Posts Tagged ‘ salad ’

Muscles and Blogs

August 4, 2010
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I flexed my muscles again this morning!  Oh yes, I did.  I’m sticking to it and I’m so happy about that.  Following my running plan takes time and dedication, but it’s different because I love it.  Learning to incorporate weights and resistance training into my routine has been a challenge…and a good one!

I was lucky enough to have a friend meet me at the gym this morning.  That makes it much tougher to skip out! She had to get her workout in early, so I ate a small breakfast before I left.

I opted for a slice of Ezekiel toast with almond butter, banana, and cinnamon.  It was just enough to satisfy my breakfast-lovin’ self and fuel me through a quick total body workout.

With each circuit I plan, I try to incorporate most muscle groups.  I also try to switch up to exercises that I do each day.  It’s all about the muscle confusion…right?!  I know some of you are super strong lifters who know much more than me.  I’m willing to learn.

The Wednesday Circuit:

  • 10 push-ups
  • static bicep curls – 15x each arm – 10 lbs.
  • tricep dips – 15x
  • squat with overhead press – 15x – 7.5 lbs.
  • sumo squat – 15x – 10 lbs.
  • alternating dumbbell row – 15x each side – 10 lbs.
  • side crunches – 20x each side
  • bicycle crunches – 30x

I completed the circuit twice.  I was sweaty.  It was not so bad!  In fact, I kind of liked it.  Strength training is really different from running.  I need to stay focused.  When I’m lifting weights, I need to think about my form.  I need to count my reps.  I can’t escape into my own la-la-land of thoughts and songs.  I love my land, but staying focused has its benefits.  I watch my muscles move.  I feel the power in my legs.  I think about how each squat will help me tackle a challenging hills.  I’m starting to appreciate this new addition to the training plan.  Yay!

Since breakfast was very light, I had a big post-workout snack/2nd breakfast.

You know the combo – plain Chobani with cereal – topped with a tart plum.  The plum made the meal.  It was juicy and tart, but sweet at the same time.  I’m picky about plums.  So many times I choose one that is too soft, too hard, too sour, too mealy…this one was just right!

***

As promised, I’m keeping the blog love alive!  There are so many fabulous bloggers out there.  I’d love to follow them all!  Thanks to you, it’s become a little easier.  You shared some great links of the comments section of my last post.  Here’s the list:

Thanks for sharing, friends!  We love many of the same blogs, but some of these are new to me and I can’t wait to read more from all of these fine bloggers!

***

Time for lunch.  My salad awaits!

Lookin’ good.

Is there anything that you struggle to incorporate into your workout routine? Cardio?  Strength?  Yoga?  Rest?

Hello August

August 2, 2010
By

Normally, it doesn’t excite me to turn the calendar at the end of July.  August seems to represent the last days of summer.  I have to shift my focus from pool parties to back-to-school.  This August feels different.  I am excited for it and the months to come.  There are fun events – the Healthy Living Summit! – to attend and my marathon training continues to challenge me in new ways everyday.  I also have a couple of other fabulous ventures in the works – prepare for a couple of announcements soon!

With so much to look forward to, the day was nearly perfect.  The weather was comfortable and mild…relaxing.

I didn’t have any bananas this morning – gasp! – and I didn’t even freak out!  Haha.  Instead, I made a delicious bowl of sweet potato oats.

This bowl had all the flavors of fall – perfect for a crisp New England morning.  I just added 1/2 a mashed sweet potato to my usual oatmeal mix and topped it with plenty of cinnamon, a few raisins, and a scoop of PB&Co. Mighty Maple.  What a combo!  If you are going to eat a veggie at breakfast, I’d go with the sweet potato.  It was a great way to start the day.

I had nowhere to be today, nowhere to go.  I ate breakfast slowly and lounged in my PJ’s for quite some time.  ‘Twas lovely!  When I finally felt up to it, I got myself together and took a trip to the market.  It took some patience to work my way through the Sunday rush…but it was worth it!  I’m happy to report that there will be bananas for breakfast tomorrow.

I also brought home the makings for an impressive salad.

When I can make something like this, I don’t know why I ever buy salads.  Nothing compares to the freshest produce combined with just the right amount of dressing, some walnuts for a serving of healthy fats, and the sweetness of strawberries and dried cranberries.  I paired my salad with a mix of crunchy crackers.  Entree salads often leaving me wanting more, but this monster really hit the spot!

My salad lunch was the perfect compliment to our classic dinner – spaghetti and meatballs!

The picture definitely does this meal no justice.  I seriously need to take photography lessons.  I come from a family of budding photographers, but apparently the gene was not passed down to me.  Oh well!  It didn’t make the meal any less tasty.  I mixed some pasta with spaghetti squash to bulk up the meal.  I also had a couple pieces of garlic bread.  When I passed the hot, fresh whole wheat loaves at the store, I knew this meal needed garlic bread.  Yum!  It was the perfect night for a hearty dinner.

I just came in from walking Lucy.  My mom and I walked together.  We could hear the crickets, smell the backyard fires, and sense serenity in the neighborhood.  So peaceful!  Time for some reading…hope you had some moments of peace in your Sunday, too.

What are you looking forward to this month?

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