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By Liz, February 1, 2010 10:10 pm

Hello Hello!

So, I’m just gonna jump right in and announce my 100th post giveaway winner:

Congrats Marissa! It sounded like you needed them, too! Just e-mail me your info and shoe size and I will send a new pair of Drymax socks your way.

So, yesterday was my birthday. Yay for 22! I went to my parents house for a very lovely dinner.

I’m assuming some of you have seen Julie & Julia. Well, my dad made one of the star dishes of the movie. I had none other than beef bourguignon for my birthday dinner.

The whole meal:

This was one of the most soul warming dinners I have had. I’d liken beef bourguignon to a fancy beef stew….extremely amazing fancy beef stew. I also loved the sides. At first glance, it looked  just a small potato. Yet when ripped open with a fork, the potato turned into the perfect vessel for one of those perfect bites. And of course, you can’t go wrong with green beans. They’re like french fries I swear!

Of course, there was some wine involved. Who would I be if I didn’t accompany a good class of wine with a meal like this?

I picked up this bottle about a month ago and wanted to save it for a special occasion. And I couldn’t have picked a better occasion. I have to say, I think this is my favorite red wine at the moment. It is one of the most drinkable red wines I have found, like sipping real grape juice but with a kick. Soooo good.

And next, there was the yearly chocolate cake. Every year since I can remember, I have had my Dad’s chocolate cake for my birthday.

Pillows of chocolate heaven covered in fudge. Yeeees please!

Truly, this has been one of the best birthday’s I ever had. I was surrounded by my family and friends and felt so blessed.

On one final note, I wanted to recap my track workout today. It was 200m repeats but with a twist. Maybe I’ll call it Continuous 200s.

Warmup: 2 miles, 400m pick up and 2×200 strides

Workout: 10×200m with a 200m running rest at easy run pace between each repeat. Run each 200 repeat (not the easy 200) progressively faster as you progress through the workout. The first should be the slowest, the last should be fastest. Total, you will run 10 laps around the track equaling 2.5 miles. What I did: Started at 48 sec and worked down 41 sec.

Cooldown: 2 miles        Total miles for workout: 7

What I really liked about this workout was the fact you had to run it continuously. Firstly, you had to endure fast repeats without stopping. It was shocking how quickly the easy pace 200m rests became almost difficult. Mentally, I felt like the workout taught me how to deal with surges during a race, yet keep enough endurance to finish strong. I felt super accomplished after this workout. It gave me the itch to get on the track and race!

Well, the bedroom is calling my name. I sure can use the sleep.

G’night!

Comments (5)

By Liz, January 6, 2010 10:25 pm

Hello hello!! So it’s been a little while since I’ve posted and checked in with y’all. Truthfully, I just have not felt like I’ve had anything worthwhile or meaningful to say. But low and behold, I eventually got some nice ideas running through by ol’ noggin. It’s funny how sometimes you just have loads of ideas and interesting thoughts, and then sometimes you’re just blank. Writing is an art for sure!

So, first off, I saw I got tagged by the lovely Jen from Eat Move Love for a “10 Things that Make Me Smile” thing. Thanks!! And it’s actually really convenient, because I was already thinking of doing a “Things I’m Loving Right Now” kinda post….soooo it worked out perfectly! Now let’s get to it….

1) I’m completely and utterly in love with the french press my absolutely amazing boyfriend got me for Christmas.

I wake up every morning now craving the robust flavor of my french pressed coffee with a little half and half with cinnamon. Heaven!!

2) Roasted brussel sprouts!!!!

I have never been a big brussel sprouts gal. I actually never have eaten them much at all. But oooooh lordie! These roasted brussel sprouts rocked my world! The salmon and quinoa that accompanied them was good, but those little mini cabbages were sooo the star of the show. What is it about roasting food tossed in olive oil and spices that makes it taste so good?? It must be magic.

3) Running always makes me smile . I just started track practice again this week and I have to say, it feels so good to be back with my teammates and have that energy that accompanies it again.

4) Averie’s Creamy “Cesar” Tahini dressing. Seriously guys, this stuff is good. Today, I was on the elliptical at the gym right before dinner time and I was just dreaming about a huge salad tossed with this dressing. So, what did I do? Ate a huge salad tossed in the tahini dressing…of course! And, just gotta say, I didn’t eat all that…I shared it with my roomies. Which brings me to number 5…

5) Roommates who can cook (and are nice enough to share)!

My roommate Justin made pizza tonight. The crust was perfect, nice and crispy on the outside and doughy on the inside. He topped his crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella, chicken, olives, onions and artichoke hearts. Oh, and he stuffed the crust with cheese. Can you say amazing? Well I can…A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! With this amazing pizza and my yummy salad, tonight’s dinner pretty much completely rocked.

6) Wine always makes me smile!

Especially when it’s wine as good as this one! I wine tasted with my friend Kailee today and we went to this winery called Lone Madrone. The whites were eh, but OMG, the reds were amazing. So amazing I had to buy my fave one I tried, which was their ‘o7 Barbera (and I don’t usually buy pricier wine). TO DIE FOR. Now, Dad…I’m sure you’re reading this, so I gotta say, you must go to Lone Madrone and taste this. You will love it! Promise! It’s right next to Hunt Cellars.

Well, even though I was supposed to say 10 things that make me smile, I’m just going to stop at 6, because these are the best 6 things that have recently made me smile.

It’s about that time now for me to hit the sack. I have a gnarly hill workout with the team tomorrow morning. My coach sure is working us hard to the first week back. It’s a love/hate thing…I love the accomplishment of a hard workout but gosh darn I hate it at the same time. I am looking forward to it nonetheless.

Adios amigos! Halfway there to the end of the first week of 2010! Crazy!

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By Liz, December 31, 2009 5:11 pm

Hey guys! Happy New Year’s Eve! I sure I’m not alone when I say that I have no idea where this year has gone!

Before I get going on my topic for this post, I wanted to take a moment to remember some of the cool stuff that has happened this year.

• Moved into an awesome new house with awesome roommates
• Got accepted to Humboldt State University (this is actually very recent. I just got accepted last week!)
• Had an amazing and injury free cross country season
• Turned 21 last January!!
• Started this blog in August
• Deepened my relationships with my family, boyfriend and friends
• Got 4.0s two semesters in a row!
• ….and there is more, but these are a few of the nice things that happened.

Of course, there were some down moments this year, but all in all, 2009 was good to me.

And 2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year. It will be full of change, that I know. Humboldt State is about 10 hours away from my home (CA is a biggggg state!). I will be starting a new school, making new friends, living in a new place and getting a new job. Scary…but exciting. I know it will be a huge stepping stone towards my future aspirations and goals. Yay!

Now, I only have one resolution this year, and that is to stay level headed and calm through all the changes that await me. Let’s hope I can achieve that!

Okay, so now that all the end of year stuff is out of the way, let’s get onto the topic of the day: Functional Weight Lifting.

Functional fitness is all about training your body as a whole, instead of doing isolation exercises, such as bicep curls or tricep kickbacks. I am a huge fan of these types of exercises, especially after reading this and this book. The New Rules of Lifting is a book that I highly recommend. It’s a great resource, check it out!

There are a few reasons why I think functional fitness is the best way to weight train.

1. It trains your body for real-life movements, thus making your strength more than just looking good, but being good at things too!
2. It’s more effective because your training muscles the way they’re meant to be used.
3. Functional fitness trainslarger muscle groups together, giving you more power with each movement and recruiting the smaller muscles to assist and grow, too.
4. It’s more efficientin the gym time-wise because you are integrating more muscles into each exercise as opposed to doing multiple exercises for many isolated muscles, which takes a lot of time.
5. It’s fun!

I’ve noticed through the months I’ve been doing functional strength exercises that all my muscles are noticeably bigger (in a good way!), I’m stronger and I am better at doing everyday tasks, like lifting a heavy box or carrying something heavy up stairs, etc. There is definitely something to it!

As noted in The New Rules of Lifting, there are 7 main movementsour bodies are meant to perform: Squatting, deadlifting, lunging, pushing, pulling, twisting and walking/running. I completely agree. I do all these movements multiple times a day. So wouldn’t it make sense to strengthen the body to perform these tasks and make them easier? I think so!

Here are some examples of exercises I do to within each category:

1. Squatting: squats on the bosu ball (standing on the black platform) w/ dumbells, squats on the rack, standing squats with dumbells, squat with heels raised, front squat
2. Deadlift:a classic deadlift with olympic bar, back extensions, good mornings
3. Lunging:static lunges w/dumbells, dynamic lunges holding a medicine ball with a twist, split squats, step-ups
4. Pushing: pushups, bench press, benchpress on a pilates ball w/ dumbells, dips, shoulder press
5. Pulling:bent-over rows, seated rows on the cable machine, lat pulldowns, pull-ups (I do assisted pullups)
6. Twisting(aka, Ab work): russian twists, prone jack knifes, crunches on pilates ball, planks (aren’t a twist but are still good), wood chops with cable
7. And I think walking and runningis pretty self explanatory

These are just some examples of exercises, and I’m sure there are more. I say, the rule of thumb is, when you’re doing an exersice, ask yourself how this correlates into a real life movement. If it doesn’t, then it probably isn’t the best exercise to do.

And here is a sample workout. This is what I did today:

• 10 minute warm-up on the elliptical
• 3 set of 10 reps deadlift with 1 minute rest in between
• alternating sets: 3sets x 10 reps each leg dynamic lunges with medicine ball and a twist and3×10 pushups
• alternating sets: 3 sets of 10 reps of lat pulldowns and  3×10 wood chops
• 3sets of 20 reps prone jack knife
• 20 minutes (1000m) swimming

I try to always work quickly between each exercise, giving my self just enough rest to not die , to keep my heart rate up and get a good sweat going. It was a killer workout today!

And, if you are really intrigued by the whole functional fitness thing, I seriously recommend checking out those books. They go way more in depth than what I’ve just written. This was kinda like Functional Fitness 101.

I hope y’all enjoyed reading about what I do to keep my muscles pumped! And, sorry for the lack of pictures recently. I’ll leave you with my yummylicious breakfast I had this morning. I should actually call this my crack-meal of the week, because I have been obsessed with this combo.

Sweet potatoes baked at 425 degrees, tossed with cumin, salt and pepper. Coated with olive oil after baking.

2 eggs, scrambled, with green onions and spinach, salt/pepper and salsa verde.

Have a fun and safe New Year’s Eve tonight. Seriously guys, make sure you have a DD! See you in the new year!!

***Disclaimer: I am not a personal trainer, nor do I have a degree in Exercise Science. The about commentary on Functional Fitness in solely based on my own research and opinion.***

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By Liz, December 26, 2009 9:52 pm

Hey all!! First off, I need to send out a serious apology for the lack of posting for over a week. I can promise you guys though, that I have thoroughly been enjoying my first week out of school. This will be a picture filled post, as I have been up to some fun stuff, which of course involves food and activity!! What else?

First off…the sandwich I had at New Frontiers after Bikram last Friday.This was a turkey sandwich with cuke, spinach, red onion, artichoke hearts, provolone, red pepper aioli all sandwiched between rosemary focaccia bread. I am not lying when I say this was heaven in a sandwich. And, I had some fresh veggie/fruit juice called the Perfect Blend.Next up is the glorious and truly epic hike Jacob and I did on Tuesday. We ventured to my favorite place on earth, aka Montana de Oro, and hiked 9 miles. This hike took up across ocean bluffs, riparian forests, brush, up a huge mountain and down through meadows. It was a challenge, but oh so worth it. Here is the hike in pictures:

After the epic hike, I was quite famished. I brought a homemade Larabar, and apple, carrot and some chicken to munch on during the hike, but that food energy was long gone by the time I got home. Lucky me, one of my roommates made homemade chili. It was her first time making chili and it turned out absolutely fabulous. I assisted my making some whole-wheat corn muffins to go along. Yum!

Wednesday night, all us roomies plus Justin’s girlfriend got together for a roomie Christmas night. All of us were parting ways on actual Christmas so we celebrated early.I made hawaiian pizza for the entree and one of the roomies made a fabulous salad for the side dish. A fabulous way to start the Christmas-y evening.And I finally got the lighting right for the tree!! It looked so cute with all our little gifts underneath. We did a secret Santa gift exchange. I got one of the boys, who is a real gadget-y guy, so I bought him a mini maglite flashlight. He really really liked it! I received a bottle of Pinot Grigio wine by Robert Hall (I think?) winery. It was a roommate Christmas success!

Christmas Eve was spend doing last minute errands and a bit of relaxing. I also wrapped presents and make Christmas cookies for Jacob’s family. No interesting eats were eaten that day as it was an “eat up the leftovers” kinda day.

And now, to the main event…..DUN DUN DUN DUNNNNN….CHRISTMAS!!!!

Jacob and I began the day opening presents. I got him a new pair of running shoes (Pearl Izumi Synchropace III’s, to be exact). Jacob got me a FRENCH PRESS….plus coffee, a coffee grinder and some Bailey’s! It was a really thoughtful gift, as I have been wanting a French press for a while now. I will share pic of the new French press soon!

Next on the agenda for Christmas morning was a quick sweat sesh. My legs still weren’t completely recovered from the hike, so I opted for a bike ride around town. I biked about 11 miles in 1 hour. It wasn’t the most intense workout ever, but it was something.

After shower and such it was breakfast time!

I made sticky buns, completely from scratch thank you very much, along with bacon and eggs. And you can’t forget the coffee!! I was so excited to make some french pressed coffee!Starbucks Christmas Blend with Bailey’s Irish Cream. A heavenly concoction!

All together now…After breakfast, it was rush rush out the door to enjoy some quality time with Jacob’s family.

A little hunting was had, squirrel hunting to be exact.

After hunting it was back to Jacob’s sister’s house for more quality time. It was so wonderful. I love his family and am so happy to be a part of it!

Off to my parent’s house we went, to what is most defenilty the best meal I have had all year.A nitrate-free ham without any “liquid” enhancement (sodium or sugar water solution companies inject into most turkey, chicken and hams).

Gravy made with ham juices, mushrooms and Madeira wine.

Organic green beans steamed and topped with buttered almonds.

Red potatoes sauteed in olive oil and butter and tossed with fresh parsley.

My dad sure knows how to cook, and this meal did not disappoint.

Some vino was enjoyed throughout the night: 1 glass Bianchi Pinot Grigio, 2 glasses Bianchi Trevino and 1 small glass Bianchi Late Harvest Sauvingo Blanc with dessert. What was dessert you ask? Apple tart topped with fresh whipped cream. Ah-mazing!

I left this dinner thoroughly stuffed and super satisfied. Thanks Mom and Dad for the amazing dinner and a wonderful Christmas evening!

So, Christmas is now over and it is back to reality. However, yesterday was an amazing day that I will remember forever. I spent time with the people I love and enjoyed their presence throughly. I feel so blessed to have these people in my life!

I hope all of you, my few,yet dear blog readers enjoyed your Christmas (if you celebrate) also.

Much love!

-Liz

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By Liz, December 10, 2009 10:23 pm

Well hello there! It’s about time I wrote a post, isn’t it now?!

So what the heck has been going on since last Friday? I think a list is in order for this recap:

• Friday night I went to a fun Christmas party aaaand I got to dress up in a cute little black dress. Always fun to dress up and get all girly every once in a while!
• Saturday night involved some friends getting together to celebrate Jacob’s 22nd year of life. Some drunken Jenga was played, and I may have deejayed my awesome trance music
• Sunday was Jacob’s official birthday and we just lazed around doing nothing. Good stuff!
• And this week has involved school, work and more school. What a surprise!

Today was actually my last day off classes, with finals being the only thing I need to worry about now…till next semester that is. But I’m trying to stay in the present and enjoy the fact I’m done for now. It’s a very good feeling!

Eats have been especially yummy over here. Here are some highlights of the week:

I don’t know why I don’t eat baked sweet potatoes more often. I always make fries with ‘em. But this was sooo good! Just a baked sweet potato with butter and cinnamon. Pretty heavenly!

That’s Jacob’s birthday brunch. Whole wheat waffles from scratch, eggs with spinach, pure maple syrup and orange slices. Always, always good!

There’s Jacob’s birthday dinner. I made his favorites…pigs in a blanket and spaghetti and meatballs. I added my healthy twists though. I made whole wheat biscuits and used whole wheat pasta. The meatballs weren’t exactly health food though. But they were delish! I had actually never made meatballs before. It was surprisinglyreally easy! I mixed together the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, spices and parm. Then I shaped the meat into golf ball sized balls, browned them in a skillet with olive oil and finished the cooking process by simmering the meatballs in my homemade marinara sauce. Soooo good! Jacob was a very very happy guy. I mean, who doesn’t love having someone cook a special dinner for them on their b-day?

I think I ate this yesterday. I haven’t been eating as many salads lately and I felt I was due for some leafy greens and cruciferous veggies. And that totally is a huge dollop of homemade hummus in the middle there. This hit the spot!

All messed up with Alison’s easy peasy salad dressing…1/2 and avocado mashed with salsa.

I’ve had oatmeal almost everyday for breakfast this week. However this was my favorite, and I just happened to eat this one this very Thursday morning. This oat bowl included 1/2 cup oats cooked with 50/50 water and milk, an egg and a chopped apple. I mixed in ground flax and cinnamon after cooking and topped it all with chopped dates, pumpkin butter and peanut butter.

And…the finale of my super great week of eats…..duh duh duh dunnnnnn….

This is the sinfully delicious cup of fro-yo I indulged in tonight. Oh sooo necessary! There is frozen yogurt under there, chocolate and peanut butter to be exact.

Just to make it clear, cause it seems you can never be too clear in the blogosphere…these pictures do not reflect everything I ate this week, just some of the more interesting meals and treats.

I’ve fit in some working out this week too, but nothing too spectacular. Just some running, weight lifting, swimming and ellipticalling in no certain order. I love breaking a good sweat. I just puts a smile on my face to think about it!

Now, I’ve gotta toot my own horn here for a sec….I think I’m gonna end up with a 4.0 this semester. I’m pretty stoked! I have an A in all my classes as of today, so if finals go well, which they should, I will end up with a 4.0. I got a 4.0 last semester too, so to get another one this semester is pretty cool. Okay, *end of bragging*

Well, it’s time for me to hit the sack. I have a big day tomorrow. Working out, working, then cleaning a house. I love making money Almost as much as working out….now I just need to find a way how I can make money through working out. Dare to dream!

Nighty night!