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!

 

 

 

Race to 400

Workout: Kettlebell Race to 400 & AB Ripper X (from PX90)

Chad made up this legendary workout while we were members of the Skogg Gym. The goal is to get through these four basic workouts as quickly as possible. My best time was in the prime of my Kettlebell career earning a time of 12:14. Pretty darn good.. Today my time was 18:07. Ouch. I will admit while I have done pretty well on keeping up with my running (164 miles this year), my strength training has been nil.

I don't have a video link but you can easily find these moves on youtube or myomytv  I finished the workout on both sides before moving on to the next phase. Here's the workout :

Right side
50 clean/press
50 swing
50 snatch
50 clean

Left side
50 clean/press
50 swing
50 snatch
50 clean

Discounts & Off to Palm Springs!

SHAMROCK COMPRESSION SOCKS!! These are definitely a need for me especially since my birthday is March 16 and I am running the San Diego Shamrock 10k. Even better they're 40% off with the code SOM3. I've been wearing my watermelon greens for a few weeks and love love them. I've noticed a lot of people also wear them for after their runs for better recovery. Haven't tried that out yet, but would love to hear about your experience with compression socks. A brief summary for those who have not tried these babies out:

- Promotes blood flow for speedy recovery
- Foot-bed compression
- Built-in "Stabilizer Zone" for optimal support

- Advanced materials for moisture control

- Made in USA

- mmHg rating 22-26

Getting hot out here!

Last Night's Run: 4 miles

It's beginning to warm up out here in the desert, meaning I have to start running earlier or later. Which is no where good for Nola's schedule... I was shooting for 5 miles but Nolz's patience was simply non existent. Moms out there, how do you do it?

A snack for Nola and I today (this was only a small portion of what she devoured). Smoothie~pineapple, kale, spinach, banana, almond milk. Next time I'd add kiwi or ginger.

Happy little bumble bee

Mi familia. I am so lucky!