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Running, Lifting, Grilling & Anniversary

My How You've Grown
It's so true that time flies when you're having fun. And time has flown by with my blogging. Exactly 6 months ago I published my first official blog post: Let Me Introduce the Blog.

I don't want to make a whole post of my 6 month anniversary, but I thought it might be fun to reintroduce myself and do just a brief recap:

"About Me"
So what's up with the title? My husband jokes with me about my biceps since I started working out. I protest saying you can't see them unless I flex. His response: Where's the Beach [flex] The Beach is This Way. So my blog is about getting fit, staying fit, and hitting the beach! My goal is to inspire others to workout and get into shape. I am also passionate about food. I am vegetarian, but I love to cook and try out new recipes. One goal is to show that just because a recipe is vegetarian or vegan, doesn't mean that a meat-eater won't enjoy it. It's far more than lettuce and sprouts.

Reflection
I seriously had no idea what to expect when I started blogging. I was using my blog as a journal basically. I had intentions of trying to inspire others somehow, to show people that vegetarian and vegan foods can be tasty whether you're a meat-eater or not. My original posts were rather random as I look back now. I had made up a list of topics and ideas I thought I wanted to "cover" and would work from that list. The thought of that is rather funny now. The list got tossed after about 2 weeks actually. When I first started, I was afraid that 2-3 posts per week would be too much. Boy did that change! I started searching around for blogs that inspired me and slowly began to come into my own as a blogger. I found a natural style that seemed to work. But how did others like it? I wasn't even sure people were reading my blog. I was giddy over my first comment...posted by my sister. Four posts later I did finally get 2 comments, then another 5 comments and I met Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat. It was so nice getting a comment that was really meaningful to my post.

In 6 short months, I have "met" some amazing and inspiring friends. I have learned more and been inspired more than I ever thought possible. While my intentions were to inspire, I have been the one to be inspired by fellow bloggers. I truly appreciate everyone's comments and everyone who takes the time to read my posts (even if they don't comment). It's so well worth the work!!!


Running and Lifting
Today I felt much more energized after my rest day. I was really ready to get back into action. At lunch Jason and I did some running drills rather than just run the typical 3+ miles. Sometimes that can get very mundane - running the same route over and over....and over again. Plus, it's fun to shake up the workouts from time-to-time. We warmed up with a 1.5 mile run heading over to a park where we did 7 sets of Stride Drills then ran back home. Those drills made me realize just how weak my hamstrings are. No matter how many deadlifts I do, I apparently need to do more (and more drills).

After work I hit the weights. I was feeling so much stronger after take the much-needed day off. The workout didn't have the dread factor that it had previously. Not to say I was exactly excited to do 3 sets of 15 reps. But, I did it. The exercises were done as supersets with the goal of increasing my weights 1.25-2% over last week.

SS#1
Chest - Incline DB press
Back - Underhand rows
SS#2
Quads - Squats
Calves - Calf raises (supposed to have been deadlifts but ham having hamstring problems)
SS#3
Triceps - Kickbacks
Biceps - DB biceps curls
SS#4
Legs - Static lunges/Split lunges
Shoulders - Upright rows

Overall, it was a great workout. I felt strong and was able to go up with all of my weights. Gotta love those strong days! After the weights, I pampered myself a bit by taking a soak in an Epsom salt bath.

Dining
I decided to make things easy on myself for dinner by going with leftovers plus. I decided to cook the Barley Black Bean and Lentil Loaf just a little bit longer to see if it would firm up more. Since the weather was so nice, and we have rain on the way, I decided to grill everything. I know, sounds funny grilling lentil loaf. But I cut it into "slabs" and put it on the same baking sheet as fingerling potatoes, which I seasoned with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. I also grilled asparagus and seasoned with a lemon pepper spice blend.
Sometimes leftovers can seem like so much more. This turned out great and didn't feel at all like just a re-heated meal.

So what's the oddest thing you've put on the grill?

Comments

  1. thats what i noticed too- instead of me trying to inspire.. all thats happening is im being opened up to different lives and been inspired by the way others view the world! its amazing! ur leftovers seem MORE delicious the next day round. amazing! <3

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  2. Wow, you've only been blogging 6 months? Seems so much longer for some reason! you are so, I dunno, progressed on your blog, and I love reading it! Congrats on the achievement!! And I LOVE the title of your blog, if I've never mentioned it - sort of like "where's the gun show?" ;-)

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  3. Kelsey @ Snack Squirrel I'm typically not a leftover gal, but this time it was something that was almost better the 2nd time around! Isn't it great to end up being the one inspired?!

    Thanks so much Jolene @ To Be Determined ! That means a lot. Glad you like the title too, I know it really only makes sense if people read the "about me" blurb. Now if I can figure out what the "where's the beach" pose really looks like, I could change my picture to that one ;-)

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  4. Congrats on the 6 mos and it's great for the re-intro..love it!
    And comments are working for me! Got it figured out, thx for your email last nite :)

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  5. Happy blogiversary!!! So glad I have your blog in my life!

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  6. Thanks Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga ! Glad you got your comments working again.

    Ahhh Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg Thank you soooo much! I feel the same way!

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  7. Congratulations on 6 months of blogging. You inspire me everyday, even when I am not reading your blog. I can hear you in my head telling me to go exercise or push harder. Thank you so much for setting set a strong example.

    Your dinner sounds great, as usual. Is tomorrow going to be Pizza Friday?

    talk to you later,
    Alicia

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  8. Happy 6 month blogging anniversary!! I love your blog and love how encouraging you are on my blog!

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  9. Happy 6 months!! Amazing how much blogging changes your life hey!!

    I loved the "getting to know you" part!! Fantastic!! :)

    thanks for being a supporter of my blog too!! It means a lot!! :)

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  10. Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean Thank you so much for you kind words! You inspire me every day as well. Mmmm Pizza ;-)

    Naomi @ The Tao of Me Thanks girl - I look forward to writing for my 1 year blog anniversary now!

    Thanks so much Lauren @ A Fit Foodie I'm so glad we found each others blogs! It's been great getting to know you.

    Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty It sure does change your life doesn't it?! I think support is the most important thing we can do for one another!

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  11. Hey pretty lady! Happy anniversary!! :)

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  12. oh Heather! Happy Anniversary! Isn't blogging such a fun and supportive thing. I am really glad I have found your blog recently. I really appreciate your support and your comments. Keep it up girl!

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  13. Haha happy 6 month anniversary! Isn't the first comment such a memorable experience? Mine was from Faith Food & Fitness and I was sooo excited. The weirdest thing I've ever put on the grill was probably a veggie burger since they really don't need to be grilled, just warmed... it was a burt mess.

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  14. Congrats on 6 months of blogging! I have enjoyed reading your blog! It is funny how I feel like I know you although we have never met.

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  15. Happy 6 month anniversary!

    That meal looks awesome. I'm definitely going to have to try the lentil loaf. I am in love with lentils:)

    Also wanted to say...thanks so much for all of your thoughtful comments on my blog. It sounds like you totally understand how meaningful it is to get comments on posts that you work so hard on. Every time I get a comment from you, it encourages me to no end!

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  16. Yay to Blogstones! I mean, milestones. :)

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  17. Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly Thanks so much! Happy anniversary to you too!

    Kalli @ Fit and Forty Something I'm so glad you found me too so I could find your blog in return! Thanks so much for continuing to read and comment!

    Jenna @ Healthy. Happy. Well. I've heated up veggie burgers on the grill, but it takes 2 seconds! They dry up and become inedible pretty fast!!!

    Thanks Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian ! I really enjoy reading your blog too. I think that's been one of the neatest things I've learned through blogging - you can find friends and get to "know" people even if you've never met.

    Candice @ ChiaSeedMe Your words mean so much girl! Thank you.

    Yum Yucky I like that...Blogstones!

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  18. I think you'v edone a great job showing people that vegetarian and vegan meals can look TASTY to us meat eaters. Youve won me over :)

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  19. Lisa @ I'm an Okie Thanks so much for letting me know that. I'm certainly not trying to "convert" anyone. It's a personal choice to not eat meat (or dairy, or even to eat meat). I just know that there is still a lot of stereotyping about vegetarians/vegans that's sooo off track. Take care girl!

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  20. AnonymousMay 03, 2010

    THIS is so freakin' cool, Heather! I just went back to see when I posted my first blog post - it was just days before you started yours! October 24th! How funny is that??? We were destined to be blog buddies, clearly! :-)

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  21. Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat Your blog anniversary will be so easy for me to remember. Definitely meant to be!

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