Comments (6)

By Liz, December 13, 2009 12:34 pm

Happy Sunday! Hope all is well to all my bloggie friends around the USA and other countries, too.

So, I’m not one to usually do inspirational posts and stuff, but sometimes I get a thought that I really want to share. Actually, Matt inadvertently inspired my thought when I read his post yesterday (or was it Friday?). He was mentioning that he didn’t really want to run that day, but he knew he wanted to deep down. He said, sometimes it’s getting out the door that’s the hardest part. Because, once you’re out there running, or any activity really, you usually never regret it. Well, Matt’s comments really struck a cord with me yesterday, because I had planned to do a swim workout yesterday, but it was cold, raining and I would have to do it after work. I really wanted to go straight home, lie in be with some tea and watch the brain sucking machine (aka TV). However, I used all my willpower and after work, I went to the gym and busted out an amazing 3000m pyramid workout in the pool. I felt great afterwards and knew I made the right decision, it was just a matter of getting out the door and doing it.

I know we’ve all been there. Some days you are just more motivated to workout than others. 95% if the time I love to get out there and break a sweat and feel the rush of endorphins. However, there is that 5% where I just want to sit on my butt and be lazy. So, to try and inspire y’all in a similar 5% situation, I have come up with a list of a few tricks I have learned along the way of how to get my (and your) butt out the door:

1. Listen to music. There have been days in the past when I have just dreaded running. I usually never listen to music when I run, but on those 5% days when I just don’t want to go out there and pound the pavement, I will listen to my Ipod. The music distracts me and lifts me up. Also, watching TV at the gym can be a similar motivator.
2. Reward yourself. Last night, I rewarded myself with a nice dip in the hot tub right after my swim. The hot tub gave me something to look forward to the whole time I was swimming and it felt so great to hop in to the warm water after pushing myself. It just wouldn’t have felt nearly as good if I had quit.
3. Call up a friend. Sometimes this isn’t possible, but on days you know you don’t want to work out, try to call up a friend or bug your spouse/bf to workout with you. Jacob is really nice and sometimes he’ll go running with me on days I don’t want to. The company really helps the workout go by faster, and it’s nice to have someone to talk to.
4. In the event of inclement weather hindering your want to workout, think about how BAMF (love this term Karyn!) you’ll feel after being done. I’ve ran in really crazy conditions, like rain, wind, trees being uprooted weather. This was before I had the nice, dry gym to run on the treadmill instead. At first, I really didn’t want to go out there, but I did anyways and I felt soooo badass during and after my run. You can brag and bit and say. “Ya, I totally ran out in that storm” and people will think you’re so crazy and badass. Love it!!
5. Working out is really a small part of your day. This one gets me almost every time. I’m usually awake for 16 hours. If I work out for 1 hour, there are still 15 hours of my day left of doing other things than working out. Putting a workout into perspective like that can really help get your foot out the door.
6. Finally, this is my number 1 motivator for working out when I don’t want to. Think about how crappy you will feel if you don’t work out. Working out makes me feel great. After a run or any exercise, I feel energized, happy, healthy and light. Endorphins make you happy, and boy do I feel happy after working out. If I do skip a workout, I usually feel guilty and sad. Exercise sets a tone for the day, and without it I don’t think I’d be nearly as happy a person as I am.

So there you have it folks. My top 6 reasons to get your butt out the door and workout! I do need to mention that sometimes it’s okay to skip a workout. If it’s due to injury, illness, a scheduled and necessary rest day, etc. it’s okay to say “No, today’s not the day.” This list is for those days that you know that you should be working out and just need a little motivation to do it. I hope this list helps you guys!

Okay, so onto some FOOOOD!I made this oldie but goodie last night. I wasn’t really in to mood to cook some amazing masterpiece, so I threw together one of my fave quick and easy meals: Supernatural Platter (inspired from the Natural Cafe). Just some homemade whole wheat cornbread, topped with steamed veggies, pinto beans and cheddar cheese. YUM!

I tried a new beer last night, too.Sorry, but I couldn’t figure out how to turn this right side up. However, if you tilt your head to the right, you will see that this beer is Fire Rock Pale Ale by Kona Brewing Co. This was pretty good. It’s not as good as my favorite (Great White by Lost Coast Brew) but it was up there. This beer was smooth, with a slightly bitter finish. The taste changed as you drank it, too. It was pretty yummy, and I will definitely buy it again.

Last night I watched the Notebook on TV. I haven’t seen it in years, and I completely forgot what a freakin sob-fest it is!!! I cried like 5 million times and Jacob just sat there and laughed at me for being so sensitive. However, he said at the end he was holding back tears. I mean, they die together for goodness sakes!! *insert awwww here*

Anywho, this morning I woke up, slipped on my Vibrams and was out the door. I changed into shorts and a t-shirt also, just to be clear . Today was one of those 95% days where I was super happy to be out there running. I ran 6 miles in 52 minutes. The weather was really nice. We had a little break in the torrential rain this morning, so the skies were mostly clear, the air was moist an clean and the roads were mostly car free. It was really peaceful.

Breakfast this morning was an exact repeat from last Sunday.Well, not exactly. I smeared some almond butter on my waffles, so that was different. These waffles are actually from the same batter as last Sunday, too. Whenever I make pancakes or waffles or muffins, I wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap and freeze them, so I can have a weekend breakfast any day of the week. Oh wait today is a weekend day, but I had to rush off to work, so these frozen waffles came in handy .

Only 2.5 more hours till I’m off work. Yippee. I told Jacob to think of something fun for us to do when I get off work. We need some fun couple togetherness time badly. So hopefully, he is brainstorming as I type.

Have a great afternoon and be careful out there braving the Christmas shopping crowds!

Comments (4)

By Liz, November 16, 2009 8:58 pm

Good evening guys. As the title implies, today was actually a pretty good day.

I got lotsa good sleep and woke up super refreshed.

Ate a yummilicious breakfast.

It was a bit chilly for a Chunky Strawberry, but it was just what I was craving.

Work was chill.

Lunch was bomb!

Oh leftovers, I love thee.

I remembered why I don’t eat oranges very often.

They’re tasty, but a pain in the arse to peel!

Cross country practice was kick butt: 400m fast untimed to loosen up, 2×200 (41 sec each), 600 (2:15), 400 (1:28), 200 (41 sec).  We’ve been doing a lot of quick tune-up work to prepare for STATE!!

Snackage was a granola bar (unpictured) and carrots and almond butter.

Always a good combo!

I tried one of my fun New Frontier’s buys…

This coconut water was pretty good. I’ve never had coconut water before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I”ve heard good things, and the fact that it is like a natural sports drink really appeals to me. It had a subtle coconut flavor and a slight thickness to it. It almost tasted like plain water! It was kind of expensive and only tasted okay, so I probably won’t be buying this on a regular basis. I always love trying new things though, so I did enjoy sipping on it with my almond butter and carrots.

Dinner was fab-u-lous. My roommate Justin cooked up burritos for all the roomies and his girlfriend and brother came over, too. So it was kind of a festive night. There were a few shots of tequila had, but I refrained. Tequila is just really not my thing. Here’s the version of burrito night I had…

A salad the size of my head: spring mix, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, radish, steak, refried beans, cheddar cheese, 1/4 avocado, salsa and blue corn chips. I will admit, I was a tad bit too full after cleaning my plate…but it was oh so delicious!

Instead of a margarita with my dinner, I had a beer.

Probably not the best flavor combo, but it tasted fine.

I wasn’t too full for dessert…but when am I ever

Just some Green and Black’s Hazelnut and Currant chocolate. Heaven in bar form my friends!

So yes, Monday has been a good day and will be a good evening…as there is no imminent homework to do.

I will leave y’all with a Vibram update: I ran a 2 mile warm-up and 2 mile cool-down in them today. I think I may have overdone it a bit. These shoes do require a serious break-in period! Here’s the blister I got (probably was the Vibrams but could have been something else).

Ya, kinda gnarly. Also, my other foot was extremely sore. Tomorrow I am going to take a complete break from wearing them and go a bit easier on the miles that I run into them for now. Looking forward to when my feet are completely used to them though. And, yes, they are still very comfortable and I still love them…I just need to work up to spending more time in them.

Okay, time to veg out! Night!

Comments (4)

By Liz, November 15, 2009 9:31 pm

I absolutely loved having the day off today. I feel (mostly) recharged and (sorta) ready for the weeks ahead.

I slept into almost 10 o’clock this morning! Ack, it felt good, but I usually like to be up by 8 at the latest. I sure felt rested though!

While laying in bed, I made a game plan for how I wanted to spend my day. Jacob and I had thrown around a couple ideas last night, like maybe hiking. But, this morning we decided on making a relaxing breakfast, hanging out a bit, then going for a long run at Montana de Oro (my favorite place ever!), window shopping in downtown SLO and going to New Frontiers (my 2nd favorite place ever).

First things first…

I made waffles using whole wheat flour, oat bran and ground flax. I reduced the butter in the recipe (from Joy of Cooking) from 2 sticks to 3/4 of a stick. They sure were tasty. For some protein power, I made a 2 egg omelet stuffed with spinach and a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese. And, of course, there was some maple syrup on the side for dipping the waffles in. Yum!

Jacob and I hung out in our pjs watching some Spongebob Squarepants. I swear I’m still a little kid! I mean…my comforter on my bed is Pooh bear and I have 2 Spongebob pillow cases. Real mature

After digesting breakkie, it was off to Montana de Oro. I ran 7 miles in 64 minutes. I ran in my regular Mizuno trainers, no Vibrams for longs runs yet. I felt amazing…like I was gliding along. The weather was gorgeous, too. A light breeze, just enough warmth, the rustling of leaves…perfect.

After-run refueling was chicken sandwiches I made before we left for the run.

I was afraid all the fillings would fall out if I took a picture of it after I unwrapped it, so a saran wrapped picture it was. I made the sandwiches with 2 slices Ezekiel bread, 1/4 avocado, 1 tbsp. TJs tuscan dressing, shredded carrot, roasted chicken, red pepper slices, radishes and spinach. On the side, I had 1/2 and orange and a homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.

After lunching, we drove into SLO-town and hit up a couple stores downtown. I made some serious hints to Jacob of possible Christmas presents. I also used a gift card that I had from my birthday last January, and bought a pair of running shorts with it. A little Starbucks was had, too.I got my recent addiction of a cafe americano with 2 pumps pumpkin spice with a splash of half and half. Too good!

Of course, our New Frontiers stop was wonderful. This health food store is quite expensive, but aren’t they all? I limited myself to 4 small items, and somehow walked out only spending 12 bucks. I am proud of my smart spending. I made my selections carefully…

Annie’s woodstock dressing (aka my favorite salad dressing), 2 bars of Green and Blacks chocolate (also my favorite dark chocolate in the world) and a package of coconut water. I’ve heard that coconut water is a good natural sports drink, so I’ll test it out one of these days soon.

When we got home, we were both pretty famished! I whipped up some quick dinner.

All pretty:

All messed up:

This dish was inspired from a similar dinner Christina made a while back. I’ve had it in the back of my mind ever since I saw it, and tonight was the night to try it out. I didn’t use the ricotta though, and I’m a bit sad I didn’t. It really would have added something too the dish…next time though. I also added in some green beans for some more veggie action. I loved the green beans in it, too! This dish was fabulous, even without the ricotta and Jacob and I both went back for seconds. Lucky me, there are some leftovers for my lunch tomorrow!

Dinner was accompanied my a beverage…

This was better than the Blue Moon pumpkin ale, more spice to it. However, I was still a bit disappointed in how it almost tasted like regular ol’ beer. Anyone have some recommendations for a really good pumpkin brew?

Dessert was obvious…

This was the first time I tried this variety and I was seriously impressed. I had to hold myself back from eating the whole bar! I will admit I went back for a couple more little squares. Too good, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from G&Bs.

Just enjoying the rest of my night before I have to go back to the daily grind. Nighty night.

Comments (5)

By Liz, November 11, 2009 9:37 pm

Okay, so I’m a bit ticked right now…my 3 month old 250 buck camera has something wrong with it. Okay, I’m not ticked…I’m pissed!

Anyways….now that I got that off my chest….

I bet you are all biting at the bit (or not ) to know what the “special” purchase I made on Sunday was. Well the wait is over…

Vibram Five-fingers baby! For anyone not aware of these amazing shoes, read about them here. In short, Vibrams are the ultimate “unshoe”. Wearing these is essentially like walking around barefoot. I personally LOVE being barefoot, and I think most people prefer to not wear shoes. I will be using these for walking around, working out, daily activities and running. So what do they feel like you ask? Well, you feel everything under your feet. Every rock, every change in surface. You feel very attune with your surface and surroundings. I warmed up and cooled down with my Vibrams on Monday and I warmed up with them on Tuesday, as well as walking around all day at school with them. They take some getting used to, and there is definitely a break-in period. I am not ready to wear these 100% of the time yet, but I am working up to that. What I can definitely say thus far is that these shoes (or unshoes) are amazing! I have fallen in love with them, and cannot wait to be able to spend more and more time wearing and running in them. Vibrams rock!

So lets see…what the heck have I been up to these past few days?

The most notable parts of Monday include:

Running an awesome workout: 5 miles including 1mile warm-up, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 4 min, 3 min all ran hard then a 1 mile cool-down. Loved running in the Vibrams for the warmups and cooldowns!

Hugh jass taco salads, with blue corn chips and salsa.

Aaaannnd…spending all evening and into the wee hours of the night working on a speech that I procrastinated on until the night before it was due. Ahh, good times.

Tuesday was the usual school, school and more school. I think I rocked my speech, even though I didn’t prepare as much as I should have. Also, in English my teacher used my paper that I turned in last week as an example of A+ work. I was really humbled by her praise for my work. Totally put a smile on my face! My mandatory sweat sesh was an easy 4 miles with the xc team.

Wednesday…nothing too special here. Breakfast was exceptional though.

I had some leftover pancake batter in the fridge from Sunday. I also had about 1/4 cup of pumpkin in the fridge, too. My genius brain decided to put the two together and make pumpkin pancakes! Topped with pumpkin butter, almond butter and walnuts…this was a pancake breakfast made in heaven. Oh ya, there was some maple syrup on there, too.

The whole spread:

Lunch was pretty darn good too.

That’s 2 slices of ezekiel bread stuff with mashed pinto beans, 1/4 of an avocado, red pepper slices, spinach, carrot, radish and tuscan dressing. This sandwich pretty much rocked. It was accompanied with blue corn chips and strawberries. Yum!

Workout today was 40 minutes on the elliptical, 15 minutes of swimming and about 5 minutes of ab work. By the way, have you guys checked out Angela’s Whittle Your Middle challenge? I’m totally on board!

Dinner tonight was pretty quick, thrown together and unspecial. Also, my camera has been taking totally crappy pictures as of tonight (there is a line running through the middle of all my pictures)…so I will not be including those pics.

I’m watching Glee right now…totally addicted to that show!

Nighty night guys.

Comments (9)

By Liz, November 8, 2009 2:17 pm

Hellooo there! How’s Sunday treatin ya?

I’m floating on cloud nine right now because Friday I ran one of the most amazing races of my life annnnd the girls cross country team is going to STATE IN TWO WEEKS!!! I’m beyond stoked!

Let’s catch y’all up…

We left on Thursday morning at around 10:30am. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off all morning…getting my food together, packing and I had to take a test early for one of my classes. That’s what I get for not planning ahead, but thank goodness for Jacob who is a sweetheart and helped me make my snacks and pack up. Love that guy!

I wore my new Skins all day on the can ride down to LA. My legs felt amazing the whole way. I didn’t take any picture of my eats…I just nibbled on 1/2 a veggie sandwich, one of my homemade Liz-a-bars and drank lots and lots of water. We stopped at a shopping center about halfway there and I picked up some crack Starbucks. Tall cafe Amerianos with a splash of half and half with 2 pumps pumpkin spice=my new love.

When we arrived at Mt. Sac (the college the race took place at) we ran the course super easy. I ran 3 miles super slow in 30 minutes.

We were all pretty pumped for Friday and in great spirits!

We checked into our hotel, chilled out for a bit, then headed to dinner at Romano’s Macaroni Grill. I had some rosemary bread, a side salad and whole wheat penne with tomato basil sauce, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, shrimp and parmesan cheese.

It was a pretty good dinner for eating out. I ate about half of my salad and pasta, so didn’t end up too full.

After dinner, we had a meeting with our coaches. We talked about our goals for the race. Brian, the head coach, talked a lot about pain threshold and pushing past our limits. Pain is my personal obstacle, so talking about this really hit home. I vowed to myself Thursday night that at the race I would push myself, push past my limits, and embrace the pain.

Thinking, talking with the girls, sleep…

6:30am came early. We got dressed in our uniforms and went for a shake out jog/walk as a team before breakfast. Breakfast was my usual pre-race breakfast…1 slice Ezekiel bread, spread of peanut butter and a banana. I drank a cup of green tea, too. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous and contemplative about the race. I did not want to break the promise I made to myself. I am really scared of the pain of racing…it hurts!

So, we arrived at Mt. Sac and hung out for a bit.

All the girls drew and painted fun stuff on their arms and legs. Some people did paw prints (we’re the Cuesta Cougars), and others wrote motivational words on our hands. Here’s what I wrote…

The caterpillar represents our connectedness as a team. All our initials are in each part of the caterpillar’s body.

Here is the race in pictures:

So, I kept my promise to myself and pushed my pain threshold. I finished in 21:49 for a 3-mile course. That is my best time I have ever ran a Cross Country race. I am so proud of myself and my team. We kicked some real XC butt!! We placed 7th as a team out of 28 teams. I placed 125 our of 186 people. This race will really go down in history for me as one of the best experiences of my life.

It was so great to be done with the race. I watched and cheered on the guys (They placed 18th out of 28). After awards and such, we piled back in the vans and headed home. Lunch was at Souplantation…a salad, soup, bread, pasta, pizza, fro-yo buffet place. Totally my kinda buffet! I definitely ate my $8.30 worth of food!

I was pretty exhausted when I got back home at 8:30pm. Bed was niiice!

Yesterday was really really really boring. I worked 8-5, felt really sick all day and went to bed super early. I didn’t eat much either because my stomach felt weird all day. Ick.

Today has been going much better…

I woke up and ran 7 miles in 66 minutes.

I made whole wheat pancakes and eggs for breakkie….which I completely forgot to take a picture of!! *slap on the hand* It was delicious though, trust me.

I rushed to work…and made it just on time!

I ate one of my new favorite foods for lunch…Oh Kabocha squash, you are delish!

And, I also had one of my oldie but goodie favorite foods…Celery and peanut butter never goes out of style!

I have something to look forward to after work, also. Jacob and I are getting me a special purchase…and we’re visiting a good friend who we don’t see nearly enough. Fun stuff!

Depending on when I get home tonight, I may blog later tonight or tomorrow. Have a great Sunday evening guys!