I am still here!!

Run: 5 miles

I must admit, since the heat is on out here in the black hole I've been doing a poor job of keeping up my training. Though I've often gone without a workout for 3 or 4 days, this week I've decided (and don't have much option) that the heat won't hold me down. I even started to run at my most desired time of day -10a.m.- and it is HOT! 90 degrees hot. Strangely, I'm liking it. I think it's because I am about to go home to Oregon for a month where I know everyone is sporting their infamous Oregon tans and I will be golden.

This is where I share my favorite product of the moment

Sun Bum. It is not tested on animals, made in the U.S and recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation. Not greasy and smells like sweet coconut but not overbearing. I have yet to try their chap stick and I am a pretty big chap stick connoisseur...

Speaking of cancer, I became obsessed with juicing after I saw this fascinating documentary The Beautiful Truth. You can watch it free here. I discovered it on a couch day when I wasn't feeling too hot after visiting my dentist. It was an interesting time to discover it, you'll see why after you watch it.

Here's the summary from the website:

Raised on a wildlife reserve in Alaska, 15-year old Garrett was interested in the dietary habits of their animals.
After the tragic death of his mother, Garrett s father decided to home-school his son and assigned a book written by Dr. Max Gerson that proposes a direct link between diet and a cure for cancer.
Fascinated, Garrett embarks on a cross-country road trip to investigate The Gerson Therapy. He meets with scientists, doctors and cancer survivors who reveal how it is in the best interest of the multi-billion dollar medical industry to dismiss the notion of alternative and natural cures.
It has been said that more people live off cancer than die from it. The Beautiful Truth is a movie that can put a stop to this travesty. Here is a very practical guide to the intensive nutritional treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases that many would consider to have been impossible to obtain. But thanks to the work of Max Gerson, M.D., and his daughter, Charlotte Gerson, this knowledge is readily available.

Do you juice? How often? What are your favorite concoctions?

DIY: Summer Scrub

Workout: Legs & Back P90X & AB Ripper

I don't know about you, but since I started running, my feet have turned into that of a hobbit.

I found this great recipe and tweaked it a bit to make an even better scrub. It's amazing for my feet, legs and hands. I left a tiny jar by the sink for my hands and one next to the bath. It's highly recommended you take caution when using since the oil can make the shower slick. I use it in the bath and clean the tub after so no one else eats dirt on their turn to shower.

DIY: Summer Scrub

Yield: about 1 cup
Time: 10 minutes

 

1/2 cup Sea Salt

1/3 cup Raw Sugar

1/4 cup warm Coconut Oil

About 30 Drops Essential Oil (I used 15 drops Grapefruit & 15 drops Lemon)

Optional: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons Citrus Zest (Grapefruit in this case) 

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and transfer to a tight sealing jar. I like to use mason jars for everything, the prettier and more eclectic the better. A pretty jar makes it a little more special.

?Por que?

Run: 6 miles

It was a good run today considering the desert brought on its humidity and along with it a monstrous emerging of green like gnats. Who knows how many I ate. Sick.

As if having the itchy creepy crawlies all morning isn't enough, get this: I am trotting along minding my own business when I slowly come up on this woman who is jogging with weights in hand. I think to myself, "Damn, she's crazy tough". And I slowly start to huff past her (no weights mind you, other than the stroller that's pretty darn light). Just as I am past her, she whispers, "bitch". !!!??? Huh? ?Por Que, Senora?

Have you ever encountered any haters during a run or workout?

My Best Workout Accessory

My wristband.

I bought it at American Apparel where you can always rely on the perpetuation of 80s gear. My wristband has a wonderful multiuse purpose: guarding my wrists from kettlebell smack, wiping the sweat from my brow, the snot from my nose, the food from Nola's face, etc. It's also an utterly discusting piece of equipment.

Run: 7 miles

After my legs and back workout on Thursday, the dreaded second day hurt was awful, so much that I am feeling the pain today!  Still, I managed to get in 4 miles of feeling like my butt had been transformed into a kettlebell itself and my hamstrings a punching bag for Dan Hardy (my favorite MMA chap). My legs are weak. Note taken. I felt good today, other than the fact that it was hot and insanely dry. And when I say dry, that means your sweat evaporates so fast it's never actually there. Nope, probably not going to stop whining about that.

What's your favorite workout accessory?

Shamrock 10 Recap & Birthday Fun

Run: 5 miserable miles

Well, I made it through my very first official 10k along side my accomplice the whole way. While it was a little bottle necked for the first couple of miles, we got into a dodge and weave groove. We managed to up our mile splits by a minute throughout, making the last mile my PR at 8:43. Not too bad for a bird who only started running only 3 months ago. Here's us looking fresh pre-race.

Coffee at this awesome little stand was first thing on the agenda post race. I couldn't help but to be a bit jealous of the simplicity of this place. When I first opened my little shop, the intent was that of something similar, but the demands of the area instigated more diversity.

Next up, a stroll through South Park and a turkey burger for lunch at this awesome (kid and dog friendly) place. Such a cool neighborhood reminicent of Portland. I finally got myself some great earrings that Nola can't yank out at this cute little shop. The owner is even working on developing her own magazine. What a dream to live here... Portland with a ton of sun!! YESSSSS

 

The evening was finished off with sushi (we were given exactly 60 minutes to enjoy our time by the reservationist) and the movie This is 40. So ridiculously funny, I think someone stole my diary and made a movie of it.

This brings me to my first run of the shining new age of 34 29. I woke early today to get the run in before it was 115 degrees outside (really 89, but hotter than 68 is miserable). I snuck out of the house at 6:45 to get in a solo, uninterrupted, stroller free run of 6-7 miles. But immediatly was hit with knee and hip achy pain. I pushed through to the longest 5 miles on the planet to still have achy knees tonight. I know my water intake has not been nearly enough and I have neglected strengthening simply because I'm lazy. Other than focusing on these things, do you have any tips/advice for me?

Eat This!

Run: 5 miles

This recipe is too good to not share. Be sure you follow the dressing recipe exact or you're going to get a paste real fast. I think there's a reaction with the lemon and tahini. I learned the hard way, but added a few tablespoons of water and fixed the problem. So don't fret if you get the glue like I did... it's an easy fix.

Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH TAHINI-LEMON SAUCE

Serves 2

Provisions:

1 head cauliflower, sliced into 1″ discs or broken into florets

Cumin powder, to taste (about 2 generous teaspoons)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for brushing

1/2 cup tahini

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 big spoonful plain yogurt (if mixing the tahini sauce)

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 200C / 400F.

Slice the cauliflower into 1″-thick discs (all the way across), or separate into large florets. Arrange on a nonstick baking sheet. Brush each piece lightly with olive oil (coating both sides) and sprinkle with the cumin, salt and pepper. Place in the oven to roast for 20 minutes or until golden brown, carefully flipping once halfway through.

In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic and yogurt. Add a pinch of salt to taste, if desired. Drizzle or spread atop each crispy piece of cauliflower.

If tahini becomes oily or too thick when mixed with other ingredients, mix the crushed garlic with the lemon juice and drizzle over the cauliflower, followed by the plain tahini.

I'm a winner!!

While perusing one of my favorite blogs, I stumbled into a giveaway for a ticket to the Vida Vegan Conference and I just found out I WON!!! For reals!! What perfect timing since I will be home in Oregon for the month; just finishing up my first half marathon, checking in on my beloved little coffee shop and visiting my friends and family. It's going to be a super awesome month!