Hurricane, foam rolling, and iced coffee

I have been M.I.A for the past couple of days dealing with hurricane Isaac.

I live in Mobile AL on the Gulf Coast and as of Sunday we were going to be getting the worst of the hurricane. Monday it decided to go towards New Orleans, however we were still on the bad side of the hurricane. So preparations were made. Everything gets put up in the shed, pool gets drained 10 inches, pool furniture gets thrown in the pool. Yeah its a pain. They had canceled school Mon, Tues, and Wed. So my kids were here and bored the whole time. My kids actually like school so they were kind of bummed. Overall we were not hit too bad here in Mobile, just a lot of rain and wind. See not too bad here at my house:)

My husband also got called and locked in to work on Monday night. He was able to come home this morning, four days later. We missed him:)

In the mist of all of the hurricane craziness FedEx still delivered me a package, crazy! Anyways it was this awesome package from Popchips. This was one of my Klout rewards. It had an h2go omega filtered water bottle, and X-mini capsule speaker, glow in the dark sunglasses, a really cool backpack, and of course four flavors of Popchips, I love these chips, esp the salsa tortilla chips. If you haven't joined Klout, you should.

I also have been making these yummy frozen yogurt chips. How easy is it to put some yogurt in a Ziploc bag cut the corner and make dots on a cookie sheet, freeze for about 40 minutes and then you have frozen yogurt. So easy, healthy, and delicious.

Since we were stuck in the house for 3 days, we had a lot of crafts going on here at my house. I started quilling and came up with this runner girl quill. I think she cam out nicely, don't you? I actually sold this one for $12, I was excited. If you want one let me know, I can use any color combination you want. I also have started quilling monograms, animals, pretty much anything, so if you want something quilled let me know.

Oh and since this blog is about my running adventures, l have some bad news for you guys:( I have been sidelined for 2 weeks per my chiropractor. I have a pinched nerve in my hip due to my tight IT band dislocating my hip bone. Yes, it hurts and is aggravating. So anti inflammatories and lots of foam rolling for the next 2 weeks and NO RUNNING. UGH! Atleast I can go to the gym and lift weights. I am getting a little worried about my marathon coming up with the Inheritance of Hope, but thank god they are an amazing group. I may be deferring my registration for the Marine Corp Marathon for next year and focusing on the half marathons I have coming up. I will keep all of you posted and updated. After all you guys are my motivation:)

See Dr. I am foam rolling, #PROOF

One more thing before I leave this photobomb of a post. I have been oh so hooked on my iced coffees at home. Cheap, healthier, and unlimited, SCORE

Water, crushed ice, shot of skim milk, 2 tbsp instant coffee, and my favorite no calorie sweetener, Smoky Mountain. oh and if you mix it in a large mason jar it taste the best:) Don't ask me why, it just does.

 

So, I am glad to be back blogging for you guys. Until tomorrow...

 

QOTD: Do you foam roll? Do you have a favorite easy coffee drink? favorite snack recipe?

Tell me, I want to know.

 

Hurricane preparing, and an easy lunch

As we prepare for the hurricane that is Isaac to ge here. We are getting ready for it today. Preparing for 90 mile an hour winds, tornados, and a lot of rain sucks. So I thought I would make a quick lunch recipe and share it with you, ENJOY!

I am always looking for something I can make quick because #1 I hate to cook and #2 I dont eat alot of "cooked" food. So I decided to make do with what I had in the kitchen, so here it is...

STEP 1

cheese, tomato, and wheat bread, AHA!

STEP 2

Slice tomato into thin slices and layer on bread with cheese

STEP3

Put in 350 degree oven till cheese melts

STEP 4

ENJOY~

Depending on the bread you use, each one averages out to be about 160 calories, so it is a great balanced lunch.

 

Pray for all of us down South.

 

QOTD: Have you ever been in a hurricane?

My Top 5 Shin/Calf "Not Normal Machine Use" Exercises to do in the Gym

Yes, I am one of THOSE people.

I think some people look at me as if I have no idea what I am doing;)

I have been doing what some people would call "crazy looking" things on machines at the gym for years now. So I thought I would share with you guys my top 5 favorite "crazy" shin/calf exercise.

 

1. One of my favorite is this up and down weighted exercise on the crossover machine.

I vlogged it HERE.

2. I use the seated calf raise machine for a great Achilles stretch and calf movement

up and down slowly and make sure you get a full extension on the down.

3. Seated leg press, place feet off the bottom of platform. Rotate feet back and forth to get a full shin stretch and pointed toe. You should see your shin muscle flex. Make sure you do this slow and steady also. HERE is me vlogging it too:)

4. Elliptical, every gym has one. You may not have thought about using this machine as a shin/calf exercise. Its very simple, just place your toes off of the front of the foot carriage while using the machine. It makes a world of a difference on those shins and calves. Note; make sure to keep heel on platform while rotating making sure to not go on to your tip toes.

5. My favorite is using my gyms hydromassage machine as I stretch my shins and calves doing the A, B, C's with my feet. If you aren't lucky enough to have a hydromassage bed at your gym, you could do these anywhere obviously. I just LOVE the hydrobed:)

I hope I have shown you guys some exercises that you may not have thought about doing. I love the fact that with simple movements of the feet you can change the way a machine is "supposed" to be used. Just make sure to be careful not to hurt yourself.

Featured Runner, Road Runner Mindy

This morning I got up to take the kids to school and get my run in. As most of you know my workout time is from 8:15-11 M-F. Yes, like I mentioned in my weightloss story, that secret to my success is treating my workout like a job:)

Well I wanted to cal in sick to my "job" this morning, LOL. I got to the park and sat in my car for 30 minutes trying to talk myself in to running. I was not feeling it this morning, but I had 4 miles at 1/2 marathon pace to do today. Finally I did get our and ended up doing 5 miles only because the first mile I spent talking myself into running. This was one of the hardest motivational days I have in a while. But I got it done:)

MO-TEE-VAY-TION

Where are you?

On a better note I am featuring one of my great friends today Mindy.

She is the author behind Road Runner Girl.

Mindy is a fellow FitFluential and SweatPink Ambassador

If you want some major motivation, this girl has it. Between her plank-a-day challenges and burpee challenges you will always be challenged with Mindy. She is also one of the founding members of the Soul2Soul sisters running group.

Here is a little more about Mindy in her own words.

Name: Mindy Bobe
State: Alabama

When and why did you start running? I started running about two and a half years ago. I’ve always wanted to be a runner but always started out too fast and gave up. This time I was totally committed because I was ready to get back into shape after having my two boys.

What is your favorite race and race distance? My favorite race is any runDisney race! My favorite distance is a half marathon…although I have done a full marathon…I love the half distance the best because the training isn’t as rigorous or time consuming.

What is your race day routine? It starts the night before with laying out all my gear (and taking a picture of it) so everything I need is in one place. The day of the race I wake up, get dressed, and eat a waffle or bagel with peanut butter on it. I say a quick prayer and head to the start line!

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My most favorite would be my Garmin…I never run without it because it helps keep me on pace (most of the time lol). I also love my running skirts!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running? I try to eat as many fruits and veggies as possible. When I’m training I try to get enough carbs. I don’t take any supplements currently other than my daily vitamin and B vitamins. I have been experimenting with protein shakes and hope to find the perfect one before marathon training starts in a few weeks.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? I wish I had known that pace doesn’t matter when you first start out…you need to start slow…and I mean slower than what you think.

What is your fondest running memory? My fondest running memory would have to be during my first marathon. At mile 25 I was feeling pretty rough. I was struggling. All of a sudden I heard my name, looked up, and my husband was there on the road running towards me! He ran a few minutes with me encouraging me and telling me I was almost there and almost a marathoner! He will never know how much that meant to me! It gave me the extra push I needed to make it to the finish line!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? I hate feet!!! I think they are disgusting lol! The only feet I can stand are baby feet! Everyone else’s just gross me out! 

(I agree, Mindy, I hate feet too)

You can connect with Mindy in lots of way, go check her out and let her know I sent you:)
Social Media
Blog: http://www.roadrunnergirl.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindybobe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoadRunnerGirl
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/roadrunnergirl/
Instagram: roadrunnergirl

I don't do a regular feature blogger session, but if you would like to be featured email me at [email protected], and I will be glad to add you:)

QOTD: Have you ever had to talk yourself into getting out of the car to workout?



Weekend Recap...Training, Lifting, and Relaxing

My kiddos went back to school today. Am I sad, not really, lol! Is that bad? I mean don't get me wrong I miss my kids, but I also enjoy my time. Call me selfish!

My kids enjoy school so I enjoy them going.

My baby started kindergarten today, he was so excited.

My daughter is in the 2nd grade and my son is in the 5th grade. This will be the only year they are all at the same school:)

My afternoons are busy too, filled with homework, soccer, football, and gymnastics. Its about to get crazy.

I got to spend some girl time with the bestie this weekend. She is a personal trainer and owns Rock n Body bootcamp here in Mobile. We laughed at the fact that putting on makeup and doing out hair is like a luxury now and takes a lot longer than it used too. We live in running shorts and tshirts. LOL

I got some quality gym time in this weekend and this morning. I have been loving my Gripad lifting gloves. I have had these for over a year and they are still my favorite lifting gloves I have ever owned. My hands sweat and I hate my fingers being restricted in most style gloves. I can wear my rings wings these gloves and it doesn't bother them. Also they are so light weight its like wearing nothing. You do have to use them a couple of times so that they form to your hands, but I am telling you they are well worth the money. If you receive Runners World magazine, they almost always have an ad in the back for a percentage off. Check them out; GRIPAD

i have also been conditioning my legs, I have the Marine Corp marathon coming up, but I also have the Spartan Sprint 2 weeks after the MCM. So I have been doing more weight training in the gym. I am sure a lot of you runners out there are like me and get to running so much when training that we forget about the other strength exercises we need to be doing. I was surprised at how hard it was to do the squats and lunges, that used to be easy for me.

Here is the flyer for the Spartan race coming in November. I am so excited to FINALLY have a big series race here on the Gulf Coast. I am very grateful for David and Red Creek Off Road for working there tail off for this to come here.

I just did a little mud run at this site a couple of weeks ago, and I am telling you it is a fantastic area for off road, trail races. if you are affiliated with one you should check them out.

So to close out my weekend, I worked out, ate great food, hung out with a great friend, got my kids ready for school, and drank a couple glasses of fantastic wine...

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS WEEKEND?

Friday Fun: Hey Girl...

My friend Shasta at Faithfully Free and Trisha at MomDot are having a #Hey Girl" photo blog hop.

I couldn't resist not entering. LOL, so here is mine...

If you want to enter the "Hey Girl" bloghop click here and add your link:)

Thankful Things Thursday...life edition!

Now that my wonderful IT band is causing some great hip ouches. I am sidelined from running for at least a week. UGH! Things aren't looking good for this marathon. (FINGERS CROSSED)

On another not so sure moment of the week, my husbands employer laid off 197 people this past week. Thank god he wasn't one of them, but its always a scary thing to face.

But on to bigger and better things. Lets be thankful...

1. Lifting heavy in the gym is paying off. I have a lot of natural muscle, so bringing it out is a challenge. Now I just need to get leaner.

2. I am thankful for my new Saucony Kinvaras 3.  They may not be getting a lot of road mileage right now, but they are feeling awesome on my feet while I do all my crazy leg training in the gym. They are so white:)

3. I am thankful for my chiropractor that still thinks I have mad running skills and can be ready for the MCM still if I follow his directions. Problem is I am not good at following directions.

4. I am thankful to be featureed on the FitFluential blog yesterday. They featured my weightloss story in their transformation segment. I hope most of you read it, if not I hope you do:) If I can inspire one person to get up off the couch and change their life, than my job is done.

4.  I am thankful my kids go back to school on Monday. Hallelujah! I love my kids with all my heart, but momma needs a break. LOL! I have major respect for home school moms. I couldn't do it. My kids are also very social and they love school. Thank goodness!

5. I am thankful for organized sports. My daughter is on the gymnastics team. My oldest plays basketball and soccer, and my little one plays football. Yes, I am very busy being mama-carpool, but I love it.

6. I am thankful for clean eating with an occasional slice of pizza. What? pizza?

Judge me if you want, but it was good, lol!

7. I am thankful for my new HeadSweats visor. This visor does wonders with sweat. Its lightweight and it feels great when it is on.

8. I am thankful for the Gulf Coast finally getting a big race series to come. The Spartan Sprint. I actually did a mudrun at the location a couple of weeks ago, and I am telling you its going to be a great race. If you live on the Gulf Coast, you need to check it out for sure. oh and Ill be there, so come say HEY!

9. I am thankful for these little tiny bits of algae. No, not the kind of algae you get out of your pool or the ocean, silly! I was lucky enough to be sent a little sample of these skinnybits algae bites. If you have cravings like I do, you need to try these magical little things. They are chopped full of protein and energy. I had no cravings at all for the 2 days I used these. I am now about to order more. you can read about them HERE, and you should definitely try them.

10. I am thankful that my 5 yr old got to see himself on the news. He was so excited. We have it DVR'd (?) and he has watched no less than 20 times. LOL

11. I am thankful for these 3 products below that I mix and make my laundry detergent with. Yes, it works better than any brand name you can buy. At less than $.03 a load, it saves me a lot of money. I also make my own dishwashing powder. If you want the recipes email me:) They are simple to make.

12. Last but not least, I am thankful for all you guys that are helping me to continue to inspire others and inspire myself.

Its like having a million cheerleaders. RAH RAH!

QOTD: What are you thankful for today?

What I Ate Wednesday Photodump and I am Featured.

I wasn't real good at taking a lot of pictures this week of my food. I think because I eat a lot of the same things you guys have already seen. So I thought I would just random photodump what I did take pictures of.

We have been eating a lot of these Vans Foods Power Grain Protein waffles. They are so good and my kids don't even realize they are eating healthy;) (that's the name of the game, right?)

Taco salad is one of my favorite things to make lately. You cant mess it up. I have been "clean eating", So I make mine with ground chicken, homemade taco seasoning, and these "clean" tortilla chips. Topped with lettuce, tomato, 100% cheese, and avocado.

It is DELICIOUS!

Ever since I learned how to roll my own sushi at home, I have made it  a few times. I had some friends over last Friday for a sushi rolling party. Sushi, good friends, and margaritas are a WIN/WIN situation.

Another quick and easy recipe I have been making is Stuftmama's Roasted broccoli slaw with chicken or protein crumbles topped with organic pasta sauce.

Black bean burgers are a cheap and easy way to add more protein to your diet. I make these all the time with a little avocado cut on top. Crazy good.

Desserts are dangerous for me. If they are in the house I will eat them. (that's normal, right? lol)

I try to make them as healthy as possible by substituting butter and oil for plain greek yogurt and applesauce. It works and they are good and kid approved, SCORE!

We did go out for my sons bday (again). lol! He got a free shake coupon in the mail for Steak n Shake, so that's wear we went. And this is what we had. YUMMO! 

Iced coffee, oh how I love thee! I have been drinking these daily at home. And always in a mason jar, it taste better:) I use instant coffee, ice, coconut milk, and honey/stir/ENJOY!

Stash Tea is the BOMB! I keep this made in my refrigerator always. I strongly suggest you buy some of this next time you are the grocery store. It makes such a tasty iced tea. The fruit flavors are very strong in this tea, which I love.

So this is my photodump WIAW, I hope you enjoyed it. If you want to join in on the WIAW link up. Visit Peas and Crayons for all the great details and why you are there make sure you check out other people food. I have gotten some really good recipe ideas from other bloggers.

I woke up to some awesome news this morning. My transformation story is featured on the Fit Fluential blog today. I have been an ambassador of FF for about 6 months. they are a wonderful group of people that all have the same goal in mind, to live a healthy life. It has been a great way for me to meet lots of new people and excel in my own health and fitness lifestyle.

Check out my weightloss featured story HERE

I have a lot to be thankful for but that can wait till tomorrow:)

QOTD: What was your favorite thing you ate this week?

Wordless Wednesday...

Instead Softcup Challenge from For The Love Of The Run

(TMI Post: If you are a guy you may want to take this as a warning for this post. Continue reading if your wife/girlfriend is around and may be interested in helping you participate. Skip to challenge below for more details)

For The Love Of The Run Instead Softcup Challenge

 Ok I warned you guys now for the Review. I came across a blog called For The Love Of The Run through Tara Burners Blog. I decided to take on their Instead Softcup Challenge. If you haven't heard of the Instead Softcup, this is what it is...

What is the Instead Softcup?

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed.

Reusable Softcup is a durable, flexible, reusable cup that can be worn for up to 12 hours and reused throughout one menstrual cycle. Reusable Softcup has all the benefits of disposable Softcup—with the added advantage of just one cup per period. Learn more about reusable Softcup

(From their WEBSITE)

What I found great about the Instead Softcup is the fact that you can wear them for up to 12 hours. I was skeptical after opening the first one to try...

My thought was how in the world would I NOT feel this thing. After using the first one I was pleasantly surprised. It actually felt better than an actual tampon.

I am an avid runner and its impossible to not train during "that" week. So it is nice to have found a product that I can actually use while training and not have to think about any accidents happening.

Look at all the benefits of using the Instead Softcup.

You can wear Softcup for up to 12 hours

Softcup is comfortable during swimming and sports

Softcup eliminates menstrual odor, since the menstrual flow isn't exposed to air

Softcup loves making love . . .you can wear Softcup during intercourse for less messy sex on your period

Softcup is comfortable—you can't even feel it once it's inserted

Most women typically use fewer Softcups than tampons or pads because of the long wear-time

You can use one reusable softcup throughout entire cycle...saving you money and the environment

Softcups have no wings, no strings . . . just freedom!

You cant argue with the benefits of this product. The only thing I have to say negative about it. Is that putting it in and taking it out takes some getting used to. But that is very minor. I will definitely be using these in my big races.

Challenge...

Speaking of races, everyone like a challenge...

For The Love Of The Run and Instead Softcup want to challenge all of you health and fitness runners with blogs to try the Instead Softcup. They will send you a month supply to test and review in exchange Instead Softcup will pay for your next race entry up to $125. How exciting is that?

$125 reimbursement for a race, how crazy is that?

If you are interested in taking this challenge, head on over to For The Love Of The Run and read all about it.

Make sure to FOLLOW @loveoftherun and @InsteadSoftcup on Twitter.

Either way, this is def a great product for anyone who has a busy lifestyle and wants to be as comfortable as possible during those dreaded few days of the month.

QOTD...Have you ever tried the Instead Softcup?

I was compensated by Instead Softcup for this review, however all of the opinions expressed are 100% mine and no one elses!

Sunday Snack a Roo!

 

 

I thought today I would share with you an easy sugar free snack recipe. When I say easy, we are talking 3 ingredients! BAMMMM!

2 boxes of JELLO ( I used sugar free raspberry)

1 packet of Knox Gelatin

1/3 cup of water

(You could sub fruit juice for the water to add in extra vitamins) 

Boil, stirring constantly till mixed.

Pour in to ice trays or jello molds.

Let sit out on the counter for about 45 minutes.

And you have....

FRUIT SNACKS

Here is what they look like individually:)

I doubled the recipe to make enough to equal an average size 10 ct box of kids fruit snacks.

Then I did the nutrition count on both and compared:

I like being able to cut down on the sugar for my kids. This is definitely something that I will continue to do throughout the school year for them. They love them. Now I just need to kind some small enough bags for them:)

I am going to use the regular Jello and make some and try fueling with them, should be interesting.

I hope you enjoy this easy recipe and make your own. If you do make sure to send me a pic on Facebook or Twitter. While you are there make sure to LIKE and FOLLOW me. I will return the favor.

Now I am headed out for a 3 mile run, catch you later:)