Piloxing: Pilates and Boxing For Exercise

Posted on March 1, 2012 by LisaJohnsonFitness

Piloxing has been making a splash lately in celebrity circles. It’s a great cardio workout that combines boxing, standing Pilates, dance moves, and weighted gloves. Viveca Jensen is the creator, a Los Angeles-based Pilates instructor and studio owner who wanted to push her clients a little bit further. Her client list includes Hilary Duff, Alexis Biedel, and Melissa McCarthy.

So Piloxing (affiliate link) is cool and it’s definitely got buzz. They’ve been featured on the TV show “The Doctors,” in Grammy grab bags, and more.

I’ve been cross-training with kick boxing for years and I’ve found that the more you know Pilates, the better you are at any style of boxing. It was rather fun to watch my instructor’s jaw drop when I told him I was a Pilates instructor. He gave me one of those “You’re a sissy girl” looks and then I promptly changed his mind by doing a controlled round-house kick over his head. Heh.

Pilates strengthens your core, teaches strength with extension (think of an arm throwing a punch), and helps with balance. All of these skills are particularly useful to boxing and the high repetition used in punching is great for toning abs, arms, and the butt. The two together really are a great combination.

Viveca’s cueing is solid, her alignment is good, and she has a steady patter of cueing to keep you motivated and to keep good form. All things that I like. Yes, it’s rare that I endorse a fitness DVD, but here I am. I like this workout. Beginners will take a few times to get used to the workout, and intermediates will be able to pick it up right away (although you’ll feel it the next day).

If you’re interested, you can check out more info at Piloxing.com.

Cheers,

Lisa

Workout Woes: 3 Feel Good Moves When You Just Aren’t Feeling It

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Healthy Chicks

We all know exercise is beneficial not only for our body (who doesn’t love a little extra glute-toning), but for our mental health as well. Many women track hours at the gym, have a strict running routine, or even take several group fitness classes (such as core fusion) in one day. But what’s a girl to do when she’s simply not feeling it? Do we really need to be so strict on ourselves?

Let’s face it, we are only human. While many of us strive to be superwoman at times, even the fitness fanatics among us have their “off” days. And guess what? That’s totally OK and get this…normal.

I know what it’s like to feel guilt for skipping a workout. Heck, I even skipped my 6:15 a.m. Core Fusion Cardio class this morning because the gloomy weather was a huge turnoff, and well, my need for a good night’s sleep was much more important to me. I had a busy week, I was tired and I needed some good old-fashioned beauty rest. Old me would have beat myself up over this for days, but new me simply let’s it go. Now I don’t skip my workouts every day, but when I’m not feeling it I don’t force myself to go.

Anyway, I’ve got some good news for all of you guilt-prone ladies out there. There are little moves you can do that’ll help you to be a little less hard on yourself, while not feeling like a bump on a log.

1. Make it a Clean Day: Just because you’re skipping the gym doesn’t make you “fat” or “unhealthy” at all. If you’re letting this guilt get to you, why not make it a clean day in the kitchen? Eat a hearty breakfast filled with whole grains and protein, like rolled oats with flax seed, almond butter and sliced banana or peaches, or maybe a cage-free egg white omelet like this Vegetarian Farmer’s Omelet filled with sauteed veggies and a slice of Ezekiel bread.

Then drink lots of water throughout the day to flush your system of toxins, and get rid of any extra belly bloat. For the rest of the day, fill yourself up with lots of green leafy vegetables (think kale, spinach, or collard greens), healthy fats like olive oil or coconut oil for cooking,fresh fruit, and lean proteins like antibiotic-free natural chicken or fish. As I always say, the more real and simple the food is, the better so try to avoid anything that comes from a package especially items that have dozens of ingredients.

2. Move It Along: Just because you’ve made the decision to take a break from that whole working out thing doesn’t mean you have to sit around and eat pizza on the couch all afternoon, although we all have those kinds of days too and that’s completely OK.

If you’re feeling up for it, why not go for a walk with a friend around town? As you chat away, you won’t even realize you’ve walked nearly 3 miles around the city! If you’ve been running like a maniac lately and have really been feeling it in your knees, a local yoga class may be a good alternative for you. Maybe it’s just the weather is what’s keeping you from going to your favorite class. Whenever this happens, I chose to do an at-home workout DVD or On Demand exercise instead so I can still start the day on the right food, and get a mini sweat session in.

3. Relax Alright, so you took a day (or even a week) off from running and you’re feeling a little blue. Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe your body needs that break? Have you been to hard on yourself lately? Did you find yourself in a workout rut where you become angry instead of excited to take a class? These are all signs that maybe your body is craving a mini vacation from strenuous exercise.

When you find yourself feeling this way, it’s best to just take some time for yourself. Cuddle up after work with some peppermint herbal tea and a good book. Close your eyes for ten, even five minutes and just breathe. Meditate. Take a long bath or shower with some aromatherapy oils. Taking care of our mental self is just as important as taking care of our physical body, so try to give yourself a little leeway.

If you’re prone to guilt when you skip a workout, find it hard to relax and be at peace with yourself, or are looking for a way to revamp your diet without going on a diet, I may be able to help you. As a health coach, I work with women who are looking to get that “zest” back into their lives & escape a lifestyle of yo-yo dieting. To learn more you can visit my website here or schedule a FREE initial health consultation with me today.

Have a wonderful day,

Trigger Happy!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Run For Fun

Today is a new month, a new day, and today we are trigger happy. Yesterday I got a shot of HCG which I am pretty much sure was filled with “overwhelming emotions” and “stomachaches” because last night I passed out on the couch clutching my stomach and whining to Aaron. But that may or may not have been due to this

Ok, I may be hormonal but I am not that amazing. I cannot take any credit for making or eating this incredible concotion. Brenna’s boyfriend however ate like a champ

Not even blinking an eye, VERY impressive

Mine looked more like this and yes we went there at 7 p.m. and yes we went BEFORE dinner.

Mine is the one with all the fruit. Still large and in charge. But Aaron rocked his caramel and oreo swirl with mini- reese pieces, OMG!

I think this is the first time in a long time that I can remember eating dessert immediately before eating dinner. My stomach told me that was a big FAIL, but totally worth it.

Just a little aside, if you are from Massachusetts and you have not been here yet, you are doing yourself a disservice. Yeh is a new Frozen Yogurt Place straight from Canada! They must know I am supposed to be gaining weight because they set up shop just in time. They make all homemade fat-free frozen yogurts (except the chocolate has fat). I guess they missed that I am supposed to be adding more fats to my diet. That is a license to add all the toppings in the world, right? Or may I will have to try some of their crepes next time – apparently I can use a crepe as a waffle cone (someone up there loves me).

You swirl your own yogurt and pick your own toppings, a very dangerous activity

Yes, you are right that is ROCK CANDY! Only from Canada

So after we sampled EVERY flavor, we settled down by the fireplace. Only in Canada do they know that it is completely acceptable to have frozen treats in the winter so why not have a fireplace to eat them by. Good deal!

It is NEVER, I repeat NEVER to cold for ice-cream and frozen yogurt

I will ABSOLUTELY be going back. If you are going, let me know. I can meet you – I am always game for a fro yo trip. In the meantime, check out yeh here and they are also on Twitter (hashtag #yeh).

Ok so this shot, we went to the doctor yesterday and I was sure I had already ovulated due to the pains I was getting. Nope. Apparently, it was just my massive follicle sitting in my ovary. 27! Pretty sweet huh? You like how I just got excited about my ovaries and follicle. My uterine lining was UP, which is also great news – 6.5. So that meant trigger time. I got a shot of HCG (we decided to leave that picture out or not take it at all) because well lets just say it may be a little harder to sit down today. The shot is supposed to trigger ovulation.

So clearly, in our excitement of ovulation, we had to celebrate – cue the Frozen Yogurt!

That is all for today. Have you ever had dessert before dinner? Who is ready to come with me for round 2 at yeh?

Blueberry Almond Muffins and New Balance Gear!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Yogurt and Berries

Happy Leap Year to me!!

The awesome crew at New Balance generously provided our Reach the Beach blogger team: “Team Off Balance” with enough gear to get us through training AND the relay itself!! Check this out…

The 870v2 Sneakers
NBx Prism Half Zip
Impact Capri
Heathered Short Sleeve
NBx Prism Capri

Icefil Short Sleeve
Get Back Racerback
Prism Running Short
Fun Run Shorts

Tonic Crop Sports Bra
Socks!
PDA Running Gloves
Tri-Viz Running Cap
NGR Bars

Um, wow!

Pictures don’t even do it justice…but that hot pink t-shirt is HOT PINK, and incredibly soft!!

The 870’s are their stability shoe, and I don’t even think these particular sneakers(870v2) are out yet! I’ll let you know how they feel next time I run. I’ve always needed some stability in my running sneakers and this will be my first time trying New Balance since I started running a few years ago.

I even tried on all the bottoms right away. All the material is so soft, and nothing feels like it’s going to fall down, and most have drawstrings! I currently own a pair of nice capris (not NB) but they are a lower rise and always need to be tugged up..annoying. I’m liking the higher rise of these (not high rise, but you know…normal!).

I’ll be sure to get photos of myself when I’m wearing the gear so you can see!

In the meantime, if you want to get some sweet New Balance gear yourself, they’ve provided me with a coupon code for my readers to get 15% off AND free shipping!! Pretty sure even Brian is going to get something after seeing my new items.

From now until March 10, 2012 you can use the code: NBRTB1279GDCT

Awesome right?! I can’t wait to try everything on!! If you have any specific questions about the products leave a comment or shoot me an email

Ok Muffin time.

This was one of those recipes that I had made before and my initial assessment was that they weren’t that great and can’t use them on the blog.

However, that was after a bite when they were still warm. My feeling with “healthier” muffins, is that they taste better once they’ve cooled and flavors come through better. See, the next morning I went to eat one (I mean they were still good to me!), and they tasted so much better!! I was actually bummed I didn’t take photos that first time.

So this weekend when I was craving muffins for the week, I went back to the recipe. Since my initial gripe with them was that I thought they weren’t sweet enough, I added a bit more honey.

Banana muffins are the best kind to make healthy versions of because bananas themselves are so sweet and flavorful, but blueberries, not so much.

These use equal parts almond meal and oat flour so they are a little denser than your standard muffin, but they stay really moist from the almond meal, blueberries, and eggs! Also higher in protein!!

If you have nice fine blanched almond flour then your muffins will be lighter in color and possibly a little less dense, but for now I just buy the cheaper Almond Meal from Trader Joes and it works perfectly fine.

The almond flavor is there, but not too over powering. You can always increase the almond extract a little (that stuff is potent!) if you wanted more almond flavor. These have more of a natural almond flavor rather than an almond extract flavor.

Almond Blueberry Muffins
(makes 12 muffins)

1 cup almond meal (almond flour)
1 cup Oat Flour
1/4 cup Flax Seed Meal
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 eggs
2 egg whites
1/4 cup almond milk (plain or vanilla, unsweetened)
1 tsp Almond Extract (add another 1/2 tsp for more almond flavor)
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbsp canola oil (or butter or oil of choice)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup slice almonds (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350*

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl (almond flour to salt), whisk to combine.

In a separate bowl beat eggs and egg whites, add almond milk, oil, honey, almond extract, and vinegar. Whisk to combine. Add wet to dry, mix with a spoon until just combined, fold in blue berries.

Distribute batter into a regular 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners.

Top with slice almonds if desired.

Bake for 16-18 min, or until toothpick inserted in the center of one of the muffins comes out clean. Let cool.

(my little “cake tester” from Crate and Barrel)

Enjoy!

I guess this if for bloggers, but have you ever made something “not for the blog” and wish you had taken photos because it came out so good!?

Do you wear New Balance Gear? Like it?? I’ve always liked the company. I used to work right near their Outlet store in Lawrence…that place is awesome!

Lets hope this is finally The Snow for the season and from here on we can move to spring??? Wishful thinking??

Super Simple 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Posted on February 29, 2012 by FoodFitnessFashion

Hey everyone! Happy Humpday! This week is flying by, no? It is currently snowing in Boston. We haven’t gotten much snow this year at all, so I can’t really complain. It is kind of pretty actually.

Breakfast this morning was two whole wheat waffles eaten sandwich style with Barney Butter and banana slices.

I packed my lunch for work along with some snacks this morning. I packed some leftover Chicken Soup from Monday night’s dinner. I love dinners that create leftovers. Plus things are always better a day or two later.

For snacks I packed were a green apple, a reduced fat cheddar stick and a Z Bar. I had the apple and cheese around 10am, but the Z Bar is still in my desk drawer. That chicken soup filled me up for the whole afternoon.

Since it was snowing heavily today when I left school, I decided to take today as my rest day from the gym. The tough part about living in the city is that parking is really difficult and when it snows it is so much worse. AND when the city calls a snow emergency it is a downright situation. I wasn’t sure how things would go considering the forecasts were iffy and no one seemed really sure what the accumulation would look like in Boston. I drove right home and turned on the fire place while catching up on some DVR. It was lovely have the afternoon to myself with the remote, fireplace and a pup curled up next to me. It is very rare that that happens and I enjoyed it.

Another plus, dinner was pretty much prepared for me once I walked in the door this afternoon thanks to my good friend the crockpot. Adam and I have been on a huge BBQ kick lately so I made a super simple crockpot pulled chicken. Nothing beats tasty and healthy BBQ!

Ingredients:

1 medium sized onion
4 boneless, skinless chicken breaks
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

1. Dice medium onion and put the onion in the bottom of the crockpot.

By the way: these crockpot liners are amazing and make clean up from crockpot meals so easy. You can usually find them in the aisle in the grocery store that has the ziploc bags. If you use your crockpot at all, these will make life so much easier!

2. Put the four chicken breasts on top of the onions and over them with the cup of BBQ sauce and spread it out evenly.

3. Cook on the low for 5 hours. Once the 5 hours is up, take the chicken out and shred it with a fork. This is really simple because slow cooking the chicken makes it really tender and easy to shred. Then stir it in with the leftover liquid.

I enjoyed my pulled chicken on a whole wheat sandwich thin.

On the side I had a little bit of broccoli and cheese and a salad made up of spring mix, tomato, red bell peppers, cucumbers, celery and carrots.

I topped my salad with a homemade dressing I made with EVOO, lemon juice, reduced fat grated cheese, garlic and black pepper.

I enjoyed a little bit of dark chocolate while catching up on Teen Mom (judge if you will) and doing laundry. I am pretty stoked about clean sheets tonight! It’s the little things, people

Night, folks!

The "Non Workout" Workout + Two Recipes!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Onefitfoodie

Sometimes life gets in the way of our ‘workout schedule’ right? I used to be so rigid when it came to my routine. I had my rest day on Sunday and ONLY on Sunday. I spoke about it here when I looked back at some things I learned from 2011.

It is SO important to be adaptable to change. Say you have a workout schedule that looks like so:

Monday: Workout A

Tuesday: Workout B

Wednesday: HIIT

Thursday: Workout C

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Workout D

Sunday: Rest

Now this above looks like a pretty darn good workout schedule to me…that is if all things fall into place. Some weeks won’t be perfect, you will end up ‘being thrown off’ and maybe feel anxious, guilty or any other emotions that come with ‘missing a day’ I am 100% in favor of following a specific workout program. I think this is the only way to see true progressions in strength as well as a great way to track your own progress. With this said, things happen and sometimes your plan can’t be followed to a “T” whether work gets in the way, travel, family, friends, LIFE…whatever it is….

What you need to do is one thing and one thing only…RELAX. Its a day. It took me years to be okay with not following an exact schedule. I get that it can be somewhat of a mental thing to skip a day of exercise or even 2 straight in a row. You need ot relax. Your body will not change at all. If I get one more email saying ‘Naomi…I haven’t worked out in 3 days is that bad?” First of all I don’t even understand what the term ‘is that bad’ means…second of all..umm NO, you’re crazy (thats really what I want to say) but of course I don’t because I do understand that it can be a mental struggle at first to understand that nothing will happen if you get thrown off of your exercise schedule. So what? Pick it up the next day or the day after.

Where am I going with this? Well I wanted to give you some workouts to do if you are traveling or don’t have access to your entire gym. Even if you do have access to your gym, these quick and efficient workouts are kick butt and will be sure to get you moving, pumping iron and breathing heavy. They may not be your ‘typical’ “Workout A” or “Workout B” but they are such a great alternative when you want something new or can’t do your specific workout routine.

As always make sure you foam roll and are properly warmed up before this or any exercise routine!

The “NON WORKOUT” Workout

Time	Speed	Incline
1-3	6.0	2.0%
3-4	9.0	2.0%
4-5	3.0	2.0%
5-6	9.0	5.0%
6-7	3.0	5.0%
7-8	7.0	10.0%
8-9	2.0	10.0%
9-10	6.8	12.0%

**Get off the treadmill and repeat this 2x through:

Exercise	Reps
Jump squats	10
Burpees	10
Push ups	10
Plank elbow reaches	10 (each side

**Grab a couple of sets of dumbbells and perform the following as one GIANT set. (Repeat exercises back to back with little to no rest and rest for 2 full minutes at the end)

Exercise	Weight	Reps
DB squat and press	10-20lb	12
DB Alternating plank back row	10-15lb	10 (each side)
DB Russian twist	5-10lb DB	15 (each side)
Alt. reverse lunge holding DB	10-20lb	12 (each side)
DB step up	10-20lb	12 (each side)

Repeat this entire sequence 3x through.

BARBELL TABATA FINISHER (20 sec work/10 sec rest)

**Depending on your fitness level, you should choose your barbell weight accordingly. For the majority of you, after the previous exercises, the olympic bar should be more than enough (it is 45lbs) but if you are advanced and want a good challenge…load up the olympic bar with a weight you feel comforatable.

Exercise

Back Row

Back squat

Standing shoulder press

Straight leg deadlift

Back Row

Back squat

Standing shoulder press

Straight leg deadlift

ENJOY THIS WORKOUT!!!

—–

This post wouldn’t be complete without sharing some of my favorite recipes lately! First up we have Coffee Marinated Steak. Yes I said it. Two of my favorite things have come together and I could not be more thrilled. I came across this recipe from here while browsing one day and I couldn’t get my mind off of it (that seems to happen to me a lot!) I Always am looking for a new steak marinade and this one seemed easy, delicious and super simple!

Mix the dry ingredients that will be the ‘rub’

Marinate the steak in the wet ingredients (I let them sit for about 2 hours)

Right before they hit the grill, you simply coat the steak in the dry rub

I ate the grilled steak along side some cooked kale (coconut oil, salt and pepper)

COFFEE MARINATED STEAK Adapted from THIS recipe

**This is the recipe for 1lb of steak

For the marinade:

1.5 cups cold brewed coffee
1 T white wine vinegar
1 T coconut aminos (I used soy sauce)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt

For the Dry Rub

2 T ground coffee
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine the dry rub ingredients, mix and set aside
Place the steak in a tupperware or plastic bag and let it soak in the marinade for 1 hour-overnight
When it is ready to be cooked…place rub seasonings on a plate and coat both sides evenly.
Throw on the grill and enjoy!

Smoked Salmon and Eggs

This really isn’t so much as a recipe as it is one of the most delicious, easy and inexpensive meals I have been having at least once a day

Take 3 eggs, beat them up. Throw them on a skillet (preferably that has been covered in coconut oil) Top with spinach and smoked salmon. SO GOOD!

Fats=fuel=happy

What fuel has been making you happy?

Let’s Get Back to Basics!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Healthy Loser Gal

I have an admission to make… I have been slacking since December. "Slacking" as in I’ve only been exercising sporadically, I’ve barely logged my food, and my walking is way way down from where it should be. What’s my excuse? Oh, ya know… I have plenty of them that I feed my own self-criticism. "I’ve been so busy with moving!", "I’ve been sick all winter and the prednisone is adding water

Quick Healthy Lunch Snapshot: Put Leftovers to Use

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Healthy Chicks

Whenever you find yourself in need for a quick lunch, whether you are running late to work or rushing to get the kids ready to head out the door, it’s always a good idea to access what you already have. Before you go out and spend $15 on an over-priced salad or sub, consider putting your leftovers to use first. It may not always come out pretty, but I can guarantee you’ll save money, feel good about what you’re putting into your body, and perhaps invent a new favorite recipe. Hey, you never know!

Here’s what I concocted this afternoon when crunched for time:

{sorry, this pic was taken from my Droid. Told you, I was pressed for time}

about 1/2 c. leftover brown rice spaghetti + few tablespoons of all-natural garlic marinara sauce + steamed broccoli & spinach from last night’s meal + a few baby bella mushrooms + 1/4 c. chickpeas + touch of freshly grated parmesan cheese + dash of garlic powder & black pepper

And there you have it. A lunch made in minutes. What’s your favorite way to put leftovers to use? Have you ever created a new favorite recipe based on a leftover combo?

XoXo,

The Amazing $0.99 Fitness App You Aren’t Using But Should Be

Posted on February 29, 2012 by FoodFitnessFashion

Hey everyone! I am coming to you super early this morning. Don’t worry this post won’t go live until like 11:00 this morning because I know no one will be up reading it at this ungodly hour My day was so busy yesterday with work, working my part-time job, a conference call with a professor for my (very last) grad school class, the gym, unpacking from our trip etc, etc, etc. I didn’t get a chance to sit down until about 10pm at that point, I was SPENT!

As I mentioned, I did make to the gym yesterday. I packed a bag in the morning so I could go right there after work and boy did I need it! I had a stressful day and a workout helped. I was not really paying 100% attention when I packed my gym bag but thought I had grabbed a Nike dry-fit t-shirt and my favorite Nike dry-fit capris. When I got to the gym I was disappointed to find that I grabbed my fleece lined full-length running tights instead. FAIL!

I was glad that my winter running gear was actually getting some play time since I can’t run because my right foot is on the mend. But I was concerned that I may drown in a pool of my own sweat. It was hot, but I made it through the workout! I did 25 minutes on the elliptical totaling 3 miles. Waaaahhhhh! I miss running! (okay my daily whine that my foot is broke in over now).

I spent about 45 minutes after my elliptical workout pumping some iron. I wanted to introduce you all to this lovely app that I have been using to plan and keep track of my weight training. It is called iFitness and it costs on $.99! It is well worth every penny. Allow me to dazzle you with it’s features:

See, that is it second down on the right hand side (my gorgeous niece Sohpia is my phone background- so precious).

The App includes hundreds of exercises by muscle group.

Then allows you to create workouts using those exercises. Here are the workouts I created:

When you open the workouts you get a list of the exercises that you put in that category along with instructions and photographs so you can understand exactly how to do it if you are unfamiliar with it. Yesterday I did the chest and bicep workout:

Once you complete the exercise you can log the weight you used, the number of sets, the number of reps and any notes you have for yourself on that.

The app also tracks and graphs your progress as you increase weight. I don’t have enough data yet to track it, but here is a screenshot of what it looks like.

You can also edit the workout to change it up to prevent boredom and muscle memory. This app has made my weight training much easier and way more enjoyable. I love how helpful it is since I haven’t really weight trained in about a year and a half since I have been Crossfitting until I injured my foot. I highly recommend this app and thought I would share it with you guys it is totally worth the $0.99.

What was your worst gym gym fail? What is your favorite/ most useful app?

The Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Not Running (Fast)

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Run For Fun

This blog post was originally called Pokey Pilates. It originally had a sad, cynical tone to it. Kind of went something like, “poor me, I cannot run. Poor me, I have to do “chilled out” workouts. But then I got tweets like this yesterday and I knew it was time to change my attitude and be thankful, hopeful, and excited.

Honestly if you do not read Jenny’s blog, you are doing yourself a disservice. She is pretty much the sweetest girl I know

So in the spirit of capes, tutus, and thinking positive, I am changing this whole post into 10 Reasons Why I Love Not Running (Fast)
Once upon a time, I loved workout classes and GASP hated running. For someone who has absolutely no rhythm whatsoever and is always a half step off, I sure my loved my step and cardio kickboxing. My movie selection was complete with the Firm, a rockette (yes rockette; with my favorite dance friend Jenn) dance workout video (don’t laugh it kicked my ass), and Billy Blanks Taebo. Like running, these workouts were great while on vacation, hardly anything to carry but the video, just ask Aaron. For running on vacation I only need to bring my two pairs of shoes (a back up of course), fuel belt, shorts, shirt, Garmin, iPod, shotbloks, sparkle shirt etc. While doing workouts on vacation, I only needed the video and then the steps and 4 sets of weights that went with it. O.K. maybe not so similar, I think the day I retired the Firm for running was the happiest day of Aaron’s life – no more 4 sets of weights and steps to carry EVERYWHERE and I mean EVERYWHERE we went.

Unfortunately for Aaron, Operation Stephanie Low Key Workouts is under way. On Monday, my doctor impressed upon me that it was totally ok for me to continue to run, do pilates, yoga, strength training, and walk. Runner Steph would be off the table running with those words, but “I want a baby Steph” knew that my doctor was not telling me “it is fine for you to go to Hot Yoga and then do an hour of speed work.” Nope, instead she meant SLOOOOW miles, relaxing yoga, and nothing too strenuous. She gave me general guidelines of absolutely no more than 10 miles in a week, 5 miles max at a time but generally like my nutritionist said only 30 minutes a day, 5X a week of working out. Sure, I sort of want to jump off a ledge at this recommendation. Absolutely, I want to go kick out some hardcore hill workouts. Yea, I am little scared of losing my body, my speed, and fitness. But then I remember that 22. I remember my bigger goal and I sit back down and tell running, for once, it will have to wait. Instead, I am relaxing, rethinking my workouts and being positive. So a list that is for me as much as it is for you on why this is a good thing:

It is a good thing that I can’t run like a fast crazy lady right now because…

10) It is going to snow tomorrow and be cold, which is not much fun when running

Face masks do not make for great conversations while running

9) Usually when it is snowing and cold, I have to hit the treadmill and I kind of hate treadmill running instead I will just make tomorrow a rest day and not worry that my training will be off

8) My toes have not had 10 toenails in months, maybe years, so it will be nice to grow some of those back, why not

7) With all the money I save on race entries, we can go to a tropical island (Dear Aaron, did you know I have planned a trip for us with Jenny and Beth and their husbands to a tropical island)

6) I can still eat WHATEVER I want and do not have to run 18 miles to do so

Cookie within a cookie, never gets old!

5) I can sleep in, workout, and still be early for work (although I currently woke up at 4 a.m. today, so yea)

4) I can be the coolest cheerleader of them all on the sidelines

Come say hi at the next race, I think you will be able to spot me

3) I can party hard on Friday and Saturday nights as there is no long runs in my future a.k.a go to bed at 10 instead of 9.

2) Maybe every muscle in my body part will stop hurting for more than five minutes

1) I don’t have to buy any more Brooks sneakers for awhile as back up pairs (although I just bought three, I can’t help myself, my shoes are a dying breed)

In the spirit of being a low key runner, I put on my running gear and headed out with my favorite running partner for the first “Stephanie is a chilled out relax runner run.” We did 3 miles. I walked twice. I did not break a sweat. I absolutely did not break any speed records. I did not get hot. Instead, Robin and I shuffled along, we moved our bodies, we chatted. I made it through. I was a well behaved patient. I had such a cramp in my side, if you want to call it that (I want to hopefully call it pre-ovulation), that our pace was perfect. I would like to tell you I am 100% o.k. with this run and it was all puppies and rainbows, and while I did actually enjoy it (because I love my socializing time), part of me wanted to sprint and go crazy and be like 3 miles, sure that is o.k. as long as it is 3 miles of speed. But I didn’t because life is so much more than 3 speedy miles.

Post run no sweaty faces here. I am so proud!

I was even more well behaved that night when I celebrated my 3 miles by refueling with two helping of this..

Waffle cone, caramel swirl ice-cream

Aaron is very excited to be in this picture!

Yesterday morning I chose NOT to run two miles with Aaron, even though I would have loved to hit the pavement. Instead, I tried a Pilates video from Netflix. It was not so successful, but more on that later. In the meantime, I spoke with the PT this morning. He suggested two days of weights and three days of running 3-4-5. That is a bit TOO much but it made realize I can still run, I can still keep my base I just have to truly Run For Fun!

Tell me how you run for fun or even better tell me why you love not running fast (humor me people). If you have any good pilates tips or workout videos that would be great too…