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Happy Hill Day or Sandwich Day

Hill Repeats and More Kickboxing
This morning I got up to run again. I really didn't have the heart to run my usual route twice through (3 miles). Sometimes it just gets soooo boring. And, there is one stretch that is a steady incline (not steep mind you) that seems harmless on the first lap, but by the second lap it starts looking really steep. So, I decided to just do 1.5 miles as a warm up then do hill repeats. I did try to push myself and took the first lap at a faster pace. Oh, I have my crack...I mean heart rate monitor back.

I did 20 second sprints up a hill then recovered and repeated 8 times and finished with another .5 miles It took right at 31 minutes to complete. Hill repeats have a way of sneaking up on you, or they do me. The first few sprints feel great, then I start feeling it the legs. I would say that I'll be sore tomorrow, but that's a given as I'm already sore.

Today was rather stressful and busy at work. It was a long 9-hour day because we had to conduct some usability testing through lunch. Also, I just have some big projects that keep dragging on and on and a few difficult people. Oh, and it was a super bad hair day too ;-)

Even though my legs were tired, I did want to get in closer to 60 minutes of cardio today and thought that a second workout might help workout my legs, give me a boost of energy, and act as a stress reliever. What\'s a better stress reliever than a good old Kickboxing workout???? Surprised aren't you. I just did 3 combos from Cathe Friedrich's Kick, Punch and Crunch (about 20 mins).

Sandwich and "Chips" Night
After work, I was really not feeling very creative or enthusiastic when it came down to dinner. In the end, I took a cue from Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly who reminded me that sandwiches make the perfect summer meal. So, I opted for a sandwich with sweet and baking potato "chips" (grilled of course). I made a Grilled Portobello Sandwich with Sundried Tomato & Basil Veggie Dip. I made the "chips" the same way I do my "fries" only cut as rounds. The sandwiches were topped with baby spinach, roasted red bell peppers, bacon tempeh, and provolone.

Baked "Fries" Tip Recap

Speaking of fries...So many of you seemed really enthusiastic to try out my tip/trick. I appreciate that and hope that you will let me know if and when you do. Also, I want to thank you for the additional tips and tricks and some have already tried out my fry tip:

Bela @ It's Life, Max It Out gave it a shot. Check out her reviews.

Eden @ Eden's Eats says: "a little trick that helps is too bake them at a high hear (like 400) then turn the oven off and let them sit in the dry heat for about 30 min. The dry heat really helps!"

Nichole @ Live for the Run suggested: "dipping them in a little balsamic and tossing them back in the oven makes a savory crust."

I truly appreciate your additional tips and tricks and feel honored that someone has tried my tip out already! 

Comments

  1. Glad you got your heart rate monitor back. I don't know how you made it without one, LOL. At least I would have had great difficultly. I need to be able to quantify things.

    Love portabello sandwiches. Those are one of my favorites.

    have a great evening,
    Ali

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  2. LOL crack - that was funny ;-) I love my HR monitor now too!! I'm still channeling you when I run...you are my speed demon runner idol! haha!

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  3. I get bored with running too! UGH! I am much more of a kick punch and crunch gal too! I will get on those fries soon...I want to make them! Have a great night!

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  4. AnonymousJuly 07, 2010

    Shocking that you chose kickboxing to reduce stress, I never would've thought ;-) Sometimes all it does take is some extra kicks, punches, jabs and jump knees to make it allll melt away (maybe not the jump knees though...heh).

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  5. Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean Oh, it was going to have to be a rest day if I didn't have the HR monitor back today!!! ;0 Portobellos are some of my fave mushrooms.

    Jolene @ To Be Determined Glad you got a chuckle. So, do we need to run together during the RT weekend??? ;-) Actually, you guys need to get down here, we can go to the lake and run there before being lazy!

    Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen Intervals always help me with the boredom. I think KPC is a goody - especially the abs part. Yikes with pikes!

    Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat Oh, jump knees too! The more kicking, kneeing, punching the better!

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  6. GO YOU with your workouts today!! I agree with you about hills- they do tend to just sneak up on ya..but it looks like you totally killed them :)
    Glad you had your HR monitor too- I feel so lost without it.
    I Love grilled portabellos & those look AWESOME!!! & more sweet potato fries- YUMMMM! I hope work is a bit less stressful tomorrow- happy Thursday (almost) :)

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  7. Looks like your fries were a hit for everyone, my DH was still talking about them today!
    Your sandwich looks devine!
    Glad you got your heart monitor back!

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  8. That sandwich sounds insanely good.

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  9. Hi pretty lady! Glad you got your workout in, even if a little tired/boring. I got my new garmin and tried it out! I am obvi doing something wrong with the heartrate strap b/c it's not registering properly. If you have any tips on placement, holla! xoso

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  10. So honored I made it on your post! I was quoted TWICE today! (also at "I have issues" blog)
    I hate bad hair days! they mess up your mood! I've been having a bad hair decade!

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  11. I love sandwiches for dinner in the summer! It just seems right in a way that it doesn't in the wintertime :-)

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  12. Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices Thanks girl - I hope it's less stressful too. I love grilled portobellos and I just had to have potatoes right?

    Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out Oh I can't even begin to express my joy over the HR monitor. Sad really LOL. So glad the hubs liked the fries too!

    Krystina @ Organically Me Thank you ma'am. It really hit the spot.

    Averie @ Loves Veggies and Yoga You may have to wet the sensors if you didn't already.

    Eden's Eats Bad hair days just really don't help out a situation do they ;-)

    Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg I need to start making more sandwiches for dinner b/c they are right aren't they??? Oh and easy works too.

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  13. OOOHHH Yum! I might be taking a cue from you and making this ASAP. I don't see my sandwich kick fading anytime soon!!! haha!

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  14. I was just watching a rachel ray episode last night where she grilled portobellos and topped a salad with them. I need to try using them. I swear I've grilled all the other veggies and the baby portobellos but not the big ones yet for some reason!

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  15. Say what?! You're the cook?! I only pick up what my husband does, but thanks for the shoutout:)

    Sounds like I really need to look into a proper heart rate monitor.

    What's your secret to a perfectly grilled portobello?

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  16. AnonymousJuly 08, 2010

    Isn't it funny how a bad hair day can really bring your day down?

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  17. I would think hills would be tougher than anything! Sounds like hard work, but still a great workout.

    Love sweet potato chips. I want some now!

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  18. now I need to see what all the excitement is about, thanks for sharing :)

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  19. Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly Well I appreciate your obsession b/c it gave me a dinner idea at least!!

    Dawn @ Florida Coastal Cooking I think the larger ones are better if you're using them as a "burger" like I did or if you want longer strips. I used to only ever buy the large ones actually. The small ones are good for stuffing too.

    Nichole @ Live for the Run Well I appreciate the idea and you're the one that mentioned it sooooo..... ;-) I really don't have a secret to the portobellos. I like just a very simple balsamic vinaigrette marinade (maybe add rosemary and garlic). Make sure they stay moist on the grill by basting them is about it.

    Madeline @ Greens and Jeans That or a bad outfit day!

    Tina @ Tina Bit of Faith Fitness and Fun Major leg workout that's for sure. Kind of fun though if you like interval workouts (which I do).

    Tricia @ Endurance Isn't Only Physical LOL - if you like sweet potato "fries" then check it out. If you have any other tips, share away!

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  20. that is quite the work out! Hope you have a better day tomorrow! Lovely sandwich.

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  21. Hm, I have yet to get bored with my running, because I just treat them as a daily routine, not something exciting. I hate inclines, though! It helps to have a running buddy once a week or so, too. :-)

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  22. Ahhhh girl I love that you have so much energy! Sprinting up hill?! That is some serious dedication and some serious good legs!

    I love your "chips"! Mine never seem to turn out as Fab as yours :|

    xxoo

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  23. Kenzie @ A Healthy Purpose It's brutal, but oddly fun.

    Sophia @ Burp & Slurp I've been running solo for the first time really these past few weeks so that's been a huge change.

    Kris @ iheartwellness LOL - is it energy or insanity??? ;-)

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