Fess Up Friday

I have not been counting my points, y'all. Like, not even a little bit. At all.
So I went to my WW meeting today and I took my lumps.



I earned my Spring for meeting attendance, though. I am up almost 3 pounds over the last 3 weeks, but I faced it and I'm moving on. Ironically, the meeting was about Getting Back on Track.
I learned a few thinks at this meeting....
nobody's perfect
face it and move on
track.everything.
Journaling isn't just about food. There is a gal at my meeting (her name is Iona and I have a girl crush on her and her friend Annie. They are so funny, and super friendly!)
She uses her WW journal to take meeting notes and writes about feelings, etc.
I am starting that today.

I left my meeting with new resolve.
I went to my 3rd 9Round workout and kicked a little butt.



Matt made me do some ab work at the end, plus we had to plank to the entire song "Don't Worry Be Happy" with push ups whenever the title was sung. I hate Matt. And Bobby McFerrin.



Then I went to the grocery store and got salad from the salad bar. Good thing, too, because then this happened.





oh my heck.

I had one. Just one. And I counted it. I will have one a day until they are gone. I might even share with my boys.

Maybe.

How has your week been? Anything you need to fess up to?

posted from Bloggeroid

Thursday Training Update

You are going to be so proud of me. I'm pretty proud of myself, I'm not gonna lie. Even with allergies kicking my butt, I had a pretty good week of workouts!

Thursday I took it easy because I was still coughing! I went to the doc in the box at CVS and she gave me lots of meds for allergies. I've had to be creative, since they all make you tired, but I'm feeling much better! I did run a mile at Girls on the Run. (I was subbing at another meeting.)

Friday I rested for Saturday's long run. Still coughing.

Saturday we ran 10 miles. Tons of hills and some coughing, but I made it!



Sunday, the hubs and I walked to the Little Free Library via the Carolina Thread Trail, 3.5 miles total. It was also this girl's birthday. She turned 3!



Monday I joined a new gym. It's called 9 Round, and it's a 30 minute workout with lots of boxing. I picked out lime green tape and pink boxing gloves. The owner is amazing and the workout kicked my butt.



Tuesday I blew off the morning run because it was raining. Then I felt guilty so I joined the group that runs at night. 3 miles done and we saw this guy, plus some deer and 2 ducks.



Wednesday was my first official workout at 9 Round. Monday was a trial so he went easy on me. Holy heck. My hands were shaking when I was done, they were like jello. I'm addicted.



I'm loving this new schedule. I'll be running on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and then boxing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sunday I will recover, and by that I mean lay around and be lazy. Once marathon training starts, I will have to decide if I will cut out boxing on Wednesdays or do both.

Have you ever tried boxing?

posted from Bloggeroid

Preventing Stinky Shoes with SmellWell

***I received a set of Smellwells to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.***



Once after a run, the hubs told me I smelled like a hobo and I should march straight to the shower. I didn't kill him, since I already intended to do just that, but it does make a very good point.
Runners smell.
I can't even tell you how many times I've gotten into my car after a race or a long run and totally reeked. It's a fact of life as a runner.
There are ways to prevent stinkage, and thanks to SmellWell and BibRave, I've discovered another product to help me wage a war against the stink.



SmellWell is a Swedish invention, it doesn't just mask the smell, it attacks it by absorbing moisture and removing the odor. The scent is fresh and clean, and not at all overpowering.
Mine are girly, it's true, but you can get yours in any pattern, including camo!
I've gotten myself into a good rhythm when I'm prepping for a run.



I remove the SmellWells from my shoes and toss them in the key bowl. When I get home, and toss my keys into the bowl, SMellWells are sitting there as a reminder to put them back into my shoes.



SmellWell isn't just for sneakers, although that's where I've been getting the most use. I recently joined a gym that uses boxing gloves. What better way to absorb all that moisture from my super cute boxing gloves?



Now a need a second pair.... maybe pink zebra print to match my gloves? hmmmm.....

Luckily for me, SmellWell is having a Spring sale. Buy 3 get 1 free OR Buy 6 get 2 free! Nice! Living with 2 boys (ok, technically they are men) I can use all the help I can get!

What's your favorite print?

posted from Bloggeroid

Hot Chocolate Atlanta 15K... 2018

I was given entry into the Hot Chocolate Atlanta 15k as a Bib Rave Pro. Check out Bibrave.com to write and read about races.

I love the HOT Chocolate Series, so when I got the chance to run as a Bib Rave Pro, I was more than ready! I immediately signed up for the Atlanta race because I can drive there, since moving to South Carolina. Running the HC Series in a new city is going to be quite an adventure.



I have run this race twice in Philadelphia. It's my birthday weekend, so running and eating junk food was obviously the right choice.



The race is always full of fun costumes as well. You know how much I love to dress up for races!





I also love running with friends, and I hope to meet some of my fellow Pros at this event!



Check out that discount code!
Let's not forget the bling....



Last year, they had some bling stolen, but they made sure we all got it in the mail, along with some extra swag. Very awesome!
The race is so well run, and the treats are amazing. It really can't be beat!
About 12 weeks before the race, I will be sent a training plan, which I'm sure I will have no problem following! I'll be training for Chicago and then the Goofy Challenge, so I'll be ready!

Will I see you there on January 21, 2018?

posted from Bloggeroid

Wordless Wednesday

posted from Bloggeroid

Luvo Frozen Meals, My New Goto Lunch

I received coupons for free Luvo Meals as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com where you can find and write race reviews!



I am not a great cook. Not at all. I tend to find something the family likes and make it over and over again. When it comes to lunch, I am definitely a frozen dinner kind of girl. Quick, easy, and, if you're lucky, healthy. I've been getting really bored of the same ole foods, so when I got the opportunity to check out Luvo, I was definitely willing and able!

I knew from their website that there were a ton of varieties out there, and was hoping to be able to find them at my local grocery store. My first attempt was at Wal-Mart Family Grocery. Yes this is a thing, if you live in the south. We didn't have these in NJ, and I love stopping at the one across the border into NC when I'm over there.
Wal-Mart had a few varieties. so I grabbed a couple of each and hit Publix next. Publix had way more! You'll find these in the Organic section, I'll just save you some searching with that little tidbit right now.



I still haven't tried them all,  but let me clue you in on my top 3. Starting, of course, with Red Wine Braised Beef and Polenta. ahhhhhh polenta. I really really love it. I am not a huge red meat eater, so it surprised me when this became a quick favorite. The beef is so tender. It comes with brussel sprouts, butternut squash, and cranberries. And polenta. Don't ever forget the polenta. Sooooo good. I ate this 3 days in a row. I'm so mad that it's all gone, I need to get more.



Next up is Chicken Chile Verde. With polenta. Sensing a trend? It also comes with black beans and just enough kick to make your taste buds sing.



I'm also a huge fan of the enchiladas. The chicken is shredded and there are black beans and brown rice on the side.

You might have noticed the brown bag in one of the photos. Your meal comes in one and you just pop it in the microwave, and heat it up. Once it's done, cut open the bag and the food slides right onto your plate. It's so easy and the food always looks amazing and tastes even better.

They also have Luvo Bowls, perfect lunch portions, which I'm going to try as soon as I find them. Especially the Thai Green Curry Chicken. Get in my belly!

These meals are all filled with veggies, whole grains, and protein, perfect for anyone trying to eat right!

Check them out the next time you're in the freezer section and let me know which one is your favorite!

posted from Bloggeroid

What's in Your Running Bag?

Do you have a running bag? You know, one of those tote bags or gym bags that's chock full of everything you use on a regular basis?
I used to have a drawstring bag that I would throw a change of clothes in, plus whatever else I might need at a race. I didn't use it for much else because I ran in my neighborhood. I eventually upgraded to a gym bag, which became more important when I started going to group runs, and eventually coaching at those group runs.
I was printing out tomorrow's turn by turn directions and putting them into my bag when I realized what a hot mess it was.



I decided that it was a perfect time to clean it out and also show you what I keep in there. Are you ready?



Hats and visors. There were 2 more in there but I didn't want to scare you. Seriously, y'all, I love my hats. They are all from Skirt Sports to be honest. If you stop by the website any time soon, use code 1SSCAPT20 for 20% off.



A headlamp. I never thought I would be running with one of these, but we meet on weekdays at 5:30. In the morning. It's pitch black out, and pretty much still dark when I get back home. This one is rechargeable, and I only have to charge it every other week.



My beloved Aftershokz headphones. I am glad I decided to clean this bag out because they needed to be charged before I put them back. I don't usually use them on long runs, but you just never know. Plus, I always use them on weekdays because my group doesn't come to those runs so I often run on the track alone. Booooring.



My France2 sunglasses, which I only use on Saturday runs for obvious reasons. Tomorrow it's going to rain, so I won't be needing them, but they always stay in the bag, so I don't have to search for them.



These are for plantar fasciitis. I bought them for NYC but I haven't used them since. But.... you just never know....



Sometimes a girl needs to clean up after a run. If I'm going somewhere afterwards or I just feel gross, I can hop into the bathroom at Starbucks and get cleaned up. We meet up there after every long run and just take over the place. I just know they love us. Who doesn't want 20 or 30 stinky runners drinking coffee and hanging around on a Saturday morning?



Run Gum. They were having a sale so I got some to try out. Now I just need to remember to actually, you know, try them out.



NuGo bars are always in the outside pocket. Someone gave me the gels but I don't use them, so I plan to pass them on one of these days!



Showerpills! Oh my heck, I love these. I keep a ton in my bag, in case I need to share, they are perfect for post race clean up. One wipe takes care of your whole body. For real. Perfection.



Back up ear buds. In case I forget to charge my Aftershokz, which I know will happen someday because I'm a hot mess.



KT tape, moleskin, etc. because runners get hurt. It's always best to be prepared.



My Nathan belt. I got this when I started training for NYC and wear it for every run. I always keep the water bottles full, and a Nugo bar and a chapstick in the pocket. My phone fits in there, too.

What's in your running bag?


***This post contains affiliate links. I donate the proceeds to MDA Team Momentum***

posted from Bloggeroid

Thursday Training Update with Beachbody Performance

I received Beachbody Performance System products as A BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com where you can check out races, and leave reviews.

I am so blessed to be a BibRave Pro, y'all. On top of meeting so many amazing new people, I get the chance to try out products that I wouldn't have tried on my own.
Last week I started using the Beachbody Performance System. I was hesitant at first, because the Recharge drink comes in chocolate flavor, and I don't do chocolate flavor. I'm a chocolate snob, I'm not gonna lie. I told the folks at Beachbody this, and they hooked me up!



The boy got a little too excited about that cup, especially the insert for mixing. I had to call dibs. On my own cup. Ahhhh the life of a mom.

I start the day with Energize, which is lemon flavored. Fair warning, this is a caffeinated beverage, so if you and caffeine don't get along this won't be for you. I don't drink caffeinated beverages, ever really, so I watered it down a little. I did taste it before I watered it down and it had a really nice flavor!



After I have my Energize, I mix my Hydrate drink. Unless I'm getting up at 4:30 in the morning, at which point I make both drinks the night before. Hydrate comes in Citrus, and it's a really subtle flavor that I like a lot. It's not too sugary sweet and it doesn't sit in your stomach like some sports drinks tend to do. I usually make a double batch since my runs tend to go longer than an hour.



When I get back from my run, I make my Recover drink. This is the drink that comes in chocolate but they were kind enough to send me Orange. Y'all this tastes like a Creamsicle. Oh my heck. It's a little thick, but not like a shake, and super creamy. This is great for muscle recovery and helps reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. Perfect when you run on hills. Constantly.



Right before bed I mix up some Recharge, which is vanilla flavored. It's also a little thicker than the Energize and the Hydrate. It's designed to help your body overnight to fight against muscle soreness and to double up on fighting delayed onset muscle soreness. I drink it while I read before bed.



You can check out all of their products here. There are bundles to help you save by purchasing them all together, sample packs, and individual tubs of each product as well.

Now that we've learned all about my recent drinking habits, let's move on to the workouts!

Thursday I ran 4 miles with my running group and then had some friends over that night for some yoga.





Friday was a rest day, and I rested like it was my job.

Saturday was a preview run with the group, we were checking out the course of a future half marathon. My group ran 8 miles. We ran past this cool tree twice, so I had to snap a pic.



Sunday I rested again, that was a hilly 8 miles and my legs were tired!

Monday, too. Did I mention the hills?

Tuesday was cold and rainy. Yuck. I ran 3.14 for Pi Day though, because it was necessary.



Wednesday was Girls on the Run. We ran inside, which I'm not a fan of, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Nothing too exciting this past week, I'm afraid. I will be adding an extra day this week, to start prepping for Ragnar in June!

Have you ever tried Beachbody Performance? Do you have a favorite?

posted from Bloggeroid