Where's the Beach?

Working Out I haven't really talked a whole lot about my workouts lately. They're getting done though. My mileage has dropped back considerably from 35 miles a week to only about 25 right now. This is really due to my plantar fasciitis not a lack of desire to run. Prior to my half marathon March 3, the plantar fasciitis issue was acting up. But it wasn't a show stopper. I was still able to get out there and run my miles. After the half? Total show stopper. So, while I baby my foot, my miles are down. I am getting in more cross training right now. And that's not a bad thing. I do enjoy lifting weights and doing a variety of DVDs (typically Cathe Friedrich workouts like MMA Boxing , MMA Kickboxing or her new XTrain Tabatacise ), or taking a spin on my bike (on it's trainer still). Variety can be a really good thing. But, I still love my running. I miss being outdoors when I'm doing some other workout. And, even with the pain in my foot, most of my runs ha...

Double Monday  Today we decided to try moving our interval run to after work. Now, with the heat we're having (100+ degrees), not sure if it was smart or not to be honest. Actually, just going to admit that it wasn't the smarter choice. The one good thing about in the evening is that the sun isn't as high in the sky. I guess there are a few positives like not spending two hours post-run sweating at your desk. Oh and we can jump in the pool right after the run to cool off too. So, instead of the run at lunch, I went ahead and did my biceps/shoulder workout. I wasn't sure if I should do it at lunch or try to get it done before the run. But I figured it'd be better to not already be really hot before going to run. Since my gym officially closes this week, I decided to just do the workout at home. I need to get used to my home workouts again for a bit until I figure out a new gym. I went with supersets of 3x8. SS#1 Dumbbell curls Shoulder press SS#2 Cros...

Kicking & Lifting This morning I decided to go ahead and get up when Jason did (just after 5) to do some cross-training rather than running. He went off to swim and I did some kickboxing in my little gym room. I went with Cathe Friedrich's MMA Kickboxing . I use 1 lb weighted gloves for my boxing or kickboxing workouts. It really adds on additional intensity and makes for an awesome upper body and core workout. I gotta say, starting the day punching and kicking leaves you stress-free ;-) It was a good workout. At first I was sort of thinking I should have stayed in bed, not that I was sleeping mind you. But, I'm glad I got it done. It was definitely energizing. At lunch, I decided to run home and do my back and triceps workout rather than go up to my gym. Right now it is not staffed (it's closing July 1), there are no towels, nothing to spray to wipe down equipment, who knows when anything was cleaned last. It's just depressing and not motivating. So, home...

One Busy Saturday It's been another great weekend. I can't believe it's almost over. How does that happen so quickly? Yesterday was a lot of fun, but really really busy. We literally hit the ground running at 7:15 am and didn't stop until we got home at 8:30 that evening. We got up and set out for a run early, but not painfully early for a Saturday. The plan was to do 4-4.5 fairly easy miles. What happened was the first mile was a 9:30 and the second one was 8:50. Um, clearly not the easy run I was going for. We sort of slowed it down a little, but the average still ended up being around a 9:10 pace. It sort of set the tone for the day I suppose - go go go. After the run we quickly cleaned up, packed up and headed out the door. We did have to make a stop at Dempsey's Bakery for Jason's mom. She can't have gluten, and really loves their bread. Since we were going to be making a stop by their house, Jason wanted to get some bread for her. The first st...

Jam Packed Saturday As usual, the weekend has gone by way too quickly for my liking. Saturday I almost didn't know what to do with myself since I had gotten my long run out of the way on Friday. We were supposed to go to the lake with the family, however, my dad had not had a chance to put the boat in the water yet to make sure it was running properly. Trust me, you don't want to get in the middle of the lake and the boat poop out especially with kids on board. So, I decided to get in a short 3-miler and was planning on Cathe Friedrich's MMA Boxing (or part of it) and some abs after. Jason finally got himself out of bed and was up for a run with me. We set out towards the arts center, then to head towards downtown. Apparently he didn't really believe me when I said 3 miles. And of course he's got every right not to believe that statement. Over the years I'd say one number but really plot out another. Anyway, we ended up heading out on a longer route. But...

Shoulders & Boxing Well, today is not Rest Day Friday since I ended up resting on Wednesday. I didn't do anything earth-shattering though. I had thought about maybe an easy 2-3 mile run and shoulders, but decided against running since I have a long run on tap for tomorrow. Instead I just went home and did shoulders then Cathe's MMA Boxing DVD, which I haven't done in ages. For shoulders, I went with a giant set of 3x8 and tried out a new exercise too. Ouch. GS Cuban press * Lateral raise Front raise *I originally watched the slower version of the exercise and it looked more like an upright row started the rep each time, so that's what I did. So I think I made it even harder, but hopefully just as effective. Loved the moved. I followed up shoulders with the boxing workout and half of the abs workout at the end of the DVD. It was really kind of fun doing something I haven't done in so long. Plus, punching around is just fun anyway. Fun Facts Friday ...

Running & Boxing Well, today there are no beach pictures to share. Jason got a tad bit pink yesterday, so we decided today would be our designated shopping day. Usually we take that when it rains, but there's no rain in the forecast. I kicked off the day with 30 minutes on the treadmill then 2 combos from Cathe's MMA Boxing to hit the abs. I hadn't planned on running until I realized it was National Running Day. How could I miss out on that one? Oh, and in honor of the day, runners should really head over to Jessica's blog post for the day - To Run Is... . Shopping After my workouts, I got cleaned up, had a quick lunch and then we headed to Foley, AL to the Tanger Outlet Mall. I almost always hit the jackpot at Ann Taylor Factory and sometimes Banana Republic Factory. Today...not so much. It was a major shopping fail day for me. Well, I did find my new fave Nike running hat for 10 bucks and some awesome Nike running capris I can wear in the fall. Other than...

Socca Sunday I finally got around to making socca last night. We didn't make it to the grocery store, and really need to be using up stuff since we'll be heading out of town mid-week. I had made chickpea flour then proceeded to let it go bad, then bought some. So, I finally decided that it was time to try my hand at socca. Mexican-Style Socca Pizza Ingredients: Socca: 1 cup chickpea flour 3/4 cups + 1-2 tbsp water 2 tbsp olive oil To taste: salt, pepper, chipotle flakes, garlic powder Mexican-style Marinara 1 can Rotel 2-3 tbsp tomato paste Mexican-style Socca Toppings: 1/2 soy chorizo 1/4 red onion, diced 1/4 red bell pepper, diced 1/4 yellow bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup black beans 1/4 cup frozen corn, thawed To taste: salt, pepper, red pepper, cumin, garlic powder Daiya Vegan Cheddar Cheese Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees and put in pizza stone (if using one). For the Socca : Whisk ingredients well making sure there are no lumps. Pour batt...

PuPu Platter Last night I ended up throwing together a pupu platter for dinner as I figured I likely would. I had thawed out some tofu and decided to toss that with BBQ and hot sauces then sprinkle with panko and bake for some crispy Buffalo Tofu Strip s. I made up a sundried tomato and artichoke hummus (looks brown because I added balsamic vinegar), cut up some carrots, and also cut up some almond cheese to go with vegan pepperoni and almond crackers.   It was a fun dinner actually. It can be fun to have snacky style foods for dinner for a change. Oh and here are some pictures from last night that made me smile.     Gray Sunday It sounds like spring has totally run away from almost all of us at this point. Today was gray and 41 degrees. I guess it wasn't raining at least. I did Day 3 of Week 3 of the total body rotation . It called for 3 sets of 15 (yes count 'em 15) reps. I did do some legs, but not 3x15. Weighted triceps dips Flat bench chest flyes Double-ar...

Punching into Friday By some crazy miracle, I woke up on my own around 5:40 this morning with energy to get in my workout. I didn't bother setting my alarm early. I had pretty much resolved myself to a second rest day unless for some reason I woke up early enough on my own. Since I woke up, I took that as a sign to get it done. I went with Cathe's MMA Boxing as it's a relatively uncomplicated workout for a complicated hour. It did feel good to be up and moving, blood pumping rather than dragging myself into the bathroom to start getting ready in a total stupor. Of course, I was yawning by 10 am ;-) Fun Facts Friday - Being Thankful in Midst of Tragedy Of course today is Fun Facts Friday . I was really struggling with fun facts though in light of the terrible earthquake and tsunami tragedy that we've all seen unfold today. When so many people are suffering, so many lives lost and destroyed, it does make it hard to openly brag about gorgeous weather, sunny skies,...

Boxing Over Running I had thought that I might run today depending on the weather. I just wanted to head out for an easier 4-miler. My training plan had originally called for 5-6 yesterday and 9-10 today. Unfortunately, it was really windy and looked like rain all day. I took that as a sign that I needed to do something other than get in a run. So, I went with Cathe's MMA Boxing then abs from Power Hour . It was a fun workout and time flew by this morning. Errands, Chores, More Car Shopping After the workout, I started working on some house chores before we decided to head out to run some errands. We recently rearranged the living room, and I wanted a new lamp for a side table. We hit up Kirkland's and scored a great deal on the perfect lamp - $16.97! Then we hit up Target and a few car lots before decided we really had to eat before we could even think about the grocery store. While eating, however, we talked ourselves into going back to one of the lots to test drive ...

Sushi Saturday (Not Homemade) Well, in the end, we had sushi, but not homemade. We kind of waited too late to get started, not paying attention to the prep time for the rice. So we went with plan B. There is a sushi place nearby. I made some veggie spring rolls and baked some tofu I had marinated in a peanut butter sauce (PB2, OJ, rice wine vinegar, tamari). Jason was really only supposed to pick up a couple of rolls for he and my sister. Instead he picked up 3 rolls for them, some edamame, wakame salad, and spring rolls (though I was making some, he insisted on trying theirs, but they were fried). Anyway, it ended up being quite the spread. The next time she is over, however, we will be making homemade sushi rolls and I promise to take process pictures as well as end-result pictures. Legs I sacked out at 10 pm last night and slept hard. I guess that's what running 12 miles will do to you. This morning I got up expecting to be more sore, but I wasn't. My calves are a litt...

Working Out So today I ended up ditching my half marathon training plan again. It called for 4 miles. It was a gorgeous, warm day, but really windy (gusting 18 mph). I just couldn't seem to get excited about running. So, I ended up doing chest, legs, boxing, and abs instead. Pushups - 24 Flat bench chest flyes into press - 3x8 Pushups with toes on step - 16 Squats into Plie Squats with low-end pulse - 3x8 Incline bench flyes into press - 3x8 Staggered bench press - 12 Rear leg elevated lunges into deadlifts - 3x8 Firewalkers - 6 Calf raises - 2x16 I did the upper body only from combos 1 and 2 of Cathe's MMA Boxing t hen abs from High Rep s. I did stretch for a bit after the workout before getting cleaned up. Chores & Kitchen Boycott Jason was nice enough to go to the grocery store while I was working out, then he headed out for a bike ride. In the meantime, I did laundry (washed, not folded mind you), made some hummus, and spent about 3 hours in our study/of...

Snow Day??? The snow was definitey in the forecast for today. The question was when it would start. I already told my boss I was planning on an 8-4 day so that Jason and I could just go in at the same time since we're down to the one car. At 7 am, there was no snow. But it started at about 7:20 and DID NOT stop. The last time I remember snow like this was in 2000. We got about 12 inches. It took me 3 hours to get from my office to the bottom of a very long, very steep and winding road only about 3.5 miles from work before I had to park my car and start walking. This was before we live right by our offices. I worked from my kitchen table watching the snow for about three hours before they finally, officially closed our offices. Woohoo - a real, true snow day! We get the occasional snow and ice here, but it's almost never enough to close down our offices. Even the state offices were shut down though. I was super productive long before work was officially over. I started dinn...

Sports Bar Eats Last night we ended up watching Going the Distance and just relaxing on the couch. We weren't terribly hungry, as in no need to make a full dinner. But we both knew we needed something small at least. I had pulled some tofu out of the freezer to thaw because I thought we were going to have sushi. Anyway, halfway through the movie I decided I needed to make Tofu "wings." This is one reason I don't like going to the theater - I can't just get up and head into the kitchen and pause the movie. I don't sit still for long periods very well. Back to the "wings"...I have never had hot wings. I have no clue what they are supposed to even taste like. However, I'm oddly intrigued by them. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've asked Jason about the sauce and how they are made. Again, I have no idea where this bizarre obsession comes from. Well, last night I decided that I finally had to try making my own Tofu "Wings....

Early Morning Workouts I had another crappy night of sleep last night. I woke up at 3:30 and never went back to sleep. I finally got out of bed at 5:15 and got my workouts done. Because yesterday's workout was such a doozy, I decided to keep today's short and fairly easy (not that this weight set up was exactly a cake walk). Today was back done at 90% of 1RM doing 4 sets of 6 reps. Underhand rows Single-arm rows Pullovers Single-arm horizontal rows I added in low back extensions on the stability ball and finished off with two combos from Cathe's MMA Boxing . Very glad to have the workouts done for the day. Sister's Surgery Update And, after the blizzard-like snow we had yesterday, it all melted and dried up by around 5-ish. Yep, not a sign that there was ever that much snow other than an iced-over car this morning. While I love my house, I do not love that we don't have covered parking. It took forever to de-ice. Actually, it took a while just to break ...

Slow Start Jason and I enjoyed a very low-key New Year's Eve. Since it was Friday, we went with our usual Pizza & Pool Friday theme. After eating, we just lazed on the couch listening to music then trying to watch the ball drop festivities. Not sure why, but this year our local stations didn't show the NY drop live. They stopped it at 10 pm CST and it didn't resume until 11:30! Somehow we managed to stay awake until 12:05 then proceeded to crash. I refused to get out of the bed before 9:00 am this morning - it was actually more like 9:30. No guilt at all. I was up a couple of times in the night with a coughing fit, Maddie woke us again at 6-ish then again at 7:30-ish. I finally decided I should get my lazy rear out of bed and enjoy breakfast at least. I also started a crockpot stew - a Lucky New Year's Stew . I usually don't make it a big point to have black-eyed peas and cabbage/greens. But this was a good excuse to use my crockpot. I had soaked my black-e...

Party Recap Last night's Christmas Eve Eve Brunch was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, even the Vegan Veggie Frittata . I was sort of thinking I'd be the only one eating that one, but to my surprise, everyone wanted to try it and actually liked it. Seal of approval has been given to this one. The next time I make it, I will likely add in a bit more color with red bell peppers and maybe green onions. Vegan Veggie Frittata Ingredients: 1 package extra firm silken tofu 1-2 tbsp spicy mustard 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar Splash of soy or almond milk To taste: salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutritional yeast flakes (approximately 3 tbsp) 1/4 orange bell pepper, diced 1/4 white onion, diced 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 small yellow squash, diced To taste: salt, pepper, parsley, basil Vegan cheese (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In food processor, puree tofu, mustard, vinegar, milk, and first set of spices until thick and creamy - almost like a ...