Back to school, back to fall

Yesterday was the first day of school for many and Fall has definitely been in the air. There's still something magical about the back to school feeling and the way the air smells.

So even though I'm not "back to school" I can still enjoy my own September-based nostalgia.

The weekend was a busy one for sure. We saw lots of friends and family and had some great times. One of my friends really outdid herself with an amazing BBQ - the food was unreal. She's one of the few people who can make pinterest-inspired food actually turn out the way its intended. So delish!

Everything was gluten free, including the croutons on the salad. Homemade croutons!

We also did some more packing and storage. I'm always amazed at how much I can fit into my little car. The hatchback is ugly but it definitely has more space (I only got a hatchback so my bike would fit - priorities!)

My dad is coming over next weekend to help with the finishing touches and then we should be ready to go. It's just small stuff now - we've finally got the bulk of the stuff out. I set up the second bedroom bed yesterday and you can't even tell that it's an air mattress instead of a real one. Just need to steam those curtains out now and add some bulk. Our windows are just ridiculously wide -- I don't understand who thought those were a good idea. So standard curtains just looks sad and sparse (as you can see). I'm going to buy sheer panels to add in the middle and it should look nice and full. I have hope that one day I will have a week where I do not have to go to bed bath and beyond and curtains and packing are only a distant memory.

Yesterday was go-go-go with a day full of meetings, a new haircut and colour (bye bye greys) and dinner with a friend who is going to be several hours away for a few weeks. It was also a day where I didn't have time for a workout and I ate two meals out (ick! Always try to avoid that). Tonight I have a run on the schedule and tomorrow the gym. The weather is cooling down enough that I'm willing to consider hot yoga again, but I just don't like the location I'm at right now. Unfortunately, my whole reasoning behind my membership was the fact that I was getting the gym, pool and hot yoga in one membership for less than I was paying for all three separate. Sigh. I'll have to suffer in silence for now #firstworldproblems

My last open water swim was this past Saturday and IT.WAS.COLD! We have been fortunate to have lovely water temperatures this whole season, but Saturday it was windy and the water was freezing and wavy. Every time I lifted my face to breath, I got a mouthful of water. So gross. While I was standing outside, freezing my butt off and trying to wiggle into my wetsuit, I definitely wondered why I do this to myself. Of course, afterwards it's a different story. It's true what they say about the only workout you'll ever regret is the one you didn't do. So I'm glad I went, cold as it was. Oddly enough, I stopped dreading the OWS after the breathing thing was sorted and actually enjoyed myself. I'm sure next season will start with some anxiety around getting back into the open water, but who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself after swimming all fall and winter. Now it's time to patch up all the holes I put in my wetsuit this year and pack it away for next year. Now husband can stop complaining about finding it in the shower. Unfortunately the goggles and swimcaps in the sink aren't going anywhere anytime soon ;)

It's the perfect time of year for running, so I'm really looking forward to tonight. I'm feeling a slight burning in my throat so hopefully I'm not getting sick.

Hope all of your Wednesdays were splendid! The weekend is almost upon us again!

Welcome back to actually working out

 Last night was just full of fitness. I'm exhausted! Today will be a much needed rest day (aside from getting in my 8300 steps for the Carrot App).

Yesterday after work I headed straight to the gym for a quick 45 minute strength training session. I tried a different technique today and went for time rather than reps. Bottom line -- it hurt. It's so much easier to do 10-15 reps rather than crank out a full minutes worth. It was definitely a good switch up. Depending on the exertion I took anywhere from between 30s-60s rest between sets, but kept it consistent. 

Here's what I did:
Back Press (? I don't know what that machine is called. The one where you lean back) 3x60 seconds (70 lbs, 90 lbs, 100lbs) I really felt this one on the run after!
Chest Press 3x60 seconds (I used 10 lbs for this as I am working through an injury)
Pullover (triceps) 3x60 (10 lbs -- and it was brutal)
Lat Pulldowns 3x60 (60lbs)
Bent over Rows 3x60 (2x15lbs)
Then, because I was running out of time, I did a few quick core exercises
Heel touches x50
Head to knee crunches x50
Leg Raises x30

That was all I had time for, so I packed it in and headed out on a 6.6k run with some great people! I haven't run that long since ... I'm guessing around March? It was great! I had zero pain in my knee and the kilometres flew by with all of the good vibes and good conversation. I've really missed running with a group so it was great to get out there. I may be losing my "sleep in and do nothing Monday" to fitness this long weekend, but I think I'm okay with that :) I'd love to get my distance back up. I don't care as much for speed right now, but I'm sure in time that will come.

I used skratch electrolyte powder for my run and a couple of pink lemonade honey bee stingers (left over from an open package from my tri) that I took right before the run with some water. While I was tired I was still feeling fairly energetic. The three gels did the trick and gave me the little boost in energy that I needed to power though the run.

I definitely have some goals percolating in my mind - but there will be a lot of factors at play in what is determined. For now, the only 100% is the Ragnar relay next year which I am so excited about and Iron Girl. Iron Girl was such a great experience that I definitely want to take part again and hopefully some of my non-triathlon friends take the plunge and give it a shot. Iron Girl is the perfect venue to try out triathlon.

Tonight is another CSA day! I'm amped to pick up our produce and see what goodies we get this week. I also REALLY need to do something with the patty pan squash. It's starting to pile up and I'm too nervous to cook it. Need to get over that ASAP. I think I'll try roasting it first and if that doesn't taste good, maybe I'll aim for the stuffed ones. I just don't generally like stuffed foods.

Happy Thursday. It's a good week to get out there and crush some fitness goals!!

What's up Wednesday!

 Wednesday - we have arrived! Linking into What's up Wednesday

 

What we're eating this week:

 

Well, I've been going a little pasta crazy. So far we've had shrimp pad thai and an old fave - hamburger casserole. Tonight I'm thinking something light like fish or chicken. Choices choices choices

 

What I'm reminiscing about:

 

Honestly, I'm still thinking about my Irongirl.

It. Was. Awesome!

 

Sometimes a good race experience will just carry you along for ages. This one will have to carry me right into next season, but while I'm still doing at least one last OWS, tri season is finito for me. Next year I'll probably register for more than one :)

What I'm Loving:

I am digging these cooler temperatures. I love that I can still run in shorts and be warm, but not be pouring sweat and wishing I could lay down in the grass somewhere. I sweat enough on a regular day. I really don't like the heat or summer making it worse! I'm also loving the faint scent of Fall in the air. I'm just waiting eagerly for September 1st so that people stop giving me cut-eye when I say it smells like Fall.

 

What we've been up to:

Well, it's no secret that we've been getting our place ready to go up for sale. It's been tough accepting that our weekends and evenings are basically dedicated to working on the condo. We still have things to do, but the list is shrinking and I think *fingers crossed* it should be ready to go up in about a week and a half.

 

What I'm dreading:

Figuring out what to do with our cats while the place is up for sale. Seriously.

 

 

 

 

What I'm working on:

See -- What we've been up to. Let's face it. Getting the condo ready has taken over our lives. Now I just need to figure out how to paint behind a toilet without actually having to remove it.

 

What I'm excited about:

All things fall! Pumpkins, hot chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, pea coats, tall boots, scarves, the first light snow fall.

Picture found here

I'm also excited for all of the great friends we will be seeing this weekend!

 

What I'm watching/reading:

We are just finishing up season 10 of the original 90210. Last time we watched the series, I got so irritated by Gina in season 9 that I just ditched it. Didn't even buy season 10. A few months ago the nostalgia hit and this time I was able to keep my gina-anger under wraps so I can see how this series unfolded. My parents wouldn't let me watch this when I was younger, so I am seeing this all through fresh eyes!

 

 

 

I am currently re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Yes. I have a problem with re-watching and re-reading things.

 

A great book that I recently finished was "The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan" by Whitney Dineen. The main character annoyed me for a few pages and then I couldn't put it down. It's a quick fun beach read and definitely has some laugh out loud moments. There is a second book, but it's not quite as funny. I have so many books waiting to be read and there are a ton of books that I've had recommended to me for September that I'm looking forward to!

 

What I'm listening to:

Friends, I'm old. I listen to talk radio while I drive.

I have been really loving the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis google play station while I run though. I went for a short 3k yesterday (yep -- that's me easing into things) and it basically just went back and forth between Eminem and Macklemore. It was awesome!

 

 

Picture found here

 

What I'm wearing:

I'm already in Fall colours and warm sweaters. I bought this sweater back in August and I love it. I bought it a bit big because I like to be cozy but I'd say it's relatively true to size. It's called the Cocoon sweater from RW&CO

I've got my eye on some tall boots now that just need to happen for this fall!

 

What I'm doing this weekend:

With the wonderful long weekend ahead (almost there!!) we have lots of things going on. Let's just say there's going to be friends, family, bbqs, fire pits, and continuing to fill my parents basement with our stuff!

 

What I'm looking forward to next month:

 

 

It being socially acceptable to be excited about fall and finally getting my cheer essential oil!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Tell me about it, Tuesday

Busy busy day yesterday. I had so many stops to make after work (boring stuff like gas and cat food) but I still got my run in. I did a 5.1k and it was just the most lovely evening for a run. Still shorts and t-shirt weather thankfully, the weather was warm but not too hot, the sun was fading so it wasn't too bright and a few leaves were even falling from the trees. I love a good evening run! I kept my pace pretty slow - I'm mostly testing my knee right now and seeing how it holds up. Unfortunately while it holds up well during speed work, it's usually after that I have the most problems. But with my slow and steady pace (around 6:30) I was able to cruise the neighbourhood pain-free.

 Tomorrow if the weather cooperates I will do a 6-7km run with some friends after the gym. The weather app has changed from sunny to storms and back to sunny, so who really knows what's happening. I'm just happy that for the first time in a really long time, I feel motivated to run. I don't know if it's the cooler weather, the happy essential oils, or the feng shui of our newly decluttered condo-life ... but something is working out! I have definitely been in a fitness slump lately- hard to accomplish in the throes of triathlon training, but there it is. With a slump comes the ickiness of not feeling your best physically or mentally.

Three cheers for getting back into the swing of things.

I also happen to love running through the Fall -- especially when it gets a little chilly. So refreshing!

 

Today will likely be a day devoted to more packing (sigh). I don't want to throw myself back in to running at 110% and crash and burn. I've never been good at taking things slow either so we'll see how that goes.

 

Dinner last night was shrimp pad thai. I'm in love. Former shrimp-hater turned addict right here. We went for less rice noodles which resulted in a excellent shrimp-noodle ratio. It also turned the meal from around 5 servings into 3 which is much better because the fifth one was usually shrimp-less and basically just noodles with green onions, egg and maybe half a peanut. Honestly - issues.

 

Happy Tuesday -- the long weekend draws another day closer. I can almost feel the good times and taste the gluten free s'mores already!

 

 

Monday, we meet again

Well, what a whirlwind of a weekend. Saturday I had a planned open water swim and let me tell you -- if there wasn't any accountability, I would have stayed in bed. Mornings are always hard for me - 4 hours of sleep is even harder to get up from. However, I know myself, and so I had people that were waiting on me and that got my butt out the door. It was only 9.5 degrees when we arrived and we quickly put our wetsuits on just for the warmth. I don't think any of us were keen on actually getting into the water. Thankfully the water was significantly warmer than the air and it was just gorgeous to swim in. Mary and I did a 1km loop together, and our friend Krista did 2 loops in preparation for her half ironman coming up. Then we met up with our 3x Ironman Cathy and went for breakfast where we all talked about past races, upcoming races and what 2018 holds. Even though they ran out of gluten free pancakes, we still had a great time! There's not much time left for open water swims, so we will definitely be going this week and that might be it. Then it'll be back to the pool.

 

 

Would have missed this gorgeous view if I slept in

 

 

After I was home and changed I packed up a few more boxes and husband and I headed to my parents house where we had a wake for Molly. My dad spread her ashes around the backyard that morning. The backyard was her favourite place to chase rabbits and squirrels, bird watch and just be nutty, so it was the perfect place to let her go. We talked about some funny/happy memories and how sad we all were that she is gone. I brought over some pictures that I'd taken over the years and my dad took one to keep in his locker at work. We all miss her terribly. My dad has decided to wait until January to get another dog - in his words "2017 is Molly's year". Can't argue with that.

Sunday was a productive day. I volunteered in the morning while husband worked and then we got into full "gotta get out of this condo" mode. He finally finished putting the bed together (which is too big -- sigh) and I cleared out our bedroom, and vacuumed in places that I'm fairly certain have never seen the vacuum since we moved in. So much dust! Our room just needs the curtains to be changed (which means I need to iron the new ones) and for me to wash and put the new bedding on and it's ready to go. The second bedroom will be a little more work. With the bigger bed, we need to re-evaluate the furniture choices so it doesn't appear too cramped, and I need to iron those curtains as well. I wish they just came flat.

While I was clearing out our room, I used the doTERRA easy air in my diffuser and it was such a pleasant smell (and really kept it smelling fresh and clean. Obsessed friends -- Obsessed!! I'm putting in an order this month for a few more scents (that I've been dying to get) -- can't wait!

 

 

Today I'm going to go on a run after work (and after picking up some necessities) and see what my knee feels like doing. That 10k is looming closer and closer and I've heard it's a hilly one!

 

One day closer to the long weekend! It's going to be a busy one, but I'm ear-marking that Monday as a (hopefully) big ol' day of NOTHING. I can't even imagine the delicious-ness of a "nothing" day. Fingers crossed!

 

Thursday thoughts

What a week! This has been one of those long drawn out weeks which I'm thinking is because starting the week exhausted is a bad idea. Note to self: Never work the day after a triathlon, even a short one.

I took two rest days, but last night went back to the gym to get back on track. My legs were still feeling fatigued, so I focused more on upper body. It was painful, but felt good to get back at it!

I started out with 10 minutes on the treadmill to get warmed up - usually I do the rowing machine, but there was someone on it and he looked like he would be there for awhile (and he was there well beyond my 10 minutes on the treadmill).

This is what I did:

Deadlifts (3x15)
Bent over rows (3x15)
Shoulder press with dumbbells (3x15)
Standing overhead dumbbell press ladder (3 sets - I do 1,3,5,10 on each arm)

Lateral raises (3x20)
Front raises (3x20)
Bicep curls (3x20)

Then I finished off with abs

Crunches (3x30 head to knees)
Russian twist (3x40 -- 20 per side)
Leg raises (3x20)

All wrapped up with some stretching. I did attempt the Heidi Powell peach butt hip thrusts, but since it was more of an experiment to see what it was like, I wouldn't really count it. I'll say this though - it's worth covering the bar in either the foam or a towel because ouch.

As a disclaimer I will add that I am simply documenting my workout and not encouraging anyone else to go out and do this. It works for me and I've had success in building muscle and strength with what I do.

Super excited for our produce box today! We don't have much left from last week and could use a refill. Some weeks they send out an email with what you'll be getting that week, but it's random and today is a mystery. I'm also really looking forward to my Friday Favourites post for tomorrow - I've actually remembered to take pictures and I'm excited to share some of my favourite things this week.

Sorry there's no pictures today! Next time I'll take some gym pictures ;)

Getting ready for the weekend! (Totally have the theme song from they weekenders in my head right now - anyone remember that cartoon?)

Irongirl 2017 and other weekend things

This weekend was a doozy! It was definitely not restful, but was full of fun and good times (I've already ear-marked this coming Saturday as the day to sleep in ... it's been so long!!)

Saturday was a flurry of renovations. We are starting to do the final touches on our condo, so it was just boring stuff like door knobs, baseboards, constant trips to home depot and hearing my bank account crying.

Sunday ... Sunday was a day of action. I woke up bright and early for my irongirl after pressing snooze 15 times. I was so nervous but focused on getting my gear together and getting on the road. It was about an hour drive, which always makes things a little more stressful. Luckily our drive was quick and we made it there in ample time. I left my husband with my piles of bags so that I could set up my transition area, signed in, grabbed my wetsuit and we headed down to the water. The swim was a straight line down the beach, so we actually had to walk to the start line since the transition area was at the finish line. I squeezed myself into my wetsuit which was still a little bit wet from Saturday's OWS (damp wetsuit = most uncomfortable thing ever) and proceeded to warily glare at the water as the announcer reminded us all that the swim would be starting in 11 minutes. At this point I was reunited with some of my swim friends/supporters and with their encouragement along with my husbands I went down to the water and did a few minutes of back and forth swimming to warm up. Best idea ever by the way!

About a minute before my start time I realized my age group was wayyyy up front, so I managed to get there in time and we were off! The nice thing about this swim course is that it is along the beach so if you really wanted to, you could stand. Heck you could walk the entire course if you wanted to (which some people did and it looked exhausting). Now 500 m may not seem like much of a swim to all those seasoned triathletes out there, but for me to actually swim the entire course and not freak out, well it was huge! The last time I did a triathlon I mainly doggy paddled/panicked and was the very last out of the water. This time I was about half through my age group. Unfortunately no one expected me to finish so quickly, so they all missed me at the swim exit. My husband kept saying "but you told me it would take you half an hour". Yes dear husband, but that was actually just dramatic over-estimating (I was thinking more like 20).



I clearly like my space.

 

I'm the one swimming

So I was off to the transition area where I struggled out of my wetsuit and upended my entire transition area because I needed my towel to dry my feet. My nice organized area was basically just a pile of tri stuff now, so I grabbed what I needed and was off. The bike portion was by far my favourite, and not just because for the first time I was the one passing people and shouting out "on your left", which by the way, very few people actually do. I coasted along at a steady 27/28kmph on the way out, and on the way back the headwind kept me around 25-27 depending on the gusts. I saw my husband as the bike exit (finally!) and headed off to change shoes. The running leg was by far the most painful and dreaded piece for me. As someone who used to love running with every fibre of my being, I've struggled with being injured making running a (sometimes) painful experience. I don't look forward to it anymore because who looks forward to pain? Thankfully my run was pain-free but omg was it ever challenging! My only real goal in the running piece was to keep moving. I knew that if I stopped, I wouldn't start again. I did a brisk walk through each aid station, sipped some water and poured a cupful over my head each time. It was incredibly hot and sunny, without a single cloud in the sky. Soaking myself helped immensely!


I'll tell you - the finish line has never looked so inviting as it did yesterday! I had my friends cheering and my husband taking thousands of pictures, while the announcer said my name wrong and I saw a glistening cold water bottle being handed to me. And the medal ... so lovely! I (naturally) immediately began to contemplate which race to do next. I swear triathlons have the same amnesia effect as birth. You forgot the pain, the ugliness, the trauma and just remember the happy parts; the medal, the finish line, the awesome splits.

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't train as hard for this tri as I did for others, but I focused instead on overcoming the barriers that were slowing me down. I cycled fairly regularly with my group and I think I missed two open water swims over the entire season. I also swam often at the gym. I had to work really hard to get past my issues with swimming. Forcing myself into the water every week was part of that, but I also can't forget the incredibly amazing and patient people I had on my side. My swim coach had no problem telling me I was being irrational and he learned very quickly the best way to push me. I went into his class not even being able to breathe properly and so tense in the water that I could barely move. He basically just constantly yelled breathe and relax at me (after teaching me the correct way to breathe that is) and it somehow worked its way into my brain. I'll never forget the day when I was bobbing around with the rest of the class in the middle of the quarry and realized that here I was, in the middle of a huge expanse of deep water with no rapid escape possible and I didn't care. At all. I wasn't even vaguely concerned. This is from the girl who used to swim 10 strokes and then flail her way back to solid ground. To say I've made progress is an understatement. This is my 3rd triathlon (would have been 4th, but one was changed to a du at the last minute), and it is the first one I have actually swam for. I class this as my first real triathlon, because I finally have the experience of what it is to swim, get out of the water, bike and then run. It's hard, it's ugly and it is so much fun!

\

 

And friends, look at this medal!!

Worth it! It sparkles!

I should add, that if you haven't heard of/done an Irongirl race, I would highly recommend it. It's a great sprint for people new to the sport. They are very determined to keep people safe and make sure they have a good time. There were tons of boats and rafts in the water for people who needed help, the swim was along the shore for those afraid of deep water, they had aid stations at every km during the run and the course was relatively flat for both the ride and run. The run had two semi-steep hills, but not terrible and the ride had a few rolling hills but was a nice road overall. This was the perfect race for me to get back into triathlon and be excited about it!
My only complaint was the lack of port-a-potties. We couldn't find them anywhere, and when my husband finally did find them, there were only 2. Regardless, this is a race that will likely become annual for me!

So you may think that after such a tiring morning, I would be heading home to a nice long nap. Well, not this time. I drove an hour home, showered and ate while I drove an hour in the other direction to my brother's girlfriend's baby shower. My nephew is due in December and I couldn't be more excited! Unfortunately I didn't take any photos, but I can assure you that it was a lovely afternoon filled with sweet little baby clothes, and lots of "oohs and awwwwws" over tiny baby boy outfits. Because seriously, baby clothes are just the cutest. This reason alone is why I can't stop buying things for him.

Well, this has been a super long post, but such an excellent race deserves it!
If you made it to the end, I commend you!
Today will be a well-deserved rest-day with pasta with homemade Bolognese sauce on the menu for tonight!

Happy Monday!

 

Friday Favourites!

My first ever Friday Favourites!
I'm linking up with some of my favourite blogs to take part in a post I've loved to read every week!


#1 Mix and Match Mama's Honey Pecan Chicken recipe
I had this last night for dinner for the second time and I just can't get over it. It is SO fast, so easy and so gluten free. I went with Shay's use of both white and dark meat and it was fantastic! I removed the thighs after 25 minutes and cooked the chicken breasts for another 15. It all came out wonderfully. This is definitely a favourite from our dinners this week! I'm not posting my own picture (because I forgot to take one), but I'll leave you to click the link. Her picture is amazing anyways :)

#2 My Lululemon Glide and Stride shirt
This shirt is so comfortable, so cute and I just can't get enough of it. I was able to get it for $39 from the sale instead of its original $74, which just adds to my enjoyment. I love that it comes with a built in bra, and I can't get over the sides. Sometimes I need to take a minute to just flit around in front of a mirror and look at it's adorable-ness. Hmm, that might be weird.
I also found it was true to size, and bought it in my usual 6. I wear a 6 in bottoms and tops religiously and have only deviated when I've read enough reviews to know I need to size up or down. Love those reviews.

 Images from here

#3 CSA Produce Day
I signed our home up for a CSA produce package that we pick up weekly from a home nearby. Unfortunately we don't live in one of the cities with delivery, but it's not much of a hassle to pick it up. It's actually on my way home from work. Each week we get a selection of local veggies and fruits, plus I added a $10 fruit basket. It's all organic and sooo fresh and delicious. It also forces me to think outside of the box for my meals, because I need to use up the produce! So far we have really cut down on grocery shopping. I still buy berries, watermelon and peaches/nectarines/plums, but I never really buy veggies anymore. It's been awesome! We have had some items that we aren't so inclined to use, luckily I can give those away to willing co-workers and friends who are only too happy to accept :) Case in point - those limes went to my co-worker today (he got them last time too!)
If you have a local CSA, I would highly recommend signing up. It is so worth it!

 

 

#4 teapigs Tea
This stuff is like the holy grail of tea to me. The chai masala and morning glory are my favourite flavours and I cannot get enough. I've seen them pop up here every now and then, but they never stick around in stores. They actually had it at picklebarrel the last time I went, but the morning glory was called English breakfast and didn't taste the same.

The tea temples have full tea leaves in them and are full of flavour like you wouldn't believe. My friend sent me some from the UK once, and now includes them every time she sends me a package, because she's just the best! If you ever see this tea - buy it. You won't regret it!! I am literally enjoying a cup of morning glory as I type this.

Images from here

 

Well, that's it for today. I'm sure that there is more I have loved this week, but these are the top 4!

Happy Friday!

 Alright, getting the hang of this now! Last night was super busy - I went grocery shopping and it somehow took three hours (3 stores, Costco being one of them), and simultaneously tried to cook, and unload the dishwasher when we had what could only be described as a meat explosion which resulted in beef blood everywhere. Costco - you suck at packaging beef. Honestly. Then, because there wasn't enough drama, I dropped the package of sausage I was cooking and the casings fell on the floor. Ah, more meat contamination. My husband is a total germaphobe so he was all over cleaning it up, but omg we were laughing so hard. I mean really, if you can't laugh about that stuff you'll go crazy.
On the menu for dinner? Rachael Ray's Sausage and Kale pasta -- so good and so fast. The only changes I make to convert it to gluten free is I use gluten free linguine from Catelli (the Barilla one is also incredible and I think they do fettuccine) and I make sure my sausage is gluten free, because a lot of them have wheat crumbs hiding inside. This meal makes it into our rotation at least once every two weeks, if not once a week. It also does well for leftovers.

Still working on doing pictures, but we started off this morning with our hemp heart shake, which in reality tastes like banana chocolate milk. I can't handle synthetic protein/protein powders, so we go with hemp hearts. They probably cost about the same, but at least they are a healthy, whole food. I have been thinking about trying the aloha protein powder, but since I've yet to find one I can stand the taste of, I'm reluctant to spend the money on buying it. I wish there was a way to test these things before purchase.

For those of you who enjoy a good smoothie in the morning, here's a nice one to add to the mix:

3 tbsp. of hemp hearts (which is 10g protein)
1 cup almond milk
1 banana
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
Blend till smooth and you're good to go!

I use frozen bananas because they add cold to the smoothie and I find that unfrozen bananas make the smoothie chunkier. If you were going to use a fresh banana, I'd suggest adding a few ice cubes to the blender as well.

Today's plan is for a quick strength training session followed by a 5k run. Wish me luck - it's hot out there!

What? Two days in a row?!

This must be a miracle. I'm actually blogging two days in a row. I told you this time I was going to make it work. I'm going to aim for day three!

 

So last night I accomplished three things that made me happy. I got my steps in (8300). That damn carrot app. I was so close that I literally danced around my bedroom to hit my goal before bed.

I made a new (healthy) meal. I made Cajun haddock with rice and green beans.

I went to spin class and despite reallllllly not wanting to go, I dragged my butt there and sweated up a storm. I love the Tuesday coach - he's the kind of coach you see on youtube. He screams and yells and sings along with the music. He actually makes you want to push harder and work till you can't pedal anymore. If there's any class I can drag myself to, it's his.

I'm nervous about my triathlon this weekend. While I've focused heavily on swimming - my weakest sport, I haven't done nearly as much running as I should have. I know the bike will be fine - I really enjoy cycling and I'm pretty decent at it, but running has been sorely neglected this past year. Ever since I injured my knee I don't see running the same as I used to. It also doesn't help that the pain is random -- sometimes it hurts at 3k, sometimes 6k ... I even went up to 8k without pain. Without knowing, it's hard to set out on a route where I might need to stop halfway through and then be forced to walk home.

The trials and tribulations of a wannabe tri-athlete :)

There's also the fact that by the time I get to the run, I'm going to be exhausted. It's going to be a very long 5k. I have wanted to do this triathlon for ages though, so I am excited to have the opportunity.  The medal is HUGE.
Yes ... I do races just for the medal. I have a 10k in September that I am running simply because the medal has a panda bear on it. It will be so brutal.

No clue what's on the schedule for dinner tonight -- THIS is why meal planning is so crucial. I really need to make use of the crock pot. Eventually I will start posting pictures to go with these posts so they aren't so boring :)

Wow, I think my last post from January just proved how bad I am at keeping up with blogging. Here we will try again.

It's been on my mind for a long while to attempt to do this blog thing regularly, if only as a way to document for myself what's been going on in my life. I've also been inspired by seeing bloggers who are hitting these spectacular anniversaries and have managed to blog regularly despite their busy lives.

So here we go - again.

What do I have to offer to readers? That's a tough question. Who says my life is more interesting than anyone elses. So for now, nothing. Ha, how's that for motivation?

I want to work on a few things in life right now, which kind of goes off of my initial list from January:

1. To lose weight. I may have never gained the freshman 15, but I did gain the marriage 15 and I'm not happy with it. Dessert every night is not realistic.

2. To establish and maintain a fitness schedule. So far the only thing I done weekly without fail is my open water swimming lesson on Saturdays. I do workout at least 3 other days in the week, but it's random and sporadic and what achievements can I expect without dedication. I've learned that I need to be held accountable (thanks mom -- I think I got this from you), so here's me being accountable.

4. To meal plan. Soooo much easier said than done. Sometimes my husband and I end up either eating at 10pm or eating breakfast for dinner. Time to work on that.

5. To find balance and minimize clutter. As we are in the process of preparing our condo to sell, we are decluttering (urmm ... packing stuff to put in my parent's basement is decluttering right?). We plan to have a garage sale once we move and actually have a garage, but we are determined to declutter our lives. A two bedroom condo is small and difficult for two people who knew they'd be in a house eventually but that's still not a reason for me to collect piles of vintage furniture. I have a problem and it's name begins with antique.

On the plus side, I have been trying new recipes, and I have managed to keep up with my gratitude journal every night. So I'm getting there :)

So that's where I hope to go and where I hope to be!

 

Adios.

 

New Beginnings

Hello blog world!

I can't say this is the first time I've attempted to start a blog - but we will see if this one can actually persist!
Since it's January, I figured I would list my resolutions. I never used to believe in resolutions, but they are actually a useful way to encourage yourself to do things you otherwise might just keep assuming you'll do later. Like start a blog. So here goes:

1. Start a blog - duh - and actually update it - hmm...

• Starting a blog - Well, starting it is easy enough. It's the updating part I worry about

2. Fill up my gratitude journal each day with five things I'm grateful for

• I already love my gratitude journal so that seems like it will be easy enough to continue with 

3. Train for irongirl (mostly this means get my ass in the pool)

• Training for Irongirl will be interesting. This will be my first time tri-training solo. I've already found a cycling group I'm going to attempt to join. Apparently registering is as difficult as getting concert tickets. Fingers crossed! I've also found a running group, though their 7am start time on Sunday is fairly disconcerting. The swim part will be hard. I have a possible sometimes swimming mate, though she is far more accomplished than I am (on the way to her third ironman). I really really don't like swimming - especially in open water, but I've done it before for longer distances, so I know I can do it again. 

4. Try one new recipe every two weeks (husband  isn't bold enough for weekly - I tried)

• My Mr. recently lamented my large amount of cookbooks (what a party pooper), so here is my attempt to show him that I do in fact use them. Mind, this wouldn't need to be a resolution if I actually used them. Hmm.

Four resolutions shouldn't be challenging right? Only one way to find out!