Thursday, April 18, 2013

New Site and Boston

Hi guys- So I've decided to switch to http://runlucerun.wordpress.com/!! Please follow me and especially read my latest post on Boston and what we can do. http://runlucerun.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/what-we-can-do/

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

New Site!

Hi readers- I am thinking of switching to wordpress so please let me know which one you like better- this site or this one http://runlucerun.wordpress.com/

thanks a million!!!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

New Training Plan

Lately I've been hearing a lot of buzz about the Hansons Marathon Method so I decided to buy the book. I've read about this method in magazines, articles, and blogs before but never gave it any serious thought because I was an avid believer in the 20+ mile long run.  Of course my beliefs were based on nothing but, what I thought, was common sense- run a long distance to train for a long distance, right? Wrong. The Hansons method has your longest run capped at 16 miles. This may seem counterintuitive but is based on the theory of cumulative fatigue- increasing your training runs (running 6 days/week) to fatigue your legs so that by the time you hit your "long run" or 16 miler, you are running on tired legs. The point is to train to run the last 16 miles of the marathon, not the first. As any marathoner would know, the last miles are the hardest and many struggle not to hit the wall or bonk. I have always bonked.

I will note that this method seems like it will only work if you are willing to do all of the training runs, which are focused on pace- the goal is for you to maintain your marathon goal pace, the entire race.  It's very common for a runner's pace to slow after 16 or 20 miles because the body is tired and again, the runner has hit the wall. Every run has a purpose (speed, tempo, easy, strength) and there is minimal to no recovery between the runs. If you are someone who is trying to get by running 3-4 days (that was me), this is not for you, and you will also probably bonk during the race (that was me). The goal is to hit between 50-70 miles/week for an average runner or rather, for someone like me.

I'm really excited to try the plan because I've been trying to build up a decent base over the winter and really want to hit the 4:00 barrier in Berlin. Phil suggested I give up my Equinox membership and just focus on running, spending that money on a coach who will be able to help me become a better runner.

Sooo now the question is, should I get a coach or should I try out the Hansons method on my own?? OR get a coach from Hansons Coaching??

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Zucchini Muffins

Last night instead of going to the movies, I suggested to Phil that we make zucchini muffins because I had an extra zucchini and if I am going to eat any dessert, I wanted to make sure I knew what was in the food. OF COURSE he said okay, since he would be bringing home most of them. I made a healthy version of this recipe I found on allrecipes.com (my go-to). The recipe is for bread but I didn't have a bread pan so I decided to make muffins. They came out super moist and yummy. I also added choc chips to half the batch. Here's the recipe with my alterations:

Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup applesauce 
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated zucchini (about two zucchinis)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup choc chips (optional- but WHY wouldn't you?!)

Directions

  1. Grease two muffin tins. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
  3. Beat eggs, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared tins.
  4. If you are baking one batch at a time, bake for about 25 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. If baking both batches, bake for about 55-60 minutes. Cool on rack for 20 minutes. Remove muffins from tins, and completely cool.
CALORIES: 195 per muffin. If you add choc chips, it comes out to about 205 per muffin. 

The entire recipe made about 21 muffins but you can make more if you put less batter in each tin- I like bigger muffins so mine kind of overflowed :/

I also forgot to take pictures!!!! 

Monday, April 1, 2013

PPTC Fail, Easter, and Food Choices

I didn't go to my track workout on Thurs night. This is my problem- if I don't go running either right before or right after work, I will get lazy and comfortable. I got home at about 5:30 and track was at 7. So of course I lazed around and ate junk food, changed into my pjs and told myself I'd go tomorrow. I woke up and ran 7 miles but its just not the same. The workout was 12x200ms, which I did this morning in the middle of my run (right off the bus from D.C.).

Speaking of D.C...this weekend I was in DC helping Phil break his fast. I also forced him to run 10 miles with me on Saturday. Here's a photo recap of our run:

Our pre-run meal of oatmeal, bananas, and blackberries.


Ladybug running with Phil


We reached the midpoint and found a kite festival! Please ignore the face that he is making. 




Heading back into VA, past the Lincoln Memorial


Sunday morning I woke up to an Easter basket!! We had a long day of eating ahead of us but I still managed to break open some eggs to find some Reese's peanut butter treats. 


Phil broke fast with these pretzels. They were SO good and we're going to make them and share the recipe.


After we had our pretzels, it was time to go have Easter brunch with Phil's fam at a churrascaria- my first time ever!! I was scared and excited. It was amazing and I love hanging out with his family bc they are super cute and I get to hear embarrassing stories about Phil!



I'm not even kidding when I tell you that I gained about 5 lbs from just a few weeks ago. I will attribute most of it to yesterday's feast (worth it) but Phil's fast has also put my eating habits into perspective. We had a discussion about how you don't realize how many chemicals and unnatural products are in the foods that you eat every day. My goal this year is to become a better, more efficient runner, and I truly believe that my diet is getting in the way of this. So this week, I am going to try and limit my consumption of foods that contain chemicals, additives, and all that unnatural stuff, which ALSO means I will be cutting out CHIPS and DESSERTS (or maybe just limit them to only one day/week...). Let's see how I do. I will be logging my foods for all to see.

PHIL will also be writing a guest entry about his experience fasting for lent!!!! Stay tuned!!!!!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Eq class: Deep Extreme

Last night I took a new class (new for me) called Deep Extreme. This is the description of the class:

"The barefoot cardio training of the future. All you need is your body weight and your breath to experience this challenging, unique workout. Move, swing, hold, release and fly in the most recent creation of Robert Steinbacher, fitness genius. Get off the machines. Get on your feet."

Sounds kind of dumb, right? I thought so and refused to take it because I expected a bunch of weird dance movements and yoga-like poses. But then I did some intense googling and read a bunch of convincing reviews so I decided to give it a shot before my 6:30 dinner.

The instructor is pretty good. She is also super fit and pretty...because she's a model, obvi. She goes around the class and actually does the moves with you. If you're doing something wrong, instead of adjusting you she just stands in front of you and does the move so you don't feel dumb and singled out. This happened to me a few times.

The class is pretty fast-paced and non-stop. There were a lot of plyometrics, some swinging of the arms (but not in a weird way), squatting, kicking, balancing, planking, etc. - basically all movements with your body weight, which I prefer over dumbbells and body bars. My disgusting puddle of sweat and sore bod today has convinced me to take this class again. I LOVE finding new classes and can I say again how much I love Eq?!

I felt so good after the class I ordered a salmon burger, sweet potato fries and a MINT OREO CRUMBLE MILKSHAKE at dinner. I haven't had a legit milkshake in a long time and it was so f-ing gooooood. It was kind of worth going over my daily caloric intake by 1000...

Tonight is my 7th PPTC workout. Hopefully my sore calves will make it through the track.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Allstate Half-Marathon Recap



On Friday, as I was perusing Twitter, I came across tweets about the Allstate 13.1 in Flushing Meadow Park Saturday morning. I figured I 1) I had no plans on Saturday, 2) may be moving to the hood soon, and 3) had to get in a 13 mile run anyway, so I got myself a last minute bib and decided to run it. 

On race day, my dad drove me the start but we couldn't find the entrance so he said to me, "you like to run so run around and find it." Once I found it, I still had about an hour to kill so I went inside the Tennis Center and bought Welch's Fruit Snacks (my fave) as mid-run fuel. There were a lot of people just roaming around and since it was so cold, I just ran around trying to warm up. The announcer wouldn't stop rubbing the weather in our face. That was super annoying. 

Once the race began, I started with a 1:50 pace group but about 6 miles in I decided to toss aside any thoughts of a decent race time and run the course,  just to run. That and my Garmin died on me sooo....it was a pretty clear sign. I had never done that before and it felt so good!

The course: Flat with about 4-5 repeats on the same bridge. It wasn't very long/steep but do it at mile 12 and you want to kill yourself. There were also a few puddles that we had to jump over several times because the course repeated. It's pretty scenic at times and pretty not scenic at other times, esp when you're running next to the highway and can hear all the traffic. I hate running next to cars. There were spectators and bands scattered throughout so that was nice too. 

The weather: Sunny but WINDY WINDY WINDY. At times I felt like I was running on a treadmill. The winds were between 20-30 mph. It was like that almost the entire time. Good thing I stole tissue from the porta-potty because I was sniffling the whole time. 

Overall, I would run it again. They had lots of snacks afterward (including OREOS!) and a band playing. People were doing the electric slide to the music. The crowd is great and it's a very nice change from running around Central Park. Good job, Allstate!

Friday, March 22, 2013

PPTC#6

Ok, I just realized that last night was the 6th session and I've only gone to 3. From now on I must go to every, single one because I also realized yesterday that I am extremely slow. Here was last night's workout:

20 min warm up (I just ran to the track and did a few laps while there)
3x1000m
10 min cool down

At the end of these sessions, I am going to make a list of all the workouts and do them on my own when I really start marathon training.

I also tested out my new Wave Riders. They felt good on the track but my blisters from the Inspires were bothering me. I still have to test them on a run outside.

I ALSO realized last night that my new compression socks are going to clash with my sneakers!! Noooooo!!!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Back to the Familiar

Yesterday, I ran an easy 6 miles outside in my new Wave Inspires and got three blisters. I went back to the store and exchanged it for the good ol' Wave Riders. The most updated version is the 16. I guess I shouldn't have tried to be adventurous. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.


I missed my last two speed sessions with PPTC. I have to go today and if I don't, I will buy you (all four of you...) dinner.

Stay tuned!!

Monday, March 18, 2013

New Kicks and Weekend Excitment

I knew it was time for new sneakers when I started getting shin splints and blisters during every run. I deviated from my normal running shop and decided to stop in the Super Runner's Shop in BK. I'm so glad I did because they have this device that scans your foot and creates a mold of it. The mold is uploaded into a program, which shows you where you apply pressure the most, how low/high your arches are, and just by analyzing my stance the guy could tell I pronated more on one side (true). So he recommended that I try the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9, as opposed to the Wave Riders. The Inspires also have moderate support and just slightly more of an arch because I have a pretty low arch in my right foot. I tested these babies out on my treadmill run this morning and felt pretty good. I just need to test them outside now. I love new running shoes!!! 


To go along with my new shoes, I just ordered me some hot PRO Compression Marathon Socks. I tell you, once I shop, I can't stop. Stay tuned for the review. For 40% off, use code MARCH!


On another note, two major events happened this weekend

1. Baby Lucas is here!!!! I am going to be the best aunt ever and spoil that kid rotten. I am also going to take him running with me. Mommy is doing well and lookin' good and the baby is the cutest. 

2. Nancy finished her first 5k!!!! This was the 5k that my group of girlfriends were SUPPOSED to do together but two flaked and one got pregs (but still came out to support so equally as good!) (don't get me started on people flaking on races. That is an entirely different post...) BUT Nancy did such a great job. I ran from my apartment up to the race (11 miles) but I couldn't find the start so I just met her in the middle and ran about 2 miles with her. 

Random Notes:
I got 50% off my Starbucks latte this morning, which I'm pretty excited about. 
I made baked tofu last night and I'm kind of proud of myself. The brown stuff on the pan is the marinade I used - I poured the remaining over the tofu and baked it. 




Saturday, March 9, 2013

Shin splints

After my kb class on Wed, I woke up with pretty bad posterior shin splints (the inner part of the lower leg). It hurt to run the rest of the week so I kept my runs slow. I ran 12 miles today at a pretty slow 10:00 pace because I didn't want to risk injuring myself. I suppose the smarter thing to do would've been to not run at all but we all know I can't really do that. Anyway, so during my run I began to kick myself in the butt bc I forgot to kinesio tape my shins. I don't know if taping really works (like scientifically) but even if its all mental, it's pretty much my savior for minor aches and pains. Check out my taping job (and please excuse my pasty legs and chipped nail polish):



I decided to keep my run in BK today so I did a loop around the park then ventured over to BK Bridge Park again. During the last leg of my run, some three-year old kid (I'm really bad at guessing kids ages...) randomly started running next to me for a block. I looked down at him and he was looking up at me beaming. He seemed so happy to be running with me it reminded me of the real reason I run - because I just really enjoy it. It's that simple. I get so caught up sometimes with racing and times, I forget how fun and therapeutic the simple act of it really is. Thank you, random cute kid.



I also decided to give Gu gels another shot since PHIL (he wants me to stop calling him "P") bought me a bagful for the Chicago Marathon that I didn't use. I tried the Gu Roctane chocolate raspberry one and it wasn't bad at all. I think I have been converted.


I made a pot of turkey chili and cous cous salad so that I have lunch for the next two weeks. I'm so excited to eat it. I will post pics later. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Fasting with P

This weekend P made some delicious Daniel fast-friendly meals. Potato and leek soup and sweet potato burritos.

For the potato soup, P sauteed one leek, one onion, and one chopped up jalapeno. He then boiled 5 peeled/diced small potatoes and the leek mixture in one 32 oz box of veg broth. Once that started boiling and the potatoes became soft, he used an immersion blender to mix everything together until a creamy goodness was created.

p.s. someone please tell P to SHAVE his beard and get rid of those glasses!





The burritos didn't come out exactly how he wanted so we modified them into tortilla cakes. They were still really good and really easy to make- you literally combine masa flour with water. DAS it!

For the sweet potato filling, I boiled 3 sweet potatoes, mashed them, then we mixed the mash with brown rice, peppers, one onion, and one can of black beans. We then baked the mixture for about 10-15 min and threw it on the tortilla.





On Sunday my laziness from the weekend lingered and I could only muster up enough energy to run 10 miles. I did a loop around cp then ventured over to the west side. It was a pretty slow and low energy run.

Yesterday I tried my new Pearl Izumi spinning shorts!!! They were amazing. My butt doesn't hurt at all. They took a little getting used to but it's worth it. I ran for a little bit before spin in my shorts and that was not a great feeling...but doable! I just wouldn't go on any long runs with them...


p.s. I've gained 5 lbs in the past month. I don't know what to do but keep on eating!!!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

PPTC #3 and the BX

Two things happened today:

1. I started my first day in the Bronx. I walked through this scary tunnel thing from the subway to my building. I also learned that our new "offices" won't actually be offices. Boy, was I spoiled in Bk.

2. My 3rd PPTC track workout was this evening. We did pyramid intervals, sort of. We went up but didn't come down bc we didn't have that much time. The workout goes like this:

20 min warm up
400m at 5k pace
800m at 5k pace
1000m at 5k pace
1200m at 10k
1600m at mile pace
5 min cool down
2-3 min rests in between

You are supposed to do them again in the reverse direction (1600, 1200, etc) but we only have so much time reserved on the track so we didn't get to do them. I was pretty ok with that though...

Yesterday I used this digital scale that measures your body fat at the gym. ANOTHER great thing about Eq! I don't know how accurate it is but in addition to my body fat, I also learned that I gained 2.8 lbs. Not cool. Also, my friend B told me that at some of the gyms, they actually give you clothes and socks if you forget to bring your own (don't worry, they're clean). I am so impressed. I may have to go to one of these locations just to check out the clothing. B and I took a 30/60/90 class and again, I was dying. In a good way.

P is coming to town tomorrow to cook me some healthy food so I won't be working out after work. I will be pigging out instead. I will share pics of the meals that he makes me :D

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Weekend cured by running, Shake Shack, and TLC

I found a way to cure my weekend: I ran, ate, and listened to old school tunes.  I hadn't run in two days because I was stuck at work dealing with this fiasco. But yesterday I did the PPTC track workout that I missed at the gym: 10x400s with 10:00 "rests" and 7:20 sprints. I also took a Barre Burn class that kicked my ass and hips. Then today I ran a very nice 12 miler. I literally ended my run at Shake Shack and I am so excited to share my first bite (of the day) with you guys:


It's some good stuff. I got the single burger with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. I also got a diet coke because that is surprisingly my go-to drink after every longish run. I otherwise never drink soda (unless there is alcohol involved). I also downloaded the Pandora app on my iPhone and listened to TLC radio during my entire run. Now, let's talk about TLC. 

Last summer my girlfriends and I were at brunch at this spot in the West Village. It was a boozy one and we were singing, dancing, and eating all at the same time. Literally every single song that came on was an old school goodie and we asked the waitress for their playlist. She told us it was just Pandora, TLC Radio plus Beyonce. This was the best discovery of my life. Here are some of the artists I listened to during my run:

Mariah Carey (before she became wack)
Montell Jordan
3LW (remember them?!)
TLC (my fave)
SWV
Usher
Destiny's Child
Rihanna
Ashanti
Aaliyah (RIP girl)

And the awesome list goes on. I am truly a child of the 90s....

Now, I'm at work. I didn't even bother to shower. I bought some cleansing wipes and wiped my face then changed into an old workout top I found on my chair. I'm gross, I know. This is me being gross and procrastinating by taking pictures of myself at work. 


Goodbye, weekend. 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Weekend ruined

I just need to blow off some steam right now. As some of you may know, I'm switching jobs. I'm going to a different division, same agency...but it's a completely different position, diff law, etc. My start date was supposed to be in April. I found out at 3:30 pm TODAY via a mass email to the office that tomorrow will be my last day. So now I have one day to wrap up 5.5 years of work. I was supposed to go to DC this weekend to visit P but I won't be able to do that either because I have to work. And I think I'm breaking out. And I couldn't even go to the gym today. What a mess.

Aches and Pains

It's happened. My knees are starting to hurt. I have this ache behind my kneecap and it hurts when I bend it. It's my misaligned kneecaps. I am freaking out because this hasn't happened in over two years!!! I think I am ODing on the Eq classes that require a lot of jumping, which is rough on my granny knees. Today I'm taking a VIPR class and I think it should be ok. I'll see how I feel tomorrow and if my poor knees still hurt I'll take tomorrow and Saturday off so I can do my 12 miler on Sunday.

Ahhh I hate nagging injuries!!! I suppose the good thing is that now I am such a pro at being injured I recognize the first sign of these things and know when to stop. Thank goodness for this little piece of heaven:

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Art

Check out my new Groupon Goods order- it's a dry-erase wall decal!!!! I got it today and I am so excited. I was a little disappointed bc I thought it was an actual board but I'm over it. I'm going to use it to record my workouts. I already have the rest of the month filled in and will prob edit as the week goes on. Check out the bling on the corners. Ha! Now I just need more marker colors...

Monday, February 18, 2013

BK, Massages, and Purgatory

Saturday I ran 11 miles and decided to venture into new territory. I wanted to do 12 but I had left G at home and was excited to get to dim sum. Part of the joy of running is discovering new places, even in your own neighborhood. Instead of my usual route across the bridge, I ran into Brooklyn Bridge Park. WHY I just discovered this place is beyond me. It is so freakin pretty:



After dim sum, G and I were able to convince J to get a Chinese massage so I took them to this spot I discovered last year- $30 for an hour!!! I love Chinese massages bc these ladies/men are intense and your massage actually hurts...bc if it doesn't hurt then it's not working. When I'm training, I try to go every other week. It's really good for your muscles bc it loosens them up and prevents injury. Runners have really tight muscles and massage is basically foam rolling on crack. Really though, it's not just good for runners but anyone who is always on their feet or working out a lot. You have to be careful not to get one too close to a big race though bc you will and should be sore after a good massage.

More on my obsession with Eq: I took this class yesterday called Purgatory Bootcamp. I am not kidding when I say I was sweating puddles. I literally had to wipe my sweat off the floor with the towels we used for the gliding push-ups that I couldn't complete bc of my lack of upper body strength. The instructor was legit. His bio says he is a Pentathlon record holder and you could tell from the high knees, hurdles, sprints, fast feet, etc. that he made us do. The class was so packed that I had to push myself in between two sweaty people when I walked in late. But you don't care bc you are just so focused on getting the workout done. The instructor also walks around to make sure everyone's form is correct. I just loved this class so much!!!! Oh and it's 45 minutes straight with no breaks. He doesn't even let you keep your water bottle near you. I can't wait to go back and bring friends with me!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Valentine's and Jambalaya

P came down and cooked me vegan jambalaya and bought me some purty roses. We were on the hunt for tofurkey sausage and P was stressed out bc we couldn't find any. We substituted with tofu and he was not happy...but the jambalaya he made was really good and I am a huge tofu fan so was super excited. I'm really digging his fast.

I skipped the track workout and did my own during lunch. I did my favorite speed work, the 1-2-3s, going between 10:00 rests and 7:30 sprints with a ten minute warm up and cool down. I also took the Ripped Arms and Abs class. I gave myself a rest day yesterday bc I felt like crap so today I'm making up for it with 11-12 miles in the snow shower we're having.

Here is the delicious meal that P made! We also had ants on a log for dessert.




Today's also G's last day in NYC :( We're going to Chinatown for dim sum and this is G practicing being a Chinese fob:


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all four of my lovely friends/boyfriend who read this blog!!! P came down to NYC to share the day with me and he also came bearing gifts: Pearl Izumi spin shorts and spin shoes!!!!! I think I am the only girl in the world who prefers workout gear to jewelry. I will take photos of my presents later. For his vday gift, I will skip my second PPTC workout so I can watch him cook me dinner later. I emailed my coach this morning and asked for today's workout so I could do it on my own during lunch (bc today I can actually take lunch!!!!)

Yesterday was also the first day of lent. P decided to do the Daniel Fast for lent and is already dying. In preparation, I stocked up on fruits and veggies and made a brown rice stir fry with sweet potato fries for dinner. I thought it was pretty good but I think P was missing his usual meal of pasta and Italian sausage. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients for the Daniel-friendly stir fry:

  • Trader Joe's fully cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • 1 package of baby button mushrooms
  • 1 medium red pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions: Sautee everything in a pan!




On Easter we are, of course, going to a churrascaria.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Cookies and Snow

This weekend Juls had her baby shower and in my hunt for something blue to serve for dessert, I found these almond joy pieces at the supermarket:

Almond Joy Pieces

So of course I made ALMOND JOY COOKIES. I used this recipe I found online with just a few alterations:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda 
  • 1/4 tsp sale
  • 1 1/4 sticks butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 1/2 choc chips
  • 1 cup almond joy pieces
  • 3/4 cup coconut flakes
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 deg.
  2. Beat butter and sugars until creamy
  3. Mix in egg, milk, vanilla and almond extract
  4. Mix in salt, baking soda, and flour
  5. Stir in coconut, oats, choc chips, and almond joy pieces
  6. Roll dough into one tbsp balls and place on baking sheet, 2 inches apart
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes then remove to cool.



The second type of cookie I made was an OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIE, a recipe I also tweaked:

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 3/4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Cream together butter and sugars until smooth
  3. Beat in eggs and almond extract
  4. Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
  5. Stir in oats and raisins
  6. Roll tsp balls and drop onto baking sheet
  7. Bake about 10 minutes and cool.



Writing this recipe just made me really hungry.

In running news, the aftermath of the blizzard left the sidewalks covered in snow and ice. However, by Sunday, a lot of it was already shoveled to the side, which left me room to run 10 miles. I was a little slow because I had to jump over puddles and try to not fall on my ass but it was actually a really nice run. I didn't hit my 12 mile goal because I left G (who is visiting this whole week!) at Equinox with a guest pass. I could really use a cookie right now.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Track Workout #1

Yesterday was my first track sesh with the PPTC. There was a group of about 25 runners, from fast runners to really slow runners...but that's okay. We were all there to improve our own pace. The first workout was very basic and a lot of it was just explaining what the next 9 weeks will look like. So here's what we did:

20 min warm up around the track (boring)
Stretch, core exercises
4 x 800ms at 3:53 (7:48/mile pace)
5 min cool down

That's it. Pretty easy first time. I am really hoping my 800s will improve bc that is just not acceptable. I won't be able to make next week's workout because it's v-day and P tells me he is going to plan something (after I suggested to him he should plan something hehe)!! The coaches email workouts for the week depending on what you are training for. This weekend I'm supposed to run 14 miles...probably not going to happen in this blizzard. Maybe.

This morning I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to go to a spin class at Eq only to find out that IT WAS FULL!! WHO gets up that early?! Ugh. So I just did an easy recovery run on the treadmill while watching news about this big blizzard that's going to hit us tonight. The hourly forecast even says "blizzard." That can't be good.



Thursday, February 7, 2013

I can't believe I'm saying this but...

I LOVE MY GYM. So far, I've taken Barre Burn, Ripped Arms, Diezel Bootcamp, and 30/60/90. I am still sore from 30/60/90. The class consists of a lot of plyometric workouts, which I really need to do for running, and it is non-stop. You don't get any breaks. Before EQ, I used to hate the gym. Like, really hate it. I couldn't stand the classes and the smell. I was paying $70/month so that I could use the gym as a locker room when I went running outside. But now, I am actually excited to go to classes because the instructors are all so good and everyone is actually fit (models everywhere). I feel fat working out next to these people so it makes me want to work harder. The eucalyptus towels and Kiehl's products help too. Plus, there are enough locations so that I could still use it as a locker room when I run outside! Join and use me as a referral!!! You will not regret it!

Ok, enough of that. I recently joined the Prospect Park Track Club. They are some intense runners who constantly break 6:00/mile race paces. So, what better group to work out with? I signed up for a 10-week track session so that I can get stronger and hopefully faster. I feel like I lack the motivation to do speed workouts on my own plus I get access to an indoor track, which is key in the winter for speed.

This weekend I am going to make cookies and I will post more photos and recipes. Hopefully my stupid roommate won't eat them all!!!!!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

P's birthday weekend

To celebrate P's birthday, I asked him to buy (I mean order) me some new gear. I celebrated by going on an 11 mile run while he was working to test it out. I really like the Craft baselayer although it rode up a bit during my run. If I have one piece of winter running advice it would be to invest in a good running shell. Makes a huge difference. The Craft shell did a good job blocking out the wind and I definitely needed it yesterday running into Rock Creek Park.


This is my stuff.


Post-run coffee in Georgetown


I felt pretty good after my run. I had a negative split so was pretty happy about that. I wish we had more trails in NYC. For now I suppose I'll have to settle with doing loops around the park. Ugh.

Anyway, more fun things...we went CLUBBING after dinner. This is us plus a ghost in the photo:



Not much of a running update except that I love my Craft gear and I have to go out for a short run now. Oh and I had homemade pop tarts from Teds Bulletin for brunch! Once I find a recipe for these I will share. This one is peanut butter and bacon. It's for P.



Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I did it...

I joined Equinox. I couldn't take it anymore. My new year's resolution of cross-training has been hindered by the crappy classes at NYSC and the long waitlists for my kettlebell classes. And I cannot for the life of me do strength training on my own. So there, I joined. Last night I did a 3 mile run from my apartment to the gym near work, then I did some intervals on the treadmill, then took a Barre Burn class. I used to think these Barre classes were dumb but let me tell you, my hip flexors were on fire. It is so important to have strong hips because that is the cause of many, many running injuries. Strong hips and strong glutes makes for a strong runner.

I used to run every, single day. I am not even joking. I thought that the way to get better at running was to just do it ALL THE TIME...until I got injured, over and over again. I have seen my share of physical therapists in this city and I can give you a list of all my ortho doctors. I've learned that running 4-5 times a week is sufficient and that to become a strong runner you must cross-train, something I have neglected.

Thus, I have justified my membership to Equinox. Let the booty blasting begin. Who wants to come with me? I get guest passes!!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Weekend Update

The weekend is already a blur. Here are some highlights:

We finally saw Cindy's new pad out in Jersey (you know, that piece of land on the other side of the river). There were five of us girls from high school, reunited in Edgewater. Cindy made all this yummy Korean food, including do-it-yourself kimbap. I ate so much and it was all so good. If I could eat Korean food everyday, I would. I would also be  a piece of lard if I did that.


Cindy and Helen with the first batch:

The end result:

During breakfast on Saturday, the girls decided to run a 5k together.  This is GREAT because they are not big runners but have ALL committed to this. I've never run with any of them before so I am very excited because it should be a lot of fun!! The race will be sometime in March. I haven't run a 5k in about ten years but I think these shorter distances will be good for speed training. 

On Sunday I had high hopes of going to a 12 mile group run at 8 a.m. However, I didn't wake up in time because I went to a birthday party Saturday night (I didn't even drink). So instead, I did two easy runs- 6 miles Saturday and about 7 miles on Sunday. My hips are a bit tight today so I'm going to take the day off and go to KBs. I had another cookie for breakfast. This insanity needs to stop...

It's snowing AGAIN...everyone stay warm and run!!