't have the time to read others blogs to try to work my way into that great running/fitness blogger circle. I don't have time to constantly post on twitter to get my name out there and more followers. Social media is a lot of work. It is a job in itself and unfortunately I don't have what it takes right now. I know what I am doing is what is right for my family at the moment. Right now I need to continue to stand behind my husband while he works on his career and his dreams. My day will come, but for now I am going to enjoy my current path and soak up every ounce of time I can with my family.
This isn't goodbye, more so a I will be a fly by blogger for a while post. When I find the time you will see me on here posting recipes, workouts, race recaps, ideas for kids, parenting, etc. That is what I wanted this blog to be about. Being a marathon mom in not just in a running aspect, but a parenting aspect as well. Until then keep checking in because you never know when I might have something new to read about. :)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Energy Bits Review and Discount Code
I was given the opportunity to review Energy Bits and I was thrilled since I had been intrigued with them from the moment I heard about them a couple weeks prior. My sample arrived in a cute little tin that would be perfect for traveling. I opened up the tin and my first thought was, OMG this smells like fish food! I knew the scent would be similar so I am not sure why it was so shocking when I opened up the tin. It is algae after all! Thankfully they taste MUCH better than they smell.
For my first trial I took a serving of 30 tabs. It was easy for me since I was used to swallowing a handful of pills daily after being diagnosed with an auto immune disorder. Someone who is not good at swallowing pills may have an issue, but you can chew them. I took 10 pills at a time with a gulp of water. That method worked very well for me. After I took them I changed into my running clothes, stretched and headed for the treadmill. I was supposed to run 11 miles, but had to quit at 4 miles do to pain. It was a shame since my head was so clear and I was ready to run. I felt the energy long after I got off the treadmill.
Fast Forward a couple of weeks later, I was finally able to run again. I had been out of town for 4 days, which included a lot of time in the car. I was exhausted, feeling under the weather, and with a to do list a mile long. I skipped my morning dose of caffeine (none in the house since I was too tired to go to the grocery store) and grabbed for the energy bits in hopes it would help me make it through the morning. Shortly after I took them I was already feeling better. I jumped on the treadmill, ran 3 miles, did some ab and arms exercises, then started tackling my to do list. I never did hit my usual afternoon fog/desperate need to lay down. It was amazing. Oh did I mention I never did have my daily dose of caffeine that day AND I never got the usual caffeine withdrawal headache. Score!!!
Energy Bits are 100% organically grown Spirulina Algae. There is only 1 calorie per tab and it contains the highest concentration of protein in the world!!! They are not pills, supplements or vitamins, they are food. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am very conscious of what I put in my body and try to eat as clean as I can. That is what I love so much about Energy Bits. They are 100% natural which is very hard to come by when it comes to items that claim to boost energy. I refuse to even try 99% of what is on the market these days due to all the chemicals they fill them with. Just ask my husband who I constantly get on to about his "poison" drinks, bars and gels. One day he will come around to my clean ways. Unfortunately it is not as easy for him to gain access to those items since he is a soldier serving overseas. Anyway, I can rest easy knowing that I am putting such a great product into my body and one that I don't have to worry about it disagreeing with my body mid run. If you are a distance runner I am sure you have at least one energy fuel gone wrong story. Don't make that mistake again and go for the bits!
Overall this is a product I will be buying for myself. I felt it gave me more energy than I would have had without them and without the energy crash once it wears off. That is my biggest issue with other products that I have tried. The constant need to take in more because the crash is worse than the initial lack of energy. While I have not run the distances I would normally be taking energy fuel for, I look forward to what it can do for me when I do get back to those distances.
Along with Energy Bits they also have Recovery Bits, Vitality Bits , and Skinny Bits. Want to know more about these products? Head on over to the Energy Bits website. I am sure you will be just as intrigued as I was and anxious to try them. You can use code "blog" on their website to receive 20% of your order of bits. If you would like to try a sample before you buy a larger size head on over to Neon is My Color's blog to purchase one or more sample packs.
Now get out there and be #poweredbybits!
Don't forget to follow @energybits on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Note: Energy Bits provided me with a sample for this review, however all opinions are my own.
For my first trial I took a serving of 30 tabs. It was easy for me since I was used to swallowing a handful of pills daily after being diagnosed with an auto immune disorder. Someone who is not good at swallowing pills may have an issue, but you can chew them. I took 10 pills at a time with a gulp of water. That method worked very well for me. After I took them I changed into my running clothes, stretched and headed for the treadmill. I was supposed to run 11 miles, but had to quit at 4 miles do to pain. It was a shame since my head was so clear and I was ready to run. I felt the energy long after I got off the treadmill.
Fast Forward a couple of weeks later, I was finally able to run again. I had been out of town for 4 days, which included a lot of time in the car. I was exhausted, feeling under the weather, and with a to do list a mile long. I skipped my morning dose of caffeine (none in the house since I was too tired to go to the grocery store) and grabbed for the energy bits in hopes it would help me make it through the morning. Shortly after I took them I was already feeling better. I jumped on the treadmill, ran 3 miles, did some ab and arms exercises, then started tackling my to do list. I never did hit my usual afternoon fog/desperate need to lay down. It was amazing. Oh did I mention I never did have my daily dose of caffeine that day AND I never got the usual caffeine withdrawal headache. Score!!!
Energy Bits are 100% organically grown Spirulina Algae. There is only 1 calorie per tab and it contains the highest concentration of protein in the world!!! They are not pills, supplements or vitamins, they are food. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am very conscious of what I put in my body and try to eat as clean as I can. That is what I love so much about Energy Bits. They are 100% natural which is very hard to come by when it comes to items that claim to boost energy. I refuse to even try 99% of what is on the market these days due to all the chemicals they fill them with. Just ask my husband who I constantly get on to about his "poison" drinks, bars and gels. One day he will come around to my clean ways. Unfortunately it is not as easy for him to gain access to those items since he is a soldier serving overseas. Anyway, I can rest easy knowing that I am putting such a great product into my body and one that I don't have to worry about it disagreeing with my body mid run. If you are a distance runner I am sure you have at least one energy fuel gone wrong story. Don't make that mistake again and go for the bits!
Overall this is a product I will be buying for myself. I felt it gave me more energy than I would have had without them and without the energy crash once it wears off. That is my biggest issue with other products that I have tried. The constant need to take in more because the crash is worse than the initial lack of energy. While I have not run the distances I would normally be taking energy fuel for, I look forward to what it can do for me when I do get back to those distances.
You can use Energy Bits for more than just running. Here is a short list of uses:
- Increasing Energy
- Increasing Endurance
- Increasing Mental Vitality
- High Protein Snack
- Curbing Hunger
- Meal Replacement
- Balancing Blood Sugar
- Lowering Blood Pressure
- Reducing Fatigue
Along with Energy Bits they also have Recovery Bits, Vitality Bits , and Skinny Bits. Want to know more about these products? Head on over to the Energy Bits website. I am sure you will be just as intrigued as I was and anxious to try them. You can use code "blog" on their website to receive 20% of your order of bits. If you would like to try a sample before you buy a larger size head on over to Neon is My Color's blog to purchase one or more sample packs.
Now get out there and be #poweredbybits!
Don't forget to follow @energybits on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Note: Energy Bits provided me with a sample for this review, however all opinions are my own.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Happy 1 year runaversary to me!!
1 year ago today I did something a little crazy, I signed up for the Princess Half Marathon. The fact that I signed up was not the crazy part, the crazy part was that I had never really run before!!! I could probably count on my hands how many times that I had run in my life! I picked out a couch to 13.1 plan I thought would work for me and started running just like that. It has been a year of pain, heartache, more pain, but most of all more reward than words can describe.
One year ago I could not even run a mile and since January, through injury, major health issues, and life in general I have managed to run 363 miles!!!! A half marathon, one 5k, and one 4 mile race are included in those miles. I have 3 races under my belt and a ton more to come. Race season is upon us and I am ecstatic!! I can't wait to get out there and start collecting some PR's and some bling! Yes, I run for the bling!! :) Today also marks the first run day of my new 13.1 training plan. In just 81 days I will be running my second half marathon!
One year ago I could not even run a mile and since January, through injury, major health issues, and life in general I have managed to run 363 miles!!!! A half marathon, one 5k, and one 4 mile race are included in those miles. I have 3 races under my belt and a ton more to come. Race season is upon us and I am ecstatic!! I can't wait to get out there and start collecting some PR's and some bling! Yes, I run for the bling!! :) Today also marks the first run day of my new 13.1 training plan. In just 81 days I will be running my second half marathon!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday Miles 9/23
Yes, there was no update last week and that is due to there being no miles to report. :( As I said in my previous MM report I was having pains in my shins again. I went to my primary Dr., who didn't even look at my leg, and went straight for a referral to a sports medicine Dr. I was evaluated by that Dr. a few days later and started Physical Therapy 3 times a week for the next 6 weeks. At PT they are using ultra sound, massage, ice massage and exercises to get me on my way to being injury free again.
I was told to take another week of from running, but 4 days later I could not take it any more and went for an easy 3.1 on the treadmill. While telling the physical therapist that I went for an easy run the night before little did I know the Dr. was right behind me. Whoops. Thankfully she was OK with me doing an easy run, and even laughed at my "only 3 miles" remark. She says us distance runners are crazy. Another cool thing about the clinic I am going to is that one of the therapists there ran the inaugural Disney Marathon! So cool! She totally gets me. :)
Anyway, enough rambling and off to my very easy week.
Week of 9/16-9/22
Monday:
Tuesday: 3.1 miles
Wednesday:
Thursday: 2 miles
Friday:
Saturday: Elliptical 45 minutes
Sunday:
Weekly totals: 5.1 miles
Monthly totals: 26.1 miles
Yearly totals: 363 miles
73% of my goal to run 500 miles this year complete!
As a side note I decided to ditch my previous training plan. If you have been following along I have been running a ton of miles, much more than I feel I should be this far out from my half marathon. It had me run 13 or more miles multiple times before my race, which I have since learned is completely unnecessary. This week I am starting a new plan, Hal Higdon's Novice 2 13.1 plan to be exact. After looking it over I think it is going to be great for me and I love that I can ease back into running with this plan. Hopefully be injury free from now on as well!
I was told to take another week of from running, but 4 days later I could not take it any more and went for an easy 3.1 on the treadmill. While telling the physical therapist that I went for an easy run the night before little did I know the Dr. was right behind me. Whoops. Thankfully she was OK with me doing an easy run, and even laughed at my "only 3 miles" remark. She says us distance runners are crazy. Another cool thing about the clinic I am going to is that one of the therapists there ran the inaugural Disney Marathon! So cool! She totally gets me. :)
Anyway, enough rambling and off to my very easy week.
Week of 9/16-9/22
Monday:
Tuesday: 3.1 miles
Wednesday:
Thursday: 2 miles
Friday:
Saturday: Elliptical 45 minutes
Sunday:
Weekly totals: 5.1 miles
Monthly totals: 26.1 miles
Yearly totals: 363 miles
73% of my goal to run 500 miles this year complete!
As a side note I decided to ditch my previous training plan. If you have been following along I have been running a ton of miles, much more than I feel I should be this far out from my half marathon. It had me run 13 or more miles multiple times before my race, which I have since learned is completely unnecessary. This week I am starting a new plan, Hal Higdon's Novice 2 13.1 plan to be exact. After looking it over I think it is going to be great for me and I love that I can ease back into running with this plan. Hopefully be injury free from now on as well!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Down a race
Well, I am down a half marathon for the year and I am pretty bummed about it. I was supposed to do the St. Augustine 10K on a Saturday and the Half on Sunday. An email was sent that they are now doing all the races on Sunday. I am already signed up for the 10K so that is the one I am stuck with. I was using the two races to gauge how much more training I needed to do for the Tinkerbell 10K and Half in January, where I am aiming for a 2 hour or less half time. Oh well. I do have another half I am very tempted to do and may go ahead and take the plunge and sign up for it even though it is weeks earlier and I am currently injured. More about that in my next blog post.
Have you ever been excited about a race and it was canceled?
Have you ever been excited about a race and it was canceled?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
5 New Runner Tips
I am a fairly new runner and there are a few things I wish I had known at the start that would have helped me out. My pain is your gain. :)
#1 Running shoes are NOT created equally
Anytime one of my friends starts running the first thing I tell them to do it to go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted. I am not talking about a Foot Locker or equivalent, go to a store that specializes in running. Your body will thank you for it! Many of these stores do more than just measure your feet. They analyze your foot and even have you get on a treadmill to analyze your stride. Yes, real running shoes cost more money, but trust me you will spend a whole lot more on shoes and possibly injury related expenses down the road if you don't make the right shoe choice.
#2 Set a goal
My biggest motivator is having a goal! Time, distance, total mileage, you pick, just make sure you set one and when you surpass that goal set a new one! I started running because I signed up for a half marathon. Yep, I was that person who had never really run yet I signed up for a half marathon and then started running. Totally backwards I know. I only had 5 months to do it in too! January 1st I also decided to set a mileage goal for the year. I thought 500 miles was a realistic goal. If I had not battled with my health so badly at the beginning of the year I would have already reached that goal, but the point is I will reach that goal before the end of the year. I also sign up for races to help motivate me and keep me on track. You can see all that I am currently registered for over there -----> So after you finish reading this, set a goal and start working towards it.
#3 Fuel your body
Your body needs fuel to work properly and it needs good fuel at that. Try to eat as little processed foods as you can. Always eat an hour or more before you run. A well balanced meal with protein will do wonders for your body. You are what you eat. You eat crappy food you will in turn feel crappy. Don't believe me, eat clean for a week and see how amazing you feel and how much better you perform! I also do not believe in carb loading before long runs. That is a personal preference and one that many runners agree with.
Hydrate! If you are not properly hydrated before your run you will encounter cramps, fatigue, sore muscles and much worse things can happen especially if you are dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking AT LEAST eight 8oz glasses a day. Thankfully this has never been a problem for me since I drink a ton of water and that is usually the only beverage I have throughout the day.
#4 Mind over matter
Running is totally mind over matter. Still to this day I have times where my mind it telling me "you can't do this" I look down to see I am not even a mile in. No mind, I CAN do this and I WILL do this!! Sometimes it is hard to shut your mind up and just run, but once you figure out how to do it, you can run forever! When I run I try to focus on any and every positive aspect that I can. Sometimes the positive is the beautiful weather, the animals along the path, the faster pace I am currently at, the fun things I am going to do when I finish my run, something one of my kids said, reliving a moment in my head, etc. I envision myself crossing that finish line of a race and the sense of accomplishment I will feel. This helps me a ton when I am having an off day and just want to quit. The more I think about that finish line the harder I run. Anytime I find myself going towards a negative I try to quickly get myself out of it before it totally ruins my run and trust me it does!
#5 Running takes time
You wont be able to get out there and run a mile right away, especially if you are truly new to running. I tried to run several times in the past, but gave up shortly after starting do to the frustration of not being able to run a mile straight. What I neglected to realize is that I may have not been able to run that mile, but each time I was getting a little closer. With all the running apps out there these days it is so easy to track your progress and see that you are getting better. That was what made me stick with it this last time around. I logged my runs each and every time. A run that was just a few seconds faster made me so happy. I currently use Runkeeper and love it! I set my goal for the year, I am currently using one of their training programs, and I have several friends that use the app as well so I am able to check in on them and cheer them along too.
I hope these little tips help you out. Now get out there and start running! :)
#1 Running shoes are NOT created equally
Anytime one of my friends starts running the first thing I tell them to do it to go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted. I am not talking about a Foot Locker or equivalent, go to a store that specializes in running. Your body will thank you for it! Many of these stores do more than just measure your feet. They analyze your foot and even have you get on a treadmill to analyze your stride. Yes, real running shoes cost more money, but trust me you will spend a whole lot more on shoes and possibly injury related expenses down the road if you don't make the right shoe choice.
#2 Set a goal
My biggest motivator is having a goal! Time, distance, total mileage, you pick, just make sure you set one and when you surpass that goal set a new one! I started running because I signed up for a half marathon. Yep, I was that person who had never really run yet I signed up for a half marathon and then started running. Totally backwards I know. I only had 5 months to do it in too! January 1st I also decided to set a mileage goal for the year. I thought 500 miles was a realistic goal. If I had not battled with my health so badly at the beginning of the year I would have already reached that goal, but the point is I will reach that goal before the end of the year. I also sign up for races to help motivate me and keep me on track. You can see all that I am currently registered for over there -----> So after you finish reading this, set a goal and start working towards it.
#3 Fuel your body
Your body needs fuel to work properly and it needs good fuel at that. Try to eat as little processed foods as you can. Always eat an hour or more before you run. A well balanced meal with protein will do wonders for your body. You are what you eat. You eat crappy food you will in turn feel crappy. Don't believe me, eat clean for a week and see how amazing you feel and how much better you perform! I also do not believe in carb loading before long runs. That is a personal preference and one that many runners agree with.
Hydrate! If you are not properly hydrated before your run you will encounter cramps, fatigue, sore muscles and much worse things can happen especially if you are dehydrated. Make sure you are drinking AT LEAST eight 8oz glasses a day. Thankfully this has never been a problem for me since I drink a ton of water and that is usually the only beverage I have throughout the day.
#4 Mind over matter
Running is totally mind over matter. Still to this day I have times where my mind it telling me "you can't do this" I look down to see I am not even a mile in. No mind, I CAN do this and I WILL do this!! Sometimes it is hard to shut your mind up and just run, but once you figure out how to do it, you can run forever! When I run I try to focus on any and every positive aspect that I can. Sometimes the positive is the beautiful weather, the animals along the path, the faster pace I am currently at, the fun things I am going to do when I finish my run, something one of my kids said, reliving a moment in my head, etc. I envision myself crossing that finish line of a race and the sense of accomplishment I will feel. This helps me a ton when I am having an off day and just want to quit. The more I think about that finish line the harder I run. Anytime I find myself going towards a negative I try to quickly get myself out of it before it totally ruins my run and trust me it does!
#5 Running takes time
You wont be able to get out there and run a mile right away, especially if you are truly new to running. I tried to run several times in the past, but gave up shortly after starting do to the frustration of not being able to run a mile straight. What I neglected to realize is that I may have not been able to run that mile, but each time I was getting a little closer. With all the running apps out there these days it is so easy to track your progress and see that you are getting better. That was what made me stick with it this last time around. I logged my runs each and every time. A run that was just a few seconds faster made me so happy. I currently use Runkeeper and love it! I set my goal for the year, I am currently using one of their training programs, and I have several friends that use the app as well so I am able to check in on them and cheer them along too.
I hope these little tips help you out. Now get out there and start running! :)
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday Miles 9/9
Week of 9/2-9/8
Monday: Disney
Tuesday: Lazy
Wednesday:
Thursday: 5 miles a.m. 7 miles p.m.
Friday:
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 4 miles
My legs are now in total pain so I am going to rest for a week or so and hope they get better. I have done everything I can to prevent injury again, but unfortunately they are painful and this time probably the worse they have ever been. I had read and read about shin splints and my pain is not where shin splint pain typically is so I am wondering what exactly the issue is. I am wondering if a lower inner knee problem is to blame. I am going to keep icing it every 30 minutes when I am home and buy some KT tape to see if that helps. I have plenty of time before my next half marathon so I need to take care of myself and rest now so I am ready to go for my race.
Totals:
Weekly: 21 miles
Monthly: 21 miles
Yearly: 358 miles
72% of my goal to run 500 miles this year complete!
Monday: Disney
Tuesday: Lazy
Wednesday:
Thursday: 5 miles a.m. 7 miles p.m.
Friday:
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 4 miles
My legs are now in total pain so I am going to rest for a week or so and hope they get better. I have done everything I can to prevent injury again, but unfortunately they are painful and this time probably the worse they have ever been. I had read and read about shin splints and my pain is not where shin splint pain typically is so I am wondering what exactly the issue is. I am wondering if a lower inner knee problem is to blame. I am going to keep icing it every 30 minutes when I am home and buy some KT tape to see if that helps. I have plenty of time before my next half marathon so I need to take care of myself and rest now so I am ready to go for my race.
Totals:
Weekly: 21 miles
Monthly: 21 miles
Yearly: 358 miles
72% of my goal to run 500 miles this year complete!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
September Goals
First up August goals revisited....
Running: 86+ miles Even with my missed training day I exceeded this goal!!
Elliptical: 200 minutes Fail! I only did 105 minutes and that was at the beginning of the month.
Push-ups: 200 Fail! I started doing them at the beginning of the month and forgot about them. I threw the paper away that I was keeping track of them on so I have no clue how many I even did.
Squats: 1800 See push up response above
Lifestyle: Eat clean most of the week and give myself one indulge day for each meal per week. I did really well with this. Eating clean is not hard for me at all and I feel so much better when I do. Even while at Disney I ate pretty good besides the treats and a hot dog.
September Goals:
Running: 105 miles
Elliptical: 200 minutes
Plank every day
Push up's: 200
1 minute wall sit 3 days a week.
What are your goals for September?
Running: 86+ miles Even with my missed training day I exceeded this goal!!
Elliptical: 200 minutes Fail! I only did 105 minutes and that was at the beginning of the month.
Push-ups: 200 Fail! I started doing them at the beginning of the month and forgot about them. I threw the paper away that I was keeping track of them on so I have no clue how many I even did.
Squats: 1800 See push up response above
Lifestyle: Eat clean most of the week and give myself one indulge day for each meal per week. I did really well with this. Eating clean is not hard for me at all and I feel so much better when I do. Even while at Disney I ate pretty good besides the treats and a hot dog.
September Goals:
Running: 105 miles
Elliptical: 200 minutes
Plank every day
Push up's: 200
1 minute wall sit 3 days a week.
What are your goals for September?
Monday Miles 9/2
I know it is Wednesday, but after spending the holiday weekend at Disney this is the first time I have had a chance to sit down at the computer since we returned Monday evening.
Week of 8/26-9/1
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 10 miles
Saturday: Disney
Sunday: Disney
Highlights:
Friday was my first time ever running 10 miles straight!! And I did it with a 9:19 average pace!!!!! It was such a huge accomplishment for me! My average pace (min/mi) for the month was 9:03!!!
Totals:
Weekly: 25 miles
Monthly: 93 miles
Yearly: 337 miles
67% of my goal to run 500 miles this year is complete!!!
Week of 8/26-9/1
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 10 miles
Saturday: Disney
Sunday: Disney
Highlights:
Friday was my first time ever running 10 miles straight!! And I did it with a 9:19 average pace!!!!! It was such a huge accomplishment for me! My average pace (min/mi) for the month was 9:03!!!
Totals:
Weekly: 25 miles
Monthly: 93 miles
Yearly: 337 miles
67% of my goal to run 500 miles this year is complete!!!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Butternut Squash Rice Casserole
I bought a butternut squash this week to use in a salad of sorts, but after being stuck inside all day because of the rain I really wanted a fall-ish dish for dinner. I threw some things together and came up with this. I loved it, enough to share the recipe, obviously. Little Man finished it, but he did not care for it. Baby Girl on the other hand gobbled it up.
This can be made ahead of time and reheated, which is what I did. I am no chef so I needed to make it early enough that I would have time to make something else for dinner if I failed miserably. Thankfully that was not the case. I put that it makes 2 adult servings, but you will probably have extra. For us it was 1 adult, 2 kid size servings and I had enough left over for lunch.
This can be made ahead of time and reheated, which is what I did. I am no chef so I needed to make it early enough that I would have time to make something else for dinner if I failed miserably. Thankfully that was not the case. I put that it makes 2 adult servings, but you will probably have extra. For us it was 1 adult, 2 kid size servings and I had enough left over for lunch.
Butternut Squash Rice Casserole (makes about 2 adult servings)
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups mashed butternut squash (cut a small butternut squash in half length wise, remove seeds, place facedown on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes at 450 degrees)
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk (I used unsweetend almond milk)
Mix squash with spices until well combined then mix in rice and beans. If your rice and squash were hot then you can go ahead and serve it. If you were like me and made it ahead of time either reheat in the microwave or bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Pina Colada Overnight Oats
We are big fans of overnight oats in this house and have them a couple mornings every week. I am always trying new mixtures to change things up so we don't get bored with them. I will start posting my concoctions on here for you to enjoy as well.
Pina Colada Overnight Oats (makes 2 servings)
1 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats)
1 TBSP chia Seeds
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or your preferred milk)
4 TBSP unsweetened shredded coconut
Sweetener-optional (I personally do not add it)
Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight. I make mine in a mason jar. Put everything in, shake it up and in the fridge it goes.
The next morning add some fresh pineapple chunks or you can do like I did and make a pineapple soft serve to add on top or layer it in a glass. I like to top it off with a little more coconut before serving.
Pineapple Soft Serve:
Blend 1 frozen banana and 1 cup of frozen pineapple, scraping the sides frequently as you blend, until it is the consistency of ice cream. You can also add a little milk to speed up the process, but don't add too much or you will end up with a smoothie. :)
Enjoy!
Pina Colada Overnight Oats (makes 2 servings)
1 cup rolled oats (old fashioned oats)
1 TBSP chia Seeds
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or your preferred milk)
4 TBSP unsweetened shredded coconut
Sweetener-optional (I personally do not add it)
Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight. I make mine in a mason jar. Put everything in, shake it up and in the fridge it goes.
The next morning add some fresh pineapple chunks or you can do like I did and make a pineapple soft serve to add on top or layer it in a glass. I like to top it off with a little more coconut before serving.
Pineapple Soft Serve:
Blend 1 frozen banana and 1 cup of frozen pineapple, scraping the sides frequently as you blend, until it is the consistency of ice cream. You can also add a little milk to speed up the process, but don't add too much or you will end up with a smoothie. :)
Enjoy!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Monday Miles 8/26
Week of 8/19-8/25
It was not a good week for me. I have been battling with either a bad head cold or my sinuses are totally clogged again. To make matters worse my daily nasal inhaler must have been been out of meds for a few days before I even realized it. Note to self check how many doses are left daily!!! Those 120 doses go fast when you use at least 4 a day, sometimes 8.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 3.1 miles
I missed one day of my training and yesterday I only did half the amount of miles I was supposed to. I decided to try to run outside and it is still too hot and humid, plus my head was throbbing and my nose a leaky faucet from my sinuses. I decided to listen to my body and call it quits before going for another loop around.
Highlights: None
Totals:
Weekly: 11.1 miles
Monthly: 68 miles
Yearly: 312 miles
62% of my goal to run 500 miles is complete!!
It was not a good week for me. I have been battling with either a bad head cold or my sinuses are totally clogged again. To make matters worse my daily nasal inhaler must have been been out of meds for a few days before I even realized it. Note to self check how many doses are left daily!!! Those 120 doses go fast when you use at least 4 a day, sometimes 8.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 3.1 miles
I missed one day of my training and yesterday I only did half the amount of miles I was supposed to. I decided to try to run outside and it is still too hot and humid, plus my head was throbbing and my nose a leaky faucet from my sinuses. I decided to listen to my body and call it quits before going for another loop around.
Highlights: None
Totals:
Weekly: 11.1 miles
Monthly: 68 miles
Yearly: 312 miles
62% of my goal to run 500 miles is complete!!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
5 ways to make mornings run smothly
This past week was the first week of school and a big adjustment for us. It is funny how a couple months off and get you so out of practice. By the end of the week everything was running smoothly since we all started adapting to our new morning routine. When we got in the car to head to school on Friday I looked at the clock and we were actually leaving 10 minutes earlier than we normally do! Here are some of my tips for making our mornings run a little more smoothly.
#1 Lay out clothes the night before.
This helps me tremendously. Both of my kids (3 & 6) dress themselves and have been doing so for over a year now. When they wake up in the morning the first thing that do it make their beds, get dressed and brush their teeth, not always in that order, but it is usually done before they wander into the kitchen for breakfast.
#2 Pack lunches the night before.
The mornings that I seem to be rushed the most are those that I forgot to pack lunch the night before. Some evenings I am just too tired to do it, but the next morning I curse myself for not doing it. I usually leave things that will go stale or get soggy for morning. I have it ready to be put in the bento or lunch box so I don't forget about it too. Usually on top of the bento in the fridge or out on the counter next to the water bottle I need to fill and put in.
#3 Make breakfast the night before
We do not do much processed foods in this house and having cereal is rarely an option. I usually make a batch of muffins that will last 2-3 days, prep some overnight oats the night before, or make pancakes/waffles over the weekend and reheat them in the morning. Oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and such are also quick and healthy options. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I don't want my kids starting it with a belly full of processed, artificial, nastiness.
#4 Start a routine
The thing that eases our mornings the most is that everyone knows the routine, what they need to be doing and when they need to do it. Ours goes a little like this for the kids:
Wake up, make bed, get dressed, brush teeth, feed/water dog, eat breakfast, clean up, come to me to get hair done, put shoes and socks on, and at this point if we are ahead of schedule they have free time to play (we do not turn the TV on in the morning). When it is time to go, grab backpack, lunch box and head out the door.
#5 Wake up earlier
This one was the hardest for me. I am not a morning person at all. This year I decided to wake up 15 minutes earlier than last year and it has been well worth it. I don't feel rushed and flustered trying to get everything done and out of the door in time. I actually have time to talk to the kids and enjoy their company in the morning instead of being a drill sergeant saying we need to do this, now that, hurry up we are going to be late.
I hope you can use one or all of these tips to ease the morning rush in your household.
What are some things that you do to ease the morning rush?
#1 Lay out clothes the night before.
This helps me tremendously. Both of my kids (3 & 6) dress themselves and have been doing so for over a year now. When they wake up in the morning the first thing that do it make their beds, get dressed and brush their teeth, not always in that order, but it is usually done before they wander into the kitchen for breakfast.
#2 Pack lunches the night before.
The mornings that I seem to be rushed the most are those that I forgot to pack lunch the night before. Some evenings I am just too tired to do it, but the next morning I curse myself for not doing it. I usually leave things that will go stale or get soggy for morning. I have it ready to be put in the bento or lunch box so I don't forget about it too. Usually on top of the bento in the fridge or out on the counter next to the water bottle I need to fill and put in.
#3 Make breakfast the night before
We do not do much processed foods in this house and having cereal is rarely an option. I usually make a batch of muffins that will last 2-3 days, prep some overnight oats the night before, or make pancakes/waffles over the weekend and reheat them in the morning. Oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and such are also quick and healthy options. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I don't want my kids starting it with a belly full of processed, artificial, nastiness.
#4 Start a routine
The thing that eases our mornings the most is that everyone knows the routine, what they need to be doing and when they need to do it. Ours goes a little like this for the kids:
Wake up, make bed, get dressed, brush teeth, feed/water dog, eat breakfast, clean up, come to me to get hair done, put shoes and socks on, and at this point if we are ahead of schedule they have free time to play (we do not turn the TV on in the morning). When it is time to go, grab backpack, lunch box and head out the door.
#5 Wake up earlier
This one was the hardest for me. I am not a morning person at all. This year I decided to wake up 15 minutes earlier than last year and it has been well worth it. I don't feel rushed and flustered trying to get everything done and out of the door in time. I actually have time to talk to the kids and enjoy their company in the morning instead of being a drill sergeant saying we need to do this, now that, hurry up we are going to be late.
I hope you can use one or all of these tips to ease the morning rush in your household.
What are some things that you do to ease the morning rush?
Monday, August 19, 2013
Monday Miles 8/19
Week of 8/12-8/18
It was a busy beginning of the week for me, but I still managed to get in all the miles my training plan called for. It may have taken running twice in one day, but it was worth it.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday: 4 miles a.m 6.2 miles p.m.
Friday:
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 8 miles
Highlights:
New 10K PR 54:21 and 8 miles I ran was in under a 9 minute/mile pace!!!!
Totals:
Weekly: 22.2
Monthly: 56.9
Yearly: 301
60% of my goal to run 500 miles is complete!
It was a busy beginning of the week for me, but I still managed to get in all the miles my training plan called for. It may have taken running twice in one day, but it was worth it.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday: 4 miles a.m 6.2 miles p.m.
Friday:
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 8 miles
Highlights:
New 10K PR 54:21 and 8 miles I ran was in under a 9 minute/mile pace!!!!
Totals:
Weekly: 22.2
Monthly: 56.9
Yearly: 301
60% of my goal to run 500 miles is complete!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Monday Miles 8/12
Week of 8/4-8/11
Monday: 45 minutes elliptical
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: 4.5 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: rest
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 7 miles
Highlights:
Nothing really exciting this week.
Totals:
Weekly: 19.5 miles
Monthly: 34.7 miles
Yearly: 278 miles
56% of my goal of 500 miles is complete!
Monday: 45 minutes elliptical
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: 4.5 miles
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: rest
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 7 miles
Highlights:
Nothing really exciting this week.
Totals:
Weekly: 19.5 miles
Monthly: 34.7 miles
Yearly: 278 miles
56% of my goal of 500 miles is complete!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Added another race!
See that list over there ------>
I added another race to it this week. I decided to run the Tinkerbell 10K since I was going all the way to CA to do the half marathon! That makes 3 back to back 10K/Half Marathon races in my future! Along with registering for the 10K I booked my plane ticket and hotel for Tinkerbell weekend. It is going to be a girls weekend with my sister in law and I am so excited for it. She is also flying down in February to do the Glass Slipper Challenge with me. I am really hoping she gets orders to move down here so I will have a partner for all the runDisney races! If you haven't run a runDisney race you really should! They are so much fun!
What races are you most looking forward to this upcoming race season?
I added another race to it this week. I decided to run the Tinkerbell 10K since I was going all the way to CA to do the half marathon! That makes 3 back to back 10K/Half Marathon races in my future! Along with registering for the 10K I booked my plane ticket and hotel for Tinkerbell weekend. It is going to be a girls weekend with my sister in law and I am so excited for it. She is also flying down in February to do the Glass Slipper Challenge with me. I am really hoping she gets orders to move down here so I will have a partner for all the runDisney races! If you haven't run a runDisney race you really should! They are so much fun!
What races are you most looking forward to this upcoming race season?
Monday, August 5, 2013
Monday Miles 8/5
Week of 7/29-8/3
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3.53 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 60 minutes elliptical
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 6.2 miles
Highlights:
New 10K PR 55:57
Totals:
Weekly: 18.73 miles
Monthly: 15.2 miles
Yearly: 259 miles
52% of my goal of 500 miles is complete
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3.53 miles
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 60 minutes elliptical
Saturday: 4 miles
Sunday: 6.2 miles
Highlights:
New 10K PR 55:57
Totals:
Weekly: 18.73 miles
Monthly: 15.2 miles
Yearly: 259 miles
52% of my goal of 500 miles is complete
Thursday, August 1, 2013
August Goals
Here are my fitness/lifestyle goals for the month!
Running: 86+ miles that is on my training plan
Elliptical: 200 minutes
Push-up's: 200
Squats: 1800
Lifestyle: Eat Clean most of the week and give myself one indulge day for each meal per week.
I also want to start working on strength training. I do not have a gym membership so I have to figure out a plan working with the couple free weights and such that I have at home.
What are your goals for August?
Running: 86+ miles that is on my training plan
Elliptical: 200 minutes
Push-up's: 200
Squats: 1800
Lifestyle: Eat Clean most of the week and give myself one indulge day for each meal per week.
I also want to start working on strength training. I do not have a gym membership so I have to figure out a plan working with the couple free weights and such that I have at home.
What are your goals for August?
Monday, July 29, 2013
Completed Races
Princess Half Marathon February 24, 2013 3:04:11
Arbor Day 5K May 18, 2013 31:35
4 Mile Race for the Free Clinic June 9, 2013 40:45
Pink Feet 10K October 20, 2013 58:57 (2nd place in age division)
St. Augustine 10K November 17, 2013 1:00:36
Feet to Feast 15K November 28, 2013 1:26:58
Starlight Half Marathon December 27th (re run) 2:20:09 (2nd place age division)
WDW 10K January 10, 2014 58:32
Tinker Bell 10K January 18, 2014 58:27
Tinker Bell Half Marathon January 19, 2014 2:16:10
Daytona Beach Half Marathon February 16, 2014 2:12:13
Enchanted 10K (Glass Slipper Challenge) February 22, 2014 1:12:09
Princess Half Marathon (Glass Slipper Challenge) February 23. 2014 2:29:50
2013 Princess Half Marathon
The weekend I had been looking forward to for months finally came and I was sick! Sick as a dog most of the week before it. Friday afternoon we headed to Orlando. After checking into our hotel we made our way to Downtown Disney to catch the bus to the expo to pick up our race packets. The expo was a zoo! It was too crowded to really see or buy anything so we picked up our packets and headed out.
They had a wall with all the participants names on it.
My bib!!!
Race day we were out the door by 3:45 a.m and on our way to Epcot
After walking probably 3 miles we finally made it to our corral where we waited, and waited, and waited.....you get the idea. Lets just say we were at our corral around 4:45 and our start time was 6:15. We were there forever! It wasn't bad though. They had music blasting through there and everyone was having a good time.
The view from our corral. A big sea of people, bright lights and a jumbo screen showing the starting line which was around the corner.
They released corrals every 7 minutes, complete with fireworks every time. Though I think the first one had more of them. We were about half way back in our coral and we were still this far from the starting line when it was our turn.
Main Street in Magic Kingdom, it was about mile 6 I believe. It was PACKED! I am not sure why I envisioned open streets while I was running. I guess I thought I was an A corral runner with a 6 minute mile pace in my head. It was so crowded you really could not run which ended up working out since I was still very sick and having difficulty breathing so we walked over half of the race. I felt horrible that Crystal and Kevin had to wait for me. :(
Half way point! They were blasting "Girl on Fire" It is a women's race after all. Out of 26,000 participants only 1,000 were male.
I cried when I crossed the finish line. I am not sure if it was because of the pain, the fact it was over, not being able to breathe, being happy that I actually finished the race, or upset that it did not go as planned, but I cried. Right now I am happy with the outcome now that I have had time to digest all that went wrong and the fact that I was able to finish. For a while I was upset that I had finished much slower than I thought I would, that I held them back and I was just plan upset that I had trained so hard for it to all go wrong. But I did it. I did a half marathon and I am pretty proud of myself and ready for the next!
Final time 3 hours, 4 minutes and 11 seconds. I came in 12,779 place out of 22,721 finishers.
Monday Miles 7/29
Week of 7/22-7/28
Monday:
Tuesday: 3.2
Wednesday: 50 minutes elliptical
Thursday: 3.2
Friday:
Saturday: 3.2
Sunday: 5
Highlights:
New 5 mile PR 44:37
Totals:
Weekly: 11.4
Monthly: 69.2
Yearly: 240
48% of my goal of 500 miles for the year is complete!
Monday:
Tuesday: 3.2
Wednesday: 50 minutes elliptical
Thursday: 3.2
Friday:
Saturday: 3.2
Sunday: 5
Highlights:
New 5 mile PR 44:37
Totals:
Weekly: 11.4
Monthly: 69.2
Yearly: 240
48% of my goal of 500 miles for the year is complete!
My Running Story
I always hated running. I was that girl in elementary and middle school that always walked the mile and I am pretty sure was told to stop before I finished since I was taking so long. To say I hated running would be an understatement. Then I met my husband who is a runner. I never understood why he would wake up early and run....willingly!!! In 2010 he signed up for the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon. I decided if he could do 26.2 miles I could surely do 3.2 so I signed up for the 5K and started the couch to 5K program. A few short weeks later and still unable to run a mile straight I gave up. I figured I would be able to walk/jog it under the 16 minute mile required pace. Well, that magical weekend never came to be since my husband was sent out of state on military leave.
Over the course of the next year + I tried a few more times to start the couch to 5K program and would quit out of frustration either due to not being able to breath properly or because my knee hurt so bad. Then I found out about the Princess Half Marathon, a race in which grown women get to run in tutus and it is at DisneyWorld!!! I just knew I had to be a part of it so I signed up. Yep, I signed up for a half marathon when it had been 8 months since I had attempted to run and at that time running 20 minutes straight was my current record!
I got some new shoes and a couch to 13.1 plan that I thought would work for me. I started my training in October of 2012 and everything was playing out perfectly. I was running one mile, then 2 and wow did I just run 6 miles straight?!? I was ecstatic! The the beginning of December I started a long battle with injuries. Shin splints to be exact. I did my first half marathon, which was my first official race ever too, with no shin pain, but had to walk the majority of it due to a really bad head/chest cold I got days before the race. I still managed to finish in 3:04 though. I could barely walk later that day, but I was already planning my next race.
I had a 3 month long health battle after that race which prevented me from running along with shin pains when I did attempt to. I decided rest was best and took those months to try to heal my body. In May I started to get better and have been running since! I have several races lined up for this upcoming race season and if I didn't have to get someone to watch my kiddos for me while I race I would probably be registered for one every weekend!
If you made it this far, moral of the story...don't give up! I was thrown curve ball after curve ball the past few years, but I am happy to say I finally stuck with it and I can now call myself a runner! I love running, I love the runners high, I love those moments getting lost in your own thoughts as the miles pass by, and I love the bling!!!
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